The Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway
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8days from
£1,424*per person
Overview
This journey to one of Europe’s most delightful destinations promises a nature-centred getaway like no other.
This hugely popular holiday is a marvellous introduction to one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Western Norway's fjord country has drawn eager visitors to its unique landscape for centuries. Here, sheer mountainsides plunge into the deep, dark waters and, beyond, its unspoilt landscape of forests, lakes and pristine glaciers is watched over by soaring peaks that are the refuges of sea eagles and reindeer. Few places in the world match the spectacle of this breathtaking region, which charms and captivates at every step.
This hugely popular holiday is a marvellous introduction to one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Western Norway's fjord country has drawn eager visitors to its unique landscape for centuries. Here, sheer mountainsides plunge into the deep, dark waters and, beyond, its unspoilt landscape of forests, lakes and pristine glaciers is watched over by soaring peaks that are the refuges of sea eagles and reindeer. Few places in the world match the spectacle of this breathtaking region, which charms and captivates at every step.
Itinerary
- Fly to Norway - Fly to Bergen, meet your tour manager and board our coach for the memorably scenic transfer to the idyllic village of Balestrand, on the shores of mighty Sognefjord, and to the warm and welcoming Kviknes Hotel. Settle into your room and get to know your beautiful surroundings, before enjoying your first evening in the hotel.
- At leisure in Balestrand - Today, you'll have time to get to know Balestrand and its welcoming inhabitants, all of whom are keen to act as hosts for your visit, sharing their love of their beautiful location with you. Sognefjord, at 180 kilometres long and 1300m deep, is one of the world's largest fjords, and has been welcoming guests since the late 19th Century when the first British travellers came in search of clear mountain air and stunning scenery. The village, with its few shops, café, bank, historic, wooden English church, neat white-painted cottages and stylish artists’ villas, is surrounded by orchards. In springtime the valleys are be-decked with blossom while winter still reigns in the mountains. In the autumn, new snow adorns the peaks but summer lingers by the fjord, and the forests beyond the fjord-side blaze with vibrant colour. Whenever you visit Balestrand, the beauty of its natural surroundings will live long in your memory, as will the warmth of the welcome you receive virtually everywhere you go.
- Included Bergen cruise excursion - The first of your included excursions is an unforgettable day trip that begins with an express boat ride through the stunning scenery of Western Norway to historic Bergen, the former Hanseatic trading port that is known as the Gateway to the Fjords. Join us to explore this This city of narrow cobbled streets and medieval houses, with its vibrant harbour area and open-air Fish Market, is perfect for a self-guided stroll. Once a residence of medieval kings and queens and still the seat of a university, Bergen was also the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, one of Norway’s most famous sons. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the ancient Bryggen area past its beautifully preserved wooden warehouses, or the opportunity to view the city from above as you ride the quaint Fløibanen funicular railway to the summit of ‘Mount’ Fløyen (payable locally). You’ll return to Balestrand in time for dinner.
- Optional Jostedal Glacier tour - Rest and relax in your idyllic surroundings, or join today’s optional tour to the breathtaking Jostedal Glacier. This formerly impenetrable east-west barrier – mainland Europe’s largest glacier – is a mesmerising natural wonder dominating the northern interior beyond the fjords. A visit here is a must, for the informative Norwegian Glacier Museum and its fascinating exhibits as much as for the sight of the glacier itself.
- Optional Norway in a Nutshell excursion - Enjoy another day in your beautiful surroundings, or join this famous tour, which is also one of the world’s most scenic journeys, and travel by coach, boat and train across the most stunning parts of the region. The tour includes the unforgettable experience of a ride on the the world-famous Flåmsbana branch-line train from Myrdal to Flåm – a truly remarkable 50-minute, 20-kilometre descent of 900 metres down the steep-sided valley – and a two-hour cruise through spectacular Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord to the tiny port of Gudvangen.
- Included 'Fjord-Life' excursion - Join your guide for a day spent exploring beautiful Sognefjord, including the fascinating Heiburgske Samlinger Sogn Folk Museum and the 12th-century Kaupanger Stave Church.
- Spend the day in Balestrand - Spend your final day relaxing in Balestrand. It's your last chance to soak up the tranquillity of your surroundings, and make the very most of the village. This evening, enjoy a final dinner at the hotel and look back on the highlights of your unique Norwegian fjords holiday.
- Return to the UK - Say goodbye to Balestrand, and retrace your route through the scenery to Bergen. Check in for your flight and head home, taking with you with a treasure trove of wonderful memories.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Discover the region on a fascinating 'Fjord Life' tour
- Experience a warm welcome, stunning scenery and beautiful views
- Tour Norway's interior on unforgettable optional excursions to the Jostedal Glacier, and to Myrdal, Flam and Gudvangen
- Journey by boat through spectacular scenery to Bergen
Our Price Includes
- Seven nights' half-board accommodation at the four-star Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, on Sognefjord
- Return flights to Bergen
- A cruise to Bergen
- A full-day 'Fjord-Life' tour
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand -
Introduction
Kviknes Hotel, which once welcomed the Kaiser and his entourage, has been a favourite with our clients for very many years. A magnificent, fjord-side, Swiss-style wooden building, with a modern addition, this family-run hotel is sure to make you feel at home.
Facilities & Amenities
The hotel has fine public areas, including a spacious restaurant overlooking the fjord, large and comfortable lounges and a stylish bar. The restaurant includes an extensive fresh fruit and salad bar, and offers various hot and cold meat dishes, an excellent choice of fish and a good selection of freshly made desserts and cheeses.
Rooms
All rooms will be allocated in the modern part of the hotel from the late 1960s. It has eight floors and 165 rooms. There is an lift to the rooms which are decorated in 1960s and 1970s style.
Other Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately four and a half hours. There will be a 30-45 minute comfort break en route.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Flight routes
Flights from London Gatwick and London Luton are direct. All other flights stop in Amsterdam.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
Holiday code
N1019Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for iTravel Offers)
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