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Across the Roof of Norway - Oslo, Balestrand & Bergen

Self-guided, 6 nights

Across the Roof of Norway - Oslo, Balestrand & Bergen

To Book

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01274 875 199

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Prices

This holiday combines Oslo and Bergen (Across the Roof

of Norway) with Balestrand overlooking the Sognefjord.

 

Balestrand is a picturesque village standing on a short promontory of farmland backed by towering, snow-capped mountains and overlooking the mighty Sognefjord. Its little quay is a port of call for express boats, various fishing and commercial vessels and bus services operating in all directions. The village itself has a few shops and a selection of art galleries along with the very busy, little Tourist Information Office.

Sognefjord Aquarium is centrally located in Balestrand and displays fish typical of the local fjord fauna. There is also a presentation about past and present life on the fjord. The aquarium is open from June to August during the day. For those who like walking there are few better places than Balestrand, which provides trails for walkers of all abilities. Guided tours are also available from the Tourist Office and require an early visit in order to maximise your stay.

Perhaps the most popular day trip from Balestrand is the journey by boat along the lovely Fjærlandsfjord to Fjærland including a visit to the Glacier Museum and glaciers.

You can find more holidays offering a twist on the famous 'Across the Roof of Norway' railway journey here.

 


View Oslo, Balestrand and Bergen in a larger map

Day 1

Arrive Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Transfer by airport bus (flybussen) to Oslo City Centre. Short walk to the hotels.

2 nights OSLO - Hotel Bristol (BB) or Hotel Continental (BB)

Day 3

Morning departure by rail for the spectacular journey 'Across the Roof of Norway' from Oslo to Myrdal (duration approx. 7½ hours). Continue by mountain rail for the magnificent descent to Flåm where you join the express boat for a lovely journey along the Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord to the picturesque village of Balestrand.

2 nights BALESTRAND - Midtnes Hotel (HB) or Kvikne's Hotel (HB)

Day 5

Journey by express boat along the Sognefjord to the coast and then southwards along the coastline to Bergen.

2 nights BERGEN - Augustin Hotel (BB) or Clarion Admiral Hotel (BB)

Day 7

Transfer to Bergen Airport for return flight to the UK.

Departure Day:  Daily from London Heathrow airport
Departure Date:  1 May - 30 September 2012*
Duration:  6 nights

N.B. Alternative airports for departure available.


Hotel Bristol***plus

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.


Hotel Continental *****

Hotel Continental has been a family enterprise for four generations. It is over 100 years old, and is situated in the heart of Oslo between Aker Brygge and the Oslo fjord, The Royal Palace, The National Theatre and Parliament. Since 1975 Hotel Continental has been the only Norwegian member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has six restaurants each with a reputation for excellence with Theatercafeen being listed by the New York Times as one of the 10 world’s most famous cafes. The hotel also offers impressively equipped fitness facilities with the option to book a personal trainer for your workout session. All rooms have TV, telephone, mini-bar, broadband internet access, hairdryer and either trouser press or iron and ironing board (on request).


Kvikne's Hotel****

At Kvikne's the best traditions of innkeeping go right back to 1752. The Kvikne family, who still own the hotel today, took over in 1877 and a continuous process of development has been going on from that day to this. 

The hotel was built in the "Swiss" style. Much new building, reconstruction and extension has gone on since, but none of it has altered the special character of this place. Kvikne's is a modern hotel with old world charm and atmosphere and with 200 guest rooms is one of the largest tourist hotels in Norway. The hotel is graced with an extensive collection of artworks and antiques, which give it its special style. The list of prominent guests is a long one. Keiser Wilhelm II of Germany was a frequent guest in Balestrand. Royalty, emperors, presidents, prime ministers, film stars and artists from many countries can be found on the guest list.

There are a number of different room categories available at the hotel.  Taber Holidays use as standard rooms on a high floor in the New Wing of the hotel with a view of the gardens and fjord.  These rooms have twin beds, a seating area, desk, TV, telephone and bathroom with bath/shower and WC.  A small number of twin rooms are also available in the Old Wing of the hotel which are simply and traditionally furnished in keeping with the old style of the hotel and have a view of the fjord.  These rooms are available at a supplement.  The Old Wing also has a small number of Junior Suites which have a separated seating area and bedroom and a view of the fjord. Please ask our reservations staff for applicable supplements.

The hotel serve a traditional Scandinavian buffet for dinner with a broad selection of cold meats, fish and salad along with a number of hot dishes featuring meat, fish and vegetarian options. A large buffet breakfast is also served.

The hotel has extensive lounges in the old building with wonderful views of the fjord and a cosy bar next door to the reception desk.

 


Midtnes Hotel ** plus

One of the most popular quality small hotels in Western Norway. Owned and managed by Jon Gjeraker, who is a mine of local information. All rooms are accessible via a lift and have shower and WC with a number also having a private balcony. Several nice living rooms, one with an open fireplace and TV, darts, billiards and a sun terrace with a fabulous panorama view of the Sognefjord. The hotel has its own pier, a bathing place and rowing boat. Water comes straight from a mountain lake and is drinkable from the tap! Buffet breakfast and dinner is a 3 course set menu.


Augustin Hotel ***

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.


Clarion Hotel Admiral ****

Clarion Hotel Admiral is the only waterside hotel in Bergen with the best view to Bryggen, Vågen and Fløien. Centrally located in the heart of Bergen overlooking the harbour in a magnificent old packhouse building dating back to 1906. The hotel has a restaurant and cocktail lounge with views of the harbour and all bedrooms are equipped with satellite TV, telephone, trouser press, mini-bar and hairdryer. Our prices are based on harbour view rooms which have a small balconette directly overlooking the water. Lift to all floors.

Grand Tour of Oslo

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.


Guided Tour of Bergen and Troldhaugen, home of Edvard Grieg

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


The Fjærlandsfjord and Glaciers from Balestrand

Description: Leisurely journey by boat along the lovely Fjærlandsfjord to the picturesque village of Fjærland visiting the Glacier Exhibition Museum and the Bøyabreen Glacier before returning to Balestrand by the same route.
Operates: 1/5 – 30/9.
Duration: 3 ½ or 5 hours, departs 0805 (3½ hrs - 1/6 - 31/8) or 1150  (5 hrs - 1/5 - 31/5 & 1/9 - 30/9).
Price: £74 per adult, children 3 - 15 £37.


* Please note that certain excursions may only operate during the height of the season. If you are travelling during early or late season please check with our reservations staff if you wish to take a particular excursion.

Please view our standard Terms & Conditions for this holiday.

To book call 01274 875 199 or

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