As a company that specialises in creating memories of a lifetime in the world's best locations, there's nothing more rewarding than hearing how a journey has stayed with someone long after they've returned home. Our itineraries span far and wide, covering six - soon to be seven! - continents and destinations from America's national parks to the vast Outback of Australia and the jungles of Vietnam and Cambodia.
We're always grateful to hear customers' stories, which is why it is so special that Graham and Gail Cartmell shared their recent experiences regarding our magical Northern Lights & Lapland tour. This spectacular wintertime journey spends nine days exploring Norway's Viking cities and the untamed expanses of Swedish Lapland, travelling to some of the world's best places to spot the Northern Lights.
The couple said it 'exceeded every expectation', and followed with 'we have already recommended GRJ to our friends'. But this is just the beginning of the feedback they had to offer; read on to see what sets this extraordinary journey apart from their perspective.
Impeccable organising from beginning to end
We structure every moment of an escorted Great Rail Journeys tour with our customers' enjoyment in mind. Our itineraries are planned from meeting to departure, with details such as hotel accommodations, transportation, train tickets and select meals all curated by the travel experts. Graham and Gail noticed this commitment to excellence.
'The tour itself was incredibly well organised. We were met by a very experienced Tour Manager at the airport who was always available if anyone needed assistance. They offered helpful insights and clearly briefed us on what to expect. The logistics alone are huge, and all of this was taken care of brilliantly by GRJ.
'You never quite know who you'll be travelling with, but our group was fantastic - the whole trip was filled with shared moments, plenty of laughter and memories we'll never forget.'
Iconic rail journeys throughout
Scandinavia is awash in stunning landscapes - some of which remain hidden from sight when travelling by car. With that in mind, one of the best ways to unveil the little-seen landscapes of Norway and beautiful Sweden is by rail, and that is one of the unforgettable experiences of this breathtaking tour.
'Travelling on both the Nordland and Ofoten Railways was unforgettable, with ever-changing views of magical Arctic landscapes along the way.'
Our guests first join Norway's Norland Railway, often called the Polar Express for its far-north location and polar scenery. This line follows a 453-mile route from Trondheim to Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle enroute. And this journey is just the beginning - another star of this itinerary is the Ofoten Railway, which travels from Narvik, Norway, across the Swedish border to Kiruna, Sweden, on one of the world's most northerly railway lines.
Spectacular scenery at every turn
'The scenery in that part of the world is truly spectacular and unlike anything we have experienced anywhere else. Every time we looked out of the train or coach window, the view was better than the last, especially as the sun began to rise or set over the snowy landscapes.'
Graham and Gail were mesmerised by the enchanting mountainscapes, beautiful coastlines and dramatic islands that define this Arctic tour. This itinerary starts with the colourful harbourside buildings of Trondheim and then continues past the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Islands, Europe's most spectacular archipelago.
Driving to Narvik, the journey follows one of Europe's most scenic byways, with views stretching down to magnificent fjords in the valley below. After travelling by rail into Swedish Lapland, sprawling expanses of snow-laden valleys give way to beautiful mountains - a stunning conclusion to a scenic expedition.
Moments of great connection, memories of a lifetime
The beauty of travelling somewhere new is connecting with the local culture in unexpected ways. With more than 50 years of experience in crafting exceptional holidays, we have perfected the art of forging moments of connection - whether in big cities or way out in the wilderness.
'For us, the most memorable part of the tour was learning about the Sámi people and experiencing a glimpse into their traditional way of life. Spending time in this unique setting and feeding the reindeer is something we'll never forget.'
Of course, we forge memories in unexpected ways too, such as while searching for the Northern Lights during the long, dark hours of a winter's night.
'When you visit Lapland in winter, seeing the Northern Lights is on everyone's wish list - and for our final three nights in Sweden, we were lucky enough to witness them. It provided some of the most incredible scenery we have ever seen, and the photos and videos we took are absolutely breathtaking.'
Embrace a winter holiday with Great Rail Journeys
Experiencing our Northern Lights & Lapland tour through the eyes of Graham and Gail sheds a new light on this exceptional wintertime holiday, but they are just two of many satisfied customers.
Consider Nicola, who said, 'Just wonderful! Expectations exceeded. Everything promised in the itinerary came to pass, and our Tour Manager was fantastic. A brilliant holiday.' Or find inspiration in Tracy's review, which states, 'We loved this trip, and not only because it felt magical in the snow, but because the train journeys showed off some of Norway's spectacular scenery.'
Even better, write your own review after joining the tour this winter. With departures from December through March, you can experience as much or as little winter as you desire, embracing the beauty of Scandinavia, whenever you travel. But hurry - spaces are filling fast, and this tour will sell out. Book your journey today.
