Norway Coastal Tour June 20 - July 2, 2010

Arrive in Bergen today and enjoy a free day. There is time to acquaint yourself with this historical World UNESCO Hanseatic town. If you are craving a Norwegian sweater, this is the day to look for it. Your hotel in Bergen, the Thon Rosenkrantz is located in the heart of the city. [No Meals]

Enjoy a guided morning tour of the city including a visit to Troldhaugen, Grieg’s summer home and its surrounding buildings, a shopping visit to the Oleana sweater factory, and a luncheon tour of the over one hundred-year-old Janus wool factory. Tonight, a lite dinner is held at the hotel. [B, L, D]

Departing Bergen today, experience a lovely 3-hour Fjord Express boat trip up the western coast of Norway, as it intertwines islands and glides northward. Our destination is Kalvåg in Sogn og Fjordane county (halfway up the coast between Bergen and Kristiansund). This was once the largest and best preserved fishing village in Western Norway, now boasting a fascinating history and plenty of herring tales! It is no longer the huge fishing village it once was, yet it still preserves its past with a unique collection of old waterfront buildings. Enjoy a visit to the Sogn og Fjordane Coastal Museum, learning insights into the fishing industry. You’ll also have free time during which you might want to try some fishing, relaxing or exploring. Tonight, feast on a seafood dinner and overnight at the hotel Olavsrosa Knutholmen. [B, D]

Today is Midsummer’s Day, a very special time in Scandinavia. Relax on our private chartered coach as we continue north through fishing villages and coastal islands enjoying many spectacular views. We are in the Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county. Later embark on the famous Geiranger Fjord boat, for a trip on the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a special guided tour.We will also visit the Dalsnibba Mountain with an impeccable scenic overview of the Sunnmøre / Møre og Romsdal area. The Geiranger Fjord is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and has been named the best travel destination in Scandinavia by Lonely Plant. Today’s final destination is Ålesund (still in Sunnmøre Here enjoy a city tour and the city’s renowned Art Nouveau architecture. Tonight celebrate Midsummer’s eve with bonfires along the beach; participating in the celebration, watching the sun never set. Enjoy dinner, entertainment, dancing, and more at the Clarion Collection Hotel Brygeen, right on the harbor, centered in town. [B, D]

Today continue to explore Møre og Romsdal. The tour stops where history and culture meet in Bud, a historical fishing village in Western Norway outside the city of Kristiansund and on the fabulous Atlantic Road (RV64). During the Middle Ages, Bud was the largest town between Trondheim and Bergen. Many a Norwegian King has stayed in Bud during the past. Visit a weaver’s home or walking along the coast! Bud’s location (three kilometers from the main sea coast) allows you to experience Nordic seafaring weather at its best. Overnight in the lovely guesthouse in Farstad, Hustadvika Gjestegard, centrally located in Møre og Romsdal. Enjoy a lovely seafood dinner feast this evening. [B, D]

Continue via private coach traveling again over the Atlantic highway that has connected innumerable islands between the towns of Kristiansund and Molde on Norway’s western coast. The highways replaced ferry service between the many islands along the way, allowing you to see where the water meets the road. It is a beautiful road to travel on. Today we leave Møre go Romsdal traveling into the Trøndelag region with our destination Trondheim, in Sør-Trøndelag. Explore the city on your own the remainder of the day. The stores are open later this evening so you’ll have time to shop. A visit to Nidaros Cathedral is a must! Here, you’ll see where kings of Norway were crowned. It is the largest gothic structure in Norway and Northern Europe. It remains the end destination of the Pilgrim Route from Oslo to Trondheim. We overnight at the Gildevangen Thon Hotel in the heart of town. [B]

Experience train travel via Norwegian State Railway heading north. You’ll view some extradordinary scenry seeing parts of the famous Highway RV 17. Enjoy the views of Nord Trøndelag county, part of the Vikna Archipelago. Many museum and prehistoric burial mounds are found in this area The tour’s destination is Mo I Rana, where you’ll stay at the historical, most beautiful Meyergarden Hotel. A cultural dinner will be prepared for us. Here continue to experience midsummer nights with little darkness. [B, D]

Today we travel from Nord Trøndelag to Nordland county. As the tour continues up the coast, you’ll pass and visit the Svartisen Glacier, Norway’s second highest glacier and see the mountains where it is located included in Saltfjellet/Svarisen National Park. Eventually we reach the charming fishing village in the Nordic Circle, Bodø. Enjoy exploring the city on your own or climbing the nearby waterfall. Tonight enjoy your stay at the Rica Hotel. [B]

Today, the group makes its way to the Lofoten Islands (rated one of the top islands in the world to see). Departing Bodø early in the morning with a box breakfast, we take a boat excursion (one you’ll never forget) to the southern tip of Lofoten Islands First viewing these islands from the sea is the best way to experience the magic the island offers. You’ll see the village of Aa, Moskenes, and Reine (which was once called the most beautiful village in Norway). The boat trip is about three hours and offers hard to compare sights. A famous Lofoten lunch awaits you. Enjoy a fabulous stay at the famous De Historiske Reine Rorbuer Hotel in Reine where you can fish from your cabin’s deck. While here, you’ll visit a blacksmith shop, two museums (fishing and doll) and take a midnight excursion to Flakstad’s sandy beach for photos and memorable moments. A traditional meal called aftens will be served that evening in one of the cabins. [B, L, D]

Wake up early and take a small boat cruise, with a hike to the west end of the island, or instead, sleep in and enjoy the leisure of the morning from your cabin. Later in the morning we head north visiting a glass gallery, art galleries, sandy beaches, lush green terrain, the Borg Viking Museum and more. Later, visit Henningsvær and enjoy a delicious and cultural Lofoten dinner prepared especially for us. Tonight stay in the town of Svolvær at De Historiske Anker Brygge, experiencing Rorbuer fishing cabins for 2 nights. [B, D] 

After a buffet breakfast your day is free. You have time to enjoy a fun day of exploring, relaxing, or rejuvenation in the fresh sea air. If you feel like cooking, pick up food in town and bring it back to your cabin which has the equipment needed to create your own Lofoten dinner privately or with other travelers. There is also an opportunity for those who would like to take an excursion through the Troll Fjord, upon request. [B]

Heading by private coach further north to Nordland county, enjoy breathtaking views as we wind up the coast, thru coastal villages, tiny islands, and on to the city of Harstad which was rebuilt after the WWII. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the town or relaxing and enjoying the hotel Olavsrosa Sandtorgholmen, once used as a trading post (from 1557). Here, immerse yourself in the culture including enjoying a very special farewell dinner. [B, D] 

Awake, have a fulfilling buffet breakfast, with the tour ending at this point. 

*Trip price is per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement is $560.00. Tour price is also based on NOK/USD: 5.5NOK/$1 USD and above. Currency Converter availabe at http://www.currency.com"

To print Coastal Tour brochure click here.

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