Telemark & The Fjords

DAY 1

TO OVERNIGHT HOTEL (NETHERLANDS)
Following the Channel crossing to Calais we complete the journey to our overnight dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation. (D)

DAY 2

OVERNIGHT HOTEL (NETHERLANDS) TO OVERNIGHT HOTEL (DENMARK)
We continue through Holland and into Germany, then cross the border into Denmark where we stay overnight. (B, D)

DAY 3

THE VIKING CONNECTION
After an early breakfast we proceed north through Jutland to Hirtshals for the fast craft ferry to Norway. On arrival in Larvik travel inland and enjoy a first taste of the pristine scenery for which Norway is so rightly famed. We travel via Porsgrunn and Skein and cross the famous Telemark Canal to arrive at Vrådal for a 3 night stay. (B,D)

DAY 4

AT LESURE IN VRÅDAL
Enjoy a free day to unwind, enjoy the hotel and its wonderful location. This evening there is a showing of the Hollywood Blockbuster 'The Heroes of Telemark'. (B,D)

DAY 5

THE HEROES OF TELEMARK
Today is a full day panoramic excursion across the Hardangervidda Plateau and including the Telemark heavy-water sabotage site. Take in the spectacular wild scenery from the Hardangervidda Plateau, the largest mountain plain in Europe and the largest of Norway's National Parks. We stop at Rjukan for a visit to the infamous Heavy Water Sabotage site at Vermork. (B,D)

DAY 6

TELEMARK TO THE WESTERN FJORDS
Today we depart Vrådal and travel to Brunkenberg before crossing the Haukelifjell Mountain Road and descending into the Sörfjord at Odda. We continue along the western shore of the Hardangerfjord until we react Utne and from here we take the short ferry journey across the fjord to Kvanndal. We then travel north past Voss before arriving at Stalheim where we stay for the next three nights. (B, D)

DAY 7

SOGNEFJORD CIRCULAR
We travel over the Vik Mountains to the small town of Vik then to Vangsnes for the short ferry over the Sognefjord to Hella and onwards towards Sogndal. From Sogndal we branch north west towards Fjaerland for a visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Later we make a short detour to the Boyabreen beauty spot with views of the glacier then take a speedy crossing over the Sognefjord to Fodnes. We continue on the old Bergen/Oslo postal route climbing up for a visit to the stave church at Borgund. From Borgund we travel via the tunnel between Laerdal and Aurland, which at 24.5km is one of the longest road tunnels in the world and pass through Flåm before returning to the hotel. (B, D)

DAY 8

NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL
The 'Norway in a Nutshell' excursion is considered one of Norway's tourist highlights. The day starts with descending from Stalheim to the port of Gudvangen. Here we board the Fjord Cruise for the leisurely journey to Flåm, sailing down the narrow Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord with steep cliffs rising on both sides from the boat before arriving in Flåm. There will be some time here at leisure before we join the fantastic Flåm Railway for a return journey to Myrdal with unforgettable views of mountains and waterfalls en route. We will also visit the Stalheim Folk Museum. (B, D)

NB: the day may operate in reverse depending on availability.

DAY 9

FJORDS TO THE SKAGERRAK COAST
Today we depart Stalheim and travel via Flåm and south on Route 50 towards Hol. We continue through Gol and then through Noresund and Kroderen to arrive in Horten for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 10

THE VIKING CONNECTION
After an early breakfast we depart the hotel and join the Colour Line fast ferry from Norway to Denmark. There will be plenty of time to relax on board before the arrival into Denmark at Hirsthals. We then travel south and cross into Germany for an overnight stay near Hamburg. (B, D)

DAY 11

OVERNIGHT HOTEL (GERMANY) TO HOOK OF HOLLAND
We depart the Hamburg area and travel across northern Germany and through the Netherland to the Hook of Holland where we board the ferry for our overnight sailing back to the UK. (B)

DAY 12

HARWICH TO SOUTH WALES
We disembark the ferry and continue our journey back to South Wales. (B)