We're in our late 60's; healthy; and have traveled a great deal in U.S. We've never taken a U.S. tour as both adventure and unexpectedly coming upon new things is very important to us. Now, we're interested in Norway, next summer. We've read many great accounts of traveling to Norway in ITN.
We'd appreciate advice on planning our trip vs relying on a U.S. tour (OAT and Rick Steves come to mind) or relying on a Norwegian company. Thanks for your help.
John
Planning a trip to Norway or taking an organized tour
Message Submitted by johndee42 on Sun, 07/15/2012 - 10:55
Coastal Voyages
One of the things I'd recommend is a Hurtigruten cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes (and back, if you have the time and interest). They're not conventional cruise ships; no dress code, no "captain's dinners," etc. These are working ships that are the primary way of getting from one coastal city to another. Stops take place at all hours of the day and night, and there often is enough time for exploring on your own or taking a land excursion (some of which were included, as I recall).
I think many tours to Norway incorporate one of these cruises in their itinerary, but don't make clear that they're buying space on a Hurtigruten cruise. It's reasonable to suppose that the cruise may cost more that way than booking it by yourselves (http://www.hurtigruten.us). At any rate, I'd check the cost of a cruise if you book it directly, and bear that in mind as you look at tour packages that include cruises.
I spent a few days in Oslo, took a train to Bergen, spent a few days there, and then took a cruise to Kirkenes, flying back to Oslo. It made for an enjoyable trip of two weeks or so. All that you can easily do on your own. If you don't want to get around Oslo and Bergen on public transportation, it shouldn't be hard to book city tours.
English was widely-spoken when I was there 20 years ago; surely the situation must be even easier now for English-speakers.