Silver Ghost Norwegian Fjords

A wonderful tour of the Norwegian fjords and mountains for members of the RREC Silver Ghost Register. This tour takes you on an amazing journey through historical, cultural and scenic delights. Highlights include visiting the spectacular fjords, exploring the exquisite fjords, driving some of the world’s most thrilling mountain passes (Trollstigen, Ørnesvingen, Gamle Strynfjellsvegen, Sognefjellet and more) and scenic drives, including the famed Atlantic Road, past breathtaking scenery and vistas, and discovering one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Starting in Amsterdam there will be a visit to the Louwman Museum in The Hague followed by an overnight stay north of Amsterdam before taking an overnight ferry from Emden, Germany to Norway. The Norwegian part of the tour will start and finish in Kristiansand in southern Norway. Head to Telemark to stay in a gorgeous wooden hotel by the water. Drive north, crossing the fjords and over mountains, with overnight stays at Balestrand, Øye, and onto the Ålesund area to drive the famed Atlantic Road. Leave the coast and turn inland to the fjords and stay at the end of most famous, Geirangerfjord, where we shall stay for two nights. Climb the mountains and pass through valleys to Lom and then onto Sogndal. More mountain and valley roads, surrounded by exquisite scenery leads the tour south with a couple of overnight stops, to the south coast of Norway.

There is also an option do do the Norway only part of the tour (18 June – 1 or 2 July), or to leave the tour from Oslo (for our US participants to be home for 4 July). We can also arrange transport of your cars with EM Rogers, either to Amsterdam or to Oslo.

“What a fantastic trip !!!! I strongly doubt you can have more fun with your clothes on !?!?” – B.H., Sweden

Highlights of the Norwegian Fjords

• Sensational Norwegian fjords including Geirgangerfjord, Hardangerfjord & Sognefjord
• Thrilling mountain roads of Trollstigen, Ørnesvingen, Dalsnibba, Aurlandsfjell, Sognefjellet and more
• The famed Atlantic Road, hopping across the coastal islands
• Breath-taking & majestic scenery of one of the world’s most beautiful countries
• Visit the towns of Ålesund & Geiranger
• Stay in gorgeous hotels, from incredible Gothic-style wooden hotels to fjord-edge historic hotels and luxurious log-built hotels
• Cultural delights such as stave churches, historic towns & villages, fascinating museums

Itinerary

May be subject to change.

Day 1: 16 June 2024 90 miles

We shall meet in the Netherlands, having taken the ferry from the UK to either Hook of Holland or Rotterdam, or for those who have shipped their vehicles to Amsterdam.

We will have a private guided tour of the famed Louwman Museum in The Hague. Then drive north east of Amsterdam to stay overnight in a charming country hotel. A welcome dinner is included.

Day 2: 17 June 2024 159 miles

After breakfast head north to the unique town of Bourtange, an incredible star-shaped fortress dating back to 1583 and located on the border of Germany. Today, it still houses a small village with a few shops, churches, and restaurants. The original walls and homes have been kept in immaculate shape, and tourists can wander the ramparts and fortress walls, and read about its history on a self-guided tour. Before leaving Bourtange, make sure to grab a bite to eat in the main village square.

Continue to the port of Emden, Germany where we take the next overnight ferry to Norway, departing at 17.00. We shall have luxury sea-view cabins booked for your comfort. There are also a limited number of suites available for those wishing to upgrade. A buffet dinner and breakfast on board is included.

Day 3: 18 June 2024 137 miles

Arrive in Kristiansand, Norway at 10am. It’s a fabulous drive north into the mountains of Telemark, to Dalen. Stay in a beautiful, wooden Gothic hotel at the top of a fjord for the net two nights. The interior and exterior of this hotel are exquisite. Enjoy a superb three-course welcome dinner.

Day 4: 19 June 2024 65 miles

Enjoy a relaxing day off, seeing the local area. There is a short circular tour around the area which visits the Eidsborg stave church and two wonderful outdoor museums, showing life in centuries past in Telemark. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Day 5: 20 June 2024 122 miles

Drive north west through the most beautiful scenery. There is a lovely little stave church to visit shortly after leaving the hotel. Drive over the mountains and along valleys, past the famous twin waterfalls of Latefossen to Ullensvang where we stay one night on the edge of the fjord. A buffet dinner is included.

