Arctic Circle Express

DAYS 1-2 - THE DELIGHTS OF STOCKHOLM Arriving in Stockholm We fly from London to Stockholm, for two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to the historic Old Town. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Day 2 is free to explore Stockholm, spread across fourteen islands. You may wish to visit the Drottningholm Palace, royal residence of the King and Queen of Sweden. The lavish building has some of the finest gardens of any Royal grounds. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skogskyrkogården is also worth a visit. Perhaps you may like to visit the world-famous Museum of Modern Art, which houses works by some of the most iconic artists throughout history, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. The open-air Skansen museum and the Vasa Museum, containing the remains of the culturally-significant 17th century Vasa warship, which sank off the coast of Stockholm, are both popular destinations. DAY 3 - INLAND TO ÖSTERSUND Ostersund Departing Stockholm we head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden's fifth largest lake. Here we stay for one night at the Best Western Gamla Teatern. DAY 4 - THE INLANDSBANAN, ARCTIC CIRCLE AND LAPLAND The Inlandsbanan We leave Östersund and head north, travelling through some of Sweden's most glorious scenery as we head to the untamed wilderness of Lapland, making several stops at beauty spots along the way. Our journey on the Inlandsbanan tourist train takes us through a landscape of crystal clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. We get a real taste of Lapland with a light dinner of local Sami specialities before transferring to our hotel. DAY 5 - THE OFOTEN RAILWAY TO NARVIK Norway's fjords Today we enjoy a journey on one of the world's most northerly railway lines, the Ofoten Railway. We travel through Sweden's breathtaking mountains into Norway, traversing steep mountainsides, with sheer drops to the fjords below. We arrive in Narvik, where we stay at the Scandic Hotel Narvik. DAY 6 - AT LEISURE IN NARVIK Narvik Today is free to spend as you choose. You could discover Narvik's cultural history at the Ofoten Museum, enjoy a cable car ride (seasonal) to experience breathtaking views or visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum. DAY 7 - SOUTH TO TRONDHEIM Trondheim Today is spent admiring the rugged shores of Norway as we follow the coastline south to Trondheim. The first part of our journey is by coach to Fauske, including a scenic ferry crossing. In Fauske we board the train for a journey that delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way. We have a light dinner on board the train. Late this evening we arrive in Trondheim, Norway's religious capital. The centrally located Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is our home for two nights. DAY 8 - TRONDHEIM Trondheim Today is free for you to explore the historic city of Trondheim, one of the most atmospheric cities in the country. As well as discovering the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, you could visit the Ringve Museum which features a collection of musical instruments from all over the world. Trondheim's association continues with the Rockheim Museum, exhibiting the historic of popular music. The pilgrimage site and stunning green-roofed cathedral of Nidarosdomen is a must-see. DAY 9 - THE RAUMA RAILWAY Raumabanen Railway Today we join the 71 mile long Rauma Railway for a spectacular journey through magnificent, contrasting landscapes. We navigate the same course as the emerald waters of the River Rauma for much of the journey, the tracks following the river as it winds around the hillsides below jagged mountain peaks. As we climb over rounded mountain plateaus we are treated to awesome views across the expansive, unspoiled national parks that stretch into the distance. We transfer by coach to Geiranger for a two-night stay at the Union Hotel Geiranger. The hotel stands at the head of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most spectacular sites, more incredible at first hand than you could have imagined from any photograph. DAY 10 - GEIRANGERFJORD BOAT CRUISE Geiranger Today we enjoy the beautiful scenery of the spectacular Geirangerfjord by boat. As we cruise along the serene, deep water, the steep sides of the fjord seem to tower over the boat. In sunshine, this UNESCO World Heritage site is alive with colour and contrasts - the lush greens of the trees clinging to the rock contrasting with 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 over exposed rocky outcrops and crashing down into the water below. DAY 11 - THROUGH THE FJORDS TO FLÅM Flåm We leave Geiranger by coach this morning, continuing our scenic voyage through Norway's incredible fjord country. We travel through valleys hemmed in by lofty mountains and along steep-sided fjords, every bend in the road offering a new and interesting perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys. DAY 12 - THE FLÅM RAILWAY TO BERGEN Flåm Railway Today we enjoy a superb excursion on the Flåm Railway. Our rail journey takes us up into the mountains along one of the steepest lines in the world, twisting and turning regularly as the railway line does its best to accommodate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, to board the express boat for an afternoon journey along Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Navigating coastal islets and skerries, we end the day in Bergen, where we spend two nights at the Clarion Hotel Admiral. DAY 13 - AT LEISURE IN BERGEN Bergen Today you are free to explore Bergen at leisure. The town is nestled beneath seven hills and is surrounded by fjords. Bryggen, the old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Fløibanen funicular railway affords great views of the city and its harbours from the top of Mount Fløien. DAY 14 - THE BERGEN RAILWAY TO OSLO The Bergen Railway We leave Bergen by train for a magnificent journey on Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. The train climbs high above the tree line across some of the most remote areas of western Norway before descending through pastures to the elegant city of Oslo. We stay at the Thon Hotel Opera. DAY 15 - OSLO TO LONDON Flying home This morning is free to spend at leisure in Oslo, before we transfer to the airport for our flight to London.