The 2011 Viking tour - Last Call
Discussion
We're closing bookings on this trip on April 19th, we have 4 spaces to fill so we're extending the discount to PH'ers until the end date.
Last years trip was epic (as those who came with us will testify) and we're unlikely to be running this as a public tour next year (a certain car club will be taking it for 2012) so if you want to join us then this is the time to do it.
It doesn't clash with Le Mans and is timed to take in the longest day of the year, so..........
The Viking tour 2011
16th June (Thursday) – 26th June (Sunday)
Scandinavia has so many wonderful things going for it, stunning scenery, wonderful people, ...Ikea... and its best-kept secret - some of the world's most awesome traffic-free driving roads.
Roads such as the Trolstigen (the Norwegian Stelvio), the Snow road, the visually stunning Ash road and the amazing Atlantic road. And that's just the beginning. We'll travel the length of the Laerdal Tunnel - the longest road tunnel in the world, with magnificent caverns that have to be seen to be believed. We'll hit unknown back roads which open up to waterfall after beautiful waterfall and stunning fjords. We'll also take you through the unique spiral tunnel and book you onto a party boat as we head into Hans Christian Anderson country.
This is a tour with everything a Petrolhead could possibly desire. It's the trip of a lifetime. And, because we've ʻbeen there and done thatʼ, it's something only we can do this well. There are tour support cars with tour managers to guide and take care of you and you'll also have: full sat-nav files; the use of one of our powerful walkie talkies; route guidance notes; and a full drivers pack. The tour includes dinner as well as bed and breakfast at all the hotels we visit.
In fact there really is only one drawback to this tour... We're restricted on the number of cars we can take, as the ferry company will only allow us 15 cars max. Itʼs a popular tour and will fill up quickly, so book early if you don't want to miss it.
Day 1
Meet at Harwich in Essex on a Thursday afternoon for an evening departure to Denmark. We have reserved outside cabins ( so you get a window – much nicer than the inside ones!) on board (2 people per cabin) for everyone to get a decent nights sleep.
Day 2 – 200 miles
Get off the ferry in Denmark and have a relaxing day doing the short trip north to our next ferry which takes two hours and brings us into Kristiansand, Norway.
Day 3 – 200 miles
The adventures really begin today, traversing mountains and valleys and fjords on the way to our fjordside hotel which is more usually used in winter for skiers! Last year we had an optional twisty route, this year we’ve made is a feature because it really is that good. It’s a road that would make the trip worthwhile all on its own!
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrolheadnirvana#p/a/...
Day 4 – 150 Miles
Today we head further north, deeper into the Norwegian countryside on our way to the 24.5km Laerdal tunnel with it's three large caverns allowing some scope for photos and mischief.
Once again we stay at a waterside hotel with views across the Aurlandsfjorden and food and drinks in the hotel bar/restaurant.
Day 5 – 145 miles
Through the Laerdal tunnel (again), or up and over the mountain to the picturesque lookout at Aurlund. We then drive on towards and around the Jostedalsbreen national park before arriving at our next waterside hotel - are you spotting a theme yet?
Day 6 – 200 Miles
Another fjord-filled day as we continue north for the last time, past Molde and on to the amazing "Atlantic Road" into Kristiansund, before coming back south to settle in for the night in Andalsnes.
Day 7 -220 miles
As soon as we leave Andalsnes it's apparent why we chose this town, because it's at the foot of the world famous Trollstigen (The Troll's Ladder).
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrolheadnirvana?feat...
Don't worry though, we've allowed plenty of time to go up and down more than once in fact we’re planning a ‘dawn raid to ensure that there’s no traffic to spoil our enjoyment. We then head back into the hills near Nord-Aurdal for our overnight stop
Day 8 – 130 Miles
Our last day in Norway sees us playing in the hills before cruising for Oslo along some stunning back roads, but before we get on the ferry to Copenhagen we make a stop at Drammen - home of the 1650m Spiralen tunnel. That's right, a six-spiral corkscrew tunnel through volcanic rock, rising 200m through the mountain. A marvel of ingenuity and a lot of fun to drive. We then get onto the Oslo to Copenhagen party boat for the night (again with twin berth outside cabins with windows pre-booked).
