Great Rail Journeys Arctic Circle & The Lofoten Isles

• The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish
• Flight London to Bergen, and from Evenes to London via Oslo
• All rail and coach travel throughout
• 12 nights’ hotel accommodation
• 21 meals including 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners,including a Viking plank feast with beer and a farewell meal in Oslo
• Exciting excursions and free time to explore

• Guided tour of Oslo
• Guided walking tour of Bergen
• Scenic journeys on the Bergen, Flåm and Rauma Railways
• Visits to Kaupanger Stave Church and Dalsnibba viewpoint
• Cruise along Geirangerfjord
• The Trollstigen road to Åndalsnes
• Free time in Trondheim
• The Nordland Railway to Bodø, within the Arctic Circle
• Exploration of the Lofoten Islands including Nusfjord and Henningsvaer
• Midnight sun excursion

Days 1-2: London to Bergen

Following a direct flight from London to Oslo, transfer to your hotel, enjoying dinner on arrival. On day 2, enjoy a guided tour of Oslo, visiting some of the most beloved sights of the Norwegian capital, including the incredible Opera House, the City Hall, and the stately Royal Palace.

Day 3: Bergen

Enjoy a sightseeing tour with a guided walking tour of the city that includes the old Hanseatic waterfront of Bryggen, the narrow streets of Bergen, and the local fish market. After a seafood lunch there will be a tour of Bergen’s bridges by coach.

Days 4-5: The Flåm Railway

Today, you’ll enjoy two scenic journeys by rail, beginning with the Bergen Railway. The train makes its ascent into the rugged mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and passing through numerous tunnels hewn out of the solid rock before arriving at Myrdal, where we board the famous Flåm Railway for an unforgettable ride along one of the steepest lines in the world. A branch line of the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a wonderful 12.5 mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels – 18 of which were drilled by hand. The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m).

Day 6: Geirangerfjord

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Geirangerfjord by boat, cruising the calm waters of this UNESCO-listed site. Acclaimed for its stunning, unique landscape this nine-mile-long branch of the Storfjord (meaning ‘Great Fjord’), the magnificent Geirangerfjord boasts towering walls that overlook some of Europe’s finest scenery. Along Geirangerfjord’s shores, a number of high waterfalls – including the Seven Sisters and the Suitor – plunge straight from the lofty forests to the smooth waters below. There are also a scattering of abandoned farm buildings dotted along the steep shores.

Days 7-8: The Rauma Railway and Trondheim

We make the journey to Åndalsnes today along the serpentine Trollstigen mountain road*, which offers cinematic views over the mountainous valleys and their crystalline waterfalls. From here we travel on the famous Rauma Railway to Trondheim, our base for the next two nights. The 71 mile long railway line delivers a spectacular journey through magnificent, contrasting landscapes. On day 8, you are at leisure to explore Trondheim’s broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings.

Days 9-10: Across the Arctic Circle to Bodo

Departing Trondheim, catch the train to Bodo, which takes you through the beautiful and varied landscape of northern Norway, past gently sloping hills and distant mountains, majestic lakes and deep forests, rocky coastline and views across small islands and out over the open sea. On Day 10, board a speed ferry to Moskenes before taking a scenic coach journey to Svolvaer, the tiny capital of the stunningly beautiful Lofoten Islands.

Days 11-13: The Lofoten Islands and home

Continue to explore the Lofoten archipelago today by visiting the charming fishing village of Henningsvaer, the petite harbour town of Kabelvåg, and Lødingen – a scenic village surrounded by mountain scenery. On the morning of Day 12, you transfer to the airport to fly back to Oslo*. Here, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. We bid farewell to Norway on Day 13, and fly* from Oslo back to London.

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen

The Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is situated on Bryggen, Bergen’s historic waterfront, close to the famous fish market and the Fløibanen Funicular Railway.

Scandic Bodo

In Bodo we stay at the 4-Star Scandic Bodo Hotel, located a short distance from Bodo railway station. Equipped with all the expected modern amenities with tasteful, fashionable interiors and well-appointed furnishings, this is an excellent place from which to explore Bodo.

Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

The Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a long-standing favourite with our customers. Surrounded by nature, the hotel has an impressive view of the nearby fjord and surrounding mountains.

Union Hotel, Geiranger

Located on the edge of the beautiful Geirangerfjord, the Union Hotel features a lounge, two restaurants, three bars and a terrace serving light snacks and drinks, where guests may enjoy the magnificent views over the fjord. The hotel also has an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, an outdoor pool (seasonal) a spa offering various therapies and treatments (pay locally) and a fascinating vintage car museum.

Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo

The modern Thon Hotel Opera is perfectly located next to Oslo Central Station and just a short walk from Karl Johans Gate, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar serving snacks and light refreshments, a sauna and fitness studio.

Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer

The Thon Hotel Lofoten is perfectly located in Svolvaer Harbour, within easy walking distance of the town’s attractions. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar and guests enjoy free access to a local gym 200 metres from the hotel.

Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim

The Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is situated in the heart of Trondheim, within walking distance of its shops, restaurants and Bakklandet, the city’s old quarter. The hotel has a bar which serves a selection of meals and drinks.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.