Tailor-made tour operator Audley Travel has expanded its European programme with the addition of Norway. Clients travelling with Audley can visit the north for the northern lights in winter (Tromsø and the Alta region) and the Lofoten Islands in summer for outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking. In the south of the country, Audley's specialists will design itineraries originating from Oslo and Bergen to visit the fjords (with stays in the fjord region) as well as exploring the cities themselves.

Norway with Audley

As with all of Audley's trips, the new sample itineraries can be booked as Audley's experts suggest or used as a starting point to work with a country specialist to design their own tailor-made trip based on their tastes, budget and wish list.

Northern lights break in Northern Norway

The suggested itinerary explores above the Arctic Circle and is designed to maximise the chance of seeing the northern lights, with an evening catamaran sailing tour across a dark fjord in Tromsø and a guided snowmobile ride across the tundra in the wilderness around Alta. Clients also enjoy the scenery in a more traditional way — a husky sled ride along parts of the Finnmarksløpet route: the world's northernmost husky-sled race. Accommodation close to Alta is in rooms with glass ceilings, for more chances to see the northern lights.

The six-day itinerary costs from £5,595 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838765 / www.audleytravel.com/norway

Highlights of the Lofoten Islands

Clients visit in the summer days of midnight sun, staying in classic rorbu (traditional fishing cabins built in the 19th century and now converted into luxury stays) in Svolvær, Nusfjord and Reine.  Excursions include hiking into the mountains from Nusfjord and a fishing trip when, for clients lucky enough to catch a fish, chefs will prepare it for the evening meal.

Across the fjord clients stay on Manshausen Island, a private island that houses a small number of luxury cabins with fantastic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Tours here include a sea eagle safari and a private hike through the mountains which is tailored to the client's abilities and energy level to ensure that they get the best views.

The 13-day itinerary costs from £11,395 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838765 / www.audleytravel.com/norway

Beauty of the fjords

In Bergen clients enjoy a three-hour privately guided gastronomic walking tour with numerous tastings at the city's top culinary spots. In Balestrand, they join a shared kayaking tour on Sognefjord and a smaller branch to enjoy the spectacular scenery — and possibly marine wildlife — from the water. They also join a shared boat trip to UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, the narrowest branch of Sognefjord. In Flåm, clients spend a day with a private driver-guide, enjoying an introduction to, and tastings of, Hardanger cider which is made from apples from the Hardangerfjord region's many fjord-side fruit orchards.

The eight-day itinerary costs from £6,895 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, ferry tickets, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838765 / www.audleytravel.com/norway

Highlights of Norway

Clients travel across the country on the Flåm Railway, visit the home of Norwegian Santa Claus in Drøbak, explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord by open zodiac boat and spend time in Bryggen, Bergen's historic old town.

The seven-day itinerary costs from £3,390 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, train travel, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838765 / www.audleytravel.com/norway

Scenic Norway

Clients start their journey in Oslo, learning about its history on a privately guided walking tour. A scenic train journey takes them to Bergen before collecting a hire car and driving along the beautiful Hardangerfjord to Lofthus. In Balestrand they take a private kayaking tour on Sognefjord. From Loen they take a cable car to the top of Mount Hove and then finish their itinerary in Ålesund, located on an island at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A full day cruise takes clients through three different fjords, each with its own distinctive landscapes, including sights like the Seven Sisters and Suitor Waterfalls.

The 12-day  itinerary costs from £7,895 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, train travel, hire car, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838765 / www.audleytravel.com/norway

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Notes to editors

Images can be downloaded here.

Norway was previously on sale to UK clients for a short period in 2021 (focusing on Oslo, Bergen and the fjords) to offer more choice closer to home for clients who were keen to travel. This launch re-introduces these destinations as well as expanding the programme to include Tromsø, Alta and the Lofoten Islands.