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Rails & Fjords of Norway
offered by supplier M09457 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 10
day(s)
Group Size: 25
- 65
people
Destination(s):
Norway
Specialty Categories:
Railway Trips
Cultural Journey
Season: July
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1795 Pound Sterling (GBP)
Maximum Per Person Price: 2020 Pound Sterling (GBP)
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Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Oslo
The morning flight from London Heathrow takes us to Oslo to check into our hotel for two nights. In the afternoon, we have time for a sightseeing tour of this rapidly developing city. At this time of year Norway has 18 hours of daylight which is great for exploring on our tour. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Steam on Krøderbanen and Urskog Railways
We travel by private coach to Vikersund to join a steam hauled train on the Krøderbanen, Norway’s longest preserved line at 16 miles. Our journey, in carriages built of teak, passes through changing scenery. In the afternoon, the coach takes us to the Urskog-Hølandsbanen 750mm-gauge preserved railway where we have chartered a steam-hauled train. There will be opportunities for photo run pasts. We return to our hotel in Oslo. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Bergen Railway
We leave Oslo on the Bergen Railway, one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys, taking in lush forests, snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes and thundering waterfalls. After Ustaoset, at 4,000 feet the highest point on the line, we continue across barren and windswept mountain plateaus with everlasting snow. Our train continues downhill to Bergen, arriving mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free for sightseeing, perhaps going to the fish market, strolling along the busy quayside or visiting the home of Edvard Grieg. Alternatively ride the famous funicular to the highest point to gaze down on the city and the sea. We stay at the Hotel Terminus in Bergen for three nights. Includes: (B, D).
Day 4: Cruise Sognefjord and ride the Flåmsbanan
Bergen is the gateway to the fjords, and today we board a ship and cruise along the Sognefjord to Balestrand and Flåm. Sogne Fjord is the world’s longest fjord and is sheltered by surrounding rugged mountains. Quiet inlets and pretty villages seem to cling to its sides. We arrive in Flåm and have time to explore this pretty little spot. In the afternoon we ride Flåmsbanan to Myrdal railway which climbs 2,800 feet in 12 miles. The train stops by the famous waterfall for photographs. We change at Myrdal to catch the train back to Bergen. Includes: (B, D).
Day 5: Bergen, Garnes to Midttun
We have a free morning to explore Bergen. Mid afternoon, a coach will transfer us to the Gamle Vossebanen, near Garnes. Here we take our chartered train from Garnes to Midttun hauled by an ex-main line steam locomotive. The line is 11 miles (18 km) long and photo run pasts will be arranged; there will also be two stops en route at restored stations. The journey passes through the Arna valley and the scenery changes to dramatic mountainsides that rise straight out of the fjord. The Vossebanen was a huge hit when IRT travelers did this several years ago! Please note that dinner is not included tonight giving you the opportunity to try one of Bergen’s excellent restaurants. Includes: (B, L).
Day 6: Cruise to Stavanger
We leave Bergen on the morning ferry bound for Stavanger for an enjoyable cruise through the calm coastal waters of the southwestern fjords of Norway. We transfer by coach from the harbor to the station in Stavanger to board the train for Kristiansand, staying here overnight. Includes: (B, D).
Day 7: Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway
A road coach will take us to Grovane where we join a steam charter train along the Setesdalsbanen. This is a 1067mm narrow gauge railway that has some rare types of locomotives including two delightful Dubbs tank locomotives, built in 1894. Later we join a regular train from Kristiansand via Oslo to Hamar, where we stay overnight. Includes: (B, D).
Day 8: National Railway Museum; Rauma Line
Today we visit the National Railway Museum at Hamar to view the national collection and take a trip on their steam operated museum line. We then board an early afternoon train north, including the spectacular Rauma Line from Dombås to Åndalsnes. Continue by road to Ålesund where we stay overnight. Ålesund is Norway’s fishing capital and is situated on several islands. Includes: (B, D).
Day 9: Cruise the Geiranger Fjord
We join our ship for a full day cruise along the Geiranger Fjord. which is renowned for its high and very scenic waterfalls. We should arrive back to Ålesund early evening when there will be further time to explore this “art nouveau” town by the sea. Overnight accommodation is again in Ålesund. Includes: (B, D).
Day 10: Tour ends
Today we transfer from Ålesund to Oslo by train to catch our afternoon flight back to London. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Deposit required: $300 per person
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Norway
Local Culture
Railway Trips
Cultural Journey
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