Across the Roof of Norway with Balestrand

View over Balestrand Village

Photo Credits: Ron Ellis

Sun Setting Over The City Of Bergen

Photo Credits: Sverre Hjørnevik/www.fjordnorway.com

Bergen

Stunning Summer Views

Photo Credits: Kviknes Hotel

Bergen Fish Market

Across the Roof of Norway with Balestrand

The Bergensbanen is one of the great rail journeys of the world: the highest line in Europe it climbs up to 4000 feet across the barren, snow flecked Hardangervidda mountain plateau before descending through lush valleys to the coast. You can enjoy it in a single day; stop off in the mountains or take the Flåm mountain spur down to the Sognefjord.

Oslo

Oslo has undergone a transformation, which started with the opening of the new Opera House and regeneration of the now cosmopolitan waterfront. Still paying homage to its maritime roots the city blends old with new whilst blending with the surrounding fjord, hills and forest.

Balestrand

Nestling beside an emerald green fjord, the village of Balestrand is something of a Norwegian icon with its backdrop of snow-capped mountains and sweeping vistas. Take one of the numerous mountain walks and a day trip to the Fjaerland Glacier is highly recommended.

Bergen

Situated in the heart of Fjord Norway, this charming Hanseatic harbour town nestles in the embrace of its seven mountains and a lattice of fjords. Bryggen, the medieval quayside, and Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, are probably the best known attractions. The view from the top of Mount Fløyen on a clear day is breathtaking.

Day 1 - UK – Oslo

Morning flight to Oslo. On arrival self transfer to and overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion (Standard) or the Clarion Hotel Thief (Superior) for 2 nights.

Day 2 - Oslo

All day to enjoy the many attractions this capital has to offer; take a guided city tour, explore the many museums, shop til you drop, or just wander around at your leisure.

DAY 3 Bergensbanen

Take the early morning departure west by train to Myrdal followed by the experience of the Flåm railway, one of the world’s steepest railway lines and a feat of engineering. Continue by fjord express boat across the Sognefjord to Balestrand for two nights at the Midtnes Hotel (standard) or Kviknes Hotel (superior).

DAY 4 Balestrand

Spend the day relaxing in the picturesque fjord village. There are numerous walks affording dramatic views over the landscape. Take the ferry along the Fjaerlandfjord to the edge of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Visit Hopperstad Stave church or cross the fjord for a high speed RIB wildlife safari.

DAY 5 Balestrand – Bergen

Continue by fjord express boat along Sognefjord before turning south along the coast to Bergen for 2 nights at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz (standard) or Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret (superior)

DAY 6 Bergen

At leisure to see the many sights, or why not take the funicular railway up Mount Fløyen for a walk on one of the many marked paths.

DAY 7 UK

Morning at leisure before your return flight back to the UK.

Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion

The Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion is located just a few minutes walk from Oslo’s central station, the fashionable shopping district of Karl Johan avenue and the cosmopolitan Aker Brygge district. This boutique style hotel has a wide choice of modern and charming rooms, all with a Scandinavian twist and some with views of the Opera House and harbour area. The hotel offers complimentary afternoon waffles and a light evening buffet supper served from 18.00-21.00 daily.

Excellent location ▪ Free Wi-Fi ▪ Good value

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz

This newly renovated property has quickly become one of our favoured properties in Bergen. The traditional red brick façade hides a smart, modern hotel, ideally located just metres from Bergen’s famous ‘Bryggen’ and a short walk from the Fish Market and Fløybanen. The well-equipped rooms all have private WC/shower, mini-bar, Bose music system and 48” smart TV, as well as exceptionally comfortable beds. An extensive Scandinavian buffet breakfast is included and served in the bustling breakfast room. As well as a lobby bar, there is a comfortable guest lounge where you can relax after the day’s sightseeing and enjoy the complimentary Nespresso coffee.

Excellent value in a prime location ▪ Superior rooms with Nespresso machines, bathrobe and slippers ▪ Parking adjacent to the hotel (charge)