8 Day Classic Norway
From
$2189
Land Only
$3109*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| Thursday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scandic Solli | Oslo | |
| Clarion Collection Hotel Hammer | Lillehammer | |
| Scandic Lillehammer Hotel | Lillehammer | |
| Quality Hotel Sogndal | Sogndal | |
| Clarion Hotel Bergen | Bergen | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
Book by Dec 14, 2023 & Save!
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $500 | ||||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
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Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
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| $2299 | $2699 | $3349* | $3749* | |||||
| $2289 | $2689 | $4249* | $4649* | |||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2349 | $2749 | $4309* | $4709* | ||||
| $2289 | $2689 | $4039* | $4439* | |||||
| $2199 | $2599 | $4059* | $4459* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $4259* | $4659* | |||||
| $2189 | $2589 | $4149* | $4549* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $4129* | $4529* | |||||
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$2299 | $2699 | $3849* | $4249* | ||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3779* | $4179* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3089* | $3489* | |||||
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$2299 | $2699 | $3169* | $3569* | ||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3139* | $3539* | |||||
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$2299 | $2699 | $3229* | $3629* | ||||
| $2399 | $2799 | $3259* | $3659* | |||||
| $2399 | $2799 | $3339* | $3739* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3239* | $3639* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3109* | $3509* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Arrival transfer is only included with arrival into Gardermoen Airport (OSL).
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Oslo, Bergen-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 6 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Oslo
- 1 night Lillehammer
- 1 night Sogndal
- 2 nights Bergen
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 10 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in Oslo and Bergen
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo, designed by Gustav Vigeland, containing 192 sculptures with more than 600 figures
- See Lom Stave Church, one of the largest and best-preserved stave churches in Norway built in 12th century
- Cruise on the breathtaking still waters of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest of all the Norwegian fjords
- Board the famous Flam Railway for a mountain train ride into Norway's high glacial regions
- Walk through Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the old Hanseatic pier and wharf area
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active trip covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours where you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. Please be aware that Scandinavia is an expensive destination, and essentially 'cashless'. Credit cards and/or local currency only are accepted in many establishments. Norway hotels are typically sparsely designed, yet functional, reflecting the understated Nordic lifestyle. Guest room amenities are similarly minimalistic, bathrooms small and often lacking items one might expect in European hotels such as bath mats, elaborate toiletry selections, luggage racks, in-room safe and air-conditioning. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior tourist class hotel is located in the heart of Sogndal, only minutes from Sogneford, the world's largest fjord with magnificent natural beauty.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Admire the highlights of Norway's great seafaring tradition as you enjoy a guided visit to two of Oslo's most intriguing museums, the Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum. On your first stop, visit the most famous wooden polar vessel in the world - The Fram. The great Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen both sailed to the Arctic and the Antarctic regions aboard the Fram. On this unique tour, board the ship and immerse yourself in its history as you visit the cabins, lounges and engine room that still hold the historic records of the original voyages. Continue to the Kon-Tiki Museum where you will see the fantastic vessels the Ra and Kon-Tiki. Thor Heyerdahl gained worldwide fame in 1947 when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft, the Kon-Tiki. This expedition, along with subsequent voyages on the reed boats the Ra and Tigris showed how early man had mastered sailing before the saddle and wheel were invented.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #3 | 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 | $80.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Norway - Norway's coastal regions tend to be temperate, with more extreme temperature ranges occurring further inland. Summers can be moderately warm, even in northern areas, but only for limited periods. The length of the winter and amount of snow varies by region. In the north there is more snow and winters are dark; on the southern and western coast, winters are moderate and rainy. Daylight also varies greatly during the year. The southernmost parts of Norway receive over 19 hours of daylight at the height of summer and just 6 hours of daylight during the darkest part of winter. In the northernmost parts of Norway, these extremes are exaggerated. In the summer, the sun does not set for several weeks, while in winter the day is just a short twilight. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, warm clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. During the winter, ice grips or non-slip cleats which fit over shoes or boots are also strongly suggested. Norway Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#scandinavia-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in Scandinavia |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers at different points of the trip. After your arrival, you will be invited to join a welcome orientation with your Tour Manager and will meet your tour companions.
