DAY 1 To Oslo
Fly to Oslo and self-transfer to your chosen hotel for two nights. We recommend the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion, centrally located and a short walk from the central rail station, Karl Johan Avenue and the Aker Brygge district. This hotel also serves complimentary afternoon waffles and a welcome light buffet supper. The remainder of the day is free for you to familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
DAY 2 Oslo – Day at leisure
Oslo has over 50 museums. View the world’s largest collection of artwork by Munch and study the works of Nobel Prize Laureates at the Nobel Peace Centre. The Viking Ship, Fram and Kon-Tiki museums chart Norway’s maritime history. Alternatively, embrace the outdoors with a trip to the surrounding forests. Oslo Winter Park and Ski Centre are just minutes from the city. Aker Brygge, is now a cosmopolitan collection of harbour front bars and restaurants and excellent place for casual dining and people watching.
DAY 3 Norway in a Nutshell to Flåm
The famous Oslo to Bergen railway normally departs the central station at 08.25. The journey initially takes you through the rolling farmlands surrounding Oslo, eventually arriving at the mountain station of Myrdal, where you change for Flåmsbana. The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest tracks in the world. The descent offers panoramic views, passes frozen waterfalls and goes through 20 tunnels.The line terminates in the fjord-side village of Flåm, situated in the innermost reaches of Aurlandsfjord, an arm of Sognefjord. In the summer Flåm can be a teeming mass of tourists, but in winter, it reverts to a sleepy hamlet with a population of around 400 people. Check in to your chosen hotel. We recommend the Flåmsbrygga Hotel, where 38 of the 41 rooms have a balcony and enjoy a fjord view. Despite the tiny population, there remains plenty to do. Visit the Flåm Railway Museum, sip a hand-crafted beer from the Aegir Brewery or take a gentle walk around the numerous paths that surround the village.
DAY 4 Stegastein, Naeroyfjord and Bergen
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking an excursion to Stegastein. It is a rather dramatic drive up to this spectacular viewpoint, located 650m above the fjord and you are rewarded with a stunning vista from the platform.Returning to Flåm, be ready to board the 15.00 ferry, for your onward journey. The ferry sails down the UNESCO World Heritage Naeroyfjord, which at this time of the year is surrounded by steep snow-covered mountain tops. On arrival in Gudvangen, board the bus to Voss, then re-joining the train bound for Bergen. Arrival in Bergen is around 19.00. Self-transfer to your chosen hotel. We recommend the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, steps away from historic Bryggen.
DAY 5 Bergen
Today is free for you to explore Bergen at your leisure. A treasure trove of delights await including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, Fløyen, the funicular railway and up to two dozen museums, including Troldhaugen, home of composer Edvard Grieg. Restaurants and café’s offer a wide range of locally sourced produce and don’t forget to try a delicious cinnamon bun.
DAY 6 UK
There remains ample time today to continue with your exploration of this delightful Hanseatic town before heading to the airport in time for your return flight home.