YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®

New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard 2022

Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

For me, one of the joys of traveling is the careful planning that goes into an adventure—from the first spark of inspiration to hours spent poring over travel books about my dream destinations—and I can’t wait to see where my next journey will take me. I know you’re eager to explore the world, too, and our New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard itinerary described inside is an excellent way to start.

As for New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard, thanks to your small group of 20-25 travelers (average 22) you can expect some unforgettable experiences. Here are a few that stood out for me:

Throughout your cruise, you’ll gain in-depth insights into the mysteries of the Arctic alongside an experienced Expedition Team who will share their expertise with you. They’ll provide vital information about your voyage, lead insightful discussions about the Arctic, and join you on every Zodiac excursion.

You’ll also meet with two local experts at the Bellona Foundation—an independent non-profit organization working to identify and implement sustainable environmental solutions—to discuss whether the country is acting heroically, or hypocritically, when it comes to the issue of climate change. Although the country boasts some of the most progressive environmentally-friendly practices around the globe, Norway dredges up more oil per capita than most other countries in the world. Some experts say the country is making a grave misstep on the fight to protect the climate, while others believe there are many benefits to Norway’s oil production. We’ll get a firsthand account from both sides of this controversy with a representative of the Bellona Foundation and a local offshore oil worker.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. That’s why we don’t shy away from controversial topics, and why all our Trip Experience Leaders are “insiders” who live in the country.

To ensure your adventure is truly unique, join the 85% of our travelers who choose to put their own personal stamp on their adventure by personalizing their experience. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So now that the day has come when you can enjoy your New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Warm regards,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. I thought our 3 most popular videos about the Arctic would help you get inspired for the adventure ahead. Scan the QR code next to the video to watch.

Svalbard, A Journey to the Top of Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa: Tough Boats: the Arctic the Earth Oslo and Norway

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME

Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you directly to the video.

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9

ARCTIC EXPEDITION: ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: UNTAMED NORWAY & SVALBARD CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: The Culture of Scandinavia ...... 65 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Responsible Travel in the Arctic ...... 72 and What’s Included ...... 10 Oslo in Brief...... 73 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 Copenhagen in Brief ...... 74 Pre-Trip Extension ...... 23 Edinburgh in Brief ...... 76 Post-Trip Extension ...... 29 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Deck Plans ...... 33 Shipping & More ...... 77 Dates & Prices ...... 35 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Svalbard...... 79 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 36 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 79 No Visas Required ...... 36 Svalbard: A Brief History ...... 79 Special Forms Required for Arctic Cruise . . . 37 Norway...... 80 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 39 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 80 Vaccines Required ...... 40 Norway: A Brief History ...... 81 Money Matters: Local Currency & Iceland ...... 82 Tipping Guidelines...... 42 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 82 Tipping Guidelines...... 45 Iceland: A Brief History ...... 83 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch .....47 Denmark ...... 84 Optional Tours ...... 48 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 84 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 49 Denmark: A Brief History ...... 85 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 50 United Kingdom in Brief...... 86 Expedition Clothing ...... 52 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 86 Suggested Packing Lists ...... 53 Scotland...... 87 Electricity Abroad ...... 56 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 87 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 58 Scotland: A Brief History ...... 88 Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services on Board ...... 61 RESOURCES Ocean Diamond...... 61 Suggested Reading ...... 90 Ship Specifications ...... 63 Suggested Film & Video ...... 93

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 98 Notes...... 99 Map ...... 103

3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in the Arctic

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled. SMALL GROUPS: 20-25 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 22)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 25 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality. visiting, so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world, and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local relationships to deliver an excellent experience AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Reykjavik. farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Navigate the icy waters of the Arctic Circle by Zodiac Explore the Svalbard archipelago

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Arctic Expedition adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) from a representative of Bellona as well as an VISIT offshore oil worker. GCF was established in 1992 to help change A DAY IN THE LIFE people’s lives in the world where we live, Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s donated $200 million worldwide. find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an By investing in the places we explore— exclusive, immersive experience that places including local schools, cooperatives, or arts you in the heart of a community where you’ll centers—we hope to give locals the skills and meet various people where they live, work, confidence they need to become leaders of and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a their generation and preserve their heritage hand with daily chores; and break bread with for many years to come. We’re proud to play our hosts. a part in preserving precious locales like the Perhaps you’ll join a local resident or Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living community leader for a guided walk through example of the glory days of the Hanseatic the town, visit a market, or enjoy a unique League, and supporting villages like Harmi in opportunity to meet teachers and students at Estonia, whose once-struggling school is now a local school if school is in session. a center of community life. HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds Every culture has its joys and achievements, engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the and we celebrate them all. But every place things that can happen across a kitchen table, also has its challenges, and to gloss over them so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local would not do justice to those whose stories family in their home for a snack or a meal. need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who This is a rare opportunity to witness family deserves more than a sugar-coated version of life, learn local customs, and taste some things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will home-cooked fare. lead frank discussions on controversial issues, and introduce you to people whose stories will For example, we’ll get a taste of Scottish expand your understanding. hospitality and sample traditional flavors when we join a family for dinner in For example, we’ll visit the Bellona Glasgow; we’ll observe life from a communal Foundation, an organization working to Russian apartment in St. Petersburg as we implement sustainable environmental share lunch with the residents; and share a solutions. We’ll discuss the environmental meal with a Bosnian family who has lived challenges facing Norway today, and whether along Sarajevo’s “Sniper Alley,” since before they are acting heroically—or hypocritically— the siege of the city. when it comes their oil-drilling practices. We’ll hear both sides of this controversy

5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.

It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.

PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader who leads your main trip, enjoying more of 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often his or her insider expertise—and more time in an even smaller group than your main to bond with the group. adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.

Optional Extensions offered with your Arctic adventure

Reykjavik & Vik: Waterfalls, Glaciers Copenhagen: Denmark’s Hub of & Geysers Contemporary Culture 6 nights pre-trip from $3295 4 nights post-trip from $1395

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland Copenhagen, Denmark

6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER COMBINE ADVENTURES Extending your time abroad—with us or You’re already overseas. Why not see more and on your own—is the best way to broaden maximize your value by avoiding the cost and your experience. It’s also a practical way to length of another international flight? Here’s maximize the value of the international airfare why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or covered in your main itinerary. more adventures in 2019:

Expand Your Discoveries Before • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when or After Your Adventure you combine two adventures compared to the cost of taking each trip separately. Arrive early in the first destination on your pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit later in the last city on your main adventure or you earn on your first trip to your second trip. post-trip extension. By coming early, you can • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an rest after your flight and adjust—with time to extra $250-$350 per person when booking explore. By staying later, you have extra time multiple trips in a calendar year. to relax, pack, or continue exploring. • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all Perhaps you’ll choose to spend more time the arrangements for a seamless experience. in Oslo before or after your main trip; Combine this trip with our Enhanced! Untamed arrive early in Reykjavik before your Iceland adventure—for a total cost of $15,190- pre-trip extension; or spend more time 18,590 per person—and save $700-1400 per in Copenhagen after your post-trip extension. person versus taking each trip separately. Whatever you choose, our Regional Adventure Counselors are here to help you tailor your AIR PREFERENCES O.A.T. airfare to personalize your experience. 54% of our travelers customize their air itineraries: NEW! Stopover in any major international city • Choose your departure city and airline Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the opportunity to stopover in popular cities en • Depart from one city and return to another route to your main adventure. Speak with one • Upgrade to Premium Economy or of our Regional Adventure Counselors to learn Business Class more about your options and to arrange your FREEDOM OF CHOICE DURING YOUR international airfare. ADVENTURE You are free to choose however you’d like to Our itineraries provide a balance of included spend this additional time exploring, including activities and free time so you always have the tours you take, activities you plan, and the flexibility to participate in included restaurants you visit. If you’d like ideas about activities, go off on your own entirely, or do a how to spend this time and what to see and do, mix of both. our Regional Adventure Counselors can provide recommendations when helping you plan this option.

7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world. Foundation, as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving. the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers have donated more than $1 million in 2019 Of course, none of this would be possible alone. And because we have no administrative without your help. A portion of the costs, 100% of donations are used to help proceeds of every adventure is donated to change people’s lives. Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll In addition to the destinations where we travel, meet along the way. we strive to better the communities where Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates participate Love and peace, in community service each year. Worldwide, nearly all of our offices organize annual community service events of their own. Harriet R. Lewis Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects, you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the- inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel.

SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.

8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in the Arctic—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE … The leader in solo-friendly Low-cost Single Supplements: We have travel for Americans—by a limited number of low-cost single supplements on this adventure and FREE the numbers Single Supplements on optional trip extensions. But single spaces fill quickly, so More than 50% of all O.A.T. early reservations are advised. travelers are women who travel solo

Travel Solo, But Never Alone: Since you will be joined by others traveling independently In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 in your group, it’s easy to forge special bonds singles spaces across all O.A.T. as you experience unforgettable moments adventures. That’s 86% more than together. Plus, your Trip Experience Leader offered in 2019 can help connect you with fellow travelers who share your common interests. 92% of our 30,000 single spaces You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your have FREE Single Supplements. The dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a remaining 8% have the lowest single resident of Scandinavia), and the expertise of supplements in the industry. our regional office team in Reykjavik.

Single Space: In 2022, we have 60 single In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive spaces, with up to 12 single spaces per women’s departures on some of our departure. See available low-cost single space most popular itineraries at www.oattravel.com/nar2022.

NEW! 101+ SCAN ME Tips for Solo Women Travelers This complimentary, 96-page booklet is a comprehensive collection of savvy tips specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about safety for solos, packing like a pro, the best travel apps, self-care on the road, and more. Scan this code to view an online copy or to request one by mail.

9 Explore aboard our privately chartered 168-passenger M/V Ocean Diamond

New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard Small Ship Adventure pŋũƒÖƘ̵̆Oslo | !ĢũóŽĿłÖƑĢėÖŶāœƑÖķðÖũù̵̆Longyearbyen, Ny Alesund, Krossfjorden, Magdalenefjorden, Smeerenburg, Seven Islands, Storoya, Hinlopen Strait, Alkefjellet, Torellneset, Freemansundet, Kapp Lee, Hornsund, Recherchefjorden, Bellsund

Countries: 1 | Cities: 3 | 9 Nights Aboard the Privately Chartered 175-Passenger M/V Ocean Diamond

Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 22)

Services of our local Trip Experience 4 guided tours (with personal headsets) FROM PER DAY DAYS • • Leader and Expedition Team with and cultural experiences; daily Arctic $11,795 $787 15 your group of 20-25 (average of 22) activities including Zodiac cruises throughout your adventure and landings (weather permitting); and lectures and discussions with Including international airfare International airfare, airport transfers, • your Expedition Team and Trip government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Experience Leader Low-cost Single Supplement surcharges, unless you choose to make available your own air arrangements • Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers • Accommodations for 4 nights Maximize Your in Oslo and 9 nights aboard the • All port charges M/V Ocean Diamond Discoveries & Value • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage • 35 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and per person, including tips 12 dinners Optional extensions : • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip Reykjavik & Vik: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Geysers 6 nights pre-trip from $3295 Travel from only $550 per night Copenhagen: Denmark’s Hub of Contemporary Culture 4 nights post-trip from $1395 Travel from only $349 per night

Polar bear, Svalbard, Arctic Ocean

Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard

10 Itinerary Summary

Pre-trip extension: 6 nights in Reykjavik & Vik: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Geysers DAYS DESTINATION

1 Depart U.S.

2-4 Oslo, Norway

5 Longyearbyen

6-13 Circumnavigating Arctic Svalbard

14 Longyearbyen • Oslo, Norway

15 Oslo • Return to U.S. Activity Level:

Pacing: 14 days, with 9 nights aboard the M/V Ocean Diamond or M/V Hondius and 4 Post-trip extension: 4 nights in Copenhagen: Denmark’s Hub of nights in Oslo Contemporary Culture Physical Requirements: Walk 3 miles unassisted on uneven terrain and participate in 6-8 hours of activities each day, including Zodiac excursions with wet landings Flight Time: Involves 2 international flights between U.S. and Oslo, likely with at least one connection; 2 internal flights Climate: Due to the Arctic’s unpredictable weather and ice conditions, circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago may not be possible and will be replaced with alternative activities

View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/nar2022 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience The Arctic : The O.A.T. Difference Join the more than 85% of travelers who are choosing to personalize their adventure Our Best Value in 2 Years: Save up to $300 per person, and travel at the lowest by arriving early, staying later, and discov- price and per diems in the industry. ering more. • Add a pre- or post-trip extension to People-to-People Experiences: Hear from an expert who works at an maximize your discoveries and value environmental organization founded to protest pollution in Norway, about how they aim to combat the effects of oil spills. You’ll also discuss the Controversial Topic of • Arrive early or stay later in a favorite city Norway’s actions when it comes to staying “green.” Plus, throughout your cruise, • Upgrade your seat and choose your you’ll be joined by an experienced Expedition Team who will share their expertise preferred airline carrier with you. They’ll provide vital information about your voyage, lead insightful discussions about the Arctic, and join you on every Zodiac excursion.

