Journey across Norway’s snow-covered landscapes by rail, discovering majestic fjords and elegant cities transformed by the magic of winter

Your Norwegian holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group ahead of your flight to Bergen, via Oslo.

On arrival, we are transferred by coach to our centrally located hotel, the perfect base for exploring the city. Located in the heart of the fjords and framed by snow-dusted mountains, Bergen offers the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, rich culture and winter magic. You might choose to relax at the hotel after your journey or take a stroll to familiarise yourself with the local surroundings.

This evening, we enjoy our first group dinner of the holiday at our hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, we head out on a guided sightseeing tour of Bergen, taking in sights such as the picturesque Bryggen waterfront, with its colourful buildings and narrow alleyways. This historic wharf is a reminder of the town's importance as part of the Hanseatic League's trading empire and was also the largest 'wooden' city in Europe.

After the tour, you are at leisure to explore more of the city at your own pace, perhaps sampling some fresh seafood at the long-standing fish market or visiting one of the city's many galleries and museums. Bergen's Art Gallery showcases an extensive range of pieces by Norwegian artists, featuring works by Edvard Munch. Meanwhile, the Science Museum offers an engaging look into the region's industrial heritage and scientific advancements.

Dining independently tonight, you have a wide choice of bars and restaurants in the city to visit. Bergen cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location, with local specialties including Bergen fish soup and persetorsk (marinated cod).

This morning after breakfast, we take in Bergen from a new perspective with a round trip on the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen. With free time at the top, discover why Bergen is called the 'capital of the fjords' and take in the spectacular panoramic views over the city, fjords and mountains, or take a short walk along one of the scenic trails - all blanketed in snow.

After time to admire the views, we enjoy a relaxing three-course lunch in the mountaintop restaurant, where traditional Norwegian flavours are paired with incredible views of Bergen and its surroundings.

Returning to the city, the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure back in Bergen. You might choose to wander the charming, cobbled streets of Bryggen, browse the city's independent shops and galleries or perhaps simply relax with a hot drink and take in the wintry surroundings.

Checking out of our Bergen hotel after breakfast this morning, we head to the station for a rail journey to Voss. On arrival in this beautiful lakeside town, we take a short walk to the Voss Gondola boarding point.

This modern cable car takes us on a scenic 2,500-foot ascent to the summit of Mount Hangur in just nine minutes. Along the way, we take in sweeping views of snow-dusted forests, mountains and lakes below. At the top, pastries and a hot drink are served as you soak up the scenery or take a short walk.

After our return journey on the Voss Gondola, we travel by coach to Flåm, a village at the head of Aurlandsfjord known for its breathtaking fjords. Arriving this afternoon, there's time to get to know your surroundings before we enjoy dinner together at our hotel this evening.

Waking in Flåm this morning, we enjoy breakfast before travelling by coach to the nearby village of Gudvangen, where we step back in time a thousand years with a visit to the Viking Valley of Njardarheimr. Here, you can wander through the village, meet the working Vikings and gain a fascinating insight into daily life during the Viking Age.

Following our time soaking up Viking history, we board a modern, environmentally friendly boat for a peaceful cruise back to Flåm. Designed to enhance the sightseeing experience, the boat glides silently through the fjords, allowing us to fully appreciate the breathtaking winter scenery. Enjoy serene views of still, icy waters, snow-covered peaks and dramatic waterfalls, some of which may be frozen.

Arriving back in Flåm this afternoon, we disembark and the rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure. You might choose to unwind at the hotel or explore the village's cosy winter charm, before reconvening for dinner together this evening.

We embark on a highlight of the trip after breakfast today, with a journey on the cherished Flåm Railway, one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railways.

Walking a short distance to the train station, we board this beloved train to Myrdal. The scenic line travels through dramatic fjord landscapes and leafy canyons, before making a stop to admire the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall, often frozen in winter. On arrival in Myrdal, we change trains for a journey to Oslo, where you can sit back and enjoy stunning views of Norway's rugged landscapes.

Arriving in Oslo this afternoon, we check in to our centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free is to explore some of Norway's capital. You might choose to visit the iconic Oslo Opera House, enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront or wander through historic Christiana, revealing charming early 18th-century architecture.

After breakfast, we take a gentle walk to the pier from our hotel where we board our boat for a two-hour cruise around Oslofjord. As we glide through tranquil inlets dotted with forested islands, you'll catch views of Oslo's iconic landmarks, including the modern Opera House that seems to emerge from the water, the charming wooden Dyna Lighthouse and Hovedøya island, with its rich history as a 12th-century monastery site.

After our scenic cruise, the afternoon is yours to explore Oslo at your leisure. Dive into the city's cultural scene with a visit to the Munch Museum or the National Museum, home to Edvard Munch's famous painting 'The Scream', stroll the trendy Grünerløkka area or stop by a cosy café to warm up with a hot drink or traditional Norwegian pastry.

This evening, we gather for our final dinner together at a local restaurant.

On this scenic seasonal journey through Norway, we have explored Bergen and admired panoramic views from the Fløibanen funicular before journeying deep into Norway's winter landscapes on the iconic Flåm Railway. From the peaceful lakeside town of Voss to the cultural heart of Oslo, we have uncovered the country's natural beauty and cultural Viking heritage with an unforgettable rail journey and serene cruises on Nærøyfjord and Oslofjord.

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.

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).

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, a desk, a flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a long-standing favourite with Great Rail Journeys' customers. Built on an old farm, the villa is located by the cobalt blue waters of Sognefjord, set in a valley alongside cliffs that rise sharply into the clouds. The interior is tastefully decorated with glazed floors and wood panelling, while the in-house bar offers exclusive views of the fjord - the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day.

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.

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.