Ultimate Scandinavia and The Polar Express

Meeting our fellow travellers and Tour Manager at London St Pancras this morning, we embark on our overland trip to Scandinavia by boarding the Eurostar to Brussels. Travelling in Standard Premier Class, we enjoy a light meal at our seats before arriving in the Belgian capital.

From here, we travel in First Class to Bremen, via Cologne. Arriving in this attractive city on the banks of the Weser this evening, Bremen is an appropriate place to begin our explorations. An important trading centre in the Middle Ages, Bremen was part of the Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchant towns stretching from York in the west, through Bergen in Norway and the Swedish coast to the Baltic states and Russia in the east.

After checking in to our 4-Star hotel near the station, we get to know one another better over dinner together in the hotel's restaurant.

• Dinner
• Eurostar Meal

After a relaxed breakfast at our hotel this morning, we travel by rail to Hamburg, where we board a train bound for Copenhagen.

On the way to the Danish capital, we cross the Rendsburg High Bridge, an early 20th-century iron cantilever bridge over the Kiel Canal. At a height of 130ft, it is large enough to let container ships sail underneath and provides great views of the surrounding area. As Rendsburg station is only a short distance away, the track has to complete a full loop to descend to ground level. Travelling through the Danish archipelago, we cross further bridges on our way to Zealand, the most populous of Denmark's islands.

Arriving in Copenhagen this evening, we check in to our 4-Star hotel overlooking the city hall near the famous Tivoli Gardens, before dining at a nearby restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we get to know our new surroundings better as we embark on a guided tour of Copenhagen, seeing the city's most famous sights.

Arriving at the stunning Amalienborg Palace, we can admire this large octagonal structure surrounded by four identical classical palaces - one of which is home to Denmark's monarch, King Frederik X. We then head to the world-famous Little Mermaid statue, honouring Hans Christian Andersen's much-loved fairytale. This diminutive bronze sculpture depicting the mermaid as she becomes human has captivated visitors since it was installed in the early 1900s. Afterwards, we set sail on a cruise along the Nyhavn Canal, the 17th-century waterfront bedecked by colourful buildings, charming bridges and historic boats that was once the home of Hans Christian Andersen. Today it buzzes with visitors and people relaxing at the many restaurants and café bars.

The rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. Near our hotel, you could enjoy the renowned Tivoli Gardens. This evening, you might like to try some of Denmark's celebrated New Nordic cuisine.

• Breakfast, Lunch

We leave Copenhagen after breakfast this morning, travelling by rail to the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

As the train winds out of the Danish capital, we cross the iconic Øresund Bridge that links Copenhagen with the Swedish city of Malmö. Europe's longest combined road and rail bridge was notably featured in the TV series The Bridge, which played a key role in introducing the world to the 'Nordic noir' crime fiction genre.

Leaving Malmö and historic Lund, we delve deep into the scenic Swedish countryside. Picturesque red wooden houses, thick boreal forests and peaceful lakes dapple the landscape as we journey through Sweden's atmospheric inland. After leaving Norrköping look out for the shimmering Bråviken, an attractive inlet that spills out into the chilly Baltic Sea.

As the train makes its way into Stockholm, we can enjoy delightful views of the waterways and charming Gamla Stan. Our 4-Star hotel in Stockholm is centrally located near the station. We check in for two nights and have dinner in the hotel's restaurant this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A guided tour introduces us to Sweden's capital this morning. Stockholm brims with more than 750 years of history and flourished as a trading centre, before spreading to surrounding islands - receiving the nickname 'the city between the bridges'.

Our first stop is the red-brick City Hall, a dominating landmark by the water and the place where Nobel Prizes are awarded. Travelling by coach, we also explore verdant Långholm, elegant Östermalm and the parkland island of Djurgården. During the tour, we stop for 'fika', a Swedish institution where friends gather for a relaxing coffee and cake. One of the day's highlights is experiencing the old-world charm of Gamla Stan - Stockholm's remarkably well-preserved medieval Old Town. Wandering picturesque, cobbled streets lined by pastel-hued buildings, we arrive at the Baroque Royal Palace, the sprawling official residence of the Swedish monarch.

