Norway’s Breathtaking Scenery
In the blessed lands of the United States and Canada, the Christian faith has taken root since the time of the pilgrims who first set foot on these shores. In Norway, however, this sacred tradition has flourished for over a millennium, with ancient church buildings standing as enduring testaments to its rich history.
I invite you to embark on a spiritual journey with us, exploring the unique medieval Stave Churches and other cultural treasures of Norway, as we delve into the echoes of time. You will find that this enchanting country, with its breathtaking landscapes and deep spiritual heritage, is ready to welcome you with open arms. May your heart be filled with wonder and peace.
God bless you, Pastor Heidorn
QUESTIONS? Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
SAVE $100 PER PERSON ~ REGISTER BY DECEMBER 15, 2024
ITINERARY
Meals: B-Breakfast, D-Dinner
Day 1, AUG 11 Depart USA
Day 2, AUG 12 Arrive Oslo, Norway (B, D)
Upon our morning arrival in Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, our group will be met by our Professional Tour Manager who will escort the group to our private motor coach. This afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and after a stop for lunch, a relaxing visit to the unique Vigeland Sculpture Park, 167 sculptures including bronze figures flanking the bridge over the river, a central fountain, represents the burden of life, supported by strenuous but powerful bronze statue of Goliath. An amazing site to see, the 20 foot tall obelisk on the hill, carved by a single block of granite and the sculptures grouped around that are awe-inspiring. Truly a vision like nonother. This afternoon we check-in to the hotel for the next two-nights. Later this evening our group will meet for our welcome to Norway dinner. Overnight Oslo
Day 3, AUG 13 Oslo Sightseeing (B)
After breakfast, our tour guide will share more about this fascinating city including a visit to the medieval Akershus Fortress and Renaissance castle, Oslo Cathedral and the Nobel Peace Musuem- experience exhibits and events inspired by the ideas and work of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
After a break for lunch you will have a choice this afternoon for independent exploration, time for rest and relaxation, or travel along with our guide to the nearby Bygdøy Peninsula to visit of the Norsk Outdoor Folk Museum depicting how people have been living in Norway since the 16th century and up until our own times. With 160 historic buildings, including the Gol Stave Church from around 1200. The museum focuses on the time period from 1500 until present time, and in-door exhibits feature Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art and Sami culture. Overnight Oslo
Day 4, AUG 14 Morning at Leisure, Heddal Stave Church, Brown Cheese Factory (B)
This morning is at leisure to sleep in or enjoy some independent exploration of Oslo. Perhaps time for shopping or to visit one of the many museums.
After lunch the group will depart Oslo, traveling through the Hallingdal Valley with its beautiful landscapes, ancient homesteads and sparkling rivers to the Hardanger Fjord-with its many lakes and a meager covering of pasture, it provides grazing for large herds of reindeer.
Along the way we’ll visit the Heddal Stave Church. Christianity was introduced in Norway around the year 1000, and in the years after Christianity, close to 1000 stave churches were built during the Middle Ages until 1537. The Norwegian stave churches are the oldest preserved wooden churches in Christianity. The stave churches are Norway's unique contribution to the world's cultural and Christian heritage. Most were built between approximately 1130 and 1350, when the Black Death brought all new building to an end. Of the original approximately 1,000 churches, only 28 remain. The Heddal stave church is the largest of the countries remaining medieval wooden churches. The churches’ wooden doors and finials are often beautifully carved. The decorations feature an intriguing combination of Christian motifs and what is often assumed to be pre-Chrisitan Viking themes with animals and dragons.
Afterwards, we enjoy a tastier cultural tradition with a visit to a local Brown Cheese Factory to learn more about the tradition of cheese making and sample some of the many different flavors of this tasting Norwegian specialty. Afterwards we check-in to our hotel and our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Rauland
Day 5, AUG 15 Hardangerfjord Cruise, Hardanger Apple Cider Mill, Roldal Stave Church, Bergen (B, D)
Today we continue our journey westward through the beautiful Hardanger Fjord region, with towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and picturesque orchards and a ferry crossing of the Hardanger Fjord. Before arriving to Bergen, enjoy a visit to a local apple cider mill and learn how the production in the Hardanger area has earned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, recognizing its high quality and traditional methods. Hardanger Cider is crafted from local apple varieties and must be made in the Hardanger region to carry the PGI label.
