The Three Capitals & The Fjords

( 5 Star )

Visit: Copenhagen-Oslo - Lofthus - Bergen - Flaam - Loen - Briksdal – Geiranger - Oslo – Stockholm

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

13 Days & 12 Nights Guaranteed Departures 2020 It all starts in the city of fairy tales, Copenhagen. From here, we travel to the viking capital, Oslo, before reaching the lovely and very elegant capital of Sweden, Stockholm. Enjoy the privileged natural beauty of the magnificent Norwegian fjords and the fascinating northern capitals, with their cobbled streets, palaces and canals. Experience the most notable sights of this complete journey through Scandinavia. Be amazed by the contrasts of the viking capitals, the nature of the wild fjords and the exuberant architecture. Enjoy this modern, yet exotic area with its medieval history and feel the essence of the north!

Arrival to Copenhagen Airport, meet & greet by an English-speaking representative, for Regular Arrival Transfer Service to the hotel* for check-in (Please see notes below for this service). Please consult the welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in at your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your tour leader. A short welcome meeting will be held between 18:00-19:00 (exact time will be communicated), where you will receive information on the upcoming tour program. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach with our local guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour. This tour will be the perfect introduction to "Wonderful Copenhagen". We start with a drive towards the City Hall Square where the famous pedestrian street "Stroeget" begins. We pass the Tivoli Gardens, dating back to 1843 and onwards past the New Carlsberg Glyptotheque and the National Museum. Next up is the Old Stock Exchange and the Naval Church. We drive past the Kings New Square, the home of the Royal Danish Theatre with the world famous ballet, then through the old canal area, Nyhavn, with its picturesque houses and vessels. We continue on to see the impressive Gefion Fountain and then for a photo stop at the Royal residence, Amalienborg Palace. Finally, we stop by the landmark of Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid, known from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. During the tour, you can also delight in the exterior of Christiansborg Palace, as well as Rosenborg Castle, which houses the Crown Jewels. The tour will end at the hotel. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier by private coach to embark the DFDS Seaways overnight ferry. At approximately 16:30, departure to Oslo. Buffet dinner will be served on board. (Commodore Class cabins are with Queen Size beds. Clients requesting Twin beds will be accommodated in Outside 2 berth cabins – not Commodore Class. Breakfast is however still provided in Commodore class restaurant) NOTE: Passports must be shown when travelling between Denmark and Norway on the DFDS ferry. Clients travelling with E.U. identification cards only may not be allowed on-board.

Breakfast on board. Arrival to Oslo at 09:45. We will meet our local guide for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour of the Norwegian capital, beautifully situated by the fjord. We will enjoy the view from the Opera house before heading off to Bygdoy Island. Here we will visit one of the most popular museums, the Viking Ship Museum (entrance included), with its three Viking vessels. The Vigeland Park, one of the major Scandinavian cultural treasures, will welcome us with sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, who dedicated his life to his artistic works. We will also pass by the Royal Palace and the main street, Karl Johan. The tour ends at the hotel, from where you will be free to explore the Viking capital at your own pace.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we drive across Hoenefoss, Nesbyen surrounded by a landscape, which alternates between forests of pines and lakes to arrive in the beautiful Hallingdal Valley. Just a few kilometers away, we will visit Gol followed by Geilo, a small town surrounded by mountains and famous for its ski resorts. Lunch stop en route (included). Afterwards the tour continues to the impressive Hardanger fjord, where we arrive at Lofthus, one of Edvard Grieg's favourite haunts, and one of the most beautiful points of the fjord. Dinner at the hotel is included.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart from Lofthus and travel back along the fjord until reaching Brimnes where we will cross the splendid Hardanger fjord, by travelling across the Hardanger Bridge. The bridge has one of the longest suspension bridge spans in the world. After reaching Bruravik on the other side, we will continue by coach, along the fjord, passing by Nordheimsund and crossing through forests of birches until we arrive in Bergen. Bergen is the capital of the fjords, Norway’s second largest city and one of the three university cities in the country. Early in the afternoon, we meet our local guide at the hotel, for a 2-hour panoramic sightseeing tour during which we will delight in St. Marys Church, Haakon’s Hall (no entrances), the colourful and picturesque fish markets and the old Bryggen area. The evening is at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure from Bergen and travel to the stunning village of Flaam where you will have the opportunity to board the world famous Flaam railway. You may also choose to drive to the extraordinary and spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord or simply stay in Flaam and enjoy the area at your own leisure. Before leaving Flaam we embark on a short ferry trip along the Sognefjord – the longest and deepest fjord in the country. In the afternoon we will drive through the impressive mountains of Gaula, to get to Loen at the end of the day. Loen is a town beautifully situated between the mountains, lakes and fjords. Dinner and accommodation in the prestigious hotel Alexandra. Optional: Flamsbana (available for pre-booking) Duration: approximately 2 hours Flamsbana is one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks. The 2-hour train journey runs through fantastic nature, past the Rallar road, steep mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, 20 tunnels and offers a multitude of views. In the span of a single hour, the train takes you from the ocean level at the Sognefjord in Flam, to the mountaintop at Myrdal mountain station on Hardangervidda, 863 meters above the ocean. Optional: Stegastein Viewpoint Duration: approximately 2 hours Minimum 6 persons An unmissable sightseeing trip for any visitor to Flaam. The Stegastein Viewpoint is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route that runs from Aurland to Laerdal. This structure, which juts out 30 meters from the mountainside, 650 meters about the fjord, offers and unparalleled panorama. A more amazing view of the fjord, mountains and surrounding is hard to imagine. The traditional and family-run Hotel Alexandra will be your home for the night and this evening we recommend you enjoy a ride with the sky lift just located next to the hotel. The view is absolutely breathtaking.

