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Grand Tour of Scandinavia

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4.0 stars(24 reviews)
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The Nordic rail adventure of a lifetime

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
17 days From £3,195 £2,795 per person
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Save up to £500pp on selected 2023 Worldwide holidays when you book by 7th June 2023.

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2023 Tour code: ACJ23

About the tour

Norway's majestic mountains and azure fjords combine with the tranquil landscapes of Sweden on this epic holiday, which includes every great Scandinavian rail experience. Explore the cities of Oslo and Stockholm and travel beyond the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.'

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – London and Stockholm

After meeting at London Heathrow, we board our direct flight to Stockholm, checking into our hotel for two nights on arrival.

*Please Note: you will need to take your lugggage with you on your flight from the UK as opposed to it travelling via our luggage transfer service.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Discovering Stockholm

One of Europe's most beautiful capital cities, built across 14 islands connected by no fewer than 57 bridges, Stockholm has over 750 years of history and cultural which we set out to explore on a guided sightseeing tour. Our first stop is City Hall, where there's time to admire panoramic views, the Royal Palace, Östermalm, Långholm, the Royal Djurgården and the Old Town. Also known as Gamla Stan, this area is home to one of the best preserved medieval centres in the world. Afterwards, we enjoy a well-deserved, traditional Swedish 'fika', or coffee break, relaxing over a hot drink and slice of home-made cake. The rest of your afternoon is free.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 – Östersund

We board an InterCity train to Östersund today, a city set on the shores of Storsjön Lake, Sweden's fifth largest lake. As the only town of any size in the vicinity, it is a major cultural and transportation centre while also nurturing an enduring legend about the lake's rarely-sighted monster. Storsjöodjuret ('the great lake monster') reportedly emerged from the chilly waters into the town in 1635, and has been spotted infrequently ever since. Generally described as serpentine with multiple humps, it's yet to be caught on camera, but for a time had a law ensuring its protection!

This secluded spot is a scenic place to relax and admire the vivid waterside attractions before we continue our journey north.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 – Journey on the Inlandsbanan

Travelling towards the untamed wilderness of Swedish Lapland, the Inlandsbanan takes us ever closer to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' through a landscape of pine and birch forests. Enjoy the chance to spot some local wildlife, including moose and reindeer, as we listen to commentary about the sights passing by our window. We arrive in Sorsele, visiting the Inslandsbanan Museum after disembarking before making our way to a nearby Sami village to learn about the lives of Scandinavia's indigenous people. We spend the night in Arjeplog, where a traditional dinner is served around a campfire.

For May, early June and September departures, on Day 4 we will travel by coach to the Sami village, not on the Inlandsbanan.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Crossing the Arctic Circle and Jokkmokk

Driving even further north, we receive a special memento as we cross the Arctic Circle, something that will help us remember the moment forever, on our way to Jokkmokk for the night. On arrival, we enjoy a visit to the local Sami Museum, seeing historic artefacts including silverwork and traditional dress, of the indigenous Sami people and learn more about their nomadic way of life.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Jokkmokk

Enjoy a free morning to look around the Jokkmokk Mountain Garden, home to an array of unique al-pine plants. Afterwards, we join the famous Ofoten Railway to Narvik. The views that accompany our journey are spectacular; deep, dark fjords, wild and rugged mountain terrain and barren plateaus line the route, showing just how remote these far northern reaches really are. On arrival, we check into our hotel for a two-night stay.

Please Note: For departures 05/05/2023 and 16/06/2023 you will stay at the Scandic Narvik Hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Discovering Narvik

An ice-free seaport located 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Narvik was a key battleground in WWII. With free time today, you could find out more about the vital role it played with a visit to the local Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which documents the city's wartime occupation of by German forces. Also worth a visit is the Ofoten Museum, which features exhibits relating to local history and the construction of the Ofoten Railway.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Nordland Railway

We transfer to Fauske by coach to begin our journey along Nordland Railway, also known as the 'Polar Express' and 'the train of the Midnight Sun', to Verdal. During the trip, we marvel at the ever-changing scenery; with clear blue skies reflecting the water of sparkling fjords as the spectacular Svartisen Glacier extends from the mountains into the valley below. In high summer, the sun may illuminate our entire journey, giving us the spectacular experience of nearly 24-hour daytime. From Verdal, we transfer to Stiklestad for the night.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Stiklestad and Trondheim

We enjoy a tour of Stiklestad this morning, the site of King Olav's death in 1030 during one of Norway's most famous and hard-fought battles. Afterwards, our coach takes us to the popular Viking city of Trondheim, our base for two nights.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Exploring Trondheim

Discovering the history of Trondheim on today's guided tour, we see the Old Quarter and the colourful waterfront houses of Bakklandet as well the Gothic architecture of Nidaros Cathedral with its magnificent rose window. We also make a stop at the sumptuous Royal Residence, the largest wooden building in Northern Europe with up to 140 different rooms. The rest of your day is free to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Amongst the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, there are a number of attractions waiting to be explored, such as the Ringve Music Museum and the Archbishop's Palace Museum - a treasure trove of local archaeological finds.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - The Rauma Railway

Joining the 71-mile-long Rauma Railway to Åndalsnes, we enjoy a spectacular journey through magnificent and contrasting landscapes. Following the same course as the emerald waters of the River Rauma most of the way, the train winds its way elegantly around the surrounding hillsides as we make our approach past the insurmountable 'Troll Wall' to the banks of the peaceful Romsdal Fjord. Stepping off the train into the fresh, crisp air, we continue by coach to Geiranger for two nights.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Geirangerfjord

