Fjords & fire: Norway and Iceland

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we take a tour of Bergen with a local guide and our tour leader, passing through the Nordnes district, Holberg Port, the New Church, the Institute of Marine Research, or the Witch's Stone to learn about its fascinating history.

We then explore the other side of the peninsula, visiting the Grieg Concert Hall and the Music Pavilion. On our way to Bryggen, we see the picturesque white wooden houses in the Sandviken district, the fortress, St. Mary’s Church, the Bryggen Museum, and conclude at the Hanseatic Wharf.

Please note that visits or the order of activities may vary due to factors beyond our control (traffic, area improvements, etc.).

In the afternoon, we travel along Norway’s southwest coast on an unforgettable journey by land and sea, immersing ourselves in Nordic landscapes and cutting-edge infrastructure. We then head to Halhjem and board a ferry to Sandvikvåg, crossing several islands.

On our way to the hotel, we visit Føyno, where we traverse the famous Bømla Submarine Tunnel. We continue to Årsvågen to board another ferry to Mortavika and make a stop to see the "Sverd i fjell" monument, commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord. Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay in Stavanger.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take part in a fascinating guided tour, led by our tour leader, of the historic center of Stavanger where you will acquaint yourself with the city’s top tourist attractions including a stunning panoramic view of the harbor and the ‘Gamle Stavenger’ from the Valbergtårnet viewpoint. Optionally, you can choose to take part in a cruise along the Lysefjord* before your next transfer.

After the tour, you will transfer to Åseral, journey around 3h, known as a renowned ski destination and home to gorgeous natural scenery. Arrive at your hotel for check-in, enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Åseral.

*Optional Cruise Along the Lysefjord: Contemplate the majestic Pulpit Rock on a cruise along the Lysefjord, one of the most impressive fjords in the south of the country, located in a stunning natural setting.

Note: The menu is fixed in Åseral and consists of fish. If you have dietary preferences or allergies, please notify us in advance.

Important: The walking tour scheduled for day 5 may take place on day 4, depending on the arrival circumstances of the travelers.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we travel east by bus to visit the famous Telemark Canal, a historic waterway in Norway and one of the most iconic in Europe, connecting Skien with Dalen through impressive locks and natural landscapes. Upon arriving in Ulefoss, we take a walking tour of the area, where you can opt to experience this remarkable site from a different perspective with our highly recommended cruise along the Telemark Canal*. If not, you can enjoy views of the area from the bus as we continue to Skien.

After lunch, we visit the exterior of Heddal Stave Church, one of the most impressive wooden churches in the country. We then return to Oslo for accommodation.

*Telemark Canal Cruise: Admire the beautiful natural surroundings of the canal by cruising from Ulefoss to Skien, a 150 km journey where you can enjoy a delicious slice of cake along with coffee or tea.

Important: the visit to the Telemark region is only offered from May 19 to October 5, while the Telemark canal is open for passage. On other dates, you will go straight from Aseral to Oslo where you will have extra time to enjoy this great city independently instead of this activity. If this visit is made, the total journey will be about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to the beautiful Nordic country of Norway. At the indicated time, transfer** to Oslo airport for a flight to Reykjavik. Touch down in Reykjavik. Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, self-transfer to your hotel***. You have the rest of the afternoon free to relax or begin exploring the surroundings. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Please Note: The included transfer is only from the city center to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) airport via Flytoget train.

The transfers to the airport included in this program are for daytime flights departing after 8 a.m. via the Flytoget train. If your flight departs before 8 a.m., the transfer will be via the Flybuss bus service. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and will drop you off next to the train station where the Flytoget arrives. There is an outdoor bridge connecting both stations for easy access.

***Optional private or shuttle bus transfers can be added as a supplement in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an excursion to the Golden Circle, where you'll explore geothermal hot springs and visit the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur—an active geyser that erupts every few minutes. Continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. Afterwards you’ll have free time to relax, but also, we recommend you to join our optional and unforgettable Northern Lights bus tour*. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

*Optional Northern Lights bus tour: See the awe-inspiring auroras dance across Iceland's night sky. Visit the Aurora Centre too. It's a Northern Lights Exhibition in Reykjavík, and it's all included. Our expert guides maximize your chance of sightings. If you miss the lights, get free retries. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Important: Included and optional activities may take place in a different order on days 8 and 9 of the itinerary.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to explore at your own pace. Also, we recommend you to join our optional activities, like the Blue Lagoon experience* or the Whale Watching**. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

*Blue Lagoon experience: With waters that are milky-blue and mineral rich, enjoy a visit to the Blue Lagoon, located in the middle of a lava field making it one of the most unique wonders of the world. The algae found within the waters is known for having healing properties on the skin. The Blue Lagoon comes equipped with an in-water bar offering soft and alcoholic drinks and an in-water Mask Bar to slather on a silica mud mask. There are also saunas and steam rooms.

**Whale watching: The wildlife is a must-see while in Iceland, and this island makes a great spot for whale watching.

Important: Included and optional activities may take place in a different order on days 8 and 9 of the itinerary.