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    Itinerary PDF

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    Picturesque Orchards

    The fjords are lined with small family owned orchards. They are so interesting to see and we'll visit a few farms, too, to learn about the local industry.

     

    Notable Research

    We will visit the Ullensvang research station, where scientists focus on the research of fruit and berries. The site is of architectural interest, too.

     

    Fresh Juice & Hard Cider

    The juices in Norway are extraordinary! From ciderhuset to the many Handanger cider farms, we'll explore the fermented product, too.

     

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    Tour Overview

    Following the IFTA Summer Study Tour in Nova Scotia taking place July 23—25, travel to Bergen, Norway, to begin this tour on July 27.

    Bergen, Norway

    July 27—29 (2 Nights)

    Arrive in Bergen, gateway to the fjords. We'll have a festive welcome dinner and a full day of sightseeing including the historic wharf and food market, Fløibanen funicular railway up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views, and much more.

    Ballestrand/Sognefjord

    July 29—August 1 (3 Nights)

    This part of the tour will be based in Balestrand, on the Sognefjorden, Norway’s deepest and longest fjord. It is a small, lush village with hiking and amazing views. We’ll tour the town’s tiny orchards and Ciderhuset, a 5th gen business where they make ciders, juices, wine, and more. We’ll visit Solvern further up the fjord and ferry across to Urnes Stave Church in Ørnes. Enjoy an afternoon for optional activities like RIB boat on the fjord, biking, or kayaking.
    Lodging - Kviknes Hotel

    Ullensvang/Hardangerfjord

    August 1—4 (3 Nights)

    The next 3 days will be spent in Hardanger the “fruit bowl of Norway.” Here you can trace the traditions of fruit growing back to the Middle Ages. But first, we have to get there, and we’ll cruise the narrow and breathtaking Naeroyfjord. Eventually we’ll arrive at our homebase, Ullensvang, home to the research center. We’ll tour orchards, a juice factory, a fish farm, and really get to know Norway’s primary fruit-growing region.

    Lodging - Ullensvang Hotel

    Departures

    August 5

    We'll spend the last night at Thon Hotel Bergen Airport. Travelers should book flights back to North America on Saturday August 5, or extend their travels in Oslo or Bergen. Those participating in the Oslo Extension will depart on an 8am train to Oslo on August 5.

  • Tour hosts

     

    Greg Lang

    IFTA Education Director

    Greg Lang is a professor at Michigan State University, where he conducts stone fruit research, teaches a wine education course, and travels the world to speak on fruit production science.

    Molly Crist

    Onward Travel

    Molly's home base is Crist Bros Orchards in NY's Hudson Valley where her husband is a 5th generation apple grower. She has been co-owner of Onward Travel, a group travel agency, for 10 years, and is pictured above in Norway in 2017.

  • experience highlights

    • View the small and scenic postage stamp orchards lining the fjords, each family owned.
    • Learn about Norway’s unique challenges including the northern cold climate, high cost country, and changing economy.
    • Visit Bioforsk research center in Ullensvang, hosted by Professor Mekjall Meland.
    • Taste apple juice from Hardanger - Norway’s first product with a protected geographical designation. We’ll also visit a juice factory and dine at their farm restaurant.
    • Explore another farming industry in Norway: fish farming. We’ll tour Hardanger Akvasenter to learn about salmon farming, a huge industry.
    • Visit farm stands, shops, and restaurants to get a look at how Norwegian farmers leverage direct sales and a tourism-based economy.
    • Stay at very nice, family owned hotels perched on the fjords.
    • See waterfalls, small villages, suspension bridges… driving around the fjordlands is incredible.
    • Get to know fellow IFTA members while hiking, kayaking, boating, and exploring.

  • AIRFARE booking

    When you book flights, please forward the booking details to kaitlin@onwardtravel.co.

    If you'd like help booking, please fill out form linked below and Kaitlin from Onward Travel will be in touch.

    There are air travel notes on the itinerary PDF here, page 8.

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