Northern Highlights 2010
12 days / 11 nights, Oslo - Bergen - Fjords of Norway - Stockholm - Baltic Sea Cruise - Helsinki | This escorted Northern Highlights tour combines highlights of Scandinavian capitals, the Fjord Region of Norway with a cruise across the Baltic Sea. Travel is by modern motorcoach, ferries, fjord cruises and train. Wind through Norway's scenic mountains, ferry amidst the world's most beautiful fjords. Take a breathtaking train ride to Flåm, followed by touring and cruising through Norway's majestic fjord lands. Cruise the Aurland & Nærøyfjord, the Sognefjord, longest and deepest fjord in the world, and the majestic Geiranger Fjord. Explore Sweden's Lake Country, highlights of Stockholm with a visit to the Old Town. Enjoy the scenic cruise across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, Finland's bustling capital, to capture the fabulous sights of the city called the "Daughter of the Baltic".
| Departure | Guaranteed June 29 July 6, 13, 20, 27 August 3 |
| Price | $3,863 per person in double room $4,838 single room |
| Included | 10 nights first class hotel accommodation with private facilities Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Overnight cruise Stockholm - Helsinki, 2-berth outside cabins Dinner and buffet breakfast on board 4 x lunches on days 2, 6, 7, 8 Daily 3-course or buffet dinners (except on second night in Stockholm) Transportation by modern deluxe coach with reclining seats etc. 3-hour guided tour of Helsinki 4-hour guided tour of Stockholm Entrance fees Panorama tour of Bergen Ride on the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløyen Ride on the Flåm Railway, Flåm-Myrdal-Flåm 2-hour cruise on the Sognefjord & Nærøyfjord 1-hour cruise on the Geiranger Fjord Excursion in open car to the Briksdal Glacier All visits as mentioned in itinerary All ferry crossings as per itinerary Luggage assistance at all hotels (1 piece per person) English-speaking tour escort throughout Transfers airport/hotel on first and last days |
| Not Included | International airfare, airport taxes and customs fees Gratuities Alcoholic beverages Personal insurance / personal items $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Transfers to/from a different airport than the one mentioned in the tour program may incur a supplement. These tours are organized by our Associate Partners in Copenhagen. In order to offer a greater variety of tours options, the programs allow for participants to join or depart from the tour in various transit locations. We do hope that the possible change of group participants does not cause any inconvenience. Please inquire about our favorable airfares. |
Day 1 ARRIVE OSLO (D) Transfer from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and accommodation at Thon Hotel Opera, centrally located facing the new Opera House and close to the Oslo Fjord and harbor. Your tour escort will meet you at 19.50 hrs in the hotel lobby.
Thon Hotel Opera
Day 2 OSLO - ULVIK (B, L, D) After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving via Hønefoss along the charming Hallingdal Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Buffet lunch at Bardøla Mountain Hotel. After lunch cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m., the highest in Norway. Descend the amazing Måbødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord. Short ferry crossing, followed by drive around the Ulvik Fjord, a branch of the Hardanger Fjord, to the picturesque village of Ulvik. Dinner and accommodation at Rica Brakanes Hotel, ideally located on the banks of the fjord.
Rica Brakanes Hotel
Day 3 ULVIK - BERGEN (B, D) After buffet breakfast, start of scenic tour along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord, famous for its many fruit orchards, via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund, arriving in Bergen around midday. Afternoon 2 hours tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbor with its gabled pack houses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You will also ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløyen, for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Dinner and overnight at Radisson SAS Hotel Norge, centrally located on Ole Bull's Square, close to the pedestrian shopping streets and within walking distance of the old Bryggen harbor.
Radisson SAS Norge Hotel
Day 4 BERGEN - FLÅM - BALESTRAND (B, D) After a delicious breakfast buffet, we depart Bergen and drive via Dale to Voss. Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the amazing Stalheim Canyon, to Flåm. Board the Flåm Railway for an exhilarating ride to Myrdal. The descent from Myrdal to Flåm offers opportunities for photo shots of thundering waterfalls and mountain scenery. After short rest in Flåm, approx. 2 hours cruise by boat along the narrow Aurlands and Nærøy Fjords, both branches of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife. Disembark in Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøy Fjord, continue by coach across the Vika Mountains to Vangsnes, for the short ferry crossing to the beautiful resort of Balestrand. Dinner and overnight at the historic Kvikne's Hotel, nestled on the shores of the Sognefjord.
