FEATURING
• 3 days in the grand city of Stockholm
• 2 days journey on the unique Inlandsbanan through the heart of Sweden
• Cruise the spectacular Lofoten Islands
• Iconic train journeys linking Bodo, Medieval Trondheim, Art Nouveau Alesund and avant-garde Oslo.
• 2 nights atmospheric Trondheim, 3 nights in beautiful Bergen, 2 nights Oslo
• 12 train journeys (including 2 steam specials), 4 boat trips and 3 scenic coach journeys
Mid-summer in Scandinavia, when the sun shines all night and the locals come out to play is an ideal time to journey on a variety of trains, boats and coaches through some of the world’s most astounding landscapes.
Starting in the historic capital of Stockholm, ride the unique Inlandsbanan train through the heart of Sweden to Lapland. Take the Ofoten line further beyond the Arctic Circle descending onto the northern coast of Norway to cruise the Lofoten Islands by liner. The dramatic Norland railway takes you to the medieval city of Trondheim and the breathtaking topography of the Rauma and Flam railways are the best seats in the house en route to the iconic cities of Alesund and Bergen.
Scandinavia is quite simply ‘a once in a lifetime destination.’
TOUR LEADER
Scott McGregor has been involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide range of stage, film and TV roles and has presented and hosted numerous prime-time ratings winners including two series of his own ‘Railway Adventures’. As well as Railway Adventures, he owns and operates ‘Ruwenzori’ - his Orient Express style tourist retreat near Mudgee NSW and ‘Chateau Poss’, a resort style holiday house at Byron Bay.
STOCKHOLM
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LAPLAND
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LOFOTEN ISLANDS
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TRONDHEIM
•
ALESUND
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BERGEN
•
OSLO
FEATURING: INLANDSBANAN, NORLAND, RAUMA, BERGEN AND
FLAM RAILWAYS AND THE HURTIGRUTEN COASTAL CRUISE SHIP.
DAY 1
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MONDAY 20 JULY: ARRIVE STOCKHOLM
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital of about 2 million people is built on a group of islands linked by bridges surrounded on all sides by water. Transfer from the airport on the high-speed Alanda Express train to your city centre hotel. In the evening join Scott and your fellow travellers for a celebratory welcome dinner.
Hotel: Clarion Sign Hotel (D)
DAY 2 – TUESDAY 21 JULY: STOCKHOLM
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Stockholm by bus and foot with a private guide to view the city. The extraordinary architectural styles employed in the impressive City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize receptions and the Medieval and Baroque era old town area are featured. Board the historic live steam ship for a leisurely cruise around the islands to the Royal Palace of Drottingham to tour the collections and the gardens of this charming imperial island.
Hotel: Clarion Sign Hotel (B,L)
DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY 22 JULY: STOCKHOLM
Enjoy a free morning, gathering at noon to board a vintage restaurant tram for a lunchtime excursion around the city on the tramlines. The tram tour terminates adjacent to the world renowned Vasa Museum where you are able to spend an easy afternoon enjoying the extraordinary display before the coach transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Hotel: Clarion Sign Hotel (B, L)
DAY 4 – THURSDAY 23 JULY: STOCKHOLM–OSTERSUND
Departing Stockholm we head up the coast by InterCity train to Gavle and detrain for a short tour of Sweden’s National Railway Museum, home to some of the country’s most legendary locos, royal coaches and historic equipment. Our train journey continues onto Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden’s fifth largest lake.
Dinner tonight is hosted in a popular local restaurant and features fresh produce from the region.
Hotel: Hotel Clarion Grand (B,D)
DAY 5 – FRIDAY 24 JULY: OSTERSUND–ARVIDSJAUR
This morning meet the unique Inlandsbanan train, a retro diesel rail-car, at Östersund’s picturesque station. The journey takes us north, travelling through some of Sweden’s most glorious scenery heading toward Lapland through the untamed wilderness. The train makes several stops at quaint villages and hamlets along the way to take refreshments and visit local museums and shops.
The train arrives in Arvidsjaur in the mid afternoon. Enjoy free time after checking in and an early supper is offered at the hotel before joining a special vintage steam train tour down the line and back in time. The steamer pulls up at Lake Storavan where a barbeque is set up on the beach. Take a swim, grill some sausages and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a beach party as the late night sun begins to set.