The rest of the day is free to spend as you choose, perhaps taking a boat tour. This evening, you may opt to discover Stockholm's burgeoning reputation for stylish and inventive cuisine at one of the city's many excellent restaurants.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Boarding an InterCity train this morning, we travel inland to Östersund for the night. Vast expanses of dense forests stretch out all around as we head into the Swedish interior, dashing past tranquil lakes on our way to our destination - the largest town in the vicinity.

Set on the shores of Storsjön Lake, Sweden's fifth largest lake, Östersund is the country's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy. It is a major cultural and transportation centre with a charming centre, and also nurtures an enduring legend about the lake's rarely sighted monster. Storsjöodjuret ('the great lake monster') reportedly emerged from the chilly waters into the town in 1635 and has been spotted infrequently ever since. Generally described as serpentine with multiple humps, it's yet to be caught on camera, but for a time had a law ensuring its protection!

Arriving this afternoon, there is free time to explore. You might like to visit Jamtli Museum - a collection of three museums showcasing the art and history of the local area. Tonight, you can dine independently, perhaps enjoying local specialities including char and moose.

• Breakfast

Early this morning, we take the slow train towards the untamed wilderness of Swedish Lapland. The route snakes north from Östersund through the 'backbone of Sweden' and provides wonderful opportunities to view pristine landscapes. Enroute, we can sit back and admire endless forests of pine, spruce and birch through our windows. There is also the chance we may catch glimpses of native wildlife including moose, elk and reindeer.

Our destination is Sorsele, where we have some time to visit the Inlandsbanan Museum, before continuing by coach to a nearby Sámi village. Here, we observe how the indigenous 'forest Sámi' live, viewing their traditional buildings, hearing about their practices and being introduced to the reindeer herd.

Afterwards, we continue through the boreal backcountry to our hotel in Arjeplog, where we have dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening overlooking Sweden's deepest lake.

*Please note: Departures before the end of June, and after August will travel by coach to Sorsele, rather than on the train

• Breakfast, Dinner

The impressive vastness of northern Sweden is revealed today as we travel by coach along long, straight roads through spellbinding forests and beside glassy lakes to Jokkmokk. On the approach to this remote Sámi town, we stop at the point we cross the Arctic Circle, entering the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. To mark the occasion, we take part in a small ceremony before continuing to Jokkmokk in Swedish Lapland.

An important centre for Sámi culture, Jokkmokk is home to the Ájtte museum, which we visit. With exhibits and crafts demonstrating Sámi life and culture, we discover more about the indigenous people and the land they have called home for thousands of years - known as Sápmi. We learn about Sápmi's demanding climate and environment, a blend of tundra, wetlands and mountains where the Sámi have hunted, fished and herded reindeer.

Leaving Jokkmokk, we return by coach to our hotel in Arjeplog, having dinner together on arrival.

• Breakfast, Dinner

So called because of a historic trading route taking silver to the Norwegian coast, we embark on a journey on the Silver Road after breakfast today.

Travelling through Swedish Lapland's deep forests and beside grand, rolling mountains, this magical route regularly opens out to reveal incredible views of crystalline lakes. Scarcely populated, we admire a scattering of charming red, wooden huts as we once again cross the Arctic Circle on our approach to Norway. Winding down among unspoiled river valleys, we make our way to our first beautiful fjord, Saltdal Fjord. From our coach windows, we can immerse ourselves in the spectacular scenery as we journey to our destination, Bodø.

This thriving city was named as a European Capital of Culture for 2024. To uncover Bodø's history as an important port, we visit the Jekt Trade Museum to view traditional wooden ships that were used to transport dried fish along the coast. We then continue to our hotel overlooking the idyllic marina with views across to nearby islands, where we enjoy dinner together.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a relaxed morning in Bodø, with chance to admire its attractive waterfront, we head to the train station for an unforgettable journey on the Nordland Railway.

