 |
|---|
Norwegian Sojourn of the Fjords (May - Sep)
An epic Summer journey to the most stunning and spectacular Norwegian fjords. Discover amazing landscapes and geology as well as amazing gastronomy, adventure and serendipity in the western coast of Norway. A truly sensational Summer Sojourn!
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the most stunning fjords of Norway
Witness extraordinary landscapes and geology
Experience unique Norwegian culture and gastronomy
Stay in boutique accommodations
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE BERGEN
Arrive into Bergen Flesland Airport and be met and transfer into the heart of Bergen with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf. Discover the narrow alleyways taking a step back in time to the era of the Hanseatic merchants dominated Bergen's trade and learn about the stockfish trade, daily life in the Middle Ages and the wharf as a secret hide-out during WWII. Thereafter, visit the Fish Market, a bustling meeting place for merchants and fishermen since the Middle Ages. From here, continue to the Bergenhaus Fortress, a very well-preserved fortress completed in 1261 which displayed the opulence and wealth during the reigns of King Haakon. Admire the Rosenkrantz Tower, which was added in the 16th Century to display might and power. Thereafter, we take the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Floyen to enjoy a spectacular panorama of Bergen and the surrounds. As we descend, we then take a leisure walk to arrive at the Det Hanseatiske Hotel, built in a 16th Century building in the Bryggen district.
Overnight: Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Bergen
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: BERGEN / VOSS / GUDVANGEN / FLAM / HEGGENES
Today, be met as we take a scenic drive to the beautiful village of Voss - named as the adventure capital of Norway surrounded by neverending vistas of mountains and nearby glaciers and fjords. We take a breather to soak in the pretty town. Worthy sites to visit include the Voss Folkemuseum and the Voss Church, Thereafter, continue our drive north to the dramatic hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva, a 1.5km stretch of road that winds its way up the mountainside, offering jaw-dropping views amidst one of Europe's steepest roads. Conditions-permitting, you will see the stunning waterfalls of Sivlefossen and Stalheimfossen.
Next, we arrive into the picturesque village of Gudvangen where we will embark on the all-new MS Vision of the Fjords cruise for an amazing fjord cruise on the narrow and spectacular UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and snow-covered peaks that stand 1800m above sea level, with thundering falls and picturesque villages along the fjord. As we arrive at Flam, consider a visit to the Flam Railway Museum which offers insights into the construction of one of Europe's steepest railway journeys. Thereafter, we continue our drive to the wooded and remote village of Heggenes, nestled in between the Hegge Fjord and Jotunheimen, Norway's highest mountain range where we arrive at the stunning Herangtunet Boutique Hotel.
Overnight: Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, Heggenes
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: HEGGENES (EXCURSION TO JOTUNHEIMEN NATIONAL PARK)
Embark on a full day excursion to the Jotunheimen National Park - "Home of the Giants", the highest mountain range in Norway with over 250 mountains of over 2000m high. An easy 1 hour drive from the Herangtunet Boutique Hotel takes us to the amazing flora and fauna found in the Jotunheimen. Be amazed by sites such as the Besseggen Ridge with breathtaking views over Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet.
An unique experience beckons where you will be taken on a guided walk along with some cute and cuddly Huskies dogs working as mountain sherpas where the dogs will carry your campfire wood and food, offering pleasant company. With your prepacked picnic lunch, enjoy the fantastic wilderness - embraced as one of "Europe's Top 5 National Parks".
Overnight: Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, Heggenes
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: HEGGENES / OSLO / ALESUND
Bid farewell to the wooded village of Heggenes as we begin a 3 hour drive to Oslo Gardermoen Airport where a short domestic flight (1hr) takes us to the art nouveau capital of Norway - Alesund. Be transferred to the beautiful Storfjord Hotel, surrounded by thousand of acres of protected woodlands.
Overnight: Storfjord Hotel, Alesund
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 5: ALESUND (GEIRANGERFJORD EXCURSION)
Today, we journey to the UNESCO-listed 20km long Geirangerfjord - one of Norway's most iconic attraction. Depart on your private vehicle on a 1.5hrs drive where we then embark on an amazing cruise on the Geirangerfjord. Admire and take a close look at the Seven Sisters Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Suitor Falls, majestic fjord cliffs and abandoned mountain farms. If we are lucky, we will encounter amazing wildlife such as the porpoise.
Overnight: Storfjord Hotel, Alesund
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6: ALESUND / EMBARKATION HURTIGRUTEN CRUISE
Begin the day with a short drive into the heart of the UNESCO-listed west fjords of Alesund surrounded by spectacular glacial valleys, the beautiful peaks of the Sunnmore Alps and Alesund's colourful art nouveau buildings. Worth a visit is the Jugendstil Senter Museum to learn about the city's rich history, the town fire which sparked the beginning of the symbolic art nouveau buildings.
Visit the islands of Norvoy and Aspoy - integral for its fishing industry that helped shape the character of Alesund. Thereafter, transfer to the port where you embark onto the Hurtigruten cruise on a magnificent 2 days journey along the western fjords north to the Lofoten Islands.
Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 7: SVOLVAER
Arrive this evening into Svolvaer Port in the Lofoten Islands and be transferred to the amazing Anker Brygge for check in and rest for the day.
Overnight: Anker Brygge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: SVOLVAER (THE LOFOTEN ARCHIPELAGO)
Today, we will enjoy a full day excursion of the spectacular Lofoten Archipelago adorned with amazingly-beautiful coastal fishing villages, spectacular beaches and superb landscapes. Starting from Svolvaer, we take a short drive to the ancient fishing village of Kabelvag before heading west to Eggum, possessing stunning views of the North Sea. Another signature stop will be the rocky beach of Utakleiv - perhaps the most photogenic beach in the Lofoten archipelago.
On the second part of the day, we will visit the stunning beaches of Ramberg as well as the well-preserved fishing hamlet of Nusfjord - under waitlist to be inducted into UNESCO.
Overnight: Anker Brygge
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: SVOLVAER / EVENES / OSLO
Today, be transferred to Harstad Narvik Evenes Airport (2.5hrs drive) for a short flight to Oslo.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The Det Hanseatiske Hotel offers 37 exquisite and stylish rooms in the charming surroundings of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf in Bergen and spread over 2 buildings connected by a glassed-in walkway.
Herangtunet Boutique Hotel is an award-winning boutique hotel with a lavish fairy-tale setting high in the enchanting Norwegian landscape and village of Heggenes in the Valdres region of Norway. The legendary setting charms with thick pine forests and sparkling fjords.
Storfjord Hotel is a secluded luxury boutique hotel in Glomset, on a hillside overlooking the Storfjord and the Sunnmore Alps away from the hectic life. Immerse in a world of tranquility and relaxation with earthy architecture and design combining rustic charm with contemporary chic vibe.
Anker Brygge is perhaps the Lofoten Islands' finest hotel, built in a quayside building from 1880 and a former fish landing station with a saltery and barrel factory. Today, it is furnished with charming "rorbuers" - fisherman cabins converted rooms and suites.
