NORWAY TOURS: THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS

Oslo, Lillehammer, Geiranger Fjord, Briksdal, Bergen, Hardanger Fjord, Troll Train, Geilo

TOUNNOFJ - 8 days / 7 nights
Departure Day: SET DATES
2004: May 15, June 12, June 26, July 17, Aug 14, Aug 21

A great overview of Norway in a circular itinerary from Oslo covering much of the Central and Western regions of the country and the famous fjords' region. After a visit of the capital city continue to Lillehammer of Olympic fame, then through fjord-land to Bergen, Norway’s second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Oslo via Geilo including a ride on the "Troll train" through Mabodalen valley.

The Fjords - Carved by glacial ice in river valleys, the fjords are different in character, changing as they snake their way in from the coast and end somewhere deeper inland, where they are usually much narrower. While there are long lush fields stretching down to the edge of the water in some places, in others the surrounding mountains plunge straight into the fjord. Among the fjords, Geirangerfjorden, Sognefjorden, Hardangderfjorden and Lysefjorden are absolutely the most spectacular. Each has its own qualities and attractions. Geirangerfjorden has many superb waterfalls. Sognefjorden is the world's longest fjord. Broad and mighty with lush, green farm areas on both sides of the outer portion, the inner portion is often narrower and has steeper mountainsides that plunge straight into the water. Hardangerfjorden is equally varied along its course, but it is the exquisite flowering of the fruit orchards that make it extra special. In Lysefjorden you will find the majestic mountain formation called Pulpit Rock, where only the most daring among us venture out to the edge. The farms of the fjord district are small and not easily operated. There are, however, handsome manor estates and beautiful wooden hotels in Swiss or dragon style that were built in the very early days of tourism.

Daily Itinerary & Program

Day 1 OSLO
Arrive Oslo today and make your way to the hotel. This Evening meet your Tour Manager and traveling companions for a welcome dinner. Overnight at First Hotel Millenium. (D)

Day 2 OSLO - LILLEHAMMER
After a buffet breakfast, meet your local English speaking city guide and depart on a 4 hr city tour of Oslo. Included in the tour will be a visit to the Viking Ship Museum with its authentic 1,000 year old Viking ships and archaeological finds, and a visit to The Norwegian Folk museum. This museum is one of Europe's largest outdoor museums, showing antique wooden houses from all over Norway, including a timber Stave Church from 1200. Before the end of the tour there will be a stop at the Frogner Park with the controversial sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. After the tour there will be some free time for lunch on your own, before continuing by coach to the Olympic City of Lillehammer. Upon arrival there will be an orientation tour of the city before checking into our special hotel for the night. Molla Hotel is a converted mill from 1863 located in the centre of Lillehammer. Perhaps this evening you will have time for a cocktail before dinner at the hotel bar located at the top of the old grain silo from where there is a fantastic view over the city. Dinner this evening is not included your Tour Manager will be able to assist you with a restaurant. Overnight at Molla Hotel. (B)

Day 3 - LILLEHAMMER - GEIRANGER FJORD - SAEBO - 
This morning your journey takes you along the picturesque Peer Gynt Road towards Vinstra and on to Lom, where there will be a stop in the town centre for lunch on your own. The journey will continue towards the village of Geiranger where you will join a cruise on the magnificent Geiranger Fjord with the famous Seven Sisters and the Brides-veil waterfalls, upon arrival in Hellesylt continue to the settlement of Leknes where there will be a short ferry crossing to SaJbo and the Sagafjord Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 4 - S#EBE - BRIKSDAL GLACIER - FLORO - 
After breakfast there we will continue out towards the west to the town of Volda where we once again have a short ferry crossing, this time across the Voldafjord to Folkestad. We will then make our way back into the country and the mountains passing Stryn and Olden. We continue to Briksdal where you have the possibility to walk to the foot of the glacier, you should reckon about 2 hours for the return walk. After our visit to Briksdal, our journey takes us to the town of Skei, where there will be a chance to stop at Auhild Vikens Vevstove and possibly see a demonstration of Norwegian weaving. We will then continue to the town of Floro located on the Norwegian coast. Overnight and dinner at Quality Hotel Floro. (B,D)

Day 5 - FLORO - COASTAL VOYAGE TO BERGEN - 
This morning it is an early start. After breakfast the coach will drop you off at the Coastal Express where you will join the ship for the last leg of its southern journey to the City of Bergen. Enjoy the majestic Norwegian fjords, as you relax out on the deck or in the panorama lounge. Upon arrival, you will be met by your coach and a local English speaking city guide and depart on a 3 hour city tour, including a visit to Troldhaugen the home of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Overnight at Comfort Hotel Holberg. (B)

Day 6 - BERGEN - TROLL TRAIN - GEILO - 
Breakfast and morning free to enjoy this wonderful city. In the afternoon our journey will continue along the edge of the Hardanger Fjord, known as Norway's Orchard. In Bruravik there will be a short ferry crossing to Brimnes, from where we will drive to the Mabo farm in order to catch the Troll Train for a trip through the dramatic Mabodalen valley to Voringsfossen where we will once again meet our coach and have the opportunity to see the magnificent waterfall. We then continue up over the Hardanger Plateau to the winter ski resort of Geilo for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Norlandia Geilo Hotel. (B,D)

Day 7 - GEILO - HALLINGDAL VALLEY - OSLO - 
It is time for our return journey to Oslo. We travel through the lush green valley of Hallingdal, and upon our arrival in the Oslo region we will make a stop at the Holmenkollen ski jump and museum, where you will get a breath-taking view over the city of Oslo and it's Fjord. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure until we meet for our farewell dinner at The House of Norway located not far from the hotel. Overnight at First Hotel Millenium. (B,D)

Day 8 - OSLO - (B)
Breakfast on your own and end of the tour. 

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INCLUDED:

7 nights accommodation at the mentioned hotels 4 dinners, buffet or 3-course dinner 1 Farwell dinner at the House of Norway. Porterage at all hotels Transport by modem air-conditioned deluxe coach. Trans Nordic Tours English speaking tour manager throughout Extensive guided tours 4 hours in Oslo including entrance fee to the Viking ship museum and the Norwegian Folk museum. Road toll for the Peer Gynt Road, Troll Train, Entrance fee to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump park Ferry crossings and cruises as mentioned in the itinerary. 3 hours guided tour of Bergen and entrance fee to Troldhaugen. Edvard Grieg's home.

Not Included:

Airfares, whether on scheduled or charter flights passport and visa expenses government arrival and departure taxes baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended) excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges. 

INSURANCE NOTE: Cancellation policies are strictly enforced! We highly recommend to protect your travel investment should you need to cancel your trip. We have designed an exclusive insurance plan to provide broad protection!