...Trip idea
A Grand Tour of Norway
There’s still plenty to discover in Europe – take this intrepid trip through Norway’s cultural cities and pristine wilderness discovering Viking heritage, Nordic wildlife, Arctic frontiers and the glowing midnight sun.
OSLO
Start your Grand Tour of Norway in the country’s capital Oslo. Car-free and a fascinating mix of contemporary sights and the captivating lore of Vikings, the city is backed by emerald forests, opening out onto scenic fjords and islands. Do as the Norwegians do and hop on a bike; enjoy a guided tour cycling past neoclassical neighbourhoods, through Royal Palace gardens and alongside the coast with sweeping views of shoreside wilderness and rocky islets. Art abounds including the world-famous Vigeland Sculpture Park and painter Edvard Munch’s home and Viking enthusiasts can get their fill at an interactive show at The Viking Planet. Take a day at sea on a private boat to cruise through Oslo’s breathtaking fjord landscapes, soaring cliffs, plunging waterfalls and maze of islands.
STAY: The Thief
Located in downtown Oslo, on a small island surrounded by sea views, The Thief sits next to the Astrup Fearnley Museum Of Modern Art. Sample Nordic cuisine with a view from the rooftop restaurant and terrace or head to the spa for a hammam or Moroccan clay treatment.
STAVANGER
From Oslo, hop aboard the train along the picturesque Sørlandet Line, and enjoy a relaxing day as you pass by lush forests, coastal villages and fjordic vistas. Alight in Stavanger, a historic maritime town characterised by wharf houses, rainbow-hued streets and intriguing art. Gain a new perspective on Stavanger by sea with an exhilarating rib safari adventure. Cruise past the Norwegian Oil Museum and on to stunning Lysefjord, keeping an eye out for porpoises and sea eagles overhead. Look amongst the rocky panoramas for famed viewpoint Preikestolen (Pulpit rock) and Vagabond cave, sculpted into the breathtaking cliff walls. End the day with a serene floating sauna and tap into Norway’s hot and cold lifestyle rituals. On your last day in Stavanger, ascend in a helicopter to have an unforgettable view onto the iconic coastline of Norway, exquisite in bird’s eye detail.
Stay: The Bolder Lodge
A unique opportunity to stay in an architecturally designed lodge, The Boulder is a selection of crafted wooden houses that seem to hover over the rippling Lyseford. Gaze at raw coastal wilderness from bed and enjoy self-catering ‘Bolder’ style with pre-stocked fridges, welcome hampers and deliveries of local produce and wholesome breakfasts.
BERGEN
From Stavanger board the Fjord Line ship that travels on green gas; admire Nordic coastal beauty on your voyage to Bergen. Once a major trade hub in the 11th century, Bergen is full of heritage charm from well-preserved medieval buildings to traditional wooden houses, the historic harbour and characterful alleyways. Experience the beauty of one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys aboard the Flåm Railway which travels up altitudinous forests affording spectacular views. Revel in the remarkable majesty of the narrow channel of Nærøyfjord on a boat trip between forested hills. Stop by the Viking village of Njardarheimr to learn more about the hardy folk who inhabited these lands thousands of years ago and sample their cuisine. You’ll also have time for a boat trip to the City Fjord and enjoy a delicious seafood banquet while anchored in a peaceful bay.
STAY: Hotel Opus XVI
Located in the heart of Bergen, Opus XVI is an elegant choice with a distinctive brick façade – it was once Bergen’s largest bank. The heritage building offers comfortable suites with adjoining living spaces, a restaurant and lobby bar.
ÅLESUND
From Bergen airport, transfer seamlessly to Ålesund by internal flight and onto the secluded fjord hamlet of Øye, surrounded by pristine nature with opportunities for unspoiled experiences in Norway’s wilderness. Take a day to immerse yourself in the majestic UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord with a private tour to explore soaring cliffs that rise spectacularly out of deep blue fjords, with thundering waterfalls cascading down mist-swirled cliffs. Take an exhilarating e-bike tour through the narrow valley of Norangsdalen, fringed by verdant cliffs.
STAY: Hotel Union Oye
A hotel offering warm welcomes to travellers, explorers, writers and royalty since 1891, Hotel Union Oye is a beautiful place to stay, full of historic character. Enjoy a suite with a four-poster bed, opulent furnishings, decorative wallpaper and a luxurious bathroom with a claw-footed bath.
TROMSØ
From Ålesund, head to the gateway of the Arctic – Tromsø – via Oslo to start the next chapter of your Norwegian adventure – this time in the northern Arctic wilds. Get your bearings with a trip up Mount Storsteinen on the Fjellheisen cable car for spectacular views across city and sea. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, considered an architectural masterpiece and city landmark and drop by Polaria, an Arctic Experience Centre to learn all about life in the Arctic, from wildlife to polar bear research. Head into the great Arctic outdoors where you’re likely to experience the midnight sun – in summer the sun doesn’t set meaning you can extend your activities into the evening including sailing the fjords at midnight, hiking rugged islands to discover pristine beaches or birdwatching on Prestvannet Lake to spot puffins and sea eagles.
Stay: Clarion On The Edge
Tromsø is very much about exploring this fascinating edge-of-the-world city and its glacial environment and although there are no five-star hotels here, Clarion On The Edge offers a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of an adventure-packed day with the Skybar affording excellent views alongside crafted cocktails.
SVALBARD
Take your journey one step further into the wild with a trip to the mythical shores of Svalbard. Home to a unique coastal community and thousands of polar bears, Svalbard’s rugged beauty and wild landscapes have bewitched many a traveller. In this harsh wilderness, a surprising amount of animal life thrives – on boat trips in the Arctic Fjords and on glacial hikes spot the gleaming Arctic fox, the Svalbard reindeer, throngs of walrus and seals, beluga whales and of course the King of the Arctic – the polar bear. You can also take part in cultural activities like dog sledding on wheels and in the Polar summer, the tundra is awash with tiny Arctic flowers that bloom under the midnight sun.
Stay: Funken Lodge
Svalbard’s only boutique hotel, Funken Lodge is a luxurious respite from the Arctic’s ever-giving wilderness. Find supreme comfort and contemporary design throughout the spacious suites and the sophisticated dining room that sits alongside the champagne cellar.
Sarah Ward Hedges
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 sarah.wardhedges@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile
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Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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