17 DAY NORWAY WINTER WONDERLAND (OLD)
DESTINATIONS — OSLO FLAM BERGEN HELSINKI KIRKENES HONNINGSVAG TROMSØ NORTH CAPE TALLINN KEMI ROVANIEMI SODANKYLA KARASJOK ALTA LYNGEN ALPS
Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Destination Australia Oslo Meals included Accommodation N/A
Get ready to see the best Scandinavia has to offer! Board your international flight for Oslo, Norway.
DAY 2
Destination Oslo Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
Welcome to Norway! On arrival in Oslo please make your own way to your hotel. The airport train to the city centre is our recommend method (own expense).
Hotel: 3★ Thon Hotel Munch or similar
DAY 3
Destination Oslo Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore the Norwegian Capital and relax after your international journey.
Oslo was named European Green Capital 2019 for its dedication to conserving natural areas and reducing pollution. The compact city centre is easy and safe to explore on foot or by bike, and the efficient public transport system makes the entire city accessible without a car. Oslo has more than 40 museums, and beautiful outdoor attractions such as the Akershus Fortress and Vigeland Sculpture Park. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife and the restaurants
Hotel: 3★ Thon Hotel Munch or similar
DAY 4
Destination Oslo Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
Today, enjoy a city tour of Oslo and learn about the city’s history and culture from a knowledgeable local guide. Admire the main attractions in the city center and spectacular views from Holmenkollen ski jump, and experience a fascinating insight into the art of the most prolific Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, as you walk through the unique Sculpture Park with more than 200 statues and sculptures in bronze and granite.
Hotel: 3★ Thon Hotel Munch or similar
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DAY 5
Destination Oslo Kirkenes Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
At the appropriate time today, make your own way back to the airport to board your flight to Norway’s far northern town of Kirkenes, high above the arctic circle. Located north east in Northern Norway about 400 km north of the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the east and only 15 km from the Russian border. On arrival, make your own way to your central hotel. Our recommendation is by the airport express bus to the city centre (own expense).
Hotel: 3★ Thon Hotel Kirkenes or similar
DAY 6
Destination Kirkenes Snowhotel wilderness Gamme Cabin Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation N/A
One of the most amazing days of your life awaits! Today you will be collected from your hotel to undertake a King Crab Safari. A totally unforgettable experience awaits you on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to learn how to catch, cook, and most importantly EAT this mysterious creature. In this ultimate King crab fishing experience, you will be taken by snowmobile sledge* out on the fjord ice. Here you will take part in the entire experience of catching the giant, and seeing how it is prepared.
Finally the journey continues to a beautiful rustic restaurant by the fjord, where you will feast on the giant crab, served the Norwegian way. After, you will be transferred to the Snow Hotel where you’ll be spending the night in a wooden Gamme Cabin. These modern log cabins have beautifully designed large windows, perfect for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
Tonight, head out on a Husky Dog safari* to hunt the northern lights! The Snowhotel has more than 180 huskies ready to take you for an experience you will never forget! There will be 2 people per sledge as you head out into the wilderness to spot the Northern Lights. After, return to the warmth of your Gamme Cabin.
Hotel: Boutique Gamme Cabin
* Winter activities are climate affected (too cold/too warm/dangrous condition). The King Crab safari will take place by boat if the frozen ice is too thin to support the weight of the snowmobiles. The husky sledding may take place in different locations or by husky pulled cart if the snow is to thin/thick. Activities can also be cancelled if the weather conditions are too dangerous to be exposed to the elements.
DAY 7
Snowhotel Wilderness Gamme Cabin Embark on Hurtigruten Destination cruise Berlevåg Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation N/A
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Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred from your hotel to the port to board your small ship Norwegian coastal voyage down the coast of Norway. As the ship starts its voyage south enjoy views of the surrounding Arctic landscape on deck or from the panorama lounge. Heading south, we cruise along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. The latter town is home to one of Norway’s most famous male choirs, consisting mainly of local fishermen.
Ship: MS Nordlys, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, MS Trollfjord or MS Spitsbergen
DAY 8
Destination Mehamn Honningsvag Hammerfest Oksfjord Tromsø Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation N/A
In the middle of the night, we dock at Mehamn, where it is possible to join an unforgettable snowmobile trip through one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural areas. Experience snow-clad valleys, fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky. At Honningsvåg, you can join an excursion that features breakfast at North Cape and the discovery of hidden parts of Finnmark along the way. We continue south to Øksfjord. In winter, our crew teaches you how to tie maritime knots on deck. After crossing open water, we make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy. We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a magical midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Alternatively, a walk around the town provides you the chance to enjoy a local brew at one of the city´s many friendly pubs.
