From the captivating history and culture of Norway to the natural wonders of Svalbard
Itinerary highlights
- Visit the Guddal Art Gallery and Kabuso Art Centre
- Explore Tromso's Polar museum and Polaria, the world's most northerly aquarium
- Enjoy an evening cruise in the arctic wilds with an expedition dinner
- Enjoy a two-night cruise of the Svalbard Island's
- Explore Norway's capital with an Oslo city tour
What's included
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- All internal flights
- Private transfers
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
- Private tours and experiences focused around Norway's history and culture
- Our help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Expert guides in each destination
At a glance
This tour offers the best of both an arctic cruising experience as well as the highlights on offer on the land, ensuring you truly get the most out of your visits.
You’ll start your exploration on land, specifically in Bergen, where you’ll dive head first into the history of Norway with a visit to the Rosendal Barony which stands over 360 years old. Next you’ll get stuck into the country’s culture with a visit to the Guddal Art Gallery and the Kabuso Art Centre which covers everything from Norwegian national romanticism to international contemporary art.
Flying over to Tromso, you’ll continue this cultural vein with a visit to its Polar museum and aquarium.
Next you’ll fly over to the Svalbard Islands where your land journey ends and your sea adventure begins, starting with an introduction to the Arctic wilds via an evening cruise followed by an expedition dinner.
The following day you’ll explore these wilds more intensively and focus on spotting the incredible wildlife found here, such as seals, whales and polar bears, with a two-day, overnight private cruise.
The capital city of Norway then beckons, and here you’ll enjoy a private city tour of Oslo where you’ll learn all about its viking history at the Viking Ship Museum and visit the impressive Holmenkollen ski jump hill, as well as the Vigeland Sculpture Park which boasts more than 200 sculptures.
You will then fly home, filled with incredible memories of this arctic adventure.
Example trip itinerary
Bergen
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Accommodation in Bergen
Norwegian Fjords
Overview
Located on the shores of Bjørnefjorden and just 30km from downtown Bergen is Solstrand Hotel, a quaint hotel with panoramic views of the mountains and fjords.
The Swiss-style hotel has been welcoming people to the fjordlands since 1896 and it is the perfect place from which to explore this beautiful part of Norway. The hotel features 135 rooms, the majority of which offer views of the fjord. High ceilings and Norwegian woodwork give a feeling of tradition, while offering all the facilities you would expect from a luxury hotel.
Enjoy local fish and seafood in the restaurant that overlooks the fjord, then relax in the spa which features a sauna, indoor pool and fitness room. The design of the spa itself is very Nordic with birch wood, soapstone, marble and shale. There is also a heated outdoor pool and 124 acres of gardens in which to relax.
→ Find out moreToday you will explore Bergen, Norway's UNESCO gateway city to the fjords. Filled with history and tradition, this big city enjoys a small-town charm and is easily explored on foot. Stroll around the fairy-tale-like old cobbled streets and small wooden houses and discover the well-known, old Hanseatic wharf with its unique architecture.
Bryggen, recognised as the old wharf of Bergen, defined by a line of colourful heritage buildings, the architectural character here saw this area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. A stop at the city's fish market for a little bit of local hustle and bustle in a picturesque setting will also be part of the tour, as will a trip up the funicular to Mount Floyen for remarkable views back across Bergen.
The history of Rosendal dates back to the 1650s when the nobleman Ludvig Holgersen Rosenkrantz (1628-1685) came to Bergen as Commissioner of War for the Danish king, Fredrik III. At a ball at the fortress of Bergenhus, he met Karen Axelsdatter Mowat (1630-1675), sole heiress to the largest fortune of the country at the time. Her father was a great landowner and had more than 550 farms all over the western part of Norway. Ludvig and Karen married in 1658, and were given the farm of Hatteberg in Rosendal as a wedding present and shortly after, Rosenkrantz started building his own manor. In 1678 King Christian V of Denmark gave the estate the status of the barony – the only one of its kind in Norway. There were more than 500 farms in its domain and an expansive renaissance garden was laid out. The families of Rosendal were important and influential and Norwegian celebrities such as Henrik Ibsen, Hans Gude, Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull were regular exclusive guests of the Barony.
Today the farm has a total area of approximately 1200 hectares, including 200 hectares of farmland and 1000 hectares forest. The residence consists of three two-story wings together built around a square courtyard. The building is now a museum. The garden of the Barony is often referred to as the most magnificent Victorian garden in Norway and around 2000 roses in bloom can be seen from June to November.
The Guddal Galllery, which dates back to 1993, is located at the very charming farm at Guddalstunet just outside then Rosendal centre. It houses exhibitions of the best Norwegian contemporary art and has a section devoted to graphic art, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and booksdedicated to around 70 different Norwegian artists. This section is kept updated with the latest work of each artist.
