Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway

One of the world's most scenic corners

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.

Holiday 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

Why we love this holiday ...

" There are over a thousand fjords dotted along Norway’s shoreline, but the most famous ones are located on the west coast – and that's exactly where this tour takes you. Your base for your Norwegian fjords holiday is the pretty, 4-star Kviknes Hotel on the banks of Sognefjord. Best of all, Newmarket Holidays offers some great optional excursions – meaning you can do as much (or as little!) as you like whilst away. You can visit Jostedal Glacier (mainland Europe’s biggest ice–floe) or ride the Flam Railway – or you can simply sit back and soak up the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air."

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

Itinerary

Day 1

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

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

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. 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 tour. 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.

Day 4

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

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

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 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

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.

Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand

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.

Hotel 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.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately four hours.

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.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

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