11 Day Independent Norway Fjords & Iceland
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Discover Oslo with a half day city tour, journey on the legendary Scenic Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway, soak in the rejuvenating waters of the Blue Lagoon, marvel at the breathtaking scenery along Iceland's South Coast, and explore the renowned Golden Circle route.
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel in Norway on days 1-7, with all arrangements made for you, and free time to explore at your own pace
✓ Days 8-11 in Iceland fully escorted by an English-speaking driver guide with a small, intimate group size of up to 16 passengers
✓ 10 nights in 3-4 star centrally located accommodation throughout Norway and Iceland
✓ Breakfast daily, 1 dinner
✓ Porter service from Oslo hotel to Bergen hotel (1 bag per per person)
✓ Transportation including train and bus in Norway, one way flight from Bergen to Reykjavik, arrival and departure airport FlyBus transfers in Reykjavik and dedicated coach and driver on days 8-10 in Iceland
✓ 7 Day Cooling off Period
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Experience the best of both worlds on this unforgettable itinerary, combining independent travel in Norway with guided adventures in Iceland. Explore Norway's iconic cities and breathtaking fjords at your own pace, then join expert guides in Iceland to uncover the wonders of the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and South Coast.
Welcome to Norway! After arriving in Oslo, make your own way to the hotel before spending the rest of the day at your leisure preparing for an insightful city tour tomorrow.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Today, you’ll delve into Oslo's rich heritage and culture with a guided city tour. As you journey through the city, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Parliament building, flanked by its majestic lion statues, the National Theatre, and the stately Royal Palace, home to Norway’s reigning monarch. A highlight of the day is a visit to Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval stronghold built in the 14th century by King Håkon V, which stands as a powerful national symbol and a cherished spot for relaxation. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, preparing for the exciting Norway in a Nutshell rail adventure ahead.
Inspiring Highlights
Today, make the short walk from the hotel to the train station, located next door, for the start of the “Norway In a Nutshell” tour. Experience the essence of Norway on Norway’s most popular and sustainable tour. Travel through stunning Norwegian fjords, mountains, valleys and cities on 1 green ticket. On the first day of your Norway adventure you’ll travel from Oslo to Flåm. Start with the Bergen railway to Myrdal enjoying the change of scenery and landscape from busy city life up to the quiet high mountains. In Myrdal change to the famous Flam railway, one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. After a breathtaking train ride to Flåm, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the small village, visit the Ægir Microbrewery or perhaps the Flåm Railway Museum, before your included dinner at the hotel.
Note: The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ itinerary between Oslo and Bergen is unguided. The route is Norway’s most famous independent trip. The entire journey connects seamlessly and is well signed in English. Transport service times are made to connect together making the whole trip effortless.
Baggage: To make the journey easier, your luggage will be transferred to Bergen ahead of you. Please make sure to take an overnight bag for your stay in Flam. Your luggage (max. 1 bag per person) must be given to the reception at your hotel (Thon Hotel Opera) by 6:30am (or the night prior if you prefer). Luggage is picked up from reception and will be available in your hotel in Bergen, the following evening.
Inspiring Highlights:
After enjoying a nice breakfast you take the morning departure from Flåm, starting with one of the many highlights on the tour, the fjordcruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. In Gudvangen a scenic bus ride to Voss awaits you. You’ll pass by roaring waterfalls and small farms. In Voss you change to the Bergen railway and go on a relaxing train ride to Bergen. After a day with loads of impressions, arrive in Bergen in the early afternoon and check in at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights:
Today is at your leisure to further explore Bergen, also known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, situated on the West coast of Norway and surrounded by mountains. We recommend visiting the old Hanseatic part of town, known as Bryggen, where you can step back in time and wander between the old buildings. A highlight of any visit to Bergen is the stunning views from the top of Mt Fløien. You can reach this by taking a journey on the funicular railway – Fløibanen. The local fish market is also a must when visiting Bergen, and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants located in the harbour area.
After breakfast this morning, make your own way to Bergen Airport to catch your flight to Reykjavik. The Flytoget Express train is the most efficient and cost effective way to get to and from the airport. Trains depart from Oslo Central Station approximately every 20 minutes.
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you have an included FlyBus journey from the airport to Reykjavik. The journey will take you through the lunar landscape and moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This evening is yours to explore Reykjavik at your own leisure.
