Bergen
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Highlights of Bergen with optional hiking
Highlights:
- Experience Bryggen – UNESCO heritage site
- Hike up to the mountains surrounding Bergen and have a picnic with a view
Tour Duration: 8 h
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Lunch-picnic
- Private car with private English speaking guide
Not Included:
- Admission fees to the museums
- Tips and gratuities
-
Bergen Walking Tour - 3 hours
Bergen may perhaps be a relatively small city (population of 260,000) however it is overflowing with history (the first settlement here were over 900 years ago), culture, incredible nature, gourmet restaurants and cosy cafe’s
Bryggen, the ancient Hanseatic Wharf, which is one of the best known European dwelling places from the Middle Ages, comprises a maze of characteristic wooden buildings with pointed gables facing the harbour.
This unique architectural gem is now listed by UNESCO as one of the world's most significant examples of the history and culture of a medieval settlement. Bryggen thrives today as a honeycomb of painter’s and craftsmen’s workshops, plus access to the interior of some of the buildings themselves where history has been preserved as it was originally.
The Fløibanen funicular in Bergen is one of Norway's best-known attractions. Fløibanen can be found in the heart of Bergen. Fløibanen is a funicular cable car that takes you 320 metres above sea level. In just a few minutes you find yourself on top of a mountain with a perfect view of the city and its surroundings. You have not seen Bergen before you have taken Fløibanen.
Basis: |
Private tour. |
Duration: |
3 hours. |
Start / End: |
City center Hotel or address. |
Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances: |
Fløibanen funicular. |
Meals: |
None. |
Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
-
Bergen and its outskirts tour – 5 Hours
Experience the picturesque beauty and historical sights of Bergen during this leisurely 5 hour sightseeing excursion.
We drive out of the city centre to Troldhaugen, the home of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. The home, an unassuming wooden house stands amongst the trees at the Hill of the Trolls (Troldhaugen).
Then it is a short drive to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in Fortun Sogn in 1150, it was relocated to Fantoft in 1883 where it was rebuilt after it was destroyed in a fire in 1992. In the Middle Ages there were approximately 800 stave churches throughout Norway, today only 30 are left standing.
On return back to the city centre of Bergen, explore by foot the famous Bryggen harbour front - the colorful old Hanseatic merchant buildings from the middle Ages. Destroyed by a large fire that wreaked havoc, the area was rebuilt in 1702. Now a protected area and listed on the Unesco World Heritage List, the narrow alleyways that run between the rows of houses made for an enchanting stroll that will take you back in time.
Your next stop is the Mt. Fløien Funicular station. The Fløibanen funicular takes you up to a height of 320 meters above sea level. It is a short journey up, on exit of the funicular a magnificent panorama over the city of Bergen, the surrounding mountains and sea awaits you. Return back to the harbor front district by funicular. Some free time has been set aside for you to peruse the Fish and Flower market at the Marbour front.
Basis: |
Private tour. |
Duration: |
5 hours. |
Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
Entrances: |
Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, Fantoft Stave Church, Fløibanen funicular. |
Meals: |
None. |
Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
-
Hike to Mount Fløien and lunch at Bergen´s Fish Market – 5 hours
You start this journey by meeting our guide and taking Bergen´s funicular, one of the trademarks of the city.
The funicular railway is one of Norway's most famous attractions. The trip starts in the heart of the city and takes you 320 meters above sea level. In just 6 minutes, you will find yourself on top of Mount Fløyen. After enjoying a panoramic view of Bergen we will start our hike!
Our guide will take you through the beautiful surroundings, enjoying the views of the city, the fjords and mountains while discovering the local nature. You will do this hiking at your own pace.
You may walk down to the city center or take the funicular. The tour ends at Bergen´s Fish Market, a place that has a long history that dates to the 1200s. Since then, the market has been one of the most important places for trade between fishermen, farmers, and the inhabitants of the city. Here you will say goodbye to our guide and enjoy a delicious and traditional Norwegian lunch. You will be served a traditional fish platter that includes local delicacies such as king crab, lobster, langoustines, oysters, and creamy mussels.
Basis: Private hiking/walking tour.
Duration: 5 hours (incl 4 hours for funicular and hike, plus time for lunch on your own).
Start / End: City/Fish Market.
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Other languages on request, Entrance to Funicular, Lunch at the Fish Market (Luxury platter: King crab, lobster and langoustines in garlic butter, oysters and creamy mussels. Served with salad, bread, aioli and tarragon dip, tap water). Vegetarian option available (Filled spicy portobello mushroom covered in melted local cheese, served on a bed of vegetables and sweet potato purée.)
Not included: Vehicle
Physical Activity Level: Grade Moderate. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Tour can operate: afternoon/evening
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Bring appropriate clothing and shoes.
-
Bergen Art & Design Walking Tour visiting KODE Art Museum and Arven silver factory – 4 hours
You start this walking tour with our guide, visiting two of the main attractions in Bergen for art and design lovers.
