Arctic Circle Express 2012 

We depart from London to Stockholm, where we spend two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to the city centre and the historic Old Town. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town), a perfect way to get your bearings in Sweden's splendid capital. Day 2 is free to explore Stockholm, a beautiful city spread across fourteen islands facing the Baltic Sea. (Day 1-D; Day 2-B)

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. (B,D)

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 the Hotel Jokkmokk. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a journey on one of the most northerly railway lines in the world, the Ofoten Railway. We travel through Sweden's breathtaking mountains into Norway, traversing steep mountainsides, with dramatic sheer drops to the fjords below. We arrive at the port of Narvik for a two-night stay at the Quality Grand Royal Hotel. (B,D)

Your day in Narvik is free to spend as you choose. You may take the opportunity to visit the Ofoten Museum, to discover the cultural history of Narvik, enjoy a cable car ride (seasonal) to experience breathtaking views or visit the poignant Red Cross War Memorial Museum. (B)

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. 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. (B,D)

Today you are free to explore the atmospheric city of Trondheim, one of the oldest cities in Norway. As well as discovering the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, you could visit the Ringve Museum, located a short distance from the centre. The museum occupies a charming 18th century manor house and features a fascinating collection of musical instruments from all over the world. (B)

Today we join the 71 mile long Rauma Railway for a spectacular journey through magnificent, contrasting landscape. 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 impressive and spectacular sites, more incredible at first hand than you could have imagined from any photograph. (B,D)

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; the perfect blue sky contrasting with the brilliant white of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. When it rains, the fjord can defy logic and become even more spectacular; countless waterfalls appear from nowhere, flowing majestically over exposed rocky outcrops and crashing down into the water below. (B)

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, every mountain pass delivering us into a new, beautiful valley. Our destination is Flåm at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, where we stay at the Fretheim Hotel. (B)

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 sharply and regularly as the railway line does its best to accommodate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, from where we 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 stay for two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Norge, located in the heart of the city. On Day 13 you are free to spend the day at leisure exploring Bergen at your own pace. The town is nestled beneath seven strategic hills and 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 12-B,D; Day 13-B)

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, close to the city centre. (B,D)

The final morning of the holiday is free to spend at leisure in Oslo, taking in the sights and sounds of this fascinating city at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of the attractive city parks or the elegant Royal Palace. Norway's capital city offers plenty of museums, including the Viking Ship and Maritime Museum, the Folk Museum and the (Edvard) Munch Museum. We depart for the airport in the afternoon for our return flight to London. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday