Scenic Norway with extensions to Stockholm Helsinki and Copenhagen

Itinerary

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 facing the new
Opera House and close to Oslo Fjord and Harbour. Your tour escort will meet you at 19.50
hrs in the hotel lobby.

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 noteworthy
sites can also be arranged. Dinner and accommodation at Kvikne’s Hotel.

Day 6: BALESTRAND – GEIRANGER

After breakfast departure from your hotel by ferry from Dragsvik to Hella, followed by a
scenic tour along the northern side of the Sogn Fjord to Sogndal. The tour continues by
road to Fjærland, passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village
of Skei at the northern end of beautiful Lake Jølster. Descend to the 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 views. Lunch will be served in a nearby
mountain restaurant facing the glacier. After lunch the tour continues around the Nord
Fjord 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

For guests on 7 night tour Oslo – Oslo, this ends after breakfast, with transfers to Oslo
Gardermoen Airport to connect with individual flight departures.
Guests on 9/11/13 nights tour continue by coach towards the Swedish border, crossing
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, a new 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 famous 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. Please note that dinner today is not
included, because our experience shows that in Stockholm guests prefer to eat out at a
restaurant of their choice. Your tour escort will gladly assist you with table reservations.

Day 10: STOCKHOLM – HELSINKI

For guests on 9 night tour Oslo – Stockholm, this ends after breakfast, with transfers to
Stockholm Arlanda Airport to connect with individual flight departures.
Guests continuing on the Baltic Cruise to Helsinki have 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 lovely
archipelago past numerous small islands. Dinner on board. Accommodation is in 2-
berth outside cabins (seaside) with shower/WC. We recommend bringing an overnight
bag for this cruise, to avoid having to carry suitcases to and from the cabin.

Day 11: HELSINKI – STOCKHOLM

Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki. Spend a whole day in this exciting
city on the Baltic, retaining your cabin on the ship. Morning 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. 17.00 hrs:
Embarkation for return cruise to Stockholm. Dinner and accommodation on board.

Day 12: STOCKHOLM – COPENHAGEN

After a tasty buffet breakfast, arrive back in Stockholm at 09.30 hrs.
Guests on the 11 night tour Oslo – Helsinki – Stockholm will be driven from the Silja
Line terminal to Stockholm Arlanda Airport for flight home. To allow time for
disembarkation, transfer to airport (situated 60 km. from Stockholm, security
controls and possible delays, we strongly advise clients not to book flights
departing before 13.00 hours.
Guests continuing to Copenhagen will be driven through Southern Sweden to Klaralven on
Lake Vättern. Stop for lunch. Tour continues via Jönköping to the city of Malmö. Cross
the new Öresund Bridge from Sweden to Denmark, to arrive in wonderful Copenhagen
during the early evening. Dinner and accommodation at Radisson SAS Scandinavia
Hotel.

Day 13: COPENHAGEN

The day starts with a 3 hours guided tour of the city. You will see the Amalienborg Palace,
residence of the Danish royal family, Gefion Fountain, Christiansborg Palace (Danish
Parliament buildings), the old harbour of Nyhavn, and of course the famous Little Mermaid.
Afternoon free for exploring this fairytale city. This evening you will be taken for a farewell
dinner in the famous Tivoli Gardens. Accommodation at Radisson SAS Scandinavia
Hotel.

Day 14: COPENHAGEN DEPARTURE

Buffet breakfast followed by morning transfers to Copenhagen Kastrup Airport for
individual flight departures.

Price includes:

7 nights Oslo – Oslo
* 7 nights accommodation including daily 3-course or buffet dinner and Scandinavian
buffet breakfast, in centrally located first class hotels, all rooms with private facilities.
* 3 lunches on days 2/6/7.
* 2 hours guided 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 described in itinerary.
* All ferry crossings.
* 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.
9 nights Oslo – Stockholm
All above mentioned services plus -
* 2 nights accommodation in Stockholm including 3-course dinner on first night only,
and daily Scandinavian buffet breakfast, rooms with private facilities
* Lunch in Karlstad on day 8.
* 4 hours guided tour of Stockholm, incl. entrance to City Hall.
11 nights Oslo – Helsinki – Stockholm
All above mentioned services plus -
* Cruise Stockholm – Helsinki – Stockholm, in 2-berth outside cabin with
shower/WC, incl. 2 dinners and 2 buffet breakfasts on board.
* 3 hours guided tour of Helsinki incl. entrances.
13 nights Oslo – Copenhagen
All above mentioned services plus –
* 2 nights accommodation in Copenhagen, including daily Scandinavian buffet
breakfast, dinner at hotel on day 12, and special farewell dinner in Tivoli Gardens
on day 13. All rooms with private facilities.
* Entrance to Tivoli Gardens in connection with farewell dinner.
* Lunch on day 12.
* 3 hours guided tour of Copenhagen including entrances.