Walking Holidays In Norway: From Clients to Leaders

Amanda and Alan Williams, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Leaders, took their very first Cruise and Walk tour to the Land of the Midnight Sun as clients in the Summer of 2010.

The Land of the Midnight Sun

It was so exciting stepping aboard the ship and being greeted so warmly. Our bags were taken to our cabin, an inside one which was very comfortable with all mod cons. We had fun exploring the various decks onboard and soon after we set off, it was the Lifeboat Drill and our first briefing to meet our leaders and the other guests in our group. The Daily Times newsletter from Fred Olsen gave details of all the activities on board ship- the lectures about the ports we were visiting, the guest speakers, quizzes, art and bridge to name a few.

In the evening there were colourful shows with lots of singing and dancing to enjoy. The meals and last night Midnight Buffet, the Captain’s Cocktail Parties, our Ramblers welcome party and the traditional afternoon tea were all memorable occasions.

Stepping ashore was just so easy, you really do experience the best of both worlds! The Cruise took us north of the Arctic Circle to Tromso and Honningsvag, where we experienced 24 hours of daylight. Tromso has its famous Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965 and reached by crossing a bridge, as well as the world’s most northern botanical garden. Honningsvag, the northernmost city in Norway, is home to the Sami people. From the port we walked onto the tundra with its colourful Arctic flowers and we spotted some reindeer close by.

Arctic Cathedral, Tromso

Arctic Cathedral – interior

Reindeer on the tundra, Honningsvag

Last year Amanda and Alan led their first Cruise and Walk tour to Norway. We walked in Bergen, Skjolden, Flam and Stavanger. The beauty of Skjolden and Flam have to be seen to be believed. At Flam our clients went ashore by tender and we managed to be amongst the first to be ferried ashore, as we had a train to catch for our mountain walk back down past countless waterfalls. In Begen, with its old merchant houses and fish market, we took the Floyen funicular up above the city for a pleasant walk amongst woods, small lakes and with some excellent views.

View over Bergen

Walking down towards Bergen

Would you like to know more about our unique Cruise & Walk Holidays?

If you’re new to Cruise & Walk and would like to learn more then register your interest for our ‘A Taste of Cruise & Walk Day.’ This will be taking place on the 6th May in Southampton, on the Balmoral. You can come along, chat to our walking specialists and take advantage of some exclusive on the day offers.

Email your name and postal address with postcode to atasteofcruiseandwalk@ramblersholidays.co.uk by the 17th April 2014.