Scandinavia, In the Footsteps of Vikings Tour

18 Superb Days

Leisurely 2 and 3 night stays
Small group size from just 10 to 28
Genuinely inclusive, no additional on tour costs

Character hotels in superb locations
Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
'My Time' guaranteed

Tour Overview

Visit and see the classic Scandinavian sights such as Bergen, the Flam Railway and Geiranger. Now add unique highlights such as iconic Pulpit Rock, lovely Stavanger, the incredible Atlantic Road, and the glorious Lofoten Islands. Sleep in historic ‘Rorbuer’ fisherman’s cabins over the Reine Fjord, visit an enormous Viking Longhouse, follow the Troll's Road and take a power boat out to see Jules Verne's 'Maelstrom'. This is the real Norway!

Highlights

Cruise or hike the iconic Pulpit Rock
Explore the UNESCO listed Bryggen wharf
Ride on the Fløibanen funicular up Fløyen mountain
Stay 2 nights in beautiful Balestrand on the shores of the Sognefjord
Ride on the world famous, scenic Flam Railway
Cruise down the UNESCO Geiranger Fjord
Drive over the famous Troll’s Road
Drive the length of the Atlantic Ocean Road, voted the world’s most beautiful drive!
Stay 3 nights in the scenic Lofoten Archipelago
Sleep in ‘Rorbuer’ fisherman’s cabins set on stilts over the Reinefjorden - voted Norway's prettiest fjord
Visit Bygdøy peninsula, Norsk Folkemuseum and the Viking Ship Museum

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Scandinavia, In the Footsteps of Vikings

The Norwegians got it right!

When I went to Norway researching this tour I naturally ticked off a number of ‘must include’, classic sights such as Oslo, the scenic Flam Railway, Geiranger Fjord and Bergen’s wharves. But then I dug deeper checking out the ‘what else’, and I was astonished at the extraordinary sights that are simply missed or brushed past by the other, oh so conventional tour programmes out there. Bergen is great, but I found (and the Norwegians agree) that Stavanger is more charming, with its own heritage wharves, quaint old town and 18th century alleys. Plus Norway’s iconic Pulpit Rock is just a morning cruise away. I also hiked to the top of the rock. It was stupendous! So we offer you the choice – cruise or hike! Likewise, hidden in the north are the virtually unspoiled Lofoten Islands, the ultimate Norwegian beauty spot. The scenery is astounding and here we stay 3 nights in historical, stilted, fisherman cabins perched on rocky outcrops over crystal clear water of the Reinefjorden - which the Norwegian’s voted their most beautiful fjord. We visit historical fishing villages, a huge Viking Longhouse and even ride through the archipelago on a power boat discovering sea eagles and shooting the maelstrom - the world’s largest whirlpool. Absolutely superb. I mean, really, how could ‘everyone else’ bypass the Lofoten? Ridiculous! Or miss the unbelievable Atlantic Road – built with North Sea Oil money and voted the world’s most scenic drive – yet avoided just because ‘they’ don’t have time? Criminal! And that’s just for starters… We see, do and experience so much more because we avoid those nasty one night stops and, by hopping on a few flights we save well over a week's unnecessary bus driving. At Albatross, we don’t just touch on regions, we explore them properly. Just like the Norwegians do!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Oslo welcome

Your tour commences this evening in Norway’s capital Oslo Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner.

Meals:

Hotel:

Thon Hotel Opera

Day 2: Norsk Folkemuseum and the mighty Viking longboats

This morning we will visit Frognor Park to wander amongst hundreds of the artist Vigeland’s amazing giant sculptures. Next, on the Bygdøy peninsula, we visit the fascinating Norsk Folkemuseum where dozens of historic regional dwellings, houses, buildings and even villages have been saved, brought in and reconstructed. As a finale we see the mighty Viking longboats and treasures in the Viking Ship Museum. The remainder of your day is at leisure in Oslo to explore. Your hotel is located right in the heart of town. Nearby there is a long, lively pedestrian mall, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Make sure you visit the pretty port lined with excellent cafés, bars and restaurants.

Meals:

Day 3: Stavanger and 3 massive Viking Swords

After flying directly to the beautiful city of Stavanger we stop at Sverd i fjell – a massive monument of three gigantic Viking ‘Swords in the Rock’. Commemorating Norway’s unification into one kingdom in 872, they symbolise peace, unity and freedom. Later we have ‘My Time’ exploring Stavanger’s delightful cobblestoned old town, wooden wharf and the colourful houses along the Øvre Holmegate. We stay two nights in Stavanger.

