Arctic Norway and Midnight sun in Lofoten

Following a direct flight from London Heathrow to Oslo, we
transfer to our hotel, the Scandic Byporten.

We explore Oslo on a guided tour on the morning of Day
2, visiting some of the most beloved sights of the
Norwegian capital, including the incredible Opera House, City Hall,
the stately Royal Palace, and Frognor Park. The rest of the day is
at leisure in Oslo.

On Day 3, we transfer to the station for our
train journey to Bergen. On arrival, we check into our hotel, the
Thon Rosenkrantz. Here, the evening is at leisure.

The city of Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains, and is based
around its quaint harbour. We enjoy a guided tour that includes the
old Hanseatic waterfront of Bryggen, the narrow streets of Bergen,
and the local fish market. After a seafood lunch here, there's a
tour of Bergen's bridges by coach. The Bergenhus district of the
city is known well-preserved medieval buildings, while on the other
side of the harbour is the Klosteret area, home to 18th-century
wooden houses and charming alleys where you can take a stroll out
to the Nordnes peninsula.

We enjoy 2 scenic journeys by rail today, 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 in
Myrdal, situated 2,840 feet above sea level. Here, 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 journey up one of the
steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey towards Flåm,
located at the innermost corner of Aurlandsfjord, the train
negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of
which were drilled by hand. The scenery is spectacular, with rivers
and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by
the window as we travel from Myrdal. On arrival in Flåm, we check
into the Fretheim Hotel before dinner.

On Day 6, we travel by coach to Loen, located
in the innermost part of the Nordfjord region. We begin by taking
the Mannheller-Fodnes ferry to Skei, where we stop at Thon Hotel
Jølster to sample Norwegian waffles and coffee. On arrival in Loen,
we check into the Hotel Alexandra for 2 nights.

On Day 7, we travel to Geiranger via the
Dalsnibba viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord view at a staggering
4,500 feet. We enjoy the scenery of Geirangerfjord by boat,
cruising the calm waters of this UNESCO-listed site. Acclaimed for
its unique landscape, this 9-mile-long branch of Storfjord (meaning
'Great Fjord'), Geirangerfjord boasts towering walls that overlook
some of Europe's finest scenery. Along its shores, a number of
waterfalls - including the Seven Sisters and Suitor - plunge from
the forests to the waters below. In sunshine, it comes alive with
colour and contrasts, the lush green of the trees clinging to the
rock contrasting with the blue water and the brilliant white of the
snow-capped peaks in the distance. When it rains, more waterfalls
appear seemingly from nowhere, cascading majestically into the
water below. After disembarking, we take a scenic drive from
Hellesylt back to Loen.

We make the journey to Åndalsnes today, travelling along the
serpentine Trollstigen mountain road* in order to admire the
cinematic views over the mountainous valleys and their waterfalls.
From here we travel on the famous Rauma Railway to Trondheim,
journeying along the banks of the River Rauma whose emerald waters
keep us company for the most part of our journey. On arrival, we
check into the Radisson Blu Royal Garden, our base for the next 2
nights.

On Day 9, we take a tour of Trondheim, seeing
the Old Quarter with its colourful wooden houses, the Old Town
Bridge, and the Nidaros cathedral.

*The opening date of Trollstigen Road varies due to road and
snow conditions. Early departures before mid-June may travel on an
alternative route.

Departing Trondheim, we travel north on the Nordland Railway for
our 452- mile journey to Bodø†. The route takes us through the
beautiful and varied landscapes of northern Norway. We cross the
Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north shortly before reaching the town
of Lonsdal, the highest point of the railway. The train reaches
Fauske before turning due west for the final approach to Bodø.

On Day 11, we board a speed ferry to Moskenes,
before taking a scenic coach journey through idyllic fishing
villages to Svolvaer, the tiny capital of the beautiful Lofoten
Isles. Described as Europe's most dramatic and spectacular islands,
the Lofoten Isles are tethered to mainland Norway by a series of
bridges which resemble spiky, wired teeth. After checking into the
Thon Lofoten, we take a nighttime excursion to Gimsoy Beach, where
we see the never-setting Midnight Sun (weather permitting).

†Please note: you will need to transport your own luggage
for this rail journey.

On Day 12, we continue to explore the Lofoten
archipelago by visiting the charming fishing village of
Henningsvaer, the petite harbour town of Kabelvåg, and Lødingen - a
scenic village surrounded by mountain scenery. We stay at the Thon
Lofoten hotel in Svolvaer for the night.

On Day 13, we transfer to Evenes airport for
our flight to Oslo. Here, we take our flight back to London
Heathrow.

Please note, hotels may differ depending on departure date.