Hotel: Hotel Laponia (B,D)
DAY 6 – SATURDAY 25 JULY: ARVIDSJAUR–GALLIVARE
You will have free time until the mid afternoon, when our train departs. Relax at the hotel or explore the town and its many charms. Nestled by Lake Boliden, Avridsjaur also has a neatly laid out Sami Village, a pristine old timber church and a number of museums. The Inlandsbanan will collect you at the station in the mid afternoon for the second stage of the journey along the landscapes of crystal clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ and the city of Gällivare. This evening take an optional tour to Dundret Mountain so you can view the surrounding landscape and have a supper in the cafe with a view of the glowing midnight twilight.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Lapland (B)
DAY 7 – SUNDAY 26 JULY: GOLLIVARE–NARVIK
After breakfast at the hotel stroll across the street to catch the morning express train onto Norway. The train glides past vast iron ore mines in northern Sweden and then drops down to the Norwegian port city of Narvik via the extraordinary Ofoten Railway which is literally carved into the side
of the spectacular fjord. After checking in, visit the Ofoten Museum in Narvik located in the old NSB railway administration building that dates back to 1902. The building displays exhibitions from the battle of Norway as well as the history and culture of this wild region.
Back at the hotel, you can enjoy a beverage at the sky bar overlooking the harbour and a buffet dinner will be presented in the hotel’s atrium restaurant.
Hotel: Rica Hotel, Narvik (B,D)
DAY 8 – MONDAY 27 JULY: NARVIK–SVOLVAER
After breakfast you are treated to a scenic coach journey to the charming town of Sortland to board a Hurtigruten cruise, Norway’s famous cruise ship specialists. During the six-hour journey, sailing down to Svolvaer in the comfort of the fully appointed liner, you can marvel at the stunning scenery including the astounding Troll Fjord. This is considered the most beautiful of all the Hurtigruten journeys.
Disembark and walk straight to the hotel situated on the corner of the waterfront and the town square. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Hotel: Hotel Thon (B,D)
DAY 9 – TUESDAY 28 JULY: SVOLVAER–BODO
A local guide is on hand to greet us after breakfast and host an eye-opening half-day tour down to the Lofoten Islands. The story of the Viking era is bought vividly to life in the atmospheric Lofotr Museum and we will enjoy a light lunch with a twist in the Viking longhouse before continuing through the craggy mountains and past the wild and bountiful coast to Moskenes. A working car ferry takes us across to the busy port city of Bodø. Join Scott and the group for a feast at a local alehouse on the old wharf.
Hotel: Rica Hotel, Bodø (B,L,D)
DAY 10 – WEDNESDAY 29 JULY: BODO–TRONDHEIM
Enjoy a morning around the sites of Bodø or join Scott on an optional tour to the Air Force Museum on the outskirts of town. Bodø is the northern terminus of the main railway network south and you will board the Norland Express train at midday for the 720-kilometre scenic journey to Trondheim. The train has a well catered cafe car and your Komfort class seats offer added services. This journey delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing back over the Arctic Circle along the way. Arrive at 10.00pm and check into your hotel just a short walk from the station.
Hotel: Rica Hotel, Nidelven (B)
DAY 11 – THURSDAY 30 JULY: TRONDHEIM
The morning is devoted to exploring atmospheric Trondheim, one of the oldest cities in Norway. We take a bus tour of the city dropping us off at the cathedral to enjoy a tour of the 800 year old precinct followed by a short walking tour of the old town arriving for lunch in the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Bakklandet for lunch. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the many museums, shops and scenic spots around the city.
Hotel: Rica Hotel Nidelven (B,L)
DAY 12 – FRIDAY 31 JULY: TRONDHEIM–DOMBAS –ANDALSNES–ALESUND
Depart in the morning by train on the wonderful Norland Railway which snakes around lakes and rivers and climbs the ranges to traverse the wild treeless Alpine plateau. Change trains and have a lunch break at the junction town of Dombas in preparation for the descent down the breathtaking Rauma Railway to Ǻndalsnes. For the last leg, relax on a scenic coach journey past the lakes, waterways and mountains of the coastal region to the wonderful Art Nouveau city of Ǻlesund. Settle into the hotel and take a late afternoon walking tour of this unique town finishing off the day with a buffet dinner at the hotel.
