Great Rail Journeys
Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise
12 daysfrom $5,074
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Grand Tour of Norway
Experience life in the Arctic Circle and feast like a Viking on this eleven-day rail tour through Norway's celebrated cities, railways and fjords, witnessing the stunning Midnight Sun in the Lofoten Islands.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Oslo
Arrival in Oslo, Norway's capital
Your Nordic holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and group before the flight to Oslo. On arrival, take Oslo's modern and efficient rail system to the central four-star hotel, directly outside the station and a short distance from Oslo's famous 17th-century cathedral. In the afternoon, relax or explore before dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Oslo
Discovering Oslo, one of the world's most walkable capitals
Explore the Norwegian capital with a local guide by coach, visiting the Oslo Opera House, city hall, the neoclassical Royal Palace and Vigeland Sculpture Park. The afternoon is free to visit the Munch Museum, Aker Brygge, or take a cruise around Oslofjord. Dine independently this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: Bergen
The Bergen Railway, one of the world's greatest rail journeys
Take the world-famous Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, the highest railway in northern Europe, enjoying views of wild Norwegian countryside, glaciers, mountains and fjords. Look out for wild reindeer and arctic foxes crossing the Hardanger Plateau. Arrive in Bergen in the afternoon and settle in before dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Bergen
Exploring Bergen, a beautiful city in the heart of the fjords
Guided sightseeing tour of Bergen by coach, including the UNESCO World Heritage area of Bryggen. The afternoon is free to visit the Bryggen Museum, ride the Fløibanen funicular, or explore Bergen's restaurants. Dine independently this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5railovernight: Flåm
Riding the beloved Flåm Railway
Reboard the Bergen Railway from Bergen, climbing into the mountains to remote Myrdal at 2,840 feet. Board the famous Flåm Railway for an unforgettable ride along one of the steepest lines in the world, descending to the fjordside village of Flåm through horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels. Photo stop at the cascading Kjosfossen waterfall. Dinner at the central four-star hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Geiranger
To Geiranger, on the banks of a UNESCO listed fjord
Travel by coach to Geiranger. Take a ferry to Manheller, then drive to the Fjaerland Glacier Museum for free time to explore. Continue to Loen in the Nordfjord region before arriving in Geiranger in the afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Geiranger
Cruising the magnificent Geirangerfjord
After breakfast, travel by coach to Geirangerfjord for a cruise across the serene waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Disembark at Hellesylt and return to Geiranger, passing the Dalsnibba viewpoint at 4,500 feet, Europe's highest fjord view. Afternoon at leisure before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8railovernight: Trondheim
Scenic views on the Rauma Railway to Trondheim
Travel by coach to Åndalsnes along the serpentine Trollstigen Mountain Road (early departures may use an alternative route), then join the Rauma Railway for a 71-mile journey through the Romsdal Valley, past the Verma waterfall, Kylling Bridge, Troll Wall and Romsdal Fjord. Change trains at Dombås and continue to Trondheim for two nights. Late dinner on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: Trondheim
Discovering Trondheim, Norway's Viking Capital
Guided walking tour of Trondheim's Old Quarter, including the colourful waterfront houses of Bakklandet, the Gothic Nidaros Cathedral and Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Northern Europe. Afternoon free to explore independently. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10railovernight: Bodø
The amazing Nordland Railway and Bodø
After an early breakfast, depart Trondheim on the 452-mile Nordland Railway ('Polar Express'), crossing the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north. Pass mountain vistas, tranquil fjords, glimmering lakes and possibly spot reindeer or sea eagles. Arrive in Bodø and transfer by coach to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11overnight: Svolvær, Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands
Transfer to Bodø pier and board a ferry to Moskenes. Take a scenic drive through idyllic fishing villages to Svolvær, the tiny capital of the Lofoten Islands, for a two-night stay. Dine independently before the Midnight Sun excursion by coach to Gimsoy Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 12overnight: Svolvær, Lofoten Islands
Touring the Lofoten Islands and a sea eagle safari
Full morning of sightseeing across various islands, including a photo stop at Henningsvaer fishing village and free time in Leknes on Vestvågøy island. Return via the remote village of Kvalnes. In the afternoon, take a safari cruise into sea eagle territory, enjoying fish soup, coffee, tea and snacks on board with thermal suits provided. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 13
Homeward bound
Leave the hotel early with a picnic breakfast and transfer to Evenes Airport for the flight to Oslo, then onward to London Heathrow. Holiday concludes on arrival in London.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 12 nights' 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation
- Standard class rail travel
- All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
- Flights from London Heathrow to Oslo, and Evenes to London Heathrow via Oslo
- Breakfast each day
- 1 lunch
- 9 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between hotels from Oslo to Flåm and Trondheim to Bodø
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
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