Bergen, Oslo & The Fabulous Fjords

Itinerary

• Norway

  Norway is a constitutional monarchy in Northern Europe that occupies the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The majority of the country shares a border to the east with Sweden; its northernmost region is bordered by Finland to the south and Russia to the east. Norway's extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barent sea, is home to its famous fjords. Norway has experienced rapid economic growth after WWII, and is now amongst the wealthiest countries in the world, with petroleum accounting for around a quarter of GDP. Norway was ranked highest of all countries in human development from 2001 to 2006. Tourism is centered on the pretty port city of Bergen, and the beautiful fjord of Flam. The capitol is Oslo.

• Balestrand

  Balestrand is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sogn. The administrative center is the village of Balestrand.The municipality is situated at the junction of the Sognefjord and Esefjord, the major industries are tourism and farming. Balestrand became popular early due to the interest of artists, such as Hans Gude, Alfred Heaton Cooper, Hans Dahl and Johannes Flintoe. Their paintings of the scenery around Balestrand inspired visitors, and Balestrand maintains its connection with art.Besides tourism, farming is one of the traditional sources of income. Other industries include made-to-order kitchen interiors, local apple juice, and Nesseplast which produces industrial plastic.

• Bergen

  Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and is located on the south-western coast of Norway. Its city centre is situated among a group of mountains known as "De syv fjell" (lit. The Seven Mountains). Bergen is an important cultural center in its region and was one of nine European cities honored with the title of European Capital of Culture in 2000. The main reason for Bergen's importance was the trade with dried cod from the northern Norwegian coast, which started around 1100 CE. By the late 1300s, Bergen had established itself as the center of the trade in Norway. The Saxon Hanseatic merchants lived in their own separate quarter of town, where Middle Saxon (“Middle Low German”) was used, enjoying exclusive rights to trade with the northern fishermen that each summer sailed to Bergen. Today, Bergen's old quayside, Bryggen is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites.

• Oslo

  Oslo is the capital and largest city in Norway. The city was founded around 1048 by King Harald III of Norway. In 1624 the town was largely destroyed by a fire. The Danish-Norwegian king Christian IV rebuilt and changed the name of the city to Christiania. The diocese of Oslo is one of the five original dioceses in Norway, who originated around the year 1070.

• • Bergen
  • Clarion Hotel Admiral

  Day 1: Bergen

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Admiral (4*)

  The Clarion Hotel Admiral (4*) is housed in a magnificent old packhouse building that dates back to 1906. The hotel opened its doors to guests for the first time in 1987. Clarion Hotel Admiral is the only waterside hotel in Bergen with the best view to Bryggen, Vågen and Fløien. They have 211 unique rooms. Fifty of them have a balcony with a view to three sides. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Restaurant. You can also sit out on their fantastic jetty and admire the finest view in Bergen while you enjoy your meals. Lobby Bar is the ideal place to enjoy a great cup of coffee or a quiet drink. If you would prefer to eat in your room, then take a look at our 24-hour room service menu. Whatever you choose, you can be sure of culinary delights and personal service.

• • St. Mary's Church

  Day 2: Bergen

  Meet your driver and english speaking guide today to discover the picturesque cultural city of Bergen.  See St. Mary's Church, the only remaining church of twelve built at the end of the twelfth century.  See Haakon's Hall, the largest and most imposing building in the royal residence erected between 1247 and 1261.  Stroll through the colourful and picturesque fish market and the Hanseatic Museum. (entrance fee is included)

  Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Admiral (4*)
• • Balestrand and Fjord
  • Kviknes Hotel at the Sognefjord

  Day 3: Bergen - Balestrand

  Depart early morning from Bergen and travel to the historic town of Voss, with a stunning background of snow clad mountains. Here we board a train which will take us across the mountain plateau to Myrdal where we change to the World famous Flam railway, the highlight of the day. Experience one of the most spectacular rail journeys, descending down from the Mountain station of Myrdal to the quaint fjord village of Flam. Here we have some free time before embarking the afternoon ferry, which will carry us on a breathtaking crossing along the lovely Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The coast offers very strong contrasts, sometimes you will experience rocks falling dramatically into the fjord and other times the river turns into a wonderful green. We disembark in Balestrand and arrival at your hotel, located on the edge of the stunning fjord.

  Accommodation: Kviknes Hotel at the Sognefjord (BD)

  The history of Kvikne’s Hotel extends back to the Holmen Inn in 1752. The Kvikne family bought the hotel, renamed Balholm, in 1877, and is running it to this day. Norwegian tourism was revolutionized in the latter half of the 19th Century, and has been developing steadily ever since. The original hotel was built in the traditional "Swiss" architectural style and despite many waves of expansion and restoration, the appearance of the building remains true to the original concept. As a result, Kviknes is a modern hotel with personality and "soul" and with the atmosphere of centuries.

• • Geiranger
  • Hotel Union

  Day 4: Balestrand - Geiranger

  Breakfast at your hotel. Depart by coach to Dragsvik, from where we will cross the beautiful Sognefjord onceagain, before disembarking in Hella. We will then continue driving via Sogndal, through several picturesque villages, forests of birches and crops, until we arrive in Skei, located at the foot of Europe’s biggest mainland glacier named “Jostedalsbreen”. After a short break we continue our journey towards the Briksdal Glacier. Here we travel by small motorized Troll cars to the very snout of the glacier and experience the breathtaking blue ice. We board the coach again, driving via Loen and Stryn and onto Geiranger, to our hotel, the stunning 4th generation run Hotel Union. Here we will spend two nights in the wonderful surroundings of mountains and fjords, and get the most out of this extraordinary part of the world.

