Bergen is the starting point on this holiday, with the fresh mountain air and forest cloaked hills of Mount Fløyen only minutes from the city. However, this is just the beginning. The blue fjords cutting into green Norwegian countryside is what this self-drive is about. A crossing of Sognefjord, Norway’s deepest fjord, preludes a drive through the beautiful Skei and along the pristine shores of Jolstravatnet. The traditional waterfront of Ålesund is magnificent with colour and a night here is always a highlight.

This holiday offers several ‘free days’ where you can choose how much, or perhaps how little, active exploration you wish to fit in. For instance, your time in in the alpine beauty of Geirangeroffers a variety of beautiful stunning view points all with reach of your base here. An area criss-crossed with hiking trails, a walk to the abandoned farmstead of Skageflå on the edge of the fjord offers rewarding views of the surrounds.

The following day you will head to Briksdal where you can opt to walk the easy forty-five minute trail to an arm of Briksdalsbreen Glacier that proffers splendid photo opportunities.

After an overnight at Skei, you will visit Balestrand and two nights there provide plenty of time to enjoy a variety of active pursuits – choose from hiking, the mountains, taking a boat trip or perhaps even fishing.

Lofthus is the perfect way to end the holiday, with the nearby Hardangervidda National Park offering plenty of walks. A hike through nearby Husedalen’s tumbling waterfalls is a must and, depending on your energy level, can accommodate anywhere from two to six hours on the trail.

Price includes:
• Return direct flights between London Gatwick and Bergen
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Bergen on a breakfast basis
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Forde on a half board basis or on board the Hurtigruten in an outside L class cabin on a breakfast basis
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Ålesund on a breakfast basis
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Geiranger on a half board basis
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Skei on a half board basis
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Balestrand on a half board basis
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Flåm
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Lofthus
• 12 days car rental of an Opel Astra (or similar – other vehicles available on request), including unlimited mileage, CDW and taxes

Price excludes:
• Car ferry crossings
• Toll fees
• Meals, other than mentioned above
• Petrol and personal expenses
• Additional excursions

Please follow these safety tips when you go hiking and walking in Norway.

1. Be prepared
Be sufficiently experienced, fit and equipped for your intended trip.

2. Leave word of your route
Many cabins, hotels and other lodgings have tour notification boxes in which you may put a written notice of your planned route

3. Be weather-wise
You should always be alert to forecasts of bad weather, yet not rely completely on forecasts of good weather.

4. Be equipped for bad weather and frost
Always take a rucksack and proper mountain gear.

5. Learn from the locals
Local people can often tell you about avalanche trails, wind and snow conditions, and the safest routes.

6. Use a map and compass
Always have and know how to use a map and compass.

7. Do not go solo
If you venture out alone, there is nobody to give you first aid or notify a rescue service in an emergency.

8. Turn back in time - sensible retreat is no disgrace
If conditions deteriorate so much that you doubt you can attain your goal, turn around and return.

9. Conserve energy and build a snow shelter if necessary
The stronger the wind, the tougher the walking/skiing. Suit your speed to the weakest member of the party.

Find more detailed safety tips in the Norwegian Mountain Code.