2025 Exploring the Wonders of Iceland and Norway with Michael Phillips

12 Days

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of Northern Europe, with Michael Phillips! Prepare to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, where striking architecture meets rich Viking history. From there, we whisk you away to the picturesque city of Bergen, nestled between mountains and fjords, renowned for its colorful wooden houses and thriving arts scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luiVW_XjbQA

Experience Majestic Norway and Iceland

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of Northern Europe, with Michael Phillips! Prepare to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, where striking architecture meets rich Viking history. From there, we whisk you away to the picturesque city of Bergen, nestled between mountains and fjords, renowned for its colorful wooden houses and thriving arts scene.

As we embark on a scenic cruise across the majestic Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway, you will be captivated by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil waters that reflect the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains. Our voyage takes us to enchanting destinations like Balestrand, where traditional Norwegian hospitality awaits, and Fjaerland, known as the “book village” for its quaint charm and literary culture.

Experience the dramatic scenery of Flam, a tiny village boasting one of the steepest train lines in the world, offering panoramic views of the fjords. Finally, our adventure leads us to Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, where you can explore its rich history, modern architecture, and lush green spaces. Join us for this extraordinary tour, where every moment promises to be filled with awe, wonder, and exploration!

To book this tour contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Sarah WangsgardTour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Email - swangsgard@morrismurdock.com

Highlights

  • 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour
  • Special Tour Director on for the whole trip along with local guides for in-depth location detail and history
  • Advance timed entry tickets to attractions included = less time waiting in lines

Itinerary

  • Day
    1:
    Friday,
    September
    19,
    2025

    Depart Home Cities - Travel to Reykjavik, Iceland

    Today we will be leaving our various home cities to travel to Iceland. See you soon!

    Meals : In-flight

  • Day
    2:
    Saturday,
    September
    20,
    2025

    Arrival in Reykjavik

    We arrive in Iceland and the city of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland located below the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival in the morning we will transfer to the famous Blue Lagoon for a soak before driving into the city center for a walking tour of the city with stops at the magnificent cathedral, the knitting cooperative and time for lunch. We will then check into our hotel. Dinner at hotel. Evening free for exploring. 

    Meals : Dinner

  • Day
    3:
    Sunday,
    September
    21,
    2025

    Pingyellir National Park - Strokkur Geyser - Gullifoss Waterfall

    After breakfast at our hotel, meet our guide and we will board our coach for a tour of the beautiful Golden Circle to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Iceland. Along the route, we will see the UNESCO site of Pingvellir National Park, the Strokkur Geyser in Geysir geothermal area and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall. We will also have a stop at a fascinating geothermal greenhouse operation to see how they grow vegetables and fruits in this country that has insufficient daylight for most of the year. Return for dinner at hotel.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    4:
    Monday,
    September
    22,
    2025

    Snaefellsnes Peninsula

    This morning we will travel through the Snaefellsnes Peninsula where we will see the amazing volcanic shoreline as well as the lonesome villages, churches and Icelandic ponies. In the afternoon we will have free time in Reykjavik. Dinner at hotel. As an optional activity, this evening we will plan to travel outside the city to see the Northern lights.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    5:
    Tuesday,
    September
    23,
    2025

    South Shore of Iceland

    Waterfalls, black sand beaches and more! Today we will explore Iceland's South Shore and discover the charm of each landscape. Visit the amazing waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, both of which are shooting locations for many advertising blockbusters. Take a walk at Reynisfjara black sand beach and stroke the unique columnar basalt overwash by the seawater. The nearby Vik is a picturesque and peaceful town. Continue to witness the wreckage of the plane at Sólheimasandur, which has become one of Iceland's most famous attractions. Finally, step onto the ancient glacial plateau and watch the beauty of the vast glacier of the 700-year-old Sólheimajökull. Dinner at hotel. This evening we will have a second chance to see the Northern lights if they did not appear yesterday.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    6:
    Wednesday,
    September
    24,
    2025

    Reykjavik – Bergen

    Enjoy some free time this morning before being traveling to the airport for your flight to Bergen, a UNESCO world heritage city in Norway. Upon arrival, we will travel to the city center and our hotel. The rest of the afternoon/evening is yours for exploring and enjoying this enchanting city.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    7:
    Thursday,
    September
    25,
    2025

    Bergen Walking City Tour

    After breakfast, we will have a walking tour of the city to experience its long history and European culture, including the UNESCO heritage site - Bryggen, the Church of Mary, the Haakon's Hall inside Bergenhus Fortress and the lively Fish Market. We will take the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of the Mountain Fløyen, from which you can overlook the beautiful panorama of Bergen.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    8:
    Friday,
    September
    26,
    20257,
    2025