Meals:

Hotel:

Radisson Blu Atlantic

Day 4: Lysefjord scenic cruise and world-famous Pulpit Rock

As a highlight we enjoy a scenic cruise down the Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords, to the Vagabond’s Caves and one of the world’s most iconic sights – Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). For those that enjoy a good walk we have something special! Instead of taking the Pulpit Rock cruise, we can arrange for you to hike to the top and stand on that gigantic rock slab overhanging the fjord. A magnificent experience and the views on top are sensational! Your afternoon is at leisure exploring Stavanger’s cafes, shops and excellent museums.

Meals:

Day 5: A scenic drive to Bergen

Our journey to Bergen today takes us along the coastal road and then inland through the spectacular landscape of mountains, glaciers and pristine fjords. We hop between lush green islands on bridges and ferries, hug the scenic shores beside deep fjords, before arriving into the famous Hanseatic city of Bergen, where we stay two nights in the heart of the old town.

Meals:

Hotel:

Radisson Blu Royal

Day 6: Bergen’s Bryggen and funicular up Fløyen mountain

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of this historic town and the old terraced houses of the UNESCO listed Bryggen on Vågen Harbour. We have also included a ride on the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen to take in the magnificent views over Bergen. The rest of your day is ‘My Time’ – it is a pleasure exploring this historical port city.

Meals:

Day 7: Flam Railway, Viking homestead and 800 year old Hopperstad Stave church

A fabulous day ahead! Catching the train, we cross the undulating hills of Vestland, through Vossevangen, to Myrdal where we ride on the world famous, scenic Flam Railway. After a stop beside the massive Kjosfossen (waterfall) we follow the picturesque valley to Flam. Later, we take the dramatic Vikafjellsvegen high road across the Stølsheimen plateau. At Myrkdalsvegen, a photo stop for the colossal waterfall that crashes right next to a hairpin bend. Continuing, we soon reach Vik and visit the 800 year old Hopperstad Stave church, one of the oldest in Norway. Crossing the massive Sognefjord by ferry, we reach beautiful Balestrand set right on the fjord shores. This is the real Norway, far from the crowds, where we stay two peaceful nights.

Meals:

Hotel:

Kviknes Hotel

Day 8: Swiss villas, Viking mounds and ‘My Time’

A very leisurely start. A local guide will join us to take us on a short walking tour through the historic village, passing authentic wooden Swiss style character villas, small Viking mounds and a classic English church with a leprosy history. The rest of the day is entirely free in a perfect location. ‘My Time’ to relax, enjoy local walks, hire a bike or maybe visit The Cider House orchard and brewery*?

*Cider House orchard and brewery is closed in September

Meals:

Day 9: Bøyabreen Glacier and Geiranger Fjord cruise

After visiting the Fjordland Glacier Museum we enjoy a stop by the mighty Bøyabreen Glacier on the edge of the Jostedalsbreen National Park. Departing from Hellesylt we enjoy a wonderful cruise down the UNESCO listed Geiranger Fjord, passing the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls to charming Geiranger where we stay the next two nights.

Meals:

Hotel:

Hotel Union Geiranger

Day 10: ‘My Time’, waterfalls, walks and the Dalsnibba Skywalk

This morning we drive up the Dalsnibba Pass to visit the incredible Geiranger Skywalk – Norway’s highest lookout with exceptional views across the snow covered mountain tops. Returning to Geiranger, the rest of your day is at leisure. Opposite the hotel is the Geiranger Museum and there is a waterfall walkway down into town. Maybe hike or catch a taxi up to the rustic restaurant cabin at Westerås, with its panoramic dining terrace. For the more energetic the Storseterfossen waterfalls are a must – here you can even walk on a rocky terrace inside, behind the falls.

Meals:

Day 11: The Eagle’s Road and the famous Trollstigen

Winding up a dozen hairpin bends of the Eagle’s Road we stop at Ørnesvingen lookout where the waterfall has been diverted over the cliff edge on a glass shelf. After a farewell look far down onto the fjord and Geiranger we then experience the zig zag walkway that snakes its way over the Gudbrandsjuvet gorge. Next… the world famous Trollstigen or ‘Trolls Road’. From the lookouts we gaze down on the amazing hairpin bends and the route we will soon follow down the valley, and to the craggy mountains above – folklore tells us these are Trolls turned to stone by sunlight. Later, we continue to Molde. Dinner tonight is in our hotel restaurant with stunning views directly over 200 peaks. Amazing!

