Day 1: Arrive in Stavanger
Welcome to Norway! Upon landing at Stavanger Airport (SVG), you will be greeted by our private transfer to take you to your hotel.
Stavanger is a charming coastal city known for its colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and lively harbor. Once you’ve settled in, wander along the waterfront, or enjoy a coffee at one of the city’s cozy cafés.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome drinks and a local dining experience. Connect with your fellow travelers and soak up the Scandinavian atmosphere.
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To arrive on September 5, you will need to leave the United States on September 4th for an overnight flight. You will likely transfer in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport (AMS).
From Amsterdam, you’ll take a short 1hr 30 min flight to SVG.
Book a one-way ticket because you will not be returning to the US from SVG.
Need help with flights? Contact us
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International flights to Stavanger (SVG) are not included in the package price. Please book your inbound flight to arrive on or before Saturday (the first date of our adventure).
Our adventure begins around 5pm local time.
Your return flight home will depart from Bergen (BGO) on September 14 (unless you decide to join our Lofoten trip extension).
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Eilert Smith Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Time to Explore
Begin your first full day with a leisurely stroll through Gamle Stavanger, Europe’s best-preserved wooden house district. Wander cobbled streets lined with colorful 18th- and 19th-century homes, pop into boutique galleries, and soak in the historic charm that defines this coastal city.
Next, immerse yourself in Norwegian flavors on a guided food and market tour, sampling local delicacies like fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and regional pastries. Stop at hidden cafés and market stalls to meet local artisans and taste the everyday cuisine that shapes Stavanger’s culinary identity.
Conclude the day with a relaxing harbor walk, enjoying the rhythm of the fjord, watching boats glide across the water, and pausing at scenic cafés. This gentle introduction to Stavanger balances cultural immersion, local flavor, and scenic calm — the perfect prelude to the adventure that awaits.
Stay: Eilert Smith Hotel
Day 3: Adventure Begins
Today we embark on one of Norway’s most legendary hikes: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). The trail is around 8 km (5 miles) roundtrip, moderately challenging but very doable even for non-expert hikers. A perfect warm-up for the bigger adventures ahead. The reward is standing atop a dramatic cliff soaring 604 meters above Lysefjord and one of the country’s most photographed viewpoints.
Alternative options: For those who prefer a different pace, we can arrange a scenic Lysefjord cruise, kayaking on the fjord, or a gentle waterfall hike nearby.
We will gather in the evening at The Bolder for an unforgettable experience perched dramatically above the Lysefjord. The Bolder blends striking contemporary architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the panoramic fjord views.
Stay: The Bolder
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Lofthus/Hardangerfjord
After breakfast with a majestic view, it’s time to hit the scenic rads through Norway’s fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. This drive is a highlight in itself! Along the way, we’ll stop at the stunning Langfossen waterfall, one of Norway’s most breathtaking natural sights, before continuing to a charming local restaurant for a group lunch.
Once at Hotel Ullensvang, enjoy a free evening to rest, explore the hotel’s beautiful fjordside grounds, or take advantage of its many amenities — from indoor and outdoor pools to relaxing spa areas. Take it easy… tomorrow is our biggest adventure!
Stay: Hotel Ullensvang
Day 5: Trolltunga
Have you ever witnessed landscapes that take your breath away? Prepare to experience Norway’s dramatic heart as you hike, bike, and ascend the Via Ferrata to the legendary Troll’s Tongue. This full-day adventure (10–12 hours) rewards every step with sweeping views over Ringedalsvatnet Lake and the surrounding fjord-carved mountains. Standing atop the Troll’s Tongue is a moment of pure awe and an adventure that you’ll be recounting often.
For those with a fear of heights, the scenic hiking route offers the same breathtaking vistas in a longer, more reflective journey. Either way, this is Norway’s most iconic mountain experience and a place to immerse yourself fully in the grandeur and majesty of the fjords.
If you’d rather opt for a lighter day, choose a different way to see Hardangerfjord: a scenic fjord cruise, a trip to Vøringfossen waterfall, or a relaxing day exploring local villages and cider farms.