We will pay a visit to KODE 3 Museum, which The Rasmus Meyers Collection and a great compilation of works by Edvard Munch, one of the most renowned Norwegian painters.
Among the highlights of the collection are paintings from the Golden Age of Norwegian art, as well as historical interiors from the Bergen area. The presentation includes highlights from the careers of other famous Norwegian artists such as J.C. Dahl, Harriet Backer, Erik Werenskiold and Gerhard Munthe.
We continue our tour by visiting Arven´s workshops. In 1868 Theodor Olsen brought international expertise when he established his own sterling silversmithery and store and quickly became a leader in Bergen’s arts and crafts community. Following his death in 1890, the silver smithery and store continued under the name of Theodore Olsen managed by the Aase family for many generations until 2016 when it became Arven AS. Today, Arven is a modern and innovative factory which is constantly developing new and exciting products through bold design work in cooperation with contemporary designers but preserving traditional techniques and classic design.
During your private visit you will be greeted by your host offering you a special welcome with a drink and a taste of delicious Norwegian local produce cheese and snacks, all served using their beautiful cheese slices and knives we create.
Your visit continues with a presentation about the story of silversmithing in Bergen, about Arven, our history, our products, and our way of working. Afterwards there will time for your questions and participation to “show and tell” how each visitor can make their own stamped pendant!
You are then guided to our workshop and witness where our silver cutlery and jewelries are crafted. There will be a little “ceremony” in the workshop where each visitor gets their own Arven medal.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 4 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: KODE 3 Museum and Arven Silver Factory.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. The tour is not offered on Sunday and Monday.
|
04/07/2021 |
04/07/2021 |
Kristiansund
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Kristiansund walking tour with Sundbåten ferry and Klipfish Museum– 4 hours
Kristiansund is situated on four islands at the ocean’s edge, what makes of this town one of Norway’s most unique seaports.
In this tour we will move around by foot, but we will also take the ’Sundbåten’ boat, trademark for Kristiansund. The Sundbåten boat has been in service since 1876 and it is the world’s oldest public transport service.
With a charming harbour and the colourful houses around it, Kristiansund is known as ’the capital of the klipfish industry’. For centuries, klipfish was the most important export item from Kristiansund. Cod was salted and dried on the smooth rocks along the coast and then consumed as a great delicacy in southern climes. We will visit the Norwegian Klipfish Museum to learn about this industry. The wharf has been built in stages and the oldest part was built by William Gordon in 1749. It shows the development of the klipfish industry in Norway from the 18th century up until the post-war period. Klipfish was produced there until very recently. The atmosphere inside the wharf is unique, with the odor of klipfish and salt hanging in the air.
We continue the tour in Kirkelandet island, passing by lake Vanndammen towards Varden Viewpoint where we willl enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the coastline with mountiains and fjords. Before ending out tour we will see the outisde of Kirkeland church, designed by the architect Odd Østby on the theme "Rock Crystals In Roses ". Consecrated in 1964, this is perhaps Norway's most daring church building: when light flows through the 320 colour glass windows in all shades of red and yellow, the 30-metre high chancel wall is transformed into a symphony of colours.
Basis: Private walking tour.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: Sundbåten Shuttle boat.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Klipfish Museum (45 mins visit).
Meals: None.
Physical Activity Level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour operates: morning and afternoon
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
-
Kristiansund city tour and drive along the Atlantic road – 4 hours
The Atlantic Road is an absolute must see for those vising Kristiansund area. This unique section of road that takes you right out to the ocean’s edge and it is located only 30 mins away from Kristiansund. The road was voted Norway’s ’Engineering Feat of the Century’ and the British newspaper The Guardian called it ‘the world´s best road trip’.
The tour starts with a sightseeing tour of Kristiansund. You will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city from Varden Viewpoint and pass by Vanndammen and Kirkeland church. The church was designed by the architect Odd Østby on the theme "Rock Crystals In Roses ". Consecrated in 1964, this is perhaps Norway's most daring church building: when light flows through the 320 colour glass windows in all shades of red and yellow, the 30-metre high chancel wall is transformed into a symphony of colours.
The tour continues through the modern Atlantic tunnel to Averøy. Along the road you will see agricultural land and small villages on the lush island of Averøy before the landscape becomes more open as we approach the Atlantic Road. Once we get there, we will of course take our time to take photos and admire the dramatic scenery of the coast and the road.
We will also stop at Bud fishing village and see Kvernes stave church from the outside. Kvernes is one of Norway’s youngest stave churches, dating from the 14th century. This church is situated on a hill that offers great views of the Kvernesfjord.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start / End: City.
Inclusions 1st Class vehicle, English-speaking Guide, Other languages on request.
Not included: entrances and meals.
Physical Activity Level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Tour can operate: afternoon/evening
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
|
04/09/2021 |
04/09/2021 |