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Arctic Norway & Midnight Sun on The Lofoten Isles

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
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13 days From $4,595 per person
5.0 stars(1 reviews)
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Follow in the footsteps of Vikings from long ago with this comprehensive journey through Norway, which includes adventures by foot, by rail and by boat.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2024 Tour code: AYJ24

About the tour

The allure of Norway is otherworldly, from its charming villages and ancient structures to its waterfalls and rugged mountains. On this 13-day expedition, enjoy glimpses of each facet of this dynamic country. Begin in Oslo, with guided touring, before moving onto the harbor town of Bergen, where wooden houses sit alongside a backdrop of towering mountains. Also in Bergen, enjoy the first of four total scenic railway excursions: the Bergen and Flåm Railroads. Moving on to Geiranger, take in views of Dalsnibba viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord, and several stunning waterfalls. Aboard the Rauma Railroad, we continue to Trondheim, a village that dates back to the 10th century. Yet another scenic journey, the Nordland Railroad takes us on a 452-mile journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. The views from this rail line are simply remarkable, with the landscapes looking much like they did centuries ago. Wrapping up with even more incredible scenes, the Lofoten Islands are the perfect conclusion to this idyllic journey. Imagine the possibilities and adventures to come in a country where the views are just as dramatic as the history.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Days 1 - Arrive in Oslo

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your hotel. Meet your group and tour manager for a welcome meeting. Take the remainder of the day to get acquainted with this waterside capital before dinner at the hotel. Overnight Oslo.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Oslo

Begin your day with a guided tour of Oslo. We visit some of the most beloved sights throughout the city, including the stately Royal Palace, the Opera House, City Hall and Vigeland Park. Following the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure.  Overnight Oslo.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Oslo to Bergen

This morning after breakfast at our hotel, we head out for our train journey to Bergen. The all-day journey presents the scenic pleasures of Norway, with its lush evergreen forests, mountainous surroundings and typical Norweigan villages. Upon arrival in Bergen, we are transferred to the hotel for check-in, then you are free for the rest of the evening. The city of Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and is based around its harbor. In the Bergenhus district, there are well-preserved medieval buildings. On the other side of the harbor is the Klosteret area, which has beautiful 18th-century wooden houses and charming alleys that lead to the Nordnes peninsula. Overnight Bergen.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Bergen

Admire the charms of Bergen on today's guided sightseeing tour of the city. As we walk through the narrow streets of Bergen we enjoy a look at the old Hanseatic waterfront of Bryggen and the local fish market, amongst other sights. The tour concludes at a local restaurant, where we will enjoy a lunch made of freshly caught seafood. Following, we board a motorcoach to tour the various bridges of Bergen. This evening is yours to continue your explorations of this dynamic city or to seek out some of the cuisine that has earned Bergen's title as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Overnight Bergen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - The Bergen Railroad and the Flåm Railroad

Some of the most spectacular natural scenes in Norway are put on display today as we embark on two scenic rail journeys today, beginning with the Bergen Railroad. Leaving Bergen and skirting the colorful fishing villages of the coastline, the train makes its gradual ascent into the inland's craggy mountains. We travel through hand-drilled tunnels, alongside impressive fjords and through resort towns en route to Myrdal, which is located at nearly 2,850 feet above sea level. Here, we disembark our train and board the famous Flåm Railroad for an unforgettable descent into the unspoiled surroundings of the Flåm Valley. This railway is a branch line of the Bergen Railroad and takes passengers on a 12 1/2-mile (20-kilometer) journey through horseshoe curves, past rivers and waterfalls, through remarkable tunnels, beside snow-capped mountains and across remote farmlands to Flåm on the shores of the Aurlandsfjord. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight Flåm.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Flåm to Loen

A memorable journey through the beyond of Southern Norway beckons as we set out from Flåm by coach. Rugged landscapes brimming with mountains, glaciers and fjords make the route to Loen one of immense beauty. Overnight Loen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Geiranger

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we head out by coach to Geiranger, stopping at the Dalsnibba viewpoint, to take in Europe's highest fjord view at a staggering 4,900-foot elevation. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Geirangerfjord by boat today, as we set out for a cruise of this UNESCO-listed site. Acclaimed for its stunning landscape, this 9-mile branch of the Storfjord boasts towering sides and plunging waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters and the Suitor. On the steep shores, lofty forests, abandoned farm buildings and immense stretches of nature capture the beauty of the Norweigan countryside. In sunshine, this UNESCO World Heritage site is alive with color and contrasts - the lush greens of the trees clinging to the rock abutting the deep blue water and the brilliant white of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. When it rains, countless waterfalls appear from nowhere, flowing majestically into the water below. We disembark our boat in Hellesylt and enjoy a scenic drive back to Loen. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight Loen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - The Rauma Railroad to Trondheim