Breakfast at the hotel. Optional Excursion: Briksdal Glacier, an arm of Europe’s largest Glacier Jostedalsbreen. PRICE: 55 EUR /PERSON Available by pre-booking only DURATION: approximately 3 hours After arriving at Briksdal Glacier, we will make a visit to the foot of the glacier, travelling by small motorized “Troll cars” and walking through Norwegian nature to the very snout of the glacier. Here we experience the glacier’s breathtaking blue ice. After the visit, there will be free time for lunch at your own discretion. *It is not possible to book this excursion on site. THIS EXCURSION MUST BE PRE-BOOKED WITH TRAVEL BOOKING TO ENSURE ITS IMPLEMENTATION. Passengers not joining the optional excursion, who prefer to enjoy the hotel and its facilities, will be picked up at around 15:00. We leave Loen and continue our journey through the wonderful Norwegian mountains to Hellesylt to embark the ferry, crossing the dramatic and ever so impressive, UNESCO’s World Heritage listed, Geiranger Fjord, situated amongst lush mountains and wild waterfalls. Arrival in Geiranger and check-in. Before dinner, a special tour of the Veteran car collection of The Mjelva family is offered. A number of these beautiful cars were used to show tourists around the Geiranger area in the 1920’s and 1930’s and they are still in excellent condition. Dinner at the hotel is included.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we travel north to explore two of the most dramatic and visited areas of Norway; The Eagle’s road and Trollstigen or Troll’s path. The steepest section of Road 63 between Geiranger and Eidsdal is called Ørnevegen, or "The Eagle Road”, as driving along its eleven hairpin turns at 620 meters (2,030 ft) above sea level feels a little like being airborne. At the uppermost bend is the most spectacular viewpoint of the road, Ørnesvingen, offering breath-taking views over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Continue to Linge crossing the Storfjord from Eisdal and from here to the Troll’s path. Driving Trollstigen is a dramatic and exciting experience. Some places it's cut into the mountain; and some parts are built on top of stone walls. An impressive bridge in natural stone carries it across the Stigfossen waterfall. The road is a result of hard work and an impressive piece of engineering work dated 100 years back in time. His Majesty King Haakon VII opened the road in the summer of 1936. At top of Trollstigen there are viewpoints and steel walkways which allow you to get close to the dramatic mountains and waterfalls (Weather permitting as road closures can occur). Lunch stop en route (not included). In the afternoon, we arrive back at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel is included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure by coach to the capital, Oslo. First visit to the famous point of Dalsnibba, an observation point located 1.476 meters above sea level, with a spectacular view of the famous Geiranger Fjord, UNESCO World Heritage. (The visit to Dalsnibba is subject to climate permission - cannot be guaranteed). Continue via Lom where we can admire the oldest wooden church in Norway, which dates from the 12th Century. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Oslo and check-in at the hotel. Thereafter you will have the chance to join the group on a 2-hour guided Walking City Tour.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Oslo and travel (by coach or train) to Stockholm, passing through Norwegian and Swedish forests, and through the region of Varmland, the home of many legends. Late afternoon arrival to Stockholm and check-in at the hotel. The evening is at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet with local guide and depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing. The city of Stockholm is built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges. The city embraces the unique character of the 13th century Old Town and modern high-tech architecture. Stockholm's islands are bordered by Lake Mälaren in the west and the Baltic Sea in the east where the archipelago, with its 30.000 islands awaits exploration. The capital is a big city with a small town personality. Stockholm is proudly called “Beauty on Water” and a sightseeing tour, which includes a walk in the Old Town and a visit to the City Hall, makes for a memorable morning tour. Discover a city of contrasts. Go back 750 years in time and feel the medieval atmosphere of the Old Town "Gamla Stan" as you wander through its narrow streets. The seven hundred year old cathedral of Stockholm, Seat of the Archbishop, will be seen during your stroll through Old Town, where you will also get a chance to see Stortorget, where the Stockholm Blood Bath took place. An inside visit is paid to one of the city’s best known symbols, the City Hall with its Blue and Golden Halls, where the great Nobel banquet is held. The tour ends at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Optional: VASA Museum following regular sightseeing Duration: approximately 2 hours Includes: entrance to Vasa Museum w/guided tour, private tour guide Min 10 persons Available by pre-booking & in situ Scandinavia’s top museum built around the only intact 17th century warship. Following the city tour visit the Swedish warship, Vasa, considered as one of the world's largest and the pride of the mighty Swedish navy. The Museum was built around the 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm's inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628; its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Painstakingly restored to its original magnificence, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.

