Here's a trip
that we did back in 2013 that we've been waiting to repeat.
We're not making any changes since our itinerary was amazing.
If you've been wanting to visit Scandinavia here's your trip.
This
10-day trip will take us from Stockholm, Sweden to the best
Fjords of Norway with plenty to see in between. We will have
group air in the months to come from LAX to Stockholm, Sweden
where we have the next 3-days to tour and explore. 
Stockholm, one of the most
beautiful capitals in the world, is built on 14 islands connected
by 57 bridges. The beautiful buildings, the greenery, the fresh
air and the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of
this city. The
Royal National City Park, (the first National City Park
in the world), is a green space that breathes for the city,
and a constant presence in the crush of the city.
With its 750 year history and rich cultural
life, Stockholm offers a wide selection of world-class museums
and attractions. Most of the city's
attractions
can be reached on foot, and there’s a good chance of experiencing
a lot of things in a short time. Experience big-city life, the
history of civilization and natural scenery, all in the course
of the same day.
We'll have a city tour included where we
will visit the key sites. Climb the City Hall tower for a fantastic
view of Stockholm. Don't miss
Gamla Stan, Stockholm's
oldest attraction and one of the best preserved medieval city
centers in the world. Walk through small winding streets lined
with stores full of handicrafts, antiques, art galleries and
cafés. The Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral where the royal
wedding took place in 2010 are also located in Gamla Stan.
The green island of Djurgården is home to
some of the city's most popular attractions. Visit the world-famous
warship the Vasa, the world’s oldest open-air museum Skansen,
or Astrid Lindgren’s Junibacken. And don't miss the chance to
see Stockholm from the water. Naturally a city built on fourteen
islands offers marvelous views over the water. There are many
different sightseeing tours to choose from where we can also
set up an optional bike ride and a canal cruise. And if fourteen
islands aren’t enough, Stockholm offers a wonderful archipelago
with 30,000 islands, islet rocks and skerries.
Our hotel, The waterfront, 4-star Radisson
Blu (see links below) lies in the heart of the city on Sweden's
east coast, where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea at the Riddarfjärden
Bay. We will have a 3-hour panoramic tour set up and a visit
to the Vasa museum,
a famous warship that sank in 1628 that was highly recommended
for a tour. We will have info. on other optional tours as we
get closer to the trip such as a bike tour of the city.
Then we will fly
to Oslo, Norway.
Oslo is located innermost in the 100-kilometre-long
Oslofjord, which is home to 40 islands. Over
half of the municipality of Oslo is covered by forests
and parks, making Oslo a truly green city.
Oslo hosted the 1952 Winter Olympics and the
2
011 FIS
Nordic World Ski Championships.
Top attractions in Oslo include Vigelandsparken
Sculpture Park, the Opera House, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
Locals
are active year-round, enjoying the public parks and numerous
waterways, even in winter. One can’t help but notice that everyone
walks, bikes or takes the train/subway everywhere. Maybe it’s
the unique topography of Norway that lends itself to this. Fjords,
those majestic inlets created by glaciers, surround so much
of the country. The scenery is breathtaking but the terrain
can be tough to traverse if you aren’t careful, making driving
a bit hazardous as times. Thus, this isn’t a car-crazy city.
Most residents don’t have one car, much less two or more and
the rail and bus system is so efficient that getting around
is a breeze
Our hotel,
the 4-star Thon Bristol is only
a short walk from Oslo's main street, Karl Johans gate, the
Royal Palace, museums and the waterfront area Aker Brygge and
most of Oslo's other attractions. Our included tours here will
be a 3-hour panoramic sight seeing tour by coach and a visit
to the Viking
Museum. There are a number of other attractions that you
will have the option of visiting on our 2-day visit to Oslo.
The Hop
on/ Hop off bus has also been a popular way for us to start
off as a group and see the places that appeal to us most.
Now
we are ready for the Fjords and here's where our trip becomes
the most active as well. We will have one night in Alesund,
which is a must see and one night at the Gierangerfjord, a World
Heritage Site before heading to Bergen for our final 3-nights.
This itinerary is very special and includes the Gierangerfjord
which is a must see, World Heritage Site. We will fly from Oslo
and will spend one night in Alesund named Norway’s most beautiful
city.
Just look at this photo below and you will
understand that we needed to include this stop in our itinerary.
The 
city
of Ålesund is known for its architecture in Art Nouveau style,
its surrounding fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps.
The meeting between mountain and fjord in the Alps of
Sunnmøre and in Geiranger is equally spectacular in summer and
winter. There is probably nowhere else in the world with this
unique combination. The snow clad mountaintops, the sharp, clear
winter air, the views and the nature experience refresh both
body and soul!
We will only have the afternoon to spend
here so there are no planned tours as you will enjoy the time
to browse and take photos. Check out hotel listed below, located
right on the water with great views!
