Northern Highlights $3855

Day 1: ARRIVE OSLO

Transfer from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival.
Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, centrally located close to the
Oslo Fjord and the new Opera House.

Day 2: OSLO – ULVIK

After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving via Hønefoss along the charming Halling
Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel.
After lunch cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the
thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m., the highest in
Norway. Descend the amazing Måbødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord.
Short ferry crossing, followed by drive around the Ulvik Fjord, a branch of the
Hardanger Fjord, to the picturesque village of Ulvik. Dinner and accommodation at
Rica Brakanes Hotel, ideally located on the banks of the fjord.

Day 3: ULVIK – BERGEN

After buffet breakfast, start of scenic tour along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord,
famous for its many fruit orchards, via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund,
arriving in Bergen around midday. Afternoon 2 hours tour of Bergen, including a visit
to the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled
packhouses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You will also ride on the funicular to Mt.
Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Dinner and
accommodation at Radisson SAS Hotel Norge, centrally located on Ole Bull’s
Square, close to the pedestrian shopping streets and within walking distance of the
old Bryggen harbour.

Day 4: BERGEN – FLÅM – BALESTRAND

After breakfast departure from Bergen and drive via Dale to the town of Voss.
Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the amazing Stalheim Canyon, to the fjordside
village of Flåm. Board your train for an exhilarating ride on the amazing Flåm Railway
to Myrdal, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour.
The descent from Myrdal to Flåm offers opportunities for photo shots of some
exciting waterfalls and mountain scenery. After short rest in Flåm, start of approx. 2
hours cruise by boat along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøy Fjords, both branches of
the Sogn Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Enjoy the spectacular
scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a
variety of wildlife
After disembarking in Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøy Fjord, continue by coach
across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to the beautiful
resort of Balestrand. Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel, superbly
located on the banks of the fjord and surrounded by mountains.

Day 5: BALESTRAND – A DAY IN THE FJORDS

Day free in Balestrand, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding beauty
and nature of the fjords. The day starts with a traditional Norwegian buffet breakfast
in the hotel’s elegant dining room. You may want to spend the morning relaxing on
the hotel terrace, breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the spectacular
views. We can also recommend a visit to the local aquarium and art gallery, or you
may prefer to rent a bike or rowing boat from the hotel, or even go on foot up to the
nearest mountains. A walking tour of the village of Balestrand, with its historic
buildings and other interesting sites can also be arranged. Dinner and
accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel.

Day 6: BALESTRAND – GEIRANGER

After breakfast departure from your hotel by coach along the scenic route, passing
under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei. Descend to
the beautiful Nord Fjord, making a detour at Olden to visit the world-famous Briksdal
Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best
of views. Afterwards a typical Norwegian lunch will be served in sight of the glacier.
During the afternoon the tour continues via Loen and Stryn, to the picturesque village
of Hellesylt. From here you go on board the ferry for the one hour’s cruise along the
spectacular Geiranger Fjord, possibly the most impressive of all the Norwegian
fjords. During the cruise you will pass close by some magnificent waterfalls, such as
the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters. Dinner and accommodation at the excellent
Union Hotel, overlooking the Geiranger Fjord.

Day 7: GEIRANGER – OSLO

From the top of the famous Serpentine Road, you have the opportunity to digest
some amazing views of the fjord, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to
Lom, well known for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake
Vågå, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist
town of Lillehammer. Stop for lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch the journey
continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, back to Oslo and Dinner
and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, centrally located close to the Oslo Fjord
and the new Opera House.

Day 8: OSLO – STOCKHOLM

After breakfast departure from Oslo, continuing by coach towards the Swedish
border. Cross into the attractive province of Värmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad
on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Lunch in Karlstad. After lunch the tour
continues through a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to reach the Swedish
capital in the late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at the Clarion Hotel
Sign, first class hotel centrally located.

Day 9: STOCKHOLM

The day starts with a 4 hours guided tour of the city. Famous sights include the Royal
Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, Royal Theatre, etc. You will also visit the
enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous
antique shops. Highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its impressive Blue and
Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. Afternoon free in
Stockholm, with possibility to visit the famous Wasa Museum or take one of the
popular canal tours. Accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Sign.

Day 10: STOCKHOLM – HELSINKI

Morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for embarkation on a
luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line. 17.00 hrs: Departure of cruise from Stockholm,
sailing slowly down the picturesque archipelago past numerous small islands. Dinner
on board. Choice of entertainment, bars, shops and casino. Accommodation is in
2-berth outside cabins (seaside) with shower/WC. We recommend you to bring an
overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to bring suitcases to and from your
cabin.

Day 11: HELSINKI

Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki harbour. After disembarkation 3
hours guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski
Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument,
Underground Temple, and much more. During the afternoon you can explore the
busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbour. Finnish crystal
and leather goods are an excellent buy. Dinner and accommodation at the
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, another first class hotel centrally located.

Day 12: HELSINKI DEPARTURE

Buffet breakfast at hotel, followed by transfer to Helsinki Vantaa Airport to connect
with your homebound flight.

Price includes:

11 nights Oslo – Helsinki
* 10 nights accommodation including 3-course or buffet dinner (except on
second night in Stockholm) and daily Scandinavian buffet breakfast, in
centrally located first class hotels, all rooms with private facilities.
* 4 lunches on days 2, 6, 7, & 8.
* 3 hours guided tour of Helsinki, and 4 hours Stockholm, all entrances
included.
* Panorama tour of Bergen incl. ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien.
* Ride on the Flåm Railway, Flåm-Myrdal-Flåm.
* Approx. 2 hours cruise on the Sogn and Nærøy Fjords, and 1 hours cruise on
the Geiranger Fjord.
* Excursion in open car to the Briksdal Glacier.
* All visits as mentioned in itinerary.
* All ferry crossings.
* Overnight cruise Stockholm – Helsinki, incl. accommodation in 2-berth outside
cabins with shower/WC, dinner and buffet breakfast on board.
* Luggage assistance at all hotels.
* English speaking tour escort throughout.
* Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats etc.
* Transfers airport/hotel on first and last days. Transfers to/from a different
airport than the one mentioned in the tour programme may incur a
supplement. Please refer to Airport Transfers under General Information &
Conditions.