O.A.T. Exclusives: Step aboard our privately chartered polar expedition vessel to circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago (if weather and ice conditions allow)—a feature that other travel companies don’t offer. Spend 9 nights—more than most other travel companies—exploring this remote region to enjoy ample wildlife viewing opportunities.

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/nar2022

11 Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 6 nights in Reykjavik & Vik: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Geysers

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Seljalandsfoss Waterfall • Gígjökull glacier outlet • Explore Basar Day 2 Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland Day 6 Skaftafell • Vatnajokull National Day 3 Reykjavik • The Blue Lagoon • Park • Glacier lagoon boat tour Harpa Concert Hall conversation Day 7 Dyrholaey • Solheimajokull glacier Day 4 Golden Circle tour • Reykjavik Day 8 Fly to Oslo

Day 1 Depart U.S. there, you’ll meet your Trip Experience Leader and join travelers who took our Reykjavik & Vik: Travel towards the top of the world today as Waterfalls, Glaciers & Geysers pre-trip extension. you depart on your overnight flight to Oslo, Depending on where we stay, hotel amenities Norway. Please refer to your individual air may include a bar, restaurant, and fitness itinerary for exact departure and arrival times. center. Typically, each room includes wireless Internet access, a telephone, minibar, TV, and Day 2 Arrive in Oslo, Norway private bathroom. • Destination: Oslo Lunch: On your own. You may seek out a • Included Meals: Dinner restaurant that serves traditional dishes like • Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera potato dumplings known as kumla. or similar Afternoon: Around 3:30pm we’ll embark on Activity Note: Travelers may arrive in Oslo at a 45-minute orientation walk around the different times of the day depending on your neighborhood with your Trip Experience individual flight arrangements. Leader. You may take this opportunity to get Morning: Arrive in Oslo today, your home for acquainted with the Norwegian culture by three nights of this journey. A representative trying local delicacies such as kjottboller (fried will meet you at the airport and assist you with meatballs spiced with ginger and nutmeg), or a 45-minute transfer by bus to your hotel. Once by interacting with locals at the establishments

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 you pass. After returning to the hotel, enjoy is a local favorite. It’s no wonder café culture some free time to relax or venture out to has such prominence in Oslo as Norway explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll venture out consumes the second largest sum of coffee in to a café where you can grab a coffee and watch Europe after Finland. locals going about their daily routines. • How to get there: About 10-15 minutes by We’ll regroup around 6:45pm and walk to a local transportation, around $10 each way. local restaurant. • Hours: Call café or bar of choice for hours of operation. Dinner: Around 7pm, enjoy a Welcome Dinner • Cost: Food and drink prices vary. hosted by your Trip Experience Leader at a local • Get a glimpse of local life along the water’s restaurant. edge at the Quayside: Explore the bustling Evening: After, we’ll return to the hotel, fish market where you can sample some of arriving around 9pm. You have the freedom the area’s specialty, torrfisk (dried cod fish). to retire to your room back at the hotel, or You might have the opportunity to watch you may wish to find a nearby bar where you vendors preparing these fish by drying and your fellow travelers can toast to the and salting them. Or, head to the Opera discoveries to come. House where you can marvel at this unique architectural treasure. Inspired by nature’s Freedom To Explore: During your three days mountains, visitors are encouraged to walk in Oslo, you have the freedom to explore this up the Opera House’s sloping rooftop. While charming town on your own during your free here, you may also choose to stay for a show. time. Below are a few recommended options for • How to get there: About a 10- to 15-minute independent explorations: walk from the hotel. • Experience the local cuisine at one of Oslo’s • Hours: Depending on activity. many Norwegian restaurants: Try world-fa- • Cost: Depending on activity. mous smoked Norwegian salmon at the Eufemia Bar or Olivia Ostbanella—two of the Day 3 Oslo • Vigeland Park town’s most renowned eateries. Norwegian • Destination: Oslo fishing traditions date back centuries, and • Included Meals: Breakfast fish farming has become one of the largest • Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera industries in the country. Around 70% of or similar Norway’s fish exports are farmed as opposed to wild-caught, including salmon. Activity Note: Depending on your departure date, the activities on Days 3 and 4 may be How to get there: A 5-to 10-minute walk • swapped, but all activities are still included. from the hotel. • Hours: Call restaurants for hours of Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel operation. beginning at 6am, with Norwegian and • Cost: Most meals cost between $15-$50 American options available. USD. Morning: Around 9am, we’ll gather in the Head to the East Side and experience Oslo’s • hotel for a 1-hour Welcome Briefing with our “café culture:” Consider lounging and people Trip Experience Leader. During this briefing, watching at one of the many cafés and bars we will introduce ourselves and review our that overlook the Gronlandspark—Cafeteatret

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 itinerary in more detail (including any changes and striking depictions of the human form, that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience which you’ll witness today during a walking Leader will also discuss logistics, safety and tour through the exhibit. Around 11:15am, we’ll emergency procedures, and answer questions depart by bus for about 15 minutes to the 22 we may have. Then around 10am, we’ll transfer July Center where we’ll trace the events of a by motorcoach for about 15 minutes to Vigeland 2011 terrorist attack. Since the attack took place Park. During this drive, your Trip Experience in this building, you’ll see firsthand some of Leader will give you a proper introduction to the damage the bomb caused here. Then around the city of Oslo. noon, we’ll continue on and drive for another 15 minutes to City Hall and the Opera House, a The history of this city can be traced all the unique architectural treasure that is uniquely way back to AD 1000 when the first small known for its sloping roof. settlement was established on the Bjorvika inlet and expanded to house 3000 residents Around 1:15pm, we’ll drive for 15 minutes back by the year 1300. Traces of medieval times can to the hotel. still be found in Gamlebyen (Old Town), such Lunch: You have the freedom to dine where as the ruins of the Akurshus fortress and castle you please. Perhaps you want to eat like a local as well as the stone remains of the Hovedoya and are therefore looking for a popular dish like monastery. While Norway was a territory of pickled herring, known for its sour taste. Denmark into the 1800s, it was ceded to the king of Sweden in 1814, and shortly thereafter Afternoon: You have the freedom to explore at got its own constitution which made Oslo (or your own pace. Perhaps you’ll choose to walk Christiana, as it was known at the time) the to the Quayside area where you can visit a fish capital of Norway. market or catch a show at the Opera House.

While today, Oslo’s skyline is constantly Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience changing with the contemporary flourishes that Leader would be happy to provide you with make it a thriving urban center, the Norwegian restaurant recommendations. If you’re feeling capital has something that sets it apart from adventurous, you may seek out cuisine like other major cities ... it is completely surrounded lutefisk, a dish made with salted fish. by nature. With mountains on one side and the North Sea on the other, the city’s center is only Evening: You are free to return to your room a stone’s throw away from national forests, to rest, or you may venture out to experience wilderness parks, ski slopes, and the islands of Oslo’s night culture. the Oslofjord. During your time here, consider paying a visit to Svartdalsparken park, where you can walk a forested trail that will take you past scenic ponds and across a bridge that gives you panoramic views of a waterfall.

Arrive in Vigeland park, where you’ll discover the artistic flair that Oslo is dripping with. This open-air gallery features the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, which he installed here from 1924 to 1943. He is best known for his bold

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

14 Day 4 Oslo • Controversial Topic: come. The country is almost entirely run on Norway—Environmental Hero or hydropower, which meets about 95 percent of Hypocrite—with a climate change expert the its energy needs, and aims to be climate and an offshore oil worker neutral by 2030. In Oslo, the European Green Capital of 2019, new buildings larger than 5,000 • Destination: Oslo square feet are required to get 60 percent of • Included Meals: Breakfast their energy from a renewable source and the • Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera city center is car-free. If you must own a car, it or similar should be an electric vehicle. And yet, as we’ll Activity Note: Today’s activities involve an easy find out, for all Norway’s efforts to be green, hike over flat terrain. You must be able to walk the country is making a serious—and some for two hours unassisted. experts say, grave—misstep on the fight to protect the climate … Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6am, with Norwegian and Norway dredges up more oil per capita than American options available. most other countries in the world. Most of the oil and gas produced by Norway is not Morning: Around 9am, we’ll begin our urban used at home but is exported. In fact, the hike of Oslo. Your 1.5-hour walk will begin country has become one of the world’s top in a residential area of Oslo and will take you fossil fuel exporters, exporting 10 times more along the Aker River, away from traffic and the emissions than the country produces at home. hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll pass a small And that’s not all: Norway’s proposed new waterfall off the path, and may even feel the oil and gas fields would lead to 150% more refreshing spray of the river’s mist. emissions, putting the country’s—and the world’s—climate at risk. Your walk will conclude at about 10:15am at the The Bellona Foundation, an independent We’ll hear from two experts on both sides of non-profit organization working to fight the oil-drilling controversy: a representative climate challenges in Norway by identifying from Bellona, and an offshore oil worker. and implementing sustainable environmental Critics of Norway’s oil program, including the solutions. The south side of the foundation’s representative we’ll meet with, argue that building is designed with integrated panels, and drilling and exporting is wreaking irrevocable on sunny days it delivers solar energy to the damage on the environment. They believe the city’s grid. During our 1-hour visit, you’ll hear Norwegian government has adopted an “out from two local experts about a Controversial of sight, out of mind” philosophy, where they Topic: The environmental challenges facing feel Norway is not responsible for the emissions Norway today, and whether the country is from the oil they drill because the oil is not acting heroically—or hypocritically—when it burned in Norway. But no matter where oil comes to the issue of climate change. is burned, climate advocates counter, it fuels climate change. Norwegians take their love of nature seriously—so seriously, in fact, that there is On the other hand, the offshore oil worker an entire article of the Norwegian constitution will explain the many benefits oil has given dedicated to it: Article 112, which promises to Norway. The Scandinavian nation has to safeguard a healthy and safe environment grown rich off fossil fuels, which in turn has for all Norwegian citizens now, and those to

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15 resulted in a high standard of living for most Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Norwegians, with robust medical care, social Leader will be happy to provide you with services, and education. The oil industry restaurant recommendations. employs more than 250,000 Norwegian Evening: You have the freedom to spend the workers and is responsible for $1.67 billion of rest of your evening as you wish. Head back Norway’s GDP. This does not include related to your room to pack before we leave Oslo service and supply industries. The oil worker tomorrow, or you may choose to set off on an believes that Norway would not consistently evening stroll to see the city aglow under the be ranked one of the world’s best places to live urban lights. were it not for the strong economy the country has been able to achieve because of the oil industry. Day 5 Oslo • Fly to Longyearbyen • Embark ship After hearing both sides of the issue, you’ll have • Destination: Longyearbyen plenty of time to ask the experts questions. The topic of climate change concerns not • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner only Norwegians, but all inhabitants of our • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond shared planet, and we hope you will find this Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel discussion compelling. beginning at 6am, with Norwegian and American options available. Afterwards, around 11:15am, we’ll visit a local indoor market that’s not often visited by Morning: Around 7am, we’ll drive from our travelers and features cafés, eateries, and a hotel to the airport, where we’ll board a flight variety of shops. Around 12:15pm, we’ll board to Longyearbyen. Upon landing we’ll drive for a local tram and ride for about 30 minutes back about 30 minutes into Longyearbyen, arriving to the Opera House. We’ll enter the building by 3pm, and our Trip Experience Leader will for a tour that will last about 45 minutes. guide us on a discovery walking tour of this We’ll discover the multiple performance halls small, Arctic coal mining town in the Svalbard that host shows here, and you may have the archipelago. The first aspects of Longyearbyen opportunity to walk on the sloping roof of you may notice are its whitewashed landscapes the Opera House—an activity that is highly and mountainous backdrop, making it a encouraged by the architect of this urban gem. picturesque jumping off point for our adventure into the frozen wilderness. Lunch: On your own beginning at about 1:30pm—ask your Trip Experience Leader for Lunch: A light lunch will be served onboard local restaurant recommendations. Perhaps your flight to Longyearbyen. you want to try Norway’s national dish, farikal. This simple and hearty stew is prepared with Afternoon: Around 4:30pm, we’ll conclude meat—usually lamb—cabbage, and potatoes, our tour and walk to a nearby pier where we’ll and it is typically swimming in gravy. board the 175-passenger M/V Ocean Diamond, your home away from home for the next nine Afternoon: Enjoy a couple hours of free time nights and your ticket to once-in-a-lifetime to stroll around the city or return to the hotel Arctic discoveries. The ship is staffed by a to relax. friendly, English-speaking crew who will be eager to welcome you aboard and show you to your cabin. Enjoy spacious cabins as well

