A spectacular Norwegian adventure awaits
Join us on a wonderful sightseeing journey through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes. Your adventure begins in the beautiful Telemark region, a land of serene lakes, forested hills and traditional Norwegian charm. From here, the tour continues to the famous Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, perfectly positioned on the shores of the majestic Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world.
Experience Norway’s dramatic contrasts as we travel alongside sparkling lakes, around sheltered fjords, across high mountain passes and through picture-perfect hamlets and villages. Each day reveals stunning new scenery, from glacier-capped peaks to tranquil fjord shores, creating a holiday filled with unforgettable views and authentic Scandinavian atmosphere.
This is Norway at its most magical: varied, dramatic and endlessly scenic. A truly memorable coach holiday.
YOUR HOTEL
Straand Hotel, Vrådal
The Straand Hotel is located on the northern shore of Lake Nisser in Norway’s Telemark region. It has been owned and managed by the Straand family for five generations. All bedrooms are en-suite and feature a TV. There is lift access to all bedroom floors. The restaurant serves a delicious evening menu and buffet breakfast. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a private lakeside garden.
YOUR HOTEL
Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
The historic Kviknes Hotel was built in 1752 and has been run by the same family since 1877. This four-star hotel is full of old-world charm and is one of Norway’s most traditional hotels. Over the years, it has welcomed royalty, emperors, presidents, prime ministers and film stars from around the world.
Comfortable en-suite bedrooms are located in the modern wing and are equipped with a TV. The restaurant serves excellent evening meals and a generous breakfast.
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to the Netherlands
After completing our local pick-up route, we travel to Folkestone for our LeShuttle crossing to Calais. Relax as we begin our journey north through Europe, continuing into the Netherlands, where dinner and an overnight stay await.
Day 2: Through Germany to Denmark
Today we continue north through Holland and Germany, crossing into Denmark near Flensburg. Arriving in the charming town of Horsens, we enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, ready for the adventures ahead.
Day 3: Into the heart of Norway
Following an early breakfast, we travel through the rolling landscapes of Jutland to Hirtshals and board the fast ferry to Larvik, Norway. On arrival, we experience our first taste of Norway’s spectacular natural beauty as we journey through picturesque lakeland scenery via Porsgrunn and Skien. Crossing the famous Telemark Canal, we arrive in the idyllic lakeside village of Vrådal for a relaxing two-night stay.
Day 4: Vrådal and Lake Nisser Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by stunning Norwegian scenery. Take advantage of the hotel’s excellent facilities, including an indoor pool, panoramic terrace, comfortable lounge and beautiful lakeside gardens. This afternoon, we include a delightful two-hour cruise on Lake Nisser aboard the historic MS Fram, built in 1909. Glide through narrow channels and island-studded waters, passing through an historic lock while admiring the unspoilt beauty of this tranquil region.
Day 5: Fjords, Glaciers and Balestrand
After breakfast, we leave Vrådal and follow the spectacular Haukelifjell Mountain Road, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Descending to the beautiful Sørfjord, we travel beneath the majestic Folgefonna Glacier, with orchards lining one side of the road and deep blue fjord waters on the other. After a scenic ferry crossing of the Hardangerfjord and a journey across the Vik Mountains, we descend to the magnificent Sognefjord. A final ferry crossing brings us to enchanting Balestrand and the historic Kviknes Hotel, our home for the next three nights.
Day 6: Sognefjord and Norwegian heritage
Set on the sunny shores of the world’s longest and deepest fjord, Balestrand is one of Norway’s most picturesque destinations. Late this morning, we cross the fjord and travel to Sogndal, where there is time to enjoy lunch. This afternoon, we visit the fascinating Sogn Folk Museum in Kaupanger, where indoor and outdoor exhibits offer a glimpse into traditional Norwegian life, including beautifully reconstructed farm dwellings.
Day 7: Norway’s Spectacular Glacier Route
Today’s excursion showcases some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery. We travel along the renowned Glacier Route, beginning with the spectacular Gaularfjellet National Tourist Road, famous for its nine hairpin bends and magnificent mountain views. Keep your camera close at hand. Continuing to the charming lakeside town of Skei, we then travel to Fjærland, stopping to admire the impressive Bøyabreen Glacier. We visit the excellent Norwegian Glacier Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and an informative film presentation. Before returning to Balestrand by ferry, we pause for unforgettable views over the stunning Fjærlandsfjord.
Day 8: Across Norway’s scenic heartland
This morning we bid farewell to beautiful Balestrand. A full day of spectacular scenery lies ahead as we take two short fjord crossings before following the historic Oslo-Bergen postal route through the picturesque Lærdal Valley, home to one of Norway’s most important salmon rivers. We stop for photographs at Borgund Stave Church, Norway’s finest preserved medieval stave church. Continuing through Hemsedal, Noresund and Krøderen, we arrive in Horten for dinner and our overnight stay.
Day 9: Norway to Germany
After an early breakfast, we board our ferry from Norway to Denmark. Enjoy time to relax and reflect on the incredible scenery experienced throughout your tour. Upon arrival, we continue south into Germany for dinner and an overnight stay near Hamburg.
Day 10: Germany to Belgium
Following breakfast, we continue our journey through Europe to the historic city of Ghent, Belgium. Tonight, we enjoy dinner and our final overnight stay.
Day 11: Homeward bound
This morning we travel to Calais for our LeShuttle crossing to Folkestone. As we return home, we take with us wonderful memories of magnificent fjords, towering glaciers, charming villages and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scandinavia.
Please enquire for single occupancy rate
PHOTO CREDITS: Cana Kåre S. Pedersen, Fjord Norway, Vegard Aasen, Kjetil-Kalis, Straand Hotel, Kviknes Hotel
Norway
