IF HEAVEN is a place on earth, may I suggest that the stunning Fjordian landscape of Olden is it. Nestled in Norway’s Oldedalen valley on the southern shore of the Nordfjorden, Olden is about as picture-perfect as it’s possible to be. From snow-capped mountains, to plunging waterfalls and impossibly lush forests and fields, it truly is a place to savour. And it is just one of the memorable Fjords locations you can explore in style thanks to P&O.

Those familiar with P&O’s impressive fleet of cruise ships may be surprised that the Fjords are capable of accommodating their enormous size. But even the company’s flagship vessel, Britannia, is able to wind its 143,000-tonne bulk through to serene ports such as Olden and Alesund, meaning that one can combine the luxuriant ease of cruise travel, with the adventurous spirit of Fjordian exploring.

The Northern Echo:

Our trip was a seven-night jaunt aboard Britannia departing from Southampton with four ports of call; Stavanger, Olden, Alesund and Bergen. And there was a special guest onboard in the form of internationally-renowned chef Marco Pierre White. Marco is one of P&Os Food Heroes - a selection of household names carefully chosen for their expertise in fields from wine tasting to patisserie mastery. Marco’s skills need no introduction and Britannia guests can opt to attend workshops, hosted dinners and even travel out on an excursion with the chef to an organic farm in Stavanger.

The Northern Echo:

Part of our ‘Farm to Food’ outing with Marco involved picking flowers and herbs to accompany a delicious stone-baked bread prepared to bear the fruits of our foraging. Ignoring the fact that the flowers adorning my bread bore more than a passing resemblance to my wedding bouquet, there was something satisfyingly rustic and rewarding about tucking into fare that you have literally plucked from the ground with your bare hands.

The Northern Echo:

Farming foraging over, we visited the St13 restaurant in Stavanger to enjoy a masterclass in seafood by chef Kjartan Skjelde. Kjartan was quick to explain that flavoursome Norwegian food is a ‘love it or hate it’ affair. Thankfully for the most part, I loved it, although it has to be said I’ll give the sour cream porridge topped with reindeer heart a miss next time.

I am so far from being a food connoisseur it’s laughable, so there was something mildly disconcerting about having Marco Pierre White sat next to me as I tucked into the various fish dishes whipped up before our eyes by a man famous in Norway as a Master Chef judge. But there was also something mesmerising about the careful preparation of each taster dish, and the clear pride felt by the chefs in their work led to the feeling that we were experiencing something very special - which of course, we were.

The Northern Echo:

The excursion took much of the day in Stavanger so there wasn’t too much time to explore the city best-known for its somewhat contradictory elements of being Europe’s energy and oil centre, whilst also boasting the continent’s best-preserved historical wooden house settlement.

Back onboard Britannia and the choices on how to spend an evening seem virtually limitless. From taking in a live show in the 900-seater theatre, to watching a film in the cinema or enjoying music in the live lounge, there really is something for all tastes. Quite literally too, as the Britannia boasts around a dozen different eateries, including the fine dining splendour of the Epicurean through to the authentic Indian cuisine served in Sindhu.

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The fine dining experiences do carry an extra charge, but are worth every penny for those wanting something a cut above. P&O has also revived the tradition of ‘supper clubs’ with fine food accompanied by a professional singer sharing life stories and playing their hits. I must say, listening to Chesney Hawkes belt out ‘The One and Only’ whilst floating along the Fjords coast is up there with one of life’s more surreal moments.

Olden on the second day was certainly a highlight. Known locally as the ‘Valley of Wellbeing’ it is the sort of place you want to pack up your real life and relocate to. An excursion to see the Briksdal glacier is highly recommended as one cannot fail to be moved by the powerful beauty of the huge wall of ice cutting through the mountains. The best way to get there is via troll car- a sort of oversized golf buggy - as the walk to get to the closest viewing point is an uphill slog not for the faint-hearted.

The Northern Echo:

Alesund and Bergen complete the trip with the former notable for its art nouveau architectural style after the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904.

Meanwhile Bergen, despite being Norway’s second city, is wonderfully clean and traffic-free, with a multitude of excursions on offer such as funicular rides and a blast on a RIB – rigid inflatable boat – which I can assure you really blows the cobwebs away.

The Northern Echo:

On the sixth day and after a wonderful trip that combined a celebrity chef, an iconic 90s hit-maker and more natural beauty and glorious that food one can process, sailing away from Norway actually felt rather emotional as it is a place that you never really want to leave, much like the Britannia itself.

Travel FACTS P&O Cruises is offering a 7 night cruise on Britannia B924 from £699 per person for a inside cabin. Departing August 31, 2019 the price includes kids’ clubs, full board meals and entertainment on board.

Departing from and returning to Southampton port of call are Stavanger, Flam, Olden and Bergen.

To book, visit pocruises.com, call 03453 555 111 or visit your local travel agent.

P&O Cruises is offering a 7 night cruise on new ship Iona G007 from £749 per person for a inside cabin. Departing June 13, 2020 the price includes kids’ clubs, full board meals and entertainment on board.

Departing from and returning to Southampton port of call are Stavanger, Olden, Geiranger and Bergen.

To book, visit pocruises.com, call 03453 555 111 or visit your local travel agent.