Day 9 – 150 Miles
Arriving in Copenhagen in the morning, if we can, we'll make the short journey into Sweden to visit the Koenigsegg factory (subject to confirmation from Koenigsegg), something which is not generally available to the public. This unique facility will take your breath away, as will the cars they build here! After lunch we return to one of the finest hotels in Copenhagen for the evening.
Day 10 – 185 Miles
Leaving Copenhagen, we take a leisurely route across the beautiful Danish countryside on our way back to Esbjerg and the ferry back to Harwich.
Day 11
We arrive in Harwich early on the Sunday afternoon, allowing time to get home and unpack and sort through the photos of your most memorable Viking adventure.
How much does it cost?
The price is £2296 per person based on two people sharing a car and a twin or double room.
A 10% discount applies if you book before the cut off date of April 19th, making the price £2069 per person.
The booking deposit is £500 per person.
(A solo driver option is available, sharing a twin room; price £2499, or with the 10% discount £2249 per solo driver)
If you would like to book, please call us on 0845 838 7363.
Whats included;
Return ferries from UK to Denmark, (2 nights Accommodation)
Return ferries from Denmark to Norway (1 fast ferry one overnight)
7 nights in hotels including dinner, bed and Breakfast
An exclusive tour of the Koenigsegg facility in Angelholm Sweden (If available)
Tour managers
SatNav Files,
Licensed Walkie Talkies
Info packs with route notes, maps and general info,
Whats not included;
Lunch, Fuel drinks, food on ferries,
internal ferries, tolls.
European breakdown cover (for your own peace of mind we make this a requirement on all tours)
Check out our Youtube channel for more videos of this and other tours
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrolheadnirvana
Last years trip was epic (as those who came with us will testify) and we're unlikely to be running this as a public tour next year (a certain car club will be taking it for 2012) so if you want to join us then this is the time to do it.
It doesn't clash with Le Mans and is timed to take in the longest day of the year, so..........
The Viking tour 2011
16th June (Thursday) – 26th June (Sunday)
Scandinavia has so many wonderful things going for it, stunning scenery, wonderful people, ...Ikea... and its best-kept secret - some of the world's most awesome traffic-free driving roads.
Roads such as the Trolstigen (the Norwegian Stelvio), the Snow road, the visually stunning Ash road and the amazing Atlantic road. And that's just the beginning. We'll travel the length of the Laerdal Tunnel - the longest road tunnel in the world, with magnificent caverns that have to be seen to be believed. We'll hit unknown back roads which open up to waterfall after beautiful waterfall and stunning fjords. We'll also take you through the unique spiral tunnel and book you onto a party boat as we head into Hans Christian Anderson country.
This is a tour with everything a Petrolhead could possibly desire. It's the trip of a lifetime. And, because we've ʻbeen there and done thatʼ, it's something only we can do this well. There are tour support cars with tour managers to guide and take care of you and you'll also have: full sat-nav files; the use of one of our powerful walkie talkies; route guidance notes; and a full drivers pack. The tour includes dinner as well as bed and breakfast at all the hotels we visit.
In fact there really is only one drawback to this tour... We're restricted on the number of cars we can take, as the ferry company will only allow us 15 cars max. Itʼs a popular tour and will fill up quickly, so book early if you don't want to miss it.
Day 1
Meet at Harwich in Essex on a Thursday afternoon for an evening departure to Denmark. We have reserved outside cabins ( so you get a window – much nicer than the inside ones!) on board (2 people per cabin) for everyone to get a decent nights sleep.
Day 2 – 200 miles
Get off the ferry in Denmark and have a relaxing day doing the short trip north to our next ferry which takes two hours and brings us into Kristiansand, Norway.
Day 3 – 200 miles
The adventures really begin today, traversing mountains and valleys and fjords on the way to our fjordside hotel which is more usually used in winter for skiers! Last year we had an optional twisty route, this year we’ve made is a feature because it really is that good. It’s a road that would make the trip worthwhile all on its own!
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrolheadnirvana#p/a/...
Day 4 – 150 Miles
Today we head further north, deeper into the Norwegian countryside on our way to the 24.5km Laerdal tunnel with it's three large caverns allowing some scope for photos and mischief.
