Signature Norway

Welcome to Norway. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bergen, the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey along with a welcome reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before dinner.

Join a discussion about the effect of Norway’s geography on past and present culture, then embark on a guided walk through Bergen’s historic centre. Stroll through Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, where brightly painted wooden warehouses stand as living reminders of medieval trade. The walk concludes at the vibrant Fish Market, a mainstay since the 13th century, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, showcasing the best of Norway’s coastal cuisine in a vibrant, authentic setting. The remainder of the day is free for your individual exploration, such as visiting the Kode Art Museum or taking a funicular ride for scenic views.

Depart Bergen this morning aboard the Bergen Railway, one of Europe’s most scenic trains. As the train winds its way across soaring mountains, travel in comfort, taking in breathtaking views of Norway’s landscapes. At Myrdal Station, connect to the legendary Flåm Railway — an engineering wonder and among the steepest standard-gauge lines in the world. Over the course of this unforgettable hour-long ride, you'll admire plunging waterfalls, towering cliffs, and sweeping fjord panoramas before arriving in the idyllic village of Flåm. Join a short orientation before spending the afternoon at leisure — perfect for a gentle stroll along the waterfront before gathering for dinner at the hotel, along with some local beer samples.

Start the day with a discussion on Norway’s nature and culture from past to present, before embarking on a boat cruise through the majestic Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Glide past sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls soaking up the views — a moment of natural grandeur. The trip continues to the Flåm Fjord Farm, where you'll enjoy a guided tour and cultural experience, meeting local hosts who share their traditions and stories of life on the fjord. Your visit culminates with a seasonal farm-to-table lunch — a memorable tasting menu reflecting the fjord’s bounty. In the evening, join a special floating sauna session with a local sauna master, who will introduce you to this deep Norwegian cultural tradition of cleansing both body and mind.

Set off from Flåm this morning and visit the extraordinary Borgund Stave Church, one of Norway’s best-preserved medieval wooden churches, dating back to the 12th century. View the intricate carvings and dragon-headed details, followed by a local-style lunch at the museum cafe. Continue onwards as the coach winds its way toward Loen, pausing for a stop at the spectacular Bøyabreen Glacier. In the evening, ascend the dramatic Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, soaring 1,011m (3,609 ft) straight up Mount Hoven. At the summit, you'll be treated to an unforgettable dinner, with panoramic views over Nordfjord.

Travel toward Geiranger this morning, one of Norway’s most famous fjord destinations. En route,ascend to the spectacular Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba, Europe’s highest fjord view platform at 1,500m (4,921 ft) above sea level. From this vantage point, admire views over snow-capped peaks and the deep-blue waters of the Geirangerfjord. In the afternoon, embark on a fjord cruise through Geirangerfjord, sailing past sheer cliffs, abandoned mountain farms, and the legendary Seven Sisters Waterfall — a true sight to behold. The remainder of the day is free to relax before gathering in the evening for dinner.

This morning, enjoy a special curator-led visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre before it opens to the public. Peruse exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history, learning about how the dramatic landscape was forged. Next, set out on a full-day trip along the legendary Trollstigen (Troll’s Road), a masterpiece of engineering. Stop at the Trollstigen viewpoint and step out onto dramatic platforms suspended over the cliffs to admire cascading waterfalls and sweeping valley views, then board the Romsdalen Gondola and glide silently up Mount Nesaksla for lunch featuring beautiful views and gourmet cuisine. Make a final stop at an Apple Farm, where you'll enjoy a guided walk and taste artisanal products such as ciders and jams before returning to Geiranger for the evening.

Depart for Oslo, passing between the dramatic peaks of Jotunheimen and Rondane National Parks. A highlight stop awaits in Lillehammer, the host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum before continuing on to the fascinating Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, one of Norway’s largest cultural heritage museums. With more than 200 historic buildings, Maihaugen paints a vivid picture of Norwegian life through the centuries. After a guided introduction, enjoy lunch and some free time to explore the open-air grounds before travelling onwards to Oslo, arriving in the early evening.

Join an engaging discussion about Norway’s history of explorers before venturing out to the Bygdøy Peninsula for a visit to the Fram Museum, which features the incredible history of polar exploration. Walk on board the original polar ship Fram, and imagine yourself as one of the early explorers venturing into the unknown. Next, at the Kon-Tiki Museum, enjoy a specially arranged meeting with a family member or biographer of Thor Heyerdahl, learning about his family’s scientific seafaring adventures, often chronicled in National Geographic magazine. Continue to Bybi, an urban beekeeping program, learning about biodiversity projects and how the community supports apiaries in this vital mission. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel to toast an unforgettable Norwegian expedition.

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.