iExplore Norway Active - Summer

Tour Description

Welcome to Norway! Come and explore Norway on this 9-day active itinerary. Begin in Oslo with a privately guided tour of the city. Enjoy some of Norway's most beautiful fjord scenery and experience the scenic and historic railways of the country. Spend a day kayaking through the most spectacular scenery. Enjoy a day of white water rafting- we guarantee an unforgettable time! Then experience the ultimate adventure- a tandem flight before ending in Bergen.

Itinerary

Day 1: Oslo, Norway

Welcome to Oslo. Today when you arrive at Oslo International Airport, you will be met by an iExplore Representative and driven to your hotel.

Enjoy all of the amenities of the four star Thon Opera Hotel, located in the heart of the city. The majority of the rooms offer a view over either the fjord or the city. Half of the rooms have parquet floors, and all rooms are well equipped in accordance with today's modern standards. The hotel also offers a fitness center, with sauna and sun-bed facilities.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Thon Hotel Opera

Day 2: Oslo

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a private city tour (3 hours) including a walk in Vigeland Park and the Viking Ship Museum.

Vigeland Park contains the life's work of the famous Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). Once inside the intricate wrought-iron gates, you'll come across Vigelandsbroen (bridge), bedecked with 58 bronze figures of men, women and newborn infants, including the famous Sinnetagen (Angry Boy). Next is the Fontenen (Fountain); six male figures raising a giant bowl. Vigeland was obsessed with the cycle of life, which he depicts here in 20 reliefs around the edge of the fountain pool. Above the fountain on a raised plateau, and surrounded by 36 groups of granite figures is Monolitten, a great spire 55 feet high and comprising 121 figures sculpted out of one solid block of whitish granite. The last of the major sculptures, the Livshjulet (Wheel of Life) is a continuum of human figures in a kind of airborne ring dance.

Just to the west of the city's harbor is the Bygdoy Peninsula, where the old Viking ships and the more recent explorer ships are kept, and where Norway's maritime past is commemorated. It is home to the Vikingskiphuset (Viking Ship Museum), which houses the Viking ships from Tune, Gokstad, and Oseberg. The museum displays the Viking Age Oseberg ship, Gokstad ship, Tune ship, and finds from the Borre mound cemetery and elsewhere.

Afterwards, return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Oslo as you see fit.

Breakfast

Thon Hotel Opera

Day 3: Oslo- Voss

"Norway in a Nutshell" takes you through some of Norway's most beautiful fjord scenery. You can experience the scenic Bergen Railway, the breathtaking Flam Railway, the Aurlandsfjord, the narrow Naeroyfjord (now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List) and the steep hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva.

The Bergen Railway

The Bergen Railway is a unique experience on Northern Europe's highest altitude rail line. One of the greatest challenges is the harsh and ever changing 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 comfortable ways of traveling between Oslo and Bergen. The line was voted one of the 20 best rail experiences in the world in 1999.

The Flam Railway

The journey on the Flam Railway is regarded as one of the highlights of the "Norway in a nutshell" tour. The 20km long train journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flam, traveling along the fjord, takes around 55 minutes. On the journey you will have views of some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in Norway with an ever-changing panorama of tall mountains and cascading waterfalls. The train moves slowly or stops at the best views.

Splendid Norwegian Fjords- UNESCO's World Heritage List

Down at the picturesque village of Flam there will be time for lunch and to explore a bit before continuing your journey by boat. The boat sails out of Aurlandsfjord and into the Naeroyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in Europe. The Naeroyfjord is included on UNESCO's famous World Heritage List. Surrounded by towering mountains up to 1,800 meters high, this branch of the Sognefjord is amazingly beautiful. On the journey you will have excellent views of small traditional farms. If you are lucky, you will see goats grazing right beside the fjord and seals basking on rocks before the boat moors at Gudvangen.

Stalheimskleiva.

The journey continues by coach up the steep and spectacular hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva. The road up to the Stalheim Hotel has 13 steep bends. After enjoying the wonderful views of Stalheimfossen and Sivlefossen Waterfalls, there is a short stop at the hotel to enjoy the view before the journey continues to Voss.

When you arrive in Voss, make your own way to the hotel- about 200 meters away.

Fleischer's Hotel. Over the last 100 years, Fleischer's Hotel has established a reputation as one of the most service-minded and traditionally run hotels in Norway. The hotel was built in 1889 in the pseudo-Swiss style with towers, spires, large dormers and balconies. Today, Fleischer's is a modern hotel in which the spirit, charm and style of the pas has been preserved. At present, the fifth generation of Fleischer's run the hotel.