Affectionately known as the Polar Express due to the picture-book scenes enjoyed as it makes its way through some of Norway's most amazing landscapes, we can sit back and admire the picturesque vistas enroute. Gliding along the shimmering shore of Skjerstad Fjord, we head south into breathtaking valleys. From our comfortable carriage, we watch as an impressive array of seemingly inaccessible mountain vistas, tranquil fjords, glimmering lakes even the spectacular Svartisen Glacier roll by our windows. There is also the chance we might see reindeer in the mountains or the elusive sea eagle soaring over the picturesque coast. In the height of summer, the sun may illuminate our entire journey, giving us the spectacular experience of nearly 24-hour daytime.

Our destination is Verdalsøra, from where we transfer to our hotel in the nearby historic village of Stiklestad.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking up in the village of Stiklestad, we are cast back in time to the Viking age. Immediately outside our hotel, we encounter an ancient landscape and embark on a guided tour of this important site in Norwegian history.

Olaf II is considered to be the first king of all Norway and was also responsible for the shift towards Christianity. In 1030, his 3,600-strong force met an army of farmers and peasants here. Olaf was killed during the Battle of Stiklestad and a charming church has been built over the spot where it is believed the fatal blow was struck. One man who survived the battle was Olaf's half-brother, Harald Hardrada, who went on to be crowned king before his death at the Battle of Stamford Bridge near York in 1066.

Later made a saint, King Olaf is viewed as the 'eternal king of Norway', and his body was laid to rest in Trondheim. It is a journey we retrace after lunch as we transfer to this coastal city by coach, where there is free time before dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We meet an expert local guide after breakfast, who shares some of their knowledge of this historic city on a sightseeing tour.

Exploring Trondheim's Old Quarter, known to locals as Bakklandet, we admire traditional painted wooden houses, cobblestone streets and colourful waterside buildings. Our guide also shows us the impressive 18th-century Baroque Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in northern Europe.

The rest of the day is free to continue sightseeing at your own pace. There are many attractions waiting to be explored, such as the Ringve Music Museum and the 12th-century Archbishop's Palace - a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries. Nidaros Cathedral, the world's most northernmost Gothic cathedral, was built in the 13th century and is an architectural masterpiece, with its remarkable rose window depicting the day of judgement.

Vibrant Trondheim has an impressive range of restaurants for you to try tonight, from tapas and Italian food to vegan and Asian cuisine.

• Breakfast

An astonishing journey awaits after an early breakfast as we travel by rail, road and ferry to picturesque Geiranger.

Leaving Trondheim by train, we wind past picturesque hamlets and villages to Dombås, where we change trains for a stunning journey along the scenic Rauma Railway. Considered one of Norway's most beautiful train lines, this amazing route glides beside azure rivers and emerald forests before the vistas become even more spectacular. Crossing the 100-year-old Kylling Bridge, we soon pause to admire the rushing Verma waterfall before entering the jaw-dropping Romsdalen Valley. Staggering mountains gather round as we marvel at the majesty of nature, including the Trollveggen, or Troll Wall, Europe's tallest vertical rock face.

Arriving at Åndalsnes on Romsdalfjord, we travel by coach up the twisting Trolls Ladder, revealing breathtaking glimpses of some of Norway's most incredible scenery at each turn. This spellbinding trip continues as we cross serene Norddalsfjord by ferry. The final leg of this incredible journey sees us descend the magnificent Eagle Road to Geiranger and our hotel, basking in unforgettable views of its iconic fjord.

• Breakfast, Dinner

With one of the country's most-loved fjords on our doorstep, we wake to find ourselves immersed in a glorious panorama of quintessential Norwegian scenery. After breakfast, we get closer to this spectacular landscape as we set sail on the calm waters of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.

