When
we put together these trips in house as we do, they can take months to
plan, and this one has. We've had our group air booked since
mid-November but it took another 2 months to finalize this wonderful
itinerary where we could be satisfied that what we are offering is
something you will not find anywhere else at a price that is
affordable while keeping the standards very high. Plus, we are
going in peak season for the very best weather!
This
10-day trip will take us from Stockholm, Sweden to the best Fjords of
Norway with plenty to see in between. We have group air from LAX to
Stockholm, Sweden where we have the next 3-days to tour and explore.
Stockholm, one of the most
beautiful capitals in the world, is built on 14 islands connected by
57 bridges. The beautiful buildings, the greenery, the fresh air and
the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of this city. The
Royal National City Park, (the first National City Park in the
world), is a green space that breathes for the city, and a constant
presence in the crush of the city.
With its 750 year history and rich cultural
life, Stockholm offers a wide selection of world-class museums and
attractions. Most of the city's
attractions can be reached on foot, and there’s a good chance of
experiencing a lot of things in a short time. Experience big-city
life, the history of civilization and natural scenery, all in the
course of the same day.
Visit Stockholm City Hall. Climb the City Hall
tower for a fantastic view of Stockholm. Don't miss
Gamla Stan, Stockholm's
oldest attraction and one of the best preserved medieval city centers
in the world. Walk through small winding streets lined with stores
full of handicrafts, antiques, art galleries and cafés. The Royal
Palace and Stockholm Cathedral where the royal wedding took place in
2010 are also located in Gamla Stan.
The green island of Djurgården is home to some
of the city's most popular attractions. Visit the world-famous warship
the Vasa, the world’s oldest open-air museum Skansen, or Astrid
Lindgren’s Junibacken. And don't miss the chance to see Stockholm from
the water. Naturally a city built on fourteen islands offers marvelous
views over the water. There are many different sightseeing tours to
choose from. And if fourteen islands aren’t enough, Stockholm offers a
wonderful archipelago with 30,000 islands, islet rocks and skerries.
Our hotel, The waterfront, 4-star Radisson Blu
(see links below) lies in the heart of the city on Sweden's east
coast, where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea at the Riddarfjärden
Bay. We will have a 3-hour panoramic tour set up and a visit to the
Vasa museum, a
famous warship that sank in 1628 that was highly recommended for a
tour. We will have info. on other optional tours as we get closer to
the trip such as a bike tour of the city.
Then we will fly to
Oslo, Norway.
Oslo is located innermost in the
100-kilometre-long Oslofjord, which is home to 40
islands. Over half of the
municipality of Oslo is covered by forests and parks, making Oslo
a truly green city. Oslo hosted the 1952
Winter Olympics and the 2
011 FIS Nordic World Ski
Championships.
Top attractions in Oslo include Vigelandsparken
Sculpture Park, the Opera House, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Locals
are active year-round, enjoying the public parks and numerous
waterways, even in winter. One can’t help but notice that everyone
walks, bikes or takes the train/subway everywhere. Maybe it’s the
unique topography of Norway that lends itself to this. Fjords, those
majestic inlets created by glaciers, surround so much of the country.
The scenery is breathtaking but the terrain can be tough to traverse
if you aren’t careful, making driving a bit hazardous as times. Thus,
this isn’t a car-crazy city. Most residents don’t have one car, much
less two or more and the rail and bus system is so efficient that
getting around is a breeze
Our hotel, the
4-star Thon Bristol is only a short
walk from Oslo's main street, Karl Johans gate, the Royal Palace,
museums and the waterfront area Aker Brygge and most of Oslo's other
attractions. Our included tours here will be a 3-hour panoramic sight
seeing tour by coach and a visit to the
Viking
Museum. There are a number of other attractions that you will have
the option of visiting on our 2-day visit to Oslo. The
Hop on/ Hop off bus has also
been a popular way for us to start off as a group and see the places
that appeal to us most.
Now we are ready
for the Fjords and here's where our trip becomes the most active as
well. We will have one night in Alesund, which is a must see and one
night at the Gierangerfjord, a World Heritage Site before heading to
Bergen for our final 3-nights. After studying the Fjords with the help
of the experts that I am using, I did not want to miss Gierangerfjord
which is a must see, World Heritage Site. We will fly from Oslo and will spend one
night in Alesund named Norway’s most beautiful city.
Just look at this photo below and you will understand
that we needed to include this stop in our itinerary.
The city of Ålesund is known for its
architecture in Art Nouveau style, its surrounding fjords and the high
peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. The meeting between mountain and
fjord in the Alps of Sunnmøre and in Geiranger is equally spectacular
in summer and winter. There is probably nowhere else in the world with
this unique combination. The snow clad mountaintops, the sharp, clear
winter air, the views and the nature experience refresh both body and
soul!
We will only have the afternoon to spend here so
there are no planned tours as you will enjoy the time to browse and
take photos. Check out hotel listed below, located right on the water
with great views!