The Kabuso Art Centre alongside the Ingebrigt Vik museum, showcases temporary art exhibitions right in the heart of Hardanger. The exhibitions cover everything from Norwegian national romanticism to international contemporary art. Kabuso also has a wonderful chamber music hall with outstanding acoustics and concerts and other shows are put on throughout the year. A beautiful park connects Kabuso with the Ingebrigt Vik Museum - the sculpture collection of the artist Vik. Vik (1867-1927) is considered one of Norway's foremost sculptors and the art centre is celebrating his 150-year anniversary.
Transfer
Private transfer to the airport
Flight
Flight from Bergen to Tromso
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Tromso
Accommodation in Tromso
Tromso
Overview
Perfectly placed along the waterside, Scandic Ishavshotel enjoys a fantastic setting just two minutes from the city’s shops and restaurants and is surrounded by beautiful mountain and Straits of Tromso views.
Soak up these vistas from your room – or balcony if you opt for a suite. Modern facilities are strewn throughout the property, from well appointed rooms to heated bathroom floors to excellent restaurants. Breakfast is an utter feast here, while traditional Norwegian specialties provide tasty meals during the rest of the day.
If you’re after a glimpse of the Northern Lights, ask reception for an Aurora wake-up call to ensure you don’t miss a second of the magical sight.
→ Find out moreThis morning head into Tromso to acquaint yourself with the vibrant city and visit some of its best museums. During the tour you will see the Polar museum and Polaria, the world's most northerly aquarium.
Transfer
Private transfer to the airport
Flight
Flight from Tromso to Svalbard Airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
The Svalbard Islands
In the evening, from around 6 to 11pm, sail out into the arctic wilds on an expedition boat. The focus will be on finding wildlife and seeing spectacular glaciers under the midnight sun, with a chance of spotting maybe seals, whales, polar bears and thousand of birds. En route there will be a warming expedition dinner at a scenic place.
Transfer
Private transfer to Svalbard Harbour
Transfer to Adventfjorden port where you will board your boat, the TARGA 42/44. Your private expedition will focus on finding wildlife (seals, whales, polar bears and thousand of birds) and marvelling at the breathtaking scenery, which is best experienced from the boat's fly bridge.
Ny-Alesund, which is the northernmost settlement in the world, is today a scientific town where all major Arctic nationalities are present. Walk through the town and enjoy hearing stories and facts from your guide as you learn about the history of this exciting and historically important town. If you would like, there is the possibility of visiting the northernmost shop, post office and telegraph station in the world.
After visiting the town you will sail towards the Krossfjorden where you'll spend the night after a historical landing in Signehamna. Lunch and dinner are included on board. Overnight in a double cabin.
Start the day just beneath a bird cliff where you'll experience both the wildlife and the exciting geology that surrounds you. Your expedition will continue southwards and on your way back to civilization, visit Alkefjellet - the mountain of Auks - and the remains from both the Russian and the Dutch whaling period in Trygghamna. You will then head back to Longyearbyen.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
This evening enjoy a delicious dinner on your final night in Svalbard.
Transfer
Private transfer to Longyearbyen Airport
Flight
Flight from Svalbard Airport to Tromso
Flight
Flight from Tromso to Oslo
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Oslo
Accommodation in Oslo
Oslo
Overview
With enough avant-garde design to make the most discerning art collector turn green, impressive views steal your attention every way you turn at The Thief. From inspiring contemporary art gracing guestrooms to Julian Opie animations playing in the elevators and an Andy Warhol piece sitting in the restaurant – and not forgetting those fjord panoramas – this is Oslo’s exciting, cutting-edge design hotel.
Facing the water’s edge in the Tjuvholmen district, now deemed a hotspot for innovative design, with the Astrup Fearnely Museum of Modern Art next door and superb restaurants scattered among pedestrianised streets and squares, this boutique bolt-hole fits perfectly into its creative environment.
Closely tied to its Norwegian setting, The Thief is adorned with local designers’ furniture while the restaurant’s seasonal menu is peppered with regional accents. Drinks and views then come hand in hand up at the gorgeous roof terrace, though each room and suite also offers private vistas from floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies.
Scenery isn’t the only thing your room provides either. Infused with gadgets, carefully chosen artwork and luxuries including rainforest showers, bespoke woollen blankets, slippers and bathrobes, the accommodation here is superb.
→ Find out moreOslo
Overview
Hotel Continental Oslo’s location is as central as it gets, directly across from the National Theatre, and a stone’s throw from the parliamentary building and royal palace.
A beacon of luxury since its opening in 1900, the hotel is the country’s only five-star hotel, with 155 individually designed rooms and suites.