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| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Scandinavia - Hotels in Scandinavia often reflect a low-key and subdued style. Guest rooms are furnished with well-designed functional furniture, monochromatic palettes, and bed linens that reflect the understated and relaxed Nordic design. Most rooms are minimalistic and do not have all of the amenities, such as bath mat, wide array of toiletries, luggage rack, in-room safe and air-conditioning. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Norway - Restaurant bills include a service charge and rounding up the bill is sufficient. Additional tipping is at your discretion. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Norway - The Norwegian Krone is the currency of Norway. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Norway - Typical Norwegian handicrafts include silver, pottery, furs, printed textiles, woven articles, knitwear, woodcarving, enamel pieces, pewter, glass and porcelain. Note that many smaller stores close early on Saturday and nearly everything is closed on Sundays. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Norway
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| Languages |
| Norway - Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, and Northern Sami are the local languages. English is widely spoken. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Norway - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Norway - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Norway |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 6: Maundy Thursday Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 17: Constitution Day May 18: Ascension Day May 27: Pentecost / Whit Sunday May 28: Whit Monday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day / Boxing Day / Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 28: Maundy Thursday Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 9: Ascension Day May 17: Constitution Day May 19: Pentecost / Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day / Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
The trip was great just as it was described. The Tour guide very knowledgeable and courteous. On many occasions he exceeded himself in servicing the needs of his group. Overall, it was a very good tour.
Luz A.
Quite enjoyable, Jacob, our tour guide was very knowledgeable about his home country Norway, as well as Denmark and Sweden. Also happy with the hotel rooms and limo bus and its driver. Enjoyed visiting Copenhagen, Oslo, and especially cruising the fjords in Norway. I have visited most of Europe and finally got to visit the Scandinavian countries. Will have to start planning my next trip.
Edward K.
I wanted to give special thanks to our bus driver, Thomas, who was an excellent driver and became an integral part of our group. Because our (otherwise excellent) tour manager was not local, Thomas was able to add information about the area, life in Norway, etc. Also, the location of the Geiranger hotel and fjord view were excellent!
Susan G.
It was an excellent tour! Loved every minute of it. Beautiful landscape, historic sites, fjords were absolutely magnificent! The boat ride in Geirangerfjord was simply spectacular! We enjoyed all the included activities. What made the tour even better was our awesome tour manager Stephanie Johansson. She's a top-notch tour manager .... Organized, informative, enthusiastic, energetic, helpful in every way. Stephanie's personality really enhanced the tour. She took great pains in suggesting things to do in a new location and was thoughtful to drop us off at diff places on our free time at the end of the guided tour as the coach was returning to the hotel. We learned so much about Sweden and Norway from her, a value-add that's greatly appreciated! Also our driver Christian was a super duper hero driving safely thru the hairpin turns. He too was pleasant and obliging. Thank you Stephanie and Christian for a fantastic job!
Simkie U.
I am writing to you to let you know about the extraordinary service provided by Luiz , Tour Manager, for the "Classic Scandinavia" trip that I participated in from 20-29, July, 2023. In addition to being highly organized and sharing a wealth of knowledge about the countries visited and additional things to do, Luiz interacted very well with all participants. On a personal note, he diligently assisted me in trying to retrieve luggage that had been lost by the airline, contacting the baggage service several times throughout the trip to update our hotel location. After I got home, he offered valuable support and assistance on how to retrieve the suitcase which was eventually found in Copenhagen. I believe this exemplifies "extraordinary" service to the client and wish to acknowledge this. Luiz is an outstanding employee!
Diane B.
We were very pleased with our Sweden and Norway trip! Hotels were great- central locations, quality was fantastic, breakfast buffets were outstanding. Daniel, our tour director was top notch-informative, funny and personable. Even our bus driver, Nils, helped make our trip even nicer. The pace was comfortable, sited visited interesting, and even the local tour leaders were terrific. We enjoyed the variety of things we got to do-make candy canes, see a ski jumper at Lillehammer, hear a siren sing along the Flam Railway, visit a small farm, saw Fiord horses, are heart shaped waffles, were students in an old Norwegian school with a great local tour leader, saw beautiful fiords, rode ferries, ski lifts, and drive through a 15 mile tunnel, hear a Norwegian fiddle.... I'm not sure there is anything I would change. Thank you, Gate 1!
