Best of the Norwegian Fjords - 9 days

Welcome to Oslo. Make your own way from the airport to your hotel in the city, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

You have another full day to relax in the hotel or explore Oslo at your own pace. This is one of Europe's most scenic capitals, surrounded by green forests and the stunning Oslofjord. Highlights of the city include the main Karl Johan street, the sculptures of Frogner Park and the imposing Arkehus Fortress. How you spend the day is up to you!

Oslo - Myrdal - Flam - Balestrand. Leaving Oslo, you take the train through picturesque countryside to Myrdal, where you climb aboard the famous Flamsbana train to take you up into the fjord region. The scenery is sure to impress you as the train winds between mountains and glacier blue fjords.

In Flam, you'll board a ship to cross the shimmering waters of the Sognefjord, arriving in Balestrand, where you'll be spending the night. If there's time, consider a visit to St Olaf's Church, said to have inspired the setting for Elsa's coronation in the Disney film, "Frozen."

Balestrand - Bergen. You've got time this morning to further explore Balestrand, a quiet town spared the huge cruise ships that bear down on some of Norway's larger fjords. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, or you can wander along the shore of the Sognefjord.

Later, make the 4-hour journey by boat across the Sognefjord to Bergen, one of Norway's most popular destinations.

Take advantage of a full free day in Bergen to explore the old port and UNESCO-listed Bryggen, which you will surely recognize as it's one of the most photographed areas in Europe. You could also ride the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen to admire the view of the city and the Sognefjord.

Bergen - Geiranger. You have another relaxing day at leisure in Bergen until this evening, when you board the famous Coastal Express, a ship service that has served Norway's western coast every single day since 1893, promising dramatic coastal scenery and plenty more fjord action! You'll spend the night onboard, cruising along the coast.

The boat pulls into the Geirangerfjord this morning, passing the stunning Seven Sisters waterfalls and the Veil of the Bride. you can also admire the small settlements and abandoned farmhouses scattered along the fjord in this UNESCO-listed area.

You'll disembark in Geiranger in the early afternoon, and have the rest of the day to relax in the town. Perhaps consider heading to the top of Mount Dasnibba to admire the fjord from above.

Geiranger - Alesund. After a free morning in Geiranger, climb back aboard the Coastal Express and continue your journey up the Geirangerfjord to Alesund, best known for its Art Nouveau architecture, painstakingly rebuilt after a fire gutted the town in 1904.

Your tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast and check out from the hotel in Alesund. Safe travels!