Travel across the ‘roof of Norway’ on spellbinding train journeys to uncover the country’s majestic fjords and stylish cities

Meeting the Tour Manager at London Heathrow today, your Norwegian holiday begins with a flight to Oslo. On arrival at the airport, we board the express service to Oslo Central Station. These spacious and sleek modern trains provide an immediate glimpse of the country's effective railway system as we glide efficiently right to the heart of the Norwegian capital.

Our four-star hotel is directly outside the station and only a short distance from the 17th-century cathedral. Used for state occasions, it is encircled on three sides by the beautiful Romanesque Revival bazaars - a charming, curved arcade built in the mid-1800s to house butchers stalls, they now contain independent stores and cosy restaurants.

This evening, we take a short walk from our central hotel to a local restaurant where we get to know each other better during a three-course meal.

Norway's incredible landscapes are revealed to us after breakfast today as we enjoy a breathtaking journey along the full length of northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway.

Winding between fjords and lakes, we enter the beautiful Hallingdal Valley, before heading eastwards. We experience Norway's dramatic contrasts and discover why this route is regularly considered one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. Crossing the vast Hardangervidda plateau, we reach the isolated settlement of Finse. At 4,000 feet above sea level, this is the highest point on this spectacular route. Due to its remoteness, arctic explorers Scott and Shakleton trained in the area - and it also featured in the original Star Wars film as the ice planet of Hoth.

Emerging from the 5.5-mile-long Trollkona tunnel, we follow the shore of Veafjorden on our approach to Bergen. After checking in to our central hotel, the evening is free to explore and dine independently. As a historic harbour city and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bergen specialises in fantastic fresh seafood.

A leisurely breakfast precedes a guided sightseeing tour of Bergen. On our explorations, we visit the delightful Bryggen waterfront, with its colourful historic warehouses and narrow alleyways. Once the centre of the old Hanseatic port that played a key role in trade between Norway and the rest of Europe, this picturesque wharf was also the largest 'wooden' city in Europe.

After our tour, you could start a free afternoon at the long-standing fish market, before visiting one of the city's many galleries and museums. Bergen's Art Gallery exhibits a vast collection of works by Norwegian artists, including Edvard Munch, while the Science Museum provides a fascinating insight into industry and research in the area. For spectacular panoramas of countless scenic islands, you could ride the Fløibanen funicular to discover why Bergen is called the 'capital of the fjords'.

Dining independently tonight, you could visit one of the city's many excellent restaurants to try local specialities including persetorsk (a traditional fish dish) or reindeer meat.

Today is a highlight of the trip as we marvel at quintessential Norwegian scenes from beginning to end. Our journey begins after an early breakfast with a five-and-a-half-hour cruise through the astounding fjordland region. Sailing past remote, craggy islands, we make our way to Sognefjord - Norway's longest and deepest. As we delve further into this breathtaking landscape, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with pretty villages dwarfed by nature. Rising sharply from the water's edge, huge peaks and crashing waterfalls line our route to the shores of Aurlandsfjord and the village of Flåm.

After a short walk from the harbour, we board one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railways, the Flåm Railway. Trundling across leafy canyons for 12 miles, this is one of the world's greatest rail journeys. After pausing to admire the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall, which cascades more than 700 feet, we arrive in Myrdal and change trains for the service to Voss.

Arriving in this beautiful lakeside town, we check in to our new accommodation and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant this evening.

Waking to idyllic vistas of Vangsvatnet nestled between rolling peaks, we enjoy breakfast before walking to the boarding point for the Voss Gondola. This modern cable car takes us on a scenic 2,500-foot ascent to the summit of Mount Hangur in nine minutes. During the journey, we look out over the snow-capped peaks, evergreen forests and sparkling waters of lakes spread out before us.

With pastries and a hot drink provided at the top, you can admire the excellent views or take a short walk. The rest of your day is free to spend as you choose in one of 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 explore the history of Voss. The medieval stone church dates from the 13th century while, built just a few years later, the wooden Finnesloftet is Norway's oldest non-religious building.