Susan C.
Our cabin had been renovated in January 2023 so it even smelled new. We were excited to have 2 portholes since we had booked an inside cabin. The location of the cabin was perfect since it was very quiet during the night. The ship was very clean and in great shape for a "working vessel". Mattias led us off the ship for a "walkabout" every time the ship docked for at least 30 minutes. He was constantly available. He asked for our emails at the beginning of the cruise and he emailed us a daily itinerary that coordinated with the ship's itinerary so that we didn't miss anything. He also listed specific times and locations when he would answer questions or just be around to chat. He often asked each participant to share their stories-where they were born, how many kids/grandkids they had, what they did for a living. He really listened and retained the answers and continued these conversations at the next opportunity. We enjoyed the Flam Railway ride and the visit to the stave church and Edvard Grieg's home. The farm visit was fantastic and the home cooked lunch was delicious. The scenery on the west coast of Norway is breathtaking. Our weather was good even though we did have some rain but it didn't spoil anything that we wanted to do. Anything that might have become a problem, Mattias addressed and he constantly said "No stress" and he made it stress free for us. It certainly was nice having only 13 in our group. We bonded with another couple and we spent a lot of time with them. We'll keep in touch and maybe do another Gate 1 tour with them. We appreciate all the members of the Gate 1 staff who put this tour together because it was a wonderful experience.
Frank P.
I would really like to stress how absolutely fabulous our tour guide, Victoria, was. Victoria ranks as the highest in quality of all of our many travel guides over the years. We will travel with Gate 1 again simply because her. The other person who was the best at what he does is Finn, our bus driver. Finn was as great at his job as Victoria was at hers. Our tour was a wonderful, educational and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We look forward to traveling with Gate 1 again.
Arthur M.
My trip was great. It exceeded my expectations. So much beautiful countryside. Norway constantly wowed me. So beautiful.
Darrell M.
This a great tour of Norway and Sweden we had a great tour guide Mattias and driver Yaroslavic... Small group easy to travel with, We have used Gate 1 numerous times and I've never been disappointed, We will be using your services again soon
William L.
Just returned & felt compelled to write about fabulous trip to Scandinavia. Gate 1 always has wonderful guides but STEPHANIE was a cut above the rest. She acted as "mom" to us all....always being there to iron out any problems that arose, giving advice, helping to accommodate our special dietary needs, caring & comforting. Stephanie is a born "traveler". Her innate curiosity & love of her job propels her to not only absorb info but to analyze & get us all thinking & let us understand the mindset of the people in the different areas we visited. She supplied us with music, poetry & local snacks. We knew we could depend on her to act responsibly & keep us safe on our journey. Thank you Gate 1 for finding such an exceptional human being to lead us!!
Amnon R.
Amazing! Sweden and Norway were beautiful and the weather cooperated for the most part. Our first Gate 1 trip in the books! Hotels, guides, activities were great. Will definitely use Gate1 again.
Sharon M.
This was our first Gate 1 trip and we were very impressed. The itinerary was great. A good variety of big cities, small towns and beautiful scenery. Daniel our tour director was wonderful as was our bus driver Werner. We will definitely do another Gate 1 trip.
Jill H.
Hello I would like to commend our tour guide Christian for doing a superb job managing this tour. Christian was easy to approach, easily understood and has a wealth of knowledge on different subjects, not necessarily just about travel and geography, but many other interesting subjects as well. He provided some really interesting tidbits about places we visited, he was opened to answer all questions and pleasantly shared information about his personal life, as we were all interested and fascinated by his backgrounds. I cannot say enough about Christian's guide helped to enhance the enjoyment of this tour. Thank you
Pamela N.
I already filled out the survey that was sent to us but I wanted to further stress how great our tour guide and driver were. We were on the 11 Day Classic Scandinavia tour July 15-20. Our tour guide, Christian, was hands down the best tour guide we have ever had (both with Gate 1 and with other travel companies). I could go on and on about how knowledgeable and competent he was but I can sum it up by saying that our whole family was completely at ease the entire trip because we felt like Christian could take care of anything. A bonus was that Christian gave the best historical information about every place we visited that I have ever experienced. Our driver Sven is in the same category of competence as Christian. His driving skills were amazing and again gave my family complete peace of mind. Sven is former military and that is evidenced by the complete professionalism he projects. I do no think there is any way we could have been happier with both Christian and Sven!
