Safe, serene and spectacular, Norway, the place of
magnificent fjords and Nordic sagas is a young country with a long history. It is here
where blossoming fruit trees meet snow-capped mountains and the midnight sun sheds its
eerie light on dramatic landscapes. A land where reindeer roams the mountain ranges, where
you can explore picturesque ports, quaint towns and remote fishing villages that dot
rugged coastlines. One of the highlights of our tour is to attend classical music concerts
at the famous Bergen Music Festival.
ITINERARY
May 17. Arrival in Oslo around noon. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to
recover from jet-lag. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Oslo.
May 18. Morning sightseeing tour of Oslo including the City hall where the Nobel Peace
Price is awarded each year. Visit to Vigaland park, the large Sculpture Park of the
renowned Norwegian artist. Guided tour of the fascinating Viking Museum boasting
the magnificently preserved long ships discovered in forgotten burial sights. Your visit
to Oslo would not be complete without seeing the unique Kon-Tiki museum commemorating Thor
Heyerdals famous expeditions. View the rafts used on his
dangerous ocean journeys that ascertained his theories about the migrations of ancient
Egyptian and Ocean peoples. Afternoon free. Dinner and overnight in Oslo.
May 19. Morning transfer to the railway station to board the train to Voss, gateway to the
spectacular Fjords, where your coach will be waiting for you. Drive across the hills to
Hardangrefjord, Norways largest fruit municipality. On route stop at the Skjerv and
Espeland Waterfalls, then continue on to Buravik. Board a ferry for a short crossing of
the fjords to Brimnes, then drive to the brand new Voringsfoss hotel at the narrow
Eidfjord. In the afternoon visit the Hardangervidda Nature Centre where you can see
an engaging wide screen movie on the beauties of Fjord country. Drive along the river to
Fossli to view the Voringfossen waterfalls, the highest cascades in Europe. Dinner and
overnight at the Voringsfoss Hotel.
May 20. After breakfast drive to Kinsarvik. Board a ferry and cross the fjord to Utne to
visit the Hardanger Museum where you can see a local fiddlemaker demonstrating his craft.
Ferry ride through beautiful Hardangerfjord to Kvanndal, then drive along the
shores to Norheimsund, the wooden boats restoration center where you can see
Mathilde, the restored 18th century Church boat. Visit Steinsdalsfossen
waterfall. At Voss take the scenic train up the Raundalen Valley to Myrdal and then on the
celebrated Flam Line to Flam Valley with wonderful scenery at all angles. The train will
stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall where passengers may get off to take photographs or just
admire the cascading falls. Dinner and overnight at the Frethheim Hotel in Flam.
May 21. Departure to the small village of Underdal high in the mountains where you can
taste the popular local dark cheese and if possible visit a local goat farm. Continue on
to Gudvangen and board a boat for a 2-hour cruise on the Naerofjord, the narrowest inlet
of Sognefjord with towering peaks on both sides. Arrive in Kaupanger, then visit the Sogn
Open Air Folk Museum where lunch will be served in an original 19th century farmhouse.
Brief concert at Kaupanger Stave Church of medieval and folk songs.
Dinner and overnight at the Sogndal Hotel.
May 22. Morning drive around the fjord to Solvorn, then ferry to Urnes to visit Urnes
Stave Church. This beautiful Nordic treasure is listed as the oldest wooden church on
UNESCOs World Heritage list. On to Fjaerland and to the fascinating Glacier
Museum. Continue along Sognefjord in fruit blossom to Hella. Sognefjord is the largest and
deepest fjord in the world. Several of the fjords have a green hue, caused by melted
glacier water. Breathtaking views of mountain slopes dive straight into the crystal clear
waters. Nowhere else will you find such contrasts and untouched natural splendor. Cross to
Dragsvik, then continue along the shores of the fjord to Balestrand. Short walking tour,
then listen to local history by the owner of the Kivkne Hotel. Dinner and overnight at the
Kivkne Hotel in Balestrand, once favourite spot of Kaiser William II. Tonight you will
have a chance to try reindeer roast, the popular Norwegian delicacy.
May 23. After breakfast cruise the rest of the Sognefjord and the archipelago to Bergen.
Bergen with its 250 Thousand inhabitants is a splendid amphitheatre clambering up the
mountainsides, looking over the sea, embracing you. It is also the home of Edward
Grieg, Ole Bull, the famous violin virtuoso and has a thriving music-life. Transfer to
your hotel. Afternoon at leisure, dinner at the hotel. Tonights highlight is a
symphonic concert at the Grieghalle, one of Norways most prominent concert venues.
Overnight in
Bergen.
May 24. Sightseeing tour of Old Bergen including the 17th century harbor, the 13th century
Hakons Hall, the Rosenkranz Tower and the old Hanseatic buildings at colorful Bryggen, now
an UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will learn the story of German merchants that
ruled most trade routes during the Middle Ages. Drive to Troldhaugen, Edvard Griegs
former home and grave. Tour ends at the lively harbourfront market where you can treat
yourself to the popular salmon sandwich or to reindeer or moose sausages, the local
specialities. Evening Festival Concert. Dinner and overnight in Bergen.
May 25. Morning transfer to the airport .
Price on
application: info@allegroholidays.com
Price Includes:
*Accommodation in 4 and 3 star hotels with breakfast and dinner daily plus one lunch in
a farm house
*All coach, ferry, boat and train transportation specified in the itinerary
*All sightseeing and entrance fees, services of local guides and a full-time escort
* 2 tickets to the Bergen Music Festival, all land taxes and service charges
|