Fjords Highlights of Norway: Oslo, Flam & Bergen

Today you explore cultured Oslo, one of Scandinavia's most appealing capitals. With your guide you discover Norway's remarkable Viking Age heritage, admiring the beautifully preserved longships and treasures that reveal the country's seafaring past, and take in the haunting masterpieces of Edvard Munch, including versions of the world-famous 'The Scream', in the striking waterfront museum. You walk out onto the sloping white roof of the spectacular Opera House, which rises from the harbour like an iceberg, and stroll the lively waterfront and the sculpture-filled Vigeland Park, with its remarkable bronze and granite figures. The blend of Viking history, powerful art, bold design and easy access to nature is captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored elegant Oslo. This evening, savour the city's superb cafes and cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you begin the celebrated 'Norway in a Nutshell' journey.

Today you begin the celebrated 'Norway in a Nutshell' journey into the heart of the fjords. You board the Bergen Railway, one of the world's most scenic train lines, and climb through forests, lakes and the wild, treeless Hardangervidda plateau, a world of snow and mountain beauty. At Myrdal you transfer to the world-famous Flam Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge lines on earth, which spirals down a dramatic valley past thundering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, spiralling tunnels and tumbling rivers to the village of Flam on the Aurlandsfjord. The engineering and scenery are breathtaking. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in beautiful little Flam, cradled between towering mountains at the head of the fjord. This evening, savour the peace and grandeur of the fjord setting. Rest well, for tomorrow you cruise the majestic Naeroyfjord to Bergen.

Today you cruise one of the most beautiful fjords in the world before journeying on to Bergen. From Flam you board a fjord cruise along the sheer-walled Aurlandsfjord and into the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, the narrowest and one of the most dramatic fjords in Norway, gliding beneath towering peaks, past cascading waterfalls, isolated farms and tiny hamlets clinging to the shore. The scale and serenity are unforgettable. At Gudvangen you continue by coach over the spectacular Stalheimskleiva hairpins and through grand mountain scenery, joining the train or road on to Bergen, Norway's beautiful coastal gateway to the fjords. As the day ends, you arrive in Bergen and settle into your hotel near the historic harbour. This evening, savour the relaxed maritime atmosphere of the old Hanseatic city. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore beautiful Bergen and its famous Bryggen wharf.

Today you explore beautiful Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. With your guide you wander Bryggen, the atmospheric row of crooked, brightly painted wooden merchant houses along the old wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its narrow wooden passageways and craft workshops and hearing tales of the Hanseatic merchants who once traded dried cod here. You browse the lively Fish Market, sampling fresh seafood, and ride the Floibanen funicular up Mount Floyen for a sweeping panorama over the city, harbour, fjords and surrounding hills. You take in the medieval Bergenhus fortress and the charming streets of the old town. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored charming Bergen. This evening, savour fresh seafood in a quayside restaurant and the relaxed atmosphere of the harbour city. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey towards the majestic Geirangerfjord.

Today you journey north through spectacular scenery towards the majestic Geirangerfjord. Travelling by scenic route through the fjord country, crossing arms of water by ferry and winding past waterfalls, orchards and snow-streaked peaks, you make your way to the Geiranger region, one of the crowning glories of the Norwegian fjords. As you approach, you may descend the dramatic Eagle Road, whose hairpin bends offer jaw-dropping views over the fjord far below, or gaze from a high mountain viewpoint. The beauty of the deep-blue fjord winding between sheer, waterfall-draped cliffs is breathtaking. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in the tiny village of Geiranger, cradled at the head of the fjord beneath towering mountains. This evening, enjoy a fjord-hotel dinner and the serene grandeur of the setting. Rest well amid the beauty of the Geirangerfjord, one of the great sights of Norway.

Today you cruise the majestic Geirangerfjord before journeying to elegant Alesund. You board a sightseeing cruise along the deep-blue Geirangerfjord, gliding beneath sheer cliffs and past its most famous waterfalls, the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, which plunge in silver ribbons down the rock, and marvelling at the tiny abandoned farms clinging improbably to the cliff ledges. The scale, serenity and beauty are unforgettable. You then journey on over spectacular mountain passes, perhaps the Trollstigen or Eagle Road, to Alesund, Norway's enchanting Art Nouveau town spread across islands where the fjords meet the open Atlantic. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in beautiful Alesund. This evening, perhaps climb Aksla hill or stroll the ornate, pastel-coloured harbour, savouring the sea air and the elegant townscape. Rest well, reflecting on the spectacular fjords you have explored across Norway.

After a final morning in elegant Alesund, perhaps climbing the 418 steps up Aksla hill for a last magnificent panorama over the town, islands and peaks, or wandering the ornate Art Nouveau streets and harbour, you are transferred to Alesund Airport for your onward departure. You leave having experienced the very best of Norway, cultured Oslo with its Viking ships, Munch masterpieces and Opera House, the celebrated 'Norway in a Nutshell' railways and the majestic Naeroyfjord, beautiful Bergen with its Bryggen wharf and funicular, and the breathtaking Geirangerfjord and elegant Alesund. The images stay vivid long after you land, the plunging Flam Railway, the sheer walls of the Naeroyfjord, the painted houses of Bryggen, and the Seven Sisters cascading into the Geirangerfjord. Norway offers beauty, drama, culture and serenity in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this spectacular fjord country.