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Grand Tour of Scandinavia

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17 days From £3,895 £3,695 per person
4.1 stars(47 reviews)
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The Nordic rail adventure of a lifetime

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Save £200pp on all Worldwide holidays, when you book by 30th April 2024.

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Mobility Rating 4

2024 Tour code: ACJ24

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 Mid-night Sun.'

Unforgettable experiences

History of Scandinavian Cities
History of Scandinavian Cities
Uncover the history of Stockholm, Bergen and Trondheim as you explore with local guides
Ofoten Railway
Ofoten Railway
Journey on the Ofoten Railway to Narvik, travelling through typical Scandinavian landscapes made up of fjords and rugged mountains
Nordland Railway
Nordland Railway
Experience the Nordland Railway, also known as the Polar Express, as you journey through the Arctic countryside
Rauma Railway
Rauma Railway
Ride the Rauma Railway for 71 miles through a scenic valley carved out by the Rauma River
Flåm Railway
Flåm Railway
Journey on one of the most famous rail routes in the world, the Flåm Railway, stopping to admire the Kjosfossen Waterfall along the way
Bergen Railway
Bergen Railway
Admire the Hardangerjøkule Glacier as you travel to Oslo along the Bergen Railway
Inlandsbanan Railway
Inlandsbanan Railway
Journey through the fairytale forests of Swedish Lapland aboard the Inlandsbanan
Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord
Soak in the peace and tranquillity of Norway’s fjordlands with cruises across both Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord
Sami Experience
Sami Experience
Visit an authentic Sami village and learn about the history and traditions of these indigenous people

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 silver-work 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 alpine 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.

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.

Please Note - For departure 19/07/2024 you will stay at the Thon Backlund hotel.

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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Thon Hotel Bristol, Bergen

Thon Hotel Bristol, Bergen

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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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Thon Hotel, Narvik

Thon Hotel, Narvik

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Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo

Thon Hotel Opera, 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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Trains

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

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 47 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (18)
  2. 4 stars
    (23)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (3)

Mr Verney

1 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2023

1 This was a seriously badly planned out of season tour. No plans were made for the fact that this was out of season This resulted in us facing closures of advertised attractions, restaurants and facilities. 2) In nearly all cases we were accommodated in 2nd rate tourist hotels often with very small pokey rooms. Not the standard I expect form GRJ. 3) In most hotels we were only offered fixed No food choice menu and poor quality food. I am 71 not 7 , I expect some choice. In spite of prewarning GRJ that my wife can’t eat fish this was not passed on. Many meals were fish with no alternative offered. The tour manager had to intervene with my wife getting afterthought food. 4 This was advertised as a Rail tour but we spent over 35 hours on a bus. There was no warning of this. I would not have booked this tour if that amount of coach travel had been advertised up front. I feel seriously let down by this omission. 5) in a number of cases we were left without a prearranged meal where we had to fend for ourselves in towns where most restaurants were closed either because it was out of season or too late in the evening.

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I Goff

4 stars

Submitted 02 Oct 2023

Great trip. Most of the hotels were excellent. Tour guide excellent. Oslo hotel our least favourite. Some of group felt we had too many coach trips. Flam railway our favourite of the entire holiday.

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Mrs S Reed

4 stars

Submitted 01 Sep 2023

Good tour, too many train journeys cancelled due flooding etc.

Collected by Trustpilot

R Stratford

3 stars

Submitted 29 Aug 2023

Cancelled train journeys long coach drives late arrival at hotel keys that would not work lack of tea coffee making facilities no lifts to the floor Chaotic seating arrangements on trains Your manager did his best in very difficult circumstances

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V Van Der Leer

4 stars

Submitted 28 Aug 2023

Beautiful scenery but very long day’s traveling. We were unlucky that 3 rail journeys were replaced by coach.

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B Smith

5 stars

Submitted 15 Aug 2023

Fantastic tour, Carolyn was a Fantastic tour Manager, the best tour manager I have ever had from all the travelling I've done over the years. I was disappointed that we did not go on the Inlandsbann as it was a 'Rail' journey, we should of been advised before the trip started. The tour bus driver did take some risks a few times - was aggressive, a bit scary at times. Otherwise we had a lovely trip.

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Worldwide Holidays by Rail 2024

Worldwide Holidays by Rail 2024

Long haul rail holidays to Scandinavia, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australasia.

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