This extraordinary sixteen-day private driver-guided tour of Norway is designed for travelers who want more than just the famous sights; it’s for those who want to immerse themselves in the deep culture, striking landscapes, and authentic small-town life that define this incredible country.
From Oslo’s cutting-edge architecture and Viking treasures to the stillness of fjords, colorful fishing villages, mountain-top views, and the stark coastal beauty of Lofoten and Tromsø, every day offers a new chapter of discovery.
With your own expert guide, curated private tours, and handpicked boutique stays, this itinerary has been designed to reveal both iconic and hidden Norway in unforgettable depth.
Destinations on Our 16-Day Norway Private Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Oslo
Royal palaces, modern architecture, Viking history, sculpture parks, and urban waterfronts.
Days 4 – 6: Flåm & Aurland Region
UNESCO fjords, historic villages, railway journeys, and artisan crafts.
Days 7 – 10: Bergen
Hanseatic harbor life, mountain vistas, local art, and hidden neighborhoods.
Days 11 – 12: Ålesund & Geiranger Region
Art Nouveau cityscapes, fjord cruising, and iconic mountain viewpoints.
Days 13 – 16: Nordfjord & Loen
Alpine hiking, historic farms, glacier adventures, and fjordside relaxation.
A note about this tour from our Travel Designer, Debbie
This 16-day journey through Norway is one of my favourites because it gives room for both the dramatic moments and the quiet ones. You move from Oslo’s architecture, Viking history and city art into fjords, mountain vistas, fishing villages, glaciers and coastal corners few travellers reach. It is a trip that invites you to open your eyes wide and to slow your pace so you can drink in what makes Norway so powerful.
Oslo is a wonderful start. The way royal palaces, modern buildings, historic forts and waterfronts coexist shows you a Norway of depth. One day you are walking among sculptures, parks and stories, the next you are driving toward fjords where the silence, the green cliffs and bright rivers feel like a different world entirely. Experiencing the UNESCO fjords, riding historic railways, exploring remote farms, and staying in boutique places all make this more than a sightseeing trip.
Some of my favourite moments on this route are in the fjord regions: Flåm & Aurland, Bergen, Ålesund & Geiranger, and then Nordfjord & Loen. The hike toward glaciers, the views from cable cars, the calm of quiet shoreline walks, the taste of fresh local food made by people who have lived here for generations — these are scenes that stay with you the longest.
What I really value about this itinerary is how it balances the iconic with the hidden. You do come away having seen the headline sights yet you also have space to linger where something captures your heart. If you want a trip that fills you with wonder, offers connection and allows you to feel Norway deeply this one is something I would recommend wholeheartedly.
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo – Royal Palaces, Parliament, and Historic Fortresses
Your private journey through Norway begins in its elegant and easygoing capital, Oslo.
After a warm welcome from your private guide, you’ll start with a walk through the tree-lined boulevards surrounding the Royal Palace, home to the Norwegian monarch. Learn about Norway’s unique political system as you pass by the Parliament Building and the National Theatre, two iconic symbols of Oslo’s civic life.
Next, follow your guide down the historic Karl Johans gate, where 19th-century architecture and modern shops blend seamlessly.
On the route, you’ll also be introduced to the Grand Hotel, the site of Nobel Peace Prize celebrations.
In the afternoon, venture toward the waterfront to explore Akershus Fortress.
As you walk along the medieval walls and through cobbled courtyards, your guide will weave together centuries of history—from medieval sieges to German occupation during World War II. End the day inside the striking new National Museum, where you’ll stand before masterpieces like The Scream and discover the best of Norwegian and Nordic art across centuries.
Day 2: Cultural Oslo – Bygdøy Peninsula, Polar Exploration, and Folk Traditions
Discover Norway’s rich history on a private guided tour of Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula, home to some of the country’s most iconic museums.
At the Viking Ship Museum, marvel at 9th-century ships and artifacts that reveal the craftsmanship, beliefs, and bold voyages of the Norse seafarers.
Continue to the Norwegian Folk Museum, where an open-air collection of centuries-old buildings, including a 13th-century stave church, offers a vivid portrait of rural life through the ages. Finish with a stroll through Vigeland Park, where over 200 expressive sculptures trace the human experience in bronze and granite beneath sweeping tree-lined paths.
Day 3: Hidden Corners of Oslo – Grünerløkka, Opera House, and Fjord Islands
Today, we reveal Oslo’s creative and contemporary spirit.
