Tour Overview
Norway is far stretched and diverse, reaching above the Arctic Circle.If you turn Norway upside down it will stretch to Southern Europe. Big city life in Oslo is different from that of a coastal village in the arctic. You can try both within a few days. Half of Norway has sun around the clock at summer and dancing, magical, northern lights in the totally dark winter. From the mountain ranges, glaciers, forests and Northern Lights of the last wilderness in Europe in Swedish Lapland, to the über cool capital city of Stockholm – Sweden is an adventure! Looking for space, fresh air, stimulating cultural events and exciting activities? You have arrived at exactly the right place. Finland’s seasonal contrasts and pristine natural environment provide the setting for a dazzling and inspiring variety of adventures and new experiences!
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Bergen, NorwayArrive Bergen International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and transferred by private car to your hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is yours to relax following your journey or to begin exploring the charming city of Bergen independently. Founded in AD 1070, Bergen is one of the most attractive cities in Norway. During the Middle Ages, Bergen was the seat of kings, as well as one of the departure points for Vikings who roamed the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. Even after Oslo emerged as Norway's capital, Bergen remained an important port city. Bryggen, Bergen’s oldest and most enchanting quarter, runs along the eastern shore of Vagen Harbor and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hotel Radisson SAS Royal Day 02: Bergen This morning enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Bergen with your private guide. Visit old Bryggen Harbor and the popular Fish & Flower Market. Continue to the Hanseatic Quarter, named for the Hanseatic League that dominated northern European trade during the late Middle Ages. Visit the Mariakirken Church with its Romanesque entrance and twin towers, which dates from the early 12th century and is Bergen’s oldest building. Then take a ride on the funicular railway to Mt. Fløien for breathtaking views of the city and fjord far below. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Bergen on your own.
Breakfast
Hotel Radisson SAS Royal Day 03: Bergen – Sogne Fjord – Balestrand
Morning at leisure. Early afternoon you will board a ferry from Bergen north along the coast, continuing eastward through Sognefjord to Balestrand. Sogne Fjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and it’s most dramatic. In places, sheer walls rise more than 1000 m (3280 ft) above the water while elsewhere a gentler shoreline supports farms, orchards and small towns. Balestrand, the main Sognefjorden resort destination, enjoys a mountain backdrop and a genteel, low-key atmosphere. Upon arrival in Balestrand, your hotel will arrange to pick up your luggage. The walk to Kviknes Hotel is about 75 meters (250 feet.) The balance of the day is at leisure. Kvikne’s Hotel has been owned and operated by the Kvikne Family since 1877. The guesthouse traditions at Balholm extend back to 1752. The original hotel was built in the traditional "Swiss" architectural style and despite the many phases of expansion and restoration, the appearance of the building remains true to the original design. As a result, Kvikne's is a modern hotel yet with a personality and “soul” that reflect centuries of tradition.
Breakfast
Kvikne’s Hotel Day 04: Balestrand – Sogne Fjord – Flam – Myrdal – Oslo
This morning embark on a ferry continuing further eastward along Sogne Fjord and south to the town of Flåm. Situated in one of the most stunning areas of Norway, Flam has mountains, waterfalls and other natural beauty. Board the Flåm Mountain Railway, an engineering wonder that climbs 865 meters (2830 feet) along a 20 km (12 mile) route to Myrdal, passing thundering waterfalls and breathtaking scenery along the way. In Myrdal, connect with the scenic train to Oslo. Upon arrival in Oslo you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel. Oslo's best asset is its setting. Facing a fjord and surrounded on three sides by forest, it's a fine example of Nordic scenery. But as far as cities go, Oslo seems less like a national capital and more like a big village. Densely wooded hills disguise the fact that it's home to around half a million people. Although the city has palaces, churches and museums, Oslo's highlights are definitely outdoors. In summer, you can hike in the forest or take a ferry ride across the fjord.
