Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer between the airport and hotel.

A welcome package with your itinerary and any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip will be provided to you on your arrival in destination.

For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will meet you at your hotel to walk you through your welcome package documents, your itinerary, and answer any questions you may have.

With options aplenty across the city, knowing which restaurants in Oslo are worth your patronage can prove challenging. To assist, within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for Oslo, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.

Today you’ll set out on a half-day walking tour with a private guide, exploring the heart of Oslo, the Norwegian capital. Walk the ramparts of the 13th century Akershus Fortress, medieval residence of the royals with a coastal view. Discover the city’s main street Karl Johans gate, rich with Oslo’s highlights, where you can admire the likes of the 19th century Royal Palace, and stroll part of the surrounding 54-acre public green space known as Palace Park, with its finely kept grounds. See the 17th century Oslo Cathedral, admire some of the grandiose old university buildings, and venture over to Radhusplassen where you can view the Radhus, Oslo’s City Hall where the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.

Delve into Oslo’s Michelin-starred dining scene with a reservation at one of the city’s top culinary destinations—where Norwegian tradition meets bold creativity and seasonal purity. Savor the visionary, three-star tasting experience at Maaemo, explore the refined classics at the elegant Statholdergaarden, or discover sustainable innovation at Kontrast, where every dish reflects a deep connection to nature. Each restaurant offers a distinct take on contemporary Nordic cuisine. Reservations are essential and in high demand—often requiring advanced planning.

Should you wish to include one of these experiences or have another venue in mind, please reach out to your Destination Expert for assistance with arrangements, subject to availability.

For your added comfort, your luggage will be picked up at your hotel in Oslo and safely transferred to your upcoming hotel in Lofthus. With luggage being taken care of, you can sit back and enjoy your train journey hassle-free, taking in the breathtaking views along the way.

Embark on a short, self-guided walking transfer, with your hotel and the central Train Station just a few minutes apart.

Transfer from Oslo to Flam today by train, with a connection in Myrdal. The Bergen Railway is a unique experience on Northern Europe's highest-altitude railway line. One of the greatest challenges is the harsh and quickly changing weather. The line is exposed to deep low-pressure centers from the west, which can mean strong winds and heavy snow for part of the year. Keeping the railway open demands great effort and technical expertise. Today, skilled workers, effective equipment, tunnels and snow tunnels make the Bergen Railway one of the safest and most comfortable ways of travelling between Oslo and Bergen. The line is consistently ranked among the top rail experiences in the world. Four stops before the end of the line in Bergen, you'll disembark in Myrdal. In Myrdal, board a cogwheel train to Flam on the Flam Railway. The scenic 12-mile route between Myrdal and Flam is one of the steepest non-rack railway tracks in the world and provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the ride you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains, and mountain farms cling dizzily to sheer slopes. There are also a few spirals along the route which allow trains to rise on a steady curve until it has completed a loop, passing over itself as it gains height, allowing the railway to gain vertical elevation in a relatively short distance.

Take a short, self-guided walking transfer. Hotels in Flam are all located within just a few minutes of the Train Station.

Meet your private guide and depart on foot for a walking tour of Flam and its scenic surroundings. Set out through Flam’s town center on an asphalt road, venturing up the valley alongside the Flam river. Along the way, your private guide will offer unique insights into the local culture, history, and life by the fjord. After an easy mile-long walk, continue up the mountain side on your way to the platform for the 330-foot Brekkefossen waterfall. The rocky and steep trail quickly gains elevation and soon the small village of Flam is visible through the trees. After about 30 minutes of uphill hiking, the trail opens up on a grassy ledge, offering beautiful and unimpeded views down over the village below and out into the entrance of the fjord. Take some time to take photos and admire the view before returning back to town.

Enjoy an included dinner this evening at Fretheim Hotel. The hotel restaurant, Arven, has a view looking straight toward the fjord, and locally-sourced ingredients is at the heart of its cuisine, which is only natural when some of the best producers of cheese, meat, fruits and vegetables are right outside the door!

Take a short, self-guided walking transfer. Hotels in Flam are all located within just a few minutes of the Port.

Transfer by boat from Flam to Gudvangen, a 2 hour route that winds around precipitous mountains, mighty waterfalls and small homesteads that cling to the mountain sides. Half of your voyage will be through the majestic Naeroyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed arm of the Sognefjord, co-ranked as the world's number one natural heritage site by the National Geographic Society.