    Cruise on Sognefjord from Bergen to Balestrand

    This morning we will depart on a cruise of one of the most beautiful fjords in the entire world. We will travel on the magnificent Sognefjord to the beautiful village of Balestrand. During the cruise, you can admire the wonderful views on both sides of the fjord. We will spend the next 2 nights in this village.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    9:
    Saturday,
    September
    27,
    2025

    Balestrand to Fjaerland

    Today we will travel to the picturesque and stunning village of Fjærland. Home to only 300 people, the charming place has been an important transport location for hundreds of years at the base of two glaciers and the head of two fjords. We will return to Balestrand for overnight

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    10:
    Sunday,
    September
    28,
    2025

    Balestrand - Flam - Oslo via Myrdal

    Continue enjoying your relaxed Sognefjord cruise in the morning. End your cruise at Flam and then visit this quiet and peaceful mountain village. Departure from Flam to Oslo via Myrdal by train, which will take you through steep mountains and tunnels, as well as spectacular waterfalls. Upon arrival in Olso, be transferred to your hotel for rest.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    11:
    Monday,
    September
    29,
    2025

    Oslo City Sightseeing

    Oslo is located at the northernmost end of the Oslo Fjord, surrounded by mountains, forests and wilderness on three sides. It has the picturesque scenery of the coastal city and the dense alpine forest. Today we will visit famous Vigelansparken (Frogner Park), the Fram Museum, City Hall - the Nobel Prize-giving place, and the Akershus Fortress. In the evening we will share a farewell dinner as we prepare to bid farewell to our new friends and the Nordic Adventure.

    Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day
    12:
    Tuesday,
    September
    30,
    2025

    Oslo - Departure to Home

    Time to say goodbye. We will travel to the airport for our flights home to the US.

    Meals : Breakfast, In-flight

Cost Includes

  • Deluxe/Air conditioned motor coach transportation
  • Local Licensed guides & experienced Morris Murdock Escorted Tour Director & Local Tour manager
  • 10 nights Hotel accommodations in Reykjavik (4), Bergen (2), Balestrand (2), Oslo (2) in Deluxe 4 star hotels
  • Sightseeing tours as outlined on the itinerary
  • Meals as outlined – Breakfast & Dinners included daily
  • Entrance fees to all noted locations and museums
  • Audio system headsets on walking tours
  • Document package
  • Digital tour App

Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare to Reykjavik home from Oslo – Price TBA
  • Airfare from Reykjavik to Bergen – Price TBA
  • Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary during free time
  • Tour gratuities for bus drivers guides and Tour Director
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not included in tour outline

About Michael Phillips

A veteran traveler and tour guide, Michael Phillips has designed and led tours the world-over and is always excited to have his groups learn and experience something new and exciting. The world is a beautiful place and each time we travel we are exposed to the wonders that await around every corner.

Michael is Senior Principal Consultant with the RBL Group. He works globally and has taught, trained, and lectured throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Known for his dynamic teaching, lecturing, and group facilitation, Michael has designed and taught courses for every level of learner, from grade-schoolers through graduate students, working professionals and retirees. Prior to his consulting career, Michael was a professor at Brigham Young University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Michael is the author or editor of more than 35 books, articles and reviews and has served on the boards of several associations and foundations. He is married to Rebecca Wright Phillips and they have three children.

Pricing Information

Pricing Options:

  • Double Occupancy: $3689 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $4389

Payment Terms:

  • $500 per person deposit at the time of booking
  • Final Payment due May 30, 2025
  • This tour is based on a minimum/max of 30 passengers and a max of 50
  • Terms & Conditions

Please see our cancellation policy:

If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.

FAQs

Q. Are Flights Included in the Price?

Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.

Q. Can Frequent Flyer Miles be Used to Join a Tour?

Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.

Q. Is a Cash Discount Available?

Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.

Q. Are Other Discounts Available?

Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.

Q. Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.

Q. Is Tipping Included in the Price?

Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.

Q. What if I Have a Medical Condition or Physical Disability?

Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.

Please view our full Mobility Policy here.

Q. Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q. What Documentation Will be Needed?

All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.

Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.

Q. When is Final Payment Due?

The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.

Q. What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Tour?

Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.

For tours in the United States:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
  • Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

For all other tours including international tours and cruises:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
  • Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Will I receive a refund?

The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Q. What Should I Pack?

Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.

Q. How Much Luggage Can I Take?

Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22"+ 14"+ 9") of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.

Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

Q. What Items Can I Carry-On?

Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.

**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information