Fjords of Norway: Bergen, Geirangerfjord & Ålesund
12 days | 16 days with Lofoten Islands & Oslo extension
Follow in the wake of the Vikings and sail through the Norwegian fjords.
Replete with dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls, soaring cliffs, and quaint seaside towns, Norway’s fjords define the Scandinavian country’s natural landscape. This panorama-packed trip will have you cruising along the country’s grandest coastlines, taking in crisp, fresh air and jaw-dropping scenery of epic proportions along the way. Begin in colorful Bergen, the heart of the fjords, before continuing on to explore Art Nouveau Ålesund and the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord region. Stop in valley villages and seaside towns, then wind down with two nights in the cosmopolitan capital city of Oslo, known for its impressive modern architecture, world-class museums, and succulent seafood. To see even more of Norway’s most iconic scenes—think colorful fishing villages, and towering, rocky peaks jutting straight out of sapphire-blue waters—extend your tour and visit the stunning Lofoten Islands.
Your tour package includes
- 10 nights in handpicked hotels
- 10 breakfasts
- 6 dinners with beer or wine
- 6 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach
- 1 on-tour flight
- 2 train rides
- 2 ferry transfers
Included highlights
- Bryggen harbor district
- Flåm Railway
- Fjord Safari cruise
- Briksdal Glacier
- Geiranger Skywalk
- Geirangerfjord cruise
- Trollstigen
- Ålesund’s Aksla Mountain
- Fram Museum
- Nobel Peace Center
Itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board an overnight flight to Bergen.
Bergen2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Bergen
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Norway! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Hotel Zander K
This modern hotel is located in Bergen’s Sentrum neighborhood. Guests enjoy a foodbar, a gym, and free bicycle rentals. Nearby, you’ll find the Bergen Storsenter shopping mall, the Fløibanen funicular, and the Hanseatic Museum...
Fretheim Hotel
This hotel, occupying an 1800s manor house, is located in Flåm, steps away from the Aurlandsfjord. Guests enjoy the individually designed rooms, on-site restaurant, and library. Nearby, you’ll find hiking trails, the Flåm...
Hotel Union Geiranger AS
This scenic hotel is located in Geiranger. Guests enjoy the rooftop garden, indoor and outdoor pools, and a sauna. Nearby, you’ll find the Fossevandring waterfall walk, the Geirangerfjorden verdsarv heritage museum, and the...
Quality Hotel Waterfront
This charming hotel is located in the heart of Ålesund. Guests enjoy the fitness center, scenic views, and an on-site restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Storhaugen viewpoint, the Fisheries Museum, and Molja Lighthouse.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
This high-rise hotel is located in the city of Oslo. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, views of the city, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Royal Palace, the shopping district, and the Historic Museum.
Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø
This contemporary hotel is located next to Bodø's harbor. Guests enjoy the rooftop bar, restaurant, and views of the Børvasstindan mountain range. Nearby, you’ll find the Norwegian Aviation Museum, the Glasshuset shopping mall,...
Scandic Svolvær
This island hotel is located in Svolvær’s harbor. Guests enjoy panoramic water and mountain views, on-site dining options, and bicycle rentals. Nearby, you’ll find the Lofoten War Memorial Museum, the Langåsen Skulpturpark, and...
Thon Hotel Oslo Airport
This sleek hotel is located just 10 minutes from the Oslo airport. Guests enjoy the fitness center, restaurant, and complimentary coffee.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
FAQ
- In order to enter Norway, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code NOR.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Bergen and depart from Oslo.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Bergen, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach, some by train and flight
- About 4 hours of bus time daily
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestones may be slippery even when dry.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
- The amount of daylight in Norway varies greatly based on the season. Expect as much as 19 hours of daylight in the summer and as little as 6 in the winter.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains, boats, planes and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Train rides from Bergen to Myrdal and from Myrdal to Flåm, all fjord cruises, and a flight from Ålesund to Oslo are included in the price of your tour.
- Flights from Oslo to Bodø and from Narvik to Oslo, as well as a ferry ride from Bodø to Moskenes, are included in the price of the tour extension.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and trains.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
- Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and only hand luggage is allowed. Larger luggage will be driven directly by coach from Bergen to Flam.
- Temperatures in Norway are often cool, even in summer months, and winters are very cold. Areas along Norway’s coast can be wet, windy, and chilly as well. We suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can easily be layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Avoid wearing cotton whenever possible—it’s an ineffective insulator and retains moisture. Wool, on the other hand, is an effective insulator. We recommend packing wool base layers, socks, and sweaters if you plan to visit during cold winter months.
- A warm, sturdy pair of walking shoes or winter boots is strongly recommended for sightseeing. You may also want to consider bringing ice cleats for better traction.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Norway operates on the European standard of 220–240 volts and uses Type C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code NOR.
- This tour includes 6 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Norwegian cuisine is varied, offering something for every traveler. Lamb is the most traditional meat, but you’ll also find everything from goose to deer. Seafood lovers will enjoy the country’s array of smoked salmon, shellfish, pickled herring, and scrod. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
- We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Norwegian krone on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Norway is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.