Norway's Natural Wonders: Fjords, Glaciers & Peaks

Day 1

An early departure for our ferry crossing to France, as we travel through Belgium and into the Netherlands for our first overnight stay.

Day 2

After a relaxed start, we continue through Germany and into Denmark, arriving at our next overnight hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast, we travel north through Jutland to Hirtshals and board the fast ferry to Larvik. On arrival in Norway, enjoy lovely views of countryside and lakes as we head towards Vrådal before reaching our hotel for a three-night stay.

Day 4

This morning is free to enjoy the hotel's lakeside setting, gardens and facilities. Later, we cruise Lake Nisser, surrounded by forested slopes, mountain scenery and tiny islands. After dinner, we watch 'The Heroes of Telemark' at the hotel in preparation for tomorrow's excursion.

Day 5

Today we explore the true story behind 'The Heroes of Telemark'. Our scenic drive crosses the vast Hardangervidda, one of Europe's largest high mountain plateaus and home to wild reindeer, before reaching the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum. On a guided visit, learn about Norway's industrial heritage and the wartime sabotage mission known as Operation Gunnerside. On the return journey, we stop for at Heddal Stave Church, one of medieval Norway's great treasures.

Day 6

Leaving Vrådal behind, we travel deeper into Norway through striking mountain scenery. Crossing the Haukelifjell range, we descend to Odda at the southern tip of Sørfjord, then continue along Hardangerfjord beneath views of the Folgefonn Glacier. Travelling onward through the Vik mountains and beside mighty Sognefjord, we reach our next hotel in Balestrand.

Day 7

Enjoy free time in beautiful Balestrand on the shores of Sognefjord, the world's longest and deepest fjord. Later, we cross by ferry, visit Sogndal and continue to the Sogn Folk Museum. One of Norway's largest open-air museums, it offers a fascinating look at traditional fjordland life through historic buildings and demonstrations.

Day 8

Today we follow the spectacular glacier route, climbing Gaulerfjell via dramatic hairpin bends to the Utsikten Viewpoint for superb views. After a short stop in Skei by Lake Jolstravatnet, we visit the award-winning Norwegian Glacier Museum, where interactive displays explain Norway's glaciers, fjords and mountains, before a scenic return along Fjaerlandsfjord to the hotel.

Day 9

After checking out, we travel south through the Laerdal Valley and pause for a photo at Borgund Stave Church, one of Norway's most impressive wooden churches, before continuing to our overnight hotel on the southern coast.

Day 10

We take the fast ferry back to Denmark before returning to Germany for an overnight stay.

Day 11 & 12

We continue to our final overnight hotel in Belgium. Next morning, we enjoy free time to explore Gent before we return home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner