Great travel planning kept us independent, focused, and flexible!
Norway
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Jul 7 - Jul 17, 2026
From the start, our small group of friends wanted to shape our own trip, keep it small, and flexible. We found kimkim and felt as if we'd found a source for guidance in Taylor who helped us plan a delightful trip! The kimkim experience started with asking good questions to help us narrow our focus to some specific cities and fjords we wanted to visit in Norway. We enjoyed scrolling through all the optional activities, clicking to learn more, and then keeping or discarding various activities. Our group wanted to do mostly unscheduled or independent exploration, but include some group tours or activities, too. Taylor found great options for us. By the end of the planning process, which was exciting to do, we all felt like we had a great plan for our trip.
Pre-trip, we met via Zoom with Taylor and had a chance to ask questions, clarify any issues, and find out about what to expect when we landed in Oslo. In the weeks just before the trip, we only needed to focus on packing and tending to our own personal details, knowing the kimkim had the rest under control! That was huge! Here are a few highlights about what we planned and experienced on the trip:
Transfers from the airport to our hotel, hotel to the train, and things like that made us all feel cared for and confident in the plans. Knowing someone had checked the timing of everything and indicated on the detailed itinerary where and when to gather allowed us to enjoy our free time.
Oslo Private City Walk: Lene met with us on our first morning, sitting down with a map, listening to what we had done already and hearing of what we wanted to do. She proposed options, and we chose her idea of learning how to buy tickets online, and then led us to the Vigland sculptures. As a native of Oslo, her knowledge and understanding of the area was helpful. Our experience of the sculptures was enhanced by information she shared. We all agreed that she was a great choice as our guide.
RIB Safari: Our group enjoyed the anticipation of the RIB Excursion, as well as the real event! They provided all the gear, a great guide, and the weather made it a perfect outing. The cheese tasting and fjord tour was really fun! All agreed that it was a highlight.
Bergen Food & Culture Walk: This walking tour was beyond expectation. Our guide was a delightful fellow who told stories well, and navigated the city as we stopped here and there for exceptional tastes of food and beverages. It was more than a lunch! Starting with a fishcake, several other small stops, then soup at a sit down restaurant, and finally a beer. Wow! We loved it!
Geirangerfjord Cruise: Cato, our cruise ship host was personable, and very experienced. He made this an interesting time, on a foggy day. Our time in the town was enjoyable. In the afternoon, he stayed up top and, as the fog burned off, he shared more about the fjords. Great guy!
Lodging: All of our lodging was well located near transportation and great views. Most of us agreed that the Flam Marina was the best. Fortunately, the enormous cruise ship present when we arrived, departed around suppertime. No more ships arrived while we were there, making those days and evenings a dream of peaceful waters and quiet atmosphere since we were on the quiet end of the marina. Weather was great!
External factors making this a great trip were the weather--not a drop of rain the whole time we were in Norway--and the World Cup soccer tournament which we could watch anywhere we went. I can't imagine a better trip!
Activity Reviews
We did not have a lot of time in Alesund and would have enjoyed another day. Loved the art nouveau museum, and walking along the water. Totally recommend the museum. We ate great food in Alesund.
Lene worked well with our group. She helped us clarify how to best use her time with us. She made great suggestions, and helped us understand how Oslo has changed over the years. Our group reflected on how she added to tool kit by showing us how to get tickets and use the transit system. It was great to have her as our guide.
I enjoyed the trip up. We paid to ride a bus up. Great view!
Everyone enjoyed this opportunity to use the pass multiple times a day. Some rode up and walked down or just went up and down a couple of times at different times of day. The funicular was easy to use.
Our tour boat host was Cato. He was kind, personable, and willingly shared about his Norwegian upbringing, stories and info about the fjord. There was a lot of fog the day we were on board, but the skies cleared enough to see more on the way home. The town of Geiranger offered a good assortment of activities, restaurants, and gift shops to keep us all satisfied. Cato offered suggestions to us for a couple of places to eat, and activities to do.
This adventure was a highlight! Having all the gear provided to us, great RIB Safari staff, and a beautiful day made everything great!
Mostly, my husband and I enjoyed keeping our eyes on the beautiful calm water vs hiking or doing outings. We enjoyed the restaurants and sought out spots to watch World Cup Soccer. Very fun..
Bergen's funicular and street life were the most fun. Lots of food spots, and areas to walk.
People who hiked really enjoyed the trails at the top. The funicular made this activity more doable.
There were plenty of options in Oslo, so we chose carefully what to do as we arrived, and with the time most of us had at the end of our trip. Learning how to download the right app, and buy tickets was very helpful. Using 24 hour tickets allowed for easy transportation and included some local ferries too.
Great place! We planned ahead to get an English tour. The guide , "Sid", was excellent! Great refreshments on the main floor. The museum store was also full of good stuff.