Ship: MS Nordlys, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, MS Trollfjord or MS Spitsbergen
DAY 9
Tromsø Harstad Risøyhamn Lofoten Islands Trollfjord Destination Svolvær Stamsund Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation N/A
We arrive at Harstad this morning, where you have the opportunity to participate in one of the classic Hurtigruten excursion programmes: A taste of Vesterålen. Experience history, beautiful scenery and a selection of breathtaking sites that include a visit to Trondenes Church, one of Norway’s premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages. Those who choose to stay on board can admire views of this old church as we sail towards the Risøyrenna, a shallow 7m-deep channel made especially for Hurtigruten in the 1920s to provide an ‘inside route’ between Harstad and Sortland. The sand banks along the Risøyrenna are visible through the clear, green water. The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning scenery you will see during the entire coastal voyage. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature and small, picturesque fishing villages. The daylight sailing route through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many of our guests. We then cruise Trollfjord, only 2 km long and 100 m wide, surrounded by majestic mountains. If the weather and time permit – the captain makes a detour into the fjord. Steep cliffs hug the ship´s sides and the dramatic landscape conjures fairy tale images of an imaginary land of trolls. Later, from Svolvær, we continue on to Stamsund, where we see the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten wall. We leave Lofoten during the evening and set course for the mainland.
Ship: MS Nordlys, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, MS Trollfjord or MS Spitsbergen
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DAY 10
Destination Bodø Seven Sisters Mountains Nesna Rørvik Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation N/A
Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the event out on deck with a `taste´ of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil. As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls rich in local lore. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven mountains are between 900 and 1,100 m high, and it is easy to understand how these ‘ladies’ influenced ancient myths. Next we make a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post before moving on to Sandnessjøen.
Ship: MS Nordlys, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, MS Trollfjord or MS Spitsbergen
DAY 11
Destination Trondheim Trondheimsfjord [Ship Kristiansund Ålesund Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation N/A
Today provides an opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Back on board, the ship heads out into the majestic Trondheimsfjord, which is 170 km long and up to 25 km wide. Like all other Norwegian fjords, it is deep, plunging to 577 m. As we sail along the coast, you realise the importance of fish to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries.Kristiansund is today regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which includes entering a mountain and sailing across an illuminated subterranean lake, before enjoying a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’. In winter, you can enjoy beautiful scenery under the stars as you mingle with sledge dogs and experience the thrill of ice fishing. Together with a sledge team of Alaskan huskies, you take a memorable ride into the winter forest, stopping along the way to ice fish on a lake. Those choosing to stay on board at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s crossing the open sea on our way to Molde, known as Norway's ‘City of Roses’. Along the way you see see the steep, grey, pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps.
Ship: MS Nordlys, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, MS Trollfjord or MS Spitsbergen
DAY 12
Destination Torvik Maloy Sognefjord Bergen Disembark cruise Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik, Måløy, as the world’s most beautiful voyage draws to a close. Before we dock in Bergen, there are some nautical miles of fascinating scenery ahead of us, including the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland to Loen and Olden. A few nautical miles south of Florø, we navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, and enjoy superb views of this magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in Bergen, taking with you memories of a unique journey filled with unforgettable experiences and meetings with local people, wildlife and stunning nature. On arrival in Bergen, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: 3★ Grand Hotel Terminus or similar
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DAY 13
Destination Bergen Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore the quaint city of Bergen.
Hotel: 3★ Grand Hotel Terminus or similar
DAY 14
Destination Bergen Voss Gudvangen Flåm Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation N/A
A magical day in the Norwegian fjords awaits you on the quintessential 'Norway in a Nutshell’ journey. Make your own way to the station to board the train to Voss where you'll transfer to a coach to make the scenic journey to Gudvangen. After arriving in Gudvangen, board a ferry where you'll enjoy a cruise to Flam through narrow fjords. On arrival in Flam, make the short walk to your picturesque hotel.
Hotel: 4★ Fretheim Hotell or similar
DAY 15
Destination Flåm Myrdal Oslo Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
Today after breakfast, the magical scenery continues as you board a train and travel on Norway’s world famous train journeys, the Flam Railway to Mydral. The Flåm Railway has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal Station. The journey displays the very best aspects of Western Norway's stunning scenery. After arriving in Myrdal, board a train back to Oslo. On arrival in Olso make your own way to your central hotel.
