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The perfect balance for a Norway vacation
Norway | Jun 11 - Jun 19, 2026

K
Kathleen O.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2026

Anna found just the right amount of planned activities balanced with the right amount of free time for us. We had lovely hotels, and really enjoyed the Avila cruise up the coast. I only wish we had a few more days to go all the way north. Food was very good, lodging was great, and our emergency changes (thanks to Tom scheduling us to fly out from Sveringen and not Svolvaer. The hotel Christina found for us was very nice, and we had our best meal there, in fact.

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hotel Terminus
Bergen

Perfectly located across from the train station in downtown Bergen, the hotel features old world charm with modern amenities. It needs more electric outlets near the bed, however, so bring an extension core.

Authenticity & Character
Old world charm with real furniture and great buffet breakfast.
Location
Near waterfront and across the street from the train station, it is easy to find food, shopping, museums and nice parks.
Staff
All were friendly and helpfil
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bathroom was tiny but efficient
Havila Cruise
Fosnavåg

If you go to Norway, this trip up the west coast is a must. The accommodations are vvery nice, the food is excellent, and the excursions on shore were interesting by and large.

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable. Cabins
Location
The ship stops in most major ports on the west coast.
Staff
The staff were very approachable and helpful. The only concern was that our bathroom light was out, and though we reported it day 1, nobody came to fix it.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Every place on board was clean.
Scandic Havet
Bodø

We had a 14th floor room with a view to die for! The hotel was down by the waterfront but not much was happening in the area. There were several dining options in easy walking distance. Breakfast buffet was great.

Authenticity & Character
Modern Scandinavian design, it is a nice hotel.
Location
It isn’t a happening area of town but it is convenient to the airport and the seaport. It
Staff
they seemed good; we had little direct interaction.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was all clean and comfortable.
Hotel Victoria
Stavanger

We unexpectedly found ourselves in town due to a one letter error in airport codes and needed to fly there and stay the night with one day’s notice. The hotel is about a half hour drive from the airport, it’s only weakness. The bistro in the hotel is superb with a great menu of classics expertly prepared. The ambiance is classy but casual., and very comfortable. If you stay here you need to plan a great dinner there too.

Authenticity & Character
Fine old hotel well maintained, the rooms were comfortable, the dining room for breakfast is a lovely room and the breakfast excellent.
Location
We did not stay long enough to judge. For our purpose - getting to the airport by 10:00, it was good, but a 25-30 minute taxi ride.
Staff
I had very little contact, though the desk agent when we checked in was welcoming and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was all clean and comfortable.
Activity Review
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen

Jon was knowledgeable and a good communicator. It was very worth doing.

Quality of Experience
We had a great tour of Norway.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The bus tour excursions from the cruise boat were fair, but the more participatory excursions were a better use of time and money.
Transport
Loved the cruise ship (not too big), and Norway’s rail system is great.
Local specialist: Anna Grindevoll Strønstad
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