About this trip
Twenty minutes outside the Olympic city of Lillehammer, at the top of Hafjell Mountain (Hafjelltoppen), is the Pellestova Hotel. Situated in the high wilderness of the sub-Artic, over 600 kilometers of free, groomed ski trails are accessible right outside of our hotel. We will spend 5 nights at Pellestova, acclaimed for their food, facilities and wine selection. To be closer to the finish line of the Birkebeiner ski race, we move to Lillehammer on Friday afternoon. Our tour continues in Oslo on Sunday, allowing time to explore one of the world's most exciting, creative and influential cities. We return to the United States Tuesday morning.
Lodging
Our hotels are chosen not only for their amenities, but also for their close proximity to activities. Pellestova is truly a ski-in/ski-out hotel, with immediate access to over 600 kilometers of groomed trails. Scandic Lillehammer is one of those "Grand" hotels, steeped in history yet thoroughly modern. It is close to the Birkebeiner finish line, the Maihaugen Museum, restaurants and shops. The Thon Opera Hotel is adjacent to the main train station in Oslo, affording access to shopping, restaurants and transit. All rooms have Wi-Fi, TV and an in room coffee maker, the latter being important as many Norwegian hotels do not make coffee available before breakfast.
Meals
Breakfast is provided at all our hotels. These aren't ordinary breakfast buffets, these are Norwegian Breakfast Buffets! That means a large selection of hot foods, fruits, hearty breads, vegetarian options, and meats. At Pellestova, dinner is included as well as a "packed lunch". This is a Norwegian tradition where you pack a lunch from the breakfast buffet and then take it with you on your day's adventure. In Oslo and Lillehammer, you'll want to get out and explore the restaurants, taverns, cafes and cocktail lounges. Thorsen has a list of places they've dined and drank; or you can make your own discoveries.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation prior to November 1, 2019, FULL REFUND
Cancellation after November 1, 2019 and before January 10, 2020, refund
Cancellation on or after January 10, 2020, no refund.
What’s included
- AirfareRound trip, economy airfare from Pittsburgh to Oslo
- Ground TransportationMotor Coach to/from OSL and hotels, and between Pellestova and Scandic Lillehammer
- Meals9 Breakfasts - All Hotels; 5 Dinners and Packed Lunch (Pellestova)
What’s not included
- Personal ExpendituresPersonal expenses including but not limited to museum and race admission, telecom,meals not listed, alcohol and other beverages, snacks, taxi, car rental, trip/travel insurance, and gratuities.
Available Packages
Standard room with twin beds, en-suite bathroom. Wi-Fi, TV, coffee maker.
Standard room with twin bed, en-suite bathroom. Wi-Fi , TV, coffee maker
The Deluxe suites at Pellestova have a separate sleeping area for two, a room with two bunk beds, a living area, and an in room sauna. Up to 4 persons may stay in this room. Pricing is based on double occupancy. In all other hotels, you will be staying in a standard room. Contact Thorsen if there will be more than two persons to obtain revised price per person.
Itinerary
After an overnight flight, we arrive in Oslo. Our motor coach will take us from Gardermoen Airport to Pellestova Hotel at Hafjeltoppen.