Enjoy admission to the Njardarheimr Viking Village in the Viking Valley of Gudvangen, an open-air heritage museum where an ensemble of skilled inhabitants faithfully recreate the life of Vikings of 1,000 years past. You'll have the opportunity to actively take part in a society where people are very eager to convey the history of the vikings, how they traveled, interesting information about their boats and about how the viking era has affected modern society. Wander around freely and experience the various buildings and activities that Viking Valley has to offer.

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Lofthus. Approximate travel time is 2 hour 15 minutes.

Enjoy an included dinner at Hotel Ullensvang tonight, overlooking the Hardangerfjord. The main focus at Restaurant Ullensvang is Norwegian produce with a distinctly international take. An ever-changing 3-course menu is available every night, with meat, fish or vegetarian options.

Discover magnificent views of the fjords on a private guided hiking excursion in the high mountains of the Hardangerfjord region, known as one of Her Majesty Queen Sonia of Norway’s favourite mountain hikes. Queen Sonia was an avid and passionate hiker, and loved this route in Lofthus most of all, with it's picturesque lookouts and challenging terrain. Meet your private guide and trek through forests, mountains and lush orchards on this demanding route, while following the dirt road up to Heng, 2461 feet above sea level with fantastic and expansive views. Stop to enjoy an included packed lunch before continuing your hike on a steep descent towards Lofthus, following the trail marked with red T’s, before concluding your day back in town.

Meet your private driver for a transfer to Bergen today, via the Hardangerfjord. Driving along the Hardanger National Scenic Route, you're taken through some impressive scenic fjord landscapes, offering a close encounter with the Hardangerfjord, and the area's waterfalls, and orchards. You'll pause for a photo stop at the picturesque Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can actually walk behind the beautiful 160-foot falls, for a safe and dry view out across the surrounding landscape, before continuing on to Bergen.

With so many options to choose from, deciding on which restaurant to try during your stay in Bergen can prove challenging. To assist, within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for Bergen, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.

Depart your hotel on foot alongside your private guide, setting out on a highlights walking tour of the colorful city of Bergen. You'll stroll through the old wharf area known as Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered for its Hanseatic commercial buildings, a nod to Bergen's former importance in the 14th-16th century Hanseatic League empire. Visit the town's traditional fish market, a lively and oddly picturesque area where the local catch has been traded for over 800 years. Discover small wooden houses from the 18th and 19th century, tucked away on charming streets and narrow alleyways, and enjoy a round-trip ride on the Floibanen funicular railway to the top of Mount Floyen, offering magnificent views of the city below.

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a port transfer.

Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th-century German trading organization, the Hanseatic League.

If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan’s shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market, which serves delicious seafood. The Floibanen funicular can also take you up to the top of Mount Floyen for views of the city.

Your voyage begins

Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as you depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along the Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team, who will be your guides as we sail Norway’s coastline. They’ll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then we’ll sail past the West Cape for our approach to Alesund.

Art Nouveau city

Alesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling with in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, from June to August, you'll set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord*. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord.

*Note: Geirangerfjord is replaced by Hjorundfjord for the following sailings: 2024: 16th June, 27th June, 8th July, 19th July, 30th July, 10th August, 21st August 2025: 1st June, 12th June, 23rd June, 4th July, 15th July, 26th July, 6th August, 17th August, 28th August

In spring, from April to May*, and in fall, from September to October, you'll sail to Hjorundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmore Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

*Only on voyages departing in 2025-26.

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’.

And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.

This section of the voyage brings you to the Trondelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population. You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights, either on your own or on one of our optional excursions.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ for its Gothic architectural style. It is considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace, where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighborhood’s colorful wooden wharves, which are propped up on stilts by the river’s edge, now house a variety of restaurants. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort, which has beautiful panoramic views of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship will sail northwest, passing the ochre-colored Kjeungskaer Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we’ll head towards charming Rorvik.

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. You'll mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up.

Above the Arctic Circle in summer, you can enjoy the sun 24 hours a day, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10 am, dock in Ornes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the ‘Love Bench’, where sweethearts declare their lasting romance with a padlock.

Then you'll sail to Bodo, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, overlooked by the Borvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.