DAY 13 – SATURDAY 1 AUGUST: ALESUND–BERGEN
Board our luxury coach for the journey overland to Bergen. It’s an epic excursion but as one traveller put it, “The trip cuts through many fjords along the way, with picture postcard scenery all day. In hindsight, I can safely say it was the most scenic bus trip of my life!”
There are a couple of interesting car ferry crossings and we stop many times for breaks, refreshments and to enjoy the many wonderful lookouts and views.
Arrive in Bergen in the evening and settle into your hotel right in the heart of the historic wharf area for the next 3 nights.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal, Bryggen (B)
DAY 14 – SUNDAY 2 AUGUST: BERGEN–GAMLE VOSSEBANEN
After breakfast wander across the wharf to board one of Bergen’s most historic steamships. Sailing up the harbour and along the estuary you’ll eventually meet up with the Gamle Vossebanen, a vintage steam train complete with dining car that runs along the original Bergen railway back toward the city. It’s a lovely round trip back in time and back to your hotel by bthe mid afternoon. Leaving plenty of time to explore the atmospheric surrounds of the world heritage listed “Wooden City”. Dinner this evening will be hosted at the hotel.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal, Bryggen (B,D)
DAY 15 – MONDAY 3 AUGUST: BERGEN
Today is a free day to enjoy the many options Bergen has to offer. Shopping, restaurants, museums, city tours and excursions are plentiful and Scott will be on hand to offer suggestions and direction.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal, Bryggen (B)
DAY 16 – TUESDAY 4 AUGUST: BERGEN – FIJORDS – FLAM - OSLO
Today’s journey, the last one of the tour, has a touch of everything. Board our coach for a trip down the sweeping escarpment of Geiranger Fjord, to meet the ferry that will navigate the dramatic waterways to Flǻm. Lunch is on your own at one of the many fine eateries and then board the famous Flam railway for the extraordinary journey up onto the high plateau on 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.
At the mountain station of Myrdal, 865 metres above sea level, the Flåm Railway meets up with the Oslo-Bergen Line for a connecting train that will take us on the stunning Bergen Railway to Oslo. Our coach will meet us in Oslo and transfer to our hotel for next 2 nights.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Oslo. (B,D)
DAY 17 – WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUST: OSLO
Oslo has a vibrant cultural life and we begin our city tour with a local guide at the stunning new Opera House and continue with the view and the history of Akershus Castle and Fortress home to a number of fascinating museums including the Museum of the resistance. Enjoy time for lunch on your own around the trendy Radhusgata and return to the hotel in your own time just a short walk away.
This evening join Scott and your fellow travellers for a sumptuous farewell dinner on the Stortingsgata.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Oslo. (B,D)
DAY 18 – THURSDAY 6 AUGUST: ONWARD TRAVEL
Your tour concludes after breakfast at the hotel, and transfers can be made for the airport or the station, if you happen to be in the need of another train journey.
SOME INFO ON THE TRAINS
FLAM RAILWAY
Work was begun on the Flåm Railway in 1923 to connect the Bergen Oslo line with the Sognefjord. It was to take 20 years to complete. It’s an incredible train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway down to Flåm station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway’s major and most spectacular tourist attractions.
The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge tracks. Nearly 80 percent of the route is on a 55% gradient, i.e: a rise of one metre per 18 metres. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are testament to the most daring and skillful engineering in the history of Norwegian railways.
On the 20-kilometre train ride, you will experience some of the most dramatic and magnificent Norwegian nature. Here you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls that plunge from the steep cliffs of the snow-capped mountain slopes, as well as mountain farms clinging onto steep slopes.
