Norway Western Fjords June 2008 Tour 0825

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1 TOUR PROSPECTUS This prospectus sets out the contents of the tour and together with the Booking Conditions and Booking Form is the basis of our contract with you. Norway Western Fjords June 2008 Tour 0825 This tour will be visiting the fjords and mountains of Western Norway, described as one of the most scenic areas of the world. The route starts in the quieter fjords north of Bergen before heading inland towards beautiful Geiranger over one of Norway s scenic roads and into the Jotunheimen national park, which contains several of Norway s highest peaks. It ends by descending to Sognefjorden, another of Norway s beautiful fjords. There will be periods of long climbs, but the tour is designed so that on these days mileages are kept shorter. The emphasis is on enjoying the scenery and taking time to stop and look at the view, take photos and appreciate that a cycle tour is in fact a lovely way to access some beautiful places. At this time of year daylight lasts until quite late, therefore there will be little pressure to keep moving. Itinerary Sat 14 June Sun 15 June Mon 16 June Tues 17 June Wed 18 June Thurs 19 June Fri 20 June Sat 21 June Sun 22 June Mon 23 June Travel by DFDS Ferry from Newcastle to Bergen, departing at 1830 and arriving the following evening. Arrive at Bergen at Stay one night. Travel by Express boat from Bergen to Askvoll. Cycle to Forde along Fordefjorden. Stay one night. 65km Cycle to Byrkjelo, passing along the southern edge of beautiful Jolstravatnet. Cross the Kjosnes bridge and through Skei. Stay one night. 65km Cycle to Stryn. Pass over Utvikfjell, with its lovely views of distant mountains, and descend to Innvikfjorden before heading east. A beautiful diversion to the glacier at Briksdal can be taken if you wish. Stay one night. 59km (107 with diversion) Cycle to Hellesylt then ferry through the the spectacular scenery of the Geirangerfjord to Geiranger. Stay two nights. 49km Free day to explore Geiranger. Cycle to Grotli taking the highly scenic Gamle Strynefjellsveg road through the mountains. Stay one night. 62km Cycle to Boverdalen via Lom, then onto the Sognefjellet, one of the loveliest roads in Europe. Stay two nights. 80km Free day. Return to Lom to look at the museums and stave church or cycle to Spiterstrulen, one of Norway s highest roads. Tues 24 June Cycle to Turtagro, continuing along the spectacular Sognefjellet with peaks of over 2100 meters, including northern Europe s highest mountain, Galdopiggen (2469 meters). Stay 1 night. 50km Wed 25 June Thur 26 June Fri 27 June Sat 28 June Sun 29 June Distances Cycle to Sogndal. Descend from Turtagro towards Lusterfjorden and ride along the Sognefjord via Urnes with its oldest stave church. Ferry to Solvorn. Stay one night. 61km Cycle to Balestrand, with views across Sognafjorden. Stay one night. 46km Travel by Express boat from Balestrand to Bergen along the scenic Sognefjorden, departing at 0755 and arriving at Rest of the day free. Stay one night. Return DFDS Ferry from Bergen to Newcastle departs at 0900, arriving the following day. Arrive in the UK at 1030 where the tour ends km a day.

2 Passports, Visas and Health EU citizens must hold a passport that is still valid on the date of their return to their home country. Holders of non-eu passports are advised to check whether they require a visa. There are no compulsory health-related requirements for UK residents, but you are strongly advised to check that your tetanus protection has not expired. Accommodation and meals On 8 nights the accommodation will be in youth hostels in dormitories for 2-6 people (2 bedded rooms wherever possible), and 5 nights will be spent in hotels in 2 bedded rooms. All breakfasts and evening meals will be included. The 2 nights on the overnight ferries will be spent in 2 berth cabins with shower and WC, no meals included. Price 1098 The price is based on a minimum number of 7 participants taking part in the tour and is calculated at a rate of kroner to 1 sterling (based on exchange rates published on Yahoo currency converter 06 November 2007; please note Booking Conditions, clause 4). If there are insufficient bookings by the closing date of 5 March 2008 we will contact you and return all monies paid, though in certain circumstances the tour may still run at below minimum numbers but at the same price. Price includes: - Return ferry Newcastle-Norway-Newcastle sharing 2-berth cabin, ensuite - Express boat from Balestrand to Bergen - Express boat from Bergen to Askvoll - Ferry to Geiranger and ferry from Urnes to Solvorn - 5 nights hotel accommodation, sharing rooms, half board basis - 8 nights hostel accommodation, sharing 2-6 per room, half board basis - CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours costs Price does not include: - Travel to and from the ferry port - Meals on the ferry - Drinks with evening meals - Bed linen hire (if required; 50kr/night) - Lunches or refreshments at morning and afternoon stops - Entry fees at any attractions - Any other personal expenses - Travel Insurance - Room upgrades ( 45 for deluxe cabin for 2 people on the ferry to or from Norway; 30 per night for a twin/double room with a view in Geiranger) Payment schedule A deposit of 200 per person must accompany the Booking Form, with an interim payment of 200 to be paid by 1 March 2008 and the final balance of 698 per person to be paid ten weeks prior to departure, by 5 April Cheques should be made payable to CTC Tours, or complete the credit/debit card slip in the booking pack. Cancellations Should you be forced to cancel your booking for any reason you must notify us in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows: Written notice received: Cancellation charge: Before 1 March 2008 Deposit ( 200) 1 March 2008 to 4 April % ( 400) 5 April 2008 through to departure 100% ( 1098) Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for this tour. Whether you already hold a policy or will be taking out a new one, the cover it offers must be comparable to that stated in clause 8 of the Booking Conditions, and you must complete the enclosed Insurance Declaration Form and return it with your Booking Form. CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd can accept no responsibility for any costs you may incur due to insufficient insurance cover. To make a booking Complete, sign and return the Booking Form together with your deposit and the relevant part of the Travel Insurance Declaration Form directly to the leader (address on Booking Form). CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd, Cotterell House, 69 Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HS