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16 as the comfort of the ship’s inviting common conditions, it is impossible to predict precisely areas. These include a cozy guest lounge, an when this first landing—and all subsequent atmospheric indoor bar, and a topside Sun landings—will occur. Deck where you can bundle up and admire the Today’s Activities: This morning, we’ll arrive scenery of the Arctic. The ship’s cabins include in Krossfjorden, a 19-mile long fjord along the wireless Internet access, a TV, telephone, safe, coast of Spitsbergen, the only permanently and private bathroom. populated settlement of the Svalbard Our privately chartered small ship is archipelago. purpose-built for accomplishing what history’s We’ll set out by Zodiac towards Ny Alesund, intrepid voyagers only dreamed of—exploring otherwise known as the northernmost town Svalbard. As one of the few travel companies to in the world. This former mining town served circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago—if as the starting point for explorer Roald weather and ice conditions allow—this journey Amundsen’s expedition by airship to the North will provide you with discoveries that not many Pole, and then Alaska. This is regarded as the other travelers get to experience. After a short first successful landing in the North Pole, introduction to the crew and a safety briefing although the airship crashed while trying to around 5:30pm, gather on the deck and watch return, and Amundsen disappeared during Longyearbyen shrink into the distance as you the 1928 rescue mission to recover it. While set sail for Krossfjorden around 6pm. exploring the town, we’ll visit the mooring Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining tower where his airship was docked, as well as room at around 6:30pm, featuring the world’s northernmost post office, where regionally-inspired cuisine. we can get our passport stamped and send postcards to relatives and friends back home to Evening: Gather with your fellow travelers and show them exactly how far our adventure has Expedition Team for a Port Talk and Expedition taken us. Briefing around 8pm. Later this afternoon, if the weather permits, we Day 6 Krossfjorden • Ny Alesund will once again board Zodiac crafts and attempt • Fourteenth of July Glacier • to land at the Fourteenth of July Glacier. This Lillehöökbreen Glacier sky-blue wonder rises 30 feet above sea level and was named for National Day of France. If • Destination: Ny Alesund we’re lucky, we may spot seals or native Arctic • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner birds such as kittiwakes. • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in Activity Note: The following itinerary is for the ship’s dining room. Our crew and Trip guidance only. For the duration of this Small Experience Leader will inform us of precise Ship Adventure, you will need to embark aboard start times, and there will be daily memos Zodiac crafts for your Arctic excursions. Your posted around the ship to inform you and your landings may be “wet,” which means you’ll fellow travelers of meal times. Tonight will need to step into water up to ten inches deep feature a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner. and wade ashore. Good agility, balance, and strength are needed for this expedition. Due to ever-changing wind, weather, and sea

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17 Evening: After dinner, our ship will continue Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in cruising along Krossfjorden, slowing down to the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip enjoy the scenic beauty of Lillehöökbreen, one Experience Leader will inform you of precise of the largest glacial fronts in Svalbard. start times, and there will be daily memos posted around the ship to inform you and your Day 7 Magdalenefjorden • Smeerenburg fellow travelers of meal times. • Destination: Arctic Ocean Day 8 Explore sea ice fields • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond • Destination: Arctic Ocean • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity Note: The following is meant as a • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond general description to the itinerary that you are likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your Activity Note: The following is meant as a Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed general description to the itinerary that you are of the schedule on a daily basis. likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed Today’s Activities: Depending on the weather of the schedule on a daily basis. and ice conditions, we’ll cruise this morning through the idyllic waters of Magdalenefjorden, Today’s Activities: The artistic essence of a scenic fjord system along Spitzbergen’s nature is on full display as we cruise by a rugged west coast at the foot of glaciers vast expanse of sea ice north of Spitsbergen. flanked by towering mountains. This remote Evocative of a frozen mosaic, sea ice is an region also served as a base for whale hunting attractive setting for polar bears as it allows in the 17th century, and at a landing site on them to move along the surface of the water the Graveneset, we’ll view cultural remains without detection when they hunt for seals. And that include “blubber pots” used to render we’ll keep our eyes open for other wildlife when the whale blubber into oil, and graves of early we pass by the tiny island of Moffen, where whalers. We’ll also stop at Waggonwaybreen, a more than a hundred walrus often haul out at beautiful glacier at the end of the fjord. its southern tip.

Then this afternoon, we’ll cruise into If the ice conditions or weather Smeerenburg, another lovely fjord that was aren’t favorable, we will instead visit home to an important 17th-century whaling Lifdefjorden—part of Woodfjorden at the station. We’ll see whale bones and remnants northern coast of Spitsbergen. Or we may of cooking ovens here and perhaps some of visit Monacobreen glacier, situated near the the walrus who call it home these days. Then, Lifdejorden mountain and one of the most we’ll head to a remote bay on the opposite popular sites in this region. side of Smeerenburg called Virgohamna. If the Later this afternoon—again, weather waters are calm, we can take a brief Zodiac permitting—we will cruise to a second landing ride along the coast to view remains of several site: The Bockfjorden, another section of polar expeditions that lay scattered along the Woodfjorden. The mountains here have the sandy beach. characteristic red hue of sandstone. After dinner this evening, we’ll gather onboard After our day’s explorations, we’ll gather for a for our nightly Port Talk. Port Talk around 6pm.

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18 Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in start times, and there will be daily memos the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip posted around the ship to inform you and your Experience Leader will inform you of precise fellow travelers of meal times. start times, and there will be daily memos posted around the ship to inform you and your Day 10 Alkefjellet • Torellneset fellow travelers of meal times. • Destination: Alkefjellet • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 9 Seven Islands • Storøya • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond • Destination: Arctic Ocean Activity Note: The following is meant as a • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner general description to the itinerary that you are • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your Activity Note: The following is meant as a Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed general description to the itinerary that you are of the schedule on a daily basis. likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your Today’s Activities: This morning, we’ll take Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed a Zodiac cruise to the famous bird cliffs of of the schedule on a daily basis. Alkefjellet. Parts of these sheer cliffs facing the Today’s Activities: This morning, we’ll visit Hinlopen Strait are more than 300 feet high, the Seven Islands, a remote group of small and some 60,000 breeding pairs of Brünnich’s islands far north of the Svalbard archipelago. guillemots arrive here each year, along with If conditions are right, we’ll attempt Zodiac smaller numbers of gulls and kittiwakes. landings on some of the islands, which are Alkefjellet itself is a wonder to behold—a known for their hat shaped mountains and as a massive basalt mountain cliff with fantastic haven for seabirds and walrus. Polar bears can towers, peaks, and pinnacles. be seen here as well, either living year-round, After lunch onboard, we’ll make a landing or arriving on chunks of drift ice for visits. at Torellneset, a famous gathering spot for Later, we’ll set a course northeast to Storøya walrus. Then this evening, if conditions allow, (“Big Island”), which rises like a great dome our expedition ship will cruise to Austfonna of ice from the Arctic. If conditions allow, for a chance to view the glacial splendor of we’ll take Zodiacs along the coastline to watch Svalbard’s largest ice cap. for walrus and polar bear, who often journey Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in across the pack ice. And under ideal conditions, the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip we’ll head to Kvitoya, Svalbard’s most remote Experience Leader will inform you of precise outpost. The island also houses a monument start times, and there will be daily memos commemorating three members of an 1897 posted around the ship to inform you and your expedition team who reached the island via fellow travelers of meal times. pack ice but died within two weeks of landing.

Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip Experience Leader will inform you of precise

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19 Day 11 Freemansundet • Kapp Waldburg Day 12 Hornsund • Kapp Lee • Destination: Hornsund • Destination: Freemansundet • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond Ocean Diamond • Accommodations: M/V Activity Note: The following is meant as a Activity Note: The following is meant as a general description to the itinerary that you are general description to the itinerary that you are likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed of the schedule on a daily basis. of the schedule on a daily basis. Today’s Activities: This morning our Today’s Activities: This morning, our expedition ship arrives in Hornsund, a beautiful expedition ship cruises along Freemansundet, a fjord on the southern tip of Spitsbergen. small sound between the islands of Barentsøya The word spitsbergen translates to “pointed and Edgeøya, to reach the broad expanses of mountains,” and it’ll be apparent where this Storfjorden, where much of the region’s sea name came from when you gaze up at the ice is formed. If conditions allow, we’ll take 4,700 foot peaks of Hornsundtind and admire Zodiacs for a landing at Kapp Waldburg, a the splendor of the region known for calving nesting site for black-legged kittiwakes. glaciers. Later this afternoon, we’ll attempt to explore by Zodiac and may visit some of the Later in the afternoon, we make another Zodiac area’s 14 significant glaciers, keeping a lookout landing at Kapp Lee (also called Doleritneset), for surprises of the wild along the way. a famous walrus haul-out. We should see them basking contentedly, but the thousands of Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in scattered bones nearby are a haunting reminder the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip of times when they were slaughtered by the Experience Leader will inform you of precise hundreds on these shores for their ivory and start times, and there will be daily memos body parts. posted around the ship to inform you and your fellow travelers of meal times. Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip Day 13 Bellsund • Recherchefyorden • Experience Leader will inform you of precise start times, and there will be daily memos Camp Millar posted around the ship to inform you and your • Destination: Bellsund fellow travelers of meal times. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: M/V Ocean Diamond

Activity Note: The following is meant as a general description to the itinerary that you are likely to follow and is for guidance only. Your Trip Experience Leader will keep you informed of the schedule on a daily basis.

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20 Today’s Activities: This morning, you’ll find fruit, and toast. Breakfast service begins at 8am yourself in one of the largest fjord systems in today, and you are welcome to dine at your Svalbard, Bellsund. The ocean currents here convenience. give this area a warmer climate than the rest Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll disembark our of the Arctic, which is why you may notice ship in Longyearbyen, and now you can say that something you haven’t seen in days—green you completed the unparalleled journey around landscapes. the Svalbard archipelago. Then, we’ll transfer If the conditions allow, we’ll witness a by bus for about 15 minutes to the airport for sobering scene when we make a landing at your flight back to Oslo. Recherchefyorden, where piles of beluga whale Lunch: Light lunch served either upon arrival at skeletons can be found. These are remains from the airport or during your flight to Oslo. the 19th century whale slaughter that took place here, and are a reminder of the scars that Afternoon: Upon arrival, we’ll transfer by bus mankind has left on even the most untouched for about 45 minutes to our hotel, arriving of places. Fortunately, beluga whales still exist by 3pm. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at today, and you may come across a pod of them leisure. Perhaps you’ll choose to rest for your while cruising the waters of this region. journey tomorrow, or perhaps you’ll ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations Then, this afternoon, our final landing place in on last-minute activities you can enjoy in Svalbard will be Camp Millar, a one-time gold Oslo. You may set off on a short drive to the mining base that is now home to seabirds and Viking Ship Museum where you can see these iconic wildlife like the Arctic fox and grazing historical vessels on display, or you may Svalbard reindeer. wander over to Frogner Park where you’ll see a Today’s Meals: All meals will be served in collection of unique sculptures. the ship’s dining room. Your crew and Trip Dinner: Included at a local restaurant around Experience Leader will inform you of precise 7pm, featuring regionally-inspired cuisine. start times, and there will be daily memos posted around the ship to inform you and your Evening: You have the freedom to spend the fellow travelers of meal times. rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll return to your room to pack and rest before Day 14 Longyearbyen • Disembark ship • returning home tomorrow. Or, you may choose Fly to Oslo to find a bakery or restaurant that serves desserts like krumkake, a sweet waffle cookie • Destination: Oslo that is sometimes filled with cream. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera Day 15 Oslo • Return to U.S. or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast Breakfast: Served buffet-style onboard in the ship’s dining room. You may choose from an Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel assortment of familiar options—including hot beginning at 6am, with Norwegian and and cold cereals, eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh American options available.

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21 Morning: You’ll transfer by bus for about 45 minutes to the Oslo airport for your flight home. Or, begin your post-trip extension in Copenhagen: Denmark’s Hub of Contemporary Culture.

END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 4 nights in Copenhagen: Denmark’s Hub of Contemporary Culture

Day 1 Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark Day 4 Copenhagen • Explore Christiania Day 2 Explore Copenhagen Day 5 Return to U.S. Day 3 Copenhagen • Helsingor & Louisiana Museum optional tour

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22 PRE-TRIP Reykjavik & Vik: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Geysers

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare from Reykjavik to Oslo Financial Crisis discussion • Golden Circle » Accommodations for 3 nights in Reykjavik • 4x4 highland coach tour • Glacier at the Hilton Nordica or similar and 3 nights lagoon boat tour in Vik at the Icelandair Hotel or similar » Services of our local Trip Experience Leader » 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, » Gratuities for local guides and and 3 dinners motorcoach drivers » Guided tours and cultural experiences: Blue » All transfers Lagoon • Black sand beach • Solheimajokull Glacier • Harpa Concert Hall • Iceland

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

From its roaring waterfalls and mighty glaciers to its bubbling geysers and black sand beaches, Iceland abounds with natural phenomenons that shape the earth. Experience these mighty forces on a 4x4 highland coach tour through volcanic landscapes and winding rivers, and embark on a boat tour into glacial lagoons—right up to the edge of crystalline icebergs. You’ll also soak in the nourishing minerals of the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters on this unforgettable adventure in an unspoiled land.