Day 6: 21 June 2024 93 miles

Drive alongside then cross the Eidfjord before taking the mountains roads to Voss and north for a wonderful drive to Vagsnes, passing Vik, with its medieval wooden stave church. It is then a short ferry trip, across Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, to Balestrand, where you will stay in a beautiful wooden hotel right on the fjord edge. A buffet dinner is included.

Day 7: 22 June 2024 164 miles

Leave Balestrand for another beautiful drive, still heading north. Wind your way around the fjords and over the mountains to Stryn and the Sunnmore Alps, which has a wonderful profusion of fjords, small fishing communities, island gems and majestic mountains to discover. Stay overnight at a stunning, secluded, family-owned boutique hotel. A fabulous dinner is included.

Day 8: 23 June 2024 62 miles

Cross yet another fjord and climb over more mountains to drive along the coast towards Alesund, which is an optional visit. Spend time exploring the picturesque town of Alesund, which has a lovely centre, based around the harbour. It is also possible to climb the steps (or take the train) to the top of the mountain overlooking the town. Alesund is a picturesque art-deco town, entirely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. The myriad of turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation that give the town its distinctive character are like something from a fairytale.

Continue on to the most stunning hotel, made up of fabulous log buildings in a beautiful fjordland setting. We will stay here for two nights. An excellent dinner is included on both evenings.

Day 9: 24 June 2024

A day off to enjoy your surroundings, or to service cars.

The turf-topped eco-lodge is a perfectly secluded retreat nestled in the lush forest next to one of Norway’s most famous fjords. Comprised of a cluster of classic Norwegian cabins, this boutique stay has mountain and fjord views, fireplaces galore and a refreshingly relaxed fine-dining restaurant. Explore the dramatic surrounds by day with bikes, walking poles and fishing gear to borrow; kayaks and fishing boats for rent, then unwind in the ahh-inducing sauna and soak your cares away in the alfresco hot tub. This is one of our favourite hotels in the world!

Day 10: 25 June 2024 155 miles

Drive the fabulous Atlantic Road – a unique stretch of road which takes you right out to the ocean’s edge. In 2005 the road was voted Norway’s ‘Engineering Feat of the Century’ and is also known to be one of the world’s most beautiful drives. It connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets spanned by a total of eight bridges over 8 kilometres. The entire stretch between Bud and Kristiansund is one continuous experience packed with coastal scenery, culture and history.

Stay in a little gem of a hotel dating back to the 16th century, set on the fjord edge. It offers one of the finest spas in Norway, as well as a small museum and art gallery. The renowned kitchen obtains its ingredients from the fjords, mountains, forests, and fields in the surrounding area.

Day 11: 26 June 2024 107 miles

Skirt along the fjord edges to Andalsnes, a quaint little town on a lake. Drive up the famous Trollstigen – an awesome road with hairpin bends, a 1:12 gradient and practically one lane all the way. Continue onto Geiranger and down the Eagle’s Highway to Geirangerfjord.

The hotel overlooks the Geirangerfjord, one of the most beautiful and photographed parts of Norway. There is also a vintage car museum and the acclaimed Norwegian Fjord Centre to visit. Stay for two nights in a historic wooden hotel. A buffet dinner is included both evenings.

Day 12: 27 June 2024

Spend the day relaxing. There are some fabulous walks in the area, or take a boat trip down Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt to see the fjords from a different angle. The fjord is reputed for its magnificent waterfalls, such as Friaren, Desyvsostre and Brudesloret. The area is also famous for the many mountain farms, clinging to the mountain hills along the fjord. This beautiful place also offers some of the world’s most famous viewpoints; Ornesvingene, Flydalsjuvet and Dalssnibba.

Day 13: 28 June 2024 145 miles

The ascent south from Geiranger is a fabulous road of 37 hairpin bends. Today’s drive includes some sensational mountain passes and breathtaking scenery. Take the toll road all the way up to Dalsnibba for the sensational views and then over the mountains on some stunning roads to Lom.

Continue over the mountains and descend to Lustrafjord, an arm of the Sogndalfjord. Visit the stunning stave church at Urnes and then stay overnight at Solvorn, on the edge of the fjord, at Norway’s oldest family-run hotel, a beautiful wooden building in lovely gardens. Dinner is included.

Day 14: 29 June 2024 128 miles

There is the option to cross the beautiful Sognefjord and along the world’s narrowest fjord on the fabulous ferry from Kaupanger to Gudvangen. Or drive the snow road over Aurlandsfjell Then head across the mountains to the Hemsedal Valley, visiting the Borgund stave church on the way.

Stay overnight in a strikingly modern mountain hotel. Dinner is included.

Day 15: 30 June 2024 187 miles

It’s a lovely, rural drive along Numedalen to Kongsberg and south to the coast, south of Oslo. The scenery is beautiful and the driving fun. It’s a final two nights in a stunning, historic hotel, set in a beautiful, natural location on a small island. The hotel is luxurious yet relaxing. Dinner is included on both evenings.

Day 16: 1 July 2024

Enjoy a day to relax and enjoy the bucolic and peaceful surroundings. Originally built in 1845 the inn subsequently became a luxurious wilderness retreat with breathtaking views of the majestic Oslofjord.

Or Take a day trip to Norway’s capital, Oslo and experience all the city has to offer with vibrant museums and art galleries.

There will be a final dinner this evening.

Day 17: 2 July 2024 159 miles

After breakfast head south along the coast to Kristiansand. The overnight ferry to Holland departs at 15.30. Luxury sea-view cabins are booked for your comfort and there are a limited number of suites for those who wish to upgrade. A buffet dinner and breakfast on board is included.

Day 18: 3 July 2024 225 miles

Arrive in Emden, Germany at 9.30am. For those not driving back to the UK, it’s farewell.

For those heading to the UK, drive 4+ hours south to the Hook of Holland or Rotterdam for the sailing to Harwich or Hull. This departs at 22.00, arriving at 06.30. (This sailing can also be taken the following day for those of you who might wish to extend your stay.)

Accommodation

Stay in some delightful hotels, including wonderful wooden Gothic hotels, mountain log cabins, converted wharf-side warehouses, and charming country house retreats. All the accommodation is individual and unique and of a high standard. Due to the nature and age of these hotels, rooms vary from charmingly comfortable to the utmost luxury. We have carefully hand-picked each hotel for its unique atmosphere and style. All accommodation includes breakfast and dinner, with wine. Suitable parking is, of course, a feature of each hotel, but it is rarely under cover.

“As always, a wonderful tour! Nothing could take away the euphoria we felt having completed a fantastic trip amongst such friendly company. Thanks everyone and look forward to being in your company on future trips.” – T&H.R., Berkshire

Requirements

• All passports must be valid for six months after the end of the tour. You will also need your vehicle registration documents, driving licence (a photo-card licence or international permit is best), and an international insurance green card.
• Please check with your travel and motor insurers that you are covered for travel in the required countries.
• You are also required to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, two fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker in your vehicle.
• Each person must have a passport (and any necessary visas for non-EU passport holders) valid for Norway.

Payments

Account: Classic Travelling Ltd
Bank: Barclays Bank, Andover, Hampshire, UK
IBAN: GB34 BUKB 2002 2570 4099 95
SWIFTBIC: BUKBGB22
Ref: Norway (your Last Name)

Booking Fee (non-refundable): £250 (due within 5 days of booking)
All subsequent payment via BACS (wire transfer) only please
Non-Refundable Deposit* (due before 30 September 2023): £3,250
Second Payment (due by 31 Dec 2023): £5,000
Final Payment (due by 16 April 2024): £5,000

*In case of your cancellation: the deposit and any subsequent payments will be refundable ONLY IF a replacement can be found to take your place on the tour. The Booking Fee of £250 is non-refundable in any event, to cover admin costs.