Start with a private exploration of Grünerløkka, the former working-class district that has blossomed into a colorful hub of creativity.
Walk through leafy streets and hidden courtyards as your guide points out vibrant street murals, alternative design shops, and cozy coffeehouses.
Next, head back toward the waterfront to discover the architectural showpieces of the Bjørvika district. Walk across the marble roof of the Oslo Opera House, designed to resemble a glacier sliding into the fjord, and admire its clean, sharp lines.
Your guide will also introduce you to the Barcode Project’s towering, modern skyscrapers and the innovative Deichman Library, both of which are symbols of Oslo’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Day 4: Scenic Drive from Oslo to Aurland – Snow Roads and Fjord Arrival
Leaving the capital behind, set out westward on one of Norway’s most scenic and varied drives.
Your private driver-guide will take you along the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, affectionately known as the “Snow Road.” Even in summer, snow can linger along the mountaintops, creating an otherworldly landscape of rocky plateaus and sparkling meltwater pools.
Along the way, your guide will make several panoramic stops where you can breathe in the cool alpine air and marvel at the untouched wilderness.
Pause at the Stegastein Viewpoint, a daring glass platform suspended 650 meters above Aurlandsfjord. With fjord waters stretching below and steep green cliffs rising all around, it’s one of Norway’s most breathtaking photo opportunities.
Continue your descent through dramatic switchbacks into the village of Aurland, nestled peacefully at the water’s edge. Here, you’ll check into a boutique hotel where rustic Norwegian charm meets modern comfort.
The day ends with leisure time by the fjord—perhaps a gentle stroll along the shoreline or simply relaxing as you watch the sunset colors dance across the water.
Day 5: Fjord Exploration – Nærøyfjord Cruise, Undredal Village, and the Flåmsdalen Valley
Begin your day with a private boat cruise through the dramatic Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest and most spectacular fjords in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As your vessel glides through emerald-green waters, your guide will point out cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff faces, and remote farms clinging improbably to the steep slopes.
Listen to stories of Viking raids, medieval trading routes, and the resilient people who have lived along these waters for centuries.
After the cruise, visit the tiny village of Undredal, a cluster of colorful houses tucked beneath towering cliffs.
This hamlet is famous for its traditional goat cheese, and your guide will introduce you to local producers who still craft it by hand using ancient methods. Enjoy a tasting and hear how this remote community maintains its heritage, centered around its tiny wooden stave church—one of Norway’s smallest.
In the afternoon, experience one of Norway’s great rail journeys aboard the Flåm Railway.
Descend into the Flåmsdalen Valley, where you’ll embark on a leisurely hike along the river. Follow gravel paths past waterfalls, wooden bridges, and ancient farms, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the valley’s sheer walls. It’s a day filled with natural wonder and living history.
Day 6: Fjords & Farms – Otternes Farm, Artisan Glassblowers, and Fjord Adventures
This morning, explore Otternes Farm, a 17th- and 18th-century hill farm beautifully preserved above the Aurlandsfjord.
Walk among the old timber houses with your private guide and hear how generations of farmers lived a self-sufficient life, battling the elements while maintaining traditions that stretch back centuries.
It’s a vivid window into pre-modern rural Norway, set against the breathtaking sweep of the fjord below.
Later, visit a valley artisan studio where master glassblowers continue an ancient craft. Watch molten glass transform into delicate art pieces and hear directly from the artists about how Norway’s natural beauty inspires their creations.
This intimate, behind-the-scenes encounter provides a rare glimpse into the local creative scene.
For your afternoon adventure, choose between a private kayaking excursion or a high-speed RIB safari. If you opt for kayaking, your guide will lead you gently along the fjord’s mirror-like waters, getting close to waterfalls and hidden beaches.
If you prefer a RIB boat safari, enjoy a thrilling ride that explores more remote corners of the fjord system, with stops to learn about local ecology, birdlife, and geology. Either way, you’ll experience the fjord landscape from a breathtaking, water-level perspective.
Day 7: Scenic Drive to Bergen – Via Voss, Hardangerfjord, and Fruit Orchards
Today, journey westward toward Bergen, passing through some of Norway’s most quintessential landscapes.
Your private driver-guide will take you first to Voss, a charming mountain town famed for its outdoor sports culture and stunning alpine setting. Pause to stretch your legs and visit Tvindefossen, a graceful multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by pine forest—a beloved photo stop and a place of local legend.
