Grand Tour of Norway & Sweden

Your Scandinavian holiday starts at London Heathrow, where we meet the Tour Manager before boarding our direct flight to Sweden's capital city, Stockholm*. Arriving in the late afternoon, we are transferred to our central hotel for two nights.

Stockholm is one of Europe's most attractive and unusual capitals, built across 14 islands connected by no fewer than 57 bridges. Situated at the edge of Lake Mälaren where it flows into the Baltic Sea, much of the city's charm is that, wherever you wander, you are always close to water. There's time to get to know the local area independently before dinner at our hotel this evening.

*Please note: regional departures are also available on this tour, in which case you would be met on arrival in Stockholm and taken to the hotel.

• Dinner

Stockholm has more than 750 years of history and culture which we are introduced to on a guided sightseeing tour. We stop to enjoy a view of City Hall and admire the Baroque official residence of the Swedish monarch. Afterwards, we tour the areas of Östermalm, Långholm and the parkland island of Djurgården. We continue to Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan - one of the best-preserved medieval centres in the world, with charming colourful buildings lining the cobbled streets.

During our tour we stop for 'fika', a cherished Swedish tradition to promote wellbeing, where friends meet over a hot drink and cake. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore the city. Browse the boutiques and souvenir shops of Gamla Stan or visit Museum Island where the Vasa Museum displays a fully intact 17th-century ship.

This evening, you are free to dine independently; the city has an excellent range of dining options, from traditional Swedish dishes to Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.

• Breakfast

This morning, we board an InterCity train to Östersund. Set on the shores of Sweden's fifth largest lake, Storsjön Lake, Östersund is a major cultural and transportation centre and boasts the title of Sweden's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

The town 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 a serpent with multiple humps, it's yet to be caught on camera, but for a time had a law ensuring its protection. Enjoy some free time to admire the mirrored surface of the tranquil lake or head across the bridge to the island of Frösön to see the world's northernmost runestone. You might like to visit Jamtli Museum - an open-air museum complex showcasing the culture and history of the region.

Tonight, you dine independently; visit a local restaurant to sample the town's celebrated cuisine that highlights local, sustainable ingredients and regional culinary tradition.

• Breakfast

After an early breakfast this morning, we begin our leisurely train journey towards the untamed wilderness of Swedish Lapland. The scenic Inlandsbanan* snakes northwards through a fairytale landscape of pine and birch forests. As we travel into this magical landscape, look out for local wildlife, including moose and reindeer, and enjoy informative commentary about the sights outside our windows from the knowledgeable train guard.

We arrive in Sorsele, where we visit the Inlandsbanan Museum before making our way by coach to a nearby Sámi village to learn about the lives of Scandinavia's indigenous people. We view the traditional buildings, learn about their culture and are introduced to their reindeer.

We continue to our hotel for the next two nights in Arjeplog, on the shores of Sweden's deepest lake, Hornavan. Tonight, we will enjoy an authentic Sámi dinner showcasing local ingredients, served in a tipi around a campfire.

*Please note: departures before mid-June & after mid-August will travel by coach to the Sorsele, rather than on the Inlandsbanan train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we experience a highlight of the tour - an all-day excursion by coach to the remote Sámi town of Jokkmokk. Driving even further north, we travel along long straight roads, passing dense forests and glassy lakes. On our approach into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun', we cross the Arctic Circle and take part in a small ceremony to mark our entry into the Arctic.

Jokkmokk, meaning 'river's curve' in local Sámi language for the river that winds through the town, is an important location for Sweden's Sámi population, and offers plenty of educational and cultural institutions. On arrival, we visit the Ájtte Sámi Museum, seeing historic artefacts including intricate silver-work and traditional dress of the indigenous Sámi people. We learn more about their semi-nomadic way of life and traditions of fishing, reindeer herding and agriculture. There is time to find lunch independently at one of Jokkmokk's unique eateries serving Arctic delicacies.

Heading back across the Arctic Circle, we return to Arjeplog. After a long but scenic journey, we arrive in time for dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our journey continues by coach towards the Norwegian town of Bodø, as we set off along the Silver Road, known as Silvervägen. Connecting Skellefteå on the Swedish coast and Bodø on the Norwegian coast, this road was historically used to transport silver and crosses the stunning Arjeplog mountains. Passing forests, rolling hills and crystalline lakes, we travel through beautiful river valleys and see the spectacular Saltdal Fjord.

On arrival in Bodø, a former European Capital of Culture, we visit the Norwegian Jekt Trade Museum. A jekt is a type of historic boat, used to transport dried fish along the Norwegian coast over centuries of trade. There are only three of these boats surviving in Norway and we can view one of them here: the Anna Karoline, built in 1876.

This afternoon is at leisure to explore Bodø before dinner at our hotel tonight. Located just north of the Arctic Circle on a peninsula surrounded by dramatic mountains, Bodø blends urban comforts with extraordinary natural beauty.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we set out for a visit to the Norwegian Aviation Museum, the biggest aviation museum in the Nordic countries. Shaped like a propeller, the impressive building covers 110,000 square feet and houses an array of civilian and military aircraft. The array of fascinating exhibits charts the expansive history of aviation in Norway. After our visit, we have free time to enjoy lunch independently.

This afternoon, we embark on an epic four-hour boat tour, taking us out onto the Norwegian Sea aboard a hybrid-electric ship, offering peaceful views from the large decks and panoramic windows. We visit the incredible maelstrom, Saltstraumen, where the world's strongest tidal current pushes through a small strait, creating captivating vortexes in the water.

Next, we continue to Beiar fjord, passing by rugged mountain peaks, reflecting in the mirrorlike water. As one of Norway's lesser-known fjords, this is an area of pristine natural beauty and tranquillity and exploring it by boat provides greater access to the magnificent views. Enjoy dinner independently tonight; Bodø's restaurants offer great variety, from traditional Norwegian fare to sushi and tapas.

• Breakfast

There's time to enjoy a leisurely morning in Bodø today. You could take the opportunity to do some last-minute sightseeing, pick up some traditional souvenirs or simply take in the magical waterfront views, before we set out on an iconic rail journey south aboard the 'Polar Express' to Trondheim.

The Nordlandsbanen is the longest train route in Norway, covering 453 miles and crossing the Arctic Circle, which lends its nickname of the 'Polar Express'. Traversing nearly the length of the country, this incredible journey provides amazing views of Norway's diverse landscapes. As our train glides past immense fjords, rugged mountains and deep valleys, we marvel at the ever-changing scenery, witnessing many natural wonders including the spectacular Svartisen Glacier.

Lunch and dinner are independent today; you can choose to bring prepared meals with you or purchase food at the café on board. Arriving in Trondheim late this evening, we take a short walk to our central hotel.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we meet an expert local guide who shares fascinating insights into Trondheim's history on a guided tour of the city. We explore the Old Quarter and the colourful waterfront houses of Bakklandet, then continue to the Royal Residence, the largest wooden building in northern Europe with up to 140 different rooms.

The rest of your day is free to continue sightseeing at your own pace and to dine independently. Among the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, there are several attractions waiting to be explored, such as the Ringve Music Museum and the Archbishop's Palace Museum - a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries. The Nidaros Cathedral is the world's northernmost Gothic cathedral, with an impressive rose window depicting the day of judgement.

Trondheim has an inviting array of eateries to try this evening, with a diverse selection of Nordic and global cuisines to sample.

• Breakfast

Ahead of us today is a picturesque journey by rail, road and ferry to beautiful Geiranger. Leaving Trondheim by train, we wind past pretty villages and hamlets to Dombås where we change trains for a journey along the stunning Rauma Railway.

Considered one of Norway's most beautiful train lines, the scenic route glides beside azure rivers and emerald forests before the vistas become even more spectacular. After crossing the 100-year-old Kylling Bridge, we pause to admire the Verma waterfall before entering the Romsdalen Valley. Here, 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 Troll's Ladder, glimpsing incredible scenery at each turn. This spellbinding trip continues as we cross serene Norddalsfjord by ferry. Stepping off the boat into fresh, crisp air, we continue by coach to Geiranger and our hotel, which has astounding views of the iconic fjord. We enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We wake to a glorious panorama of pristine Norwegian scenery, with an unforgettable day ahead of us. After breakfast, we transfer to the nearby port and embark on a relaxing fjord cruise across Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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, we enter a world of colour - the lush green of the trees contrasting with the blue water and brilliant white of distant snow-capped peaks. When it rains, waterfalls appear as if from nowhere, cascading into the water below.

Disembarking in Hellesylt, we take a scenic drive to Hornindalsvatn - Europe's deepest lake at more than 1,600 feet. Keep an eye out for the lake's mythical monster lurking beneath the crystal-clear surface. Returning to Geiranger, we gather for dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Geirangerfjord after breakfast this morning, we continue through Norway's fjord country by coach to Flåm. However, there's a second chance to look back on the fjord when we stop enroute at the Dalsnibba viewing point, which provides panoramic views over Geirangerfjord and its village.