Meals:

Hotel:

Scandi Seilet

Day 12: The stunning Atlantic Ocean Road and German bunkers

Travelling through Elnesvågen (home of Jarlsberg cheese) we reach Bud. Here we make a fascinating visit deep down inside the WWII German artillery bunkers – an essential part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defence. Now it is time to experience one of the world’s greatest drives as we follow the entire length of the Atlanterhavsveien – the Atlantic Ocean Road. Voted ‘the most beautiful coastal drive in the world’, this stunning route criss-crosses islands and skerries with sweeping bridges, passing incredible scenery. Your evening is at leisure in Molde.

Meals:

Hand Selected Experience

The Atlantic Ocean Road

The Norwegians could have squandered the massive wealth coming in from North Sea Oil. But instead they invested in huge
infrastructure projects building massive bridges, tunnels, super scenic drives and incredible panoramic lookouts. And they did it with such architectural style! We looked at these and built our tour around the best. Take the Atlanterhavsveien – or Atlantic Ocean Road. Not only voted ‘the most beautiful coastal drive in the world’ and ‘the world’s best road trip’, the Norwegians even awarded it the heady accolade of Norway’s ‘Construction of the 20th century’! That is really saying something. Since then they
have even extended it with a tunnel that goes 250 metres under a fjord. Utterly incredible. The Norwegians know about it, Albatross know about it and now you know about it! Join us…

Day 13: Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral

This morning we continue north to visit Norway’s 3rd largest city, Trondheim. Dating back to the 11th century this photogenic town has colourful warehouses along the waterside, pedestrianised walkways and the striking Nidaros Cathedral – the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. We have included entrance and a guided visit.

Meals:

Hotel:

Scandic Bakklandet

Day 14: Bodø and the fabulous Lofoten Islands

Crossing the Arctic Circle, we take a short flight north to Bodø (avoiding 3 days of driving!). From here we board another small aircraft for a breath-taking flight over scenic islands and skerries, into the wonderful Lofoten Archipelago. Arriving in Leknes we drive south through incredible scenery to Reine where we stay the next three memorable nights in historic fisherman’s cabins.

Meals:

Hotel:

Historic Rorbuer Cabins

Hand Selected Experience

Lofoten land of the Vikings

Some call the Lofoten Archipelago the most beautiful place on earth. The Norwegians do, also saying the dramatic Reinefjorden, where we stay 3 nights, is the prettiest fjord of all. Maybe it is the utter absence of mass tourism or visually polluting cruise ships, or maybe it is that incredible ‘natural light’ - famous with avid photographers. I say it is all the above, plus the surreal setting. A series of beautiful islands, each with their own authentic fishing villages. Hamnøy, Sakrisøy and the island of Moskenesøya, (where we stay in historic fisherman’s cabins) set against an almost unbelievable backdrop of the majestic Lofoten peaks rising from the Arctic Ocean. This is where the Vikings settled. Perhaps so because it is comfortable being on the warm ocean currents,
maybe because of the wealth from massive schools of cod. But I reckon its really because the Vikings were a bunch of softies and just thought it a beautiful place to live!

Day 15: A RIB boat ride to the ‘maelstrom’

Here, in the most western part of the Lofoten archipelago, at the mouth of dramatic Reinefjorden, we stay in the village of Reine, set with an almost unbelievable backdrop of the majestic Lofoten peaks rising from the Arctic Ocean. After time to explore we board RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boats) to experience a ride to the tip of the Lofoten archipelago to see sea eagles and visit the giant Moskstraumen – the huge maelstrom whirlpool featured in Jules Verne’s ‘20,000 Leagues under the Sea’. The rest of your day is free. ‘My Time’ to explore your sensational location, maybe on foot or hire a bike? Kayakers - you might like to join an escorted kayaking trip up the sensational, placid Reinefjorden. No experience is necessary, and it is an incredible experience!

