Norwegian Coastal Voyage: : Escorted Vacations: Spectacular Norway

Escorted Vacations: Spectacular Norway

Bergen : Lofthus : Balestrand : Bergen : Vadso : Karasjok : Alta : Oslo

A 15-day, escorted vacation featuring a northbound cruise

On this escorted program, you'll experience the breathtaking Norwegian coastline, majestic fjords and fascinating Lapland. The journey begins with your arrival in Bergen, where you'll meet your tour director and see this historic city's many sights. Next, travel to the stunning fjord region; explore the unspoiled Hardangerfjord and the majestic Sognefjord and stay at charming fjord hotels. You'll take the Bergen Railway-named one of the "Top Rail Experiences in the World"-to Myrdal and Flam, and enjoy the impressive views. Returning back to Bergen, you'll embark on the spectacular northbound Norwegian Coastal Voyage. You will disembark in Vadso. Explore this region and learn about the culture and history of the native Sami, including a stay in the village of Karasjok. Finally, fly to Oslo, where you will have nearly two days to discover this vibrant city before your return flight to Canada.

Itinerary

Departures: Mar 28, Apr 26, May 26, Jul 16, Aug 7 and 29, Sep 27, 2009.

Day 1: Depart Canada
This evening depart on your own transatlantic flight to Bergen.

Day 2: Arrive in Bergen
At Flesland Airport, you'll transfer to your hotel where you will meet the rest of your group. The rest of the day is free. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [D]

Day 3: Bergen - Ulvik

After breakfast, depart on a 3-hour guided tour of Bergen including a visit to the Hanseatic Museum. Time for lunch in Bergen on your own. Afternoon drive along the Sorfjord and across the wild Tokagjelet Ravine to the Hardangerfjord; drive along the fjord to the fjordside village of Ulvik. [B/D]

Day 4: Ulvik - Balestrand

After breakfast, drive from Ulvik to Voss, past the thundering Skjervet Waterfall. Board the Bergen Railway - named one of the "Top Rail Experiences in the World" - for a breathtaking trip to Myrdal and Flam. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Sognefjord, where you'll see cascading waterfalls, secluded hamlets, and snow-dusted mountains. Then it's on to the village of Balestrand, for a night at the fabled Kvikne's Hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 5: Balestrand - Bergen Embarkation
Morning at leisure. After lunch on your own, you'll sail by ferry to Vik to visit the ancient Hopperstad Stave Church. Then it's back to Bergen, where you'll board the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. [B/D]

Days 6-10: Norwegian Coastal Voyage
You'll sail from Bergen to Vadso, far above the Arctic Circle. Click here for details. Major sights include Art Nouveau Alesund, ancient Trondheim, the majestic Geirangerfjord, the remote Lofoten Islands, the Trollfjord and lively Tromso. [B/L/D]

Day 11: Disembarkation Kirkenes - Karasjok
Travel by motorcoach to Karasjok, capital of the Sami. Visit the Samiland Center to see examples of Sami craftsmansh. Dine in a Sami turf hut while sitting on reindeer skins around a fire. [B/D]

Day 12: Karasjok - Alta - Oslo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Oslo. [B]

Day 13: Oslo
After breakfast, tour Oslo. You'll visit many sites, including the Viking Ships Museum, the Akershus Fortress and Royal Palace. Spend the afternoon exploring. Farewell dinner at the hotel. [B/D]

Day 14: Depart Oslo - Arrive in Canada
After breakfast, it's off to the airport via the Airport Express train for your own flight home. [B]

Meal codes: [B] Breakfast [L] Lunch [D] Dinner

...back to the top