Norway

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Norway?

Norway offers the kind of scenery that makes people question why they spent so many holidays somewhere else. The fjords - Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord - are among the most dramatic natural landscapes on earth: steep walls of rock descending into deep, still water, with waterfalls threading down the cliffs. The Northern Lights, visible from northern Norway in winter, are one of the natural phenomena that reliably lives up to expectations. And the coastal route of the Hurtigruten, the famous Norwegian coastal voyage, shows you a country that most visitors never see.

All of this is most efficiently and comfortably experienced on a guided tour. Norway is an expensive country, transport requires planning, and the logistics of reaching the fjords from Bergen or Ålesund without local knowledge involves real effort. Our escorted itineraries handle all of this, delivering the best of Norway - the fjords, the Norwegian Scenic Routes, the cultural stops in Bergen and Oslo - in a coherent and well-paced journey.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Norway Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants available in Oslo and Bergen
• Vegetarian options available throughout and confirmed in advance
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181 for details

Best Time to Visit Norway

May and June are excellent for fjord touring: long daylight hours (approaching the midnight sun in the far north), the waterfalls at their most powerful from snowmelt and wildflowers across the valley floors. Very good value compared to July.

July and August are the peak months. Warmest temperatures, all ferry and boat services running, and the coastal scenery at its most accessible. Book well ahead.

September is the tail end of the fjord season, with early autumn colours adding to the landscape and noticeably fewer crowds. A good month for experienced travellers.

November to February is Northern Lights season. The best conditions are in Tromsø and the far north, with dark skies and the aurora visible on clear nights. Our winter itineraries are built around maximising the chances of a sighting.

Popular Destinations Within Norway

Bergen - the gateway to the fjords and a beautiful city in its own right. The Bryggen wharf (UNESCO listed), the Fløibanen funicular, the fish market and the well-preserved wooden buildings of the old town.

Geirangerfjord - a UNESCO World Heritage fjord, narrower and more dramatic than most. The Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil waterfalls are among the most photographed features in Norway.

Flåm and the Flåm Railway - the railway descends 866 metres from the mountain plateau to the fjordside village of Flåm, passing waterfalls and through tunnels carved into the rock. One of the great scenic train journeys in Europe.

Tromsø - the capital of the Arctic, 350km north of the Arctic Circle. Gateway to Northern Lights tours, dog sledding and the extraordinary Sámi culture of the far north.

Oslo - the capital, with the Viking Ship Museum, the National Museum (home to Munch's The Scream), the Bygdøy peninsula and the compact, walkable city centre.

The Norwegian Scenic Routes - a series of designated driving routes across the country, each with architectural viewpoints and extraordinary landscape. Our coaches use several of these on longer itineraries.

Practical Information

• Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK). Norway does not use the Euro.
• Language: Norwegian; English spoken virtually universally across the country
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type F plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Norway holidays are fully protected