New Year in the Fjords

Your Borton Overseas host will meet the group at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, for an evening flight departure. Borton Overseas can assist with departure arrangements from other US locations – please inquire!

Welcome to Norway! Arrive midday at Bergen Flesland Airport. After baggage collection, the group will transfer by coach into Bergen. We will drop off our luggage at the hotel and then depart on a guided walking food tour. Your guide will focus on local produce, food traditions, and Bergen’s interesting history, culture, and people. Along the way, we will visit the UNESCO Heritage listed Bryggen and the famous fish market, tasting a selection of traditional foods. Enjoy the remainder of the day free to relax or explore independently. Overnight at Home Hotel Bryggen, Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will depart by coach for Troldhaugen, home of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Greig. We will have a guided tour of his home, which now operates as a museum. We will then continue to Fantoft Stave Church for a photo stop before returning to Bergen. The remainder of your day is free for independent sightseeing. Overnight at Home Hotel Bryggen, Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning coach transfer from our hotel to Bergen Train Station. We will journey by train across the beautiful countryside to the small mountain station of Myrdal. This is the starting point of one of the most famous railways, the Flåmsbana, or Flåm Railway. Descend into the mountainside with stops at scenic overlooks and breathtaking waterfalls. Arrive in the small village of Flåm. After dropping our luggage off at the hotel and a break for lunch, our group will join a bus tour to Stegastein Lookout, one of the most visited scenic overlooks in all of Norway. Experience panoramic views from 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord! This evening, we will dine on a feast fit for a Viking. This 5-course dinner pairs local food with beers to complement each course. Overnight at Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we will depart on a fjord cruise of the Aurland- and Nærøyfjords, smaller arms of the larger Sognefjord. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is known as one of the most beautiful areas in the world. On arrival in the town of Gudvangen, we will return to Flåm by shuttle in the early afternoon.
Tonight, we will enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet and aperitif at our hotel. Following dinner, we will board an exclusive New Year’s Eve cruise. This is a unique opportunity to sail into the New Year on the beautiful UNESCO fjord. View a midnight fireworks show from the deck or inside viewing areas with a celebratory drink to toast to the year to come! Overnight at Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free to enjoy the village shops, relax and enjoy the beautiful views from our hotel, or participate in an optional activity.

• Guided Snowshoe Hike: Depart Flåm by minibus to Stegastein Viewpoint where you will be fitted with snowshoes and given basic instruction. Your local guide will explain about life on the mountain farms, the dramatic nature, winter by the fjords, and the culture in the area. At the turning point, you will be served hot beverages and have time to take in the quiet and pristine surroundings before returning to Stegastein and departing back to Flåm by minibus. Price $127 per person / Duration 2.5 hours
• Visit Viking Valley: Travel by shuttle to the nearby village of Gudvangen, home of the Viking Valley Njardarheimr. Here you can experience the authentic life the Vikings used to live 1,000 years ago on a guided tour of the village. These are not actors in costumes, but “real” Vikings of all ages, who adopt the Viking Age as a lifestyle. Price $76 per person / Duration: Varies, shuttles run throughout the day and will be booked per your request. 30-minute guided tours offered at 10:55am, 11:45am, 12:15pm, and 1:00pm)
• Fjord Sauna: Relax and take in the stunning fjord views from a floating sauna paired with a dip in the fjord for those feeling like embracing the true Nordic experience! Price from $67 per person (shared) / Duration: 1.5 hour session, can be booked as a shared or private experience, limited availability

Overnight at Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart mid-morning by coach for Bergen, where you will have free time to take in any final sites or shopping opportunities. Tonight, the group will ride the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen and gather for a final farewell dinner at Fløirestauranten, an evening filled with delicious food and cherished memories. Overnight at Home Hotel Bryggen, Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight departure from Bergen, arriving back in Minneapolis/St. Paul in the afternoon – or extend your stay in Scandinavia!