The next morning we will depart on our journey
to the Geirangerfjord, so unique it has been included on UNESCO’s
world heritage list. The
deep blue Geirangerfjord is surrounded
by
majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls
and lush, green
vegetation. This might possibly be the most beautiful place on earth.
We will spend the night at the highly rated Hotel Union perched high
above the fjord with incredible views. We have a cruise of the fjord (
included) plus you might also want to take a short easy walk or
summit hike offering you the most stunning views. There is a wide
variety of trails, all marked and with
good maps available.
Even our journey to Geiranger will be remarkable
with amazing views while we coach and ferry our way to this amazing
place. Then we will take our cruise of the Geirangerfjord
offering one of the very best and dramatic fjord scenery to be found
anywhere in Norway. Nature here is overwhelming – so you want to see
it close up. This is what you came for!
Now we wrap up our journey with 3 days in
Bergen. Bergen is known for Bryggen
Hanseatic Wharf, the Fish Market, and surrounding mountains and
fjords, such as the Hardangerfjord
and Sognefjord.
Bergen's first buildings were erected along the
old Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen,
which has been a lively and important part of the city through the
centuries. This site, which features on UNESCO’s World
Heritage List, comprises the remains of the old harbour
buildings and is one of the best known medieval city settlements in
Norway. Walking through the narrow alleyways and dark external
galleries is like traveling back in time. We'll take the
Fløibanen Funicular from the city centre to the top of the
Fløien Mountain where we'll
have
a golden
opportunity to view the city, the mountains, the fjords and the sea.
The old wooden houses that still survive and happily snuggle into the
hillside, make wandering along the narrow passageways called "smau", a
truly Bergen experience. We will also do a guided hike at Mount
Ulriken starting with
the cable car. Our guide will take us one of the popular hikes that
start from here.
But the highlight of our stay in Bergen will
definitely be the Norway in a Nutshell day. This is a full-day package
tour that will have us on ferry's, trains and boating down magnificent
fjords. We
start with train from Bergen and is the most popular roundtrip in
Norway. We will get to experience the
Bergen Railway
between Oslo and Bergen. We will then hop on the
Flåm Railway,
one of Norways most spectacular railways, from Myrdal Station down to
Flåm
and the Aurlandsfjord. Then we will have a fjord cruise in
the Aurlandsfjord
and Nærøyfjord
(UNESCO World Heritage). We will also experience the steep hairpin
bends of Stalheimskleiva. It will be an incredibility scenic
experience and is included in this package.
The rest of our 3 days in Bergen
will be spent with optional tours that we will have more information
on once you sign up and closer to the trip. There are hikes, another
cable car ride and another fjord cruise that are all interesting
options.
This is certain to be one of our
best trips ever, and certainly one with the most beautiful scenery. By
the way, there will be 16-1/2 hours of sunlight in Norway while we are
there with the sun finally setting at about 9 p.m.!
DEPOSIT - $200
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - $850
OUR AIR:
Deduct $835 with your own air. This would still include our domestic
flights
-
BA 14AUG LAX-LHR 555P1200N
BA 15AUG LHR-ARN 130P 500P
DY 813 18AUG ARNOSL 1230 1330
DY 410 20AUG OSLAES 1500 1600
BA 25AUG BGO-LHR 1145A1240P
BA 25AUG LHR-LAX 405P 705P
We are on British Airways, departing LAX
at 5:55 p.m. connecting through Heathrow and arriving in Stockholm at
5:00 p.m. on the 15th.
We fly from Stockholm to Oslo on the 18th at 12:30 p.m. landing at
1:30 p.m.
We fly from Oslo to Alesund on the 20th at 3 p.m. landing at 4 p.m.
We depart Bergen at 11:45 a.m. connecting in Heathrow and landing at
LAX at 7:05 p.m.
Includes:
-
Roundtrip & domestic
air
-
10-nights double
occupancy with daily breakfast
-
Deluxe Motor Coach
-
Admission fees as
indicated
-
2
half day city tours with guide and bus
-
Norway in a Nutshell package
-
Geirangerfjord Cruise
Not included:
·
Gratuities:
guides and bus driver are at your discretion.
·
U.S. Departure Taxes/ fuel surcharge -
currently running $651
(subject to change).
