Compare Sognefjord & Balestrand exclusive by Fjord Travel Norway vs Norway in 7 days - Vision of the Fjords - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: First Night In Oslo

Individual arrival and check in at a centrally located hotel.

Oslo is beautifully located by the Oslo fjord, surrounded by forested hills. In Oslo you can visit the Viking ship museum, the Holmenkollen Ski jump, the Vigeland sculpture park.

Spend 1 night in Oslo

Optional: Add city sightseeing or Fjord cruises in Oslo

Day 2: Bergen Line

Morning departure by the Bergen line, taking you through the scenic Hallingdal valley and across the specatcular Hardangerviddda mountain plateau to the mountain station of Myrdal.

Flam Railway & Fjord cruise

At the tiny Myrdal station you change to the famous Flam Railway for an unforgettable descend from mountain to fjord through the Flam valley, with mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, tiny farms and the beautiful river.

In Flam you board an express boat for a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord branch & the main Sognefjord. Disembark in the beautifully located Balestrand village.

The wooden, historic Kvikne’s hotel

Enjoy a relaxing, 2 nights stay in the historic wooden wing – built in the “Swiss style” – in room with fjord view. Buffet dinner in the evening.

The hotel is graced with an extensive collection of antiques and authentic artworks, and the Kvikne family has been the hosts since 1877!

Spend 2 nights in Balestrand

Day 3: Full Day In Balestrand

Balestrand is surrounded by mountain peaks, with beautiful views of the Sognefjord & the Fjaerlandfjord branch. The village is home to a selection of authentic, wooden Swiss style villas, a tiny aquarium & galleries. You can follow the interesting, well-marked cultural trail or one of the marked mountain hiking trails for an active day.

Day 4: Cruise To Bergen

Board the express boat for a 4 hour cruise to Bergen through the outer parts of the Sognefjord and along the coast, with islands, local fjords, tiny settlements & summer houses, passing through narrow straits. The boat takes you to the very heart of Bergen, close to the fish market.

Spend 2 nights in Bergen

Day 5: Full Day In Bergen

Spend a full day at leisure in Bergen –see the UNESCO Bryggen wharf, the Funicular to mount Floyen with a marvelous view of the town, the Fish market, the Aquarium, picturesque areas with tiny wooden houses & narrow streets

Day 6: Oslo & Oslo Fjord Cruise

A 45 min flight to Oslo. Check in at the same hotel as the first night. Enjoy a 2 hour fjord cruise on the scenic Oslo fjord, with islands & narrow straits, tiny summer houses & elegant villas

Spend 1 night in Oslo

The tour finishes after breakfast on day 7

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Norway? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Oslo.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Oslo

Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.* Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.

Day 3: Oslo - Oppland

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 4: Oppland - Briksdal Glacier - Sogn og Fjordane

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 5: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.

Day 6: Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 7: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.

Day 8: Oslo - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.