Day 1 -
Oslo - Hardangervidda – Lofthus (242 miles)
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Today the adventure begins in Oslo where we drive through Hallingdalen's lush valleys and across the scenic Hardangervidda plateau to Fossli. The remarkable waterfall of V¢ringfossen can be visited which has a 182 metre cascade; the highest in Norway. Continue your journey through to Lofthus located by S¢rfjorden - an extension of the Hardangerfjord. To reach this you travel through the dramatic, narrow Måb¢dalen valley along Eidfjord enjoying much stunning scenery along the way.
Hotel UllensvangThis family run hotel is set in the enthralling village of Lofthus and once enjoyed the company of Edward Greig, the famous composer, who was said to be inspired by the scenery in the garden. The hotel has many great facilities such as an indoor heated swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, saunas, a pool table, table tennis, playroom games and a gym. Tennis and squash courts along with a 'full swing' golf simulator and a ten pin bowling hall are available on request. During the summer guests can also enjoy rowing boats free of charge and can hire paddle boats and bicycles. The hotel celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2006.
Meals included:
Dinner
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Day 2 -
Lofthus – Hardangerfjord – Bergen – Os (96 miles)
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After enjoying breakfast at the hotel you cross by ferry from Kinsarvik to Kvanndal where you can enjoy the picturesque Hardangerfjord as you drive along to Norheimsund. From here the magnificent Steindalsfossen can be visited where you can walk along a footpath that goes behind the waterfall, an exciting experience. You then carry on your journey to the 'Gateway to the Fjords', the city of Bergen, where there are many interesting sights. Visit the home of Edward Grieg; Troldhaugen, spend some time at the Bryggen harbour or stroll through the popular flower and fish markets. In the evening drive to the village of Os which is 16 miles south of Bergen.
Solstrand Hotel & BadYou will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel that has been in the Schau-Larsen family since 1929. The family privately owns the hotel ensuring that every guest enjoys their stay. The hotel has a unique character that it still enjoys today and is situated by the stunning fjord with a glorious view of the Folgefonn Glacier. This hotel also has excellent facilities such as a swimming pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath, gym, outdoor Jacuzzi, solarium and an icy pool. The Spa and Wellness area in the hotel boasts panoramic views of the mountains and fjords and guests can relax and unwind after the drive with a massage, body wrap, facials or a treatment for the hands and feet (payable locally).
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3 -
Os – Sognefjord – Balestrand (174 miles)
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.jpg "Os – Sognefjord – Balestrand (174 miles)")
Today you begin your journey to Balestrand after breakfast starting off with a drive through the village of Voss. The narrow winding road of Stalheimskleivane offers magnificent views and you arrive next in Gudvangen. Here you can enjoy a two hour cruise on the longest and deepest fjord in the world – the Sognefjord. The cruise is optional and discovers the waterfalls and snow-covered peaks of the area. In Flåm you can take a train journey between the fjords and mountains for unprecedented views (available at an additional cost). Drive back through Stalheim road for a visit to the Vika Mountains before arriving at Vik. Here you can visit the Hopperstad church, dating back to 1130, before a short ferry takes you to the charming village of Balestrand, a city famous for its location by the fjord and its stunning architecture.
Kviknes HotelLocated next to the awe inspiring Sognefjord, the hotel has been run by the Kvikne family since 1877. The hotel boasts an exceptional collection of art and historical pieces which are an integral feature of the hotels interior and character. The hotel has been restored and expanded while still remaining true to its original architectural concept. Many well-known guests have stayed here including Royalty, Presidents, Prime Ministers, artists and movie stars from all over the world. The hotel is located in an excellent place where you can enjoy excursions such as visits to the Norwegian Glacier Museum.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 -
Balestrand – Nordfjord – Norangsfjorden (165 miles)
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.jpg "Balestrand – Nordfjord – Norangsfjorden (165 miles)")
The journey continues with a drive across the Gaular mountains and alongside the J¢lstra Lake after breakfast. After travelling through Olden and arriving at the Briksdal glacier there are a number of optional activities available such as a climb up the glacier and a drive up the glacier in an open 'Trollcar' (not included). You continue to drive along the Nordfjord and on to the deepest lake in Europe – the Hornindals Lake. You then travel toward the hotel on the Norangsfjord.
Hotel UnionBuilt in 1891 to accommodate the growing number of visitors to Western Norway, the hotel has been described as a romantic Swiss-style 'Fjord Palace'. The hotel is located not far from Geiranger, a UNESCO world heritage site, and sits among beautiful, unspoilt scenery. There are several activities available at the hotel such as canoeing, mountain walks and helicopter sightseeing trips (payable locally). The hotel has its very own harbour and has had the pleasure of accommodating famous guests such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Edward Grieg and Queen Wilhelmina.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 5 -
Norangsfjorden – Geirangerfjord – Grotli (44 miles)
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After breakfast you can add some more unforgettable memories to your collection with a cruise on the Geirangerfjord. This is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway which sits amongst majestic mountains and impressive waterfalls. Whilst in Geiranger, there is an excursion by bus to the Dalsnibba Mountain Plateau that we recommend, although there is a road toll to pay, and there is a fascinating museum called the Norwegian Fjord Centre that shows the life and history of the people who live in these remote areas (entrance fee not included).
Grotli H¢yfjellshotelSitting in the mountains 900 meters above sea level, the Grotli H¢yfjellshotel is in a prime location for exploring the beauty spots close by such as Geirangerfjord, the Briksdal Glacier and the Jotunheimen Mountains. The hotel has a traditional Norwegian atmosphere and décor with open fireplaces and a wooden interior and was first opened in 1905. The cuisine is traditional yet delicious with plenty of fish on the menu and home baking which originates from the people who live in the mountains. The hotel boasts a relaxed and friendly atmosphere making you ready for day 6 of your holiday.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 6 -
Grotli – Lillehammer – Oslo (261 miles)
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Today you drive to Lillehammer passing through the awe inspiring Gudbrandsdalen Valley. Lillehammer was host of the 1994 Winter Olympics so there are plenty of Olympic related sights to visit such as the Maihaugen open-air museum, the Olympic Museum and the Lysgardsbakken Olympic Arena (entrances not included). You arrive at your final destination of Oslo after travelling along the Mj¢sa Lake. Oslo is the capital of Norway and is situated on the shores of the beautiful Oslofjord and there are many interesting sights to see. Sights of particular interest include the Viking Ship Museum, the Royal Palace, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the City Hall, the Fram Arctic Exploration Museum, the Royal Palace, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Parliament Building (entrances not included). You can also stroll along the Aker Brygge with its numerous restaurants and bars or visit the main shopping street of Karl Johan.
Holmenkollen Park Hotel RicaThis hotel is over 100 years old and was built 350 meters above Oslo city centre. The hotel boasts an excellent view of the city and was built in the distinctive Dragon style. The hotel has relaxing spa facilities, a coffee shop, a bar and a restaurant, amongst many other facilities, with many activities available nearby such as cycling and mountain biking, hiking, fishing, golf, mini golf and rollerblading.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 7 -
Depart Oslo
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Enjoy your breakfast at the Holmenkollen Park Hotel Rica before leaving for your return flight or to the next destination if you have extended your stay in Norway.
Meals included:
Breakfast
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