Completing our day with a visit to the medieval Roldal Stave Church, built in 1200, seating about 130 people and known for its legendary crucifix. The church is centrally located in Røldal and was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Norway in the Middle Ages and up to 1835. The excellent wood building techniques and wood carving traditions of the Vikings, used in the construction of ships and houses, were further developed and are often seen in stave churches.
We continue our journey westward including a relaxing fjord cruise from Kvanndal to Utne before arriving to Bergen, known as the capital of the fjords! Situated among 7 mountains, Bergen is the gateway to the fjords and offers some of the most spectacular scenery Norway has to offer. More than 900 years of history with roots beyond the Viking Age. We’ll check in to the hotel for the next 2-nights and our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Bergen
Day 6, AUG 16 Bergen, UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen, Cable-car Ride (B)
We’ll be met by a local guide for our walking tour of this beautiful coastal city including the fish and flower markets, St. Mary’s Church build 1130 and in continuous use since early medieval period. And of course a visit to Bryggen, the carefully restored Hanseatic area of the city which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After a break for lunch, you will have a choice this afternoon for independent exploration- perhaps some shopping, a visit to the Hanseatic Museum, a quiet stroll through the old cobble stoned streets or lovely garden, or join your tour guide for a cable-car ride to the top of Mount Floyen. From the viewing platform on top of Floyen, enjoy stunning views of Bergen, and the surrounding fjords and landscape. Overnight Bergen
Day 7, AUG 17 Gudvagen, Naeroyfjord Cruise, world-famous Flam Railway, Stalheim (B, D)
After breakfast we board our coach for a drive to Gudvagen, a small fjord village in the heart of the beautiful Naeroyfjord surrounded by steep, majestic mountains, and one of the most spectacular and impressive fjords in the world. Here we’ll board the ferry for a spectacular fjord cruise to the picturesque mountain village of Flåm.
Afterward a break for lunch, our group will continue our Norwegian adventure with a ride aboard the famous Flam Railway (a must for any rail enthusiast). The world's steepest railways on normal gauge, is one of Norway's most popular attractions, and a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering.
Our private coach will be waiting to transfer our group to the nearby Undredal Stave Church, built 1147, originally known as St. Nicholas Chapel. The church is only 39’ X13’ and has only 40 seats, making it the smallest stave church still in use in all of Scandinavia. This evening, we overnight in the charming countryside village of Stalheim. Overnight Stalheim
Day 8, AUG 18 Glacier Viewing, Geiranger (B, D)
Our journey continues to Boyabreen Glacier viewpoint one of the most photographed glaciers. Afterward a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then continuing on to Geiranger on the shores of Geirangerfjord. We’ll meet a local guide for a brief walking tour of the small village and Geiranger Church an octagonal shaped church built in 1842. We’ll check-in to the hotel and meet for dinner. Overnight Geiranger
Day 9, AUG 19 Geirangerfjord Cruise (B)
After breakfast we board our coach for a drive to the pier and fjord cruise through the UNESCO protected Geiranger fjord, the crowning glory of Norway with its majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, beautiful and wild waterfalls, lush, green vegetation and the deep blue waters of the fjord - yes, it really is like something taken from a fairy tale.
You will experience some of the very best and most dramatic fjord scenery anywhere in Norway. The area’s unique natural surroundings were created over a succession of ice ages, when glaciers carved out deep fjords and shaped the high mountains. With its natural beauty, it's no surprise that Geirangerfjord often appears on lists of the most spectacular places in the world. Impressive waterfalls cascade down steep mountainsides. The famous falls “Seven Sisters”, “the Suitor” and “Bridal Veil” plunge down to the fjord in a haze of feather‐light mist. This afternoon we return to Geiranger for independent exploration- stroll the village, or perhaps time for thoughtful contemplation surrounded by the pristine and majestic beauty. Overnight Geiranger
Day 10, AUG 20 Dalsnibba, Ringebu Stave Church, Oslo (B, D)
Next, we drive along the winding road up towards the mountains; make a brief stop at Dalsnibba for the very best view of the fjord. Then for a more magnificent view, our tour crosses the Grotli Mountains to the remarkable Gudbrands Valley to Ringebu.