3 LEADER S INFORMATION SHEET The information below is given by the tour leader to help enquirers decide if the tour is suitable for them. Norway Western Fjords June 2008 Tour 0825 The area covered by the Tour The objective of this tour is to explore the beauty of the Fjords and mountains of Western Norway. During our holiday we will cycle past some of Norway s beautiful fjords, visit the UNESCO area of Geiranger and admire northern Europe s highest peaks from the magnificent Sognefjellet road. This tour is therefore primarily about the scenery, and a cycle tour is the loveliest way to appreciate it. The majority of attractions that we pass also relate to the outdoors. We shall pass waterfalls and have access to glaciers, take ferry rides that cruise ships sail many miles to see and experience several beautiful Stave churches dating from the 12th century. The roads we are travelling are tarmac, however there are two optional roads of packed gravel which should be suitable for most types of bicycle. There will be some climbing on the tour, and you should be experienced and fit enough to cope with these climbs. However, I have planned the tour such that the distances have been kept short enough to enjoy these climbs along with the descents. Rides and rest days My style of leadership allows participants to cycle at their own pace during the day. I ensure that we all set off at the same time at the start of the day, then people are free to find their own riding companions to suit their pace and riding style. I try to stop for a decent break at least twice a day to enable people to wait or catch up. However you may feel that on some days you wish to linger awhile, or push on to the end. So long as I am aware of this that s fine, after all it s your holiday. For me cycle touring is very much about admiring the scenery and meeting the locals rather than cycling to get the miles in, so if you enjoy scenery, food and time to explore, then this tour might well suit you. Detailed route descriptions will be sent with the final tour information approximately 3 weeks before the tour starts. Accommodation / Meals We will be staying in six hostels, all members of the Norwegian YHA. Unlike traditional British hostels, the bedrooms are small, typically with 2-6 beds. In all of these hostels it is possible to book 2-bedded rooms, and if two of you would like one of these rooms I will book one (subject to availability). All provide breakfast, and some provide an evening meal. If one is not supplied we shall find a local restaurant, and this is included in the price. We will be using a group membership card, so individual YHA membership will not be required. Five nights will be spent in hotels with breakfasts and evening meals provided. In Geiranger, where we stay for two nights, couples or two friends sharing a room could opt to upgrade to a room with a view for 30 per night, per room, if requested on the booking form. Cabins on the ferries between Newcastle and Norway will be set up as bunks accommodating two people, though deluxe cabins, with twin beds and a sea view, can be booked for a supplement of 45 (each way). Again couples or two friends could request such a cabin on the booking form.

