Norway : The Great Nordic Odyssey

Swedish delights
After a stay in delightful Stockholm, fly north to Kiruna and transfer to the ICEHOTEL where you’ll spend the next two nights (one in a standard Snow Room and one in a warm room). There you’ll have a full day to explore the picturesque surrounds on a choice of optional excursions.

The Hurtigruten
Travel by train and bus through the dramatic wilds of Lapland, across the Norwegian border to the port of Harstad. After an overnight stay in Harstad, board the Hurtigruten for a scenic 3 night voyage south to the historic city of Bergen, with several stops en route. If the nights are clear, there is a good chance of enjoying displays of the northern lights during the voyage.

Winter wonderland
Norway’s fjords and coastline are impressive at any time of year but especially so in winter, when the rugged mountain peaks are dusted with snow and literally sparkle in the winter sunshine. Sail past Lofoten and Vesteralen and through narrow straits that divide the many idyllic islands and visit far-flung coastal towns.

There is also the possibility of seeing orca, although this is subject to their feeding patterns. There will be time ashore to explore the historic cities of Trondheim and glorious Bergen, where the voyage ends. In fact, the tour has been extended by popular demand to include more time in the city.

On to Oslo
For the last part of this memorable holiday board the train to Oslo on a journey through valleys flanked by impossibly high mountains. Cross the snow-blanketed plateau, descending through forest and farmland for an evening arrival in Oslo. Spend the night in Norway’s beautiful capital city, before returning to the UK.

Please note the Hurtigruten ships vary from older, beautifully authentic vessels to larger and more modern ships. Although cabins have private facilities, berths may be either twin or bunk. You will be advised the name of the ship at the time of booking, however this will be subject to change, should Hurtigruten need to make operational alterations.

OUTWARD TRAVEL IS VIA STOCKHOLM, THE RETURN VIA OSLO. If you wish to extend your stay in these capital cities or at the ICEHOTEL contact us for further details.