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

Your Norwegian vacation begins when you touch down in Bergen, on Norway's southwestern coast. On arrival, make your own way 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 familiarize yourself with the local surroundings.

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

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 colorful 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). Overnight Bergen.

This morning, 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 flavors 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. Overnight Bergen.

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 marvel at 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. Overnight Flåm.

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 cozy winter charm, before reconvening for dinner together this evening. Overnight Flåm.

We embark on a highlight of the trip after breakfast today, with a journey on the renowned 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 verdant 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. Overnight Oslo.

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 cozy 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. Overnight Oslo.

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, your Norwegian vacation comes to an end and you are free to continue your onward journey home.

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 4-Star hotel is a short distance from Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen Waterfront. Breakfast is served in the top-floor restaurant with a view over the city, and coffee and tea are available in the lobby. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This 4-Star hotel is in a refurbished 19th-century manor house, with the villa 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 paneling, while the bar offers exclusive views of the fjord - the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, seating area, tea & coffee-making equipment and hairdryer.

This 4-Star hotel is a short distance from Oslo Opera House, the Akershus Fortress and the National Theatre. Amenities include a fitness centre with an outdoor terrace and a restaurant serving Norwegian specialities and international dishes. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, fridge, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.