Compare Best of Scandinavia by Mayflower Tours vs Norway Fjord Trekking by G Adventures
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,649 | $ 2,464 |
| Price Per Day | $ 265 | $ 352 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners |
6 breakfasts |
| Description |
The remarkable cities of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Copenhagen will come alive filled with history, the Viking legends, Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid. You won't believe the natural beauty of the Scandinavian countries. |
The Vikings were some of the toughest people to ever walk this earth, and looking at the land that spawned them, it’s not hard to see why. Carved by the relentless North Atlantic for eons, the Norwegian fjordlands are a challenge that beckons hikers and mountaineers of all ages and abilities. This trip will put you on intimate terms with the great green hills, monstrous peaks, enormous glaciers, and flat-out gorgeous scenery of this isolated chunk of Scandinavia. Lace up your hiking boots and set forth in search of your own personal Valhalla. |
Day 1
Depart USA Today you’ll depart the USA on your overnight flight to Stockholm, Sweden.
Day 2
Stockholm, Sweden Upon arrival you are greeted by your a representative of Mayflower Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this remarkable Scandinavian city. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Dinner
Day 3
Stockholm After breakfast, enjoy a Stockholm city tour. Once home of the Vikings, today’s Sweden is a captivating mix of old and new. Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is the very epitome of a vibrant cosmopolitan center, a city alive with world-class art museums, cutting-edge fashion boutiques and sizzling night life. Remark-able architecture abounds, exemplified in the dazzling City Hall, site of the Nobel Prize reception, with its glittering gold walls and stunning colored-glass mosaics. But even in this thrilling center of culture, you’ll find traces of Sweden’s fabled past. In the Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town, medieval Stockholm comes to life in this beautifully preserved historic district. This afternoon, explore the city on your own or choose an optional excursion of The Royal Canal and Vasa Warship Museum. This excursion includes a one-hour cruise along the shady canal of Djurgarden and a visit to the remarkable Vasa Warship Museum, built around a restored 17th-century warship that sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor. Breakfast
Day 4
Oslo — Where Culture and Nature Meet Following breakfast this morning, bid farewell to Stockholm and depart for Oslo, Norway. Upon your late afternoon arrival in Norway, you’ll learn why it’s hard to say what is more stunning in Oslo: its glorious urban cityscapes or towering mountains and pristine countryside. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience Oslo on your own. Breakfast
Day 5
Oslo to Myrdal/Breathtaking Railway Journey On this morning’s city tour, your local guide will take you through Vigeland Sculpture Park as you discover the amazing granite and bronze artwork. Catch a glimpse of the regal and impressive Royal Palace. All these pleasures await, plus the bustling trade of a thriving port city. After the tour, transfer to the Oslo train station for one of the best ways to take in the wonders of Scandinavia: aboard a scenic railway that traverses this breathtaking countryside. You’ll take in dizzying vistas that open out on all sides as you speed from Oslo toward Myrdal, a remote mountain station located 3,000 feet above sea level. Famous for its remarkable panoramic views, Myrdal is the stepping off point for yet another glorious train ride on the world-renowned Flåm Railway. Descending 3,500 feet during a 13-mile journey into mountainous countryside, passengers glimpse wild rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, and mountain farms clinging perilously to steep slopes. In the heart of this rugged countryside, the historic Stalheim Hotel offers a stunning panoramic perspective of astounding fjordland views. For nearly 200 years, artists, painters and poets have drawn inspiration from the awe-inspiring majesty of this remarkable natural spectacle. Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
The Awe-Inspiring Fjords This morning after breakfast, you’ll get your final view of the Naeroey Valley before you transfer by coach to Flåm for embarkation of a cruise through the world-famous Sognefjord and Naerøey Fjords. Carved out over centuries by waves of majestic glaciers, the fjords are a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. No visit to Norway would be complete without views of the emerald green cliffs of the fjord sweeping sharply down to glittering waters, where you just may glimpse a sight of seals as they sun themselves on flat, warm rocks. Meet your coach in Gudvangen where you'll continue on the journey to Bergen. Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
