Legends of the Fjords

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Leave Oslo by coach, driving along the Lake Mjøsa, the largest lake in Oslo, towards the Olympic city of Lillehammer, where the 1994 winter Olympic Games took place. After a brief stop in Lillehammer, continue towards Lom where we will have a photo stop to admire the 12th century stave church. Continue the journey through the Otta Valley to Geiranger.

Dinner and overnight at the beautiful Union Hotel Geiranger (B, D)

After a breakfast buffet at the hotel, embark on a on a 1 hour cruise along the spectacular, UNESCO-listed Geiranger Fjord with the impressive waterfalls: ”the Bridal Veil” and “the Seven Sisters”. Arrival in the village of Hellesylt and drive via the Nord Fjord and along the scenic route to Skei. En route a stop will be made to enjoy a Norwegian waffle with coffee. Continue the journey passing the Gaular Mountain National Park, making a stop by the viewpoint before arriving at the idyllic village of Balestrand, located on the shores of the fjord and surrounded by high mountains. This unique spot is a good candidate for the most beautiful place on earth. The area is known for its fertile land and fruit trees and before we will pay a visit to the Cider House to enjoy a tasting. 

Dinner and overnight in fjord view rooms at the historical Kvikne’s Hotel (B, D)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Leaving Balestrand might be difficult, but ahead awaits two of the most famous experiences in Norway, the Sogne Fjord and the Flåm Railway. Arrival in Gudvangen, at the head of the Nærøy Fjord - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with small farms scattered on the steep hillsides of the fjord, cascading waterfalls and towering snow-clad mountains. Board a 2 hour’s mini-cruise of the Nærøy and Auerland fjords – both branches of the Sogne Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Disembark in the fjord side village of Flåm and after a short rest, board the world famous tourist train Flåm Railway, one of the most exceptional rail road trips in the world. With breath-taking views at every curve it will take you up to the mountain station of Myrdal. In Myrdal, change of train and leave by the Bergen Railway to Voss, where your driver will be waiting to take you to Bergen, the “Capital of the Fjords”. 

Overnight in Bergen at the Augustin Hotel or Zander K Hotel, centrally located. (B)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning, enjoy a walking tour with your tour manager, covering the famous open air fish market, stroll across to Bryggen where the traditional wooden medieval buildings still remain as in the times of the Hanseatic League. Rest of the day off or join an optional, panoramic bus tour to the coastal side.

Overnight in Bergen at the Augustin Hotel or Zander K Hotel, centrally located (B)

After the breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning, we will take the funicular up to the top of Mount Fløyen for a stunning view of Bergen and the surrounding fjord. Depart from Bergen, and make a stop by the impressive Vøringsfoss waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 meters before entering into the Hardanger Fjord area with its romantic landscape of fruit orchards and rounded mountains. Continue on the Hardanger Mountain Plateau, crossing the Hardanger Fjord bridge, and afternoon arrival in city of Geilo, famous ski area in the winter time. 

Dinner and overnight in the Vestlia Resort beautifully located by the Hardangerviddda Mountain Plateau (B, D)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Drive back towards Oslo via the Hallingdal Valley. Upon arrival in Oslo, you will be taken on a city tour of Oslo with a local guide. Famous sights include the Frogner Park with the famous sculptures of the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, the Royal Palace, the medieval fortress Akershus, the Opera house, the City Hall and much more. An inside visit will be made to the Viking Ship Museum.

Overnight and light self served dinner at the centrally located Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion or Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy (B, D)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Individual departure from Oslo and transfer out on your own (B)

For guests joining one of our escorted extensions tours to Copenhagen or Stockholm and Helsinki, please see separate itineraries.