Compare Arctic Circle Express by Great Rail Journeys vs Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by Himalayan Glacier Adventure

DAYS 1-2 - THE DELIGHTS OF STOCKHOLM
Arriving in Stockholm
We fly from London to Stockholm, for two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to the historic Old Town. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Day 2 is free to explore Stockholm, spread across fourteen islands. You may wish to visit the Drottningholm Palace, royal residence of the King and Queen of Sweden. The lavish building has some of the finest gardens of any Royal grounds. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skogskyrkogården is also worth a visit. Perhaps you may like to visit the world-famous Museum of Modern Art, which houses works by some of the most iconic artists throughout history, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. The open-air Skansen museum and the Vasa Museum, containing the remains of the culturally-significant 17th century Vasa warship, which sank off the coast of Stockholm, are both popular destinations.

DAY 3 - INLAND TO ÖSTERSUND
Ostersund
Departing Stockholm we head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden's fifth largest lake. Here we stay for one night at the Best Western Gamla Teatern.

DAY 4 - THE INLANDSBANAN, ARCTIC CIRCLE AND LAPLAND
The Inlandsbanan
We leave Östersund and head north, travelling through some of Sweden's most glorious scenery as we head to the untamed wilderness of Lapland, making several stops at beauty spots along the way. Our journey on the Inlandsbanan tourist train takes us through a landscape of crystal clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. We get a real taste of Lapland with a light dinner of local Sami specialities before transferring to our hotel.

DAY 5 - THE OFOTEN RAILWAY TO NARVIK
Norway's fjords
Today we enjoy a journey on one of the world's most northerly railway lines, the Ofoten Railway. We travel through Sweden's breathtaking mountains into Norway, traversing steep mountainsides, with sheer drops to the fjords below. We arrive in Narvik, where we stay at the Scandic Hotel Narvik.

DAY 6 - AT LEISURE IN NARVIK
Narvik
Today is free to spend as you choose. You could discover Narvik's cultural history at the Ofoten Museum, enjoy a cable car ride (seasonal) to experience breathtaking views or visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum.

DAY 7 - SOUTH TO TRONDHEIM
Trondheim
Today is spent admiring the rugged shores of Norway as we follow the coastline south to Trondheim. The first part of our journey is by coach to Fauske, including a scenic ferry crossing. In Fauske we board the train for a journey that delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way. We have a light dinner on board the train. Late this evening we arrive in Trondheim, Norway's religious capital. The centrally located Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is our home for two nights.

DAY 8 - TRONDHEIM
Trondheim
Today is free for you to explore the historic city of Trondheim, one of the most atmospheric cities in the country. As well as discovering the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, you could visit the Ringve Museum which features a collection of musical instruments from all over the world. Trondheim's association continues with the Rockheim Museum, exhibiting the historic of popular music. The pilgrimage site and stunning green-roofed cathedral of Nidarosdomen is a must-see.

DAY 9 - THE RAUMA RAILWAY
Raumabanen Railway
Today we join the 71 mile long Rauma Railway for a spectacular journey through magnificent, contrasting landscapes. We navigate the same course as the emerald waters of the River Rauma for much of the journey, the tracks following the river as it winds around the hillsides below jagged mountain peaks. As we climb over rounded mountain plateaus we are treated to awesome views across the expansive, unspoiled national parks that stretch into the distance. We transfer by coach to Geiranger for a two-night stay at the Union Hotel Geiranger. The hotel stands at the head of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most spectacular sites, more incredible at first hand than you could have imagined from any photograph.

DAY 10 - GEIRANGERFJORD BOAT CRUISE
Geiranger
Today we enjoy the beautiful scenery of the spectacular Geirangerfjord by boat. As we cruise along the serene, deep water, the steep sides of the fjord seem to tower over the boat. In sunshine, this UNESCO World Heritage site is alive with colour and contrasts - the lush greens of the trees clinging to the rock contrasting with the deep blue water and the brilliant white of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. When it rains, countless waterfalls appear from nowhere, flowing majestically over exposed rocky outcrops and crashing down into the water below.

DAY 11 - THROUGH THE FJORDS TO FLÅM
Flåm
We leave Geiranger by coach this morning, continuing our scenic voyage through Norway's incredible fjord country. We travel through valleys hemmed in by lofty mountains and along steep-sided fjords, every bend in the road offering a new and interesting perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

DAY 12 - THE FLÅM RAILWAY TO BERGEN
Flåm Railway
Today we enjoy a superb excursion on the Flåm Railway. Our rail journey takes us up into the mountains along one of the steepest lines in the world, twisting and turning regularly as the railway line does its best to accommodate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, to board the express boat for an afternoon journey along Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Navigating coastal islets and skerries, we end the day in Bergen, where we spend two nights at the Clarion Hotel Admiral.

DAY 13 - AT LEISURE IN BERGEN
Bergen
Today you are free to explore Bergen at leisure. The town is nestled beneath seven hills and is surrounded by fjords. Bryggen, the old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Fløibanen funicular railway affords great views of the city and its harbours from the top of Mount Fløien.