Today is yours to explore the charming city of Reykjavik at your own pace. Wander through the colorful streets, visit local landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall, or relax in one of the city's cozy cafes. For those seeking adventure, two optional tours are available: embark on an exhilarating whale-watching excursion to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, or set out on a magical Northern Lights hunt by boat, chasing the dazzling auroras over the Atlantic. The choice is yours to create your perfect Icelandic experience.
Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure from Reykjavik, where you’ll encounter Iceland’s diverse sea life, including minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins, alongside thriving birdlife. Sail aboard a spacious, family-friendly vessel featuring comfortable interiors, large viewing decks, and onboard amenities like a café and souvenir shop. Expert guides provide fascinating insights into marine life, with interactive displays showcasing whale teeth, bones, and plankton nets, creating an engaging, hands-on experience.
Meeting Point: Special Tour Ticket Office - Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík.
How to get there: Own arrangements
Includes: Guided boat tour, floatable overalls, Wi-Fi
Start Time: 1:00pm
End Time: approx 4:30pm
Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and, in just 15-20 minutes, reach the perfect spot away from city lights for an exceptional Northern Lights experience. During the 2-3 hour tour, guides share fascinating insights into the science behind the auroras, along with stories and myths from around the world. Stay warm in free onboard overall and enjoy the enchanting colors as they dance across the sky. For added comfort, grab a drink at the bar and watch a captivating Northern Lights video, or simply relax indoors while taking in views of the city lights in the distance.
Meeting Point: Special Tour Ticket Office - Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík.
How to get there: Own arrangements
Includes: Guided boat tour, floatable overalls, Wi-Fi
Start Time: 9:00pm
End Time: Approximately 12:00am
This morning, meet your guide and small group and start a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik — a classic introduction to the many sights of Iceland’s wonderful capital city. You will see many of the city's main attractions including the City Hall, the National Museum, Höfði house (site of the 1986 summit), the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and the city’s main landmark, Hallgrímskirkja Church. We’ll also visit the Perlan glass dome, providing 360°view over Reykjavík and the surrounding landscapes.
After leaving the city, we journey back to the Reykjanes Peninsula to visit one of the country's most famous attractions, the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is a unique wonder; a lake with pleasantly warm mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the Lagoon its rich blue colour. Indulge in the included comfort package and take the opportunity to dip in the thermal waters with a silica mud mask.
On the way to the Selfoss region, where we will be staying for the next two days, we will stop at Krísuvík to see the powerful jets of sulphurous steam escaping from deep below the earth’s crust. Small hot springs, mud pots, boiling pools and other types of geothermal activity can also be seen here.
NOTE: Blue Lagoon has been known to close due to unforceen volcanic activity. If this is the case during you tour, alternate arrangements will be made at Sky Lagoon, Kópavogur Iceland.
Today will be a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland’s south coast, a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. You‘ll encounter the wonderful variety of the south: from the wide plains formed by glacial rivers, to the sheer sea cliffs of Dyrhólaey or Reynishverfi, and the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. In clear weather you can spot unforgettable views of the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and, if the conditions are right, even the Westman Islands.
You will visit the The Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur (exhibition and cinema included), dedicated to the unique volcanoes and geology of Iceland. It is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland.
Combining natural and historical wonders, today’s route along the Golden Circle may just be the highlight of your time in Iceland! You’ll experience the popular landmark attractions in one incredible day: the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, the spouting hot springs of Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park, the site of the Viking parliament and over 1,000 years of history. It’s not to be missed!
Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon for an evening at leisure to reflect on your incredible journey across Scandinavia and the Nordics.
Your Nordic winter wonderland journey has now come to an end.
We hope you’ve been inspired!
Flybus departure transfers are included as part of your package to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). To be able to utilise your Flybus departure transfer, your flight must not depart before 06:15am. If your flight departs before 06:15am, you will be required to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the airport and will not be reimbursed for the unused Flybus transfer.
Please note your Flybus transfer is only valid for the last day of the tour. If you choose to make your own arrangements and extend your stay, you will have to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the airport and will not be reimbursed for the unused Flybus transfer.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a Land Only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,150.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Days 1 to 7 - Independent Travel
Days 8 to 11 - Maximum of 16 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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