The Best of Norway: Oslo to Bergen
8days from
£2,829*per person
Overview
8 days - Escorted Tours
Norway - a place where nature and culture are intertwined in a captivating embrace, where cosmopolitan cities sit at the edge of majestic fjords and civilisation survives in the most surprising locations.
While many know Norway for its stunning fjords, charming towns, and impressive waterfalls, this uniquely shaped country at the edge of Europe offers much more. Starting in the country's capital, Oslo is in its cultural era with art and sculpture scattered throughout the city, alongside a mix of historic and more contemporary, angular architecture.
Uncover Norway's modern history in Telemark, following in the footsteps of the 'Heroes of Telemark', and explore the renown fjords travelling from Oslo to Bergen, including a trip on the Flåm railway - one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways, operating without cogs or cables.
Finally, discover Bergen, a gem of the medieval Hanseatic League, adorned with charming, cobbled streets and vibrant buildings that line its delightful quayside.
This holiday is ideal for travellers looking to explore everything Norway has to offer.
Itinerary
- Arrival in Oslo
- Oslo & free afternoon - Nestled between shimmering fjords and dense, misty forests, Oslo has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Thanks to the country's natural resources and strong economy, Norway is one of the richest countries in the world - and in true Nordic style, this once overlooked city’s wealth has been infused into angular architecture, art and design projects. It's a beguiling mix of old and new, with world-class museums, contemporary architecture and beautiful open spaces. And this morning, you'll see it all on a guided tour accompanied by an expert local guide. With a smaller group of your fellow explorers, we'll travel along Oslo's main thoroughfare, Karl Johnas Gate, to see one of the country's most important buildings, the Royal Palace, where the King and Queen of Norway live and work. Nearby is the Ibsen Museum, dedicated to the playwright, Henrik Ibsen - who wrote famous works such as Peer Gynt, An Enemy of the People and A Doll's House. You'll also see the famed Vigeland Sculpture Park, which is home to more than 200 bronze, granite and cast-iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The tour ends at the fascinating Kon-Tiki Museum celebrating the life and achievements of Norwegian explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, and the nearby Fram Museum, which houses the polar exploration ship used in the race to reach the South Pole by explorer Roald Amundsen. Continue exploring this walkable city independently with an Oslo Pass. This allows you free admission to 30 museums and attractions and unlimited public transport throughout the city. (You'll also find several restaurants throughout the city also offer discounts on food, so it's worth researching further to see what's included or speaking to your knowledge Tour Manager!). This evening, enjoy a taste of authentic Norwegian cuisine at a cosy local restaurant. The delicious dishes showcase the unique flavours and cooking techniques which have placed Norway firmly on the food map.
- Telemark - Today we'll journey west to the Telemark region. Made famous by one of the most dramatic sabotage missions of World War II forces, in which the Norwegian Resistance prevented the Germans from developing the 'heavy water' needed to further their atomic bomb-making capabilities. This morning, we'll retrace their footsteps, starting at the processing plant that was destroyed by a team of Norwegian saboteurs. We'll see pictures, original artefacts, uniforms and guns during a presentation on the Heavy Water Plant Sabotage from WWII and watch a video of the original saboteurs recounting the events of that fateful day in February 1943. Travelling back through Norway's stunning countryside, we'll end our day with a visit to the country's largest stave church. Made from local ore pine, the church dates back to the 13th century - one of 28 surviving staves from the more than 1,000 that once peppered the landscape. The church in Heddal has been lovingly restored to reflect the original interiors, allowing you to travel back to the fascinating world of the Middle Ages - it looks like something out of a fairytale. We return to Oslo for an evening at leisure.
- Bergen Railway - After breakfast, we'll wave goodbye to Oslo and board the Bergen Railway, accompanied by your expert Tour Manager. Considered by many as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, one moment you are speeding alongside lakes and weaving through forests that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see and then suddenly, you are passing tiny mountain villages and on to the barren Hardangervidda plateau where patches of snow linger well into July. Five hours will pass quickly as the landscapes drift by and soon, we'll arrive at the mountain resort of Voss, where we stay for two nights.
- Flåm Railway - Today is a highlight for many with incredible views of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes. Yesterday's breathtaking vistas are just the precursor to today's. Travelling to Myrdal, we'll board the world-famous Flåm Railway, a 20-kilometre journey that sees us descend 865m on one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines. From the comfort of a vintage train compartment, watch as the train follows the sparkling blue river as it winds down into the valley, passing agricultural landscapes - farms in locations you'll doubt real people actually live, the Flåm village centre and the old church. Passing through 20 tunnels carved through sheer mountainsides, the beauty of the sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls will leave you breathless - and that's before you reach the mouth of one of Norway's most spectacular fjords, Aurlandsfjord. It's no wonder it's deemed ‘one of the world’s best train rides’. After our hour-long journey ends in Flåm, we'll board a ferry to Gudvangen across the UNESCO-listed Naerøyfjord. In our opinion, this is one of the best ways to experience the magnificence of the fjords - surrounded by high, steep mountains you can appreciate the scale of these natural wonders without the noise of modern life. Later, we’ll return to Voss.
