Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway for Solo Travellers

EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

This journey to one of Europe’s most delightful destinations is less a holiday and more a treasured souvenir for life. Join a group of friendly solo travellers for 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.

Highlights

Stay in a four-star Swiss-style fjord-side hotel
A journey by boat through spectacular scenery to Bergen
Discovering the region on a fascinating Fjord Life tour
Touring Norway's interior on unforgettable optional excursions to the Jostedal Glacier, and to Mydal, Flam and Gudvangen
Buffet-style meals served in a fine restaurant overlooking the Fjord
A warm welcome, stunning scenery and beautiful views

Inclusions

Seven nights' half-board accommodation at the four-star Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, on Sognefjord
The full-day 'Fjord-Life' tour
A cruise to Bergen
A Welcome Drink on your first evening
Return flights to Bergen
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
The services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Tour Manager

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 in to your room and get to know your beautiful surroundings, then enjoy a Welcome Drink and get-together with your tour manager and fellow travellers before a first dinner in the hotel this evening.

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. The village, with its few shops, café, bank, historic, wooden English church, neat white-painted cottages and stylish artists' villas, is surrounded by orchards, and lies on the shores of vast Sognefjord, one of the world's largest and most spectacular fjords. 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 blaze with vibrant colour. Take a guided tour of the village in the company of your tour manager, and visit the local folk museum where the curator will give you a talk about the history of Balestrand and the surrounding area. This evening, before dinner, the hotel owner, Sigurd, will join you for a pre-dinner get-together and to reveal the history of his beautiful hotel, which his family has owned since 1877.

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. Join us to explore this city of narrow cobbled streets and medieval houses, with its vibrant harbour area and open-air Fish Market. 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. 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 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.