A small group tour is where you travel with a group of fellow explorers and a knowledgeable local guide.

We cap the size of our groups at 16 people maximum. This lets you enjoy a personal experience where you can get to know your guide and learn all you can from them. Plus, exploring in a minibus means you’ll be able to visit places that large groups and coaches can’t get to.

Having a local guide means you’ll enjoy an authentic travel experience in Norway. Not only will they share their favourite places with you, but you’ll also learn what makes Norway special from someone who calls it home.

The best time of year to visit Norway depends on what you’d like to see and do during your visit.

Our guided small group tours are available from May to September, when you can make the most of longer daylight hours in Norway. This means that on a Norway summer trip you can soak up the scenery well into the evening.

Plus, the weather in Norway tends to be mildest at this time of year. For instance, you can expect temperatures of around 16°C (61°F). This is ideal for sightseeing, along with outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking in Norway’s fjords.

While summer is a wonderful time to visit, Norway winter tours offer a different kind of experience. Indeed, if you’re hoping to tick seeing the aurora borealis off your bucket list, then you’ll want to head to Northern Norway between October and April.

Opt for a Norway northern lights tour and you could soon find yourself chasing the aurora through the Arctic Circle’s snow-dusted landscapes.

Although there are no small group tours in winter, you can still enjoy guided excursions on a partially guided Norway trip. Alternatively, choose to travel independently on a Norway fjord cruise and train package, where we take care of all the planning for you.

To find out more, you can read this blog on the best time to visit Norway. Or, check out this article and discover the best time and place to see the northern lights in Norway.

The maximum number of guests on an escorted trip to Norway is 16. Keeping the group small means you’ll have more time to soak up your tour guide’s local knowledge. And, you’ll also get to know your fellow travellers better than you would in a large group.

Unfortunately, there are no guided small group trips suitable for kids in Norway.

If you are travelling with family, then we recommend checking out these child-friendly tours of Norway. On these trips, you can explore the country by road, rail or cruise. This type of independent travel is ideal for families as it gives you more flexibility.

Alternatively, browse our range of specially crafted family trips in Europe for more packages that have been designed for travelling with kids.

Breakfast is provided each morning, so you can begin each day with plenty of energy. And, depending on the trip, some of your evening meals are also included. You can see exactly what meals are part of your tour package in the “what’s included” tab.

Norway is known as a seafaring nation so you can expect to encounter plenty of seafood on your trip. For example, you could sample delicacies like dried cod, which you’ll see airing on large racks if you visit the Lofoten Islands. Or head to Bergen and try Bergensk fiskesuppe, a creamy fish soup that’s a local speciality.

Don’t worry if seafood isn’t for you though, as there will be plenty of other dishes on offer as well. You’ll also find that the locals are partial to a number of tempting sweet treats, including pastries and waffles. The Norwegian take on the waffle is heart-shaped and tends to be enjoyed topped with sour cream and berries – delicious!

If you have any dietary needs, please let us know when you book so that we can make arrangements before you arrive.

Your Norway small group tour includes stays in hotels and guesthouses that have been handpicked for their comfort, cleanliness and friendly atmosphere. Plus, you can relax after a day of exploring, safe in the knowledge that each accommodation has been visited by us recently.

Usually, you’ll be able to choose from both double and twin rooms options when booking your trip. Pick your preferred room type online, so your travel consultant can make sure that everything is perfect for your trip.

If you’re travelling solo in Norway on a small group trip, you can rest assured that you’ll have your own private room. While not all tour providers would assign you a room of your own in this case, at Nordic Visitor your comfort and enjoyment is our priority.

It’s also worth mentioning that our hotels and guesthouses do not offer triple rooms.

You can bring one suitcase or large bag per person for your overnight items. We also recommend carrying a daypack for your daily essentials, such as a camera, extra layers and wallet.

During the trip, your luggage will travel with you on the minibus. When you arrive at a new overnight stop, we ask that you please take your bag to your room. And then you can bring it back onto the minibus the following morning for the next leg of your journey.

Throughout your trip, your guide will transport the group between stops on a spacious minibus, rather than a large coach. This gives you better access to Norway’s attractions and allows you to take the road less travelled.

As such, it does mean that there won't be any bathroom facilities on the bus itself. But your guide will make sure that each day’s journey includes plenty of comfort breaks and opportunities to stretch your legs.

Each of our minibuses has been chosen so that you can relax and travel between stops in comfort on your guided tour. And, although our vehicles can seat 19 people, we allow up to 16 guests onboard to ensure there’s plenty of space.

Most of our tour buses are designed to accommodate the standing height and seating room of someone who’s just above 6’4” (193 cm). This means that even many of our taller guests can travel with ease. There will also be plenty of comfort breaks along the way where you can stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air.

In Norway, tipping is generally not expected, so deciding to provide a gratuity is entirely up to you. Of course, if you’d like to show your thanks with a tip, then we’re sure your guide will appreciate it.

Yes, when you opt for a small group vacation package in Norway, you can choose the pre-scheduled departure date that works best for you. Take a look at the individual tour you’re interested in to see what dates are available.

If you have particular dates in mind, it’s best to book sooner rather than later so you don’t miss out.

Most Norway small group tours depart from May to August. But it’s good to know that some trips have a shorter season and are available from July to August.

If you can’t find a departure that suits you, then get in touch with us and a regional travel expert will help you to find your ideal trip.

Of course, you can extend your stay with additional nights at the start or end of your guided trip. This will give you some time to explore freely on either side of the escorted portion of your tour.

When booking your trip online, it’s easy to add extra nights to your itinerary. If your package is already confirmed, then you can get in touch with your travel consultant to discuss extending your time in Norway.

Before booking your tour, we advise checking what flights are available for the dates that you’d like to travel on. But it’s best to hold off on purchasing flights until after your travel consultant sends your trip confirmation email.

After your package is confirmed by email, you can go ahead and purchase flights. Please get in touch with us if you have missed out on flights and we’ll do our best to accommodate a change of dates.

Norway is a beautiful country whatever the weather, but it’s best to be prepared for a variety of conditions no matter when you’re visiting. Particularly as many of Norway’s attractions are natural spots.

The changeable weather means it’s a good idea to carry a small rucksack with some spare warm and waterproof layers. Your group tour will likely include some short walks, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes will also come in handy.

Here’s a basic packing list for your trip to Norway:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Hiking socks
• Rucksack
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Umbrella
• Swimwear
   

For more information check out this Norway packing guide. And don’t forget, it’s also a good idea to organise personal travel insurance for your trip.