Bergen, Oslo And The Norwegian Fjords

Although most of us may be aware of Norway’s remarkably spectacular fjords, few appreciate how much more this country on the edge of Europe offers, some of which is explored on this superb tour. Lovely Bergen, its ancient capital and important Hanseatic port, spectacular scenery, sparkling glaciers and two stunning rail journeys combine to forge a tour of great variety and interest. Added to that is the capital, Oslo. At the head of its own fjord, this sophisticated city enjoys a wonderful location, seemingly surrounded by water and has some terrific sights including the fasicinating Fram Museum as well as a spectacular new opera house, built to resemble a glacier with a unique walk-on roof, Royal Palace and superb galleries and museums befitting the capital city of the world’s 7^th richest nation and the best country to live in, according to a recent study.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Bergen.
On arrival in Bergen, transfer by coach to your hotel in the heart of lovely Bergen and check-in for two-night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening there will be a welcome drink at the hotel in the lobby. 

Day 2: Morning guided walking tour of Bergen with the afternoon free for your own exploration.
This morning a local guide will take you on a two-hour walking tour of Bergen, including the colourful wooden houses and warehouses that comprise the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. Originally built in the 14th century for German merchants, these characterul buildings have been converted into atmospheric shops, bars and restaurants. A free afternoon offers a wealth of options: visit the house of the city’s most famous son, Edvard Grieg, beautifully located on a promontory just outside the city, take the Floibanen funicular railway for a spectacular view of the city, visit one of the many museums and churches or simply stroll the historic streets.

Day 3: Bergen – Balestrand
Transfer by coach to the pier to board the ferry from Bergen up the Norwegian coast, through stunning Sognefjord to Balestrand, offering peerless fjord scenery all along the way. Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway, extending 128 miles from west to east, reaching a depth of more than 4,000 feet. The ferry ride is one of the most scenic anywhere in the world. Upon arrival transfer on foot to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Jostedalsbreen Glacier area
Another wonderful day of scenic wonders as we transfer on foot to the pier to take the ferry from Balestrand through Fjaerlandsfjord to Fjaerland, with wonderful scenery all the way. Fjaerland is known as the Norwegian book town with lots of secondhand bookshops in a variety of abandoned buildings. Here, we transfer by bus to see the Boeya and Supphelle Glaciers, which form part of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacial area in Europe, measuring 62 miles long by nine wide. Set in the stunning national park, the award-wining “activity” Norwegian Glacier Museum is devoted to all aspects of glaciers with a panoramic film that takes you on a virtual glacier tour. Return to the pier for the return ferry back to Balestrand, with the scenery viewed from a different angle in a different light. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Balestrand – Oslo via Flam
Walk to the pier to take the ferry through Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognesfjord to Flam, again with spectacular scenery en-route. At Flam walk to the station to take the train on the famous Flam Railway to Myrdal. The world-famous Flam railway takes you from the fjord to the mountain-top as it climbs 865 metres over a 20km route to Myrdal through 20 tunnels carved through the mountainside and is one of the world’s steepest standard gauge railways offering some of the wildest, most dramatic and magnificent scenery in Norway. At the high mountain station of Myrdal, the rack railway meets the Bergen railway line which connects Bergen to Oslo, which we board for the no less stunning railway journey to Oslo. Your bags are taken from the hotel at Balestrand and will await you on arrival in Oslo this evening.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Oslo and visit to the Fram Museum
This morning, a guided tour will show you some of the many sights of Norway’s prosperous, cosmopolitan and attractive capital, located at the head of its own fjord. Our tour includes entrance to the to the Fram Museum where you can learn about Norway’s polar expeditions plus board the Fram Ship, the strongest wooden ship ever built, to see how the crew managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth. The afternoon is free to continue your personal exploration of the city – a walk along Karl Johans Gate, the city’s main thoroughfare will take you to the Royal Palace, National Theatre, University and National Gallery which houses Munch’s iconic “The Scream.” Elsewhere, the stunning new opera house resembles a glacier sliding into the fjord. Those familiar with the Harry Hole novels of Jo Nesbo will love spotting landmarks featured in the books.

Day 7: Fly from Oslo to London Gatwick.
Day free until transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Flights from London Gatwick to Bergen, returning from Oslo with Norwegian Airlines
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Thon Hotel Orion, Bergen (or similar) based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Two nights' accommodation on half board basis at the Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand, based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Scandic St Olavs Plass, Oslo (or similar) based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Welcome drink on the first night 
• Transfers, ferries, railway journeys, tours and visits as detailed in the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Holiday insurance
• Single room supplement
• Porterage and gratuities
• Personal items such as drinks, meals, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Meals other than those stated

HOTELS

Thon Hotel Orion, Bergen (or similar)
The three-star Thon Hotel Orion is centrally located right by the waterfront and is within walking distance of Torgalmenningen (the main town square), the Fløibanen funicular, and many of the city’s other sights. The hotel has a bar/lounge and gym is located close to local restaurants for any evening meals. Bedrooms are comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hotel Website link

Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
Beautifully-located right on the Sognefjord, the Kviknes is a local landmark in its own right, built in the “Swiss” style as the hotel say and has been operated by the Kvikne family since 1877. With atmospheric public areas oozing charm, four generations of the owner’s family have welcomed a host of distinguished guests for more than 140 years. Facilities include a bar and restaurant and light, airy, very comfortable bedrooms with balcony, with all modern amenities, most in a recently-built annexe.

Hotel Website link

Comfort Grand Central Hotel
Located at Oslo S Central Station, Østbanehallen, right in the centre of Oslo, is one of Scandinavia's most beautiful hotels. The Comfort Hotel Grand Central opened its doors in 2012 and boasts an unbeatable location in the hippest part of town – Bjorvika. The Oslo Fjord and Opera House are both just a stone's throw away, and the fashionable avenue Karl Johan and central hub at Jernbanetorget are also right outside your door.

Hotel Website link