Our day includes a relaxing fjord cruise across Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its unique setting. A nine-mile-long branch of the Storfjord (meaning 'Great Fjord'), the magnificent Geirangerfjord boasts towering walls that overlook some of Europe's finest scenery. As we sail, a number of high waterfalls - including the Seven Sisters and the Suitor - plunge straight from the forested cliff edge above to the smooth waters below. Back on dry land, we return to Geiranger via Hellesylt.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 13 - Flåm

Leaving Geiranger by coach, we continue our scenic travels through Norway's incredible fjord country, pausing en route at the incredible Dalsnibba viewing point and ancient Kaupanger stave church. We reach Flåm, at the head of Aurlandsfjord, and check into our hotel for the night.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - The Flåm Railway

We take a superb excursion aboard the iconic Flåm Railway. Our route cuts a path through Norway's rocky terrain via 11 ¼ miles of tunnels which delve through mountainsides, as well as trailing past the edges of Tyrifjorden lakeside. The train twists and turns as it takes us ever higher along one of the steepest lines in the world, stopping beside the powerful Kjosfossen Falls before reaching the high-altitude station at Myrdal and making the return journey back to Flåm. Here, we board a luxury eco boat for a cruise across Sognefjord to meet the coach transferring us to Bergen.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 15 - Bergen

We set off on a guided tour of Bergen this morning, a harbour city surrounded by seven striking mountains and known for the wonderfully-preserved medieval buildings of its Bergenhus district. Part of the old Hanseatic Wharf, this area is now UNESCO listed and protected. On the other side of the harbour is the Klosteret area, which has beautiful 18th-century wooden houses and charming alleys, where you can take a stroll out to the Nordnes peninsula. The city centre extends from the main square (Torget) to the Nygård area, where most of the shops and restaurants can be found. We end with a stop for a delicious seafood lunch at the picturesque fish market.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 - Oslo

We board the train to Oslo, travelling along Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. Sights to look out for as we travel include the pretty Hallingdal Valley, through which the Hallingdalselva River flows to Lake Krøderen, the mountain of Norefjell and the Hardangerjøkule Glacier. Having passed through towns and villages such as Geilo, Gol and Flå, the backdrop begins to become more urban as we make the final approach into Norway's capital city.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 - London

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head to the airport for the flight back to London Heathrow.

*Please Note: you will need to take your lugggage back to the UK with you on your flight as opposed to it travelling via our luggage transfer service.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hornavan Hotell Arjeplog, Arjeplog

Hornavan Hotell Arjeplog, Arjeplog

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Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

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Havila Hotel, Geiranger

Havila Hotel, Geiranger

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Hotel Jokkmokk, Jokkmokk

Hotel Jokkmokk, Jokkmokk

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Scandic Narvik Hotel, Narvik

Scandic Narvik Hotel, Narvik

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Thon Hotel, Narvik

Thon Hotel, Narvik

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Scandic Byporten, Oslo

Scandic Byporten, Oslo

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Clarion Hotel Grand Ostersund

Clarion Hotel Grand Ostersund, Ostersund

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Scandic Stiklestad

Scandic Stiklestad, Stiklestad

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Scandic Continental Hotel

Scandic Continental Hotel, Stockholm

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Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

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Thon Hotel Bristol, Bergen

Thon Hotel Bristol, Bergen

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Trains

Bergen Railway
Flåm Railway
Inlandsbanan
Nordland Railway
Ofoten Railway
The Raumabanen Railway

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Inclusive Luggage Upgrade
Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 24 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (6)
  2. 4 stars
    (15)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (2)

Mathew Raif

1 stars

Submitted 28/May

The cheapest routes, with the cheapest trains and coaches, in the cheapest hotels at remote areas. All at premium prices. I would not recommend this company nor use them again.

Collected by Trustpilot

Katie F

4 stars

Submitted 28/May

It's a trip I have been wanting to do for a long time. The promises ticked all the boxes but the reality was not perfect. The season was too early for a couple of the promised experiences and the standard of the hotels did vary considerably.

Collected by Trustpilot

Michael

4 stars

Submitted 08 Oct 2022

Did this trip in September 2022 and I enjoyed seeing the transition of the season into autumn. The main season runs to the end of August, so we missed out on a few of the things advertised, so would recommend taking this into account if booking trip in the future.

Collected by Trustpilot

J Pond

5 stars

Submitted 07 Oct 2022

Terrific holiday. John Rayment as the tour guide was outstanding and made a terrific trip just fantastic with his attention to detail and pre-trip preparation. Here's to the next trip!

Collected by Trustpilot

Julie Kay

5 stars

Submitted 01 Sep 2022

Fabulous holiday from start to finish. Our Tour Manager, Roger, was very knowledgeable and efficient in ensuring the itinerary went smoothly. The hotels were good with some being very good. Had an issue with one hotel but they swiftly resolved it. Pity the Inlandsbanan railway journey was cancelled but we enjoyed a very scenic (if long) coach journey instead. A big thank you to our driver Peter and his excellent driving skills getting our coach up some very steep roads with hair pin bends. We extended our trip by a few days at each end which I recommend. We experienced all the seasons ice, snow, sun, mist, bitterly cold winds, heavy rainfall; saw stunning waterfalls, fjords, snow capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and animals. Crossed the Arctic Circle; and travelled by rail on some of the worlds most scenic railways. Although tiring with some very early starts, it was s fantastic holiday

from Great Rail Journeys
Hello Julie, Its great to see you had an enjoyable time away. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how much you liked this tour and we hope you enjoy your next adventure with us just as much. We look forward to you travelling with us again soon. Best Regards, Nathan
1 comment

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customer

5 stars

Submitted 29 Aug 2022

Breathtaking! We experienced a lot of the countries.

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