Along the way we stop for lunch before our visit to the Ringbu Stave Church- a triple nave stave church, and amongst the oldest of stave churches, that uses free standing inner columns to support a raised section in the ceiling of the main nave. Ringebu stave church is situated in magnificent nature and with a picturesque view over Gudbrandsdalen. This is the only stave church along the pilgrimage route (Oslo–Nidaros trail), in a historic area with many protected buildings and living cultural monuments.
We continue our journey to Oslo for our final night and our farewell dinner. Overnight Oslo Airport Hotel for early morning flight departure. (6-minute walk along sidewalk from hotel to airport.)
Day 11, AUG 21 Departure Flight to USA (B)
Group will transfer from hotel to Oslo Airport for departure.
Itinerary subject to change.
Norway Coastal Cruise, Majestic Mountains and Spectacular Waterfalls
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date.
Non-US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel.
Additional credentials required will be advise as details are received for your departure.
Tour Activity Level: Moderate Active Traveler, Walking Sightseeing Tour, APPROX. WALKING 3-MILES DAILY
Most tours are walking tours and many of the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds to thousands of years and may not provide elevators and ramps for physically challenged travelers. This active journey requires walking ten to twelve thousand steps daily (approx. 3 miles per day) often on uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines/declines and stairs. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs -use a wheelchair, walker, and hearing or visually impaired contact LT.
TOUR INCLUDES
Private Small Group Tour, Custom-Designed Itinerary, Professional Tour Manager providing personalized service throughout your journey
• 9-Nights Deluxe 4-Star Accommodations
• Hotel Taxes
• Norwegian Breakfast Buffet Daily
• 6-Traditional Norwegian Group Dinners including regional cuisine
• Private Deluxe Motor Coach Services
• Ferry Crossings
• Spectacular Fjord Sightseeing Cruises and Glacier Viewing
• Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Natural and Cultural Sites
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual and cultural experiences daily as indicated in itinerary
• Stave Churches-Oldest preserved wooded churches in Christianity over 900-years carved in timber
• 24/7 Emergency Telephone Service throughout the tour
Local Destination Specialist sharing the nuances of the unique environments and making history come to life. Their knowledge in Christian and cultural history will ensure you have an exceptional journey of enlightenment. Time for reflection, prayer and worship.
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive Tours in each destination lead by knowledgeable guides
• Oslo Nobel Peace Museum visit- including works of Nobel Peace Prize laureates
• Guided hikes and walking tours
• Unique Cultural Experiences– Apple Cider Mill visit and tastings, Farm visit and Brown Cheese tastings
• Bergen Cable-Car Ride to top of Mt. Floyen for spectacular views
• Activities, Guides, and Entrance Tickets as indicated in itinerary
TOUR PRICE is Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$3,690 with 20-24 travelers
$3,890 with 15-19 travelers
$4,790 with 10-14 travelers
Single Occupancy Add $990
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
SAVE $100 PER PERSON ~ REGISTER BY DECEMBER 15, 2024
AIRFARE is additional to the tour price.
Need assistance with flight arrangements? Contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person (nonrefundable) along with a completed tour registration form
Balance due 75-Days Prior to Departure (a reminder will be sent)
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, local tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls. Any items not listed under Tour Includes.
Oslo Harbor, Norway
Penalties up to 100% apply. Please be aware of the LutherTours complete Booking Agreement Terms and Conditions of Travel and Cancellation policy, a copy is included with each individual tour confirmation, available by contacting our office directly 1.844.777.1517 or online at www.LUTHERTOURS.com and click Terms & Conditions to view details.
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT for additional credentials required to travel.
Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your departure. Requirements change regularly, continue to check travel requirements up to the day of departure.
LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Prices subject to currency fluctuation. Itinerary subject to change.
Cancellations regardless of the reason are costly. Are you prepared?
Cancellation, Interruption, Medical and Baggage Insurance is available with many companies to help with unexpected delays, interruptions and cancellations. Consider a Travel Guard plan. Visit TRAVELGUARD to learn more about the benefits, restrictions, price and coverage.
Having health insurance that covers the costs of medical treatment of COVID is the travelers responsibility to verify prior to insurance purchase.
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
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