Kvikne's Hotel
Day 5 BALESTRAND - A DAY IN THE FJORDS (B, D) Day free in Balestrand, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding beauty and nature of the fjords. The day starts with a traditional Norwegian buffet breakfast in the hotel's elegant dining room. You may want to spend the morning relaxing on the hotel terrace, or we can recommend a visit to the local aquarium and art gallery. You may prefer to rent a bike or rowing boat from the hotel, or go on a hike up to the nearest mountains. A walking tour of the village of Balestrand, with its historic buildings and other interesting sites can also be arranged. Dinner and overnight at Kvikne's Hotel.
Kvikne's Hotel
Day 6 BALESTRAND - FJÆRLAND - GEIRANGER (B, L, D) After breakfast departure by ferry from Dragsvik to Hella, followed by a scenic tour along the northern side of the Sogne Fjord to Sogndal. Continue by road to Fjærland, passing under the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei at the north end of beautiful Lake Jølster. Descend to the Nord Fjord, visit Olden and the world-famous Briksdal Glacier; ride in open cars to give you the best possible views. Lunch in a nearby mountain restaurant. After lunch the tour continues around the Nord Fjord via Loen and Stryn, to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. Board the ferry for a one hour cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord, now on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Dinner and overnight at the excellent Union Hotel, overlooking the Geiranger Fjord.
Union Hotel
Day 7 GEIRANGER - LILLEHAMMER - OSLO (B, L, D) From the top of the famous Serpentine Road, you have the opportunity to digest some amazing views of the fjord, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to Lom, well known for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake Vågå, before descending the magnificent Gudbrandsdal Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. Stop for lunch in Lillehammer. After lunch the journey continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, back to Oslo and Holmenkollen, home of the world-famous ski jump, offering unforgettable views of the city and Oslo fjord way below. Dinner and overnight at the Thon Hotel Opera.
Thon Hotel Opera
Day 8 OSLO - STOCKHOLM (B, L, D) After breakfast departure from Oslo, continuing by coach towards the Swedish border. Cross into the attractive province of Värmland to arrive in the city of Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Lunch in Karlstad. After lunch the tour continues through a landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to reach the Swedish capital in the late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Sign, a new first class hotel, centrally located.
Clarion Hotel Sign
Day 9 STOCKHOLM (B) The day starts with a 4 hour guided tour of the city. Famous sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, Royal Theatre, etc. Visit the enchanting Old Town "Gamla Stan" with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. Highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its impressive Blue and Golden Halls, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. Afternoon free in Stockholm, with possibility to visit the famous Wasa Museum or take one of the popular canal tours. Overnight at the Clarion Hotel Sign. Please note that dinner today is not included in the program, as our experience shows that whilst in Stockholm guests prefer to eat out at a restaurant of their own choice. Your tour escort will gladly advise and make table reservations for you.
Clarion Hotel Sign
Day 10 STOCKHOLM - HELSINKI (B, D) Morning free in Stockholm. Afternoon transfer from hotel to pier, for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry of the Silja Line. 17.00 hrs: Departure from Stockholm on the luxurious Silja Line ship cruise bound for the Baltic Sea, sailing slowly down the picturesque archipelago past numerous small islands. Buffet dinner on board. Choice of entertainment, bars, shops and casino. Accommodation is in 2-berth outside cabins (seaside) with shower/WC. We recommend you to bring an overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to bring suitcases to and from your cabin.
onboard Silja Line / Seaside cabin
Day 11 HELSINKI (B, D) Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki harbor. After disembarkation 3 hours guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspensky Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more. During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbor. Finnish crystal and leather goods are an excellent buy. Dinner and accommodation at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, another first class hotel centrally located.
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel
Day 12 HELSINKI DEPARTURE (B) Buffet breakfast at hotel, followed by transfer to Helsinki Vantaa Airport to connect with your homebound flight.