Experience beautiful fjords, stylish cities and travel across the ‘roof of Norway’

We depart London Heathrow aboard our flight to Oslo. Situated beside a fjord and surrounded by forest-covered mountains, this beautiful city is known as the green capital thanks to its lush parks and stunning scenery. Oslo is also a cultural hub with many museums, galleries and theatres - and our hotel is close to the Oslo Opera House.

Travelling along the full length of Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway, we admire the natural landscapes of forests, fjords and snowy mountainsides as we journey towards Bergen, a harbour-based city surrounded by seven scenic mountains. Other highlights on our journey include the Trollkona tunnel, the longest on the line at 5.5 miles, the pretty Hallingdal Valley and the Hallingdalselva River, which flows to Lake Krøderen, and Norefjell mountain.

We set out on a guided city tour, visiting the delightful Bryggen waterfront, the city's old Hanseatic trading wharf and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic quarter, with its charming timber houses, is the oldest part of Bergen, with some buildings dating back to the 15th century. Afterwards, we make our way to the city's time-honoured fish market. The rest of your day is free to visit one of the city's many galleries and museums. Bergen's Art Gallery exhibits a vast collection of works by local Norwegian artists, including many pieces by Edvard Munch, best known for his famous expressionist painting 'The Scream'. Meanwhile, the city's Science Muse-um provides a fascinating insight into industry and research in the area.

We cross Norway's incredible fjordland region today, travelling through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes by boat. Our cruise takes us to the shores of Aurlandsfjord, where the village of Flåm is nestled. Here, we join the Flåm Railway, taking us 12 miles to the mountain station of Myrdal, via a multitude of twists and turns. Trundling past crystal-clear waterfalls and through leafy canyons, we witness some of the finest Norwegian landscapes on offer. Running along several mountains, the Flåm Railway is an impressive feat of engineering and one of the steepest railway lines in the world, adding to the lofty views we enjoy. We cross the mighty Kjossfossen Waterfall, which plummets over 700 feet, before changing trains for the service to Voss, a beautiful town nestled between Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.

Please Note - For departure 21/06/2024 in Voss you will stay at the Park Hotel Vossevangen.

We make the short walk to the boarding point for the Voss Gondola, a cable car which takes us on a scenic ascent into the mountains to the summit station at Hangurstoppen. During the journey, we look out over the snow-capped peaks, evergreen forests and sparking waters of the fjords spread out before us. At the top, you can visit the restaurant, head out on one of the signposted walking trails or just sit and admire the views. The rest of your day is free in one of the Norway's most popular destinations for getting back to nature. Encircled by high mountains, wooded valleys, cascading waterfalls and meandering rivers, you could relax in these picturesque surroundings or take a bus to one of the nearby towns for some shopping, or a drink and snack at a local café.

We return to Oslo today by rail, walking from the station to the pier to begin our cruise of the glorious Oslo fjords.

This evening, our final night in Norway, we dine together at our hotel.

After a leisurely morning in Oslo, we check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight back to London Heathrow.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip through southern Norway links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The harsh climate experienced in this part of the world has produced a landscape that is breathtaking and wild, and the Bergen Railway enables you to soak up spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages.

The Flåm Railway takes you from waterside Flåm to mountainous Myrdal, passing impressive waterfalls, leafy canyons and large fjords along the way. Climbing into the surrounding peaks, the route is a majorly impressive feat of rail engineering, particularly as its one of the steepest railways in the world - operating on a gradient of 5.5%. The carriages are rustic with traditional wooden benches and large panoramic windows.

A five minute ride to the top of Fløyen mountain on the Fløibanen Funicular affords magnificent views of Bergen, Norway's second city. 320 metres above sea level, Fløyen is the peak of a spectacular short rail climb.

The elegant 3-Star Thon Hotel Bristol is located in central Bergen, 450 yards from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Waterfront. Breakfast is served in the top floor restaurant which has a view over the city. Coffee and tea is available in the lobby. The brightly decorated guest rooms have private bathrooms with a shower, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Each room is equipped with a minibar, desk, flatscreen TV and free Wi-Fi.

In Oslo, you stay in the modern 4* Thon Hotel Opera. Located next to Oslo Central Station and overlooking the famous Opera House, the hotel features a bar, restaurant with fjord views, and a terrace. Additionally, there is an operathemed lounge for guests to relax in. Only fifteen minutes' walk from local attractions, such as the Akershus Fortress and the National Theatre, the Thon Hotel Opera is the perfect base from which to explore Oslo.

Next to the train station in Voss is our hotel, the 4-Star Scandic Voss. Overlooking Lake Vangsvatnet, this wooden-clad hotel has a bar and restaurant, as well as a spacious terrace boasting lake views. On site, you'll also find an exercise room and sauna as well as a lounge area for relaxing in. Guest rooms are spacious and feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, tea & coffee making facilities and mini fridges.

Flight upgrades are available. Please contact us for details.

We appreciate that many of our customers travel from a variety of places in the UK to St Pancras International in London to join our tours. Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions.

At Rail Discoveries we can book special fares issued in conjunction with your tour. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

As our tours generally commence at St Pancras International during the morning of the first day (or at Heathrow Airport for holidays beginning with a flight), it is often more convenient to make your way to London the previous day, so you are fresh and rested before joining your tour.

Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home. Alternatively, you may simply wish to enjoy London's many attractions, activities and entertainment options... the theatres, the museums, the parks and the shops are all waiting to be explored!

Whatever your reasons, why not take a little time before or after your Rail Discoveries tour to see what the UK's capital city has to offer? We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or at Heathrow Airport for the night before or after your holiday. Please ask for prices and details.