SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Oslo

We take a morning flight from London to historic Oslo, the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities with a laid-back atmosphere, attractive architecture, spacious streets and picturesque squares.

Our centrally located hotel provides an excellent base for you to explore the city’s many museums. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening at our hotel.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza City

Day 2: Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway and sits on the country’s southern coast, at the head of the Oslofjord. Enjoy exploring this city, which has a huge array of world-class museums that reflect this seafaring nation's colourful history.

The Bygdøy Peninsula is home to five national museums: the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The Viking Ship Museum displays finds from four different Viking burial sites around the Oslofjord, whilst the Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built, which still holds the record for sailing the farthest north and farthest south. It is possible to board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth. There are also exhibitions on the Arctic and Northwest passage. The open-air Norwegian Folk Museum showcases Norway’s traditional wooden architecture, history and traditions, and the Kon-Tiki Museum is dedicated to the amazing Pacific voyages of the explorer, Thor Heyerdahl.

Another major attraction is Akershus Castle Fortress. Completed during the 14th century, this medieval castle had a strategical location at the end of a headland and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. Guided tours of the fortress are available during the summer. Other attractions include the Resistance Museum, Oslo Opera House and Edvard Munch Museum.

Oslo is also known for its green spaces, the most famous of which is the Frogner Park. Within this area is the Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and iron and one of Norway’s top tourist attractions. Housed in some beautiful gardens of its own, the Royal Palace is the official seat of the Norwegian king and queen. You can take a tour of the palace during the summer months, or stop by to see the changing of the guard at 1:30 pm.

If you buy an Oslo Card it will give you free admission to most museums and sights, and unlimited travel on all public transport (boats, buses, trams and trains).

Day 3: Train to Trondheim

Departing early, we take our first scenic rail journey as we travel through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, crossing the stunning Dovrefjell mountain plateau and through Sunndalsfjella National Park to Trondheim.

A free afternoon and evening allows you plenty of time to explore this picturesque and welcoming city. The main building in this historic town is the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral.

Accommodation: Scandic Bakklandet

Day 4: Across the Arctic Circle

As our journey by rail continues north, the scenery changes from breathtaking fjords to marvellous mountain passes – the photographic opportunities appear limitless from the comfort of the train.

We experience the wonder of crossing the Arctic Circle in the late afternoon (the summit of the line) then drop down to the end of the line at the coastal port of Bodø.

Day 5: Overnight to Oslo via Tondheim

A day at leisure in Bodø before travelling back south to Oslo via sleeper train to Trondheim. Enjoy Bodø and its cathedral, the Norwegian Aviation Museum or the Nordland Museum.

Day 6: Arrive in Oslo

An afternoon arrival into Oslo leaves time to see anything you missed at the beginning of your holiday.

Day 7: Homeward Bound

Transfer from your Oslo hotel to the airport in time for your morning flight back to London.

Note: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

PRICING

Included:

• Economy flights by scheduled airline including 1 piece of checked luggage per person

• Airport transfers as specified

• 5 Nights’ accommodation at 3/4-star hotels with breakfast included (as well as complimentary evening meal included at Bodø)

• Standard class daytime rail travel

• Travel in a private sleeper compartment overnight from Bodø to Trondheim

Not included:

• Meals other than those described above

• Drinks

• Gratuities and tips

We recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person.