- Travel to Bergen - We leave Voss for the beautiful city of Bergen, travelling along Norway’s second-longest fjord, Hardangerfjord, known as the ‘Queen of Fjords.' Our journey takes us past some impressive waterwalls so we will take time to stop and admire these before continuing to Bergen, where we stay for two nights in the centre of the city.
- Bergen - Nicknamed 'The heart of the fjords', Bergen may be Norway's second-largest city, but it has all the charm of a small town. At its heart is the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, a Hanseatic Wharf lined with colourful wooden buildings and heritage commercial buildings - a glorious remnant of Bregen's Golden Age as a key centre of trade between Norway and Europe. Just a stone's throw away is the lively Fish Market, which has provided locals with the freshest catches from the sea since the 13th century. While you can still find fresh fish and seafood here, there are also stalls selling local farm foods - fruits, berries, vegetables - handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as several restaurants. This morning, we'll explore all this and more on a guided walking tour of the beautiful coastal city in a small group of your fellow travellers, before time to enjoy lunch at leisure. This afternoon, we'll take a scenic ride on the Fløibanen funicular, which starts from the centre of Bergen and reaches the summit of Mount Fløyen. At the top, there's time to soak up spectacular panoramic views over the city and follow a walking trail leading to one of the many viewpoints overlooking the magical landscape of fjords, lush green forests and mountain peaks. This evening, a unique experience awaits with a visit to Magic Ice. Enter a sub-zero winter wonderland constructed by renowned ice carvers. Once inside, discover the ice-art gallery inspired by famous Norwegian and international artists and enjoy an icy aperitif in the Ice Bar - of course, served in an ice glass.
- Return home
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Explore beautiful Oslo on a sightseeing tour, and take full advantage of an 'Oslo Pass' during free time with entry into over 30 museums and unlimited local transport.
- Discover the wild Telemark region, the Rjukan power station, and the country’s largest ‘stave’ church at Heddal, built entirely of wood.
- Travel on the famous Oslo-Bergen rail line and one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways to Flåm – rail tickets included.
- Cruise across the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord and enjoy a scenic drive along Hardangerfjord, the world's second-longest fjord.
- Embark on a walking tour of Bergen visiting the UNESCO site of Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf.
- Savour the delicious flavours of Norwegian cuisine, at dinner in a cosy and traditional restaurant in Oslo.
- Enjoy a ride on the Floibanen funicular and marvel at the spectacular views over Bergen and the magical landscape beyond.
- Step into the winter wonderland experience of Magic Ice and experience a crystal-clear ice gallery and icy aperitif served in the Ice Bar.
Our Price Includes
- The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Flights to Oslo, returning from Bergen
- Airport departure taxes
- Transfers
- Seven nights’ in four-star accommodation
- Daily breakfast and one dinner at a local restaurant
- All tours as mentioned
- All local accommodation taxes
- The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager
- Average group size of 22 guests
- Welcome drink
- 2 local guides on most guided tours
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Terminus -
Chosen for its convenient location, the historic three-star superior Grand Hotel Terminus is a classic art deco hotel that dates back to 1928, making it the perfect base for exploring Bergen. Relax in the atmospheric oak-panelled bar, which serves speciality whiskeys before returning to your typically Scandinavian room.
Radisson Blu Oslo Scandinavia -
Rising from the city's skyline, the 22-story high hotel offers beautiful views of the capital city and the nearby fjord. During your stay, you can take advantage of a wide range of guest services. You could work up a sweat in the gym, then relax and rejuvenate your body and mind in the sauna - it's been a Norwegian tradition since the Middle Ages. The Lagoon Fitness Centre features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and modern fitness equipment. (Good to know: In Norwegian they say å ta badstue, or to take badstue / to enjoy sauna). Or - if you're looking for something a little less energetic - head up to the 21st floor and enjoy the views from the brand-new 26 North Restaurant & Social Club over a refreshing drink. In the evening, retire to your room and drift off to sleep on the hotel's signature mattress, with your choice of a double or twin bed. In the morning, you can wake up slowly with a hot drink with the in-room coffee and tea facilities and take advantage of the other amenities, including a TV, safe, toiletries, an iron with an ironing board, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. All our Standard Rooms are located between the 3rd and 11th floors.
Scandic Voss -
This stylish, modern hotel offers a bar and a restaurant that showcases delicious local and seasonal produce. After a day of sightseeing, unwind with a classic Norwegian experience in the hotel's relaxing sauna. Then, retreat to your cosy, well-equipped room, featuring all the comforts of home, including a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a hairdryer.
Zander K Hotel -
Aside from its perfect location, the Zander K hotel is a modern hotel offering its own bar and restaurant should you wish to sample some local cuisine without stepping outside. The rooms are fully equipped with flat screen TV, complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi so you can relax in comfort after a day exploring. This hotel is the sister hotel to the Grand Hotel Terminus and is right next door.
Other Information
Holiday code
R801Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
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