Tour through fjords across the 'roof of Norway'

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1 Fjords of Norway 2015 Tour through fjords across the 'roof of Norway' From 1,395 per person With their towering cliff faces, rugged rocky ledges and waterfalls that drop straight into the sea, the awe-inspiring Norwegian fjords really have to be seen to appreciate their beauty and majesty. On this fantastic tour we visit these natural wonders and cross spellbinding landscapes to visit Norway's magnificent cities. The itinerary for your journey Tour highlights Guided sightseeing tour of Bergen Flåm Railway Bergen Railway Boat cruise on Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord Guided sightseeing tour of Oslo Day 1 - London to Bergen by air We depart from London Heathrow on our scheduled flight to Norway. We fly out to Oslo, where we change aircraft for the onward flight to Bergen, nestled strategically beneath seven hills, and surrounded by fjords. Our accommodation in Bergen is the excellent Radisson Blu Hotel Norge, ideally located in the heart of the city, where we spend the next two nights. Day 2 - Exploring Bergen Today we enjoy a guided walking tour of Bergen. We visit the delightful Bryggen waterfront, the city's old Hanseatic trading wharf and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic quarter, with its charming timber houses, is the oldest part of Bergen - with some buildings dating back to the 15th century. Your afternoon is then free to continue exploring atmospheric Bergen at leisure. It is possible to see how the merchants' dwellings on Bryggen would have looked in the early 18th century at the Hanseatisk Museum, which includes rooms furnished in late Hansa style. A journey on the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Fløyen Mountain (320 metres above sea level) provides superb views over the city. Day 3 - Bergen to Flåm Today we cross Norway's incredible fjordland region, travelling through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes on some of the most scenic train journeys in Scandinavia. The Bergen Railway takes us 'across the roof of Norway' on Northern Europe's highest altitude line. We pass through Dale and Voss as we climb towards Myrdal. From here we continue by train on board the fantastic Flåm

2 Railway, a journey that takes us 12 miles from the isolated mountain station of Myrdal to the foot of the fjord, via a multitude of twists and turns. This incredibly scenic section of railway provides us with stunning mountain panoramas and passes spectacular cascading waterfalls. At the end of the journey we reach the Aurlandsfjord, a huge body of water where steep-sided cliffs rise majestically from the water's edge and climb dramatically to more than 3,000 feet above the shoreline. Located at the head of the fjord, at its southernmost point, is the fjordside village of Flåm, which occupies one of the most picturesque settings in Europe, surrounded by bare-rock cliffs, verdant forests, lush green pastures and the serenely beautiful fjord. We stay for the next two nights in Flåm at the Fretheim Hotel. Day 4 - Flåm and the fjords cruise Your morning is free to enjoy Flåm, exploring the sights of the area at leisure. This afternoon we board a boat on the Aurlandsfjord for a fabulous cruise. Aurlandsfjord is a 10.5 mile branch of the world's second longest fjord, the Sognefjord (126.8 miles). Together with Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world. The mountains surrounding the fjords are more than 4,500 feet high in some places. Our cruise on the fjords takes us north, pausing at Undredal during the journey. We then leave the Aurlandsfjord, entering the Nærøyfjord. We navigate around the fjord to Gudvangen before returning to Flåm by coach for our scenic journey back to the hotel. Day 5 - Flåm to Oslo We leave Flåm today and continue east by rail, passing Finse and the mountain resort of Geilo before descending 3,000 feet across 60 miles and travelling through the country's fertile pastures before eventually arriving into the nation's capital city. Arriving at Oslo station, we walk to our hotel for two nights, the Thon Hotel Opera, located across from the station, close to the Opera House, Oslofjord and Karl Johans Gate. Day 6 - Oslo guided sightseeing We begin our stay in Oslo with a guided coach tour to introduce you to the main sights. The new State Opera House is situated close to our hotel and is an impressive, award-winning example of modern architecture. During our panoramic tour we will also see Norway's magnificent 19th century Royal Palace, and the 20th century Oslo City Hall, which is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies. We will also introduce you to the museum quarter at Bygdøy and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, which rises to a height of 60 metres on the outskirts of the city. From the top you can enjoy terrific views across the city and the Oslofjord. Oslo also boasts a variety of attractive parks and we take a stroll through the Vigeland Sculpture Park, whose 80 fascinating acres were designed by Gustav Vigeland and features 212 life-size human sculptures. Your afternoon is spent at leisure in Norway's capital city. Oslo offers a good choice of museums including the Viking Ship and Maritime Museum, the Folk Museum and the (Edvard) Munch Museum, to name just a few. A walk up Karl Johans Gate will reveal the Royal Palace and a multitude of shops and restaurants. At Akershus Castle and Fortress you will find the location of King Christian IV's old defences. As well as offering an enjoyable place for a relaxed walk, there are two museums at the Castle & Fortress - the Defence Museum and the World War II Resistance Museum. Otherwise, you could take a scenic cruise on Oslofjord. Cruises on the Oslofjord are available just a short walk from the hotel. Day 7 - Oslo to London We transfer to Oslo Airport today by airport express train as we begin our journey home. We fly directly to London, arriving into London Heathrow Airport. Please note Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