Darren B.
My first experience with Gate 1 tour was very good. Vicky Provided excellent support in creating my reservations for my trip to Scandinavian countries and responding back to my questions very quickly. The tour Manager Stephanie was exceptional in managing the trip till the end . I was amazed by her passion , dedication for this job and knowledge about the visited countries . She also connected with every one of us individually . She really kept us very engaged with commentary on each country's Economic, Political , people , food and culture on long distance bus tours . Her time Management skills considering the tight schedule is exceptional. She managed each visit with optimum time to see places without impacting the daily schedule. She is the best tour Manager I had come across considering my multiple trips to Europe with other tour operators. All the other areas like comfortable bus service, hotel accommodations , sight seeing tour guides were also very good . I need to call out the bus driver Morton, who was very patient and made all of us comfortable in the long distance bus drives for nearly 7 days. My family enjoyed the entire trip very well . I am planning to work with Gate 1 for my future trips and highly recommend Gate 1 for anyone considering future international tours Thank you Gate 1 for providing such an exceptional team and great experience.
Narayan S.
Our trip was extremely well planned and we had the opportunity to see and learn about some beautiful places in Norway. The hotel accommodations were excellent and the meals were very good, particularly the breakfasts. We were particularly impressed with Nils, the bus driver. We appreciate his skilled driving. Marie, our guide was extraordinary. She anticipated needs and she was a wealth of knowledge about Norway and Scandinavia. She was patient and helpful. She coordinated multiple schedules and was always available to assist. We highly recommend Gate 1.
Leigh C.
AWESOME! Norway on winter is the most beautiful place I have been. Spectacular views/landscapes of the Fjords and quaint villages are breathtaking. I wanna go back for the midnight sun. So very nice/pleasant tour manager, Micke. Thank you Gate 1.
Maria C. Brambleton, VA
I took my 80 year old mother to Norway which was a once in a lifetime trip for her and she was in awe of the sites as well as how well Gate 1 organizes and helps with every detail. Once again Gate 1 and your guides did an outstanding job. Stephanie was our travel guide and she was so knowledgeable and entertaining. The hotels and food were wonderful. Looking forward to my next trip in January to Morocco. Thanks again Gate 1.
Donald S. McFarland, WI
We had a wonderful trip and our Tour Guide Stephanie was excellent... she made our trip so special, sharing with us many stories, insights and her care for us was amazing. Thank you very much Gate 1!
Maureen T. Laguna Hills, CA
It was great. We enjoyed the beautiful vistas of Norway, the land part was very nice and the ship was very comfortable. Minna, our guide throughout the journey was excellent and very knowledgeable about the locations, history and fact about Norway. This was our third trip with Gate 1, in the past 18 months, so we are very much pleased with your services.
Andy & Carol C. Spring, TX
We had an excellent time, thank you Gate 1! Everything related to Gate 1 was smooth and well organized. The itinerary was nicely designed to balance group excursions with free time for independent exploration. Thanks for your good work to make it all possible Gate 1!
Jodi F. Williamsburg, VA
Our trip to Denmark, Sweden and Norway was great! The tour guide and bus driver helped make it so. Try and keep Miki and Odd together as a team- they made it more enjoyable for our group!
Judy L. Norwood Young America, MN
It was a great trip! We saw a lot of snow, and best of all, saw the fantastical northern lights, with all of their colors, flights and shape. Our guide Matt was great. He displaced a nice personality with a sense of humor. Could not have had a better trip!
Siu M. San Francisco, CA
Awesome! It was definitely one of the best trips ever! The scenery was spectacular & our tour guide, Matt, was great! We loved the cruise & really enjoyed being on a small ship, just lovely!
Brenda K. Raleigh, NC
My tour to Norway was wonderful! I especially liked Stephanie Johannssen, who was our tour group leader. She was excellent! Caring, giving personal service, knowledgeable about Norway, telling us wonderful stories, and very friendly and efficient. The bus tours were very good, and the Hurtigruten cruise was very good.
