A Taste of the Fjords

Oslo

Upon arrival in Oslo transfer on your own to the hotel for check-in and overnight. Enjoy the rest of the day to rest and enjoy at your leisure.

Accommodations: Rica Grand Hotel, Oslo

Oslo - Geilo

After your first traditional Scandinavian breakfast buffet at the hotel, pick up your rental car at the closest downtown office. Before departing from Oslo we suggest you take a short drive out to Bygdøy Peninsular to visit the famous museums including the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon Tiki Museum, the Polar Ship Fram and the Norwegian Folk Museum. By mid- afternoon leave Oslo and drive towards to the town of Hønefoss and through the beautiful Hallingdal Valley to Gol. Culminate your journey in the winter ski resort town of Geilo. Check-in at your hotel.
Accommodations: Dr. Holms Hotel, a charming hotel with extraordinary services, B

Geilo - Bergen

Awake and savor another wonderful breakfast before your morning drive over the Hardanger Plateau, towards the Hardanger fjord. En route you have the possibility to stop at the Vøringsfoss Waterfall and the Hadangervidda Nature centre, before continuing to Brimnes for a short ferry crossing to Bruravik. Upon arrival continue on to Bergen along the shores of the Hardanger Fjord. Don’t forget to stop at Steinsdalsfossen, another majestic waterfall with the option of taking a refreshing walk behind, before arriving in Bergen.

Accommodations: First Marin, a tasteful and elegant hotel in maritime Bergen, B

Bergen

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. To start your day, we suggest a trip up the Mt. Fløien funicular. On a clear day you will have a magnificent view over the panoramic city of Bergen. Among other sights to see Gamle Bergen, an open- air museum, the Fish and Flower market on the harbor or Troldhaugen, the home of the Famous Norwegian Composer Edvard Greig.
Accommodations: First Marin, B

Bergen - Balestrand

Rise early and depart Bergen for the small settlement town of Gudvangen. En route, drive up the exciting Stalheim Canyon for a spectacular view from top. Be sure to catch the 12:00 ferry from Gudvangen to Kaupanger, arriving at 2:15 pm. Upon arrival in Kaupanger, but before your make your way along the shores of the Sognefjord to Hella, (for your next ferry) stop at one of Norway’s 28 wooden Stave churches. The Sognefjord is said to be the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Upon arrival in Hella there will be another short ferry crossing to Dragsvik, followed by a very short drive to the historical Kvikne’s Hotel in Balestrand. A fantastic dinner will be served at your charming hotel.

Accommodations: Kvikne’s historic Hotel, a family run fjordside hotel, B, D

Balestrand - Geiranger

You will not leave hungry today! Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before departing by boat along the Fjærland fjord. Appreciate the peace and serenity of the stunning landscape while on the ferry leaving Balestrand at 8:30 am and arriving in Fjærland at 9:55 am. In Fjærland visit the glacier museum and explore a piece of the mighty Jostedal glacier. Continue your journey across the mountains through Skei, Olden and Stryn to Hellesylt. From here you will join another cruise, now on the Geiranger fjord, to see the famous Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil waterfalls. Close the day in the charming village of Geiranger.

Accommodations: Union Hotel, a hotel filled with warmth and lovely views of the Geiranger Fjord, B, D

Geiranger - Oslo

Upon finishing breakfast at this glorious hotel, take one last peak at this beautiful fjord. Then continue on to Lom, to see another one of Norway’s magnificent Stave Churches. From here, proceed towards Vinstra, where you have the opportunity (subject to weather conditions and time) of taking the Scenic Route, ‘The Peer Gynt Road’ towards Lillehammer- site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Be sure to enjoy some free time in this city – be sure to take the chairlift upon the mountain- before heading back to Oslo. Don’t forget to drop off your car rental before heading back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Rica Grand Hotel, a regal hotel with tradition, atmosphere and style, B

Oslo - Home

Savor your last traditional breakfast at the hotel. This ends your independent itinerary or we would be happy to help you continue on your journey to Sweden, Denmark or Finland. B