Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway

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.

What's Included:

• Seven nights' half-board accommodation at the four-star Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, on Sognefjord
• Return flights to Bergen
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
• A cruise to Bergen
• A full-day 'Fjord-Life' tour
• The services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced tour manager

Highlights:

• Stay in a four-star Swiss-style fjord-side hotel
• Journey by boat through spectacular scenery to Bergen
• Discover the region on a fascinating 'Fjord Life' tour
• Tour Norway's interior on unforgettable optional excursions to -the Jostedal Glacier, and to Mydal, Flam and Gudvangen
• Enjoy buffet-style meals served in a fine restaurant overlooking a fjord
• Experience a warm welcome, stunning scenery and beautiful views

Day 1: 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.

Day 2: 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.

Day 3: 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 city of narrow cobbled streets and medieval houses, with its vibrant harbour area and open-air Fish Market. 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.

You’ll return to Balestrand in time for dinner.

Day 4: Optional Jostedal Glacier excursion

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.

Day 5: 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.

Day 6: Included 'Fjord-Life' excursion

Join your guide to spend a day exploring beautiful Sognefjord, and visit the fascinating Sogn Folk Museum at Kaupanger. The museum's fine collection of fishing and 'ice' boats reflects Norway's age-old interaction with the sea and the fjords.

Day 7: 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.

Day 8: Fly back 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.