Norway by Rail & Sea - Dovre, Flåmsbana & the Western Fjords

Welcome to Oslo, your gateway to Norway. Nestled at the inner reaches of the Oslo Fjord, this captivating capital blends over 1,000 years of history with a modern, outward-looking energy and a deep love of nature. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, whether that means wandering the waterfront, discovering the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of one of Europe's most liveable cities.

Oslo rewards those who take the time to look beyond the obvious, and this morning's three-hour small group walking tour ds exactly that. With a local guide leading the way, you will move between grand civic landmarks and quiet residential backstreets, building a picture of a city shaped by Viking heritage, royal tradition, and a thoroughly modern outlook on design and sustainability. With Oslo explored, the afternoon brings a scenic train journey north to Lillehammer, sitting prettily on the banks of Lake Mjøsa and forever associated with the magic of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Tonight you will enjoy a light dinner at your hotel.

In the morning, explore two of Lillehammer's most celebrated attractions. Maihaugen, Norway's largest open-air museum, brings the country's past vividly to life across more than 200 historic buildings set naturally in the landscape, offering a fascinating window into the everyday lives of those who built this nation over generations. Nearby, the Norwegian Olympic Museum traces the history of sport from ancient Olympia to the present day, with the 1994 Lillehammer and 1952 Oslo Winter Games taking centre stage through original objects, interactive installations, and spectacular films. In the afternoon, board the train and travel north through the dramatic Dovre mountain plateau towards Trondheim.

Today you join one of Norway's most iconic journeys, a coastal voyage sailing between some of the most breathtaking stretches of the Norwegian coastline. Calling at a succession of ports, some with time to step ashore and explore, others offering just a moment to take in the view, this is Norway seen from the sea, vast, unhurried, and utterly compelling. Settle in and let the landscape do the talking as you sail through the night.
Overnight on board.

The coastal vessel arrives into Bergen in the morning, city and mountains slowly coming into focus as the ship rounds the final stretch of coastline. After disembarking and checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours. Bergen rewards unhurried exploration: the colourful wooden facades of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the fish market on the waterfront, and the funicular up to Mount Fløyen are all within easy reach of the centre. After the rhythm of the coastal voyage, this is a day to move at your own pace and let the city settle around you.

Today is given over entirely to one of Norway's most celebrated circular journeys. Departing Bergen by train, the route climbs into the mountains before descending the vertiginous Flåm Railway to the village of Flåm at the innermost reach of the Aurlandsfjord. From here, a fjord cruise carries you through the narrow, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, one of the most dramatic stretches of water in Europe, before continuing by bus and train back to Bergen.

All connections are included and run to a well-established timetable, so there is nothing to arrange; simply follow the route and let the landscape do the work. You return to Bergen in the evening with time to have dinner at your own leisure.

After breakfast, your tour draws to a close. If you would like to extend your stay in this wonderful corner of Norway, we would be delighted to help with ideas.