ITINERARY:
|
Thursday, August 15, 2013 |
|
Stockholm |
|
Arrival
Flight BA LHRARN Arrives 500PM |
|
Coach transfer from airport to hotel |
|
Assistant transfer from airport to hotel |
|
Radisson Blu Waterfront |
|
Friday,
August 16 , 2013 |
|
Stockholm |
|
Coach for 3 hour panoramic sightseeing |
|
Guide for 3 hour panoramic sightseeing |
|
Entrance to Vasa Museum |
|
Radisson Blu Waterfront |
|
Option 2 - 2.5 hour bike ride (Includes Guide and quick stop for
coffee |
|
|
|
Saturday, August 17, 2013 |
|
Stockholm |
|
We
will have a variety of options including a boat tour and Hop on/
Hop off tour |
|
Radisson Blu Waterfront |
|
Sunday,
August 18, 2013 |
|
Stockholm / Oslo |
|
Coach for transfer from STO hotel to airport (no assistant) |
|
|
|
Thon Bristol Hotel (Double Occupancy Room) |
|
Porterage at hotel, not included |
|
Transfer from OSL airport to hotel by coach |
|
Monday,
August 19, 2013 |
|
Oslo |
|
Coach for 3 hour panoramic sightseeing with guide |
|
|
|
Entrance to Viking Ship Museum ( |
|
|
|
Thon Bristol Hotel (Double Occupancy Room) |
|
Porterage at hotel |
|
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 |
|
Oslo /
Alesund |
|
Transfer from OSL airport to hotel by coach |
|
Coach from Alesund Airport to Hotel |
|
|
|
Scandic Aalesund Hotel |
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 |
|
Alesund
/ Geiranger |
|
|
|
Coach from Alesund to Geiranger |
|
Cruise along Geiranger Fjord (1.5 hours) |
|
|
|
Union Hotel Geiranger |
|
|
|
Thursday, August 22, 2013 |
|
Geiranger / Bergen |
|
Travel by coach from Geiranger to Bergen |
|
|
|
Norge Hotel |
|
Friday,
August 23, 2013 |
|
Bergen
- Norway in Nutshell - Bergen |
|
Coach transfer from hotel to train station in Bergen |
|
|
|
Norway in a Nutshell - 1 complimentary person per Group |
|
Train from Bergen to Myrdal |
|
Train from Myrdal to Flam |
|
Ferry from Flam to Gudvagen |
|
Coach from Gudvagen to Bergen |
|
|
|
Norge Hotel |
|
Saturday, August 24, 2013 |
|
Bergen |
|
Option - Fjord cruise - 4 hour cruise (no guide/assistant
included, walking transfer) |
|
|
|
Option - Guide for hiking tour - Ulriken - 6 hours total |
|
Option - Round trip cable car |
|
Option - Round trip coach transfer |
|
|
|
Norge Hotel |
|
Sunday,
August 25, 2013 |
|
Bergen
/ Airport |
|
Coach for transfer to airport |
OUR HOTELS
|
Hotels |
|
Dates |
Nights |
City
|
Hotel Name
|
|
August 15 –
18, 2013 |
3 |
Stockholm |
Radisson Blu
Waterfront |
|
August 18 –
20, 2013 |
2 |
Oslo |
Thon Bristol
Hotel |
|
August 20,
2013 |
1 |
Alesund |
Scandic
Alesund |
|
August 21,
2013 |
1 |
Geiranger |
Union Hotel |
|
August 22 –
24, 2013 |
3 |
Bergen |
Norge Hotel |
Stockholm:
Radisson Blu Hotel - 4-star
The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm lies
in the heart of the city on Sweden's east coast, where Lake Mälaren
meets the Baltic Sea at the Riddarfjärden Bay. Only minutes from
Arlanda Express and Central Station, this hotel in Stockholm city
centre provides easy transport throughout the capital. The Radisson
Blu Waterfront Hotel connects to one of the world's most popular
meeting venues, the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. This hotel
in Stockholm city centre also affords convenient access to the
business district, shopping areas, City Hall, Old Town and Royal
Palace.
The Radisson Blu
Waterfront Hotel boasts 414 chic rooms and suites styled by RPW Design
with furnishings that offer modern comfort. Rising high above the city
and adding to the spectacular skyline, this Stockholm accommodation
provides beautiful views of Riddarfjärden, Lake Mälaren and the
bustling city centre. Each room features such premier amenities as
coffee and tea provisions, flat-screen television and Free high-speed,
wireless Internet access.
Hotel
website
Tripadvisor Review #3 out of 164 hotels!
Oslo:
Thon Bristol Hotel - 4-star
In a world of everlasting change
Hotel Bristol puts tradition, quality and service in the high seat.
Already when entering the lobby you will experience the unique style
of the hotel, an elegance and venerableness that has characterized the
hotel since 1920 when the doors opened to our first guests. Today the
hotel has 251 guest rooms of which 10 are suites named after some of
the most renowned persons who have stayed at Hotel Bristol, or has
connections to the hotel.
Bristol SPA is a real gem, and has won a design
award for its different and exciting architecture. Experience
tranquility and well-being in our elegant surroundings with subdued
music.
Hotel website
Tripadvisor review
Alesund: Scandic Alesund Hotel - 4-star
Hotel Scandic Ålesund has a central location
close to the water in the city of Alesund. The Alesund Museum is
just a 5 minute walk from the hotel and the Fjellstua view point
is 2,4 kilometers from Scandic Ålesund. You'll find the best
Alesund attractions close to the hotel, including the Atlantic Sea
Park aquarium.
When staying with us at hotel Scandic Ålesund,
you can relax in our hotel sauna or work out in our fully
equipped gym. Visit our restaurant and bar, both overlooking the
water and offering superb harbour views, and enjoy the fresh
fish dishes of the Molja Restaurant. Our hotel is close to
Alesund's commercial district and and we offer 8 conference
venues.
Hotel Website
Tripadvisor Review
Geirangerfjord: Hotel
Union