Day 1 Depart U.S. rooms features a desk, flat-screen TV, wireless Internet access, coffeemakers, and a private Depart the U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland. bathroom.

Day 2 Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel upon arrival around 8:30am, with Icelandic and • Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland American options available. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Hilton Nordica or similar Morning: Around 10am, we’ll check in at the hotel and receive our room assignments. Early Morning: Arrive in Keflavik around 6am After taking some time to get settled in and and meet your Trip Experience Leader before relax, we’ll set off on a 1-hour orientation transferring by bus for about 45 minutes to walk around the vicinity of our hotel around your hotel in Reykjavik. Depending on where we 11am. Our Trip Experience Leader will guide us stay, amenities may include a restaurant, bar, on our explorations, pointing out restaurant and fitness room. Typically, each of the hotel’s recommendations for meals on your own, sights to visit during your free time, and ATMs as we go.

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23 Lunch: On your own. Perhaps you’ll venture own during your free time. Below are a few out to find a restaurant that serves hot dogs. recommended options for independent Surprisingly, Iceland is known for their hot explorations: dogs, which differ slightly from American • Relax in the Flóran Garden Bistro: Evocative dogs. In Iceland, hot dogs are made from of a blossoming garden, this café was multiple meats, including lamb, pork, and beef. designed with its surroundings in mind. Sandwiched between a bun like our American Located in the city’s botanical gardens, the hot dogs, the traditional Icelandic toppings Flóran Garden Bistro is a lovely setting where include diced fried onions, mustard, and you can enjoy local cuisine and drinks. The remoulade sauce. kitchen here utilizes ingredients grown in Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, we’ll continue the greenhouse, so you’ll sample organic our explorations, walking to attractions like and fresh food. We recommend spending 1.5 the botanical gardens to witness some of the hours so you can dine in the café and explore 3000 plant species that are on display here, and the gardens. we’ll visit Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s largest • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. public pool. • Hours: 10am-6pm, daily. We cap off our discoveries around 3pm and • Cost: Meal prices vary. you have a couple of hours to relax before • Take a dip in Laugardalslaug: The public we regroup around 5:30pm for a 45-minute thermal baths and swimming pool complex of Welcome Briefing at the hotel. During this Laugardalslaug boasts the city’s largest pool briefing, we will introduce ourselves and and features extensive facilities, including review our itinerary in more detail (including a children’s pool, paddling pool, two water any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip slides, numerous hot tubs, steam baths, Experience Leader will also go over logistics, and even a mini golf course. Enjoy a popular safety and emergency procedures, and answer Icelandic pastime alongside locals, during questions we may have. which you’ll have the opportunity to interact and mingle with them during your visit. Dinner: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel around 6:30pm, featuring traditional dishes. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. • Hours: 6:30am-10pm, Monday-Friday; Evening: You have the freedom to spend the 8am-10pm Saturday-Sunday. rest of your evening as you wish. You may • Cost: About $8 USD. choose to retire to your room to get some rest, or you may venture out to a bar where Day 3 Reykjavik • The Blue Lagoon • Harpa you can find Brennivín, a classic Icelandic Concert Hall conversation schnapps. Raise your glasses with your fellow • Destination: Reykjavik travelers and exclaim “skàl” (cheers) to the • Included Meals: Breakfast adventures to come. • Accommodations: Hilton Nordica or similar Freedom To Explore: During your two full Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel days in Reykjavik, you have the freedom beginning around 6am, with Icelandic and to experience this enchanting city on your American options available.

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24 Morning: Around 9am, we’ll board our bus discoveries. Or if you’re a cinephile, you may and drive for 45 minutes to the Blue Lagoon. visit the Lebowski Bar, a bar inspired by the The During our 2.5 hours here, relax in the blend Big Lebowski. of sea and geothermal-heated water as you take in the surrounding lunar lava landscape. Day 4 Golden Circle tour The milky-blue waters are rich with natural • Destination: Golden Circle, Iceland minerals that are known for their skin • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner nourishing properties. You can also try a mud mask. • Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Vik or similar Around 12:30pm, we’ll cap off our explorations Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel at the Blue Lagoon, board our bus, and drive for from about 6am-8:30am, with Icelandic and about 1 hour back to Reykjavik. Upon arrival, American options available. we’ll visit a food court. Morning: Depart the hotel by bus around Lunch: On your own at the food court. If you 8:30am for a drive of about 45 minutes to the want to say you’ve had a historically-popular Golden Circle—a ring of natural highlights. Icelandic dish, you may want to find a place First, we visit Thingvellir National Park, that serves fermented shark. While locals rarely which sits in a major rift between two tectonic eat this ingredient regularly, it used to be a plates—the Eurasian and North American. staple in Icelandic cuisine. This rift creates a valley in the land, ringed Afternoon: From the food court, we’ll walk for by rocky cliffs and fault lines. The mountains about 15 minutes to the Harpa Concert Hall, surrounding this plain, dotted with canyons, arriving around 2:30pm. During an engaging caves, streams and springs, form a striking conversation, you’ll learn how the hall is seen natural amphitheater. It’s not surprising that as a symbol of Iceland’s recovery following the the world’s oldest Parliament was formed here. nation’s financial crisis of 2008. We’ll conclude Around 10:30am, we’ll drive for about 1 hour to our tour around 4pm and you can either stay visit Geysir, the geyser from which all others in the area to explore the coastal city on your take their name. Geysir is silent these days, but own, or you can board our bus and drive for we’ll witness the dramatic columns of water about 15 minutes back to the hotel to rest. If that shoot into the air from nearby Strokkur you stay in town, you may choose to continue geyser. In this area of intense geothermal enjoying Iceland’s thermal waters during a activity, puddles of water on the ground visit to Laugardalslaug, a complex of natural literally boil. Our discoveries come to an end public pools. around 12:30pm. Dinner: On your own. You may choose to find Lunch: On your own in the Geysir area—ask a restaurant that serves a hearty soup like your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant kjötsupa, made with lamb and vegetables. recommendations. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Afternoon: At about 1:15pm, we’ll board our rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll bus and continue on to the stunning Gullfoss retire to your room to rest before tomorrow’s waterfall, arriving around 1:30pm. This natural splendor features two tiers of rushing white water that flow into a hundred-foot-deep

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

25 crevice. Following our explorations around created as a result of the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull 2:15pm, we depart for the hotel in our next volcanic eruption, which drastically changed destination—Vik. Our drive will take about the landscape of this region. 2.5 hours. Shortly before 11:30am, we’ll drive to Basar, Upon arrival, we’ll check in and you’ll have a rugged and remote region of Iceland. We’ll some time to get settled in. Depending on stop along the way around noon at Álfakirkja, where we stay, the hotel may feature an a church that is believed by locals to belong to on-site lounge and sea views. Typically, each elves. We’ll visit this site for about 20 minutes of the hotel’s guestrooms offers a sitting area, and then continue on to Basar, arriving around coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen 12:30pm. television, wireless Internet access, and a Lunch: Upon arrival in Basar around 12:30pm, private bathroom. we’ll receive a packed lunch. Dinner: At the hotel around 6:30pm, featuring Afternoon: Around 1:15, we’ll set off to explore traditional cuisine. Basar during two hikes. One hike will take us Evening: You are free to return to your room to through the rocky terrain of this region, and the get some sleep, or perhaps you’ll set off on an other will be an easier hike on flat land. During evening stroll to explore Vik at your own pace. both hikes, we’ll take in the rugged beauty of Basar as we pass gently sloping mountains Day 5 Seljalandsfoss Waterfall • Gígjökull blanketed with green, moss and expansive glacier outlet • Explore Basar valleys. Around 3pm, we’ll begin our return journey, passing Seljalandsfoss waterfall again • Destination: Basar as we drive. We arrive back at our hotel shortly • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch before 5:30pm. • Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Vik or similar Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel recommendations. You may seek out a beginning at about 7am, with Icelandic and traditional dish made with lamb—a staple American options available. ingredient in most Icelandic meals—or perhaps Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll board our you’ll try to find a restaurant that serves svið, bus and journey for about 45 minutes to the sheep’s head. south coast, where we’ll stop at the iconic Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Known as one of rest of your evening as you wish. You may Iceland’s most graceful waterfalls, it’s fed by choose to relax at the hotel, or find a bar melting water from the famed glacier-capped where you and your fellow travelers can grab a Eyjafjallajokull volcano. It also features a drink together. cavern and paths that allow travelers to encircle it in the warmer seasons. We’ll spend about 45 minutes here before we drive to the Gígjökull glacier outlet where we’ll set off on a hike, arriving just before 11am. This crater was

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

26 Day 6 Skaftafell • Vatnajokull National Evening: You have the freedom to return to Park • Glacier lagoon boat tour your room or maybe you’ll venture out on an evening stroll. • Destination: Glacier lagoon • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 7 Dyrholaey • Solheimajokull glacier • Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Vik • Reykjavik or similar • Destination: Dyrholaey Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner beginning at 7am, with Icelandic and American • Accommodations: Hilton Nordica or similar options available. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from Morning: We board our bus around 8am and 7am-8:30am, with Icelandic and American begin our drive to the Jokulsarlon glacial options available. lagoon. We’ll drive for about 1 hour and 45 minutes before stopping in the Skaftafell region Morning: Around 9am, we’ll depart our hotel of southeast Iceland. Once a national park of its and drive by bus for nearly 30 minutes to the own, Skaftafell is now a preserved area within naturally formed rock formation of Dyrholaey. Vatnajokull National Park, flanked by glaciers During our 45 minutes here, we’ll walk along and jagged mountain peaks. the shores and take in the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Then around 10am, we’ll board our bus and make our way to the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, After, we’ll drive for 30 minutes to the the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 814 feet Solheimajokull glacier, arriving around where. We arrive just before 11am. If weather 10:45am. Solheimajokull sits between permits, we’ll embark on a 30- to 45-minute Iceland’s Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes boat tour around 11:30am before hiking along and is popular among travelers for its easy the black sand beaches of the lagoon for about accessibility. Following our hike around this 30 minutes. During our explorations, look out glacier around noon, we’ll drive for a little more for icebergs that have calved from the glacier’s than 45 minutes to Hvolsvollur. edge. Shortly before 1pm, we’ll drive for about Lunch: On your own upon arrival in Hvolsvollur 30 minutes to a local restaurant. beginning around 1pm. You may seek out the Lunch: Around 1:30pm at a local restaurant, traditional flavors of Iceland that you have featuring traditional cuisine. come to know.

Afternoon: Just after 2pm, we’ll begin our Afternoon: Around 1:45pm, we’ll begin our nearly 2-hour drive back to the hotel. Upon drive to our hotel in Reykajvik, arriving around arrival, you’ll have a couple hours of free time 3pm. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and you have to relax at the hotel or venture out to explore at some free time. your own pace. Dinner: Around 6:30pm at the hotel, featuring Dinner: On your own. You may want to sample traditional dishes. some of Iceland’s seafood. Perhaps you’ll seek Evening: You have the freedom to spend the out a dish like humar, Icelandic lobster. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. You

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

27 can retire to your room to pack before we leave tomorrow, or you may choose venture out in search of a restaurant or café that serves local desserts like slöngukaka, a traditional, rich chocolate cake.

Day 8 Fly to Oslo • Destination: Oslo, Norway • Included Meals: Breakfast

Activity Note: We’ll have an early wake-up call this morning so we can depart the hotel by 5am.

Breakfast: A boxed breakfast will be provided by the hotel.

Early Morning: Around 5am, we’ll board our bus and transfer for 45 minutes to Keflavik Airport. Just before 8am, we’ll board our flight to Oslo.

Lunch: On your own during your flight or at the airport.

Afternoon: Upon arrival around 12:30pm, transfer for about 30 minutes to the hotel and join your fellow travelers on your Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

28 POST-TRIP Copenhagen: Denmark’s Hub of Contemporary Culture

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare from Oslo to Copenhagen » Guided tours and cultural experiences: » Accommodations for 4 nights in Copenhagen • Christiania Copenhagen at the Phoenix Copenhagen » Services of our local Trip Experience Leader Hotel or similar » Gratuities for local guides and » 6 meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner motorcoach drivers » All transfers

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Experience Copenhagen at your own pace, with opportunities to stroll the charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful row houses. You’ll see a different side of the city on a guided tour of the Christiania district where you’ll discover the artistic culture and alternative nature of this one-of-a-kind neighborhood. As you explore the city’s many art galleries and cozy cafes, you’ll see why Copenhagen is known as the “happiest city in the world.”

