Thu, 10 Jan 2013
Spending the New Year in the Lofoten Islands
What?s better than seeing a sky full of fireworks to celebrate heading into the New Year? Well the a...
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Lofthus stands on Sørfjord, an arm of Hardangerfjord, and is best described as one vast orchard overlooked from across the fjord by the Folgefonn Glacier. With the blue fjord, snow-clad mountains and roaring waterfalls as a backdrop, the fruit blossom in Lofthus is one of the most beautiful sights.
Fruit trees were first brought here by Cistercian monks at the close of the 12th Century and the large stone Monk Steps now provide one of the gateways to the Hardangervidda plateau, popular with walkers. This was also a favourite region for artisits, in particular Norway's most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, who composed several of his romantic pieces during stays at the Ullensvang Hotel. The small hut in which he found the seclusion to compose still stands in the hotel's grounds.
The villiage has several shops, a bank and post office. Skredhaugen Museum and a fine 13th Century Gothic church, however its location is most suited to those seeking magnificant walking opportunities accompanied by quality accommodation, in which to relax and spoil one's self.

Day 1 - Arrive Oslo
Arrive Oslo Airport. Transfer by airport bus to Oslo City Centre.
2 nights OSLO - Hotel Bristol *** plus (BB)
Day 2 - Getting to know Oslo
Today you have the day to yourself to explore the array of offerings that Oslo has to offer! Highlights of the city include the Edvard Munch Museum, the stunning view of the Oslofjord from the Opera House, and finally but by no means least, Vigeland Park, which is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist!
Day 3 - Across the Roof of Norway & the Måbø Valley
Morning departure by rail for the spectacular journey 'Across the Roof of Norway' from Oslo to Geilo. Continue by bus for the spectacular descent through the Måbø Valley, via Vøringsfoss Falls, to Eidfjord then alongside Sørfjord Lofthus.
2 nights LOFTHUS - Ullensvang Hotel **** plus (HB)
Day 4 - Gettting to know Lofthus
Today is your chance to explore Lofthus and it's surrounding area. Lofthus is a beautiful hamlet in Hardanger famous for the thousands of fruit trees and spectacular beautiful nature surrounding it. Picturesquely situated between fjord, mountains, waterfalls and glacier it is easy to understand why Lofthus was one of the composer Edvard Grieg`s favourite places.
Day 5 - Hardangerfjord boat cruise & Kvam Mountains
A lovely journey by express boat along the Hardangerfjord to Norheimsund then by bus over the Kvam Mountains to Bergen.
2 nights BERGEN - Augustin Hotel *** (BB)
Day 7 - Depart Bergen
Airport bus transfer to Bergen Flesland Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 6 - Getting to know Bergen
For many people, Bergen is considered the best city in Norway and this opinion was felt when its famous quayside, Bryggen, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Today is your chance to explore Norway's second biggest city - a bustling and charismatic city that still manages to have a small-town charm and atmosphere.
Departure Day: Daily by air from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 1 May - 30 September 2013
Duration: 6 nights
N.B. Alternative airports availble for departure.
In a world of constant change, Hotel Bristol is dedicated to tradition. As soon as you enter the lobby you will experience the unique style that characterizes the hotel; an air of elegance which has been maintained since the hotel welcomed their first guests in 1920. Centrally situated just off Karl Johan’s Gate, the hotel has 251 rooms (10 of which are suites) all equipped with TV, mini-bar, hairdryer, trouser press and telephone. The hotel has a spa and gym, bar, conference centre, garage, room service and wireless internet access. The hotel also has two restaurants; Bristol Grill, focusing on international and Norwegian dishes using local produce and Hambro’s Cafe, a popular Italian bistro.
A lovely hotel directly overlooking Sørfjord. Lounges, bars, dancing to live music and a beautiful dining room overlooking the fjord. The indoor activity centre includes a swimming pool, golf simulator, squash and tennis courts, pool, table tennis and a fitness room. The relax department has saunas, hot tub, massage chairs and a solarium with a variety of Spa treatments available on request (please ask for further details). There is a large fjordside veranda/garden from where it's possible to rent rowing boats, pedalos and bicycles. Taber’s rooms are all with guaranteed fjord view.
Bergen's oldest family-run hotel now managed by the fourth generation. Centrally located in the shopping and harbour area, the oldest part of the hotel was built in Art Nouveau style in 1909, however, since then the hotel has expanded, incorporating old neighbouring houses and building new wings. The hotel has a popular intimate dinner restaurant (closed Sundays) and a lovely 400-year-old cellar bar. All bedrooms are equipped with TV, phone, hairdryer, mini-bar and trouser press Lift to all floors.
Description: Guided tour by coach and boat. Classic fjord sightseeing passing the Opera House to the polar ship Fram, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Maritime Museum with panorama film, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking Ships, Holmenkollen Ski Jump with museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Operates: 20 May - 28 Aug.
Departs: 10:30
Duration: 7½ hours.
Price: £75 per adult; £37 per child 4-16; under 4's are free.
Description: You travel by sightseeing bus through Bergen's stunning city center where you will experience the famous and beloved places such as the Wharf, St. Mary's Church and the University. The sightseeing tour continues on to Troldhaugen, which was Edward Grieg's home for 22 years. This beautiful villa was made by Grieg's cousin and architect Schak August Steenberg Bull. The style of the building is historicism and characterized by its revival of older style periods such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. Troldhaugen is graced with a panoramic tower and a large veranda for you to enjoy.
Operates: Daily, 15/5 – 15/9 (ex. 17/5).
Duration: 3 hours, departs 1000.
Price: £39 per adult, £28 children under 16
To book call 01274 875 199 or