The Best of Norway by Rail and Sea – to the Top of the World

Day 1 – UK – Bergen

Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Bergen. A highlight of the city is Bryggen Wharf, a colourful array of timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets that climb away from the waterfront towards the magnificent hills that back the city. We transfer from the airport and enjoy a short orientation tour to get acquainted with the city, before checking into our hotel this afternoon.

Excursions & visits:

Bergen orientation tour (afternoon)

Scandic Neptun, Bergen (4-star)

Day 2 – Flm Railway – Aurlandsfjord – Nryfjord

Youll want to keep your camera at the ready for todays journey. Step aboard the Flm Railway for a train experience unlike any other. This scenic journey will take you 20km down to Flm via the longest and deepest fjord in Europe, the Sognefjorden. Youll pass deep ravines and thundering waterfalls and soaring mountains. Theres lush greenery dotted with chocolate box houses set in idyllic valleys. You wont want to blink for fear of missing something amazing. Nestled among the Norwegian fjords, Flm is a pretty little village in a big, dramatic setting. Well have some time to explore here and enjoy the beautiful surrounds, before taking to the waters aboard a fully electric cruise boat to travel silently through the fjord from Nryfjord to Gudvangen. This spectacular stretch is a UNESCO-World Heritage Site and youll float by a number of villages that are only accessible from the water. After, we transfer back to Bergen and the evening is yours to do as you please.

Excursions & visits:

Journey on the Flm Railway (morning)
Nryfjord cruise (afternoon)

Scandic Neptun, Bergen (4-star)

Day 3 – Loen

Well set off on a scenic drive from Bergen to Loen this morning. Well cross the mountains and the beautiful wide Sognefjord. Driving along the fjord, we will pass waterfalls and colourful fruit orchards before we climb up into the mountains. Well stop at the Norwegian Glacier Museum before continuing down to Innvikfjorden for a scenic drive along the fjord, until we arrive in Loen – known as the gateway to the glaciers.

Excursions & visits:

Entrance to the Norwegian Glacier Museum (morning)

Hotel Loenfjord (4-star)

Day 4 – Geirangerfjord – Molde

Today is a big day. Well drive along Innvikfjorden to the village of Hellesylt. From here, we board a cruise ferry for an unforgettable journey along the world-famous Geirangerfjord. This UNESCO-listed stretch is a majestic combination of towering, sheer mountain cliffs, plunging waterfalls and deep blue waters that are enchantingly inviting. It is one of natures greatest spectacles. Natural wonders aside, well also sail past long forgotten farms and shoreline smallholdings, of people who once lived and worked here. From Geiranger, we tackle the hairpin bends of Eagle Road high up into the mountains. The sight from the top is quite spectacular, with panoramic snow-capped scenes stretching from Geiranger all the way back over the fjord. We then take the narrow Trollstigen serpentine road back down the mountain. This evening, we overnight in Molde, right beside the Romsdal Fjord with stunning views of the fjord and the Romsdal Alps

Excursions & visits:

Geirangerfjord cruise (morning)

Scandic Seilet, Molde (4-star)

Day 5 – Rauma Railway – Trondheim

The Rauma Railway is famed for its picturesque mountain route, which whooshes guests over bridges, through horseshoe-shaped tunnels and past the tallest rock-face in Europe: the Trollveggen. We step aboard this morning; the carriages have panoramic windows to make the most of the views of fjords, forests, valleys, lakes and mountains – the train slows as we glide by the most scenic spots. We arrive in Dombs and board the Dovre Railway down to the sea and beautiful harbour city of Trondheim. With wide streets and a colourful array of buildings over the water, the historic capital of Norway is a pleasure to explore. On our tour, well visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, where all the Norwegian Kings have been crowned.

Excursions & visits:

Journey on the Rauma Railway with guided commentary and the Dovre Railway (morning)
Sightseeing tour of Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral (afternoon)

Scandic Solsiden, Trondheim (4-star)

Day 6 – Trondheim

Today we set sail for a journey that will cement your status as an arctic explorer. Step aboard a fully electric Havila ship as we sail north towards the Arctic Circle. Perhaps head to the Observation Lounge for a coffee with panoramic views – the reclining seats allow you to make the most of the glass roof. Havila puts a real emphasis on sustainability and meals on board are created using the best ingredients from local Norwegian producers for traditional and modern dishes. You might notice local commuters step aboard too, as they travel from port to port.

Havila Castor (4-star)

Day 7 – Brnnysund – Svolvr

We finally cross into the Arctic Circle today and the occasion is marked with a special ceremony on deck. Every summer for six weeks, the sun doesnt fully set at all. This is known as the Midnight Sun, providing ever-changing shades of light throughout each day and night – perfect for keen photographers to capture. Well pass by Scandinavias largest glaciers, the worlds strongest tidal current and there might even be an opportunity to spot a majestic sea eagle soaring in the breeze (keep your binoculars at the ready). This evening, Lofotens tiny fishing villages and steep mountains make for a beautiful backdrop.

Havila Castor (4-star)

Day 8 – Stokmarknes – Troms – Skjervy

Our voyage continues through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to the island city of Troms. This northern city is known as the Gateway to the Arctic and is characterised by hunting, fishing and polar bears. This is the land of the Sami, Norways indigenous people. Perhaps take the opportunity to meet and learn about the Sami, their reindeer and their unique culture. The afternoon is yours to spend in Troms. The streets are decorated with charmingly simplistic, colourful wooden houses but the citys most recognisable landmark is the must-visit Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965, its distinctive iceberg-shaped design was inspired by the landscapes of northern Norway and features a beautiful glass mosaic.

Havila Castor (4-star)

Day 9 – Hammerfest – Honningsvg (North Cape) – Berlevg

The North Cape is as far north as you can go – by land and sea. Its closer to the North Pole than it is to Oslo and its a goal for many who venture along the Norwegian coast. It was a sacrificial site for the Sami, which gives it a haunting beauty. The North Cape plateau rises a mighty 307 metres straight up from the Arctic Ocean. Youll simply feel on top of the world.

Havila Castor (4-star)

Day 10 – Kirkenes

Each winter, 25 tonnes of ice and 15,000 cubic metres of snow are shifted to build Kirikenes Snowhotel. Its an absolute wonder to see it in person: the intricate detail, the beautifully decorated snow suites and Norways largest ice bar – it doesnt seem possible. We disembark the ship this morning and enjoy a guided tour of the Snowhotel – and therell be a chance to cuddle with the resident huskies (and possibly puppies) and meet the reindeer.

Excursions & visits:

Guided tour of the Snowhotel Kirkenes (morning)

Scandic Kirkenes (4-star)