Beautiful Norway (Semi-Independent)

Arrive in Oslo, the beautiful Norwegian capital by the Oslofjord. Make your own way to your centrally located hotel in the heart of Oslo, an easy direct express train ride away from the airport. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer for the observant traveller. We can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, and the Harbour area.

Discover the new area of Bjorvika with the new Opera House and Munch Museum and then explore the charming shopping streets, cosy cafés and exciting eateries of Grünerløkka. After going shopping at numerous design boutiques, vintage shops and flea markets, head to the Mathallen food hall for local specialties. Lastly, visit the new National Museum of Norway down by the harbour before finding a spot in one of the local fish restaurants for dinner. Stay: Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar

Board your train at the Oslo Central Station and head towards Lillehammer, the small town that rose to international fame when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. Check into your central hotel. Spend the day at your leisure: Sunday is a quiet day in Lillehammer, however the main attractions are open. We recommend a visit to the open-air museum Maihaugen, the Norwegian Olympic Museum, and do not miss the impressive Garmo Stave Church. Stay: Aksjemøllen Hotel or similar (B)

Join the 50 Degrees North mini-coach to Lom, a 3-hour scenic drive from Lillehammer, travelling together with a small group of fellow Beautiful Norway guests. Your English-speaking driver will manage the journey and logistics along the way. Please note this is not a guided tour and the driver does not provide formal commentary. The drive takes you through some of Norway's most beautiful highlands and lush valleys, including the Gudbrandsdalen, framed by national parks, traditional farms, old architecture and classic hiking landscapes. Lom is a small town that encapsulates the very essence of the Norwegian countryside. Situated in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, it is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Check into your charming historic hotel, then browse local design shops, cafés and galleries. Be sure to cross the river to visit the famous Lom Stave Church, constructed in Norman style in 1170. As it is still an active church, opening hours may vary. Dinner is included this evening. Stay: Located in the picturesque village of Lom, Fossheim Hotel is surrounded by Norway's stunning national parks – Jotunheimen, Breheimen, and Reinheimen. This historic hotel offers a peaceful, welcoming stay with a touch of traditional charm. Enjoy locally inspired Norwegian cuisine with a gourmet twist, perfect after a day of hiking or exploring the breathtaking landscapes. (B/D)

Travel by mini-coach from Lom to Geiranger, around 1.5 hours away, together with your fellow Beautiful Norway guests and the same driver as the previous day.

On arrival, join a fjord RIB boat cruise through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, taking in iconic sights such as the Seven Sisters, Bridal Veil and Suitor waterfalls, along with towering fjord cliffs and abandoned mountain farms. Please note that while transfers to and from Geiranger are private for Beautiful Norway guests, the fjord RIB boat experience itself is a shared activity and may include other passengers. After the cruise, enjoy some free time for lunch before the return journey to Lom. If time and conditions allow, the mini-coach may stop at the Dalsnibba viewpoint on the way back. The Geiranger visit is subject to weather and seasonal road conditions. If the mountain road is closed, you will instead enjoy a full day at leisure in Lom.

We suggest visiting Brimi Bue, a popular local hot-spot for fresh produce and traditional Nordic flavours, owned by renowned chef Arne Brimi, with excellent value lunch options. You may also enjoy the historic atmosphere of the Lom open-air museum, with houses dating back to the early 1600s, offering insight into traditional rural life. The Norwegian Mountain Centre is also well worth a visit. Dinner is included this evening. Stay: Located in the picturesque village of Lom, Fossheim Hotel is surrounded by Norway's stunning national parks – Jotunheimen, Breheimen, and Reinheimen. This historic hotel offers a peaceful, welcoming stay with a touch of traditional charm. Enjoy locally inspired Norwegian cuisine with a gourmet twist, perfect after a day of hiking or exploring the breathtaking landscapes. (B/D)

Continue your journey by mini-coach, travelling together with the same driver and small group as the previous days. Today's route winds through some of Norway's most dramatic mountain and fjord landscapes, including Breheimen and Jostedalsheimen. Stops along the way may vary depending on weather and timing, but typically include scenic viewpoints such as Sognefjellet, Mefjellet and Nedre Oscarshaug, along with a relaxed local lunch en route. While this is not a guided tour, the driver will manage the route, timing and planned stops for the day.

In the afternoon, cross the Aurlandsfjellet mountain road and stop at the striking Stegastein viewpoint before descending to the peaceful fjord village of Aurland. Read about today's drive along Northern Europe's highest and arguably the most striking mountain pass, the road over Sognefjellet. Dinner is included this evening. (B/L/D)

Spend your day relaxing, hiking and taking in the views in the peaceful little town of Aurland. Enjoy the harbour area with unspoilt views of the fjord and surrounding gardens. If the weather is warm, you can swim in the fjord. We can book optional visits to local mountain farms, guided hikes, kayaking or a fjord safari. These can be pre-booked at an additional cost. (B/D)

Transfer from Aurland to Flåm, and step aboard the world famous Flåm Railway to Myrdal Station with several stunning lookout points along the way. Thanks to its steep incline (from sea level to almost 900 meters above sea level in a short hour), the train-ride is rated as one of Europe's best rail journeys and has become a real highlight for visitors in Norway.

Return to Flåm to board the express ferry to Bergen. Take in the fresh air on Norway's longest fjord, the Sognefjord, during this 5-hour ferry-ride towards Bergen. Check into your centrally located hotel at the end of the day - arriving approximately 8pm. Stay: Experience refined comfort at Bergen Børs Hotel, offering some of the city's most elegant rooms and suites. Located steps from the Fish Market, Bryggen, and top shopping streets, it's the perfect base for exploring Bergen. Dine in style at the historic Frescohallen or enjoy gourmet flavours at BARE Wine & Food Bar. (B)

This trip concludes after breakfast. If possible, we recommend spending the day in Bergen exploring the sights or extending with another night. (B)