TAILOR-MADE TOUR Two sea-faring cities of Norway
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
This seven-night holiday features two enchanting sea-faring cities of Norway : Bergen and Ålesund . Both are architecturally and culturally fascinating , with a rich historical tapestry ; they are lively and offer many attractions and activities in and around each city . You spend three nights in each and travel in between with a night on the Hurtigruten ship .
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Bergen Fly from London to Bergen either direct or with a short stopover in Oslo . Check in to your hotel in Bergen for three nights .
Days 2 and 3 In Bergen Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and was the capital throughout some of the country ’ s most influential periods . One of your days here should start with a visit to the iconic Bryggen wharf , first established in the 14th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its colourful buildings today house a small museum , shops and restaurants . Bergen is known as the city of the seven mountains , the most easily accessible of which is Fløyen , which can be reached funicular from the city centre and awards spectacular views of the city and surrounding area . It is possible to take the funicular back , or you may want to hike back down at your leisure . You should take the time to visit the Bergen Fish Market . Bergen has the busiest seaport in the country and the market offers an abundance of fish , shellfish , fruit , and vegetables . Cultural attractions include the Troldhaugen , the former home of Edvard Grieg and today host to a museum about his life and works as well as a concert hall where you can hear his music performed . Its location in the fjords also makes Bergen an excellent base from which to explore more by boat .
Day 4 Bergen to Ålesund by Hurtigruten On the evening of your final day in Bergen you board the Hurtigruten cruise ship heading northwards along the western coast to Ålesund . Depending on the time of year you may have plenty of hours of sunlight left to enjoy the stunning fjords as you pass by .
Day 5 Arrive in Ålesund You arrive in Ålesund in the morning , and this is your base for three nights . You may want to organise an early check-in at a supplement .
Days 6 and 7 In Ålesund The port town of Ålesund is built on a row of islands protruding into the Atlantic Ocean . This unique position has made it home to Norway ’ s most important fishing harbour , next to which is Holmbua , a warehouse which was built in 1861 and today houses the fisheries exhibitions of Ålesund Museum . Here you can learn about the town ’ s production of fried cod before sampling some of this delicacy at the markets . Besides the port , Ålesund is perhaps most-known for its architecture . After a fire destroyed the city in 1904 it was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style , and you may want to spend some time exploring and appreciating the vibrant buildings which line the waterfront . You will find more information about this part of the town ’ s history , as well as many other periods including that of the German occupation , at the Ålesund Museum . For an excellent view of the city and the surrounding area , Fjellstua is a famous viewpoint which is accessible from the city centre .
Day 8 Ålesund to London by air via Oslo On your final day you will be transferred from your hotel in Ålesund to the airport , where you will board a flight via Oslo back to the UK .
Fløybanen , Bergen , credit Casper Steinsland , visitbergen . com
Bergen xxxxxxxxx , credit Robin Strand , visitbergen . com
PRICE GUIDE
Prices from £ 1,910 per person
Holiday code SCBA01
OUR PRICE INCLUDES
• Flight with British Airways , Scandinavian Airlines or Norwegian from London to Bergen direct or via Oslo
• Flight from Ålesund to London via Oslo
• 3 nights ’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Bergen Børs Hotel , Bergen
• 3 nights ’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Hotel Brosundet , Ålesund
• 1 night ’ s bed and breakfast in a Polar outside cabin on the Bergen to Ålesund Hurtigruten coastal ferry
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels ( although we can arrange this on request at additional cost )
• Any other services not mentioned above , such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
• Personal holiday insurance . This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday .
• Possible local tourist tax , usually the equivalent of £ 1 to £ 3 per person per night , and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in any cities
This holiday can be arranged throughout the year , subject to the opening dates of the hotels . Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week of travel . We recommend adding extra nights in Oslo at the beginning or end of this holiday .
22 FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL 01392 441250 www . expressionsholidays . co . uk