Day 1 Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark Internet access, a flat screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom. Then around 3:30pm, we’ll • Destination: Copenhagen, Denmark set off on a 1-hour orientation walk with our • Included Meals: Lunch Trip Experience Leader. • Accommodations: Phoenix Copenhagen Hotel or similar Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant Morning: Around 7:45am, we’ll depart our recommendations. You may want to find a hotel by bus and transfer for about 45 minutes restaurant that prepares traditional cuisine like to the airport. Around 10am, we’ll fly for just krebinetter, which is breaded and fried pork that over 1 hour from Oslo to Copenhagen. Upon is typically served with vegetables. arrival, we’ll transfer for about 30 minutes to the hotel. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Lunch: Around 1pm at a local restaurant on the way to our hotel, featuring local dishes. Freedom To Explore: During your four full days in Copenhagen, you have the freedom to Afternoon: We depart the restaurant around explore Denmark’s capital on your own during 2:30pm and upon arrival at our hotel, you have your free time. Below are a few recommended some time to settle in. Depending on where we options for independent explorations: stay, our hotel may feature a restaurant and gym. Typically, each room includes wireless

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

29 • Wander around the grounds of the King’s is perfect for those wishing to escape the Garden and Rosenborg Castle: Stroll through bustling city and enjoy a peaceful afternoon the manicured lawns of the 17th-century surrounded by nature. King’s Garden, Denmark’s oldest garden. • How to get there: About a 5- to 10-minute Here, you can admire a display of colorful walk from the hotel. blooms, including roses, and watch locals • Hours: 8:30am-6pm, daily. going about their daily routines as this is a • Cost: About $9 USD per person. popular spot that residents frequent during • Ascend the Round Tower: Walk up the spiral their lunch breaks and downtime. Then, move stairs to the top of Europe’s oldest working on to the regal Rosenborg Castle. Built by observatory to take in beautiful views of the Christian IV in the early 1600s in the iconic city. This is a great opportunity to see the city Renaissance architectural style, Rosenborg from another perspective, as well as watch provides a complete picture of Danish royal locals going about their daily routines. You history. Rosenborg Castle chronicles over can see locals wandering between shops, stu- four centuries of Danish royal history, and dents running to class at a nearby university, even houses the monarchy’s royal jewels. and residents trying to catch the train. We We recommend spending 1-4 hours in these recommend spending about 30 minutes here. locations. How to get there: About a 5- to 10-minute • How to get there: About a 10- to 15-minute • walk from the hotel. walk from the hotel. Hours: 10am-6pm, daily. • Hours: 6am-5pm, daily. Hours may vary • Cost: About $4 USD per person. depending on the season. • Cost: About $17 USD per person. • Day 2 Explore Copenhagen • Stroll through the city’s colorful botanical • Destination: Copenhagen garden: Located in the heart of Copenhagen, • Included Meals: Breakfast this garden famously features the largest collection of living plants in the world, • Accommodations: Phoenix Copenhagen covering more than 10 hectares with complex Hotel or similar glasshouses dating back to 1874. The garden Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel serves as both a recreational space and a place beginning at 8am, with Danish and American for research as it is part of the University of options available. Copenhagen Faculty of Science. There are more than 13,000 species housed in the gar- Morning: Embark on a walking tour of den, which are all arranged for easy viewing. Copenhagen. The world’s oldest capital Visitors will find 600 species of Danish plants, city is also among the most welcoming in 1,100 species of perennial plants, 1,100 species Scandinavia—the Danes are known for being of annual plants, and rock gardens including more extroverted than their neighbors, as plants from mountainous areas in Central and you’ll experience during your stay here. On Southern Europe and Conifer Hill. The garden your tour, your Trip Experience Leader will show you some of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings, streets, and sites, including the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by the tales of Copenhagen’s famous author, Hans Christian Andersen.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

30 Lunch: On your own. You might seek out a there, we’ll ride the rails for 45 minutes to the restaurant that serves popular dishes like 16th-century Kronborg Castle, arriving just flaeskesteg, lean cuts of pork prepared with before 10:45am. We’ll set off on a guided tour sides of red cabbage pork rinds. before departing around 1:15pm for a walk to a local restaurant. Afternoon: Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll step into some of the city’s galleries Lunch: For those who stayed back, lunch is on to see what makes Danish design famous the your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for world over. Or, you could hop onto a bicycle and local restaurant recommendations. Travelers on see the city the way the locals do. the optional tour will have an included lunch at a local restaurant in Helsingor around 1:30pm. Dinner: On your own. You may want a traditional meal like herring, which has been Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll set off to explore enjoyed by the Danish people for centuries. Helsingor, located on the shores of the sound dividing Denmark and Sweden. Here, medieval Evening: You have the freedom to spend the style radiates from every corner, which you’ll rest of your evening as you wish. experience as you stroll down the city’s cobbled streets, past simple, quaint buildings alongside Day 3 Copenhagen • Helsingor & Louisiana our Trip Experience Leader. We’ll trace Museum optional tour Helsingor’s rich history back to the 15th-16th • Destination: Copenhagen centuries when it enjoyed a period of prosperity • Included Meals: Breakfast as a result of being a major trade route in the region. • Accommodations: Phoenix Copenhagen Hotel or similar Then around 3:15pm, we’ll take the train to Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, arriving beginning at 8am, with Danish and American around 3:45pm. We’ll spend about 1 hour here options available. looking at the artwork from artists around the world. Morning: Begin a day of exploration at your leisure. Perhaps the day will lead you Around 4:45pm, we’ll walk for about 15 minutes to Nyhavn (New Harbor), the 17th-century to the train station for the return journey back waterfront and canal area that is now the heart to Copenhagen, arriving around 6pm. of entertainment in the city. Or, maybe you’ll Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip enjoy a visit to the Rosenborg Castle where the Experience Leader for recommendations. crown jewels are housed and 40 acres of lush Perhaps you’ll try a dish like fiskefrikadeller, a royal gardens surround the historic palace. Your refreshing meal made with codfish, citrus juice, Trip Experience Leader will be happy to make dill, and parsley. suggestions on how to spend your day. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Or, you may choose to join us on our optional rest of your evening as you wish. Helsingor and Louisiana Museum tour. If you choose to join us on this optional excursion, we’ll depart the hotel just before 9am and walk for 5 minutes to the bus stop where we’ll take a 40-minute bus ride to the train station. From

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

31 Day 4 Copenhagen • Explore Christiania dish you loved, or you may seek out a new dish like aebleflaesk, which combines the sweet • Destination: Copenhagen and the savory as this meal is made with pork • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and apples. • Accommodations: Phoenix Copenhagen Hotel or similar Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll visit the Tivoli Gardens, a Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel historic amusement park where you can tap beginning at 6:30am, with Danish and into your inner child as you enjoy carnival rides, American options available. games, and more. Or you may choose to stroll Morning: Around 9am, we’ll discover the through Copenhagen’s fine botanical gardens. Christiania district of Copenhagen with a Covering nearly 25 acres of land, this garden local guide during a 3-hour walking tour. This houses the largest collection of living plants in unique enclave of the city was established in the world. 1971 by a counterculture group who inhabited Dinner: At a local restaurant, featuring an abandoned military barracks and developed traditional dishes. their own set of societal rules, completely independent from the Danish government. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Today it is still semi-autonomous, and a haven rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip for artists, musicians, and those seeking an Experience Leader for recommendations. alternative lifestyle.

The district is a mix of workshops, homemade Day 5 Return to U.S. houses, art galleries, music venues, organic • Included Meals: Breakfast restaurants, and green spaces. Cars and Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel cameras are prohibited in Christiania to protect beginning at 6:30am, with Danish and the alternative nature of the neighborhood. American options available. Lunch: On your own. Enjoy the flavors of Morning: Depart your hotel by bus for a Denmark that you’ve come to know. Perhaps 30-minute drive to the airport for an early you’ll find a restaurant that serves a traditional flight to the U.S.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Helsingor & Louisiana Museum Later, we’ll set off to explore the medieval (Day 3 $160 per person) city of Helsingor, located on the shores of the During this optional excursion, we’ll take a bus sound dividing Denmark and Sweden. We’ll and train to ride to the 16th-century Kronborg trace Helsingor’s rich history during a tour of Castle. We’ll set off on a guided tour before the city, followed by a visit to the Louisiana departing for a local restaurant for lunch. Museum of Modern Art, an art museum that houses pieces by Danish artists and creatives from around the world.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

32 YOUR M/V OCEAN DIAMOND EXPEDITION SHIP Explore aboard a privately chartered, 175-passenger small ship

Venture to the realm of mighty polar bears and towering fjords aboard the Ocean Diamond. Rugged enough to ply Arctic waters, this vessel is a true expedition ship—not a traditional luxury cruise liner—which we exclusively charter for our adventure. The ship holds seven groups of 20-25 travelers (average of 22), each with its own local Trip Experience Leader. A 14-member Expedition Team is present during every voyage—including seasoned members of O.A.T.’s Antarctic Expedition Team. They’ll provide insights into Arctic history, ecology, and research, and accompany travelers on all Zodiac landings.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES • Welcoming restaurant: Savor Please note: This trip features many remote internationally themed and American-style locations where connectivity may be extremely dishes during all meals. limited or non-existent. • Three comfortable lounges: Witness • Outdoor Sun Deck: Relish views of glacier- towering mountains and an array of wildlife clad shores as you breathe in the crisp in the window-lined Observation Lounge; Arctic air. participate in informative discussions • Relaxing spa: Treat yourself to a massage with your Expedition Team in the Main or utilize the available fitness equipment. Lounge; and relax with a beverage in the • English-speaking crew: Enjoy dedicated Club Lounge. attention from the staff throughout • Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house your journey. beer and wine—as well as soft drinks—at • Zodiac crafts: Venture into the Arctic any time of day while onboard. landscape—including cruises and shore • Complimentary wireless Internet access: landings—aboard the ship’s Zodiacs. Connect online in select common areas.

33 M/V OCEAN DIAMOND

CABIN CATEGORIES

CABI A Balcony Suite

SUN DECK A Outside Cabin with B Picture Window Outside Cabin with B Picture Window C Obstructed View

710 708 706 704 702 Outside Cabin with LIFT C OBSERVATION D Picture Window

BAR LOUNGE 709 707 705 703 701 Outside Cabin with D Picture Window E Obstructed View OBSERVATION DECK Outside Cabin with View obstruction from lifeboats* E F Picture Window 0 601 600 604 602 620 622 618 614 606 608 616 612 610 Outside Cabin with GYM G Picture Window LIFT F BRIDGE 605 603 607 609 623 621 615 625 GRILL 619 617 611 G

UPPER DECK View obstruction from lifeboats on deck 6* Registration: Bahamas 518 516 506 522 520 508 504 502 514 512 LIBRARY 510 Length: 406 ft. MAIN LIFT LOUNGE 503 501 505 515 511 517 509 507 Beam: 52 ft. Draft: 16 ft. MIDDLE DECK Cabin size: 172-199 sq. ft. 414 412 410 408 406 404 402 420 418 416 436 434 432 430 428 426 424 422 Number of Cabins (in use): 90 LIFT CLUB RECEPTION LOUNGE

439 437 435 433 431 429 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 411 409 407 405 403 401 Passenger Capacity: 175 Entered Service: 1974 LOWER DECK

ZODIAC ACCESS ZODIAC ACCESS Last Refurbished: 2020 SPA Staff & Crew Size: 103 LIFT MAIN DINING GALLEY BOW ROOM Passenger Decks (in use): 6

ZODIAC ACCESS Group Size: 25 travelers maximum, RESTAURANT DECK with 1 dedicated Trip Experience Leader and 1 rotating member of the Expedition Team This ship complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with current navigational and communications technology. It has retractable Elevator service to all passenger fin stabilizers to help reduce discomfort during rough seas. decks except the top-most Sun Deck (access via stairs only) The Ocean Diamond is chartered from IcelandPro Cruises. Onboard doctor and small infirmary are available CABIN FEATURES

• 90 cabins between 172-199 sq. ft. • All outside-facing with a balcony or window (some obstructed views) • All cabins have either one double bed or two twin beds • Flat-screen TV, DVD player, telephone, lockable safety drawer • Private bathroom with shower and toiletries

Typical Ocean Diamond cabin

34 Arctic Expedition: Untamed RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 Norway & Svalbard We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. 2022 Dates & Prices See details at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking. To calculate your trip price with airfare, add deck price to air add-ons below.

CABIN CATEGORY JULY-AUGUST SEPTEMBER

A Balcony Suite (Observation Deck) $13,495 $13,295

B Window (Upper Deck) $11,745 $11,545

C Obstructed (Upper Deck) $11,295 $11,095

D Window (Middle Deck) $11,745 $11,545

E Obstructed (Middle Deck) $11,295 $11,095

F $11,195 $10,995 Window (Lower Deck) G$10,995$10,795

Air Add-Ons JULY-AUGUST SEPTEMBER New York $1300 $1000 Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando, $1400 $1100 Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington, DC Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Portland, $1500 $1200 San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix $1600 $1300

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. NAR2022

Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/nar2022pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH OUR LIMITED LOW-COST SINGLE CRITICAL AIR INFORMATION GOOD BUY PLAN SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE Your travel time will be 9-18 hours The earlier you reserve your departure and will most likely have at least one $2395 on your main trip & FREE on all connection (depending on your gateway and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. If sold out, be sure to call to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. city). Connecting times in each city will us about our Roommate Matching be between 2-3 hours. Learn more at For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd Program. www.oattravel.com/nar2022.

