Norway Winter Odyssey

Arrive into the bustling city of Tromsø, gateway to the Norwegian Arctic, and transfer to your hotel.

Clarion The Edge

Head out on a guided tour of the city to include the Arctic Cathedral, clearly visible from downtown, whose modern design dates to the 1960s and the Polar Museum which is located in the former Customs House on the quayside and dates from 1830. Tromsø was the centre of seal hunting in northern Norway, and the town was established as the “Gateway to the Arctic” in the late 1800s. Tromsø has long been an important base for many polar expeditions, and the Polar Museum exhibits and presents this polar seafaring tradition. At the museum you will meet the courageous men and women and the ships and equipment that were essential for life both on the sea and in the Arctic. The Mack Beer Hall, Tromsø’s oldest pub, is your final stop before lunch with a chance to taste a variety of locally brewed beers.

This afternoon head out into the wilderness for a fascinating introduction to the Sami reindeer herders and an exhilarating reindeer sleigh ride through the snow. Enjoy this experience, the oldest form of transport in the north, and be alert for a sighting of the Northern Lights.

Clarion The Edge | Meals: B

A flight southwest to Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands where you are met and transferred to your hotel overlooking Svolvær harbour.

Thon Hotel Lofoten | Meals: B

This morning you are driven to Henningsvær, an hour from Svolvær, to visit the Kaviar Factory where an impressive collection of Norwegian and international contemporary art is exhibited. Afterwards continue on foot through the city for an historical tour before a visit to the Fish Oil Museum which has been completely renovated by some local enthusiasts and now operates as a museum restaurant combination. After lunch a tour of the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg reveals the largest Viking-era house ever found.

Thon Hotel Lofoten | Meals: B

Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Bergen in the south.

Bergen Bors | Meals: B

Today your adventure takes you to wonderful Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Board the train to Myrdal where you transfer to the famous Flam Railway, one of the world’s most scenic, which takes you down the steep decline towards the fjord village of Flam. From the train you’ll get stunning views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. Time to explore Flam on your own before a ferry ride through the narrow and spectacular Nærøyfjord which is surrounded by steep mountains with snow covered tops that stretch up to 1800-metres above sea level. Waterfalls cascade down the mountains and picturesque villages dot the landscape. Return to Bergen at the end of the day.

Bergen Bors | Meals: B

This morning is a tour of Bergen. Start off at the Bryggen Wharf for a walking tour of this World Heritage listed site with its crooked, colourful wooden houses and old Hanseatic wharf. Visit the bustling fish market and take a trip on the iconic Floien Funicular to give you a view of the city. Afternoon at leisure.

Bergen Bors | Meals: B

Fly to the vibrant Norwegian capital and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel Continental | Meals: B

A day to explore Oslo and the Bygdoey peninsula with your guide. Take in the Fram Museum, which tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration, as well as the Historical Museum to see Norway’s largest cultural-historical collections, including exhibitions with impressive Viking artifacts, and if time permits, head up to Holmenkollen. Famed for its winter sports, Holmenkollen boasts a magnificent view of Oslo. Next up is a stroll around the 25-hectare Ekeberg sculpture park. Admire works by some of the biggest names in contemporary art – Marina Abramovic, James Turrell, Jenny Holzer and Louise Bourgeois – as well as stunning views of Oslo and its fjord. Lunch is at the Ekeberg restaurant.

Hotel Continental | Meals: BL

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B