Norwegian Fjords Autumn Fruit Harvest Cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
7 nights
07 Sep 24 to 14 Sep 24
Book by 30 Sep 24
Our Journey Planners have crafted this cruise to highlight Norway’s stunning natural beauty as summer transitions to autumn, a prime time for the fruit harvest. In Ulvik, savor local seasonal delights like apple juice, cider, and brandy, while a scenic cruise along Hardangerfjord reveals orchard-covered valleys and mountains. Balmoral will also navigate the picturesque Nordfjord, passing Europe’s highest sea cliff, Hornelen. Enjoy remarkable landscapes ashore too, with visits to the Briksdal Glacier and the Haraldshaugen Monument in Haugesund.
Includes
7 Night Fred. Olsen Cruise onboard the Balmoral
7-Night cruise onboard the Balmoral in an inside stateroom
All meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Entertainment onboard
Leisure facilities
On board activities
Port and handling fees
Excludes
Flights
Arrival / departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Highlights
7-Night cruise onboard the treasured Balmoral
All meals and entertainment onboard
Port and handling fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Newcastle
Departure - late afternoon
Day 2: Olden, Nordfjord, Innvikfjord & Hornelen
The beautiful village of Olden is nestled in the inner arm of Nordfjord, with sparkling green fjord waters framed by rolling meadows and towering cliff faces. Venture further afield to visit Briksdal Glacier as it glistens in the autumn sun, offering remarkable views across the fjord on a hike to a natural viewing platform, while the village itself is delightfully compact enough to explore on foot, with paths that offer vistas of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, one of the steepest cable cars in the world, Loen Skylift, offers you the chance to be transported to the top of Mount Hoven in just a few exhilarating moments. For those wishing for a more tranquil experience, picturesque Lovatnet Lake is close by, whose striking mix of blue and green crystal-clear waters come from melted glaciers.
Cruising Nordfjord, Norway
NORWAY
Stretching over 66 nautical miles from the westernmost point in Norway, overlooking the Sunnmøre Alps, to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, picturesque Nordfjord has postcard-perfect icy-blue waters framed by towering peaks covered in lush greenery. As your ship navigates into Innvikfjord, a narrow branch of Nordfjord, the landscape becomes fairytale-like, with the changing colours of forested hillsides leading down to tranquil waters, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages and farms dotted along the fjord edge. Sailing along these fjords in autumn also offers chances to spot vibrant apple orchards from the decks of your ship.
Hornelen
A scenic cruise alongside Hornelen offers the opportunity to get closer to Europe's highest sea cliff. Standing at a height of 860 metres, it rises steeply above the Nordfjord, and has been used for centuries as a landmark for passing ships. To see the cliff in the shadows of the sunrise or sunset makes for a superb photographic moment, so don't forget your camera or smartphone and join us on deck.
Day 3: Haugesund
The birthplace of Norway, Haugesund dates back to the Viking Age, where it’s said that the first Viking King of Norway – Harald Hårfagre, is buried. The town has developed into a thriving commercial area, while still retaining its small-town charm. Home to an eclectic mix of Jugend, Neogothic, and Neoclassical architecture, the Haraldshaugen Monument, dedicated to King Harald Hårfagre, is located just north of the town centre.
Day 4: Ulvik & Hardangerfjord
Located on a picturesque arm of the Hardangerfjord, beautiful Ulvik is known as one of Norway’s most fertile fruit-growing regions, earning itself the affectionate nickname of ‘Orchard of Norway’. Apples from here are delicious due to the special micro-climate surrounding the fjord, making them just ripe for cider making, which was the fastest-growing product at Vinmonopolet in 2019. Also grown here are cherries, plums and pears.
CRUISING HARDANGERFJORD
Known as the 'Queen of the Fjords', Hardangerfjord is situated centrally in the heart of Western Norway. At 106 nautical miles long, and the world’s third longest fjord, this stretch of deep blue water is flanked by towering mountains – including the well-known Trolltunga rock formation, magnificent waterfalls and idyllic orchards. Charming villages are located along the banks of the Hardangerfjord, including Eidfjord, which offers superb views of the fjord.
Day 5: Norway
Behind the bustle of prosperous, cosmopolitan Stavanger lies 1,000 years of seafaring tradition. This vibrant Norwegian city oozes charm and was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008. The city’s wealth and thriving oil industry have prompted its tag as Norway’s oil capital, but Stavanger remains as charming as ever. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, has narrow winding streets and ancient wooden houses, gathered around a historic fresh fish and vegetable market. Beyond the town, The Swords in Rock monument commemorates the 9th-century battle where Harald Hårfagre became the first King of Norway.
Day 6: At Sea
Sailing at Sea
Day 7: Newcastle
Disembarkation
Ship info
Balmoral
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a renowned British cruise company, offers a unique seafaring experience epitomized by their ship, Balmoral. With a capacity for around 1,300 guests, Balmoral exudes elegance and comfort across its range of cabins, from cozy interior rooms to spacious suites.
Prices are per person sharing in twin share cabin, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Offer can be removed at any time. All cruise offers are capacity controlled and offer selected cabins at a specific price in line with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Pricing Policy. Prices are correct at the time of loading. All rates are per person based on 2 adults sharing a twin cabin and subject to availability, foreign exchange and fuel cost fluctuations. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.