Fri, 11 Oct 2013
What can you see on a canal cruise in Copenhagen?
One of the very reasons why I love Copenhagen is because it?s big enough to always find something ne...
Read moreThe first rail journey from Oslo to Trondheim, Norway’s former ancient capital, travels alongside Lake Mjøsa into the Gudbrandsdal, a 160 kms river valley which for centuries was the main route between Oslo and Trondheim. The journey then continues by rail northwards through the provinces of Trøndelag and Nordland, eventually crossing the Arctic Circle just north of Mo-i-Rana, and arriving in the little port of Bodø during the early evening.
The crossing by ship to the Lofoten Islands, the beautiful archipelago of islands to the west, is made onboard Hurtigruten by crossing the Vestfjorden to Svolvær. A full day in Svolvær provides the opportunity to either join an organised activity or explore independently on foot - the views from every angle are spectacular!
From Svolvær there is a leisurely overnight journey by Hurtigruten through the Vesterålen Islands, via Harstad, to Tromsø, Norway’s exciting Arctic capital city.
Day 1 - Arrive Oslo
Fly from the UK to Oslo Gardermoen. Take the airport (flybuss) to the city centre.
2 nights OSLO - Hotel Bristol **** (BB)
Day 3 - Lake Mjøsa, Gudbrandsdal, Dovrefjell National Park
Early Breakfast before travelling by train alongside Lake Mjøsa into Gudbrandsdal followed by Dovrefjell National Park, arriving in Trondheim during mid-afternoon.
2 nights TRONDHEIM - Britannia Hotel **** (BB)
Day 5 - Across the Arctic Circle
A wonderful full day's travel by rail crossing the Arctic Circle to the little port of Bodø. Lunch included on the train. A magnificent day of constrasting scenery.
1 night BODØ - Clarion Collection Hotel Grand *** (BB)
Day 6 - Sail to the Lofoten Islands
Depart late afternoon by Hurtigruten (coastal ship) for the Lofoten Islands. The mystical approach to the islands creates the impression of entering another world. After a short call at Stamsund continue below the Lofoten wall to Svolvær. Dinner served on-board.
2 nights SVOLVÆR - Rica Hotel Svolvær ***plus or similar (BB)
Day 8 - Last day exploring Svolvær
Full day exploring Svolvær before re-joining the Hurtigruten at 2200 for your overnight journey with reserved cabin. While in svolvær there are a variety of excursions available including Sea Eagle Safari which can be arranged for you.
1 night ONBOARD - Hurtigruten Ship (BB)
Day 9 - Explore Tromsø, the Arctic capital
After a relaxing night onboard ship you arrive into Tromsø, the Arctic capital, during the early afternoon.
2 nights TROMSØ - Clarion Collection Hotel With ***plus (BB)
Day 11 - Farewell Tromsø & Norway
Take the airport bus from your hotel to Tromsø Langsnes Airport for your return flight to the UK via Oslo.
Day: Daily from London Heathrow Airport (alternative departure airports available, see below)
Dates: 1 May - 30 September 2013 (however please note that the Midnight Sun is visible only during the period of late May through to around 22nd July).
Duration: 10 nights
NB. Alternative departure airports are available subject to flight schedules, availability and supplements. Please telephone 01274 875199 for further details.
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.
Opened in 1897 and was Trondheim’s first great luxury hotel, and it has been synonymous with the very highest standards of service, comfort and cuisine ever since. A modern hotel offering all the facilities expected by the modern-day business traveller or tourist in an atmosphere of gracious style and traditional hospitality. The hotel houses three restaurants, Palmehaven (The Palm Court) being the most famous, private dining suites, two bars and an English Pub, so all tastes are catered for! All rooms have shower/wc, trouser press, mini-bar, hairdryer, radio and cable-TV. This hotel provides a great location for exploring Trondheim.
Centrally situated in Bodø, the hotel is minutes from the Lanego lighthouse, the Bodin Church, the Norwegian Aviation Museum and the Bodø Cathedral.The hotel has a restaurant and offers complimentary tea and coffee and evening buffet to guests staying on a bed and breakfast basis. Guest rooms are good sized and fully equipped with daily newspaper, ironing board, hair dryer and have shower and WC, satellite TV, telephone, and free Wireless. All floors are accessible via lift.
Rica Hotel Svolvær is centrally located on its own island in the middle of the harbour in Svolvær, Lofoten's capital. All rooms have shower and WC. Rooms with sea view and balcony are available at a supplement (see prices). In addition, the hotel has connecting rooms which can be used as family rooms. There is also a fishing suite where you can try your luck at fishing through a hole in the floor of the room (price on request).
The ships are regular service vessels carrying freight, mail and passengers along the 2,500 nautical miles of coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes. Accommodation is very comfortable and meals are of a high standard. There are four types of ship 'mid-generation', 'new', 'millenium' and one 'traditional ship'.
A lovely, traditional hotel situated right on the pier in Tromsø harbour and within all of Tromsø's main sights. The harbour lights up beautifully in the evening and provides a beautiful plateau for chance sightings of the northen lights! The hotel has a restaurant, cocktail lounge and offers afternoon tea. There is a sauna for guests' use and rooms are non-smoking and accessible through via a lift.
NB. All Clarion Collection Hotels include a FREE evening supper for their hotel guests along with FREE waffles and tea/coffee in the afternoon.
After a one hour drive and a 2 ½ hours guided walk you will reach the Steindals glacier in Lyngen, a part of the Lyngen Alps. Here you will receive a basic course in the use of glacial equipment and safety before embarking on a journey over the glacier lasting 3 – 4 hours.
Operates: 1 June – 31 Aug.
Duration: Approx. 15 hours, departing 0715.
Price: £158 per person including transport and two meals, children 4-12 £79. Not suitable for young children.
A tour of the city and its outskirts visiting the Haltdalen Stave church at the Trøndelag Folk Museum, pass the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Kristiansten Fort, the Royal Residence and Nidaros Cathedral.
Operates: Daily, 26/5 -24/8.
Duration: 2 hours, departs 1100.
Price: NOK195 per adult (2009), NOK170 senior citizen, children up to 16 free accompanied by adults. Please note this excursion is to be paid for locally at the Tourist Information Office.
A lovely journey beginning by local bus from Tromsø to Skjervøy, crossing the Lyngen peninsula and the magnificent Lyngen Alps. Now you join the Hurtigruten (Coastal Steamer) for its southbound cruise along the coastline back to Tromsø. A nice relaxing day out with magnificent scenery.
Operates: Daily, 23/5 – 16/8.
Duration: 8 hours.
Price: £64 per adult, children £40.
During the excursion you will be given an introduction to dog sled driving and see a film about the world's longest dog sled race, the Iditarod, which illustrates how your hosts, Tove and Tore, competed in this strenuous Alaskan race. After the film you will meet the huskies and their puppies before the Sami in their traditional costume (kofte) will share with you their joik (Sami chanting), stories and customs. You will meet their reindeers and visit their tent called a lavvo. A typical Norwegian lunch will be served in the lavvo at the end of the trip.
Operates: 1/6 - 31/8, departs 0945.
Duration: 4 hrs 15 mins.
Price: £94 per person, family price: £222. Includes lunch.
To book call 01274 875 199 or Contact us by email