The
next morning we will depart on our journey to the Geirangerfjord,
so unique it has been included on UNESCO’s world heritage
list. The deep
blue Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered
mountain peaks, wild waterfalls
and
lush, green vegetation. This might possibly be the most beautiful
place on earth. We will spend the night at the highly rated
Hotel 
Union
perched high above the fjord with incredible views (our group
will all have fjord view rooms!). We have a cruise of the fjord
(included) plus you might also want to take a short easy
walk or summit hike offering you the most stunning views. There
is a wide variety of trails, all marked and with good
maps available.
Even our journey by bus to Geiranger is
remarkable with amazing views while we coach and ferry our way
to this amazing place. We stopped our bus several times
along the way to take the most beautiful photos. Everyone who
went on the last trip agreed it was the most scenic bus journey
ever. Then we will take our cruise of the Geirangerfjord offering
one of the very best and dramatic fjord scenery to be found
anywhere in Norway. Nature here is overwhelming – so you want
to see it close up. This is what you came for!
Now
we wrap up our journey with 3 days in Bergen. Bergen
is known for Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, the Fish Market, and surrounding
mountains and fjords, such as the
Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.
Bergen's first buildings were erected along
the old Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen,
which has been a lively and important part of the city through
the centuries. This site, which features on UNESCO’s
World Heritage List, comprises the remains of the old
harbour buildings and is one of the best known medieval city
settlements in Norway. Walking through the narrow alleyways
and dark external galleries is like traveling back in time.
We'll take the
Fløibanen Funicular from the city centre to the top of the
Fløien Mountain where
we'll have
a golden opportunity to view the city, the mountains, the fjords
and the sea. The old wooden houses that still survive
and happily snuggle into the hillside, make wandering along
the narrow passageways called "smau", a truly Bergen
experience. We can also do a hike at Mount Ulriken
starting with the cable car.
But the highlight of our stay in Bergen
will definitely be the Norway in a Nutshell day. This is a full-day
package tour that will have us on ferry's, trains and boating
down magnificent fjords. We
start with train from Bergen and is the most popular roundtrip
in Norway. We will get to experience the
Bergen Railway
between Oslo and Bergen. We will then hop on the
Flåm Railway,
one of Norways most spectacular railways, from Myrdal Station
down to
Flåm
and the Aurlandsfjord. Then we will have a fjord cruise
in
the Aurlandsfjord
and Nærøyfjord
(UNESCO World Heritage). We will also experience the steep hairpin
bends of Stalheimskleiva. It will be an incredibility
scenic experience and is included in this package.
The rest of our 3 days in
Bergen will be spent with optional tours that we will have more
information on once you sign up and closer to the trip. There
are hikes, another cable car ride and another fjord cruise that
are all interesting options.
This is certain to be one
of our best trips ever, and certainly one with the most beautiful
scenery. By the way, there will be 16-1/2 hours of sunlight
in Norway while we are there with the sun finally setting at
about 9 p.m.!
Check
out my photos from our last trip! https://flic.kr/s/aHsjJRsSuu
DEPOSIT - $200
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
$950
GROUP AIR:
FROM JFK
Flight:Delta
Air Lines 048 Departure: New York Kennedy 22JUN /720P Arrival:Amsterdam
23JUN/905A
Flight:KLM 1109 Departure: Amsterdam 23JUN /1055A Arrival:Stockholm
Arlanda 23JUN/1255P
Flight:KLM 1184 Departure: Bergen 03JUL /630A Arrival:Amsterdam
03JUL/810A
Flight:KLM 641 Departure: Amsterdam 03JUL /125P Arrival:New
York Kennedy 03JUL/325P
Base fare $956.00 plus taxes $560.57 = $1516.57 (*Total Fare
Estimate per seat with taxes and fees at time of booking*)
Taxes and fees are subject to change until final payment is
collected.
FROM LAX
Flight:KLM
602 Departure: Los Angeles 22JUN /155P Arrival:Amsterdam 23JUN/910A
Flight:KLM 1109 Departure: Amsterdam 23JUN /1055A Arrival:Stockholm
Arlanda 23JUN/1255P
Flight:KLM 1184 Departure: Bergen 03JUL /630A Arrival:Amsterdam
03JUL/810A
Flight:KLM 601 Departure: Amsterdam 03JUL /950A Arrival:Los
Angeles 03JUL/1150A
Base fare $956.00 plus taxes $560.57 = $1512.57 (*Total Fare
Estimate per seat with taxes and fees at time of booking*)
Taxes and fees are subject to change until final payment is
collected.
Includes:
-
Domestic air
from Stockholm to Oslo and Oslo to Alesund:
- Flight:
SAS 849 Departure:Stockholm Arlanda 26JUNE/825 Arrival:Oslo
26 JUNE/9:25
- Flight:
SAS 1322 Departure:Oslo 28JUNE/2:20 Arrival:Aalesund 28JUME/3:15
-
10-nights
double occupancy with daily breakfast
-
Deluxe Motor
Coach
-
Admission
fees as indicated
-
2
half day city tours with guide and bus
-
Norway in a Nutshell package
-
Geirangerfjord Cruise
Not
included:
·
Gratuities:
guides and bus driver are at your discretion.
·
International air (SEE ABOVE)
Sign
up for this Trip!