Once again we stay at a waterside hotel with views across the Aurlandsfjorden and food and drinks in the hotel bar/restaurant.
Day 5 – 145 miles
Through the Laerdal tunnel (again), or up and over the mountain to the picturesque lookout at Aurlund. We then drive on towards and around the Jostedalsbreen national park before arriving at our next waterside hotel - are you spotting a theme yet?
Day 6 – 200 Miles
Another fjord-filled day as we continue north for the last time, past Molde and on to the amazing "Atlantic Road" into Kristiansund, before coming back south to settle in for the night in Andalsnes.
Day 7 -220 miles
As soon as we leave Andalsnes it's apparent why we chose this town, because it's at the foot of the world famous Trollstigen (The Troll's Ladder).
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrolheadnirvana?feat...
Don't worry though, we've allowed plenty of time to go up and down more than once in fact we’re planning a ‘dawn raid to ensure that there’s no traffic to spoil our enjoyment. We then head back into the hills near Nord-Aurdal for our overnight stop
Day 8 – 130 Miles
Our last day in Norway sees us playing in the hills before cruising for Oslo along some stunning back roads, but before we get on the ferry to Copenhagen we make a stop at Drammen - home of the 1650m Spiralen tunnel. That's right, a six-spiral corkscrew tunnel through volcanic rock, rising 200m through the mountain. A marvel of ingenuity and a lot of fun to drive. We then get onto the Oslo to Copenhagen party boat for the night (again with twin berth outside cabins with windows pre-booked).
Day 9 – 150 Miles
Arriving in Copenhagen in the morning, if we can, we'll make the short journey into Sweden to visit the Koenigsegg factory (subject to confirmation from Koenigsegg), something which is not generally available to the public. This unique facility will take your breath away, as will the cars they build here! After lunch we return to one of the finest hotels in Copenhagen for the evening.
Day 10 – 185 Miles
Leaving Copenhagen, we take a leisurely route across the beautiful Danish countryside on our way back to Esbjerg and the ferry back to Harwich.
Day 11
We arrive in Harwich early on the Sunday afternoon, allowing time to get home and unpack and sort through the photos of your most memorable Viking adventure.
How much does it cost?
The price is £2296 per person based on two people sharing a car and a twin or double room.
A 10% discount applies if you book before the cut off date of April 19th, making the price £2069 per person.
The booking deposit is £500 per person.
(A solo driver option is available, sharing a twin room; price £2499, or with the 10% discount £2249 per solo driver)
If you would like to book, please call us on 0845 838 7363.
Whats included;
Return ferries from UK to Denmark, (2 nights Accommodation)
Return ferries from Denmark to Norway (1 fast ferry one overnight)
7 nights in hotels including dinner, bed and Breakfast
An exclusive tour of the Koenigsegg facility in Angelholm Sweden (If available)
Tour managers
SatNav Files,
Licensed Walkie Talkies
Info packs with route notes, maps and general info,
Whats not included;
Lunch, Fuel drinks, food on ferries,
internal ferries, tolls.
European breakdown cover (for your own peace of mind we make this a requirement on all tours)
Check out our Youtube channel for more videos of this and other tours
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrolheadnirvana
I did this last year with Bachi - it was amazing. Although it seems expensive, when you stop to think about it then it becomes good value (the crossings are not cheap).
As the daily distances are fairly easy it is something your other half could enjoy even if she doesn't like cars that much. We were leaving around 9:30 and getting to the hotel around 4/5pm after stopping for lunch.
My only regret is that we didn't get up early enough to enjoy the Trollstigen.
If I didn't have a 6 month old baby I'd be on this year's tour too.
As the daily distances are fairly easy it is something your other half could enjoy even if she doesn't like cars that much. We were leaving around 9:30 and getting to the hotel around 4/5pm after stopping for lunch.
My only regret is that we didn't get up early enough to enjoy the Trollstigen.
If I didn't have a 6 month old baby I'd be on this year's tour too.