Breakfast at the hotel. An English-speaking representative will meet you for the Regular Transfer Service to Arlanda Airport*(Please see notes below for this service). *Please note! Regular Departure Transfer Services included in the program are only available for transfer to Arlanda Airport and only on the official end date of tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking representative and are shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time at the airport may occur.

Inclusion

• 11 nights at hotels in standard double/twin rooms, except at Hotel Ullensvang, Hotel Alexandra & Hotel Union, where Fjord View rooms are confirmed • 1 night on board DFDS Seaways Ferry (Commodore Class Cabins – except if Twin is required, then 2 berth Outside Cabin) • 12 Breakfasts – Buffet style • 1 lunch (as per program) • 5 dinners (as per program) • Bi-lingual tour escort from Day 1 to Day 12 (English & Spanish or Portuguese) • All touring by private coach, with air-condition, including all the sightseeing mentioned in the program • The long-distance bus from day 4 - 12 offers WIFI • MONOLINGUAL Guided tours in the cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen & Stockholm. For city tours with local guides, the group will be divided by languages, with their respective monolingual local guide • Regular Arrival Transfer, from Copenhagen Airport* • Regular Departure Transfer, to Stockholm Airport, ARN* • Porter service at ferry crossing & hotels (excluding day 1 & 13) • Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase & 1 piece of hand luggage per person

Exclusion

Beverages & extras All services not mentioned in the program

Note

HOTELS Villa Copenhagen Outside Cabin (Commodore Class) on DFDS Seaways Clarion Hotel the Hub Ullensvang Hotel - Fjord View room Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Alexandra - Fjord View room Hotel Union - Fjord View room Clarion Hotel the Hub Haymarket by Scandic Regular Arrival Transfer Services included in the program are only available for transfers from the Airport in Copenhagen & to the Airport in Stockholm and only on the published official date of beginning & end of the tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking representative and are shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time at the airport may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers – for a supplement, private transfers can be reserved for these passengers Maximum 2 children per room, sharing with parents. Due to the nature of the tour and the destination, we are unfortunately not able to accept children younger than 7 years old on these tours. Child supplement cost is available on request Cost for optional activities is available on request