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LOCATIONS DESIGN LODGINGS ITINERARIES MAP PRICES BOOKING PROPOSAL

 HOME AT FIRST's
  New Zealand
A

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

 

        Scandinavia À La Carte

On guard at Edinburgh Castle, almost within sight of Home At First's Edinburgh apartments, and an easy day trip from Home At First lodgings in the Central Highlands. Mike Mullen Photo © Home At First.

     ...TO ANOTHER

On guard at Oslo's Royal Palace. Photo © Home At First.
FROM ONE
ROYAL CAPITAL...

A Week of the 'Best of Norway'

— PLUS —

A Week in a London apartment.
— PLUS —
A Week in a London apartment.

A great combination at an unbeatable price!


 

Scandinavia À La Carte

1. A WEEK OF THE "BEST OF NORWAY":

START ON NORWAY'S "EAST COAST"—

-
Begin your adventure at royal OSLO
,
Norway’s vibrant,
    modern capital
at the head of the Oslo Fjord. Discover
   the royal palace, Oslo’s great harbor with its Viking Ship,
   Kon Tiki, and Maritime museums, and the remarkable
   sculpture of Vigeland’s Park.
HOME AT FIRST's friendly
   Oslo hotel is located away from the bustle of downtown,
   within walking distance of the Palace and a 10-minute
   trolley ride from most popular attractions.

From Oslo head west using one of two optional routes:


OPTION A VIA THE SOGN FJORD:
(This option—though best by car—is possible by train, with limited flexibility.)


Northwest from Oslo to the Hardangervidda.

Map © Home At First.

   Drive northwest a half-day to Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau. Stay in HOME AT FIRST's
   small, rural hotel on the eastern edge of the Hardangervidda National Park. (Dinner is included daily
   at this remote hotel.) This high, rugged wilderness laced with waterfalls and wild rivers is home to
   moose as well as Scandinavia’s largest wild reindeer population.
-
    Adventure Activities
You can arrange for the following extra-cost guided activities at this location:
   
RIVER RAFTING! White water rafting on a wild, cold, high river.
   
WILDERNESS HIKING! Choose from several hikes in the beautiful high country.
   
MOOSE SAFARI! Spot moose in the wild at night.

 

Northwest to the Sogn Fjord.
   From the Hardangervidda drive (2-3 hours) across a dramatic,
   high landscape and descend the steep walls of the Aurland
   Valley to the spectacular, interior reaches of the Sognefjord at
   Flåm.
-
    Two Short Tours — Park at Flåm, transportation center on the
    edge of the fjord. Buy tickets for:
   
FJORD CRUISE. A 2-hour fjord cruise among the cliff-faced
       mountains
   
NARROW GAUGE MOUNTAIN RAILWAY. Ride (2 hours)
       from sea level to snow country and back.

Train time at Flåm! Photo © Home At First.
ALL ABOARD AT FLÅM!

OR choose

OPTION B VIA THE HARDANGER FJORD:

(This option is possible by car only.)

West from Oslo to the Hardanger Fjord.
   Drive west a full day from Oslo on a dramatic fjord and mountain route along the southern and
   western edges of the Hardangervidda National Park to the Hardanger Fjord. Along the way, learn
   about the Heroes of Telemark and Norwegian resistance during World War II, and visit the National
   Park visitors center. Stay at least one night at
HOME AT FIRST's small, traditional fjord-side hotel on
   the Hardanger. Explore this scenic region of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. See Norway's
   greatest waterfall, and visit a superb museum of folk culture.


FINALLY, YOU REACH NORWAY'S WEST COAST

West from the Fjords to BERGEN. From either the Sogn or the Hardanger, the direct drive time to
   Bergen (2-3 hours) but you may want to stop several times, if only to admire the remarkable fjord
   and mountain scenery. Once in Bergen famed second city of 7 fjords and 7 mountains you will
   stay at
HOME AT FIRST's small hotel in the old harbor district, within walking distance of most
   attractions, including the lively Bryggen, a United Nations listed World Heritage Site.

Explore the Fjords from Bergen. From Bergen, numerous optional side trips to the dramatic
    Hardanger
and Sogn fjords may be arranged, including the famous "Norway in a Nutshell"
   rail + boat + bus excursion.