Acclaimed for its unique landscape, this nine-mile-long branch of Storfjord (meaning 'Great Fjord') boasts towering cliff walls while, along its shores, a number of waterfalls plunge from mountainous forests. As we cruise, the scenery envelops us in a world of colour and contrasts - the lush green of the trees contrasting with the blue water and brilliant white of distant snow-capped peaks. When it rains, waterfalls appear seemingly from nowhere, cascading majestically into the water below.

Disembarking in Hellesylt, we continue by coach to Hornindalsvatn - Europe's deepest lake at more than 1,600 feet. Keep an eye out for the lake's mythical monster lurking beneath its crystal-clear surface. Returning to Geiranger, there is a free afternoon at leisure to relax or soak up the incredible views.

• Breakfast

Departing Geiranger after breakfast, we pause to admire the view of its fjord one last time at the Dalsnibba viewpoint. At a staggering 4,500 feet, this is Europe's highest fjord view from a road and provides a breathtaking panorama over this spectacular part of the world.

Our day is an exhibition of Norway's natural splendour as we are constantly dazzled by a glittering display of awe-inspiring beauty. Tranquil fjords snake between rolling mountains wrapped in verdant forests. Glacier-lined valleys are channelled between piercing peaks often still topped by snow in late spring. Enroute, we stop at Kaupanger's unique stave church. Believed to have been built in the 12th century, it is the largest of its kind in Vestland county and displays unique wooden architecture.

A ferry transports us across Sognefjord, Norway's longest, before our coach enters the Lærdal Tunnel. With a length of more than 15 miles, this is the world's longest road tunnel and takes us almost all the way to beautiful Flåm and our 4-Star hotel, where we have dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a highlight of our Scandinavian tour as we take to the water this morning for a fjord cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. The mind-blowing majesty of these incredible fjords is uncovered as we sail through a monumental landscape of pretty villages dwarfed by nature. Rising sharply from the water's edge, huge peaks and crashing waterfalls line the route to charming Gudvangen. On arrival, we return to Flåm by coach, ready for another unforgettable experience.

Often described as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, we board the Flåm Railway to remote Myrdal. As one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railways, the route winds up to a height of 2,844 feet above sea level, through verdant valleys and breathtaking scenery, often snow-covered. Enroute, the train stops so we can admire the cascading Kjosfossen waterfall as it bounces down the hillside. An amazing display of craggy mountains, raging waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers reveals itself all along the route.

In Myrdal, our delightful day continues as we travel onwards to beautiful Bergen and our hotel for two nights.

• Breakfast

Formerly the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries, Bergen brims with history. During a guided sightseeing tour after breakfast, we get to experience the colourful Bryggen Waterfront, once Europe's largest 'wooden' city.

This picturesque wharf of centuries-old wooden buildings was the centre of the old Hanseatic port that played a key role in trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. The evocative buildings and narrow streets of this UNESCO-listed district transport visitors back in time.

Our tour ends at the fantastic fish market before there is a free afternoon to continue exploring on your own. You could visit the Bryggens Museum to view the world's largest collection of runic inscriptions, or you might like to take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to enjoy spectacular views across countless scenic islands, providing a great sense of why Bergen is called the 'capital of the fjords'.

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bergen boasts excellent restaurants for you to choose from this evening. Many serve up local delights ranging from persetorsk (a traditional fish dish) to reindeer meat.

• Breakfast

It's one of Europe's most revered train journeys and we experience it in full from the comfort of our premium carriages after a leisurely morning.

Delivering phenomenal views of Norway's untamed scenery, we embark on the jaw-dropping Bergen Railway, the highest in northern Europe. Nature is the star on this trip through the Norwegian interior and, as we approach the summit of the route, it feels as if we are completely alone in nature. Sitting at 4,000 feet above sea level, the isolated settlement of Finse is the highest point on the route. A popular training ground for arctic explorers including Scott and Shackleton, Finse was also the filming location for the remote ice planet of Hoth in Star Wars.