Publication Date: 12/2/20

Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard

35 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.

• Main trip only: You will need 2 blank passport pages.

• Pre-trip extension to Iceland: You will need 2 additional blank passport pages, for a total of 4.

• Pre-trip extension to Scotland: You will need an additional blank passport page, for a total of 3.

• Post-trip extension to Demark: You will need an additional blank passport page, for a total of 3.

• Post-trip extension to Norway: No additional pages needed.

• Stopover in Amsterdam, Helsinki, or Munich: You will need to add 2 additional pages to the applicable total listed above.

• Stopover in Istanbul, London, or Paris: You will need to add an additional page to the applicable total listed above

No Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 90 days prior to your departure. All visas information listed is only applicable if you are taking an optional stopover extension to a country with a required visa. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This information is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change.

36 • Turkey (optional stopover only): Visa required. We suggest you obtain an e-visa in advance through the Turkish government’s website as visas cannot be obtained upon arrival.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

Special Forms Required for Arctic Cruise In order for your Final Documents to be issued, you will be required to fill out a medical form and have proof of mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.

Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Due to the remote nature of the Arctic, all travelers are required to have emergency evacuation coverage of at least €30,000 (approximately $34,000 USD).

• If you purchased our Travel Protection Plan, then you will be covered for $500,000 per person, which meets the minimum required amount.

37 • If you do not purchase travel protection through us, then you must purchase an alternate plan that meets the minimum required emergency evacuation coverage of €30,000 (approximately $34,000 USD). Although the minimum requirement is €30,000 (approximately $34,000 USD) per person, the average costs for emergency evacuation are typically much higher, so we strongly recommend that you purchase closer to $100,000- 150,000 per person.

Confidential Medical Form For this trip you will be required to complete a medical form. We’ll be sending you detailed information and instructions at approximately 100 days prior to your departure.

Keep in mind that when completing this form you should include any major health problems or physical conditions that may require emergency care or impact your ability to participate in this adventure. If you have any concerns, we strongly suggest that you let your doctor know about any medical condition you have, particularly cardiac or respiratory disease or diabetes, and discuss the details of the trip itinerary as it pertains to your health. Your trip will take you into remote areas, with limited medical facilities. For the cruise portion of your trip the ship’s physician reserves the right to deny any traveler from boarding if they are deemed unfit for the trip, or if they have a medical condition that cannot safely be managed onboard.

38 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

GROUP SIZE • This adventure has a group size of 20-25 travelers (average of 22) with a local Trip Experience Leader exclusive to O.A.T.

PACING • 14 days, with 9 nights aboard the M/V Ocean Diamond and 4 nights in Oslo

• 2 international flights between U.S. and Oslo; 2 internal flights

• Air travel will likely have at least one connection

• All travelers will go out into the Arctic environment at once—either on a Zodiac cruise or a shore landing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Walk 3 miles unassisted on uneven terrain and participate in 6-8 hours of activities each day

• Good agility, balance, and strength are needed for this expedition. Unlike traditional cruises, you will board Zodiac boats daily

• Throughout the expedition, travelers will be a two-day distance from the nearest medical facility; those using mobility aids or with medical conditions that might require immediate attention or evacuation will not be able to board the Ocean Diamond

• The ship’s physician reserves the right to deny boarding to any traveler deemed unfit for this expedition

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Uneven surfaces, including ice, slippery rocks, sand, and snow

• Travel by 150-passenger expedition ship, 45-seat coach, and Zodiac

• Some landings in the Arctic are wet landings, so weatherproof clothing is mandatory. Please note: Rubber boots will be provided to all travelers.

39 • Weather and ice conditions and tides may require adjustments to your itinerary to ensure your safety

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 30-45°F during cruising season

• Expect high winds

• Please note: Due to the Arctic’s unpredictable weather and ice conditions, circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago may not be possible and will be replaced with alternative activities

THE #1 THING TO KNOW ABOUT THIS TRIP IS: THIS IS AN EXPEDITION, AND THE NATURE OF THIS TRIP REQUIRES A HIGHER LEVEL OF FITNESS THAN THAT OF OTHER CRUISES.

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Motion Sickness Medication We strongly suggest that all travelers bring motion sickness medication as a precaution, even if you are not usually prone to seasickness. As an ocean expedition, we anticipate rough seas in some areas and there may be sudden movements as the ship navigates icy waters. There are several types of motion sickness medication, so we suggest that you consult your doctor to find out what works best for you.

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

40 • Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Water • Water in Scandinavia, Iceland, and the United Kingdom is considered safe, but as an added safety precaution against possible stomach upsets, we recommend you drink bottled water as much as possible.

• Never drink from a mountain stream, fjord, or river, regardless of how clean it might appear.

• Bottled water is usually for sale in hotels, food shops, and restaurants.

41 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. Traveler’s checks are not accepted in these regions.

• You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need local currency instead. Credit cards and ATMs are widely available, so you will not need a large amount of cash.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Norway The monetary unit of Norway is the krone, written as Kr. on price tags but officially written as NOK. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kroner

• Coins: 1, 5, 10, and 20 kroner

Norwegian krone are not the same as Swedish kroner or Danish krone.

Iceland The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic krona (plural krónur). The krona is divided into 100 eyrir. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 Icelandic krónur

• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 Icelandic krónur

U.S. dollars are not widely accepted in Iceland; the local currency is preferred.

Denmark The monetary unit of Denmark is the krone which is divided into 100 oere. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 krone

• Coins: 50 ore and 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 krone

Danish krone are not the same as Norwegian krone or Swedish krona.

42 United Kingdom The official currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP). One pound (£1) is divided into 100 pence (100p). This legal tender is used throughout Scotland, England, and Wales. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds

• Coins: 1 and 2 pence (copper); 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence (silver); 1 and 2 pounds (silver/gold)

You may want to avoid 50 pound notes as these are not always accepted at smaller restaurants, cafes or shops.

Scotland Please note that although the British pound is the official currency in Scotland, Scottish banknotes are different in appearance than those used elsewhere in the UK. That’s because the three main Scottish retail banks (the Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland) all issue their own notes with their own designs. They are all legal tender and are accepted everywhere in Scotland. They may also be accepted in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, though technically, shops in those countries are not required to accept them.

How to Exchange Money On your trip, the easiest way is to exchange money is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best.

Please note that many banks in Europe will only exchange money for their own customers. Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

Iceland: International ATM networks are available throughout large cities and small towns.

43 Scandinavia: ATMs are widely available throughout Scandinavia and should not be hard to find, especially in larger cities.

United Kingdom: ATMs are common throughout the United Kingdom so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Scotland: ATMS are common throughout Scotland so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

Iceland: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Iceland. However, as of 2015 credit card machines there require you to enter your PIN. If your credit card doesn’t have a PIN, you can use another form of payment. For example, a debit card can be useful in place of a credit card because debit cards use PINs.

Scandinavia: Credit and debit cards are readily accepted in Scandinavia. Some cafes, restaurants, and attractions will only accept credit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in Scandinavia, followed by MasterCard and then American Express.

United Kingdom: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are readily accepted (American Express is not commonly honored), but you should always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

Scotland: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are readily accepted, but you should always inquire if your credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

Chip Cards Many countries have adopted a new type of credit card that has an embedded computer chip. These cards are inserted into the reader instead of swiped. The card owner then authorizes the purchase using a PIN instead of signing.

This new technology is only now gaining traction in the U.S., so occasionally there are machines in other countries that can’t read U.S. cards. Or the machine can read the card, but asks for a PIN. This doesn’t happen often, and is nothing to worry about. You can usually resolve the situation by asking the cashier to let you sign. (If you don’t speak the language, just mime signing on your hand.) If you are not able to sign for a purchase, such as at an automated ticket booth, you can use another form of payment, such as a debit card that has a PIN.

44 Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

On Board Ship: Two Separate Bills Will be Issued • Shipboard account: This bill is for any on board purchases (drinks, laundry, souvenirs, etc.). This bill is payable at the front desk by cash or credit/debit card only. For cash, the ship accepts U.S. dollars. For credit/debit cards, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. Other forms of payment, such as checks or American Express are not accepted.

• Optional tour account: This bill is for any optional tours taken during the trip and is calculated in U.S. dollars. This bill is paid with your Trip Experience Leader (they will have you fill out a form) by credit/debit card only; other forms of payments such as cash and checks are not accepted. For more information on optional tours—including which cards we accept for payment—see the “Preparing for Your Trip” chapter.

Please note: Payments made by credit card may take up to three months to process. We ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months after your trip ends. Because our headquarters are in Boston, the charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as “OPT Boston” (depending on your credit card company).

Exchange Services: Policy Update Due to international banking laws, we are no longer able to exchange money onboard the ship. If you need to obtain local currency, please see the “How to Exchange Money” section for helpful tips and information.

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $8-$12 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

45 • Shipboard Crew: If you are sailing aboard the M/V Hondius, we recommend a flat tip of $16-$18 U.S. per traveler, per day. You’ll give this tip once—at the end of your cruise—and it will be pooled among the entire crew. Crew tips can be in the form of cash in Euros or U.S. dollars.

• Housekeeping Staff at Hotels: We recommend $1 per room, per night. (This is for hotels only; on the ship Housekeeping are part of crew, so you don’t need to tip them separately.)

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides, motorcoach drivers, and Expedition Team on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Time at Leisure

When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services a traveler might use:

• Taxis: In many cities the tip is included in the fare, and will be announced on a sign inside the cab; otherwise a 10% tip is appropriate.

• Restaurants, cafes, and bars: A service charge is usually included in restaurant and bar bills, but it is customary to leave an additional tip of around 10% of the bill for your waiter or bartender in Scandinavia. Tipping at restaurants is not common in Iceland. Locals might round up the bill to the next 500-1000 ISK and tell the waiter to keep the change, but it is not expected. Tipping is not necessary—and may not be possible—when paying by credit card.

• Public Restrooms: Most public restrooms in Scandinavia are pay-toilets; you pay the staff at the entrance to the restroom or drop the appropriate coin into the slot on the stall door. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops offer only pay-toilets or reserve their restrooms for patrons only. Costs vary from the equivalent of 0.5 euros to 1 euro, so be sure that you have coins (in the local currency) available.

46 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with us, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have an O.A.T. representative assist you at the U.S. airport with the check-in of your flight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond our control, the representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before your departure time. If you are flying domestically before your international flight, the representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international flight, not at the domestic arrival gate.

47 • Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. An O.A.T. representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the baggage claim area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a cart, which you will then move through customs. When you exit customs, you’ll handle your cart until reaching your transfer vehicle. Your driver will load your luggage into the transfer vehicle.

• U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who return to the same U.S. gateway city, an O.A.T. representative will meet you as you exit Customs and help you find taxis, buses, hotel accommodations, or connecting flights. Again, it is our goal to have our representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service.

• Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

• Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

48 Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is “unlocked” then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Receiving Calls from Home To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one is to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

Norway: +47 United Kingdom: +44

Iceland: +354 Scotland: +44

Denmark: +45

49 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The standard weight limit is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for a carry-on.

Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person.

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Don’t forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

• It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

50 • Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

• The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.

Your Luggage • Checked Luggage: Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags.

• Carry-on Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during your daily activities.

• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips • Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can be mixed to create different outfits. For more packing and luggage tips, you might want to visit www.travelite.org.

• Pack casual clothes: Comfortable, informal apparel is acceptable at each of your destinations. At dinner, you will not need to don “dressy” clothing; men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” outfits for the Welcome Reception or Farewell Dinner, but it’s completely up to you.

• Learn from previous travelers: Our travelers’ top three comments about packing are “I wish I had brought less,” “I should have double-checked the weather,” and “You said I’d need (insert something you don’t need here) and I didn’t.” Our suggestions are springboards, not requirements – take them with a grain of salt. Finally, remember the Golden Rule of Packing Light: whatever you think you need at first—take half the clothes and twice the money.

• Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are essential on the extensions: You’ll be on your feet and walking a lot, sometimes over rough and slippery surfaces, so choose your footwear carefully. The soles of your shoes should offer good traction. You can find especially supportive or light hiking shoes designed for walking. For the ship, you’ll need a pair of clean shoes (either washed thoroughly or new) for the Arctic portion of your adventure. You may want to consider bringing a second pair of shoes for this purpose.

51 Expedition Clothing As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, our list suggests several layers of clothing. For the warmer climates you visit (such as Oslo), most of your clothing can be made of cotton or cotton-synthetic blends. For the colder climates, consider long-sleeved underwear made from water-wicking synthetics beneath outer layers of wool-synthetic blends and fleece, to stay dry and warm.