WHAT'S INCLUDED IN NORWAY?
A Hearty Norwegian Breakfast Daily! Starts every day right.
You receive the Oslo City Pass good for public transportation and entrance fees to many attractions.
You receive HOME AT FIRST's "Activities Guides" full of information and suggestions for each location
   along the route.
Transportation—the "Best of Norway" itinerary offers several options:
   
Car rental, OR
   
Rail tickets for Oslo–Bergen (with Option A travel only).
Flights: Full package includes transatlantic flights from Newark/New York to Oslo and from Bergen to
   Edinburgh. (Flights from other origination airports available for additional airfare.)
Minimum length: 7 nights of HOME AT FIRST quality lodgings in ideal locations.
Stay as little as one night at any location.
Extra nights in Norway may be pre-arranged as part of your itinerary for a per-diem charge (see price
   chart below).


WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN NORWAY?
Optional Extra Cost Activities: But, rafting, guided walks, moose safari, fjord cruises, and Flåm train
   may be pre-arranged.
Airport Transfers in Oslo and/or Bergen (not needed by those turning in rental cars at the airport).

 

FOLLOWED BY A WEEK IN SCOTLAND — CHOICE OF 2 LOCATIONS

 

1. A WEEK OF THE "BEST OF NORWAY":
In a Home At First apartment in the royal city of EDINBURGH
-

Fly from Bergen to Edinburgh Airport.
  
 Take the airport bus or drive your rental car from Bergen to
   Bergen Airport. Turn in your car rental (if applicable). Check
   in for your flight for Edinburgh. Arrive in
Edinburgh that
   after
noon.

It's under 1 hour from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city!
   At Edinburgh Airport, if you are picking up a rental car, you
   have a
30-minute journey to your central Edinburgh
   apartment
. If you are using public transport during your
   week in Edinburgh, take Edinburgh Shuttle van or a taxi
   from the airport to your central Edinburgh apartment
   (journey time 30-45min.).

Edinburgh Castle from New Town, where Home At First has apartments. Michael Mullen Photo © Home At First.
Edinburgh Castle from New Town, where Home At First has apartments.


Your own Edinburgh apartment for a week! Once you check in to your Edinburgh apartment you are
   ready to begin your Scotland adventure. In your center city neighborhood, there are restaurants,
   shops, pubs, and supermarkets. Attractions like Edinburgh Castle are nearby—some walkable, some
   a short ride by city bus
.

City buses take you everywhere in Edinburgh! With a 7-Day Lothian Ridacard bus pass you can hop
   on and off Edinburgh's public buses and go as you please without always having to pay a fare.

Want a day out of Edinburgh? Convenient rail service connects to dozens of fascinating destinations
   out of town! Using the speedy, reliable trains of Scotland's rail network, you can take day trips to
   towns and cities throughout much of Scotland and be back in Edinburgh for supper.

After a week, fly home from Edinburgh. Return your rental car to Edinburgh Airport, OR take the
   Edinburgh Shuttle van from your apartment to the airport.
Because Scotland is almost two hours closer
   to home than Norway is, your westward journey to North America seems less fatiguing.


WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EDINBURGH?
An Apartment in Central Edinburgh. One- and two-bedroom apartments available.
Car Rental for 1-week. Pick-up & return at Edinburgh Airport.
OR, if you choose to travel by public transportation, you receive a Scottish rail pass valid for rail
   journeys from Edinburgh to many other popular Scotland destinations.

You receive HOME AT FIRST's "Scotland Activities Guide" full of information and suggestions for
   what to see and do in Edinburgh and for day-trips throughout Scotland.
Flights: Full package includes transatlantic flight home to Newark from Edinburgh.
   (Flights to other destination airports are available for additional airfare.)
Minimum length: 7 nights at HOME AT FIRST's Edinburgh Apartments.


WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN EDINBURGH?
Airport Transfers to/from Edinburgh Airports.
The 7-Day Lothian Ridacard bus pass for city bus transport in Edinburgh—available for purchase only at
   Lothian Bus Travelshops in Edinburgh.

No meals are included in Edinburgh.
   But using your fully-equipped apartment kitchen means you can save money!

 

 

1. A WEEK OF THE "BEST OF NORWAY":
 
In a Home At First Cottage in SCOTLAND'S CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Fly from Bergen to Edinburgh Airport.
  
 Take the airport bus or drive your rental car from Bergen to
   Bergen Airport. Turn in your car rental (if applicable). Check in
   for your flight for Edinburgh. Arrive in
Edinburgh that afternoon.

It's 1-2 hours from Edinburgh Airport to the Central Highlands.
   At Edinburgh Airport, you pick up a rental car and begin the
   60-120-minute
journey to your Central Scotland cottage or
   apartment
.