Continue your drive along the shorelines of the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s “Orchard of the Fjords.” Depending on the season, the hillsides will either be bursting with apple blossoms or laden with ripening fruit.
Stop at a local farm to sample fresh juices, ciders, or jams and learn about the centuries-old fruit-growing traditions that thrive in this mild microclimate.
In the afternoon, cross the sleek Hardanger Bridge, one of Norway’s engineering marvels, and wind your way into Bergen. As you approach, your guide will introduce you to the city’s seafaring history and colorful Hanseatic heritage, setting the stage for the cultural explorations to come.
Day 8: Bergen Icons – Bryggen Wharf, Mount Fløyen, and Fortress History
Start your day with a private walking tour through Bryggen Wharf, the colorful rows of wooden warehouses that line Bergen’s historic harbor.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen was once the thriving center of Hanseatic trade, and your guide will help you uncover its hidden alleyways, crooked passageways, and rich trading history. Discover life in medieval Bergen and the vital connection between Norway and the rest of Europe.
Next, board the funicular railway for a ride up Mount Fløyen, where sweeping views of the city, fjords, and surrounding islands await. Your guide will lead you along gentle mountain trails, offering quiet moments to enjoy nature while sharing stories of trolls, local folklore, and Bergen’s relationship with its dramatic environment.
At the end of day 8, step back in time at Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses. Visit King Håkon’s Hall, a magnificent 13th-century stone hall once used for royal banquets and important ceremonies. Your guide will explain how Bergen once served as Norway’s capital and reveal the political intrigues and maritime battles that shaped the region’s history.
Day 9: Bergen Hidden Gems – Troldhaugen, Fantoft Stave Church, and Seaside Heritage
This morning, venture just outside Bergen to Troldhaugen, the beloved home of composer Edvard Grieg. Set beside a serene lake, this villa was where Grieg composed some of his most famous works.
Your private guide will walk you through the composer’s home, filled with original furnishings, his piano, and stunning views that inspired his music.
Next, visit the striking Fantoft Stave Church. Initially built in the 12th century and later relocated and reconstructed after a fire, Fantoft is a beautiful example of medieval Norwegian wooden architecture. Inside the church, your guide will explain the symbolism of the stave church design—an architectural style blending Viking and Christian motifs—and the history of stave churches across Norway.
As the early evening sets in, get ready to explore some authentic Norway as your guide shows you around the lesser-known Sandviken and Skuteviken districts.
These charming fishing neighborhoods retain a timeless atmosphere, with clusters of white wooden houses perched along the waterfront.
Day 10: Fjord Day Trip – Mostraumen and Hidden Valleys
Today brings an unforgettable adventure into the wilder reaches of Norway’s fjords. Board a private boat for a journey through the narrow Mostraumen Fjord, a place where cliffs plunge dramatically into deep, narrow waters. Along the way, your guide will point out waterfalls cascading from great heights, seabirds nesting on rocky ledges, and remote hamlets that are only accessible by water. The stillness and grandeur of this fjord, less visited than the larger arms, create a truly magical atmosphere.
Midway through your journey, make stops at hidden waterfalls where you can disembark briefly or simply feel the mist on your face from the deck. Your guide will share stories of fjord farm life, isolation, and the changing seasons that dictate life in these remote corners.
After returning to land, enjoy a scenic drive back to Bergen via Osterøy Island, Norway’s largest inland island. Cross soaring bridges and pause at panoramic viewpoints, learning about the traditions and crafts that thrive in this rural landscape before returning to the bustle of Bergen by evening.
Day 11: Scenic Transfer from Bergen to Ålesund – Via Nordfjord and Hidden Valleys
Hidden valleys, glacier lakes, and village life along the way.
Depart Bergen with your driver-guide and begin the journey toward Ålesund. Within two hours, you reach the Hardangerfjord region, where dramatic cliffs plunge into deep fjord waters.
Pause at Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall, a rare cascade you can walk behind, delighting both children and photographers alike.
Continue into the Nordfjord region (2.5 hours further), where emerald meadows meet glacier-fed rivers.
Stop at Hornindalvatnet, Europe’s deepest lake, for a short lakeside walk and stories of the fjord farmers who settled here. It’s still surface often reflects the surrounding peaks like a giant mirror.
Dinner and an overnight stay in the Nordfjord area offer a restful pause before tomorrow’s final leg to Ålesund.