The flagship of Oslo's deluxe properties, the Continental overlooks Palace Park and is opposite the National Theatre. Once a baronial mansion, the meticulously maintained Victorian decor features brocaded walls hung with oil paintings and public rooms furnished with authentic antiques. Modern in spirit, the hotel is alive with sophisticated activity. The Annen Entagen restaurant is internationally famous and the Theatercafeen cafe is popular with Oslo's intelligentsia. You will find the Continental at the very hub of Oslo's bustling life and activity, only a short walk from museums, concert halls and theatres.
Breakfast
Hotel Continental Oslo Day 05: Oslo
This morning enjoy a 3-hour private guided tour of the Norwegian capital. View the world-famous Viking Ships, the Kon-Tiki raft, and the Polar exploration ship Fram, each representing unique episodes of Norway’s maritime history. Tour the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park, an extraordinary open-air showcase of work by Norway’s best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Continue to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for a birds-eye view of the city and fjord far below. The afternoon is at leisure.
Breakfast
Hotel Continental Oslo Day 06: Oslo – Stockholm, Sweden
Transfer by private car to the Oslo central train station, where you board a 1st class train to Stockholm. On arrival in Stockholm you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Stockholm is a striking city that seems to float on water – part of it is built on a series of islands. It's been likened to Venice, with its location by the sea, its waterways and pedestrian-friendly bridges. It is dotted with parkland and refined architecture with patinated rooftops. The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, evokes the 18th century. Stockholm has great jazz clubs, fine restaurants and more than a hundred museums. The Grand Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel, the only one of its class in Sweden. The hotel is a classic landmark in the center of Stockholm, offering views of the harbor, Old Town and Royal Palace. The Grand Hotel opened for the first time in 1874 and has a long and fascinating history. The hotel's high standards of quality and service make it an obvious choice for many notable foreign visitors – the Nobel Laureates and their families have stayed at the Grand Hotel since 1901. The Grand Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Breakfast
Grand Hotel Day 07: Stockholm
The day starts with a private guided tour of the city. Stroll through the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. Sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, and Royal Theatre. A highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its famous Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. This afternoon you are free to continue exploring the cosmopolitan city of Stockholm independently. You may wish to visit the excellent Vasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours.
Breakfast
Grand Hotel Day 08: Stockholm – Silja Line Cruise
The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure in Stockholm. These afternoon transfers from your hotel to the pier for embarkation on a luxurious Silja Line cruise to Helsinki. The cruise departs from Stockholm at 5:00 pm, sailing slowly down the delightful Stockholm archipelago past numerous small islands. Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony, the elegant flagships of the fleet with 986 cabins each, offer a selection of entertainment, bars, shops and a casino. Dinner will be served on board.
Breakfast, Dinner
Silja Serenade or Silja Symphony, Silja Class Cabin with Sea View Day 09: Silja Line Cruise – Helsinki, Finland
Enjoy a buffet breakfast as you cruise into Helsinki. Upon disembarkation, your guide will meet you at the pier to begin your private tour of Helsinki. Helsinki retains a small-town feel: there are no high-rise buildings and the market square is still surrounded by 19th-century architecture. Its green parks and waterways, fresh sea winds and many open-air cafes make it a perfect summer destination. Helsinki is fast becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations. It's small and intimate compared to other Scandinavian capitals, and in summer walking or cycling is the best way to appreciate its parks, markets, nearby islands and countless museums. This morning tour Uspenski Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox cathedral built in 1868. Visit Senaatintori (Senate Square), Parliament House and Finlandia Hall. Continue to Sibelius Park and view the Sibelius monument, a modern sculpture created to honor Finland’s most famous composer, Jean Sibelius. Also visit the Underground Temple. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you choose in Helsinki. Hotel Kamp is one of the most valued historical buildings in central Helsinki, dating back to 1887. After careful and extensive restoration the Hotel Kamp re-opened its doors in May 1999, taking its place among the most luxurious of all hotels in Scandinavia. Hotel Kamp is located opposite the Esplanade Park, in the finest shopping area and pedestrian area of Helsinki, close to the South Harbor and all major cultural sights.
Breakfast
Hotel Kamp Day 10: Helsinki – Depart
Transfer to the airport for your departing international flight.
Breakfast
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