Staying in historic hotels truly enriched my overall experience in Norway. Not only did it give me a glimpse of an intriguing past, but it afforded me to witness the great pride and love Norwegians have for their history. We had the pleasure of meeting the proprietors of these special hotels – third and fourth generation owners with unbelievably interesting stories. Sleeping among so much cultural, family, and even political history makes for a unique hotel stay!
The Kviknes Hotel looked like a mansion from a fairytale as we arrived. In the quaint town of Balestrand, Kviknes is set right along the shore of the Sognefjord – the longest & deepest fjord in Norway, as well as the longest fjord in the world! My private balcony provided the perfect place for a cup of morning coffee with a priceless view. Kviknes takes guests to an elegant era of generations past with ornate wooding furniture, narrow doorways, and a regal air. I was given a glimpse of the history and current operation by both the owner, Sigur, as well as the head chef during our group’s private tours.
My favorite accommodation of the entire trip was the Walaker Hotell – the oldest hotel in Norway. Also set on the shore of a seemingly endless fjord, it had a comfortable charm that made me never want to leave! Again, the owner joined us to give more insight into Walaker’s history. He shared his hopes of his 8-year-old son, Theodore, taking over this family establishment in around 25 years. This kind of family legacy is so foreign to me, so it is interesting how it seems fairly common in Norway. If given the choice, I might still be curled up under a sheepskin blanket in my room that had heated floors and a view over the Sognefjord…
Fretheim Hotel in Flam started in a small house and barn that it eventually out grew. The structures were added to over the years, so some sections are modern and others antique. Now a stately estate sprawling along a fjord, it is full of character, history and perhaps even a ghost story or two.
I received a quick and friendly response from my contact, Christina Mayo, both in email and phone calls. My request for information was provided in less than a day. She took a few minutes to chat about family and events. Dealing with her has always been a pleasure!
Mary Ann
1 day ago
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
3 days ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
5 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
1 week ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.