4 Group information The maximum group size will be 12 (including the leader). Weather and clothing At this time of year it should be reasonably dry, however all extremes of weather are a possible. We are travelling in areas where snowfall has been reported in June. Therefore you should carry clothing to ensure that you can remain warm and (reasonably) dry. Suncream is strongly recommended, as the air is clearer. Cycles / Equipment A bicycle of any sort is welcome on this tour, but low gears (eg a small chainring the same size as or preferably smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) are needed. This must be in good working order, especially the brakes. As you will have to carry all your luggage, the minimum of luggage and a sturdy carrier are essential. You should have ridden your cycle fully laden before the tour to ensure you are happy with its handling. Lights will be very necessary, at least to be seen by, as we will be travelling through some tunnels. Each participant will be expected to bring/carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs. You will need to carry sheets/pillow case or a sheet sleeping bag for the hostels, though they are available to hire at about 50kr/night. Maps Although detailed route finding will not be necessary on this tour, you should carry a map in case you become separated from the group. The route has been planned using the Cappelen Karts 2. If you wish to purchase a guidebook, the Rough Guide to Norway is excellent. I have used the Lonely Planet and Insight Guide as well in planning this trip, but in my opinion the Rough Guide gives the best detail and coverage. Travel Insurance Information on CTC Cyclecover Travel Insurance is available from CTC ( ) or can be found at About the leader This is my fifth year of leading CTC tours. I have led a successful tour to Norway in 2005, where we explored the fjords and mountains to the south of this route, and two days of this route are being repeated. As touring secretary for the Tandem Club I have organised two week-long national events mostly on my own for over 400 people and have assisted in three others. In 1996 I cycled to Australia with my wife on a tandem, and have written seven cycle route guidebooks for Harper Collins on Ireland and areas of the UK. I hope you can join me on a trip that I am really looking forward to, in a fabulous area. Neil Wheadon Brook Cottages, High Street Lower Coleford, Somerset BA3 5LS Neil@Tandem-club.org.uk

5 Tour Detailed Itinerary We arrive in Norway on Sunday in the evening, and our first night s accommodation will be in a hostel in Bergen. The following morning we will take the express ferry to Askvoll where the cycling will start. We are passing through the grey country where fishing is plentiful and soil is scarce. We finish the day at a hostel. The next day takes us to Byrkjelo. The scenery along the southern edge of Jolstravatnet is beautiful, and there are three attractions to visit if you wish. There is the Huldrefossen, a 87 metre high waterfall, one of the prettiest in the area. At the Sunnfjord museum there is a collection of houses from across the area, and finally Astrupnet, which was the home of the artist Nikolai Astrup overlooking Jolstravatnet. Leaving Bryrkjelo we head to Stryn. As the days are long, it may be possible to take the diversion to Briksdal. From here there is an easy 45 minute walk past waterfalls to the Briksdalsbreen, which is the most visited arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier. If you want a treat then hire a pony and trap by the café, but you ll still need to walk the last part. The following day takes us to the UNESCO-designated area of Geiranger, described as one of the world s most beautiful fjords. The fjord is flanked by steep mountainsides towering from 500 metres below the water s surface to heights of 1400 metres. We will be staying at the Union hotel, a highly recommended establishment, and its buffet supper is known as the best meal in the area. Friday is a rest day at Geiranger. You can either stay awhile in Geiranger and enjoy the views or do a 66km circular ride through the mountains through Eidsdal and Stranda. To get to Lom and the start of the Sognefjellet road would require a very long day, so I have done this over two days with an overnight stop at Grotli. On the first day you will have two options. You can either have a very leisurely start, or you can cycle the Gamle Strynefjellsveg road. This route, built in 1894, is designated as a scenic tourist route and passes through the mountains. It is a packed gravel road but suitable for most bicycles, and cars and motorhomes are able to use this road. After an overnight at Grotli we continue to Lom with its museum and lovely Stave church before heading for an overnight at Boverdalen. Monday is our second rest day with several options. One is a return to Lom to explore the beautiful Stave church, one of just a very few stave churches of which the original medieval crest with a dragon head still survives. Other attractions include the Norwegian Mountain Museum and information center for Jotunheim National Park, which you will be passing through later on the tour. For those wanting more of a challenge, opposite the youth hostel is the 18km toll road to Spiterstulen. This takes you up into the mountains and is the start point for many walks in the Jotenheim. On Tuesday, we continue along the spectacular Sognefjellet. On either side of the road peaks rise to over 2100 meters, with Northern Europe s highest mountain, Galdopiggen, on the left at 2469 metres. All around are panoramic views, lakes and monuments. Snow may still be present by the road the surrounding peaks boast summer-long skiing and the day finishes at another famous hotel at Turtagro. On the next day we descend steeply heading towards Lusterfjorden. This is one of the oldest trading routes in Norway, and in 1889 more than 1600 packhorses took this route. Salt and fish went east, whilst hides, butter, tar and iron went west. Skjolden is located at the innermost end of Sognefjord, and as it is 200km from the sea it was an important trading junction. There are lovely views from here along Lusterfjorden. The route follows the southern shore of Sognefjord, heading towards the UNESCO-listed stave church at Urnes, the oldest of its kind in Norway. We will then take a ferry to Solvorn before finishing the day at Sogndal. Thursday is the last day of cycling, and we will finish the day at Balestrand YHA, on Sognefjorden. On Friday an express ferry leaves from Balestrand early in the morning and follows the magnificent Sognefjorden to Bergen; taking 4 hours; it will be like a mini-cruise in the shadow of the mountains. We have the rest of the day to explore this lovely city before Saturday s ferry back to Newcastle, where the tour ends early on Sunday.