The Rich Historical Heritage of Bergen Today you’ll enjoy an included city tour of Bergen, the second largest city in Norway. Bergen offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bergen proudly preserves its rich past, seen in the timbered 15th-century houses, centuries-old warehouses built by seagoing merchants, and a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Nearby, you’ll visit Troldhaugen, the former home and estate of one of Norway’s most famous sons, composer Edvard Grieg. The remainder of the day is free to explore this charming city on your own. Breakfast
Day 8
Copenhagen Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Copenhagen. Upon arrival you enjoy a city tour of this bustling metropolis. Copenhagen offers a mix of old-world grandeur with the excitement of a thriving modern cultural center. Parks and green spaces are everywhere, and canals and waterways crisscross its streets, recalling the city’s seagoing roots. The city is alive with such sites as Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest pleasure parks; and Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament and the Royal Theater. Fans of literature make a pilgrimage to the statue of The Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, while shoppers enjoy browsing the quaint boutiques along the famous Stroget, Copenhagen’s renowned pedestrian district. Breakfast
Day 9
A day at leisure This day is yours to experience Copenhagen and all of its charm. Or join us for an optional excursion to North Zeeland. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Helsinor, one of the oldest towns in Denmark, and nearby Kronborg Castle, legendary home of Prince Hamlet. Your tour also includes views of Fredensborg Castle and an included visit to Frederiksborg Castle. Tonight join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for the Farewell Dinner at our hotel. Breakfast and dinner
Day 10
Copenhagen Following breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Scandinavia with memories of life enriching experiences as you transfer to Copenhagen Airport for the flight home. Breakfast
Day 1 Bergen
Arrive at any time. Meet your group for a welcome meeting before heading out for an orientation walk of Bergen.
If you wish to explore Bergen before your tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Bergen before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Day 2 Bergen/Odda
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful city of Bergen. Transfer by ferry and private vehicle along the Hardangerfjord to Odda, the base in the heart of the fjords. Enjoy an introductory hike.
Day 3 Odda
Known as the Valley of the Waterfalls, Oddadalen is a spectacular wooded ravine adorned with numerous beautiful waterfalls. Stretch your legs on a 10km (6.2 mi) hike along the Buerdalen valley. Consider today’s hike a warm-up to prepare for our full day Trolltunga excursion on Day 6.
Day 4 Odda/Folgefonna Glacier/Odda
Join an expert local guide for a hike across the frozen landscape of the Folgefonna Glacier. Strap on crampons, head out on the ice and take in spectacular views of the glacier.
Day 5 Odda
Enjoy free time today to relax in the beauty of the surrounding fjords, or opt to partake in any of the many activities this area has to offer.
Set in the breathtaking location of the Atlantic fjordlands, Odda is an ideal place to take a day off from hiking. For those looking to recharge today, opt to wander the quaint town that lines the coast with its multi-coloured residences or take a rib boat ride on the fjords. For those who are itching to get back out into the wild, take in the views from a bike or kayak, or consider preparing for your Trolltunga Hike by booking the Via Ferrata Sunset/Sunrise Extension for an enchanting night in the Sunrise Dome perched high above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
Please note that if you choose to book the optional Trolltunga Via Ferrata Sunset/Sunrise Combo Upgrade on Day 5 of the tour, the transfers there and back are not included and cost approximately an additional £25 per person. This price covers the transportation both ways. For the upgraded Trolltunga experience it is recommended travellers bring a 30L day pack to carry additional supplies necessary on this option of the hike.
Day 6 Odda/Trolltunga/Odda
Gear up for the highlight of the week – a challenging full-day journey up to the most famous rock formation in Norway. Trolltunga (the "Troll's Tongue") grants breathtaking views from 700m (2,296 ft) above the Ringedalsvatnet lake.
Trolltunga is one of this area's most popular and challenging hiking destinations. It requires preparation from hikers. Prepare for 10-12 hours of hiking and rock climbing on a route almost completely on a gradient. Should you decide to opt out of the via ferrata route, you are welcome to do the hike only. Compared with our full-day hike early in the week, Trolltunga will physically demand more - with the reward of unrivalled views.
Day 7 Odda/Bergen
Leaving Odda behind, take a bus to Bergen. Trip ends on arrival in Bergen.
This tour will end upon arrival in Bergen. We suggest booking any onward travel for no earlier than 4:30pm. If you wish to extend your stay in Bergen, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Bergen after your tour ends.