  Accommodation: Hotel Union (BD) (Standard (Fri-Sat))

  In welcoming you to the Hotel Union, we are inviting you to share with us one of the most exceptionally beautiful landscapes in the world. The inscription of the Geirangerfjord on the UNESCO World Heritage List is relatively recent, but our magnificent natural surroundings have been an attractive destination for many generations of visitors, from far and near, who come not only to stay, but to experience something that is truly unique.

• • Geiranger Fjord

  Day 5: Geiranger

  After breakfast at your hotel, we will take the ferry, crossing the dramatic and ever so impressive UNESCO World Heritage site; The Geiranger Fjord, situated among lush mountains and wild waterfalls. Travel from Geiranger to Hellasylt and be inspired by this beautiful, unspoiled landscape. After disembarkation in Hellasylt, you will travel up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint of Geiranger (Weather permitting). This is probably the most fantastic view in the world, at 1,500 metres above sea level. Return to the hotel in the afternoon where a special tour of the Veteran car collection is included at the hotel. The Mjelva family that run the hotel also own the entire collection of cars. A number of these beautiful cars were used to show tourists around the Geiranger area in the 1920’s and 1930’s and they are still in excellent condition.

  Accommodation: Hotel Union (BD) (Standard (Fri-Sat))
• • National Theater of Oslo
  • Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel Oslo

  Day 6: Oslo

  Drive from Geiranger over stryne mountain to Lom, visit Lom stave chuch. From Lom, drive down the valley Grudbrandsdal where Henrik Ibsens Peer Gynt came from, and onwards to Lillehammer and Oslo.

  Accommodation: Radisson Blu Scandinavia (4*)

  The Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel (4*) is conveniently located in the heart of Oslo near the Royal Palace, with spectacular views overlooking the city and the fjord. Major attractions such as Aker Brygge, City Hall, the Karl Johans Gate and the Vigeland Sculpture Park are within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel offers 488 rooms and suites on 22 floors. The majority of rooms offer direct views to the Oslo Fjord or the landmark Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Free wireless high-speed internet access is available to guests throughout the building. On the 21st floor of the hotel you will find the Summit bar, combining breathtaking views with excellent cocktails. The intimate ENZO Bar & Restaurant serves a menu inspired by the Mediterranean. All guests have complimentary access to the Lagoon, featuring a swimming pool, fitness room, and saunas.

• Day 7: Oslo

  Relax on a private Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver in Oslo.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Clarion Hotel Admiral
  • Clarion Hotel Admiral

  Clarion Hotel Admiral (4*)

  The Clarion Hotel Admiral (4*) is housed in a magnificent old packhouse building that dates back to 1906. The hotel opened its doors to guests for the first time in 1987. Clarion Hotel Admiral is the only waterside hotel in Bergen with the best view to Bryggen, Vågen and Fløien. They have 211 unique rooms. Fifty of them have a balcony with a view to three sides. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Restaurant. You can also sit out on their fantastic jetty and admire the finest view in Bergen while you enjoy your meals. Lobby Bar is the ideal place to enjoy a great cup of coffee or a quiet drink. If you would prefer to eat in your room, then take a look at our 24-hour room service menu. Whatever you choose, you can be sure of culinary delights and personal service.

  • More information
• • Kviknes Hotel at the Sognefjord

  Kviknes Hotel at the Sognefjord (BD)

  The history of Kvikne’s Hotel extends back to the Holmen Inn in 1752. The Kvikne family bought the hotel, renamed Balholm, in 1877, and is running it to this day. Norwegian tourism was revolutionized in the latter half of the 19th Century, and has been developing steadily ever since. The original hotel was built in the traditional "Swiss" architectural style and despite many waves of expansion and restoration, the appearance of the building remains true to the original concept. As a result, Kviknes is a modern hotel with personality and "soul" and with the atmosphere of centuries.

  • More information

• Hotel Union (BD) (Standard (Fri-Sat))

  In welcoming you to the Hotel Union, we are inviting you to share with us one of the most exceptionally beautiful landscapes in the world. The inscription of the Geirangerfjord on the UNESCO World Heritage List is relatively recent, but our magnificent natural surroundings have been an attractive destination for many generations of visitors, from far and near, who come not only to stay, but to experience something that is truly unique.

  • More information
• • Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
  • Radisson Blu Scandinavia Lobby

  Radisson Blu Scandinavia (4*)

  The Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel (4*) is conveniently located in the heart of Oslo near the Royal Palace, with spectacular views overlooking the city and the fjord. Major attractions such as Aker Brygge, City Hall, the Karl Johans Gate and the Vigeland Sculpture Park are within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel offers 488 rooms and suites on 22 floors. The majority of rooms offer direct views to the Oslo Fjord or the landmark Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Free wireless high-speed internet access is available to guests throughout the building. On the 21st floor of the hotel you will find the Summit bar, combining breathtaking views with excellent cocktails. The intimate ENZO Bar & Restaurant serves a menu inspired by the Mediterranean. All guests have complimentary access to the Lagoon, featuring a swimming pool, fitness room, and saunas.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
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