In Bergen you will stay at the excellent Radisson SAS Hotel Norge in the heart of the city. The hotel features a gym, swimming pool, restaurant and bar. All rooms have private facilities, TV, telephone and minibar.
Our hotel in Balestrand is the popular Kvikne’s, a traditional building with a large new extension. Kvikne’s impressive guest list includes royalty, presidents and movie stars. The furnishings and décor are quite unique, as are the views. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV and telephone, and most have a balcony. There is a shop, bar, café and a grand dining room, where there is an excellent evening buffet.
Day 1 UK/Bergen
Meet your travelling companions at the airport and depart on your scheduled flight to Bergen. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Bergen for a two night stay. In the evening enjoy a welcome drink and dinner. Meals: D
Day 2 Bergen
This morning we include a walking tour of the charming city of Bergen, which was once the capital of Norway. It really is steeped in history. The afternoon is free to explore further, perhaps you can pay a visit to the historic, harbour-side Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will see the brightly coloured former warehouses that now house workshops, craft stores and friendly cafés. Alternatively, you can take the funicular ride to Mount Fløyen for fabulous coastal views. Meals: B/D
Day 3 Balestrand
We leave Bergen by boat, threading through the islands, along the coast and finally into the Sognefjord. We stay at the famous Kvikne’s Hotel in Balestrand for the next five nights. Meals: B/D
Days 4 to 7 Balestrand
Balestrand is still very much a traditional farming community, enjoying a beautiful setting on the shores of the Sognefjord. You are free to relax in the comfortable surroundings of Kvikne’s. This hotel, which has been owned by the Kvikne family since 1877 and expanded several times over the years, is a real landmark in the town and the blueprint for many other fjord-side hotels across Norway. Meals: B/D
Whilst in Balestrand, why not take the opportunity to enjoy the range of optional excursions we offer:
Gaular & the Glacier - We drive north over the spectacular Gaular Pass, through forest, mountain and lakeside scenery to Skei. Enjoy a coffee break and souvenir shopping at the log cabin store. We then pause for photographs at the edge of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier en route to the fascinating Norwegian Glacier Museum. You will have time in lovely Fjaerland, before cruising along the glorious Fjaerlandsfjord directly back to the hotel jetty.
Norway in a Nutshell - This famous and stunning scenic excursion combines boat, train and coach. We cruise the impossibly narrow Naerøyfjord and the scenic Aurlandsfjord, before boarding our train for what is surely the highlight of the day. Linking Flåm and Myrdal, this fabulous trip takes you through 20 tunnels and past marvellous views. It is rated as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
Norwegian Heritage - A fascinating day by coach, hopping across the fjords on local ferries. We go first to Sogndal and the Sogn Folk Museum showing the culture of western Norway. We also see the traditional Stave Church of Kaupanger.
On the final evening there will be a farewell get-together. Meals: B/D
Day 8 Bergen/UK
Depart Balestrand for Bergen by road over the spectacular Vikafjell Pass via Voss and continue to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Meals: B