Guests can enjoy fine dining at Restaurant Eik Annen Etage while the historic Theatercaféen has been the Oslo’s most popular dining and meeting place for over 100 years. Drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the maritime-style Steamen Café, or at the popular Dagligstuen bar which homes a privately owned collection of graphic works by Edvard Munch.
→ Find out moreOslo
Overview
First opening its doors in 1874, the Grand Hotel is steeped in classic history and regarded as the original landmark hotel of Oslo. Sitting on the city’s main street, Karl Johans Gate, the Grand strikes a palatial pose with its timeless elegant design.
While the city lies at your doorstep, you can relax in utter luxury within. Traditional and modern indulgences come together to create a first-class service, from handsomely furnished rooms and suites to a complete spa experience and numerous dining choices.
Tuck into delicious meals and afternoon tea at the Grand Cafe and Palmen Restaurant, before taking in the cityscape from the top floor bar and rooftop terrace.
→ Find out moreThis privately guided tour of Norway's capital will be structured with your interests in mind. Your local guide will introduce you to some of the city's most important and interesting sites. You could take a tour of the Viking Ship Museum and learn all about the Scandinavians who explored Europe by its seas and rivers. Stop in at the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum, the country's largest museum of cultural history, where there are a variety of exhibitions of folk art, costumes, toys and Sami culture. Or spend some time in the Vigeland Sculpture Park which boasts more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron, all crafted by Gustav Vigeland. You can also take a turn past Holmenkollen ski jump hill and the Ski Museum below it. The museum's exhibitions outline 4000 years of ski history.
Transfer
Private transfer to Oslo airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Get in touch
The Highlights of Norway and Svalbard by Sea
How we work
This tour offers the best of both an arctic cruising experience as well as the highlights on offer on the land, ensuring you truly get the most out of your visits. You’ll start your exploration on land, specifically in Bergen, where you’ll dive head first into the history of Norway with a visit to the Rosendal Barony which stands over 360 years old. Next you’ll get stuck into the country’s culture with a visit to the Guddal Art Gallery and the Kabuso Art Centre which covers everything from Norwegian national romanticism to international contemporary art. Flying over to Tromso, you’ll continue this cultural vein with a visit to its Polar museum and aquarium. Next you’ll fly over to the Svalbard Islands where your land journey ends and your sea adventure begins, starting with an introduction to the Arctic wilds via an evening cruise followed by an expedition dinner. The following day you’ll explore these wilds more intensively and focus on spotting the incredible wildlife found here, such as seals, whales and polar bears, with a two-day, overnight private cruise. The capital city of Norway then beckons, and here you’ll enjoy a private city tour of Oslo where you’ll learn all about its viking history at the Viking Ship Museum and visit the impressive Holmenkollen ski jump hill, as well as the Vigeland Sculpture Park which boasts more than 200 sculptures. You will then fly home, filled with incredible memories of this arctic adventure. | Whats included?
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Days 1 - 4 |
Bergen |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel |
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Accommodation in Bergen
•
Solstrand Hotel - $$$$$
Located on the shores of Bjørnefjorden and just 30km from downtown Bergen is Solstrand Hotel,...
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|
Bergen city tour Today you will explore Bergen, Norway's UNESCO gateway city to the fjords. Filled with history and tradition, this big city enjoys a small-town charm and is easily explored on foot. Stroll around the fairy-tale-like old cobbled streets and small wooden houses and discover the well-known, old Hanseatic wharf with its unique architecture. Bryggen, recognised as the old wharf of Bergen, defined by a line of colourful heritage buildings, the architectural character here saw this area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. A stop at the city's fish market for a little bit of local hustle and bustle in a picturesque setting will also be part of the tour, as will a trip up the funicular to Mount Floyen for remarkable views back across Bergen. |
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Rosendal Barony The history of Rosendal dates back to the 1650s when the nobleman Ludvig Holgersen Rosenkrantz (1628-1685) came to Bergen as Commissioner of War for the Danish king, Fredrik III. At a ball at the fortress of Bergenhus, he met Karen Axelsdatter Mowat (1630-1675), sole heiress to the largest fortune of the country at the time. Her father was a great landowner and had more than 550 farms all over the western part of Norway. Ludvig and Karen married in 1658, and were given the farm of Hatteberg in Rosendal as a wedding present and shortly after, Rosenkrantz started building his own manor. In 1678 King Christian V of Denmark gave the estate the status of the barony – the only one of its kind in Norway. There were more than 500 farms in its domain and an expansive renaissance garden was laid out. The families of Rosendal were important and influential and Norwegian celebrities such as Henrik Ibsen, Hans Gude, Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull were regular exclusive guests of the Barony. Today the farm has a total area of approximately 1200 hectares, including 200 hectares of farmland and 1000 hectares forest. The residence consists of three two-story wings together built around a square courtyard. The building is now a museum. The garden of the Barony is often referred to as the most magnificent Victorian garden in Norway and around 2000 roses in bloom can be seen from June to November. |
