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Arctic Norway & Midnight Sun on the Lofoten Isles
Tour Description:
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.
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:
* Four scenic rail journeys: Bergen Railroad, Flåm Railroad, Rauma Railroad and Nordland Railroad
* Hotel accommodations for 12 nights
* 21 meals including 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners
* Guided walking tour of Bergen
* Visits to Dalsnibba viewpoint
* Cruise along Geirangerfjord
* The Trollstigen road to Åndalsnes
* Free time in Trondheim
* Exploration of the Lofoten Islands including Lødingen, Kabelvåg and Henningsvaer
* Midnight Sun excursion
* Internal Flight from Evenes to Oslo
* Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
* Services of a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides for touring
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDays 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. (D)
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. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B, L)
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. (B, D)
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. (B, D)
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. (B, D)
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. (B, L)
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. (B)
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. (B, D)
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. (B, D)
Day 12 - Lofoten Islands
We continue to explore the Lofoten archipelago today on an excursion that includes a full day coach sightseeing to Henningsvaer, Kabelvåg and Lødingen. The charming fishing village of Henningsvær features some of the most well-preserved architecture of the traditional Norwegian villages, as well as a beautiful harbor surrounded by pastel-hued homes. Later, we return to Svolvaer and enjoy a group dinner. Overnight Svolvaer. (B, D)
Day 13 - Tour Conclusion
Bid farewell to Norway as you transfer to Evenes for your included flight back to Oslo's Airport*. (B)
*Due to a mid-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.
