FLY-RAIL
THREE CAPITAL CITIES OF NORWAY TOURING HOLIDAY
9 nights / 10 days From £ 1,810 per person
Oslo
OSLO • BERGEN • TRONDHEIM • HURTIGRUTEN CRUISE
This is an introduction to the past and present capital cities of Norway. Start in the current capital of Oslo before travelling by train to Bergen and on to Trondheim by boat with two nights spent on board the Hurtigruten ferry. Cruise along the fjord-indented coast of Norway, including the Geirangerfjord.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY ONE Arrive in Oslo This holiday starts with your arrival into Oslo. There are direct flights from multiple UK airports. Check in to your hotel for three nights.
DAYS TWO AND THREE In Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’ s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. During your time here we highly recommend visiting the Bygdøy Peninsula, home to five national museums, including the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum. The Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built which still holds the record for sailing the farthest north and farthest south. The Viking Ship Museum displays finds from four different Viking burial sites around the Oslofjord, whilst the Norwegian Folk Museum is an open-air attraction showcasing the diverse wooden architecture and history of the country and its traditions. Another major attraction is Akershus Castle Fortress. Completed during the 14th century, this mediaeval castle had a strategic location at the very end of the headland and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. As well as museums, Oslo is known for its green spaces, the most famous of which is the Frogner Park. Within this area is the Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and iron and one of Norway’ s top tourist attractions. Housed in some beautiful gardens of its own, the Royal Palace is the official seat of the current Norwegian King and Queen.
DAY FOUR Oslo to Bergen by train This morning board the direct train to Bergen, also known as the Bergen Railway. Leaving the capital, the farms dotted amongst the hills will become less and less frequent as you head further west. You will skirt along the northern shore of Lake Ustevtn, which can be frozen for three quarters of the year, before passing through Finse, the highest railway station in Norway. The train then passes Myrdal, the starting station of the famous Flåm Railway. Be sure to keep an eye out for incredible views down a precipice into Flåmsdal and Sognefjord. From here you ascend steeply along the tree line, soon following a spectacular canyon. Travel alongside the clear waters of the River Vossa before entering the Ulriken Tunnel, the final landmark before your arrival into Bergen. After travelling across the highest mountain plateau in Europe check in to your hotel for two nights.
DAY FIVE In Bergen Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and was the capital throughout some of the country’ s most influential periods. One of your days here should start with a visit to the iconic Bryggen wharf, first established in the 14th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colourful buildings today house a small museum, shops and restaurants. Bergen is known as the city of the seven mountains, the most easily accessible of which is Fløyen, which can be reached by funicular from the city centre and awards spectacular views of the city and surrounding area. It is possible to take the funicular back, or you may want to hike back down at your leisure. To fully appreciate the culture and traditions of Bergen, you should take the time to visit the Bergen Fish Market. Bergen has the busiest seaport in the country and the market offers an abundance of fish, shellfish, fruit and vegetables. Cultural attractions include the Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg and today host to a museum about his life and works as well as a concert hall where you can hear his music performed. Its location in the fjords also makes Bergen an excellent base from which to explore more by boat, and there are multiple options ranging from a quick trip to an all-day experience.
DAYS SIX AND SEVEN Bergen to Trondheim by ferry On your final day in Bergen you have most the day free to continue your exploration of the Gateway to the Fjords before you board the Hurtigruten service to Trondheim which leaves from Bergen at 21.30 hrs.
106 To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk