Journey with us through the outstanding scenery of Norway’s Western Fjords, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy a taste of summer in “The Land of the Midnight Sun”.  This is Norway “par excellence” and provides spectacular sightseeing and unforgettable experiences that can be enjoyed all day and all night, thanks to the warm sunny days and nights!  We have scheduled this holiday to coincide with the longest day when the midnight sun is at its highest in the sky – the vibrant colours reflecting in the still waters of the fjords as they penetrate deep into the mountains.  The spring thaw is well advanced and the tranquillity and timeless beauty is frequently disturbed by powerful thundering waterfalls – the raw forces of mother nature are truly a sight to behold!   Outstanding scenic splendour, unique cultural attractions and a genuinely warm welcome from the locals will make this a holiday to anticipate and a holiday to remember.

ITINERARY

TUESDAY – Morning departure from Dorset to Newcastle to join the overnight cruise ferry to Bergen.  Night on-board in two berth cabin with private facilities.

WEDNESDAY – A day at sea calling at Stavanger and Haugesund.  This beautiful journey, cruising close to the coast and through the islands, offers fantastic views and plenty of time to relax.  Evening arrival in Bergen with the chance to enjoy a stroll into the centre of town or take an evening trip on the Mount Floyen funicular railway.  Night on-board ship in Bergen harbour.

THURSDAY – Disembark the ship early with a breakfast box included. Travel via Vaksdal and Dale to Voss, then over the Vik mountains and across the mighty Sognefjord by ferry from Vangsnes to Hella.  Lunch will be taken in the town of Sogndal.  This afternoon continue along the Sognefjell Mountain Road, the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe – we take advantage of several viewpoints along the route. 

Overnight night stay at the Elveseter Turisthotel : An old allodial manor that has been converted into a modern hotel.  Great care has been taken in preserving the many relics that were a feature of the buildings and as a consequence it is one of the most distinctive hotels in Norway.  The buildings of this venerable manor are grouped around a spacious courtyard and linked by heated corridors and a lift.  There is a heated swimming pool and the hotel is situated in a tranquil and spectacular scenic location.  Antique furniture, old master paintings and stained glass windows all add to the fabulous atmosphere.

FRIDAY – From Elveseter we descend the Sognefjell Road to Lom, a pretty town with a famous Stave Church.  Later to Otta, past Dombas and Trondheim to Stjordal, close to the shore of the Trondheimsfjord.  1 night at the Quality Hotel Vaernes, Stjordal – located in the centre of the town and offering 100 comfortable bedrooms all equipped with private bathroom, telephone and tv.  (www.choicehotels.no)

SATURDAY – From Stjordal tour along the Trondheimsfjord and Lake Snassavatn into the Namdalen valley.  Later stop to view the spectacular Lakforsen waterfall – 55 feet high and up to 50 yards wide.  Continue through Mosjoen on the Vefsna River and then passing through “The Gateway to North Norway” at Majavatn and so to Mo-I-Rana “The Arctic Circle City”.   1 night stay at the Meyergarden Hotel – A charming venue located in the town centre.  The old building is a renovated merchants house and is full of charm and character.  Guest bedrooms offer very comfortable accommodation with private bathroom, phone and tv.  The hotel has a pleasant bar, restaurant, lovely gardens and a lift.  (www.meyergarden.no)

SUNDAY – An exciting day travelling across the Arctic Circle to the Polar Circle Centre which exhibits arts, heritage and cultural displays and shows a fascinating film.  Postcards with a special stamp can be mailed from here.  Admission fee and a souvenir certificate is included.  Later proceed along the Lonsdalen Valley where herds of reindeer may be seen roaming – to Rognan.  Drive along the “Blood Road” , built by the Germans in WW2 using prisoners, to Fauske “The Marble City”.  Finally drive on to Bodo and stay for 3 nights at the Rica Hotel Bodo.  Situated in the centre of town and close to the harbour and main shopping area, this comfortable hotel offers stylish guest bedrooms with private bathroom, phone and tv.   The hotel has a cosy bar a charming restaurant and spacious, elegant lounge areas.  (www.rica.no)

MONDAY – Today we include time at leisure in Bodo, an attractive port with a wide selection of shops and cafes.  During the day we include a trip to view the nearby famous Saltstraumen Maelstrom – the worlds strongest whirlpool which can be 30 feet across and 15 feet deep (timing subject to tides).  In the evening we suggest an optional excursion up Mount Ronvik with terrific views of the town, seascape and the midnight sun.