Hotel: 3★ Thon Hotel Munch or similar
DAY 16
Destination Oslo Australia Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, but we hope you have enjoyed your winter adventure to Scandinavia. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport to board your homeward flight.
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DAY 17
Destination Australia Meals included Accommodation N/A
Arrive home in Australia today.
Please note: Some flights my arrive home 1 day later.
Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P6 TOUR ITINERARY
Inclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED Small-group tour – up to 20 people Return international airfares with British Airways Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo Return airport transfers 15 nights in comfortable 4-star accommodation throughout Finland and Norway 1-night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi Daily breakfast, 5 dinners including memorable welcome and farewell dining Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide throughout Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary Including husky sledding, a snowmobile safari, an icebreaker cruise, Santa's Village in Rovaniemi and the Lofoten Islands All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per the itinerary 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
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SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Helsinki - Visit Temppeliaukio Church, known locally as the 'Rock Church' Tallinn - Take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn for a guided city tour of the Estonian capital's medieval old town Santa Claus Express - Spend the night on the sleeper train that travels from Helsinki to Kemi, in the heart of Lapland Sampo Icebreaker Cruise - Cruise through frozen seas on an icebreaker cruise in the Arctic Rovaniemi - The home of Santa Claus! Experience Santa's Village for yourself Northern Lights - Board snowmobiles for a night you'll never forget, hunting the Aurora Borealis Lapland - Stay in an glass igloo, sleeping beneath the starry skies and hopefully spotting the Northern Lights Lapland - Fly through Arctic forest on a husky pulled sled North Cape - Head to Europe's most northerly point and receive a certificate to document your visit Alta - Admire the rock art of Alta, now part of an open-air museum Lyngen Alps - Traverse this mountainous region, eyeing the magnificent fjords as you go Tromso - Located 350kms north of the Arctic Circle, this is the largest city in Northern Norway Narvik - Land on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands Svolvær - Further explore magical Lofoten, including Henningsvær, Lofoten's best-known fishing village Oslo - Explore the Viking Ship Museum, which boasts a diverse range of artefacts from the vikings
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INSPIRING FEATURES Inspiring Stay
Spend one of the most incredible nights of your life in a glass igloo looking up at the stars and searching for the Northern Lights.
Inspiring Sight
Carve through frozen seas on an icebreaker, go on a husky sled safari through the Lapland wilderness and glide through the Arctic landscape on a snowmobile in search of the Northern Lights.
Inspiring Taste
Enjoy sparkling wine at North Cape, Norway's most northerly point, as well as memorable welcome and farewell dinners.
CABIN UPGRADE Arctic Superior outside cabin upgrades available on all dates for $800 per person in addition to the twin share price. To secure your cabin upgrade:
1. Purchase the standard package for your chosen date. 2. In the 'special requests' section prior to finalising your purchase please request an upgrade to an 'Arctic Superior Cabin'. 3. The additional cost will be added to your final invoice and collected 120 days prior to departure.
CRUISE DETAILS For further information on your Hurtigruten Kirkenes to Bergen cruise, click HERE.
Fine Print
EXCLUSIONS Visas Travel insurance (recommended) Tipping Anything not mentioned in the itinerary Optional activities Personal expenses Shore excursions
Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P9 TOUR ITINERARY
WINTER ACTIVITIES Winter activities are climate affected (too cold/too warm/dangerous condition). The King Crab safari will take place by boat if the frozen ice is too thin to support the weight of the snowmobiles. The husky sledding may take place in different locations or by husky pulled cart if the snow is to thin/thick. Activities can also be cancelled if the weather conditions are too dangerous to be exposed to the elements.
SHORE EXCURSIONS Hurtigruten offers a range of optional shore excursions which are payable while on-board. Not all shore excursions are available in winter due to weather and climate conditions. A full list of shore excursions can be found by clicking here.
NORTHERN LIGHTS The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. We can't guarantee they will be present or visible during your visit.
CHANGE OF MIND Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase: GUARANTEE - EFFECTIVE FROM 13 MARCH 2020 For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at [email protected] prior to the cut-off period, to allow us sufficient time to respond and action your request. Should we not hear from you following this time period, your booking becomes non-refundable and you will be issued with a reminder for the second installment due for your booking.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer
Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P10 TOUR ITINERARY
to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at [email protected] prior to the cut-off period specified, to allow us sufficient time to respond and action your request. Should we not hear from you once inside 90 days of scheduled departure, your booking remains non-refundable and becomes non- transferrable, and you will be issued with a reminder for the final balance due for your booking.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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