Meals:

Day 16: ‘Å’, Flakstad Fisherman's Church and Nusfjord

At the end of the road south we find the pretty harbour town simply called ‘Å’. This beautifully preserved village contains a number of heritage buildings, cafés, museums, shops, and the Lofoten’s oldest working bakery. Later we visit Flakstad Church, which honours the hundreds of sailors and fishermen from the local communities who have perished or been lost in the unforgiving sea. At our next stop we explore the ‘time capsule’ fishermen’s village of Nusfjord with its old-fashioned village store, preserved sawmill, forge and cod-liver oil workshop, before enjoying a buffet lunch in the Karoline Restaurant. As a finale, on our way home, we take a break on Sakrisøy Island with its fish drying racks and seafood delicatessen.

Meals:

Day 17: A Viking Longhouse and Oslo

This morning we visit the amazing Lofotr museum with its Viking Longhouse, relics and treasures. 1,200 years ago, the Lofoten Islands were heavily populated by Vikings and this enormous Longhouse is the biggest ever discovered. A local guide will take us through the authentically reconstructed rooms, where costumed characters re-enact the ancient Viking community life. Afterwards, we make our way to Leknes Airport to board our flight to Oslo, via Bodo. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local Oslo restaurant.

Meals:

Hotel:

Thon Hotel Opera

Day 18: Oslo

Your tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals:

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Incredible Value Inclusions

ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
Travel in a first class air-conditioned touring coach and 3 included flights
17 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
Hotel porterage (1 bag per person) at most hotels*
29 Meals – including breakfast daily (B) buffet lunch in Nusfjord (L) and 11 dinners (D)
Welcome drink in Copenhagen, Viking soup in Lofoten
Hand Selected Albatross Experiences – Lofoten RIB boat ride, drive the Atlantic Ocean Road, Viking Longhouse, Pulpit Rock cruise
Local guides as described in the itinerary
ALL tips to your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
Free WiFi at hotels

With no additional 'on tour' costs!

*Note: Porterage is not included at the hotel in Molde

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Your Hotels

Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo - 3 nights

This 4 star hotel features modern architecture and is conveniently located in the heart of Oslo, within easy walking distance of the pedestrianised shopping area.

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Radisson Blu Atlantic, Stavanger - 2 nights

This excellent, modern 4 star hotel has been selected because of its superb location barely 100 metres from the old town and port.

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Radisson Blu Royal, Bergen - 2 nights

This charming hotel is nestled next to Bryggen, the city’s historic wharf area and offers vibrant hotel rooms furnished with stylish, contemporary décor reflecting its harbour setting.

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Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand - 2 nights

Superbly located right beside the fjord, this is the region’s most historical hotel. Kaiser Wilhelm once stayed here, the period décor is beautiful and each evening there are piano recitals in the bar. The restaurant has sweeping views across the fjord. We will stay in the connected, modern bedroom annexe.

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Hotel Union Geiranger, Geiranger - 2 nights

First Class and the best hotel in town, the Union has stupendous views down the length of the gorgeous fjord.

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Scandic Seilet, Molde - 2 nights

Modern and stylish, this sail-shaped hotel is located right beside the Romsdal Fjord and a short distance from the heart of the town. Note: Porterage not included at this hotel.

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Scandic Bakklandet, Trondheim - 1 night

Located on the waterfront in of the old town, the Bakklandet district is very picturesque with its 17th and 18th century wooden buildings, shops, cafés and restaurants.

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Historic Rorbuer cabins, Lofoten Islands - 3 nights

In this renovated fisherman’s village each authentic cabin is completely different and unique. Perched on wooden stilts, many cabins sit out over the shallows of the crystal-clear fjord. Newly restored, they combine the atmosphere of their old use as fishermen's dwellings with modern comfort. With private facilities each Rorbu (Rorbu singular, Rorbuer is plural) dates back over 100 years. What an experience!

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Dates and Prices

Start Date	End Date	Availability
18 May 2021	4 Jun 2021	Not Yet Open For Sale	Pre-register
15 Jun 2021	2 Jul 2021	Not Yet Open For Sale	Pre-register
29 Jun 2021	16 Jul 2021	Not Yet Open For Sale	Pre-register
17 Aug 2021	3 Sep 2021	Not Yet Open For Sale	Pre-register

All 2021 dates are tentative and may be subject to change. Prices will be available from September.

Is this tour suitable for you?

Our tours require a moderate level of fitness due to the unique places we visit and stay. This tour is not suited to anyone who has mobility issues. Click here to learn more.

What steps are Albatross Tours taking to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of travellers on tour?

Our number one priority is your safety and to ensure that you can travel with confidence on an Albatross tour. Find out more.

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Before booking please ensure you have read our full booking conditions.

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