DAY 14 - THE BERGEN RAILWAY TO OSLO
The Bergen Railway
We leave Bergen by train for a magnificent journey on Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. The train climbs high above the tree line across some of the most remote areas of western Norway before descending through pastures to the elegant city of Oslo. We stay at the Thon Hotel Opera.

DAY 15 - OSLO TO LONDON
Flying home
This morning is free to spend at leisure in Oslo, before we transfer to the airport for our flight to London.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport, a company representative will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Hanoi Central which will take almost an hour. You can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 2: Hanoi City tour

This full day tour takes us around Hanoi’s most interesting sights; including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilts House, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. The next stop is the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Then we drive to peaceful West Lake with lovers street Thanh Nien, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, we visit one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Later we will tour the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets and guilds. Today we also tour Hoan Kiem Lake – the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple. We end today’s tour with a visit to the unique Water Puppet Show in Thang Long Theater.

Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Cruise (Huong Hai Sealife (Suite))

After early breakfast we begin our four hours drive through the beautiful country side to Halong bay. We set out on our cruise from Bai Tu Long Bay area. During the cruise, we get to enjoy the beautiful islands, namely Tea pot, Mat Quy –Monster Face, Yen Ngua, Man’s Head, Tortoise and many others. Today we also have a bit of fun outside our ship and explore Hang Sung Sot, one of the largest and most famous cave in the entire Halong Bay. We continue cruising through limestone islands and stop at Ti Top Island where we can enjoy swimming or walking up to the summit and admiring a fantastic view of the Halong Bay. In the evening, you will attend the chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Later you can relax or try squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi then fly to Saigon (Brunch)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

There will be a Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning. After breakfast we can enjoy the tranquil lagoon at Luon cave by a traditional rowing boat or by kayaking. Drive back to Ha Long city from where your driver will take you to the airport from where you will fly to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

The itinerary above is operated by Huong Hai Sealife and thus may be altered depending on the weather without prior notice.

Day 5: Saigon: Chu Chi tunnels, city tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

Today we visit the famous Chu Chi tunnels in the morning. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Next, drive back to Saigon and visit several landmarks of the city which is by far Vietnam’s most modern city. Observe some of the best examples of French colonial architecture represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. We will also tour The Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 and The War Remnants Museum which has a wealth of images from the wars. End today’s tour with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a fantastic place for bargains of every kind!

Day 6: Cruise Cai Be floating market then drive to Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Victoria Can Tho (Superior))

After breakfast we drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be which is well-known for its floating market. Next, enjoy a cruise along the waterways and canals labyrinth before stopping at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch, including the popular meal of ‘Elephant ear fish’. We continue exploring the tributaries and canals of the delta throughout the afternoon before leaving for Can Tho city for a good night’s sleep.

Day 7: Can Tho to Cai Rang floating market, My Tho then drive back to Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

After breakfast we take a boat to Jin In and explore the floating market of Cai Rang which is another exciting floating market in the Mekong Delta. Later, drive to My Tho where we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is one of the best-known temples in the region before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Fly to Siem Reap, tour Angkor Wat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

After arriving at Siem Reap, Cambodia, we begin our tour of Cambodia’s 12th century capital of Angkor Thom. We begin by visiting South Gate which has huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean. Bayon Temple is known for its unique 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. We also visit the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Next, enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Phnom Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap: Angkor Complex

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

Today, we visit the 10th century temple of Banteay Srei Temple regarded as one of the crown jewels of classical Khmer Art. Then, we will continue our visit to Banteay Samre, which was built in the third quarter of the 12th century. In the afternoon, we will visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, then see Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”) which was once used for ritual bathing. Then it’s off to Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Keo (constructed in the late 10th and early 11th century) and Ta Prohm (one of the area’s most beautiful temples). Overnight in Seam Reap.

Day 10: Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake then fly to Bangkok,Thailand

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages (complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals), and then visit the school known as “Les Artisans d’Angkor.” We will then transfer to Siem Reap international airport for our flight to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 11: Bangkok: city sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

Today we tour Bangkok’s most prominent landmarks beginning with Pak Klong Talad, a bustling around the clock market. Then we take a short Tuk Tuk ride to Saranrom Royal Garden where we can relax and learn about a variety of Thai plants. Next, visit the Royal Regalia Museum and admire beautiful jewelry, which used to be ornaments of the royal officers and consorts. Our next stop is the temple of The Emerald Buddha held by all Thais as the symbol of national independence. In the afternoon, we take a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River and get acquainted with the local lifestyle. We pass through the Grand Palace and pay a brief visit to the Royal Barge Museum which houses ceremonial King’s Barges decorated with multi-color glasses, gilt and stuccos. Our boat ride ends at Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 12: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

We have no activities planned for today. A representative of the company will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your onward flight.