Norwegian Legends – Oslo to Oslo

Welcome to Oslo! Oslo is the capital of Norway, the Viking Capital, founded in 1040 by the Oslo Fjord, and home to many fascinating museums and beautiful green parks full of sculptures. In the very city centre you will find the Karl Johan pedestrian street, and don’t forget to pass by the impressive opera house. Individual arrival to Oslo and transfer on own to the hotel (or include optional arrival transfer). Check-In is guaranteed after 4pm, in case of earlier arrival, the hotel can assist with luggage storage. At 6 pm, meet your tour escort and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby for a short introduction to the upcoming adventure through the Norwegian Fjords. Overnight at the centrally located Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeatret, perfectly located within walking distance from the pedestrian street Karl Johan.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Leave Oslo by coach, driving along Lake Mjøsa, the largest lake in Oslo, towards the Olympic city of Lillehammer, where the 1994 winter Olympic Games took place. After a brief stop in Lillehammer, continue towards Lom where we will have a photo stop to admire the 12th century stave church. Continue the journey through the Otta Valley to Geiranger. Dinner and overnight at the beautiful Union Hotel Geiranger.

After a breakfast buffet at the hotel, embark on a 1 hour cruise along the spectacular, UNESCO-listed Geiranger Fjord with the impressive waterfalls: the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters. Arrive in the village of Hellesylt and drive via the Nord Fjord and along the scenic route to Skei. En route stop to enjoy a Norwegian waffle with coffee. Continue the journey passing the Gaular Mountain National Park, making a stop by the viewpoint before arriving at the idyllic village of Balestrand, located on the shores of the fjord and surrounded by high mountains. This unique spot is a good candidate for the most beautiful place on earth. The area is known for its fertile land and fruit trees. We will pay a visit to the Cider House to enjoy a tasting. Dinner and overnight in fjord view rooms at Kvikne’s Hotel.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Leaving Balestrand might be difficult, but ahead awaits two of the most famous experiences in Norway, the Sogne Fjord and the Flåm Railway. Arrival in Gudvangen, at the head of the Nærøy Fjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with small farms scattered on the steep hillsides of the fjord, cascading waterfalls and towering snow- clad mountains. Board a 2 hour’s mini-cruise of the Nærøy and Auerland fjords – both branches of the Sogne Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Disembark in the fjord side village of Flåm and after a short rest, board the world famous tourist train Flåm Railway, one of the most exceptional rail road trips in the world. With breath-taking views at every curve it will take you up to the mountain station of Myrdal. In Myrdal, change train and leave by the Bergen Railway to Voss, where your driver will be waiting to take you to Bergen, the Capital of the Fjords. Overnight at the Scandic Ørnen Hotel, centrally located.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning, enjoy a walking tour with your tour manager, covering the famous open air fish market, stroll across to Bryggen where the traditional wooden medieval buildings still remain as in the times of the Hanseatic League. Rest of the day off or join an optional, panoramic bus tour to
the coastal side. Overnight at the centrally located Scandic Ørnen Hotel.

After the breakfast buffet at the hotel. In the morning, we will take the funicular up to the top of Mount Fløyen for a stunning view of Bergen and the surrounding fjord. Depart from Bergen, and stop off at the impressive Vøringsfoss waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 meters before entering into the Hardanger Fjord area with its romantic landscape of fruit orchards and rounded mountains. Continue on the Hardanger Mountain Plateau, crossing the Hardanger Fjord Bridge for an afternoon arrival in the city of Geilo, a famous ski area during the winter. Dinner and overnight in the Vestlia Resort beautifully located by the Hardangerviddda Mountain Plateau.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Drive back towards Oslo via the Hallingdal Valley. Upon arrival in Oslo, you will be taken on a city tour of Oslo with a local guide. Famous sights include the Frogner Park which is home to famous sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, the Royal Palace, the medieval fortress Akershus, the Opera house, the City Hall and much more. The day finishes with a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. Overnight and dinner at the centrally located Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeatret.

Breakfast at the hotel. Individual departure and transfer from Oslo on your own (not included).