Compare Sognefjord & Balestrand exclusive by Fjord Travel Norway vs Country Roads of Scandinavia - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 1,360 | $ 5,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 227 | $ 435 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Sognefjord & Balestrand exclusive – A relaxing trip with Fjord cruises on the Sognefjord & the beautiful Aurlandsfjord branch, Flam Railway & Bergen rail line. Starting & finishing with stays in Oslo, 2 nights at the historic Kvikne’s hotel in the beautiful Balestrand fjord village & 2 nights in picturesque Bergen. |
Treat your senses to a tour of Scandinavia’s towering mountains, crystalline fjords and Viking history. This immersive itinerary showcases the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle in Oslo, the humming seaside economy of the Bergen Fish Markets and Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. The delights of the Fjords are front and center on the Lysefjord Cruise, with panoramic views and a close encounter with the iconic, 2000-foot tall, Pulpit Rock. In Denmark, pause for a little local dining in Aarhus where a farm-to-table feast of Danish delicacies is whipped up from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Across the Jutland Peninsula on the island of Fyn, the Hans Christian Andersen House tells the story of the famous fairytale writer—charting his life, loves and travels. |
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: Welcome to Oslo
On arrival at Oslo airport, your transfer will leave for the hotel at 09:30, 12:00 or 14:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 17:30, to enjoy a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start
Sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the stricking contemporary architecture of the new Bjorvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world? Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held, or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Oslo City to Coastal Bergen
Journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's greatest mountain plateau and the largest national park in the Nordic countries, before arriving at your hotel in the historic port of Bergen. Join your Travel Director for a city orientation and hear about the seafaring traditions of this beautiful harbourside town. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at local restaurant.
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Ancient Hanseatic Port of Bergen Relaxed Start
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen with a visit to Bryggen, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre. Explore its beautiful wooden houses, see the 14th century Haakon's Hall and stroll through the lively fish market with its many stalls. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon on the traditional train of the Flåm Railway?
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.
Breakfast
Day 5: A Coastline Like No Other Relaxed Start
Enjoy the morning at leisure to ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia or alternatively visit the home of composer Edward Grieg, located alongside the beautiful lake Nordås. Afterwards, travel along this incredible coastline and sail across fjords passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest cities founded almost 900 years ago. The city has continued to evolve with changing times and now the headquarters of the Norwegian oil industry, Stavanger is a fusion of old world charm and cosmopolitan flair.
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger.
Breakfast
Day 6: The Wonders of Lysefjord Relaxed Start
Cruise through Lysefjord, one of Norway's most breathtaking fjords and be charmed by its stunning natural beauty. See the Preikestolen plateau and Pulpit Rock, a plunging cliff face and one of the most iconic places in Norway. You will also see the mysterious Vagabond's Cave and enjoy the fjord landscape through panoramic windows or from the sundeck. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or continue exploring Stavanger.
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger.
Breakfast
Day 7: Lyngdal and Kristiansand
In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide, learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Observe the majestic fish in their own environment, via a unique indoor 'staircase' and viewing area. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive around the southern cape of Norway. Upon arrival in Kristiansand, your orientation walk of the city centre will show you the Dom Kirke and the Nupen Fountain. Savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Thon Hotel Parken, Kristiansand.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Kristiansand to Aarhus
Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues to Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and one of Europe's cultural treasures with world-class museums and modern art. Explore Aarhus with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert and visit Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum, offering a trip through 300 years of Danish culture. Walk among historic houses relocated from all over the country and see traditional workshops. Alternatively, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens with your Local Expert and learn about Danish nature and flora, as well as international plants in the Tropical Houses. Join your fellow travellers for a Farm-to-Table dinner of delicious regional specialties, made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Comwell Hotel Aarhus.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Historic Aarhus Relaxed Start
A vibrant mix of youthful energy and a blast from the past makes Aarhus a city with an energetic beat of the pulse. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. See the City Hall, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum — topped with an immense and interactive artwork — and Dokk1, the largest public library in Scandinavia. Walk through the cathedral neighbourhood and visit the new township for splendid views of Aarhus Bay. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Comwell Hotel Aarhus.
Breakfast
Day 10: Odense and the Fairytales of Fyn Relaxed Start
Cross the Jutland Peninsula to the town of Odense, on the island of Fyn.Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House and explore the author's creative universe. The newly opened, innovative exhibition is a remarkable homage to one of the most famous Danes. In the evening, visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast
Day 11: Wonderful Copenhagen Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert and pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's iconic Little Mermaid statue. Later, see Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, the unusual Round Tower and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. The afternoon is at your leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cofoco restaurant and enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Depart Copenhagen
Departure transfers arrive at Copenhagen airport at 06:30, 09:00 and 12:00.
Breakfast