Following the serpentine course of the Trollstigen mountain road*, we continue to Åndalsnes today. The drive is simply breathtaking, with its cinematic views over the mountainous valleys and their crystalline waterfalls. After lunch in Åndalsnes, we board the famous Rauma Railroad - called Europe's most beautiful railway journey by Lonely Planet - to Trondheim, our base for the next two nights. The 71-mile long railroad line delivers a spectacular journey through magnificent landscapes. We navigate alongside the emerald waters of the River Rauma for much of the trip and move at a leisurely pace that gives you photo opportunities at highlights, such as the Kylling Bridge and Trollveggen, Europe's highest perpendicular mountain wall. Navigating through hillsides and below jagged mountain peaks, the train arrives in Dombås, where we change trains and board the Dovre Railway, which takes us through even more incredible sights as we approach Trondheim. Overnight Trondheim.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Trondheim

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a walking tour of Trondheim this morning. On this relaxed three-hour guided tour, you will discover the most attractive sights in the center of Trondheim, like the old quarter Bakklandet with its cozy, colorful wooden houses, it´s famous Old Town Bridge and the Nidaros Cathedral - the coronation and burial church of Norwegian Kings. Walking over the Main Square we pass by the Royal Residence and stroll through the cities heart revealing the charm of Trondheim's history and culture. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Founded in the 10th century, Trondheim is one of the oldest and largest cities in Norway. This was the former seat of the Norwegian kings and a Scandinavian spiritual center throughout the Middle Ages. In 1681, a huge fire damaged much of the city, though this was swiftly rebuilt in a grand style, much of which survives. Today, this city is widely regarded as a cradle of culture within Norway. Overnight Trondheim.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - Across the Arctic Circle to Bodø

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the Trondheim train station to board the Nordland Railroad bound for Bodø. The 452-mile route takes us through the varied landscape of northern Norway, past gently sloping hills and distant mountains, majestic lakes and deep forests. We travel along the rocky coastline in stretches and gaze out over the open sea and the small islands within it. We cross the Arctic Circle as we enter the Saltfjellet Mountains and shortly before reaching the town of Lønsdal, the highest point of the railroad. The train reaches Fauske before turning due west for the final stretch to Bodø. The Nordland Railroad is rightly one of the world's most famous train routes, offering unbelievable views as the train passes through unconquerable landscapes. Watch as clear blue lakes, sparkling fjords and the spectacular Svartisen Glacier roll by our windows as we approach Bodø this evening. We are transferred to our hotel upon arrival, and then you have the evening to take in the magnificent surroundings. Overnight Bodø.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - The Midnight Sun

We depart Bodø by speed ferry and make our way to Moskenes at the tip of the Lofoten Islands. Upon arrival, we board a scenic coach to Svolvaer, the tiny capital of these stunning islands, which are often described as Europe's most dramatic and spectacular. Watch as small fishing communities, filled with houses built on timber piles, and imposing cliffs alter the landscape. We arrive in Svolvaer with time to admire the harbor, the colorful buildings and the imposing mountain backdrop. We have dinner late this evening and then embark on a night-time excursion to Gimsoy Beach and enjoy views of the never-setting Midnight Sun. Overnight Svolvaer.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Lofoten Islands

We continue exploring the Lofoten archipelago today on an excursion to charming fishing villages: Henningsvaer with its historic architecture and pastel-hued homes; the tiny harbor town of Kabelvåg; and Lødingen, a remote village surrounded by mountain scenery. Next, we take to the waters for a unique sea eagle safari. While we hope to see these majestic yet endangered creatures, which are larger than golden eagles, soaring above us, other wildlife, such as heron, seals, dolphins and even whales, may also make an appearance. Overnight Svolvaer.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 - Tour Conclusion

Bid farewell to Norway as you transfer to Evenes for your included flight back to Oslo's Airport*.

*Due to an early-afternoon arrival in Oslo, it is recommended that connecting flights are booked in the evening, or a post-trip hotel is secured. Speak with a rail specialist for details.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Scandic Bergen City, Bergen

Scandic Bergen City, Bergen

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Scandic Bodo

Scandic Bodo, Bodo

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Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

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Alexandra Hotel, Loen

Alexandra Hotel, Loen

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Scandic Byporten, Oslo

Scandic Byporten, Oslo

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Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer

Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer

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Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

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Trains

Bergen Railway
Flåm Railway
Nordland Railway
The Raumabanen Railway

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Reviews

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Don and Susan

5 stars

Submitted 26 Jun 2023

I have been waiting since pre-covid for this tour. I loved the itinerary, and the actual tour did not disappoint. It was great in every way. The hotels, the food (except for 1 ham dinner), the scheduling, the amount of activities, the buses, the trains, everything was spot on. I was pretty physically active tour, but everyone (almost all over 65) was ok. Not to forget the tour manager, Jeanette, who was just wonderful! Friendly, professional, more than capable of modifying things as needed. There was one issue with the bus, that had a mechanical issue, and Jeanette kept us informed every step of the way and got everything sorted out. We only lost about 3 hours waiting, but regained the time by reorganizing the next day's activities. Bottom line, we gained extra time to sleep in the morning and did not miss out on the boat tour in the afternoon. I liked this tour so much, I am booking another one (with a new friend from this tour) as I write this review. Great Job!

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