SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Oslo

Fly to historic Oslo, the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities with a laid-back atmosphere, attractive architecture, spacious streets and picturesque squares.

Make your own way to your hotel in the city centre by train or airport coach (payable locally), where you will stay for the next two nights.

Day 2: Exploring Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway and sits on the country’s southern coast, at the head of the Oslofjord. Enjoy the next few days exploring Oslo, which has a huge array of world-class museums that reflect this seafaring nation's colourful history.

The Bygdøy Peninsula is home to five national museums: the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The Viking Ship Museum displays finds from four different Viking burial sites around the Oslofjord, whilst the Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built, which still holds the record for sailing the farthest north and farthest south. It is possible to board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth. There are also exhibitions on the Arctic and Northwest passage. The open-air Norwegian Folk Museum showcases Norway’s traditional wooden architecture, history and traditions, and the Kon-Tiki Museum is dedicated to the amazing Pacific voyages of the explorer, Thor Heyerdahl.

 Another major attraction is Akershus Castle Fortress. Completed during the 14th century, this medieval castle had a strategical location at the end of a headland and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. Guided tours of the fortress are available during the summer. Other attractions include the Resistance Museum, Oslo Opera House and Edvard Munch Museum.

Oslo is also known for its green spaces, the most famous of which is the Frogner Park. Within this area is the Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and iron and one of Norway’s top tourist attractions. Housed in some beautiful gardens of its own, the Royal Palace is the official seat of the Norwegian king and queen. You can take a tour of the palace during the summer months, or stop by to see the changing of the guard at 1:30 pm.

If you buy an Oslo Card it will give you free admission to most museums and sights, and unlimited travel on all public transport (boats, buses, trams and trains).

Day 3: Oslo to Flam

After sampling Oslo's energetic atmosphere, relax and unwind on the Bergen Railway, considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world - travelling over the stunning 'Roof of Norway' and linking three of Norway's most iconic destinations.

Make your own way to the train station (pay taxi locally) and board the train for your journey to the mountain station of Myrdal (included). There are trains departing at 08.05 and 12.01.

At Myrdal change to the Flamsbana ‘corkscrew’ railway, said to be one of the steepest and most scenic rail journeys in the world, which drops 865m down to Flam on the shores of the Aurlandsfjord. This 20 km branch line, dating from the 1920's, spirals through twists, turns and tunnels, including a couple of 180° bends - hugging sheer mountains, travelling over breathtaking drops and passing cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains to Flam.

The total journey time today is approximately 6 hours. Spend two nights in Flam exploring this stunning area.

Day 4: At leisure in Flam

Flanked by orchards and meadows, Flam sits on the edge of Aurlandsfjord, a narrow offshoot of Sognefjord.

Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, you can explore this beautiful area on foot, by bicycle or kayak. There are several activities that can be pre-booked.

Day 5: Flam to Bergen

Return on the Flamsbana Railway to Myrdal (included), where you will change trains and continue to Bergen, a beautiful Hanseatic trading port with seven surrounding hills. The train departures are 09.45 and 11.05 and the journey time is approximately 4 hours.

On arrival in Bergen make your own way to your hotel (payable taxi locally), where you spend two nights.

Day 6: Bergen

Bergen is delightful, especially the old port area of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many colourful wooden buildings.

The Floibanen funicular railway takes you up Mount Floyen from the city centre, rising 320m in just eight minutes and providing wonderful views over the city. You can visit the waterfront Fish Market, which despite its name sells all kinds of produce and handicrafts, and relax in one of the delightful cafes.

Day 7: Depart from Bergen

You may wish to extend your stay in Bergen for another night or two. On your last day, there may be time for a little more sightseeing, before making your own way to the airport using the Flybus service or light railway (payable locally).

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £280 per person (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.