Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometres from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm – pronounced Flôm – offers you an experience of authentic Norway. You can mosey around the brightly coloured streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 20 kilometres long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Geirangerfjord is part of the West Norwegian Fjords. Located in the south-west of Norway, to the north-east of Bergen, the fjord stretches from Stavanger in the south to Andalsnes, 500 km north-east. It is one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world and considered to be one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. You will admire the exceptional natural beauty of its narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls, rising to a height of 1,400 m and extending 500 m below sea level. Numerous waterfalls are part of the great variety of natural terrestrial and marine phenomena to be found at this site.

To the east of Vågsøy island, at the mouth of the emblematic Nordfjorden, Måløy shelters one of the most important fishing ports in the Sogn og Fjojrdane province. Surrounded by raw and preserved nature, where granite peaks covered with a green coat and idyllic sandy beaches blend in harmony, the port will charm you with its pretty little streets and the many lighthouses that border it. Vågsøy island is also famous for its mythical Kannesteinen Rock. This natural masterpiece is sculpted by the currents of the Norwegian Sea; its whale-tail-shaped silhouette is the result of thousands of years of erosion.

In the heart of Norway’s natural scenery, to the southeast of Bergen, you will sail the peaceful waters of the Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in Norway. At the wide mouth of this majestic fjord, gently sloping valleys offer the sight of lush meadows and fruit trees galore. Moreover, it is rightly nicknamed the “fruit orchard of Norway". As you continue sailing and move further inland, the fjord narrows and the rolling surroundings make way for vertiginous walls and high mountainous areas. Enhanced by the reflections of the light on the soft waters, at times clear, at times deep, the landscapes become wilder and reveal an uncut diamond of singular beauty.

Eidfjord is nestled in one of the last branches of the beautiful Hardanger Fjord, 'the Norwegian orchard', which has been famous for its fruit production since medieval times. All the forces of nature seem to come together in this ancient glacial valley. Imposing and majestic mountains border the Hardangervidda National Park, the largest high-altitude plateau in Europe. The serene waters of the fjord and Lake Eidfjord are matched by the roar of the Voring Falls, one of Europe's highest waterfalls and Norway's main source of hydroelectric power.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.

You will sail into the heart of one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords, its marvellous décor dominated by pristine nature, between vertiginous granite cliffs, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant vegetation. Very close to Stavanger, the quiet waters of Lysefjorden stretch out over around forty kilometres, beneath impressive rocks. Admire the world-famous site of Preikestolen(Pulpit Rock), a majestic cliff in the shape of a pulpit that rises to more than 600 metres above the waters. A bit further on, Flørli, from the top of its 4,444 steps, is the world’s longest wooden stairway, whereas the Kjerag, with its mythical boulder wedged between two rock faces, provides an unusual and unforgettable spectacle.

Nicknamed "Sommerbyen" ("Summer City"), Norway's fifth-largest city has 78,000 inhabitants. Norwegians come here for its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful harbor. Kristiansand has also become known internationally for the outdoor Quart Festival, which hosts local and international rock bands every July. According to legend, in 1641 King Christian IV marked the four corners of Kristiansand with his walking stick, and within that framework the grid of wide streets was laid down. The center of town, called the Kvadraturen, still retains the grid, even after numerous fires. In the northeast corner is Posebyen, one of northern Europe's largest collections of low, connected wooden house settlements, and there's a market here every Saturday in summer. Kristiansand's Fisketorvet (fish market) is near the south corner of the town's grid, right on the sea.

Nestling on the shores of the Glomma estuary, Fredrikstad captivates with its rich historical heritage, picturesque canals and warm atmosphere. Founded in 1567, the fortified old town still has traces of its rich past. Fall under the spell of its cobbled narrow streets, edged with traditional old wooden buildings, boutiques and lively cafes, and also discover the extremely well-preserved ramparts, built almost 5 centuries ago. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the magnificent hiking paths along the Oslo fjord and surrounding islands, such as Hankø, with its idyllic beaches and lush plains.