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Stavanger, Fjords and Pulpit Rock

Oslo, the fjords, Flåm, Balestrand, Stavanger and Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock, Norway © Paul Edmundson/Fjord Norway

This tour takes you from Oslo on the famous Flåm Railway to the beautiful town of Balestrand on the Sognefjord, on to the ancient Hanseatic city of Bergen, and finally to the town of Stavanger, where you can cruise past the famous Pulpit Rock.

Itinerary

Day 1 Oslo Arrival

Arrive in Oslo and make your own way to your hotel. Enjoy some of Oslo's fine museums including the Fram Polar Expedition Museum, and the Kon Tiki Museum. Also take a stroll through the old wharf area of Bryggen, now bustling with bars and cafes. And visit the Munch Museum, the Maritime Museum and the KonTiki Museum or Akershus Fortress. Overnight at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.

Day 2 Oslo: Day at Leisure

Further time to explore the many delights of this wonderful city. Perhaps visit the stunning new Opera House, where you can walk on the roof, explore Vigelund Sculpture Park, or take a guided tour of the Royal Palace. 2nd overnight at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.

Day 3 Oslo - Myrdal - Flåm - Balestrand: The famous Flåm Railway

Breakfast at the hotel before departure from Oslo Central Station on the train from Oslo to Myrdal, travelling on the Bergen Line. The Bergen Railway is Northern Europe's highest-altitude railway line, and the trip, which has been voted one of the 20 best railway trips in the world, takes you over Norway's “mountainous rooftop” and through charming villages such as Gol and Geilo. Upon your arrival in Myrdal you will change trains to the Flåm Railway - just across the platform. Then start your journey on the famous Flåmsbanen Railway, a journey that provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20km long train ride you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and small farms that cling dizzily to sheer slopes. Beautiful Flåm is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204km long and 1,308m deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flåm is a small piece of paradise. After a short time in Flåm, board the ferry to Balestrand. Cruise further along the Sognefjord, with the chance to see tall, impressive mountains - as you go further out towards the sea, the scenery becomes more open, and there is plentiful and varied bird life. Or you can add an overnight stay in Flåm tonight and continue on to Balestrand tomorrow - please enquire. On arrival in Balestrand walk to your hotel, just a short distance from the boat. Balestrand is a delightful and traditional small resort town on the shores of the Sognefjord and is noted for its magnificent scenery and pure, clean air. Overnight and dinner at Kvikne's Hotel, Balestrand. Note: an optional luggage transfer service can be offered directly from the hotel in Oslo to the hotel in Bergen (one piece per person) - please enquire regarding the additional cost if you would like to add this onto your booking.

Day 4 Balestrand - Flåm - Gudvangen - Voss - Bergen: Fjords and Stalheim Canyon

Morning at leisure in Balestrand, then walk back to the ferry wharf to take the ferry back to Flåm. Upon your arrival in Flåm, time at leisure before changing boats and continuing your journey to Gudvangen. From Gudvangen, take the bus up the twists and turns of the stunning Stalheim Canyon road to the lakeside town of Voss. At Voss, board the train to Bergen. Evening arrival into Bergen, then make your own way to your hotel. Overnight at Grand Hotel Terminus or similar.

Day 5 Bergen: Day at Leisure

Bergen is a lively city beautifully situated on the fjord and is surrounded by seven mountains, with a long history as a Hanseatic trading port. Walk along Bryygen, the historic old wharf area with timbered houses, formerly the homes and warehouses of merchants, explore the fish and flowers markets and enjoy a meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants of this lovely, historic town. And make sure you take the funicular ride up to Mt Fløien for a panoramic view of Bergen and its surroundings. 2nd overnight at Grand Hotel Terminus or similar.

Day 6 Bergen - Stavanger

Today make your own way to the bus station, then sit back and relax, enjoying the local scenery on the way to Stavanger. The bus travels along the scenic coastline to Bergen and the journey takes approximately 5hrs. Or you can choose to take the ferry from Bergen to Stavanger (5.5hrs). The bus station in Stavanger is in a central location, whereas the port in Stavanger (Risavika) is located further out of the centre (20-30 minute drive). On arrival in Stavanger, make your own way to your hotel. Overnight at Thon Hotel Stavanger or similar.

Day 7 Stavanger - Pulpit Rock Cruise

Breakfast at your hotel then make your own way to the ferry wharf for the cruise to Prekestolen (Pulpit Rock), east of Stavanger. This amazing sightseeing tour takes three hours, with the famous Pulpit Rock in the starring role – and a impressive supporting cast of waterfalls, idyllic islands and magnificent scenery. On board the boat there is a sun deck and kiosk. Please note: the operation of the Pulpit Rock cruise is dependent upon weather conditions and requires a minimum of 15 persons to operate. Optional afternoon hike to Preikestolen, to see the view of the fjord from above, duration 5hrs. You must be in good physical condition for this option. 2nd overnight at Thon Hotel Stavanger or similar.

Day 8 Stavanger Departure

Breakfast at your hotel and end of arrangements.


2024 departures: daily from mid April - mid September

Notes:

You can do the tour in reverse and extra nights can be added in Oslo, Balestrand, Bergen or Stavanger.

You can also choose to add an overnight stay in Flåm along the way.

Plus you can add the train from Stavanger back to Oslo.

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