Norway: Best of the West

Fly to Ålesund and check in to the Hotel Brosundet, whose antique-beamed rooms are framed by views of the pretty waterfront. Spend the afternoon looking around the town's gorgeous Art-Nouveau centre. Entirely rebuilt following the great fire of 1904, it's a vision of pastel-coloured beauty. Your hotel – a boutique gem pairing traditional and contemporary design – is in the centre of town, directly on the water, so you're well placed for exploring on foot.

You’ll have another day to explore the colourful streets of Ålesund, perhaps visiting one of several fascinating museums, including the Art Museum KUBE, Ålesunds Museum or the Fisheries Museum. There’s even an open-air collection of 55 historic houses and boats, including replicas of Viking Ships, at Sunnmøre Museum & Borgundkaupangen. Then, perhaps walk the 418 steps up Mt. Aksla to take it all in from up above, along with sweeping views of the surrounding Sunnmøre Alps.

After collecting your hire car, you'll head out on a scenic drive past towering cliffs and powerful waterfalls to your hotel at the tip of Norangsfjorden, a branch of Hjørundfjord. On arrival,  Then, check into the Hotel Union Oye, a grand 130 year-old dame by Relais & Chateaux that's been delightfully updated for the 21st century. This evening, head to the restaurant to enjoy the first of your included dinners, featuring dishes inspired by the region and created using ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers.

The next day is yours to explore, with everything from wild swimming to hiking, biking and kayaking available. There's also the likes of wine tastings hosted by the hotel's own sommelier, off-the-beaten-track fjords cruises and even helicopter flights, if you feel like splashing out.

Stay: Hotel Union Oye

Heading out from Norangsfjorden, you'll drive to the car ferry at Hellesylt for the scenic, 70-minute journey to Geiranger. It's a delightfully scenic trip, passing pretty villages framed by waterfalls and plunging cliffs. On arrival in Geiranger, take the time to drive to the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, then maybe grab some lunch in town before heading along the switchbacks of 'Eagles Road' towards Eidsdal for more stunning outlooks. Eventually you'll arrive in Eidsdal where you'll catch a ferry to Linge before driving the final hour to Storfjord Hotel.

The following day, either relax at the hotel, with its gorgeous views, delightful restaurant and wellness centre, or drive an hour to Andalsnes to experience the Rauma Railway or take the Romsdalgondola for more spectacular views and hiking trails.

After breakfast this morning, drive back to Ålesund, mapping lush-green valleys en route before dropping your hire car off at the airport in time for your return flight home.