• Expedition Gear: Other than boots, parkas, waterproof pants, and potentially a walking stick or trekking pole, it is not necessary to have expedition gear for this trip. For more on boots, parkas, or waterproof pants, please see below.

• Boots are provided: During this adventure, you’ll step from the Zodiacs into icy water that can be up to 10 inches deep—making protective boots a must. We will provide you with knee-high rubber Wellington-type boots from a stock selection of available sizes (men’s sizes 6 to 14; and women’s sizes 5 to 12; with a calf circumference of approximately 15.7 inches). The boots will be distributed before embarkation. You may use them for the duration of your cruise and then return them before disembarkation.

• What if we don’t have your size or if you prefer to wear your own boots? In that case the ship staff recommends a pair of waterproof knee-height rubber boots with sturdy soles, such as Rocky rubber mud boots or Wellingtons. Make sure to break in any new footwear before your voyage. All travelers should also bring lightweight boot liners and/or heavy hiking socks for additional warmth.

• Parkas are included: We will provide you with parkas for this trip. We will send you an order form so that you may select your size. Your parka will be sent to you before you depart and will be yours to keep.

• Waterproof pants: Essential to any layering system is keeping the outer layer dry. You must bring water and windproof rain (or ski) pants to wear over your long underwear/leggings and regular pants to keep warm and dry. These waterproof pants should be worn over your knee-high boots when going ashore. We recommend pants with side zippers on the lower part of the leg; they are easier to get on over your boots.

• Gore-Tex and similar fabrics that are waterproof and “breathable” materials that keep out wind and water without trapping excess heat may be excellent. However, these fabrics are expensive and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to salt water. Gore-Tex should be rinsed in freshwater after exposure to salt.

• On excursions: The interior of the ship is heated to a comfortable 70-75° F, but the outdoor environment in the Arctic resembles moderate winter weather. Since the majority of your days during this trip are spent on the Arctic cruise, part of the list below emphasizes what you will need to dress in layers for this portion of the trip. For an Arctic shore excursion, a typical layering system consists of long underwear (top and bottom), a warm long-sleeved shirt, warm pants, a sweater, fleece jacket, liner socks plus one to two pair heavier socks for

52 warmth, rubber boots, liner gloves inside heavier outer gloves, warm hat, water- and wind- proof outer jacket, and waterproof outer pants. Even if you’re accustomed to temperatures in the 30s-40s, wind chill can make it feel much colder.

• Bio-security and conservation: To protect the natural ecosystems, we recommend that you avoid any clothing, footwear, or items (such as backpacks) that use mesh or Velcro, as these are harder to clean and may have contaminants that could adversely affect the local environment.

Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Recommended Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. The ship will have shampoo and shower gel available in your cabin.

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription ‰Sunglasses and a neck strap ‰Hand and toe warmers ‰Sunscreen, SPF 45 or stronger (essential for the Arctic) ‰Washcloth (not always supplied) ‰Pocket-size tissues ‰Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial “waterless” hand cleanser ‰Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb ‰Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards ‰Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards ‰A waterproof protector for your camera. Please do NOT use a plastic bag for this purpose— it can cause litter.

53 ‰Compact binoculars/camera lens with strong zoom: If polar bears are nearby, we will observe from the ship instead of going in the Zodiacs for safety purposes.

Clothing for Land Stays ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer ‰Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood ‰Shoes and socks: comfortable walking, running shoes, or light hikers (please see “Clothing Suggestions” for note about shoes for Arctic cruise)

‰Consider casual good-traction shoes, or sport sandals ‰Underwear and sleepwear ‰Trousers/jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best for comfort and movement. ‰Walking shorts (for Oslo on the main trip or optional Copenhagen extension) ‰Cotton sweater or sweatshirt for the air-conditioned bus ‰Wide-brim sun hat or visor ‰Swimsuit, for hotel pools

Clothing for Your Arctic Cruise ‰Shirts: Several turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering and aboard ship. Woolen, knit, cotton sweaters/tops, or polar fleece tops in medium weight for layering.

‰Trousers: Sturdy, warm trousers such as wool-synthetic blends, sweatpants, or quick-dry pants. Bring a pair of warm ski pants if you have them.

‰Warm jacket/parka ‰Waterproof gear: Rain jacket and waterproof pants (rain pants), roomy enough to wear over other clothing.

‰For layering: wool or fleece sweaters, Polartec fleece jacket ‰Scarf or other face protection ‰Long underwear (top and bottom): In silk, polypropylene, or similar. Lightweight is best unless you chill easily, in which case bring medium or heavier weight

54 ‰Warm hat/cap that protects your ears ‰Boots: We will provide boots during your cruise. If you prefer to buy your own, please see the “Clothing Suggestions” section on the previous pages.

‰Warm socks: High “outer” socks in a natural fiber like wool or cotton, plus thin liner or “inner” socks in polypropylene or other moisture-wicking synthetics.

‰Gloves: 1 pair light liner gloves plus 1 pair heavier waterproof gloves

Medicines ‰Your own prescription medicines - please ensure you have a large enough supply to cover the entirety of your adventure

‰Vitamins ‰Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan ‰Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin ‰Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax ‰Antihistamine: Benadryl ‰Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta ‰Anti-diarrheal: Imodium ‰Band-Aids ‰Moleskin foot pads ‰Antibiotic: Neosporin/Bacitracin ‰Motion sickness medicine

Optional Gear ‰Travel alarm ‰Hanging toiletry bag with pockets ‰Basic sewing kit ‰Hand-wash laundry soap, and maybe clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper

55 ‰Electrical transformer & plug adapters—see “Regional Electricity” section ‰Travel journal/note pad/reading material ‰Home address book ‰Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit ‰Phrase book ‰Pocket calculator for exchange rates ‰Walking stick or trekking pole (you may be able to find a folding or collapsible version for ease of packing)

‰Travel money purse, worn under your shirt or jacket; money belt

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity at hotels in Norway, Demark, Iceland, the United Kingdom, and onboard the M/V Hondius is 220/230 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220/230. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. Plugging a 110V U.S. appliance into 220/230V service will ruin the motor. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Plugs Onboard the M/V Hondius, you will use a Type C plug.

In hotels, the shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet—Type A, Type B, and so on. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

Norway: C and F

Iceland: C and F

56 Denmark: C and F

United Kingdom: G

Scotland: G

Type C Type F Type G

Availability A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers dependent on electricity supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should consider a different trip.

57 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Oslo, Norway: Although well into the northern latitudes, Oslo’s climate is fairly temperate thanks to warm air being wafted across the Atlantic from the Gulf Stream. Summer weather in Oslo is mild and pleasant, with frequent hot spells, and plenty of long sunny days. In winter temperatures hover just above or below freezing. Snow is plentiful in winter, and rainfall is spread across the year, the rainiest month being August.

Svalbard, Norway: Situated in the Arctic circle, this Norwegian archipelago experiences cold weather throughout the year, reaching into the 40s during the summer months (June-Aug) and experiencing freezing or sub-zero temperatures for the remainder of the year. Svalbard is influenced by the West Spitsbergen Current with a milder climate to the north and west and the East Spitsbergen Current with harsher temperatures to the east. Fog and precipitation is common throughout the year. Winds are constantly shifting but are most prevalent during winter months; June and July bring the calmest winds, but strong winds are still possible, especially during a storm. Due to its northern location, Svalbard experiences perpetual light from April through August and darkness from October through February.

Iceland: Though Iceland’s climate is cool, warm ocean currents keep it more temperate than you might expect for its northerly location. Highs in Reykjavik during the summer months, with their long hours of daylight, average in the 50s but can easily reach the 60s or low 70s—like fall days in the northeastern U.S. Humidity can be low at summer’s outset (May), when the air has exceptional clarity on sunny days. September and October in Iceland are cooler and you’ll want to have a warm jacket, warm hat, and gloves available. The winter months bring below-freezing weather and shorter daylight hours, offering a unique opportunity to go in search of the Northern Lights, but you’ll need warm winter gear.

It’s often windy, so bring a good windbreaker. The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared to add or remove outer layers during the course of a day’s tour.

Also, know that when conditions are windy, the temperature will feel several degrees cooler than it really is, a phenomenon known as “the wind chill effect”. Locals are used to it, but it often catches visors by surprise—anything a local describes as a “light breeze”probably requires an extra layer, like a windbreaker or jacket. In winter, this may mean wearing three layers (a top, a fleece/sweater, and a jacket/coat).

Scotland: The variable climate of Scotland is infamous for its consistent ability to change from day to day. Cool, mild weather, accompanied by frequent cloud cover and rain, is the norm. But on occasion, and at any time of year, a stint of foul weather can settle in. In Scotland’s lowlands (the Edinburgh region), temperatures average in the low 50s during spring and fall, and in the low 60s during summer. At any time, temperatures could drop and the weather become chilly.

Copenhagen, Denmark: The weather in Copenhagen is mild through all the four seasons—with highs usually in the 60s and lows usually in the 50s—although temperatures in winter can drop down into the 30s and 40s. On the other end of the scale, summertime highs rarely go above 80

58 °F despite the occasional heat wave. Rainfall is moderate too, but spread throughout the year, so showers are possible in any season. Grey skies are the norm rather than the exception in Copenhagen.

NOTE: If you are taking one of our optional stopovers before or after your OAT adventure, please be aware the climate and temperatures might be different from what you experienced during your tour. To prepare for weather differences and pack appropriate clothing, we recommend the following world weather sites:

• www.intellicast.com

• www.weather.com

• www.wunderground.com

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH OSLO, NORWAY SVALBARD, NORWAY

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 31 to 20 86 to 80 10 10 to 0 73 to 73 21 FEB 32 to 19 88 to 74 9 10 to -1 76 to 75 19 MAR 39 to 27 86 to 65 13 12 to 1 75 to 74 20 APR 49 to 34 70 to 52 15 16 to 6 74 to 71 18 MAY 62 to 45 71 to 48 18 29 to 22 75 to 71 19 JUN 68 to 52 71 to 50 19 46 to 40 74 to 72 17 JUL 71 to 55 73 to 52 20 46 to 40 78 to 72 18 AUG 69 to 53 80 to 54 20 44 to 38 78 to 72 21 SEP 60 to 45 83 to 58 20 36 to 30 77 to 73 20 OCT 49 to 38 86 to 69 19 25 to 18 73 to 73 22 NOV 39 to 29 86 to 78 15 19 to 10 72 to 73 21 DEC 32 to 22 86 to 82 10 12 to 3 72 to 72 21

59 MONTH REYKJAVIK, ICELAND EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 35 to 27 78 to 79 3.4 44 to 34 86 to 80 14 FEB 37 to 29 79 to 77 2.9 45 to 34 86 to 75 10 MAR 37 to 29 79 to 74 3.0 48 to 37 86 to 68 12 APR 41 to 33 81 to 72 2.2 53 to 39 87 to 65 10 MAY 47 to 39 83 to 69 1.7 58 to 44 87 to 65 11 JUN 52 to 44 85 to 73 1.8 63 to 48 86 to 64 10 JUL 55 to 47 86 to 75 2.0 67 to 52 88 to 66 10 AUG 54 to 46 88 to 75 2.4 66 to 51 90 to 66 11 SEP 49 to 41 83 to 72 2.8 62 to 49 89 to 69 10 OCT 44 to 36 81 to 75 3.5 55 to 43 88 to 74 13 NOV 38 to 31 80 to 78 3.3 49 to 39 87 to 79 13 DEC 36 to 28 78 to 77 3.3 44 to 34 87 to 82 13

MONTH COPENHAGEN, DENMARK BERGEN, NORWAY

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 37 to 30 89 to 85 18 39 to 31 82 to 79 21 FEB 36 to 28 89 to 80 15 39 to 31 82 to 72 16 MAR 41 to 32 89 to 74 15 43 to 34 82 to 68 20 APR 49 to 36 84 to 63 15 48 to 37 82 to 62 19 MAY 60 to 45 76 to 57 14 57 to 45 80 to 60 20 JUN 66 to 52 76 to 59 16 62 to 50 82 to 63 19 JUL 69 to 55 78 to 60 15 64 to 53 85 to 66 21 AUG 69 to 54 82 to 60 16 64 to 53 87 to 69 22 SEP 61 to 50 86 to 67 15 58 to 48 85 to 70 24 OCT 53 to 44 87 to 76 19 52 to 44 82 to 72 25 NOV 44 to 37 87 to 82 19 44 to 37 82 to 78 23 DEC 39 to 32 88 to 85 18 41 to 33 83 to 81 22

60 ABOARD YOUR SHIP: CABIN FEATURES, DINING & SERVICES ON BOARD

Ocean Diamond

For your upcoming Antarctic expedition, you’ll embark our exclusively-chartered Ocean Diamond, an ice-strengthened, ocean-cruising expedition ship. The ship is 407 ft. long and carries 150 Grand Circle travelers in outside-facing cabins. Each of these cabins has a window (some with partially obstructed views) or balcony. All cabins have either one double bed, or two twin-size beds, and select cabins also feature a sitting area.

