Epic trip to Norway!
Norway | Jun 19 - Jun 28, 2024

D
Dawn G.
Allen, TX | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2024

Our trip to Norway this past June was absolutely amazing! Mathia worked with us to ensure our itinerary was smooth and connected us to fantastic guides and places to stay.....most importantly he navigated the ferry and train time tables to ensure we were on the correct boats/trains for our trip! Without his guidance we would not have connected with local guides like Stig...our guide when we visited Oslo. Stig was so knowledgeable and fun. He walked us around the city sharing the highlights of Oslo and small lesser known facts the while easily conversing and making us feel like his special guests...not tourists. We wanted to see as much as possible in Norway so after two days in Oslo we flew to the Lofoten Islands. Mathia booked us in a fantastic place....historic and charming...the Svinoya Roburer. We had excellent weather and toured the entire island chain under blue skies and sunshine. Epic views and enjoyed the beach under the midnight sun. Our next flight took us to Bergen. Once again Mathia connected us to John who expertly guided us through the beautiful town of Bergen, sharing the history and ensuring we got to experience the fantastic views that the city has to offer. Mathia booked us on the Norled ferry from Bergen to Balestrand. Balestrand was our favorite place we visited. Do not get me wrong....all of our locations were amazing...but the small village charm of Balestrand, the special Kvicknes hotel and our special tours there made our visit so special. We toured and tasted at the local Cidery. The tour and tasting was intimate and so very interesting. The cider was delicious. Mathia booked us with the ultimate tour guide in Norway, Tor! Another local born and raised in Balestrand, he knew everything about the town, the area and was the warmest funiest man we have met in a long time. He took us up a side fjord, stopping at farms, amazing waterfalls and of corse the glacier. Tor made Balestrand special!
Mathia then booked us on the famous Flam railway to head back to Oslo. It is rated one of the top train rides in Europe and it did not dissapoint.
Norway is beautiful. The people we met in Norway were very special. I would highly recommend a trip to Norway and I would highly recommend working with KimKim and Mathia to plan your visit. I hope to go back to Norway...if nothing else than to eat the delicious fish soup.

Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Opera
Oslo

Great location, amazing breakfast! Right next to train station and Opera house. Comfortable and clean.

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Dragsvik Fjordhotel
Balestrand

Fairytale location, warm staff and amazing views. Just sitting on the terrace is an event! Historic and comfortable.

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Historic and charming....you feel special staying here
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Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in VesterĂ¥len, Norway | Replied on Jul 05, 2024
Dear Dawn,
Thank you very much for your amazing and detailed review.
What a satisfaction to know you finally made it and visit this beautiful country. I am happy to hear my recommendations were useful for you to enjoy Norway at its best in the short amount of time you had. And it is such a pleasure to know that you liked the accommodations, the activities, and especially the guides. I believe Balestrand is a very special place too, a typical and small village in the heart of Sognefjord....
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you very much for your amazing and detailed review.
What a satisfaction to know you finally made it and visit this beautiful country. I am happy to hear my recommendations were useful for you to enjoy Norway at its best in the short amount of time you had. And it is such a pleasure to know that you liked the accommodations, the activities, and especially the guides. I believe Balestrand is a very special place too, a typical and small village in the heart of Sognefjord. Captain Tor, Stig, and John, are the best locals ever. I agree with you.
I had a great time cooperating with you, and your kindness and patience made everything easy and smooth. I am ready to assist for a second trip to Norway. Next time, we can organize a dinner and fish soup together. :)
Best Regards
Mathia