Explore Norway's spectacular geography from the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ in Bergen to the high mountains of Geiranger and the capital, Oslo. This 10-day tour features exclusive access to scientific research, a famous high-mountain railway, community farming, and unforgettable dining with panoramic views.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bergen
Signature Moment: Floating Sauna Experience, Flåm
Signature Moment: Fjord Centre Private Access, Geiranger. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Bergen Walking Tour. Scenic Bergen Railway Journey. Private Fjord Cruise. Flåm Fjord Farm Visit. Borgund Stave Church Visit. Bøyabreen Glacier Sightseeing Stop. Loen Skylift Experience. Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba. Fjord Cruise through Geirangerfjord. Trollstigen (Troll’s Road) Travel and Viewpoint. Romsdalen Gondola Experience. Guided Walk of Lingebakken Apple Farm. Lillehammer Visit. Maihaugen Open Air Museum. Oslo Orientation Walk. Bybi Project Visit. Fram Museum Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Visit the Fjord Centre pre-opening with the curator to learn how the extreme landscape was formed, Embrace Norwegian culture with a guided sauna and cold-water dips in the fjord, Ascend the Loen Skylift for dinner atop Mount Hoven viewing Nordfjord from above, Meet a relative or biographer of Thor Heyerdahl to learn of his scientific seafaring adventures, Travel Europe's steepest railway then cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.
How large will the group be?
Max 22, Avg. 16.
What meals are included in this trip?
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, public train, private RIB boat, cable car, cruise boat, gondola, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (9 nts)
Itinerary
Bergen
Welcome to Norway. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bergen, the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey along with a welcome reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before dinner.
Bergen
Set off and explore the city on a guided walk through Bergen’s historic centre. Stroll through Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, where brightly painted wooden warehouses stand as living reminders of medieval trade. The walk concludes at the vibrant Fish Market, a mainstay since the 13th century, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, showcasing the best of Norway’s coastal cuisine in a vibrant, authentic setting. The remainder of the day is free for your individual exploration, such as visiting the Kode Art Museum or taking a funicular ride for scenic views.
Bergen/Flåm
Depart Bergen this morning aboard the Bergen Railway, one of Europe’s most scenic trains. As the train winds its way across soaring mountains, travel in comfort, taking in breathtaking views of Norway’s landscapes. At Myrdal Station, connect to the legendary Flåm Railway — an engineering wonder and among the steepest standard-gauge lines in the world. Over the course of this unforgettable hour-long ride, you'll admire plunging waterfalls, towering cliffs, and sweeping fjord panoramas before arriving in the idyllic village of Flåm. Join a short orientation before spending the afternoon at leisure — perfect for a gentle stroll along the waterfront before gathering for dinner at the hotel, along with some local beer samples.
Flåm
Embark on a boat cruise through the majestic Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Glide past sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls soaking up the views — a moment of natural grandeur. The trip continues to the Flåm Fjord Farm, where you'll enjoy a guided tour and cultural experience, meeting local hosts who share their traditions and stories of life on the fjord. Your visit culminates with a seasonal farm-to-table lunch — a memorable tasting menu reflecting the fjord’s bounty. In the evening, join a special floating sauna session with a local sauna master, who will introduce you to this deep Norwegian cultural tradition of cleansing both body and mind.
Flåm/Loen
Set off from Flåm this morning and visit the extraordinary Borgund Stave Church, one of Norway’s best-preserved medieval wooden churches, dating back to the 12th century. View the intricate carvings and dragon-headed details, followed by a local-style lunch at the museum cafe. Continue onwards as the coach winds its way toward Loen, pausing for a stop at the spectacular Bøyabreen Glacier. In the evening, ascend the dramatic Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, soaring 1,011m (3,609 ft) straight up Mount Hoven. At the summit, you'll be treated to an unforgettable dinner, with panoramic views over Nordfjord.
Loen/Geiranger
Travel toward Geiranger this morning, one of Norway’s most famous fjord destinations. En route,ascend to the spectacular Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba, Europe’s highest fjord view platform at 1,500m (4,921 ft) above sea level. From this vantage point, admire views over snow-capped peaks and the deep-blue waters of the Geirangerfjord. In the afternoon, embark on a fjord cruise through Geirangerfjord, sailing past sheer cliffs, abandoned mountain farms, and the legendary Seven Sisters Waterfall — a true sight to behold. The remainder of the day is free to relax before gathering in the evening for dinner.
Geiranger
This morning, enjoy a special curator-led visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre before it opens to the public. Peruse exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history, learning about how the dramatic landscape was forged. Next, set out on a full-day trip along the legendary Trollstigen (Troll’s Road), a masterpiece of engineering. Stop at the Trollstigen viewpoint and step out onto dramatic platforms suspended over the cliffs to admire cascading waterfalls and sweeping valley views, then board the Romsdalen Gondola and glide silently up Mount Nesaksla for lunch featuring beautiful views and gourmet cuisine. Make a final stop at an apple farm, where you'll enjoy a guided walk and taste artisanal products such as ciders and jams before returning to Geiranger for the evening.
Geiranger/Oslo
Depart for Oslo, passing between the dramatic peaks of Jotunheimen and Rondane National Parks. A highlight stop awaits in Lillehammer, the host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the fascinating Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, one of Norway’s largest cultural heritage museums. With more than 200 historic buildings, Maihaugen paints a vivid picture of Norwegian life through the centuries. After a guided introduction, enjoy lunch and some free time to explore the open-air grounds before travelling onwards to Oslo, arriving in the early evening.
Oslo
Venture out to the Bygdøy Peninsula for a visit to the Fram Museum, which features the incredible history of polar exploration. Walk on board the original polar ship Fram, and imagine yourself as one of the early explorers venturing into the unknown. Next, at the Kon-Tiki Museum, enjoy a specially arranged meeting with a family member or biographer of Thor Heyerdahl, learning about his family’s scientific seafaring adventures, often chronicled in National Geographic magazine. Continue to Bybi, an urban beekeeping program, learning about biodiversity projects and how the community supports apiaries in this vital mission. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner to toast an unforgettable Norwegian expedition.
Oslo
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