There are numerous restaurants in Voss in which to dine independently tonight, including in our four-star hotel.

Retracing our tracks after breakfast, we return to Oslo by rail - enjoying the exquisite scenery and charming towns along the Bergen Railway.

After checking back in to our Oslo hotel, there's an evening at leisure to enjoy the sights and restaurants of Norway's capital as you wish. This innovative green city is regularly commended for its progressive architecture and, with a people-friendly centre that is becoming increasingly car-free with more large green spaces, it is pioneering a new future for European cities. Norwegian cuisine is revered for its creative blend of fresh ingredients, traditional methods and harmonious flavours.

Strolling through historic Christiana reveals charming early 18th-century architecture. Here, you could opt for a traditional Norwegian dinner at the city's oldest restaurant, the elegant Engebret Café. Alternatively, discover the stylish Aker Brygge boardwalk beside Oslofjord, where you can find cuisines from around the world.

A leisurely stroll after breakfast takes us to the pier for a two-hour cruise around Oslofjord, gliding through narrow inlets dotted with forested islands.

Reflecting the capital's innovation, the angled surfaces of the modern Opera House give the impression that is rising out of the water. We also view the wooden Dyna Lighthouse and Hovedøya, a strategic island that was the location of a Cistercian monastery in the 12th century. This cruise is a fitting and stirring way to bring our exploration of beautiful Norway to a conclusion.

Afterwards, the rest of the afternoon is free. This cultural city has many fascinating museums and galleries to visit, including the Munch Museum or the National Museum, which contains Edvard Munch's world-famous 'The Scream'. The neighbouring Nobel Peace Centre documents the history of the prestigious award, while Karl Johans Gate contains the Parliament building. This evening, we celebrate our journey with a final dinner at a restaurant near our hotel.

Travelling from Oslo to Bergen and back has provided incredible views of Norway's natural beauty, while explorations of these cities have given us an insight into the country's long history. Aboard sensational rail journeys and unforgettable fjord cruises, we have uncovered jaw-dropping landscapes and embraced welcoming hospitality.

After breakfast this morning, we transfer by rail to the airport ready for our flight back to the UK. Landing at London Heathrow later today, your Norwegian holiday comes to an end.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

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, 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 us to soak up the spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages.

A branch line of the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a wonderful 12.5 mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of which were drilled by hand.

The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m).

This stylish 4-Star hotel is just 350 yards from Oslo Opera House and within 15 minutes' walk from the Akershus Fortress and the National Theatre. The hotel fitness centre features an outdoor terrace with great views. A large breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and hot and cold options is served daily. The hotel's restaurant, Scala, offers Norwegian specialties and international dishes. Guest rooms have an ensuite bathroom and are equipped with armchairs, a minibar, a hairdryer, a television with a streaming service, and free Wi-Fi.

The Fleischer's Hotel is a distinctive building, dating from 1889, situated on the side of the valley overlooking Vangsvatnet lake in the mountain resort of Voss. The rest of the village is just a short walk away, and the famous Bergen Railway lies at the back of the hotel.The hotel has been visited by royalty and the aristocracy, many of whom left their mark, including Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm, whose private commode stands on display in the hotel lobby. The hotel boasts a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and solarium, as well as a restaurant and bar.

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

Located next to Bergen's train station, this modern 4-Star hotel is a short distance from the city centre. On-site facilities include a bar and a restaurant, while the decoration is contemporary in style. Guest rooms boast Nordic design and come equipped with feature free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, desk and hairdryer.

Known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of Bergen, this iconic 4-Star hotel has been welcoming guests since 1928. Recently renovated, it's located outside the city's train station. The Amundsen Bar & Bistro serves local and international cuisine, and also boasts an award-winning collection of whiskies. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minbar and hairdryer.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

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. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. 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.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.