Stop for Orientation as you enter the Central Highlands. At this
   session hosted by
HOME AT FIRST Staff, you receive lots of
   information that will be invaluable on-site in Scotland.

Living room at Rob Roy Cottage, Callander, Central Scotland. Photo © Home At First.
Living room at Rob Roy Cottage,
Callander, Central Scotland.


Your own cottage or apartment for a week! Once you check in to your Central Highlands lodging, you
   a
re ready to begin your Scotland adventure. In your local town or village there are restaurants,
   shops, pubs, and supermarkets. Touring attractions like Stirling Castle is quick and easy, but so are
   delightful activities: walking, cycling, cruises, golf, fishing, and visiting whisky (Scotch) distilleries
.

Explore much of Scotland from the Central Highlands. No other location permits such a wide range of
   possible day trips throughout Scotland. Both the east and west coasts of Scotland are within day trip
   reach, as are the Lowlands, some of the Inner Hebrides Islands, and three great cities: Edinburgh,
   Glasgow, and Inverness
. Return to your cozy cottage each evening knowing that no where is the
   scenery better or the welcome friendlier than at home in Central Scotland.


Organized Activities: Join HOME AT FIRST's Central Scotland Staff on a guided trip early in your stay
   to help you get started and become comfortable with the geography, driving, and cultural differences
   you encounter in Scotland
. Later in the week, come to dinner hosted by
HOME AT FIRST's staff in a
   very Scottish local restaurant. Bring your questions, and bring your appetite: dinner's on us!


After a week, fly home from Edinburgh. Return your rental car to Edinburgh Airport and check in for
   your flight home to North America.
Because Scotland is almost two hours closer to home than Norway
   is
, your westward journey to North America seems less fatiguing.


WHAT'S INCLUDED IN CENTRAL SCOTLAND?
An Apartment or Cottage in Central Scotland. One- and two-bedroom apartments available. Your
   choice of several locations: in bustling towns, in rural villages, and in beautiful remote settings
.
Car Rental for 1-week. Pick-up & return at Edinburgh Airport. (Sorry—public transportation doesn't
   work well enough to be a good option for touring away from Scotland's population centers.)
HOME AT FIRST ON-SITE STAFF SERVICES: Orientation upon arrival in Central Scotland, guided trip
   to a special destination early in your stay, and a hosted dinner party later in your stay.
You receive HOME AT FIRST's "Scotland Activities Guide" full of information and suggestions for
   what to see and do in Edinburgh and for day-trips throughout Scotland.
Flights: Full package includes transatlantic flight home to Newark from Edinburgh.
   (Flights to other destination airports are available for additional airfare.)
Minimum length: 7 nights at HOME AT FIRST's Scotland Central Highlands lodgings.


WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN CENTRAL SCOTLAND?
Only one meal is included in Central Scotland: our special hosted dinner party.
   But using your fully-equipped kitchen means you can save money!

 

 
Scandinavia À La Carte
 
SCANDINAVIA À LA CARTE 2008
PRICES PER PERSON WINTER SPRING/FALL SUMMER
FULL
PACKAGE
$2988
PER PERSON
$3530
PER PERSON
$3949
PER PERSON
ADDITIONAL ITINERARY DAYS
IN NORWAY
$180
PER PERSON/DAY
$216
PER PERSON/DAY
$240
PER PERSON/DAY
Prices based on two person sharing.
Inquire for Family/child & ground-only rates.
— Prices Include —
Round-Trip Flights from Newark or New York to Oslo
PLUS 7 Nights "Best of Norway" Package with Breakfast daily
and Ground Transportation (Car/Rail or Combo)
PLUS Flight from Bergen to Edinburgh
PLUS 7 Nights Lodging at an apartment in central Edinburgh
OR 7 Nights Lodging at a cottage or apartment in the Central Highlands.
PLUS 7-Days Car Rental (Pick-up and Drop-off at Edinburgh Airport)
OR (for Edinburgh guests only) a
4-day Scottish Freedom Rail Pass
PLUS Home At First's "Activity Guides" for Norway & Scotland
 
SEASONS: — WINTER —
DEC 25 2009 to
MAR 25 2010
— SPRING/FALL —
DEC 12-24 2009
MAR 26–MAY 13 2010
AUG 31–OCT 25 2010
— SUMMER —
MAY 14 to
AUG 30 20
10
 

 
Scandinavia À La Carte

Review BOOKING & PAYING.
Then, contact HOME AT FIRST:
      •
TEL
: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free in the US and Canada)
     
EMAIL:
info@homeatfirst.com
      •
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