Oslo to Balestrand via Flam train and fjord cruise to world famous Kvikne Hotel, then on to Bergen by fjord cruiser.

Itinerary

Overnight at Thon Hotel Opera

Maybe spend the afternoon to visit some of the sights in Oslo, like Vigeland Sculpture Park and the famous Viking Museums on Bygdoy, or the Opera House from where you get amazing views of the Oslo fjord from the rooftop

Depart on morning scenic train to Myrdal where you change to famous Flam Mountain Railway.

The Bergen Railway is a unique experience on Northern Europe's highest-altitude railway line. One of the greatest challenges is the harsh and changeable weather. The line is exposed to deep low-pressure centers from the west, which can mean strong winds and

heavy snow for part of the year. Keeping the railway open demands great effort and technical expertise. Today, skilled workers, effective equipment, tunnels and snow tunnels make the Bergen Railway one of the safest and most comfortable ways of travelling between Oslo and Bergen. The line was voted one of the 20 best railway experiences in the world in 1999.

Arrive the small transit station Myrdal and change train, just across the platform. Depart on the Cog train from Myrdal to Flam of the Flam Railway. The train journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20 km-long train ride you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms cling dizzily to sheer slopes. Continue on the Express boat from Flam to Balestrand on the King of fjords: the Sognefjord.

On the journey by express boat out the Sognefjord you will see tall, impressive mountains along the Aurlandsfjord. Out towards the sea, the scenery becomes more open and there is a teeming and varied bird life. The Sognefjord is Norway's deepest (1.309 m) and longest (204 km) fjord. Arrival Balestrand and self-transfer from the pier to the hotel, a short walk from the boat.

BALESTRAND:

A traditional tourist resort beside the Sognefjord. Balestrand is noted for its magnificent scenery and pure, clean air. Located on the northern shore of the mighty Sognefjord, Balestrand is a picturesque little village. The journey to Balestrand, embracing as it does some of the vest scenery that Norway has to offer, is in itself a memorable experience. In Balestrand you can relax amid quiet, peaceful surroundings, strolling beside the fjord or rambling in the mountains. And, of course, there are plentiful opportunities for bathing and

water sports. Plus, for visitors in search of something new, thrilling tours of exploration on the Jostedal glacier.

Dinner and overnight at the famous Hotel Kvikne's.

Ask about the price for upgrade to traditional building with fjord view.

Breakfast before departure. The boat departs from the same pier where you arrived yesterday.

07.50am Boat from Balestrand to Bergen on the Sognefjord

11.40am Arrival Bergen and transfer on your own to the hotel for the night.

(On Sunday’s only late departure - Dep.4.55pm Arr. 8.40pm)

When you arrive Bergen, make sure you visit the Fish market, Troldhaugen (where the world-famous composer Edward Grieg lived) and Floibanen.Funicular.

Bryggen is now part of our common heritage and has a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and the city of Bergen is a designated World Heritage City. The world heritage site consists of the old Hanseatic wharf and buildings, and one of the best known urban areas from the Middle Ages in all of Norway.

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Notes