13D12N BETWEEN LAND AND SEA
Self-drive tour of the fjords to the Lofoten Islands
Welcome to Norway - where the mountains plunge into the sea, where you will have the chance to admire the fjords, the high peaks of the mountains and the midnight sun. The mountain regions border wide plateaus and magnificent peaks. The fjords, which were formed while glaciers were retreating, are unique in the world. From Oslo, make your way between the mountains, and cross the fjords to reach Trondheim. From there, a night train will allow you to reach one of the most beautiful regions of the country: the Lofoten Islands and their unique landscapes.
DAY 1 DISCOVER OSLO
On your arrival, pick up your rental car and head to Oslo, the capital of Norway.
The vibrant city is surrounded by forests and the splendid Oslofjord. Stroll along the streets and explore the city of the royal family, as well as the main street Karl Johan with its many shops, bars and cafes.
Overnight in the Thon Munch Hotel or similar
DAY 2 CROSSING HARDANGERVIDDA
Breakfast in the hotel.
Take the road and drive along the Tyrifjorden, which you will cross to Begnadalen on the road to Fagernes. Visit the Valdresmusea in Fagernes, an open-air folk museum which opened in 1901. The museum hosts an impressive collection of more than 70 houses and traces the history of Norway through the years until today.
In the afternoon, pass through the small village of Gol to Geilo, situated on the desert plateau of Hardangervidda.
Overnight in the hotel Ustedalen or similar (B)
DAY 3 EXPLORE BERGEN ON FOOT
Breakfast in the hotel.
Start your day on the road to Bergen, without missing a stop by the stunning Vøringfoss waterfall, which is 163 metres high! Then take the bridge from Brimnes to Bruravik along the Hardangerfjord to the west.
In Bergen, soak up in the atmosphere of the old port, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløien, you can admire Bergen – the city of seven mountains – from above. We also suggest you to visit the house of the great composer Edvard Grieg or the Fantoft Stave Church.
Overnight in Comfort Holberg Hotel or similar
DAY 4 THE MAJESTIC SOGNEFJORD
Breakfast in the hotel.
Start your day on the road to Gudvangen via Voss and the Tvindefoss waterfall. From Gudvangen, a small village in the heart of the fjords, you can embark on a 2h45 cruise on the Sognefjord and its narrowest branch, the Nærøyfjord. After admiring these breathtaking landscapes, here you are on the other side of the fjord in Kaupanger. Alternatively, you can follow the road and discover the village of Flåm, before taking another splendid route to Fodnes. From there, a small ferry will take you to Mannheller. Do not miss a stop at the Kaupanger Stave Church and then head back north. You can also visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland.
Overnight in Thon Jølster Hotel or similar
DAY 5 BRIKSDAL GLACIER
Breakfast in the hotel.
Your journey to the north continues. Stop on the way to Briksdal to see its glacier. In Olden, you can admire the glacier after a short hike of 1h30 round trip. Discover this impressive natural phenomenon before returning to the road.
Then continue towards Geiranger, where you will spend a relaxing day on the shores of the fjord.
Overnight at Geiranger Hotel or similar.
DAY 6 CRUISE ON THE GEIRANGERFJORD
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, embark on a one-hour cruise on the Geirangerfjord - one of the narrowest and most impressive fjords in Norway.
This morning, embark on a one-hour cruise on the Geirangerfjord - one of the narrowest and most impressive fjords in Norway.
You will see many waterfalls and abandoned farms along the way, which have been nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will understand why the Geirangerfjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.
Once arrived in Hellesylt, take the ferry between Ørneset and Magerholm, and reach Ålesund.
Overnight at Quality Waterfront Hotel or similar.
DAY 7 THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ROAD
Breakfast in the hotel.
Here you are again on the road between land and sea, and you will take another ferry to reach Kristiansund. Today, you will drive on the famous Atlantic road, through which you will go from island to island, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy unique landscapes.
Overnight at Thon Kristiansund Hotel or similar.
DAY 8 KRISTIANSUND - TRONDHEIM
Breakfast in the hotel.
Enjoy the beauty of Kristiansund and relax in this lovely town before continuing the journey. The surrounding archipelago offers beautiful walks. It is then time to reach the city of Trondheim, where you will return your rental car.
Overnight at Clarion Collection Bakeriet Hotel or similar.
DAY 9 VISIT TRONDHEIM
Breakfast in the hotel.
Trondheim is home to Nidaros Cathedral. Erected on the burial place of Saint Olav, it is considered as the national sanctuary of Norway. You can also explore the Archbishop's Palace - one of the best preserved buildings of its kind in Europe. It is the oldest secular building in Scandinavia. Stiftegården, the royal residence, is also worth a visit, as well as the charming district of Bakklandet with its wooden houses.
In the evening, board on the night train.
Overnight in double berth cabin
DAY 10 TOWARDS THE LOFOTEN
You will arrive in Bodø in the morning. Arrange your transfer to the port. Then take the express boat to Svolvær, which will take you there in 3 hours and 30 minutes. At the end of the day, you will sail to Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands.
Overnight at Thon Lofoten Hotel in superior room or similar.
DAY 11 & 12 THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
Breakfast in the hotel.
Start discovering the Lofoten islands, one of the most beautiful places on earth. This archipelago is made of beautiful mountains that plunge into the sea, sandy beaches, small fishing villages with their huts on stilts. It is also characterised by unique colors and light.
Overnight at Thon Lofoten Hotel in superior room or similar
DAY 13 DEPARTURE
Breakfast in the hotel.
Transfer to Svolvær airport on your own arrangement.
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
11 nights in hotels mentioned or similar
1 night on board on a night train, double berth cabin
11 buffet breakfasts
Car rental 8 days, category B (VW POLO [AC] or similar), including unlimited mileage, partial reduction of the excess in case of accident or theft, local taxes, one driver over 25 y/o, drop-off fee Oslo - Trondheim
Cruise Geirangerfjord (Geiranger - Hellesylt) 1h, car included
Cruise Bodø - Svolsvær (3,5 h)
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACAKGE:
Flights
Gasoline, tolls
Ferries not mentioned because they must be paid on the spot
Lunches, dinners and drinks
Porterage service
Personal Expenses