Norway : The Majestic Fjords with Historical Hotels
Fly drive journey back through Norway's past
This journey back in time offers you a unique opportunity to discover the magnificent fjords and natural beauty of Western Norway. The experience is enhanced by overnight stays along the way in beautiful and historical hotels specifically chosen to present you with the very best of what this unrivalled region has to offer. See close up a nation rich in traditions, enchanting villages and stunning scenery.
Itinerary
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Day 1 -
Oslo - Hardangervidda – Lofthus (242 miles)
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From Oslo, the adventure starts with a drive through the lush valleys of Hallingdalen and across the picturesque Hardangervidda plateau to Fossli. Visit the impressive waterfall of V¢ringfossen – the highest in Norway with its 182-metre cascade. Continue through the dramatic and narrow Måb¢dalen valley along Eidfjord to Lofthus located by S¢rfjorden, an extension of the Hardangerfjord. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Ullensvang – a privately-owned family-run hotel situated in the charming village of Lofthus. The famous composer Edward Grieg was a regular guest here and his cabin is still in the garden surrounded by the scenery that was the inspiration for so many of his great pieces such as 'To Spring' and ‘The Peer Gynt Suite'.
In the summer, rowing boats are available free of charge and you may also hire bicycles and paddle boats. Experience this dramatic fjord country on a seaplane or helicopter flight over the Folgefonna Glacier. The hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, pool table, table pool table, table tennis, playroom games and an exercise room. Tennis and squash courts and ‘full swing’ golf simulator, as well as a ten pin bowling hall, are made available on request. Hotel Ullensvang 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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Following breakfast the journey continues with a short ferry crossing from Kinsarvik to Kvanndal. From here you drive along the romantically picturesque Hardangerfjord to Norheimsund and can visit the spectacular Steindalsfossen, where a footpath leads behind the waterfall, a truly fabulous experience! Then on to the city of Bergen, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords'. Sights of interest are the popular flower and fish markets, the famous Bryggen harbour, the Hanseatic quarter and Troldhaugen, the home of Edward Grieg. In the evening, drive to the village of Os 16 miles south of Bergen.
Dinner and overnight stay at Solstrand Hotel & Bad. The Solstrand Hotel enjoys a stunning location by the fjord and offers magnificent views of the Folgefonn Glacier which has attracted visitors from all over the world for more than 100 years. Christian Michelsen, Norway’s first Prime Minister, built Solstrand for the merchants from Bergen after the Dissolution of the Union with Sweden in 1905. The Schau-Larsen family took over the property in 1929 and have successfully maintained its unique character to the present day. The hotel’s Spa & Wellness area boasts a panoramic view of the fjords and mountains and offers 13 treatment rooms for massage, body wraps, facials and treatments for hands and feet (payable locally). Other facilities include a swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, samarium, steam bath, icy pool and fitness room.
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)")
After breakfast the day starts with a drive through the village of Voss, continuing up the narrow winding road of Stalheimskleivane which offers spectacular views. On arrival in the beautiful village of Gudvangen, you can optionally enjoy a 2-hour leisurely cruise on the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world with its waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. From Flåm, we highly recommend the spectacular Flåm – Myrdal – Flåm train journey (available at additional cost). Then it’s a drive back over the famous Stalheim road and across the Vika Mountains before reaching the destination of Vik. Here you can visit the Hopperstad stave church which dates back to 1130. A short ferry crossing from Vangsnes to Dragsvik will take you to the enchanting village of Balestrand which enjoys a beautiful location by the fjord and is famous for its exceptional architecture.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kviknes Hotel. This hotel, which has been run by the Kvikne family since 1877, is located in picturesque surroundings by the stunning Sognefjord. Despite the many phases of expansion and restoration work over the years, the appearance of the property remains true to its original architectural concept. An impressive collection of art and historical pieces is a central feature of the hotel’s interior and its distinct character. The list of prominent guests include Kaisers, Royalty, Emperors, Presidents, Prime Ministers, movie stars and artists from countries all over the world. From this superb location, you can enjoy some of the many excursions to the surrounding areas, including a visit to the village of Fjærland and 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 day starts with breakfast at the hotel before driving across the Gaular Mountains and continuing along the scenic J¢lstra Lake. You then proceed to Olden before arriving at the Briksdal Glacier, part of the largest glacier in Europe. Optional activities here include a drive up the glacier in an open ‘Trollcar’ and a climb up the glacier (not included). You continue along the Nordfjord and on to the Hornindals Lake, the deepest lake in Europe, followed by a drive to ¢ye on the Norangsfjord.