Breakfast

Fleischer's Hotel

Day 4: Voss

After breakfast today, depart for a Kayak Fjord Expedition. On this excursion you will see most of the World Heritage Park as we explore the historic area of the Naeroyfjord, which foe centuries has played an important role linking western and central Norway. You will go places only accessible by kayak and your guide will ensure an unforgettable fun time!

The trip begins at 09:00 at the base in Voss where you are introduced to your guide and other members of the day's group. After you are properly equipped with your personal paddling gear we're off!

The very scenic drive to our starting place at the fjord takes about 45 minutes. ON our way, we pass the Stalheim Gorge before entering the Naeroy Valley, leading down to Gudvangen at the mouth of the fjord. The Naeroyfjord, Gudvangen and the valley leading up to Stalheim has been a popular tourist destination for almost 150 years- not without reason; the scenery is spectacular and here we will spend the day in our kayaks. Instructions in paddling, safety and environmental care will be given along the way. You will receive comprehensive, personalized instructions and briefing.

For lunch we will enjoy a delicious barbecue, relaxing, exploring, swimming and taking pictures.

We visit waterfalls, pass small settlements and local farms as we paddle through the narrow fjord that is only a few hundred meters wide at places. We are likely to spot seals- they are seen on most of the tours from a distance and sometimes do come by for a closer look.

At the end of the afternoon we cruise back to Voss, where we will arrive about 17:30.

Breakfast, Lunch

Fleischer's Hotel

Day 5: Voss

White Water Rafting. This classic white-water thrill is the most popular summer activity in Voss. Exciting, fun and suitable for beginners as well as the experienced. The river chosen will depend on water levels; both the Strandaelva and Raundalselva hold high international class and we guarantee an unforgettable experience! Raundalselva is slightly more challenging, and at the right water level we run the "Timber Hole"- the largest rapid in Europe!

Stranda River: Grade 3-4, 8kms. A classic! This is the most popular rafting tour with 9 spectacular rapids and several beautiful sections. Since the river has a drop-pool profile, the grading is relatively low compared with the size of the rapids. This means more fun!

Both tours involve a short minibus journey, safety instructions, swimming test and approximately 8 km of exciting rafting.

Snacks and hot & cold beverages are included.

Breakfast

Fleischer's Hotel

Day 6: Voss- Bergen

The Ultimate Voss Adventure. A tandem flight is the perfect way to enjoy your first flying experience. Having a professional. Highly qualified tandem pilot with you will make this flight one you will never forget! As a passenger you merely have to run a few short meters during the take off. The wind will inflate the glider and off we are- airborne!

After your adventure, return to the hotel about noon to check out- your luggage will be kept at the hotel until your departure.

The afternoon will be at leisure for independent explorations.

At 18:45 make your way to Voss Station, only a few minutes walk, to board your train for Bergen. You will arrive about 20:34 and you will then be met and driven to your hotel.

The First Hotel Marin is a tasteful and elegant hotel situated on the famous Bryggen in Bergen. The hotel is designed in a maritime theme which mirrors the location of the hotel as well as the maritime tradition Bergen is known for.

Breakfast

First Hotel Marin

Day 7: Bergen

Today is at leisure for you to explore Bergen as you see fit. Don't miss the Bergen Fish Market, the Hanseatic Town, and take a ride on the funicular and marvel at the view of Bergen from Mount Flogen. Note: tickets for the funicular ARE included.

Breakfast

First Hotel Marin

Day 8: Depart Bergen

After breakfast at the hotel you will be driven to Bergen Airport with an English-speaking driver.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details. This itinerary is available from May 1 to September 30, 2011. Alternate itineraries are available for other times.

Pricing Information

May 1 to September 30, 2011

$3,819 per person double occupancy.

$3,339 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

$4,899 Solo traveler

$529 single supplement

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of October, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

· 7 nights hotel accommodations as specified in the itinerary, or similar, in a share double room including daily breakfast.

· "Norway in a nutshell" Oslo/Voss/Bergen with handling of 1 piece of luggage per person.

· Meals as indicated in the program.

· Transfers as indicated on a private basis by private car with English-speaking driver.

· City sightseeing as indicated with English-speaking local guides.

· Entrance fees where indicated on the itinerary.

· Taxes and service fees

Exclusions:

· International and domestic air and taxes.

· Meals other than those indicated.

· Beverages with included meals.

· All optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary.

· Travel insurance.

· Items of a personal nature (i.e. phone, fax, room service, etc.)

· Gratuities.

· Holiday Surcharges.

· Any/all other services not specifically mentioned in the program.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes