Day 1: Oslo
The morning flight from London Heathrow takes you to Oslo to check into a hotel for two nights. In the afternoon, there is 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 this tour. (D) Day 2: Steam on Krøderbanen and Urskog Railways
Travel by private coach to Vikersund to join a steam hauled train on the Krøderbanen, Norway’s longest preserved line at 16 miles. The journey, in carriages built of teak, passes through changing scenery. In the afternoon, the coach takes you to the Urskog-Hølandsbanen 750mm-gauge preserved railway where IRT has chartered a steam-hauled train. There will be opportunities for photo run pasts. Return to your hotel in Oslo. (B,L,D) Day 3: Bergen Railway
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, continue across barren and windswept mountain plateaus with everlasting snow. The 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. Stay at the Hotel Terminus in Bergen for three nights. (B,D) Day 4: Cruise Sognefjord and Ride the Flåmsbanan
Bergen is the gateway to the fjords, and today you 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. You arrive in Flåm and have time to explore this pretty little spot. In the afternoon, ride Flåmsbanan to Myrdal railway that climbs 2,800 feet in 12 miles. The train stops by the famous waterfall for photographs. Change at Myrdal to catch the train back to Bergen. (B,D) Day 5: Bergen, Garnes to Midttun
You have a free morning to explore Bergen. Mid afternoon, a coach will transfer you to the Gamle Vossebanen, near Garnes. Here, take a 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. (B,L) Day 6: Cruise to Stavanger
Leave Bergen on the morning ferry bound for Stavanger for an enjoyable cruise through the calm coastal waters of the southwestern fjords of Norway. Transfer by coach from the harbor to the station in Stavanger to board the train for Kristiansand, staying here overnight. (B,D) Day 7: Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway
A road coach will take you to Grovane where you 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, join a regular train from Kristiansand via Oslo to Hamar, where you stay overnight. (B,D) Day 8: National Railway Museum; Rauma Line
Visit the National Railway Museum at Hamar to view the national collection and take a trip on their steam operated museum line. Then board an early afternoon train north, including the spectacular Rauma Line from Dombås to Åndalsnes. Continue by road to Ålesund where you stay overnight. Ålesund is Norway’s fishing capital and is situated on several islands. (B,D) Day 9: Cruise the Geiranger Fjord
Join the ship for a full-day cruise along the Geiranger Fjord, renowned for its high and very scenic waterfalls. You should arrive back to Ålesund early evening when there will be further time to explore this “art nouveau” town by the sea. Overnight accommodations are again in Ålesund. (B,D) Day 10: Tour Ends
Transfer from Ålesund to Oslo by train to catch an afternoon flight back to London. (B) |
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