Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Everyone has heard of the fjords of Norway, but few realize that this amazingly beautiful region is not merely a place, it’s an experience. There are a million moments: the sound of a blue glacier, a view that suddenly appears at a bend in the road, the smell of a waterfall, the silence of a beach in the morning, the evening sun reflected off the green fjord. These are moments you can’t describe until they are experienced as they happen.
Our journey through the fjord region will take us to mountain heights with spectacular vistas either by foot or aerial cable car, along the water through unspoiled nature with the majestic Sunnmore Alps guiding our way, and along the railways revealing unforgettable scenic panorama.
We’ll travel off the beaten path to places lesser known where there’s an adventure around every corner, including 2 nights in a in a historic fishing village on its own private island by the thrilling Atlantic Road. Grab your adventurous spirit and let’s head to Norway!
Day One: Overnight Flight
Let’s hop aboard our overnight flight and grab a few winks before we wake up in the beauty of Norway!
Day Two: Dovre Line
After our arrival in Oslo, we’ll make our way by train along the Dovre Line passing gorgeous scenery along the way to Norway’s smallest town, Ringebu.
*dependent on conditions of the rail line at the time and availability of van transportation*
Ringebu:
This quaint, vibrant town lies within Gudbrandsdalen, the king of the valleys filled with tall mountains, mighty rivers, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage.
Let’s take some time to explore this cute Norwegian town with specialty shops in charming surroundings and find a tasty lunch on your own.
Sygard Grytting:
From here we grab a taxi to the amazing, historic Sygard Grytting with a 700-year guest tradition where we will spend a fabulous overnight in an authentic atmosphere with stately elegance.
Step outside into the beautiful surroundings and take a stroll to admire “Flock”, a sculpture of 21 slender figures cast in bronze overlooking the magnificent Gudbrandsdalen.
Dinner tonight is included, so sit back and relax and enjoy.
Day Three: Dovre Line to Rauma Line
After a lovely breakfast, we’ll make our way back onto the Dovre Line to the small village of Dombas where we’ll switch trains for another amazing journey along the Rauma Line through the wild mountains to the beautiful fjord in Andalsnes.
*dependent on conditions of the rail line at the time and availability of van transportation*
Romsdalen Gondola:
It’s only a few footsteps to the Romsdalen Gondola, an electric cable car that will whisk us up 5500 feet to the top of Mt. Nesaksla.
Here we’ll be amazed by the 360-degree view of the impressive Romsdal mountain range, lush valleys, and emerald green Rauma River.
Rampestreken:
Let’s take a break for an included lunch at restaurant Eggen where the views don’t stop during our meal.
Once we’re all energized, you’ll have the option to take a spectacular scenic walk down the mountain back to the harbor where the path leads the extraordinary stone stairs created by Nepalese Sherpas leading to the fabulous viewpoint Rampestreken, hanging 1700 feet above Andalsnes.
Valldal Fjordhotell:
Once back on ground level, we’ll make our way to our home for the next five nights at the wonderfully panoramic Valldal Fjordhotell where each room has its own terrace offering spectacular mountain and fjord views.
Enjoy a relaxing first night with dinner at your leisure.
Day Five: Billingen
Let’s step out into nature and explore the tiny mountain farm settlement of Billingen where the short Poet’s Trail leads the way along the rushing Tora River revealing inspirational poetry of a local lyrist.
The path continues on to the striking Foysstein Stonebridge, a natural bridge created at the end of the last Glacial Period about 10,000 years ago then leads to a viewpoint above the tree line with sweeping scenes of Reinheiman and Breheimen National Parks.
We’ll then rest our feet while enjoying an included lunch at the quaint and cozy guesthouse café.
Gamle Strynefjellsvegen:
Now it’s time to travel along what may be the most staggeringly beautiful road in existence, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. Old guard stones and hand built crash barriers for horse drawn carriages add to the character of this tourist road completed in 1884 that passes through scenery words can’t begin to describe.
The experience may begin with several oohs and ahhs but can only end in a stunned silence in an attempt to take in the awe-inspiring views. The perfect way to end the day.
Day Five: Hjorundfjord Cruise
There are many beautiful fjords surrounding us but one in particular seems to stand out. Hjorundfjord among the majestic Sunnmore Alps reveals a dramatic, rugged landscape with unspoiled nature that’s hard to describe using mere words.