THE NORLAND (NORDLANDSBANEN)
The Norland (Nordlandsbanen) is a railway line between Trondheim and Bodø in Norway. Running for approximately 729 kilometres, it is the Norwegian railway system’s longest line, and the only one in Norway to cross the Arctic Circle. Work began on the line in 1881 and in spite of intense efforts to complete the line as part of Hitler’s expansion plans during World War Two it was not finished to Bodø until 1962. The first stage is from Trondheim to Hell. After Hell the railway passes through the towns of Stjørdal, Levanger, Verdal, Steinkjer, Mosjøen, Mo i Rana and Fauske before reaching Bodø. Unlike most of the Norwegian rail network, the Nordland Line is not electrified. Passenger traffic is fairly heavy between Trondheim and Steinkjer through the Trøndelag Commuter Rail, but is significantly lighter further north. Most passenger services are provided by diesel multiple units (DMU). There are 154 tunnels, 295 bridges and 43 stations on the route which is considered one of Europe’s most scenic journeys. The smooth and modern trains feature wi-fi internet connections, large picture windows and a Komfort Carriage for refreshments and newspapers.
THE OLD VOSS LINE
The Old Voss Line (Norwegian: Gamle Vossebanen) is a heritage railway between Garnes and Midttun near Bergen, Norway. Originally constructed as a narrow gauge line, it formed part of the Bergen to Voss railway opened in 1883. Following the decision to complete the railway to Oslo in standard gauge, the line was upgraded in 1904. Electrified in 1954, it continued to serve as part of the Bergen to Oslo main line until the 7.5-kilometre Ulriken Tunnel, which opened in 1964, resulted in the closure of the line.
Today, the museum railway is operated by the Norwegian Railway Association (Norsk Jernbaneklubb) and runs on Sundays between June and September over a distance of 18 kilometres between Garnes and Midttun, taking just under one hour. The Midttun terminus is located near Nesttun, The service operates with a type 18 steam locomotive, no. 255, built in 1913, decommissioned in 1969 and restored by volunteers between 1981 and 1993. It pulls a series of teak carriages built between 1921 and 1938. The locomotive is stored at the restored Garnes station which features a museum, engine shed, yard and turntable.
RAUMA RAILWAY
The Rauma Railway runs between Åndalsnes (4 metres above sea level) and Dombås (659 metres above sea level). At Dombås there are train connections to/from Oslo and Trondheim.
Once on board the train, all you need to do is sit back, gaze through the large windows and enjoy your journey through a landscape of wild magnificence full of contrasts.
You will see views ranging from precipitous crags plunging vertically to the valley floor among majestic, jagged alpine peaks to lush, curving hillsides climbing towards great rounded mountain plateaus that extend into unspoiled national parks. The beautiful, emerald-green River Rauma will follow you, right outside the train window, for much of your trip. The river’s character is constantly shifting – one moment flowing gently between small beaches of white sand before transforming into a wild torrent, cascading down rapids at breakneck speed. The train will run especially slowly through the most spectacular scenery, and at the famous Kylling Railway Bridge and at Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall, the train will make a complete stop.
On board the train you will be guided in Norwegian, English and German. All passengers will receive a new brochure describing the highlights of your journey and a map of the train line.
YOUR HOTELS...
Clarion Sign Hotel, Stockholm H H H H
Clarion Hotel Grand, Ostersund H H H H
Hotel Laponia, Arvidsjaur H H H H
Grand Hotel Lapland, Gallivare H H H
Rica Hotel, Narvik H H H H
Hotel Thon, Svolvaer H H H
Scandic Hotel, Bodø H H H H
Rica Hotel, Nidelven H H H H H
Rica Parken, Ǻlesund H H H H
Raddison Blu Royal, Bryggen H H H H
INCLUSIONS
• 16 nights accommodation in centrally located 3,4 and 5 star hotels with daily breakfast
• Train travel in Komfort (first class) where available • Many meals (approx. 13) in quality restaurants • Gratuities and tipping included
• Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides
• Comfortable air conditioned coach and boat transport when not on trains
• Entrance fees at all monuments, museums, and galleries • Hotel porterage where applicable
EXCLUSIONS
• International flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Drinks with meals (except for welcome and farewell dinners) • Items of a personal nature eg. telephone, laundry, minibar • Travel insurance
TOUR PRICES
Per person twin share*
$ 11450
Single supplement$ 1285
Deposit (per person)$ 500
*Single travellers may request to share.This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895