Stay: Hotel Ullensvang
Day 6: Onward to Flåm
After yesterday’s tough hike, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Our private transportation will continue our scenic roadtrip through Norway’s pristine landscapes. Our journey takes us past dramatic waterfalls, winding mountain roads, and sweeping views of Hardangerfjord as we transition into the famous Sognefjord region. Our destination? one of Norway’s most picturesque fjord villages is ~3 hours away.
We are checking in to 29|2 Aurland for a very traditional Norwegian experience. This farm’s historic buildings have been transformed into a boutique hotel. The hotel sits in the heart of the World Heritage listed Western Norwegian fjord landscape, and is a part of 'The Great Canyon of the North' - the Aurlandsdalen valley.
People have lived in this area since the Stone Age and there are a number of Viking burial mounds along the Aurlandsvegen road, which was the main seat of King Sverre on his mother’s side.
Step back in time and enjoy pure natural pleasures – the slow way. Enjoy a warm fireplace, a wood-fired hot tub, and fresh flowers in every room:
Stay: 29|2 Aurland
Day 7: All Aboard
The Sognefjord rail journey (often referred to as the “Norway in a Nutshell” route) is one of the most stunning scenic train + ferry combinations in the world. It connects Oslo → Myrdal → Flåm → Sognefjord → Bergen, and every leg reveals a different slice of Norway’s mountain and fjord landscapes.
The crown jewel of the route is the section from Flåm to Myrdal. 12 miles of steep assent from sea level up to 2,840 ft. It’s one of the world’s steepest normal-gauge railways. Along the route you’ll see waterfalls, alpine cliffs, narrow valleys, and the picturesque Flåm village at the fjord’s edge.
When we reach Myrdal, we will take on an exhilarating cycle route through one of Norway’s most scenic valleys. Take your time to enjoy the views of the valley and the waterfall next to the 21 hairpin bends you are zigzagging down.
The route balances bursts of adrenaline with serenity. Enjoy the thrill of the fast, swooping descents, followed by stretches alongside the valley floor that invite you to pause, breathe, and absorb the surrounding natural grandeur. By the time you reach Flåm, the valley opens up to the fjord, reflecting the sky and mountains in its glassy waters, offering a sense of arrival that feels as majestic as the ride itself.
You can choose to walk the downhills (2.2 mi) and cycle the flats or opt for an exhilarating zip line down to the valley.
Stay: 29|2 Aurland
Day 8: Onward to Bergen
Today we make our way to Bergen, Norway’s colorful gateway to the fjords. Our journey offers countless scenic photo opportunities of mountain plateaus, forests, and lakes, with occasional glimpses of the fjord.
Upon arrival, check in at the Bergen Børs Hotel, a stylish boutique property set in the city’s former stock exchange building. With its blend of historic character and modern elegance, and a location just steps from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, it’s the perfect base for exploring Bergen.
Take some time to explore at your own pace. Bergen has so much to offer.
Stay: Bergen Børs Hotel
Day 9: Full Day in Bergen
Our last full day is all about soaking in the best of Bergen, a city where colorful history meets modern vibrancy. You might spend the day wandering the alleys behind the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, browsing local galleries and boutiques, or enjoying the lively waterfront.
If you’re still up for one last adventure, Bergen is framed by seven mountains — the most famous being Fløyen and Ulriken. You can choose to hike up for spectacular views and then ride the funicular or cable car back down, the perfect balance of effort and reward.
As evening falls, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at one of Bergen’s top restaurants. More than just a meal, it’s a celebration of the journey we’ve shared: the hikes, the fjords, the stories, and the friendships built along the way.
Stay: Bergen Børs Hotel
Day 10: Farewell
Begin your journey home from Bergen Airport or, for those craving even more adventure and awe, the Lofoten Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime extension to your journey.
Picture jagged peaks rising from turquoise waters, quaint fishing villages framed by dramatic skies, and the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing above the Arctic horizon.
Join us as we embark on a journey that few travelers ever see. From remote beaches to hidden fjords. This is your chance to explore Norway’s most iconic island landscapes.
Spots for this extension are limited.
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Book your departing flight from Bergen Airport (BGO) on September 14. You will likely transfer in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport (AMS) on the way home too. There are no nonstop flights from Bergen to the United States.
Need help with flights? Contact us
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International flights from Bergen are not included in the package price. Please book your outbound flight to depart on or after September 14.