Best of Norway
10 Days
Featuring: Oslo, Lofthus, Bergen, Loen, Geiranger, Lillehammer
Day 1 Depart
USA Overnight flight to Oslo.
Day 2 Arrive Oslo (2nights) You are
met at Oslo airport and transferred to your hotel. Then there's
time to relax and enjoy this beautiful city. Later, we will enjoy
a welcome drink with our Tour Director and fellow companions.
Day 3 Oslo sightseeing and at leisure
After breakfast this morning, our guided sightseeing tour
features the National Theatre, Parliament and the Royal Palace.
Then we'll enjoy a highlight visit to Frogner Park, home of Gustav
Vigeland's 193 extraordinary sculptures. At your leisure, the
Holmenkollen Olympic ski-jump, the Kon-Tiki raft, or shopping
are some of the tempting attractions. (Full Norweigian Breakfast)
Day 4 Oslo - Geilo - Lofthus This
morning enjoy beautiful scenery as we head out of Oslo along the
shores of the Tyrifjord, past trim farms and into densely forested
Hallingdal. From here we continue to the ski resort of Geilo and
then across the bleak Hardangervidda. Next we pass the Voringfoss,
Norway's most admired waterfall, on our way to the Hardangerfjord.
We drive along the shores of the steep-sided Eidfjord, on the
approach to our hotel in Lofthus for the night, beautifully located
on Sorfjord, an area famous for its fruit growing. We will dine
at our hotel this evening. (Full Norwegian Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 5 Lofthus - Bergen This morning
we take a ferry across the Hardangerfjord and continue on the
scenic winding roads and tunnels to the 'Capital of the Fjords'
Bergen. This is Norway's most naturally beautiful city and orientation
shows us the 13th century Haakons Hall and the Fish Market. Then
there's time at leisure to explore the old merchant's quarter
of Bryggen or maybe take an optional excursion to Edvard Grieg's
home at Troldhaugen. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
(Full Norwegian Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 6 Bergen - Voss - Sognefjord - Loen
Our first stop this morning is in the resort of Voss, then
on to the magnificent Sognefjord. We drive along the shores of
'the King of Fjords' and up through spectacular mountain scenery
before we enter the narrow Fjaelandfjord. We continue through
rugged landscape, viewing the imposing Bøya Glacier before arriving
at our hotel in Loen for dinner and our overnight stay. (Full
Norwegian Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 7 Loen - Hellesylt - Geiranger This
morning you may wish to take a trip along beautiful Olderdal to
see the spectacular Briksdal Glacier before we drive to Hellesylt,
a port dating back to Viking times. From here we take a cruise
along the Geirangerfjord for some of the finest scenery in the
whole of Norway. The fjord is hemmed in by sheer rock scattered
with narrow waterfalls. The rest of your day is at leisure in
the glorious setting of the village of Geiranger. Tonight we enjoy
dinner at the hotel. (Full Norwegian Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 8 Geiranger - Lom - Lillehammer On
our drive this morning we marvel at the breathtaking views from
the Dalsnibba Pass, en route to visit a traditional Stave Church
at Lom. From here our journey takes us through the Gudbrandsdal
Valley, inspiration for Ibsen's Peer Gynt, as we make our way
to the home of the 1994 Winter Olympics – Lillehammer. Before
dinner at the hotel this evening, maybe walk along Storgata or
visit the famous open air museum at Maihaugan.
(Full Norwegian Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 9 Lillehammer - Hamar - Oslo After
breakfast our first stop will be at lakeside Hamar on the shores
of Lake Mjøsa. Here we view the unusual ice rink built for the
Olympics, before driving to Eidsvoll to see where Norway's leading
citizens drafted their liberal constitution. From here it's back
to Oslo. On our arrival there is time at leisure to explore or
shop for some last minute souvenirs. This evening, a final chance
to sample Norwegian Aquavit and perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner
with your fellow travelling companions. (Full Norwegian Breakfast)
Day 10 Oslo - USA This morning after
breakfast, time to bid a fond farewell to new-found friends, your
Tour Director and Norway, as we transfer you to the airport for
your return flight to America.
(Full Norwegian Breakfast)
2002