Explore the Western Fjords

This tour combines all that is great about Norway's magnificent Western Fjords.

Much of what you will read about or see advertised regarding Norways fjord district is covered in this holiday and therefore it appeals to those who wish to see and do as much as possible whilst still enjoying a reasonably leisurely holiday.

Transport throughout is by scheduled public transport meaing you will not just travel in Norway but also experience something of day-to-day life amongst the fjords. A lovely tour that has it all!

 

Day 1

Arrive at Bergen Airport and transfer to your hotel.

2 nights BERGEN - Augustin Hotel (BB)

Day 3

By bus over the Kvam Mountains to Norheimsund then by express boat along the Hardangerfjord to Ulvik.

2 nights ULVIK - Ulvik Fjord Hotel or Brakanes Hotel (HB)

Day 5

By bus climbing past Skjervet Falls to Voss then by rail on the Bergen/Oslo line to Myrdal. Change to the mountain railway for the spectacular descent to Flåm. Continue by express boat along the Sognefjord to Balestrand.

2 nights BALESTRAND - Midtnes Hotel or Kvikne's Hotel (HB)

Day 7

By through bus and ferry along the northern shore of the Sognefjord to Sogndal before continuing by bus beneath the great Jostedal Glacier, via the villages of Fjærland and Skei, along Våtedal and over the Utvik Mountain to Nordfjord.

2 nights LOEN - Hotel Loenfjord or Hotel Alexandra (HB)

Day 9

By bus to Hellesylt before taking the ferry for the magnificent 'cruise' along the Geirangerfjord to Geiranger.

1 night GEIRANGER - Geiranger Hotel or Union Hotel (HB)

Day 10

By bus for the spectacular journey on the Eagles Road and Trollstigen Road with their hairpin bends and famous views of the Geirangerfjord to the little port of Åndalsnes. From here continue by bus alongside Romsdalfjord to Ålesund, one of Norway's largest fishing harbours and a lovely, historical town.

2 night ÅLESUND - Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen (BB) - please note, all Clarion Collection hotels include a FREE evening supper for their guests.

Day 12

Transfer by airport bus to Ålesund Vigra Airport for return flights to the UK via Oslo.

Departure Day:  Daily from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates:  10 June - 20 August 2011
Duration:  11 nights

Flight supplements for alternative departure airports

Augustin Hotel ***

Bergen's oldest family-run hotel now managed by the fourth generation. Centrally located in the shopping and harbour area, the oldest part of the hotel was built in Art Nouveau style in 1909, however, since then the hotel has expanded, incorporating old neighbouring houses and building new wings. The hotel has a popular intimate dinner restaurant (closed Sundays) and a lovely 400-year-old cellar bar.  All bedrooms are equipped with TV, phone, hairdryer, mini-bar and trouser press  Lift to all floors.

Brakanes Hotel****

Beautifully positioned hotel with excellent amenities. Indoor heated swimming pool with sauna, steam bath, small gym and library. Lovely gardens overlooking the fjord. Spacious dining room serving excellent cuisine, lounges, bars, two lifts. All rooms have TV, mini-bar and telephone. Boat hire available from reception.

Ulvik Fjord Hotel ** plus

A very comfortable and poular pension providing good food and a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Bar, lounges and an attractive dining room. No lift but only two bedroom floors. Managed by owners Paul and Annlaug Richards.

Kvikne's Hotel****

A recognisable landmark on Sognefjord. Owned and managed by the Kvikne family since 1887. Elegant spacious lounges, lovely dining room overlooking the fjord. Lift in new wing only. Bar. Dancing to live music six nights weekly in main season.

Midtnes Hotel ** plus

One of the most popular quality small hotels in Western Norway. Owned and managed by Jon Gjeraker, who is a mine of local information. All rooms have shower and WC with a number also having a private balcony. Several nice living rooms, one with an open fireplace and TV, darts, billiards and a sun terrace with a fabulous panorama view of the Sognefjord. The hotel has its own pier, a bathing place and rowing boat. Water comes straight from a mountain lake and is drinkable from the tap! Buffet breakfast and dinner is a 3 course set menu. Lift.

Alexandra Hotel*****

One of the finest hotels in Scandinavia. The Alexandra Buffet is a speciality but there is also and a la carte restaurant. Dancing to live music six nights each week. Extensive lounges. Bar, indoor heated swimming pool with sun terrace, saunas, solarium, gymnasium, mini golf, tennis courts, boats, hairdressing salon and souvenir shop. Two categories of room. Both have mini bar, hairdryer, satellite TV and bath. De-luxe rooms have separate lounge and bedroom, fjord view and balcony.

Loenfjord Hotel***

Built in traditional style with a large terrace cafe overlooking the river. Lounges, bar and a spacious dining room. Dancing to live music six nights each week. All rooms have telephone and TV. Guests are able to use the facilities of the Hotel Alexandra for a small charge.

Hotel Geiranger ***

Situated in the centre of Geiranger overlooking the harbour and the fjord. In the hotel you will find Restaurant Skageflå, pleasant lounges and cosy bars as well as a gift shop and a panorama terrace with a breathtaking view of the fjord and mountains. All standard rooms are decorated with Norwegian style furnishings and have shower and WC, satellite TV, telephone and a mountain view or limited fjord view. Rooms with fjord view and a balcony at a supplement. Lift to all floors.

Union Hotel****

Family run hotel since 1897 and now managed by the 3rd and 4th generation of the Mjelva family. The hotel has a turkish bath, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and solarium. All rooms with shower/wc.

Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen ***

A lovely hotel situated in the city centre by the waterfront in Ålesund's picturesque harbour district. The building was originally a warehouse and today the hotel's interior tells the story of the bacalauo/clipfish industry - an important industry to the town. On the ground floor there is a well-equipped recreation area where you can relax and read your newspaper or book or try the sauna. There is no restaurant however during the afternoon there are complimentary waffles and during the evening a complimentary evening meal with bread, a hot dish/soup, fruits, vegetables and coffee/tea and juice. All rooms have shower and WC, satellite TV, telephone and free wireless internet access. Lift to all floors.

Excursion Programme

We are currently awaiting up-to-date information and prices from our suppliers for the excursions to complement this tour. These will be uploaded shortly.

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