Magnificent Norwegian Fjords by Rail

Depart London on Eurostar to Brussels and continue to Cologne, arriving by late afternoon. There’s time to explore the historic centre, dominated by Kolner Dom – Cologne’s grand Gothic cathedral, famed for its soaring twin spires. Overnight in Cologne.

Travel by train to Hamburg and on to Copenhagen, arriving in time for dinner. Spend two nights in Copenhagen.

Easily explored on foot or by electric bike (available to rent around the city), Copenhagen’s highlights include the Tivoli Gardens. Dating from 1843, this nostalgic mix of parks, lakes, historic buildings and amusement rides includes a classic wooden rollercoaster from 1914. Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy can be found at various sites, including the harbourside statue of the Little Mermaid, while Viking treasures – from longboats to runic stones – can be discovered in Copenhagen’s excellent museums. The 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, is lined with colourful townhouses and waterfront bars and restaurants, while Denmark’s ancient monarchy is evident in royal palaces and castles such as Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg. To fully experience Danish hygge, chill out in the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn – best known for the self-governing community of Freetown Christiania and full of cafés and restaurants serving delicious Nordic cuisine. Overnight Copenhagen.

Leaving Copenhagen, travel by train across the 8km-long Oresund Bridge to Sweden and continue north to reach Gothenburg. A coastal city with a real buzz, Gothenburg has a lively waterfront, cobbled streets, canals and a superb art museum. Explore the Haga neighbourhood with its traditional wooden houses and boutiques selling chocolates, fashion, antiques and Swedish delicacies. It’s an ideal place for taking fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break – usually with freshly-baked cake or a cinnamon bun. Afterwards, walk up to the 17th-century fort of Skansen Kronan for panoramic city views. Dining options in Gothenburg range from tasty street markets to mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurants. Overnight in Gothenburg.

Today’s rail journey takes you north along the coastline of West Sweden and on to the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The harbourside Opera House has a rakish roof that appears to slope out of the water and is designed so you can easily walk up the top for views of the city and surrounding fjord. For an insight into Oslo’s medieval past, don’t miss the Akershus Fortress. The outstanding museums in the waterside Aker Brygge district, meanwhile, display ceremonial Viking longships and the 39m-long schooner Fram, used by Norwegian polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Nearby, you will find Oslo’s best shopping and dining opportunities, including some superb seafood restaurants. Spend two nights in Oslo.

Take a morning stroll in Frogner Park, viewing the 212 bronze and granite works by Norway’s best-loved sculptor Gustav Vigeland, including The Monolith, The Angry Boy and Wheel of Life. Explore more of the maritime treasures in Aker Brygge’s museums, or admire the traditional and contemporary art in Oslo’s many galleries. For a break from sightseeing, visit the The Well, Scandinavian’s largest spa and bathhouse with numerous pools, saunas and steam rooms, as well as massage and treatments to indulge in.

A day enjoying two of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys, travel on the high-plateau ‘Across the Roof of Norway’ train to Myrdal where you change to the famous ‘Corkscrew Railway’ for a breathtaking descent to the fjordside village of Flam for an overnight stay.

Take an optional morning excursion to the viewing point at Stegastein, travelling on an electric minibus past 18th-century hillside farms before reaching the specially built platform jutting out over Aurlandsfjord. Return to Flåm and join the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour to Bergen. Sail along Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, falling under the spell of some of Norway’s most dramatic fjord scenery. After reaching Gudvangen, travel by bus through picture-postcard villages to Voss, from where you continue to Bergen by train. Spend three nights in Bergen.

Not only is Bergen right in the heart of the Norwegian Fjords, sitting pretty between Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage City. Colourful harbourside buildings and narrow alleyways in the Bryggen district reflect its medieval past and important role in the Hanseatic League. Spend some time delving into its fascinating museums and perusing the craft shops, bars and restaurants. Bergen’s Fish Market is another must-see. Dating back to 1276, it’s where you’ll find the fresh ingredients that find their way into Bergen’s famous fish soup, fish cakes and persetorsk (traditionally steamed cod). For stunning views of the city and surrounding fjords, take the funicular up Mt Floyen where you can stroll walking trails of varying lengths. At Floistuen, relax with a drink and some local pastries and delicacies before heading back down to the city.

With another day based in this beautiful city, perhaps take a fjord cruise to Troldhaugen, home of composer Edvard Grieg. Visit the Art Museum KODE, where works from JC Dahl, Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup are displayed. Bergenhus Fortress is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses and has a colourful military past. Bergen has an abundance of gastronomic experiences and there is a great choice of restaurants to choose from – not only in the city, but also on nearby islands, adding an extra dimension to the culinary adventure.

Leaving Bergen, relax on the stunning 5.5hr voyage to Stavanger, watching the fjords, mountains and islands of Norway’s west coast slip past from the deck of your ferry. Arriving in the old city of Stavanger, walk among the historic, brightly painted wharf houses – built in the late 18th century as storerooms and saltings for the herring industry. In Old Stavanger, you’ll find over 170 white-washed wooden houses, many of them now used as craft shops, cafés and galleries. One street – Ovre Holmegate – is painted in a rainbow of colours. Throughout the city (Recognised as Europe’s best preserved wooden house settlements) you will come across stunning street art and murals. Stavanger is also an important city for the oil industry and a visit to the petroleum museum is highly recommended. Eating out is another highlight, with options ranging from harbourside cafés to Michelin restaurants RE-NAA and Sabi Omakase. Overnight in Stavanger.

On your final day in the magnificent Norwegian Fjords, perhaps take a cruise along Lysefjord, looking out for the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) looming high above you. If you are feeling active, it is also possible to take a bus to the starting point for the hike to the Pulpit Rock (unguided and summer only), return to Stavanger in the evening by bus.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.