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Guddal Art Gallery The Guddal Galllery, which dates back to 1993, is located at the very charming farm at Guddalstunet just outside then Rosendal centre. It houses exhibitions of the best Norwegian contemporary art and has a section devoted to graphic art, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and booksdedicated to around 70 different Norwegian artists. This section is kept updated with the latest work of each artist. |
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Kabuso Art Centre The Kabuso Art Centre alongside the Ingebrigt Vik museum, showcases temporary art exhibitions right in the heart of Hardanger. The exhibitions cover everything from Norwegian national romanticism to international contemporary art. Kabuso also has a wonderful chamber music hall with outstanding acoustics and concerts and other shows are put on throughout the year. A beautiful park connects Kabuso with the Ingebrigt Vik Museum - the sculpture collection of the artist Vik. Vik (1867-1927) is considered one of Norway's foremost sculptors and the art centre is celebrating his 150-year anniversary. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to the airport |
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Flight from Bergen to Tromso | |
Private transfer to your hotel | |
Day 4 - 6 |
Tromso |
Accommodation in Tromso
•
Ishavs Hotel - $$$$$
Perfectly placed along the waterside, Scandic Ishavshotel enjoys a fantastic setting just two...
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Half day exploring Tromso and its museums This morning head into Tromso to acquaint yourself with the vibrant city and visit some of its best museums. During the tour you will see the Polar museum and Polaria, the world's most northerly aquarium. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to the airport |
|
Flight from Tromso to Svalbard Airport | |
Private transfer to your hotel | |
Days 6 - 10 |
The Svalbard Islands |
Evening Cruise and Expedition Dinner In the evening, from around 6 to 11pm, sail out into the arctic wilds on an expedition boat. The focus will be on finding wildlife and seeing spectacular glaciers under the midnight sun, with a chance of spotting maybe seals, whales, polar bears and thousand of birds. En route there will be a warming expedition dinner at a scenic place. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Svalbard Harbour |
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Svalbard Island Cruise - Day One Transfer to Adventfjorden port where you will board your boat, the TARGA 42/44. Your private expedition will focus on finding wildlife (seals, whales, polar bears and thousand of birds) and marvelling at the breathtaking scenery, which is best experienced from the boat's fly bridge. Ny-Alesund, which is the northernmost settlement in the world, is today a scientific town where all major Arctic nationalities are present. Walk through the town and enjoy hearing stories and facts from your guide as you learn about the history of this exciting and historically important town. If you would like, there is the possibility of visiting the northernmost shop, post office and telegraph station in the world. After visiting the town you will sail towards the Krossfjorden where you'll spend the night after a historical landing in Signehamna. Lunch and dinner are included on board. Overnight in a double cabin. |
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Svalbard Island Cruise - Day Two Start the day just beneath a bird cliff where you'll experience both the wildlife and the exciting geology that surrounds you. Your expedition will continue southwards and on your way back to civilization, visit Alkefjellet - the mountain of Auks - and the remains from both the Russian and the Dutch whaling period in Trygghamna. You will then head back to Longyearbyen. |
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Private transfer to your hotel | |
Farewell dinner on the Svalbard Islands This evening enjoy a delicious dinner on your final night in Svalbard. |
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Private transfer to Longyearbyen Airport | |
Flight from Svalbard Airport to Tromso | |
Flight from Tromso to Oslo | |
Private transfer to your hotel | |
Days 10 - 12 |
Oslo |
Accommodation in Oslo
•
The Thief - $$$$$
With enough avant-garde design to make the most discerning art collector turn green,...
•
Hotel Continental Oslo - $$$$$
Hotel Continental Oslo’s location is as central as it gets, directly across from the...
•
Grand Hotel - $$$$$
First opening its doors in 1874, the Grand Hotel is steeped in classic history and regarded as...
|
|
Oslo city tour This privately guided tour of Norway's capital will be structured with your interests in mind. Your local guide will introduce you to some of the city's most important and interesting sites. You could take a tour of the Viking Ship Museum and learn all about the Scandinavians who explored Europe by its seas and rivers. Stop in at the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum, the country's largest museum of cultural history, where there are a variety of exhibitions of folk art, costumes, toys and Sami culture. Or spend some time in the Vigeland Sculpture Park which boasts more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron, all crafted by Gustav Vigeland. You can also take a turn past Holmenkollen ski jump hill and the Ski Museum below it. The museum's exhibitions outline 4000 years of ski history. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Oslo airport |