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 lighthouse on our own private island. 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.
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.
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.
Hotel Union Oye:
Once at the historic Hotel Union Oye we’ll enjoy an included lunch in our beautiful surroundings then make our scenic way back to Alesund.
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: Flatflesa Fyr
Get ready for our next adventure! Today we travel out to the middle of the sea to Flatflesa Fyr, a lighthouse on a small cliff that will be our home for the next 2 nights. But no worries, the lighthouse has all the facilities we need to be comfortable, and we’ll be safe in any weather as it has stood here untouched for 116 years.
So just sit back and relax and let our “personal chef” do all the cooking with creations made right from the sea. We have the whole island to ourselves, to just relax by the fire or take a dip in the wood fired hot tub or saltwater pool followed by a trip into the barrel sauna with a window facing the sea.
Getting there is also part of the experience, as we’ll travel by rib boat on a bumpy but fun ride across the sea.
Day Nine: Relax!
Relax the day away in the serenity of our own private island!
Perhaps we can set up another Rib Boat ride to nearby Ona Island!
Day Ten:
Today we wave goodbye to our lighthouse home and take our last rib boat ride to the mainland.
More Scenic Train Rides:
Here we take a scenic drive to the town of Andalsnes where we hop on the train towards Oslo.
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.
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
September: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in Oslo at PM
October: Flight # departs Oslo at PM and arrives in Newark at 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
