A small group tour is where you travel with a group of fellow explorers and a knowledgeable local guide, who’ll lead you on your Norwegian journey. We keep our group tours at 16 people maximum because we want you to enjoy a personal experience where you can get to know your guide and learn all you can.

If you’re more keen on driving yourself or want to enjoy the benefits of a guide but just with your family or friends, then why not check out our self drive packages or our private tour packages.

In Norway and wider Scandinavia, the northern lights (or aurora borealis) are most likely to occur during or around wintertime. Night-time darkness is required for viewing, so plan your trip between September and April when reduced daylight hours are in your favour.

Locations-wise, your chances increase as you move away from ‘light pollution’, the glow cities emit at night. The closer you are to the northern magnetic pole, the higher the likelihood of a display. We usually recommend heading to Tromsø or Kirkenes. For the best chances, head north of the Arctic Circle to places such as Lofoten and the North Cape.

Because the auroral displays can be seen due to infrequent atmospheric conditions, and are dependent on the right weather, sightings are not guaranteed. However, if you go to the right places at the right times, you definitely increase your chances. For chasing the northern lights, we recommend special tours featuring cruises or even husky sledges! Find out more about our aurora borealis tours here.

Our escorted small group tour packages are arranged for pre-set dates. Take a look at individual tour packages to see when they depart.

If you have a set window to explore Norway, and can’t find a matching group tour, consider a self-guided rail and cruise tour or a self-drive experience. These packages are highly flexible with daily departures.

We advise that you check over flights for times and prices, then book your package to secure it. Once your tour is confirmed by email, purchase your flights. If you have missed out on flights, please get in touch with us to change the dates of your tour.

Our ‘comfort’ accommodation is similar to 3-star, well-appointed and quality tested to Nordic Visitor standards. ‘Quality’ accommodation, meanwhile, is typically 4-star, unless that rating is not available in a destination. In that case, we use the next-best accommodation available, which we also quality check regularly.

You will have a private bathroom, with shower or bath and WC, at all our accommodation options. And breakfast is always provided and included as part of the price.

You can extend your stay by a day or more at either end of your small group journey. This has proved popular with past guests who wished to spend more time experiencing Oslo. If you are considering adding extra days or optional excursions, let your travel consultant know at point of booking so they can make your arrangements.

Because our escorted tours have preset start and end dates, and involve your own booking and several others, it is unfortunately not possible to customise this type of tour. We can certainly help you by adding extra days in hotels, with excursions and day trips, both before arrival and after departure dates listed.

If you need more flexibility, our self-drive packages are fully customisable, as the driver sets the pace for these tours. If you are interested in a fully customised visit to Norway and further Scandinavia, though, why not request a customised tour.

All prices we display on packages are ‘per person’ and start from the displayed rate. If you wish to receive a more accurate costing, based on the number of travellers, months or season of travel, and added extras, that’s easy to see. At Nordic Visitor, we believe in transparent pricing.

Simply choose your preferred package, click ‘Find Your Price’ and add all the details requested.

Deposits vary depending on your itinerary. Tours involving Hurtigruten cruises or train journeys currently have a 50% deposit as they contain certain travel arrangements. Full payment (minus the deposit) for packages is due at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival depending on the package. Be sure to contact your travel consultant for more information or refer to our booking information page.

We can arrange a private transfer to and from the airport for an additional fee - all you need to do is get in touch with your travel consultant to organise it. Your travel consultant will arrange for an English speaking driver to greet you from your flight and take you and your luggage to your hotel. All of our tours start and end in Oslo, except our Wonders of the Norwegian Fjords tour which starts in Bergen, so we can help you schedule transfers to/from these airports.

Norway is a beautiful country whatever the weather, but we always advise our guests to dress sensibly throughout the year. Most of the attractions are outside and the weather can be changeable, so we suggest packing clothes you can layer, appropriate to the season you visit.

You will probably want a rucksack to hold your essentials, such as cameras, extra layers and wallets. For more information on what to bring and wear, read our handy packing guide.

Tipping your guide is up to you and at your discretion. We’re sure if you want to show your thanks with a tip, they would greatly appreciate it.