So today we drive to the art nouveau town of Alesund where our private cruise will set sail around the island of Sula and its picturesque lighthouse. Then…
Trandal:
…we gently coast into the scenic Storfjord then navigate through the amazing Hjorundfjord with a unique stopover in Trandal where the coolest infinity swing in Norway will be waiting for you.
Day Six: Rugga
More hiking awaits through one of Norway’s famed landscapes, complete with towering mountains, vast valleys, deep fjords, and historic farmland. Our destination, Rugga, an enormous boulder left behind by the last ice age that’s unique to the area.
An easy hike will take us through lovely farmland and a pleasant pine forest with impressive fjord views along the way. Once upon the top of the boulder, take in the incredible views before you.
If the weather cooperates, we can enjoy a picnic lunch at the top!
Gudbrandsjuvet:
The small scenic gorge, Gudbrandsjuvet, is nearby so let’s take a look, and a secret garden oasis is where we can delve into nature and find some special moments of peace.
Once back at the hotel, enjoy the night as you please.
Day Seven: Briskdal Glacier
Let’s take a scenic trek to explore the mighty Briksdal Glacier! Formed about 2,500 years ago, this glacier has created the Briksdalen valley, with its magnificent landscape of smooth rock covered in lush vegetation.
From a height of about 4,000 feet, this amazing glacier descends right down into Briksdalsvatnet lake, a wondrous sight to see.
Kleivafossen Waterfall:
As if the natural beauty of the glacier was not enough in itself, the hike to get there offers stunningly wild scenery and the rushing Kleivafossen waterfall that has long sprayed hikers crossing the bridge on the way.
Just picture how the melting glacier causes swells of thundering water to cascade down the mountains like white and silver ribbons making their journey to the sparkling blue-green lakes on the valley floor.
Loen Skylift:
After our hike, we’ll relax on the scenic Loen Skylift, one of the steepest cable cars in the world as we ascend to the top of Mt. Hoven at 3300 feet in just 5 minutes.
Let’s enjoy an included lunch here along with magnificent views from the 210-degree panoramic view overlooking the mountains and fjords below.
Lovanet Lake:
As we make our way back towards Valldal, we must stop at Lovanet Lake, one of the most stunning places in Norway that also hides a tragic secret.
Day Eight: Haholmen Havstuer
Get ready for our next adventure!
Today we travel out to the middle of the sea to Haholmen Havstuer, on its own historical private island among an idyllic fishing village where charming houses from the 17th and 18th centuries will be our home for the next 2 nights.
Amazing Atlantic Road:
It may be a long ride to the ferry, (but then what isn’t here in Norway!) but we’ll be blown away by all the amazing scenery especially when we hit a unique stretch of road that takes us right out to the ocean’s edge.
A fast boat ride will bring us to the island where the night is yours!
Day Nine: Relax!
Relax the day away in the serenity of our intimate island away from the rest of the world. Take a stroll among the authentic buildings that make up the fishing village as it once was and wander out towards the coast with fresh sea air and views.
A special treat awaits as evening approaches, we’ll be whisked away by RIB boat towards the lovely Hustadvika on the open sea with views of Kvitholmen Lighthouse.
Enjoy the rest of the peaceful evening as you please.
Day Ten:
Today we wave goodbye to our island home and take our last ferry ride to the mainland.
More Scenic Train Rides:
Here we take a scenic drive back to the town of Andalsnes where we hop on the train towards Oslo.
*dependent on conditions of the rail line at the time and availability of van transportation*
Day Eleven: Breakfast & Flight Home
Today we say goodbye to our fabulous fjords and make our way back home.
Pricing & Departures:
This will be a Special, Intimate Small Group tour with a max of 7. There will be a good amount of walking on this tour but some accommodations can be made and as always, you are free to walk as much or as little as possible at your own pace.
Price per person is $4,995 Twin & $5,785 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $500 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel”, and mail to our address above. Final payment is due June 15, 2024. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after June 15, 2024. Once airfare is purchased, despite cancellation date, we are unable to provide refunds. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. This tour will run rain or shine.
Air transportation is provided by Scandinavian Airlines – SAS. A surcharge will apply if the airline increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee is included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
Sunday, September 22: Flight #908 departs Newark at 6:50 PM and arrives in Oslo at 8:1 5 AM
Wednesday, October 2: Flight #907 departs Oslo at 11:00 AM and arrives in Newark at 1:15 PM
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare will need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