As we travel through awe-inspiring scenery, we can view tranquil fjords snake between rolling mountains of verdant forests. Glacier-lined valleys carve glittering paths between spectacular mountain peaks often still topped by snow in late spring. We stop enroute at the ancient Kaupanger Stave Church, built in the 12th century, with distinctive wooden architecture*.

Around mid-afternoon, we reach Mannheller where our coach boards a ferry for a short trip across the Sognefjord. Back on land, we enter the world's longest road tunnel - with a length of more than 15 miles - which takes us almost all the way to Flåm at the head of Aurlandsfjord. Here, we check in to our four-star hotel where we have dinner this evening.

*Please note: for tours departing up to mid-June and after mid-August, the Kaupanger Stave Church is closed. We instead visit the Hopperstad Stave Church, and our route to Flåm does not include the world's longest road tunnel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yet another highlight of this Scandinavian holiday, starting with a fjord cruise aboard a luxury eco boat, across the serene Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, sailing past giant peaks and quaint villages, dwarfed by nature. Arriving in the charming village of Gudvangen, we return to Flåm by coach for the second instalment of today's great journey.

Described as one of the most beautiful, and steepest, rail journeys in the world, we board the iconic Flåm Railway for a superb trip to remote Myrdal. Our route cuts a path through Norway's craggy mountains, entering tunnels and trailing the edge of Tyrifjorden lakeside. The train takes us ever higher, up to the cascading Kjosfossen Falls which we stop to admire, before reaching the high-altitude station at Myrdal where we change trains for our return journey to Flåm.

Here, a coach transfers us to the harbour city of Bergen for the next two nights. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoy dinner together in the hotel's restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We set off on a guided tour of Bergen this morning, by coach and on foot. Once Norway's capital, this attractive city is surrounded by seven striking mountains and renowned for its maritime history and colourful waterfront area, known as the Bryggen.

This UNESCO-listed wharf was once the centre of the old Hanseatic port, a key hub in trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. Opposite the harbour is the Klosteret area, which has beautiful 18th-century wooden houses and charming alleys, where you can walk along the Nordnes peninsula.

Our tour ends at the fish market where, with a free afternoon and evening ahead, you might like to find lunch. You could visit the Bryggens Museum to view the world's largest collection of runic inscriptions or take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular for spectacular views across scenic islands. When seeking out dinner, Bergen offers a good choice of cuisine, from pizza to seafood, Japanese to African.

• Breakfast

This morning, we travel to Oslo aboard northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. Sights to look out for on our journey include the pretty Hallingdal Valley, through which the Hallingdalselva River flows to Lake Krøderen, the mountain of Norefjell and the awe-inspiring Hardangerjøkule Glacier.

After passing through picturesque resort towns and villages such as Geilo, Gol and Flå, the backdrop to our journey on the Bergen Railway becomes more urban as we make the final approach into Norway's modern capital city.

On arrival, we check in to our stylish, central hotel ahead of a free evening during which you can dine independently. You might like to try some new Nordic cuisine, fresh seafood, or maybe opt for a traditional Norwegian dinner at the oldest restaurant in Oslo, the Engebret Café near Christiana Torv.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we set out 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 exterior of the auditorium is covered with marble and white granite. People are encouraged to walk on the building's slopes when the weather is appropriate, for amazing views across Oslofjord. We also view the Royal Palace, a 19th-century neoclassical palace that serves as the official residence of Norway's monarch.

With a free afternoon, you could visit one of the city's many galleries or museums such as the Munch Museum and the National Museum, containing works by the expressionist painter Edvard Munch, renowned for The Scream. You could also take a gentle cruise around idyllic Oslofjord, possibly stopping at the Fram Museum to view a 19th-century ship used for polar exploration, or visit the Norsk Folk Museum, which contains historic Norwegian buildings.

After taking in Oslo's sights, we reconvene this evening to celebrate our time in Norway with a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On this Scandinavian adventure we've experienced breathtaking glaciers, azure fjords and the untamed wilderness of the Arctic Circle. We've also taken unforgettable journeys on northern Europe's most spectacular railways and toured fascinating Nordic cities, discovering the beauty and culture of this incredible region.

After a relaxed morning in Oslo, we head to the airport for our flight back to London Heathrow or to our regional airport. Here your holiday ends and you are free to continue your journey home.

• Breakfast