ITINERARY:
|
Thursday, June 23rd, 2022
|
|
Stockholm
|
|
Coach transfer from airport to hotel
|
|
Assistant transfer from airport to hotel
|
|
Radisson Blu Waterfront
|
|
Friday,
June 24th, 2022
|
|
Stockholm
|
|
Coach for 3 hour panoramic sightseeing
|
|
Guide for 3 hour panoramic sightseeing
|
|
Entrance to Vasa Museum
|
|
Radisson
Blu Waterfront
|
|
Option 2 - 2.5 hour bike ride (Includes Guide and quick
stop for coffee
|
|
|
|
Saturday, June 25th, 2022
|
|
Stockholm
|
|
We
will have a variety of options including a boat tour and
Hop on/ Hop off tour
|
|
Radisson
Blu Waterfront
|
|
Sunday,
June 26th, 2022
|
|
Stockholm / Oslo
|
|
Coach for transfer from STO hotel to airport
|
|
Thon Bristol Hotel
|
|
Porterage at hotel, not included
|
|
Transfer from OSL airport to hotel by coach
|
|
Monday,
June 27th, 2022
|
|
Oslo
|
|
Coach for 3 hour panoramic sightseeing with guide
|
|
Entrance to Viking Ship Museum
|
|
Thon Bristol Hotel
|
|
Porterage at hotel
|
|
Tuesday, June 28th, 2022
|
|
Oslo
/ Alesund
|
|
Transfer from OSL airport to hotel by coach
|
|
Coach from Alesund Airport to Hotel
|
|
Quality Hotel Alesund
|
|
Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
|
|
Alesund
/ Geiranger
|
|
Coach from Alesund to Geiranger
|
|
Cruise along Geiranger Fjord (1.5 hours)
|
|
Union Hotel Geiranger
|
|
Thursday, June 30th, 2022
|
|
Geiranger / Bergen
|
|
Travel by coach from Geiranger to Bergen
|
|
Norge Hotel
|
|
Friday,
July 1st, 2022
|
|
Bergen
- Norway in Nutshell - Bergen
|
|
Coach transfer from hotel to train station in Bergen
|
|
Norway in a Nutshell
|
|
Train from Bergen to Myrdal
|
|
Train from Myrdal to Flam
|
|
Ferry from Flam to Gudvagen
|
|
Coach from Gudvagen to Bergen
|
|
Norge Hotel
|
|
Saturday, July 2nd, 2022
|
|
Bergen
|
|
Option - Fjord cruise - 4 hour cruise
|
|
Option - Round trip cable car
|
|
Norge Hotel
|
|
Sunday,
July 3rd, 2022
|
|
Bergen
/ Airport
|
|
Coach for transfer to airport
|
OUR HOTELS
Stockholm: Radisson
Blu Hotel - 4-star
The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm
lies in the heart of the city on Sweden's east coast, where
Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea at the Riddarfjärden Bay.
Only minutes from Arlanda Express and Central Station, this
hotel in Stockholm city centre provides easy transport throughout
the capital. The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel connects to one
of the world's most popular meeting venues, the Stockholm Waterfront
Congress Centre. This hotel in Stockholm city centre also affords
convenient access to the business district, shopping areas,
City Hall, Old Town and Royal Palace.
The Radisson
Blu Waterfront Hotel boasts 414 chic rooms and suites styled
by RPW Design with furnishings that offer modern comfort. Rising
high above the city and adding to the spectacular skyline, this
Stockholm accommodation provides beautiful views of Riddarfjärden,
Lake Mälaren and the bustling city centre. Each room features
such premier amenities as coffee and tea provisions, flat-screen
television and Free high-speed, wireless Internet access.
Hotel
website
Tripadvisor Review #16 out of 164 hotels!
Oslo:
Thon Bristol Hotel - 4-star
In a world of everlasting change
Hotel Bristol puts tradition, quality and service in the
high seat. Already when entering the lobby you will
experience the unique style of the hotel, an elegance and venerableness
that has characterized the hotel since 1920 when the
doors opened to our first guests. Today the hotel has 251 guest
rooms of which 10 are suites named after some of the most renowned
persons who have stayed at Hotel Bristol, or has connections
to the hotel.
Bristol SPA is a real gem, and has won a
design award for its different and exciting architecture. Experience
tranquility and well-being in our elegant surroundings
with subdued music.
Hotel website
Tripadvisor review
Alesund: Quality
Hotel Alesund- 4-star
Welcome to the
Quality Hotel Ålesund, a full service hotel with stunning
views of the fjord and a central location. We have 131 bright
and airy rooms and suites, modern conference facilities,
two bars and a restaurant, all right in the heart of Ålesund.
When you stay
at the Quality Hotel Ålesund, you have everything
you need for a comfortable stay and a good night's sleep.
Our 131 bright and airy rooms and suites are designed with
comfort and ease in mind. The rooms are bright, spacious
and many of them offer stunning sea views
Hotel Website
Tripadvisor Review
Geirangerfjord:
Hotel Union