Day 12: Arrival in Ålesund via Geiranger Region
This morning, set off toward Ålesund (approx. 3 hours driving, broken with stops). A highlight is the Geiranger region, one of Norway’s most celebrated fjords. Stop at Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint, where sweeping panoramas showcase sheer cliffs, deep blue waters, and cascading waterfalls. It’s an unforgettable family photo stop.
Arriving in Ålesund by midday, join your guide for a walking tour of the town’s whimsical Art Nouveau architecture. Learn how the 1904 fire gave rise to its colorful facades and rounded turrets, making the city a living design museum.
In the afternoon, head to Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium, where seals, otters, and touch pools bring Norway’s marine world to life.
Afterwards, end the day atop Fjellstua Viewpoint, reached by car or a gentle climb, to admire panoramic views over Ålesund’s rooftops, islands, and the Sunnmøre Alps at sunset.
Day 13: Geirangerfjord Wonders – Eagle Road, Fjord Cruise, and Dramatic Viewpoints
Today marks a highlight of your Norwegian adventure as you explore one of the world’s most iconic fjord landscapes.
Start the morning with a private drive up the famous Ørnesvingen, or Eagle Road, a feat of engineering that offers jaw-dropping views over the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. Your driver-guide will pause at strategic points, allowing you to take in the serpentine bends and capture panoramic photographs of the winding waterways below.
Continue with a private boat cruise on the Geirangerfjord itself, allowing you to appreciate the scale and majesty of this natural wonder fully. Glide beneath towering waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Suitor while your guide shares the legends and folklore tied to these cascading streams.
You’ll also pass tiny, abandoned cliffside farms that once sustained hardy Norwegian families, learning about the tenacity it took to live along these vertiginous fjord walls.
Round out the day with a visit to Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint and the Knuten mountain road loop, where sweeping views and dramatic landscapes offer a fitting end to a day immersed in fjord beauty. Your guide will explain how glaciers carved this unique terrain and how local communities have preserved its fragile environment for generations.
Day 14: Trollstigen & Hidden Valleys – Mountain Roads, Gorges, and Strawberry Fields
After breakfast, set out for one of Norway’s most exhilarating drives: Trollstigen, or the “Troll’s Ladder.”
With your private driver-guide, navigate the dramatic road of 11 hairpin bends that snake its way up the steep mountainside. At carefully chosen viewpoints, step out to feel the mist from distant waterfalls and admire the dramatic cliffs towering above the lush valley floor.
Your journey continues with a visit to Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge, a dramatic, narrow ravine where roaring waters slice through solid rock.
Pause at the architecturally stunning Juvet Landscape Hotel, whose glass-fronted cabins seem to float amid the wilderness. Your guide will explain the unique design ethos behind this remarkable project, which seamlessly blends architecture and untouched nature in perfect harmony.
In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful stop in Valldal, a picturesque valley famed for its sweet strawberries and gentle river landscape. Depending on the season, you might sample fresh berries straight from the fields or learn about traditional farming practices that have shaped life in these fertile valleys for centuries.
Day 15: Loen & Nordfjord Nature – Skylift Adventures, Glaciers, and Fjord Life
Nordfjord’s dramatic landscapes unfold today, offering a mix of high-altitude adventure and serene fjordside moments.
Ride the Loen Skylift—one of the world’s steepest cable cars—as it ascends nearly a kilometer from the fjord to the summit of Mount Hoven. At the top, set off across a mountain plateau on foot with your private guide, where sweeping views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and distant peaks stretch in every direction.
From there, continue deeper into the ice-carved valleys to explore either Kjenndalen or Briksdal Glacier, both striking offshoots of the vast Jostedalsbreen ice field. A short, scenic hike brings you face-to-face with walls of ancient blue ice while your guide offers insight into the geological forces and climate realities that shape these frozen giants.
Balance the grandeur with a slower pace along the fjord’s edge. Whether paddling through still waters on a guided kayak tour or wandering quiet shoreline paths, there’s space here to breathe, reflect, and fully absorb Nordfjord’s powerful tranquility.
Day 16: Departure from Ålesund
Farewell to Norway’s fjords and mountains.
Today, we bid farewell to the spectacular landscapes of western Norway as your private driver transfers you to Ålesund Airport for your onward flight.
From the glittering fjords to the hidden valleys, from colorful coastal towns to soaring alpine peaks, your 16-day journey has woven together the very best of Norway’s natural and cultural wonders.
