NORWAY'S MARITIME MAGIC

My recent Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard P&O's Iona was a trip to remember. The combination of dramatic landscapes and charming ports made for a great holiday.

April turned out to be a great time to visit - we had the best of both worlds with snow-capped mountains creating classic Norwegian scenery, plus several sunny days. One thing I really appreciated was how the ship docks right in the centre of each town - no need for shuttles or taxis!

Iona is perfect for this itinerary with her floor-to-ceiling windows in the Grand Atrium - giving you wonderful views as you sail through the fjords.

Olden was definitely the standout port for me. I recommend being up early for the sail-in - watching the sunrise as we glided through the narrow fjord with mountains on both sides was worth losing a bit of sleep for. The Olden Skylift is excellent - the views across the snow-covered peaks and blue fjord below are simply stunning. There was still plenty of snow at the top in April, so good walking boots are a must.

Stavanger, known as the 'Cradle of the Vikings', gives you a great introduction to Norwegian heritage. The view of Pulpit Rock is quite something - that sheer drop to the fjord below certainly gets your heart racing! Ålesund was a lovely surprise with its distinctive Art Nouveau buildings. After a devastating fire in 1904, they rebuilt the entire city in this style. Climbing to the Mount Aksla viewpoint takes some effort - yes, it's 418 steps - but the view of the city spread across all those islands is worth it.

Haugesund offers an interesting mix of Viking history and modern Norwegian life. The waterfront area has some nice shops and cafés - perfect for a relaxed day of exploring. Pack for all weather conditions. I needed everything from t-shirts on sunny days to my winter coat, hat and gloves on the chillier ones. Layers are definitely the way to go.

For anyone thinking about this cruise, I'd highly recommend it. The natural beauty of Norway, combined with interesting ports and the comfort of returning to Iona each evening, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.

Norway's fjords are truly nature at its most spectacular - I was constantly reaching for my camera as each view seemed more impressive than the last! Having experienced this breath-taking scenery first-hand, I'd be delighted to share insights about the best time to visit, which cruise lines offer the most scenic itineraries, and those little details that make all the difference to your experience.

Whether you're interested in spectacular scenery, cultural exploration or simply relaxing onboard while nature's wonders drift by, visit me at our Tunbridge Wells branch, call 01892 357 500, or email tw@ashdowntravel.co.uk to discuss planning your Norwegian adventure.

My best wishes,

Jane

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