Harsh said:
nope , that's the Oslo to Copenhagen bit 
Quite right. I must have done Harwich-Esbjerg at least 100 times going back home over the past 2 decades 
Used to be quite a large Ferry with several bars and a 'disco' full of college girls 
These days its part freight part passenger and smaller ferry. Still a great restaurant mind and superb wine list
Bebs said:
Harsh said:
nope , that's the Oslo to Copenhagen bit
Quite right. I must have done Harwich-Esbjerg at least 100 times going back home over the past 2 decades Used to be quite a large Ferry with several bars and a 'disco' full of college girls These days its part freight part passenger and smaller ferry. Still a great restaurant mind and superb wine list
christer said:
As a Norwegian I can confirm that some of the roads are stunning!
I would just warn you to bring your very fat wallets indeed and/or spare cars if you get caught speeding heavily. My father who lives in Norway was fined £250-300 for driving 9km/h over the limit a year or so ago.
It's a proportional thing, so speeding 5kmph more in a 30kmph zone will be far worse than a 80kmph zone. I haven't been caught speeding, but generally it's quite expensive from what I've heard. Spped cameras are not brightly coloured like the UK, but they have a sign warning about them (however this can be a few km before the actual camera, so don't just assume you've passed it until you see it). Drink driving will result in instant prison, and the limit is lower than the UK. That said the driving standard is a lot better here, and I've never seen traffic police (although I know there are some).I would just warn you to bring your very fat wallets indeed and/or spare cars if you get caught speeding heavily. My father who lives in Norway was fined £250-300 for driving 9km/h over the limit a year or so ago.
MX5guy said:
christer said:
As a Norwegian I can confirm that some of the roads are stunning!
I would just warn you to bring your very fat wallets indeed and/or spare cars if you get caught speeding heavily. My father who lives in Norway was fined £250-300 for driving 9km/h over the limit a year or so ago.
It's a proportional thing, so speeding 5kmph more in a 30kmph zone will be far worse than a 80kmph zone. I haven't been caught speeding, but generally it's quite expensive from what I've heard. Spped cameras are not brightly coloured like the UK, but they have a sign warning about them (however this can be a few km before the actual camera, so don't just assume you've passed it until you see it). Drink driving will result in instant prison, and the limit is lower than the UK. That said the driving standard is a lot better here, and I've never seen traffic police (although I know there are some).I would just warn you to bring your very fat wallets indeed and/or spare cars if you get caught speeding heavily. My father who lives in Norway was fined £250-300 for driving 9km/h over the limit a year or so ago.
the rest of the route is fun and twisty so the speed limit isn't always an issue as you have just as much fun below it.
We saw one traffic cop last year, he had a quick chat asked if we were canonballers! satisfied that we weren't he sat in the car and waved us on our way
Harsh said:
We saw one traffic cop last year, he had a quick chat asked if we were canonballers! satisfied that we weren't he sat in the car and waved us on our way
It was a little more than "a quick chat". We (perhaps that should be the royal we) were lucky he didn't have any speed measuring equipment in his car. 
Harsh said:
Indeed, hence very few motorways on our trips and always stick to the limits on those and through towns....
the rest of the route is fun and twisty so the speed limit isn't always an issue as you have just as much fun below it.
We saw one traffic cop last year, he had a quick chat asked if we were canonballers! satisfied that we weren't he sat in the car and waved us on our way
You'll also avoid more toll roads that way, as they tend to be the motorways (obviously you'll know since you most likely planned it this way!). Most Norwegians will speed a bit on all of the roads apart from those in towns. 80kmph zones will normally be done around 90kmph, although you get the odd person who goes at 70kmph, but they are easy to overtake normally. Sometimes you'll get times when it's nearer 100kmph average. It will vary through the twisty stuff, and to be honest, with some of the views you will not want to be speeding!the rest of the route is fun and twisty so the speed limit isn't always an issue as you have just as much fun below it.
We saw one traffic cop last year, he had a quick chat asked if we were canonballers! satisfied that we weren't he sat in the car and waved us on our way
The ice is pretty much gone on the roads at sea-level by the coast and big fjords now. There's still lots up in the mountains. Can't wait, 6 months of snow is nearly over, so can do some proper driving!
http://www.autopass.no/Visitors/Visitors%27+Paymen...
Information about how to pay the toll roads as a visitor.
Edited by MX5guy on Thursday 7th April 22:38
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