9 days to immerse yourself in the land of 
thundering waterfalls, gleaming glaciers 
and charming stave churches.

Day 2 Oslo-Lillehammer. (Sun.) Motor north through the undulating lowland area where Norway’s most fertile arable land yields crops of barley, wheat, and oats. After a picture stop at Eidsvoll, where the country’s democratic constitution was signed in 1814, proceed along lovely Lake Mjösa. Via the ice-skating center of Hamar you reach Lillehammer, proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Time here for lunch and a leisurely walk along Storgata. In the afternoon visit the unique MAIHAUGEN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM. An expert explains the rich collection of ancient Gudbrandsdal farms, sod-covered dwellings, workshops, tools, and weapons. (FB,D)

Day 3 Lillehammer-Olden. (Mon.) A spectacularly scenic day starts with a morning drive through the wide Gudbrandsdal Valley, the lush dairy and timber land of Ibsen’s drama Peer Gynt. Shoot your pictures of the lonely stave church of Lom, then climb past the tree line to 5,000 feet, the culminating point on your itinerary. Admire the breathtaking panoramic view from the Dalsnibba lookout above Geirangerfjord. In the afternoon enjoy a one-hour cruise on this stunningly beautiful stretch of water, past the famous "Seven Sister"s cascade and several now-abandoned farms clinging precariously to small patches of steep pasture land. Dock at Hellesylt and head south via Lake Hornindal to peaceful Olden. (FB,D)

Day 4 Olden-Stalheim. (Tue.) Follow the shoreline of the innermost branch of Nordfjord to Utvik, then cross the mountains to the serene Vatedalen Valley and pristine Lake Jölster. The mountain scenery gets more rugged as you approach the tunnel underneath Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier. Stop at the Brevasshytta to view one of the mighty tongues which radiate from the main glacier into the surrounding valleys. Next visit Fjaerland’s excellent NORWEGIAN GLACIER MUSEUM to satisfy your curiosity about one of nature’s most impressive features and watch a thrilling five-screen film. In the afternoon, you’re in for a real treat. Cruise for two hours on spectacular Sognefjord. Land at Gudvangen and motor through a narrow canyon up to Stalheim, a lofty vantage point high above the majestic Naeröydal Valley. (FB,D)

Day 5 Stalheim-Bergen. (Wed.) On the way back down to sea level, pass Tvindefoss waterfall and see the popular lakeside resort of Voss. Late morning arrival in Bergen, certainly the most picturesque of all Scandinavian towns. During your orientation tour hear about its
11th-century origins and its association with the Hanseatic League. Afternoon at leisure to stroll through the colorful fish market and the narrow lanes of ancient Bryggen, and to ride the funicular up to Mount Flöyen. (FB,D)

Day 6 Bergen-Telemark. (Thu.) Cross Hardangerfjord by ferry from Kvanndal to Utne, and take reluctant leave of the fjord area as you drive through the orchards along Sörfjord, whose tranquil splendor inspired Grieg’s Morning Mood. More scenic delights are in store including thundering Latefoss, the star among waterfalls; the wild Hardangervidda mountain plateau where Fridtjof Nansen prepared for his polar expeditions, and where reindeer roam; finally watch out for traditional wooden dwellings and barns rising from blooming meadows beside the road along the northern shore of Lake Totak into rustic, unspoiled Telemark. (FB,D)

Day 7 Telemark-Oslo. (Fri.) Look forward to a riveting guided visit to VEMORK, scene of the daring sabotage action celebrated in The Heroes of Telemark. Learn all about the dramatic events of 1943, and also gain an insight into the technology of hydroelectric power generation, one of the pillars of Norway’s economy. Leave the narrow Rjukan Valley via Lake Tinnsjöen, where the saboteurs sank a ferry loaded with heavy water thereby dashing Nazi hopes of winning the race for the atomic bomb. Before returning to Oslo in the afternoon, admire HEDDAL STAVE CHURCH, the largest of the country’s remaining medieval wooden churches. (FB)

Day 8 Oslo. (Sat.) Morning sightseeing in the capital features such landmarks as the National Theater, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Stroll through magnificent FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland’s 193 extraordinary bronze and granite sculptures. Visit the modern CITY HALL and the RESISTANCE MUSEUM in the lavish grounds of Akershus Fortress. Afternoon and evening at leisure, with optional activities organized by your tour director. You
may want to see relics of Norway’s glorious seafaring past, including elegant Viking ships, Nansen’s and Amundsen’s polar vessel Fram, and Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki raft. Tonight you’ll be tempted to celebrate the success of your journey with a Norwegian specialties dinner in one of Oslo’s fine restaurants. (FB)

Day 9 (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Extend Your Tour in Iceland
Tour for 12 days

Days 1 to 8. (Fri. to Sat.) as above

Day 9 Oslo-Reykjavik, Iceland. (Sun.) Morning transfer to Oslo airport for your flight to Reykjavik. Meet your tour representative and start your Icelandic experience with an orientation of the capital, then reach your hotel for a welcome dinner. (FB,D)

Day 10 Reykjavik. (Mon.) Full-day excursion. An unforgettable day dedicated to the scenic highlights of Iceland. Begin with the impressive geothermal town of Hveragerdi; continue to Volcanic Crater Kerid, and the bishopric of Skalholt. Then it’s time to visit Geysir, which gave its name to all hot springs, and on to Gullfoss, the spectacular Golden Waterfalls. Complete your day with a drive through the enchanting National Park at Thingvellir. (FB)

Day 11 At leisure in Reykjavik. (Tue.) Discover the sights of the capital at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the South Shore including the impressive Skogafoss waterfalls, and views of glaciers and picturesque coastal villages; or ask your tour representative for suggestions. (FB)

Day 12 Reykjavik-Blue Lagoon-Keflavik-Homebound flight. (Wed.) A morning not to be missed. Visit the Presidential site of Bessastadir, the lava town of Hafnarfjördur, and the famous Blue Lagoon. Then to Hafnir’s Aquarium to admire Icelandic fish and shellfish. Homebound flight in the afternoon. (FB)

Host services from days 10-12.

*airfares not included 
**airfare Oslo to Reykjavik not included