Welcome to Lofoten

The ship enters the Lofoten Archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight on the horizon.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod—known locally as skrei—swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

This evening, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolaer when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Dock in Harstad just after 7 a.m. Feel free to have a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby.

Then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of TromsØ, where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a center exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city center, including Mack Brewery and the Ølhallen pub, a favorite local watering hole. There are also cafÉs offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving TromsØ in the early evening, head north for the trading post of SkjervØy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically from the sea.

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaloya early in the morning. In the summer, herds of reindeer migrate to the island by the thousands.

You’ll know you've reached Havoysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havoygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

Arrive at Honningsvag, the portal to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvag by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.

Sami heartlands

Near the entrance of the Kjollefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous SÁmi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local Sami, learn about their reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

Reach the northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you’re visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevag. On the way, we’ll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.

You'll call at Batsfjord and Vardo in the night, before docking at Vadso early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadso is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Near the Norwegian border

Kirkenes is just a few miles from the edge of Norway's territory. This is where your Norwegian coastal cruise ends and you’ll have traveled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul!

Meet your taxi driver for a private port transfer.

Ideally located next to Oslo Central Station, Thon Hotel Opera places you steps from the city’s waterfront, the Oslo Opera House, and the lively Barcode district that boasts 480 bright, contemporary rooms and suites. Dine at the on-site restaurant where seasonal Norwegian flavors take center stage, then ease into the evening with a drink at the inviting bar. With thoughtful amenities, a relaxed atmosphere, and a prime location, Thon Hotel Opera offers a welcoming base for discovering Oslo.

Tucked into the heart of Norway’s Sognefjord, the Fretheim Hotel has welcomed travelers since the 1870s. This stately white timber property in Flam blends rustic charm with elegant comfort. The hotel’s historic wing retains its 19th-century character, offering guests a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern amenities. Each of the 122 rooms looks out onto either dramatic mountain trails or the peaceful waters of the fjord. The restaurant showcases local flavors with panoramic views, while the lobby bar and coffee bar provide inviting spaces to unwind—indoors or in the garden. Whether arriving by train, boat, or hiking trail, the Fretheim Hotel offers a serene and storied base from which to explore the majesty of the Norwegian fjords.

From Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus, you can delight in breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the majestic Hardangerfjord. The hotel has been run by the same family for five generations, and has found the perfect balance between rich traditions and modern facilities, including the wonderful Ullensvang Bath with swimming pools both indoors and outdoors, a tennis court, and a restaurant serving dishes based on wonderful local produce. On days with pleasant weather, drinks can be enjoyed on the fjord-view terrace. Offering 168 guestrooms, each with its own unique view, Hotel Ullensvang provides the perfect base for exploring the region.

Set directly on the historic Vagen Harbour, the Clarion Hotel Admiral offers front-row views of Bergen’s colorful Bryggen Wharf and the city’s surrounding fjords. Housed in a beautifully restored 1904 warehouse, the hotel seamlessly blends maritime heritage with modern Scandinavian design. Many of the rooms feature private balconies and sweeping views across the water, perfect for watching ships glide through the harbor. Inside, cozy interiors and thoughtful details reflect Bergen’s nautical spirit. The hotel’s restaurant highlights regional ingredients and offers a relaxed setting by the water’s edge. From its enviable location, guests are just steps from the city’s top attractions—including the fish market, Floibanen funicular, and local galleries—making this a stylish and convenient retreat in Norway’s gateway to the fjords.

The 590-passenger MS Kong Harald is a purpose-built vessel, perfectly suited for the Norwegian Fjords, as well as chasing the Arctic's polar light. MS Kong Harald was upgraded to become a greener, hybrid-electric ship in 2023. The ship cut emissions through large battery packs, combined with the ship’s efficient and brand-new engines. These upgrades reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 25%. The ship is also updated with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment equipment and SCR technology that reduces NOx emissions by at least 80%. In addition, the cabins on decks two and three have been renovated. The vessel was renovated in 2016 to incorporate a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. There are three different restaurants on board, along with the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna, and a fitness room. On deck, you can enjoy views from one of our two hot tubs. There is a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. MS Kong Harald also has a large compass area where you can find the reception, the Coastal Experience Team, the conference room, and shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of the spectacular coastal scenery.