Oslo, the royal capital of Norway

Arrival in Oslo according to your own itinerary. The Norwegian capital is beautifully situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord and surrounded by forested ridges. Oslo has been the capital of Norway since the mid 11th century, and became the royal residence around year 1300. The Royal Palace, situated in the heart of Oslo, is the residence of the Norwegian monarchs: King Harald and Queen Sonja. Norway is a constitutional monarchy, which means that the King is formally the head of state but that his duties are mainly representative and ceremonial. Oslo offers many well know sights such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and the new opera house. Accommodation in Oslo.

Travel by train to the Olympic town of Lillehammer

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure by train to Lillehammer. The train journey follows past Oslo's main airport Gardermoen and along Norway's larges lake, Mjøsa. Before arriving at the train station in Hamar you will get a glimpse of the ‘’Vikingskipet’’. The well-known ice-skating-ring, was built for the 1994 Winter Olympics and has the shape of a turned-over Viking ship. You will have the afternoon in Lillehammer at leisure. We recommend a visit at Maihaugen Open Air Museum, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley the last 300 years, of life between the wars in the inland town of Lillehammer and of homes and domestic environments in the 20th century. Also recommendable is a visit at the Olympic Museum and the Olympic Arena (Lysgårdsbakken). Accommodation in Lillehammer.

Travel by train acoss Dovre Mountain to Trondheim

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by train from Lillehammer to Trondheim. The 5-hour journey on the Dovre Railway will bring you through the Gudbrandsdal Valley and across the Dovre Mountain to Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city. The city was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997, and occupies a special place in Norwegian culture and history. Trondheim was Norway’s first capital and continues to be the coronation city where Norway's kings from Harald Hårfagre (10th century) to King Harald V (1991 -) have been crowned and blessed. Accommodation in Trondheim.

Trondheim, the coronation city of Norway

Breakfast at the hotel. This day is at your own leisure in Trondheim. We recommend a visit at the Nidaros Cathedral, built over the grave of St. Olav. Next to the cathedral you will find the Archbishop’s Palace, the oldest secular building in Scandinavia. Other sights of interest are Kristiansten Fortress, the Monk’s Island, Trøndelag Open Air Museum and Stiftsgården – the Royal Residence in Trondheim. We also recommend a stroll in Bakklandet, located on the east bank of the river Nid. Here you will find old wooden buildings which were formerly worker’s dwellings but are now partly restored as homes or charming shops and restaurants. Accommodation in Trondheim.

Cruise with Hurtigruten from Trondheim to Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure with Hurtigruten for a cruise along the spectacular Norwegian coastline. Hurtigruten is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful sea voyage, and it is a journey through history and maritime culture. The cruise follows through the Trondheimfjord and along Trondheimsleia channel, before continuing southwards to Kristiansund and Molde. Kristiansund is the home of dried fish production while Molde is known for its breathtaking location with panoramic views of the 222 partly snow-clad mountain peaks (Romsdal Alps). 3-course dinner on board is included for Hotel Category 1 bookings. Accommodation onboard.

Arrival in Bergen, the Gateway to the Fjords

Breakfast onboard Hurtigruten. The last part of the cruise includes magnificent fjord- and archipelago scenery, before the ship arrives in Bergen in the afternoon. Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and the world’s only city surrounded by 7 mountains and 7 fjords. Attractions in Bergen include the Hanseatic Bryggen Harbour, the Fløibanen Funicular, which takes you up to a height of 320 metres above sea level where you are presented with a great view over the city, Grieg’s home Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower Market or the Bergen Aquarium. We also recommend a visit at Gamlehaugen, the King’s official residence in Bergen. Gamlehaugen is framed by a beautiful English-landscaped park, adorned with a lush, varied selection of shrubbery, flowers and trees. The park is open to the public and is a popular recreational area used for swimming and walking. Accommodation in Bergen.

Travel by train from Bergen to Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure from Bergen by train. The 7-hour train journey from Bergen to Oslo is classed one of the finest in the world. The railway connects Norway`s two largest cities and presents the variety of Norwegian scenery. As an alternative to the direct train from Bergen to Oslo we would recommend a detour to experience the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway (please see add-ons for further details). Ask us for an offer if you would like to include an overnight along the way, either in the fjord village of Flåm or perhaps in the mountain village of Geilo. Accommodation in Oslo.

Departure from Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Oslo according to your own itinerary.

Services included:

• 6 nights hotel accommodation in shared double room with shower/WC, including breakfast.
• Overnight cruise with Hurtigruten from Trondheim to Bergen. Accommodation in 2-berth cabin with shower/WC, including Scandinavian breakfast buffet.
• Train from Oslo to Lillehammer
• Train from Lillehammer to Trondheim
• Train from Bergen to Oslo
• Services included for Hotel Category 1 only:
• 2-berth outside cabin and 3 course dinner during the cruise with Hurtigruten
• NSB Comfort/1st class on the train from Oslo to Lillehammer
• NSB Comfort/1st class on the train from Lillehammer to Trondheim
• NSB Comfort/1st class on the train from Bergen to Oslo