A perfect introduction to Norway’s most spectacular region, this tour combines, rail, road and cruise to satisfy the most eager expectations. Over 11 nights you will not only marvel at some of Norway's spectacular scenery but also visit picturesque towns and villages and two of its cities.
Beginning in Bergen, an express boat takes you along the coast and through countless islands to Moloy, from there it is a bus to Nordfjordeid and then on to Alesund. The next stage from Alesund to Geiranger through the spectacular Geirangerfjord is by boat and then from Geiranger by bus to Andalsnes. The final leg is by train from Andalsnes to Oslo via Dombas.
Itinerary includes
- Outbound flight from London Gatwick to Bergen
- Return flight from Oslo
- Boat, bus and train tickets*
- 3 Nights Bed and Breakfast at the Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen
- 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast at the Quality Hotel, Alesund
- 3 Nights Half Board at the Union Hotel, Geiranger
- 1 Night Half Board at the Grand Hotel Andalsnes, Andalsnes
- 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast at the Clarion Hotel The Hub, Oslo
- 48 Hour Bergen Card
- 24 Hour Oslo Pass
*Transfers from bus stations, railway stations and ports to your hotel and vice versa are not included. Some can be facilitated by local buses which stop near most of the hotels in the various villages, towns or cities. Otherwise, local taxis are available.
NOTE: The itinerary and price is based on two persons and is flexible in that extra nights can be booked at each of the five stops. Connections in instances where boats have to meet buses are seamless in that the bus will wait for the boat to arrive and vice versa.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Bergen
On arrival in Bergen self transfer from the airport to the hotel. The airport bus , with six stops in the city centre, means you are within walking distance of most city hotels. Otherwise, taxis will be available.
Bergen is the gateway to the fjords of Norway. It is a charming city with a population of 270,000 and is rich in tradition and history. It is also very picturesque. The hotel Admiral is centrally located and enjoys views to the harbour, the famous Bryggen ( the Hanseatic wharf area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site ), the surrounding mountains and the fish market.
Overnight at the Clarion Hotel Admiral (Bed & Breakfast)
Bergen
Day 2 & 3 - Bergen
There is much to do in Norway’s second largest city which was founded in 1070 and which was the country’s capital in the 13th Century. The city was a major Hanseatic trading hub with the Bryggen as its centre. In order to get your bearings why not take a hop-on-hop-off bus.
Bergen is set between 7 mountains and is surrounded by dramatic scenery. Mount Ulriken is accessible by cable car and offers panoramic city views. Edvard Grieg lived and composed at Troldhaugen, his home and estate, from 1885 to his death. The estate now incorporates a museum dedicated to his memory and concert hall. If you enjoy hiking, then Bergen offers a variety of trails. There are also several fjord tours( 3.5 to 4.5 hours) which can be booked locally. The city has a thriving student and music scene. Finally, be warned that Bergen is Europe’s wettest city so don’t forget your raincoat and umbrella!
Overnight at the Clarion Hotel Admiral (Bed & Breakfast)
Cable car, Bergen
Day 4 - Alesund
Your express boat to Maloy departs from Strandkaiterminalen (next to your hotel) at 08.00 and arrives at 12.40. From there your bus departs at 12.45 (the bus will wait for the boat to arrive) and arrives in Nordfjordeid at 13.55. From there the bus to Alesund departs at 14.25 and arrives at 17.30.
The boat and bus journeys are invariably very picturesque and are very much part of the holiday. Buses are, of course, modern coaches with air conditioning/heating and WiFi. Self transfer from the bus station to the Quality Hotel in Alesund. The town is known for its ‘foodie’ scene, so do start with your evening meal!
Overnight at the Quality Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Alesund
Day 5 - Explore Alesund
Alesund, built on several islands, is famed for its Art Nouveau architecture - the twin was rebuilt in that style after most of it was destroyed by fire in 1904. It is well worth booking a 2.5 hour walking tour or, as an alternative, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. For those interested in aquaria the Atlantic Sea-Park is one of Northern Europe’s largest salt water facilities.
Overnight at the Quality Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Alesund
Day 6 - Geiranger
Self transfer to the port to catch the boat to Geiranger which departs at 08.30.
The 15km Geirangerfjord is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the protection of its natural and unique beauty. The cruise along the fjord is a breathtaking experience through deep blue water, between steep cliffs and amidst majestic waterfalls. The Geirangerfjord is one of the most visited fjords in Norway.
Overnight at the Union Hotel (Half Board)
Geirangerfjord
Day 7 & 8 - Explore Geiranger
The Union Hotel is beautifully situated with wonderful views. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and the spa is superb. The village has a fascinating visitor centre and museum exhibiting images of the region. Here you can just relax and marvel at the views but you can also book boat trips, hike on numerous trails suitable for all abilities, visit mountain farms and rent ‘E’ bikes.
Overnight at the Union Hotel (Half Board)
Seven Sisters waterfall, Geirangerfjord
Day 9 - Andalsnes
Self transfer to Geiranger bus station. The bus leaves at 13.00 and arrives in Andalsnes at 16.15. Self transfer to the Grand Hotel Andalsnes.
This is a picturesque town surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. It is also known as the alpine capital of Norway. The mountain of Nesaksla rises to 708 metres behind Andalsnes and a gondola links the two, from fjord to mountain top. From there, there is a 360 degree panoramic view which encompasses the valley of the trolls, Andalsnes and the Rauma River. For the really fit there are some hiking trails!
Overnight at Grand Hotel Andalsnes (Half Board)
Andalsnes
Day 10 - Oslo
Self transfer from the Grand Hotel to the train station at Andalsnes. The train for Dombas departs at 09.24 and arrives at 10.48. The train to Oslo departs Dombas at 10.59 and arrives Oslo at 15.02. Self transfer from the station to Clarion Hotel The Hub.
The Hub is a very large four star hotel. However, one could not have a more centrally located hotel, perfect for exploring the city. We include a 24 hour Oslo City Pass.
Overnight at Clarion Hotel The Hub (Bed & Breakfast)
Oslo
Day 11 - Explore Oslo
Oslo has been Norway’s Capital since 1814. It is considered to be one of the world’s greenest and most liveable cities. It is bordered by the Oslofjord to the south, forests and hills to the north and has a large, open parkland at its heart.
It is known for its museums, especially the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum with ships dating from the 9th century. As ever, the quickest way to get to know a city is to book a hop-on-hop-off coach tour and then re-visit the parts that seem the most interesting.
Overnight at Clarion Hotel The Hub (Bed & Breakfast)
Oslo
Day 12 - Day of departure
After a leisurely breakfast, you will need to self transfer from the hotel to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. The central train station connects the city with the airport both by Flytoget and the regional train services.