TUESDAY – This morning cross by ferry from Festvag to Misten and visit the Kjerringoy Old Trading Centre – an open air museum of preserved buildings from the 1800’s.  Return to Bodo early afternoon with more time for sightseeing and shopping.

WEDNESDAY – A spectacular scenic day from Bodo, winding along the western coast road passing through many small fishing villages and crossing two fjords by ferry. Highlights include the Holandsfjord with views of the Svatisen Glacier, and the mountainous views of Hestmannen and Rodoylva from the fjord ferry out of Jetvik.  Continue to Mosjoen with the evening free to enjoy a stroll around its carefully preserved traditional wooden houses and museum.  Overnight stay at the Norlandia Lyngengarden Hotell, a modern venue situated about 800 metres from the town centre.  Guest bedrooms are equipped with private bathroom, phone and tv – although there is no lift some ground floor bedrooms are available.

THURSDAY – Heading southwards we pass Majavatn and tour along the shores of Lake Snasavatnet to Trondheim, 3^rd city of Norway and packed full of historic sights and attractions.  Don’t miss the Midaros Cathedral, the pretty banks of the Riverside area, and the narrow streets of the old city.  1 night stay at the Britannia Hotel, Trondheim – built in the traditional  “grand” style in 1897, it offers a mix of old and new but with modern comfort in mind.  Bedrooms offer high standards and include private facilities, tv and phone. There are three popular restaurants, a pub, two bars and music/dancing. (www.britannia.no)

FRIDAY – Southbound again, past Oppdal, Dombas and Otta, then branching west through Lom and on towards Stryn.  The latter part of the journey offers a beautiful drive past a series of lakes on the descent to the Innfjord.  Drive around the Innfjord and arrive at Skei for 1 night stay at the Skei Hotel.  Situated at the northern end of Lake Jolster, the hotel’s spacious grounds contain a heated pool, tennis courts and putting green.  All of the excellent bedrooms have private bathroom, phone and tv.  Very highly regarded by previous guests, the hotel has an established reputation for good facilities, good rooms, excellent hospitality and superb food. (www.skeihotel.no)

SATURDAY – Sadly time to commence our journey home but not before a very scenic drive to Bergen “The Capital of the Fjords”.  Continue along the coast route and join a ferry crossing from Halhjem to Sandvikvagen, a relaxing one hour cruise enjoying fantastic views. Arrive Stavanger and join the DFDS ferry bound for Newcastle.  In the evening we cross the North Sea with a night onboard in two berth cabin with private facilities.

SUNDAY – Arrive Newcastle at 10:30 and after disembarking make the drive southwards to arrive back in Dorset that evening.

ACCOMMODATION SPECIFICATIONS

DFDS Ferry Cabins – Price includes accommodation in a BL cabin based on twin occupancy.  This is an inside cabin (no window) with 2 lower berths (not bunks) and equipped with shower and wc, located above the car deck.  AL cabins equipped to same specification but also offering a sea-view are subject to a supplement (see price panel).  No meals are included on-board the ferry, but the breakfast box on day 3 is included.

Hotel Standards – a wide variety of hotels have been selected and these range from modern complexes to converted historic buildings.  All have been inspected on our behalf and provide a typically Scandinavian high standard of accommodation – 3 or 4 star equivalent – with excellent levels of service and facilities.  All offer en-suite bathroom, telephone and television but tea trays are not usually provided in Norway.  Meals are always 3 courses and may be set menu or buffet style followed by tea or coffee.  Most hotels offer a lift between floors, where not available low floor rooms can be requested.  Porterage is included at all hotels.

TOUR PRICE : £1100.00  per person

Travel Insurance Premium : £26.00 per person  

AL Cabin upgrade (with sea-view) -2 sharing : £15.00 per person    Single Room/Single BL Cabin supplement : £290.00

Price Includes : All coach travel, All Norwegian road tolls and internal ferries, Return DFDS North Sea cruise ferry crossings in 2 berth BL cabin,

1 x DFDS Breakfast box, 9 nights hotel accommodation in Norway with half board meals, Porterage at hotels,

Entry to Polar Circle Centre with certificate, Entry to Kjerringoy museum, Financial protection insurance and VAT.