Laraine Y. Honolulu, HI
The trip was very enjoyable and from our perspective everything went to plan. Christina was an excellent tour guide plus a delightful person. Her communication was concise and as a result the group functioned extremely well and adhered to the schedule. The local guides were equally good. I expect to book with Gate 1 again in the near future as I have seen several trips recently advertised which interest me.
Lois H. Victoria, AU
We really enjoyed our trip, Scandinavia is so beautiful and our tour guide Mattias is very helpful,we hope to go back in the near future
Luzviminda E. Penticton, BC, CA
We had a great time in Norway! It was an excellent tour...from the transfers, to the itinerary, to the hotels, to the free times, to the coach, to our driver, Jan, and most especially to our tour guide, Stephanie... everything is excellent! Norway is truly magical, with intense natural beauty, and indeed a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Thank you Gate 1 for showing us the world for less! More bookings coming...
Rosemarie E. Bronx, NY
We had a wonderful time with Gate1 in Norway. Our tour guide Stephanie was very informative. I felt like I learned so much about the country. The fjords were beautiful as were the mountains. Can't wait to book our next trip!
Christin G. Madison, WI
Gate 1 has been the best travel decision that I've ever Made. Our Tour Manager Brigitte was amazing! We traveled through Norway with Driver Jon without a hitch. The bus was very comfortable, the Fram and the ferry were wonderful ways to see Norway. Our tour guides were full of knowledge and happy to share experiences. Again Brigette was amazing and I am ready to book With Gate 1 with tour Manager Brigette again to Russia or the Netherlands.
Karen K. S Plainfield, NJ
We had a wonderful time. Our tour guide and driver were great and the itinerary gave us a very good overview of Norway. Gate 1 does an excellent job.
James B. Austin, TX
It was great. Thank you for all of your help. Mom was able to find her grandmothers village with the assistance of our wonderful bus driver, Eric. What a gorgeous country!
Marlys R. Cabin John, MD
We had an excellent trip with fantastic views in both Norway and Iceland. Would contact you in the future for the next trip. Excellent service!
Kelvin T. Sunnyvale, CA
The trip was absolutely amazing! Everything was perfect :) Iceland is breathtaking with its landscapes and I just love the culture and overall environment. The tour guide was really great - I loved having a local with strong Icelandic roots showing us around. He was hilarious! He and the others in the group just made the trip so enjoyable and memorable. Even though I traveled alone I never felt isolated and had such a fun time. I miss everyone already!
As for other details, the hotels and food were great as well. I really have nothing bad to say except I wish I could have stayed longer!
Thank you for your help with arranging the trip. Everything went smoothly and I was well taken care of. I will be back!
Erica L. Fullerton, CA
We had a fabulous trip - great food, nice hotels, wonderful weather, and best of all: one of the finest guides we've experienced. We have always enjoyed the guides on our Gate 1 trips, but Birgette was so knowledgeable, helpful, and a genuinely nice person! She kept our group on schedule in a very good manner. I only wish we had taken the extension. Our group got along really well and it would have been fun to stay a little longer - our fault for not doing it. We love Gate 1!
Virginia D. WDM, IA
I can't begin to tell you how amazing our trip was. This trip exceeded all of my expectations and Brigitte was amazing. I felt like we had enough alone time to explore and with the planned trips/excursions/itinerary we saw everything that we wanted to. I can not say thank you enough for the exceptional trip and Ms. Brigitte was the cherry on top. I have recommended your company to everyone I talk to and can not wait to book the next one.
Natalie P. Kenosha, WI
Please know how much my husband Bill and I appreciated the extremely efficient and top notch assistance of our Tour Manager Birgitte. We've traveled several times with Gate 1 and have been pleased with the guide service offered before but never have we enjoyed such perfection--in every instance--of a Tour Manager as we received from Ms. Birgitte.
She was the most hardworking, conscientious, engaging, informative, always pleasant Manager we've ever had!! Please extend our gratitude to her for making our trip to Norway unforgettable. She clearly loves her work and seeing others enjoy a super traveling experience. I also would like to compliment our excellent driver, who was always gracious, careful, courteous and helpful.
Now we look forward to our next Gate 1 adventure. Thank you!!
William S. Houston, TX