Dinner and overnight stay at Union Hotel ¢ye. This hotel was built in 1891 to accommodate the increasing numbers of tourists visiting Western Norway. It is perhaps best described as a romantic Swiss-style 'Fjord Palace'. It is idyllically situated amidst beautiful, unspoilt scenery not far from Geiranger, Stryn Summer Skiing and the Runde Bird Sanctuary Island. The hotel has its own harbour and offers numerous activities such as canoeing, mountain walks and helicopter sightseeing trips (payable locally). Among the guests that have stayed here are the German Emperor Wilhelm II, the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina, the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Roald Amundsen the Norwegian Explorer, the playwright Henrik Ibsen and Edward Grieg the composer.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 5 -
Norangsfjorden – Geirangerfjord – Grotli (44 miles)
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Following breakfast, take a cruise on the Geirangerfjord from Hellesylt to Geiranger. The Geirangerfjord is considered one of the most beautiful in Norway and the contrasting imposing scenery of the fjord, majestic mountains and impressive waterfalls is an experience you will never forget. On arrival in Geiranger, we recommend an excursion by bus to the Dalsnibba Mountain Plateau which offers a wonderful view of the fjord and surrounding areas (road toll not included). We also recommend a visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre where you can learn about the fascinating life and history of the people living in these remote areas (entrance not included).
Dinner and overnight stay at Grotli H¢yfjellshotel. The hotel was built in 1905 and offers its guests a relaxed and traditional atmosphere with open fireplaces and wooden interior. With a stunning mountain location 900 metres above sea level, this is an ideal base for day trips to many Norwegian beauty spots such as the Geirangerfjord, the Briksdal Glacier and the Jotunheimen Mountains.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 6 -
Grotli – Lillehammer – Oslo (261 miles)
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After breakfast at the hotel, you drive to Lom and through the awe-inspiring Gudbrandsdalen valley to Lillehammer, host town of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Here you can visit the Maihaugen open-air museum, the Olympic Museum or the Lysgårdsbakken Olympic Arena (entrances not included). You continue on along Mj¢sa Lake to Oslo, the capital of Norway, situated on the shores of the beautiful Oslofjord. Sights of particular interest include the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Arctic Exploration Museum, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the City Hall, the Royal Palace, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Parliament Building (entrances not included). Take a stroll along Aker Brygge with its numerous restaurants and bars or visit the main shopping street of Karl Johan.
Dinner and overnight stay at Holmenkollen Park Hotel Rica – a distinguished hotel built in the distinctive Dragon-style more than 100 years ago, the hotel is situated about 350 metres above Oslo city centre, offering great views of the city and the Oslo fjord. The Nordmarka area, situated close by this magnificent hotel, offers a unique environment for hiking and tours, including a variety of fishing pools, excellent cycling & mountain biking facilities. Other activities include golf, minigolf and rollerblading.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 7 -
Depart Oslo
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After breakfast, drive to the airport for your return flight or to the next stage of your visit to Norway and Scandinavia.
Meals included:
Breakfast
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Prices
| Dates |
The Majestic Fjords with Historical Hotels |
| Adult |
01/06/2009 - 31/08/2009
| £1,374 |
| Notes |
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Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
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Prices for single travellers:
| Dates |
The Majestic Fjords with Historical Hotels |
| Adult |
01/06/2009 - 31/08/2009
| £1,903 |
| Notes |
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Prices are per person.
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What's Included?
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Return flights with SAS from London Heathrow to Oslo
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All airport taxes and security charges
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6 nights accommodation in a double or twin room on a half board basis
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7 days car hire based on a Group A, Nissan micra or similar, upgrade prices on request.
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All domestic ferries in Norway for car and passengers
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Cruises: Geirangerfjord (1 hr)
What's NOT Included?
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Entrance to museums and attractions
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Optional 2-hour leisurely cruise on the Sognefjord
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All non specified activities
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