The Magic Of Norway - Land of the midnight sun
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Tuesday 11th May to Monday 24th May 2010 |
Majestic mountains,
gaping gorges, deep-sided fjords, forests and wide
open country – this kaleidoscope of images can be
yours on a wonderful visit to Norway and Finland,
travelling beyond the Arctic Circle.
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Price per person: |
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Includes flights in economy class, rail journeys
specified, hotels + breakfasts, cruise on Day 2. |
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Escorted holiday: |
£1790 |
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Single Room Supplement: |
£365 |
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Deposit for the holiday: |
£200 |
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We, Ffestiniog Travel,
act as an Introducer Appointed Representative for
the purposes of travel insurance, appointed by
Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services
Authority. For more information please click on the
Travel Insurance section. |
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(Click map to enlarge) |
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DAY 1 - London to Bergen
Fly from London to Bergen on Norway’s west coast.
Transfer to city centre hotel for a 3-night stay.
DAY 2 - The Flåm Railway
We start the day by taking a cruise along the
Sognefjord from Bergen to Flåm. The first part of
the journey follows the coastline then we enter the
stunning fjord with Flåm at its head. After lunch,
we take the Flåm Railway which climbs to a height of
2,845 feet as it makes its way to Myrdal. Notice the
shifting panorama of towering mountains and
impressive waterfall. At Myrdal we meet the main
line for our return to Bergen.
DAY 3 - Explore at Leisure
Bergen has a lively waterfront area with its fish
and fruit markets. Spend some time relaxing in the
city which also has a funicular railway. From the
top of Mount Fløyen you can see the town and off
shore islands.
DAY 4 - Bergen to Oslo
Affectionately known as the ‘Roof of Norway,’ this
rail journey is a must. We leave behind the fjord
coastline and are soon surrounded by the mountains
and lakes as this spectacular line takes us to Oslo,
the capital city of Norway.
DAY 5 - Free day in Oslo
There is something for everyone in this vibrant
city. Maritime history is charted in the Kontiki and
Viking Ships museums whilst the tram and metro
network is a delight for transport lovers. Your tour
leader will be only too happy to assist with ideas
and advice.
DAY 6 - Heading North
As we travel further north, the train service
becomes more infrequent. We have an early start
today as we travel through lake and moorland scenery
to Trondheim, arriving early afternoon. A free
afternoon and evening allows you plenty of time to
explore. The main building in the town is the
magnificent cathedral.
DAY 7 - Across the Arctic Circle
Continuing north once again, the scenery changes
from fjords to mountain passes as the day
progresses. We cross the Arctic Circle late
afternoon (the summit of the line) then drop down to
the coastal port of Bodø which is the end of the
line. Being so far north the daylight hours last
well into the night and the late evening views
across the harbour are stunning.
DAY 8 - By Coach to Narvik
Bodø is as far north as we can travel by rail from
the south. We have to bridge the gap to Narvik by
coach but this is no ordinary journey. There are
road tunnels and a ferry crossing amidst stunning
scenery. The journey takes around 7 hours but there
are frequent stops en route. Narvik is the terminus
of the iron ore rail route from Sweden.
DAY 9 - Lapland
Time to leave Norway and we do so by taking the Iron
Ore route out of Narvik. The line climbs very
steeply away from the coast and soon we are crossing
Lapland to our destination of Lulea. This is our
only overnight stay in Sweden.
DAY 10 - Into Finland
We start off by road today as the coach takes us via
Haparanda to Kemi, which is just in Finland. Once
here, we travel by train following the northern
shore of the Baltic Sea to Oulu. You will notice
that the Finnish State Railways are a wider gauge
than we have seen to date.
DAY 11 - To Helsinki
Travelling virtually due south on a direct
inter-city service we head for Helsinki, Finland’s
capital city, known for its plentiful parks. We will
be based here for 3 nights.
DAYS 12 and 13 - At Leisure
Two days will only serve as a short introduction to
this gem of a city. There is an excellent public
transport network, the Senate Square dominated by
the cathedral, Sibelius’s house and a great deal
more. Explore the Kamppi district for its wonderful
wooden buildings from the past.
DAY 14 - Return to London
We transfer to the airport for our direct flight to
London.
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