As we relax on board, we can look out for wild reindeer and arctic foxes as we cross the Hardanger Plateau before the route makes its descent through deep forests to Oslo. On arrival in Norway's stylish capital, we enjoy dinner before checking in to our hotel near the station.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Regularly praised for its stylish, modern architecture, Oslo is pioneering a new future for our cities. After breakfast this morning we embark on a guided coach tour of the Norwegian capital, beginning at the modern Opera House. Appearing as if it is rising from the water, the angled surfaces of this auditorium's exterior are covered with marble and white granite. People are encouraged to walk on the building's slopes when the weather is appropriate, and those who do are rewarded with some of the best views across Oslofjord.

We also view the Royal Palace. Set within 54 acres of parkland, this grand 19th-century neoclassical palace is the official residence of Norway's monarch. With a free afternoon, you could visit the Aker Brygge district known for its pier and interesting eateries, where you could enjoy dinner independently this evening. Oslo boasts many excellent restaurants specialising in new Nordic cuisine and fresh seafood. Alternatively, maybe opt for a traditional Norwegian dinner at the city's oldest restaurant, the elegant Engebret Café near Christiana Torv.

• Breakfast

After breakfast today, there is plenty of time to sightsee independently. Oslo is famed for its many world-class museums including the Munch Museum and the National Museum, containing works by celebrated expressionist painter Edvard Munch, renowned for 'The Scream'. You could also take to the water for a gentle cruise around idyllic Oslofjord, perhaps stopping at the Fram Museum to view a 19th-century ship used for polar exploration, or the Norsk Folk Museum, which contains historic buildings from all across Norway.

Leaving our hotel this afternoon, we are transferred to the port to board our overnight ferry to Germany. The Color Line ships are the world's largest cruise ships with car decks and are equipped with a range of excellent facilities including a water park, spa and show lounge (all payable locally, with pre-booking advised).

As we set sail along Oslofjord we can admire the scenery of peaceful, low-lying islands while dining onboard. Settling in to our ensuite cabins with double beds, our ship enters the Skagerrak strait that separates Norway from Denmark.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Having sailed through the Danish archipelago overnight, we enjoy breakfast onboard our ship as we cross the western reaches of the Baltic Sea on the approach to Kiel.

This historic port has been an important maritime centre for centuries, having been part of the Hanseatic League and today hosts the annual Kiel Regatta - the largest sailing event in Europe. On arrival, we make the short transfer to the railway station and travel to Hamburg in First Class.

One of Europe's biggest ports, Hamburg has rejuvenated itself over the past few decades into a welcoming, cultural city that has embraced its seafaring past. From the redbrick warehouses of the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt and the strikingly futuristic Elbphilharmonie concert hall to the bustle of the Beatlemania-rich Reeperbahn and vast green spaces, Hamburg has plenty of attractions to impress visitors. Our hotel is on the edge of the city centre and there is a free afternoon to explore as you wish, before we regroup at the hotel for our final dinner together.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We return to Hamburg station after breakfast this morning to begin our rail journey back to London, arriving the same day.

Travelling in First Class, we change in Cologne for a train to Brussels. In the Belgian capital, we board the Eurostar in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal in our seats. Enroute we can recall the many highlights of our spectacular overland journey, from the historic German cities of Bremen and Hamburg to the colourful watersides of Copenhagen and Stockholm. Exploring Sweden's interior, we crossed the Arctic Circle and uncovered the culture of the indigenous Sámi people.

We enjoyed front-row seats to Norway's astonishing landscapes of fjords and mountains from incredible railways, such as the 'Polar' Express, Rauma Railway and Flåm Railway. The charming cities of Trondheim and Bergen were explored on expertly guided tours before we travelled across the country's highest train route to its capital, Oslo.

Leaving the Eurostar at London St Pancras, we say a fond farewell to our Tour Manager and fellow travellers, with whom we have shared these unforgettable experiences.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Meal