3 Departure Dates 24 May 2015 From 1, June 2015 From 1, June 2015 From 1, June 2015 From 1, July 2015 From 1,425 2 August 2015 From 1,425 9 August 2015 From 1,425 6 September 2015 From 1, September 2015 From 1,445 All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room. Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability. Trains Bergen Railway Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip through southern Norway links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The harsh climate experienced in this part of the world has produced a landscape that is breathtaking and wild, and the railway enables us to soak up the spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages. Beginning in Bergen in Western Norway, the train begins its ascent into the rugged mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and passing through numerous tunnels hewn out of the solid rock to the stations at Arna and Dale. After the Trollkona tunnel - the longest on the line at 5.5 miles (8.7km) - we reach Voss, situated by the Sognefjord in an area renowned for its skiing and extreme sports. We travel onwards to Myrdal, the upper terminal of the Flåm Railway, and then continue our ascent to Taugevann, the highest point of the line at 4,267 feet (1,303m). Sub-arctic Finse, the highest station on the route at 4,009 feet (1,222m), is our next stop. The scenery is truly breathtaking. From Finse, the Bergen Railway then begins a 3,281 foot (1,000m) decent over the next 62 miles (100km). The train takes us through the pretty Hallingdal Valley and along a ledge above the Hallingdalselva River to Lake Krøderen, where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the mountain of Norefjell. Having passed through towns and villages such as Geilo, Gol and Flå, our journey through some of the wildest nature accessible by train anywhere in the world, slowly begins to become more urban as we approach our destination, vibrant Oslo. Flåm Railway

4 A branch line of the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a wonderful 12.5 mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of which were drilled by hand. The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m). Fløibanen Funicular A five minute ride to the top of Fløyen mountain on the Fløibanen Funicular affords magnificent views of Bergen, Norway's second city. 320 metres above sea level, Fløyen is the peak of a spectacular short rail climb. Hotels Radisson Blu Hotel Norge, Bergen

5 The Radisson Blu Hotel Norge is centrally located, within easy walking distance of Bergen's main sights. It is home to the Hammam Spa, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments, along with a host of other leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna. The hotel also boasts three restaurants and bars. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, and feature a television, radio, mini-bar, complimentary wi-fi, hairdryer and a telephone. Fretheim Hotel, Flåm The Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a long-standing favourite with our customers. Surrounded by nature, the hotel has an impressive view of the nearby fjord and surrounding mountains. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Rooms are equipped with television and a hairdryer. In 2013 Great Rail Journeys customers awarded the Fretheim Hotel a Gold Award in the category of Overall Best Hotel in Scandinavia. As well as this, in 2011 the hotel won GRJ's Gold Award for Food. Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo The modern Thon Hotel Opera is perfectly located next to Oslo Central Station and just a short walk from Karl Johans Gate, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar serving snacks and light refreshments, a sauna and fitness studio. The rooms are comfortably furnished and facilities include climate control, a television, telephone, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. The Thon Hotel Opera is popular amongst our customers and in 2009, 2010 and 2011 it won our 'Best Scandinavian Hotel' award. In 2012 the hotel won a Gold Award for Food, and in 2013 received a Bronze award for Best Overall hotel in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the Baltic. What's included What's Included Scheduled flights in Economy Class from London Heathrow to Bergen and Oslo to London Heathrow Standard Class rail and coach travel as described 6 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day 4 dinners A guided walking tour of Bergen Scenic rail journeys on the Flåm and Bergen Railways Wonderful scenic cruises on Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord Guided sightseeing tour of Oslo Flight taxes and charges The services of a professional Tour Manager throughout Porterage at the hotels Single room prices include the supplement for single occupancy throughout in a twin or double room: 275. Not Included Cancellation, medical and travel insurance: from 44.00

6 London Hotels Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End, or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home. We are able to book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. The hotels listed below are some of the more popular hotels our customers book in Central London, others are available on request. Hotel Board Star Weekday room rate Weekend room rate Pullman London St Pancras B&B 4-star From 240 From 220 Comfort Inn Kings Cross B&B 3-star From 150 From 150 President Hotel B&B 3-star From 110 From 110

7 London hotel & theatre offer Stay in a 4* London Hotel with breakfast, enjoy a two-course, pre-theatre dinner at a restaurant and see the critically acclaimed War Horse production - from 185 per person We are now offering a brand new opportunity for a London theatre offer at the start or end of your holiday. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Kings Cross, close to the iconic St Pancras station, ideally located for any onward journeys. Experience a superb two course meal at Grace, in the heart of London's theatre land followed by a night of world-class entertainment with top price stall seating for one of the city's most popular shows.