Cabin Amenities Your cabin features a private bathroom with shower (shampoo and shower gel are provided), a hairdryer, a TV and DVD player, in-room heating, a lockable drawer, an internal telephone, and a mini-refrigerator.

Cabin Assignments You will receive confirmation of your deck and/or cabin category upfront in writing; it will be on your invoice and online in My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount. However, your cabin number may not be assigned until you arrive onboard the ship. (This is normal procedure for many small ships.) If there’s no cabin number on your invoice or online, you can presume it will be assigned later and communicated to you when you board.

Dining All meals are taken in the ship’s dining room which serves three meals per day. Breakfast and lunch are typically buffet-style while dinner will be a traditional plated meal. Complimentary soft drinks, juice, and water are available at all three meals; coffee and tea are included, or specialty coffee drinks are available for purchase; house beer and wine are served with dinner. Other premium beverage choices may be charged to your shipboard account. Prices will vary by vintage, starting at approximately $30 per bottle of wine. Because of the remote locations that you’ll be visiting on this trip, alcohol is typically imported which means that you will likely experience higher prices than what you would typically find at home. (No outside alcohol may be consumed onboard the Ocean Diamond.)

If you require a special diet, please request this in advance, you may do so by contacting one of our Travel Counselors (please note, kosher meals are not available on the Ocean Diamond). Dining times will vary according to the scheduled daily activities.

61 Electricity Cabins on the Ocean Diamond are equipped with 220-volt outlets which use a Type C plug (also known as the “Euro plug”). Please be sure to check the voltage of all your appliances. Most modern devices are dual-voltage, meaning they can run on both 110 and 220 volts. If you have any appliances that are 110 V, we recommend that you bring a converter. For more details on electricity, please see your Travel Handbook.

Getting Ashore Getting from ship to shore during an ocean-going voyage is not the same experience as on a river cruise—it requires more balance and agility, plus there are more formalities.

• Balance and agility are needed: To get ashore, we will use the ship’s own fleet of Zodiacs, which are small but study open-air boats holding 8-10 people each. To get into one of the Zodiacs, you’ll need to go down a steep staircase—which can be wet and slippery—and then crew members will assist you as you step from the Ocean Diamond into the Zodiac.

• “Wet” landings: Your landings will be “wet,” which means you’ll need to step into cold water up to ten inches deep and wade ashore. We will provide you with rubber Wellington- type boots for the duration of your cruise from a stock selection of available sizes. Please see your Travel Handbook for more details.

• Clothing note: Since the Zodiacs are small open-air boats, they are more susceptible to being splashed by water. It is essential that you bring waterproof pants to protect your clothing while transferring from ship to shore.

Important Note: Due to guidelines set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), there are limits to the number of travelers who are able to go ashore at the same time. This may mean that you will enjoy a zodiac cruise while other travelers are ashore, and vice versa. To learn more about the IAATO and their mission to promote environmentally responsible tourism in Antarctica, please see your Travel Handbook or visit their website at www. iaato.org.

Headsets Please note that headsets are not available on this expedition.

Internet Access and Email Complimentary wireless Internet service is available in public spaces, but is not available in individual cabins. If you want to use the wireless Internet connection you’ll need to bring your own device—a laptop, tablet, MP3 player, smart phone, etc.—because the ship does not rent or loan these devices. Please keep in mind that the wireless Internet access onboard is subject to the challenges of travel: ship location, signal availability, and usage volume onboard will affect connectivity and speed. Given the remote locations to which we will be traveling, you should expect that there will be times when the wireless Internet is either slow or not available.

62 Laundry Services Laundry services are available on the Ocean Diamond for a fee (a price list for laundry services will be provided on board). There will be forms and laundry bags provided in your cabin which are collected every morning. Your laundry will be returned to you in 48 hours.

Medical Services There is an English-speaking doctor onboard, as well as all of the basic First Aid supplies. All physician’s fees will be payable directly to the doctor. All specific medicines are the responsibility of each traveler, therefore we recommend that you bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications. Should you have any medical problems while aboard the ship, the doctor will refer to your medical forms.

Public Spaces The Ocean Diamond features a library, a Lecture Theatre on the Upper Deck, a smaller cafe-style lounge on the Main Deck, an observation deck with a panoramic lounge, a gym, reception area and gift shop, and a dining room, in addition to extensive open decks.

Shipboard Payments Payment for shipboard expenses can be made using U.S. dollars, debit cards, or credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. All prices are in U.S. dollars and you will not need a PIN to use your credit card onboard. Personal checks and Discover are not accepted onboard.

Ship-to-Shore Communications The ship has satellite telephone connections which allows you to call anywhere in accordance with the current local tariffs. Calling costs will be advised on board.

Smoking Policy Smoking is prohibited on board, with the exception of a designated smoking area. Please see your shipboard crew to be directed to the smoking designated area.

Wheelchairs The ship is not built to accommodate wheelchairs.

Ship Specifications

Ocean Diamond • History: Built in 1986; refurbished in 2017 (Chartered by GCCL)

• Size: 407x52.5 ft

• Capacity: 189 passengers, 144 crew members

63 • Layout: 101 cabins, 6 decks; Elevator-yes

64 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

The Culture of Scandinavia Does Scandinavia even have a common culture? And how does it differ from Nordic culture? First off, Scandinavia refers to the lands originally occupied by the Vikings—which would be Norway, Sweden and Denmark. When referring to Nordic countries, it would be Norway, Sweden and Denmark, with Finland and Iceland added to the mix. While these northern lands differ in language and geography, their shared history and religion have given rise to several cultural similarities.

A belief that Scandinavians are sullen or aloof, however, is one of the most common cultural misunderstandings. If you are unable to engage in a conversation with a local, you might interpret it as someone being standoffish or even rude. But a Scandinavian would perceive it as being polite by not bothering a stranger with small talk. Broadly speaking, Scandinavians place a high value on being polite and do not wish to speak to anyone unnecessarily or even ask for help unless it’s absolutely necessary.

A common thread woven throughout Scandinavian culture may be its focus on the wellbeing of the group rather than of the individual. While Americans admire even the most extreme efforts of individuals to achieve success, Scandinavians strive for moderation—in themselves, the community, and the workplace—to achieve a sense of balance. There are reasons why they always make the lists of the “happiest people on earth”. Scandinavians attribute it to their focus on life/ work balance—while they do pay high taxes, the generous social programs they get in return take all the fear out of losing their livelihood or growing broke. This allows them to focus on enjoying life.

Scandinavia’s concern for group wellbeing expresses itself in a variety of ways. The Danes have the centuries-old concept of “hygge,” which is a general state of mind that embraces life. The Finns have their saunas, whose bonding rituals are intertwined in national culture. And the Swedes consider “fika,” a type of mandatory coffee hour, to be an essential part of each day in order to bond with friends and colleagues.

Workplace culture is far less stressful in Scandinavian countries, too. Everyone expects everyone else to perform to the same standard. Since it’s a common practice among Scandinavians to say what they mean, no one has to search for hidden meanings. And dealing with fewer office politics

65 makes for a far more relaxed and comfortable workplace environment. Scandinavian culture discourages those seen as aiming too high or being too ambitious. In an attempt to make society as homogenous as possible, measures like private schools using the same curriculum as public schools are put in place to ensure equal opportunities for all. And Scandinavians believe that wealth should have no bearing on how you are treated.

Scandinavians love the outdoors and take full advantage of the breathtaking beauty of their landscapes by escaping into nature and enjoying the solitude at every opportunity. Come to think of it, no wonder they’re so happy.

Keep an Open Mind • This is not a typical tour, and the itinerary you follow is subject to change. This is the Arctic—weather, migration of wildlife, and flight schedule changes may all impact your trip.

• In some cases, they may change the sequence of places visited, or we may not follow the trip itinerary exactly as published.

Wildlife Viewing There can be no guarantee that you will see every animal that you hope to see. Our expedition leaders and experts are among the best in the Arctic, and no one knows the animals better. But, unlike the inhabitants of zoos and aquariums, the wildlife of the Arctic roams free. An animal your guide spotted three days ago may not be seen again for weeks.

Language There are two official languages in Norway: Norwegian is spoken as a first language by about 99% of the population; the second official language, Sami, is only spoken by about 0.9% of the population, mainly in the northern part of the country. Other minority languages include Kven, Finnish, and Romani, spoken only by small pockets of the population. Norwegian is a Germanic language that is closely related to Swedish, Danish and Faroese, and in general, speakers of all four of these languages can understand each other.

Importantly, there are two ways of writing Norwegian – Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is based on written Danish, which was the official language of Norway from 1380 to 1814. Nynorsk was created in the 1850s, and is based on a mix of mostly western Norwegian dialects. Both are taught in schools, but Bokmål is more common: it is somewhat associated with urban culture and is used for most business, technology, advertising, pop music, fashion, entertainment and news media. Though it is a written form of the language, Bokmål has influenced speech as well.

The good news for you as a traveler is that Norway ranks among the world’s top five countries in terms of English proficiency. It has been taught in schools for more than 50 years, beginning in primary school, and today more than 90% of Norwegians speak English at a very high level.

66 Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in the countries on your itinerary is about the same as it would be on in your hometown. In general, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older person. If you want to shoot a great portrait, show interest in your subject and try to have a bit of interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip Experience Leader can help.

Meals in Flight Flights to Iceland are shorter than to the rest of Europe, so airlines rarely provide meals during the international flight. You might want to have something to eat before boarding the plane (we will provide breakfast on your first day after you arrive at the hotel).

Meal Prices Iceland is an expensive country in general, but especially when it comes to food—which makes sense given that many ingredients need to be imported or are grown in special greenhouses. To give you a sense of what to budget, here’s some sample prices in USD. Please keep in mind that these are guidelines only and are subject to change.

• Light takeaway lunch (sandwich, soup): $11-$17 per person

• Lunch in a cafe: $20-$30 per person

• Dinner entrée in a high-end restaurant: $40-$70 per person

Previous travelers have suggested lowering costs by hitting up local grocery stores; choosing dishes with ingredients from Iceland (i.e. fish, lamb); looking for happy hour deals in local pubs; and trying one of Iceland’s Thai restaurants (which is kind of like their version of a Chinese takeout place).

Hotels With an emphasis on minimalism and functional design, you’ll discover that hotel rooms in this region are traditionally much smaller than in the United States, and tend to feature a sleek, modern look. Rooms are comfortable, clean, and well-equipped, but you should expect to experience how locals make use of limited space, which may mean that the bathrooms are smaller, or the beds are closer together, than you’d find at home.

Norwegian Cuisine Most modern Norwegian households eat much as we do in the States, enjoying simple but easy to prepare traditional favorites; the occasional ethnic treat like tacos or Asian stir-fry; or even a fast-food meal like the phenomenally popular Grandiosa, Norway’s best-selling frozen pizza.

67 And in case you haven’t heard, since the early 2000s, the Scandinavian (and worldwide) restaurant scene has been utterly transformed by the rise of New Nordic cuisine, a cooking style that stresses sustainability, freshness, and extremely local and seasonal ingredients. In practice, that means celebrating unique flavors that might previously have been overlooked. So yes, you might find carefully composed plates of grilled duck hearts on a bed of moss, but you’ll also find creative reinterpretations of traditional Nordic classics, like these:

With 63,000 miles of coastline, Norway is a seafood lover’s heaven. Start with Norwegian salmon, often served smoked (as in røkelaks), or cured with sugar and salt (gravlax) and served with a dollop of creamy dill sauce. As you travel north you won’t want to miss the legendary red king crab, pulled fresh from arctic waters. Sursild is herring that has been pickled, just one of the many methods used to preserve fish. Sometimes fish is dried and salted, as in klippfisk, a pressed cod that can be eaten on its own or added to dishes like plukkfisk, where it is folded into mashed potatoes.

Rakfisk is trout that is covered with spruce branches and fermented in barrels. The smell is pungent, but the taste is not. Even so, an icy glass of aquavit (a strong spirit flavored with caraway or dill) will help it go down. You might also want to have aquavit on hand for lutefisk, dried cod that’s preserved in lye, and then triple washed and steamed (all of the caustic lye is gone by the time you’re served it). If you’re from Minnesota or Wisconsin, you may have seen this at your state fair or in restaurants, so you already know it’s better with butter or sauce. In Norway, it is often paired with bacon, mashed peas, boiled potatoes and golden syrup.

If you like game, consider finnbiff, sautéed reindeer stew. Or stick to the national dish, fårikål, a boiled dinner of mutton or lamb, whole black pepper, cabbage, and potatoes. Pinnekjøtt is a Christmas Eve classic, a hearty meal of salted, air-dried sheep ribs. They are rehydrated by steaming them over birch sticks, and eaten with sweet mashed rutabaga. The classic Norwegian comfort food is kjøttkake (or kjøttballer), balls of minced beef seasoned with onions, nutmeg and ginger, then pan fried and simmered in gravy. (Yes, they are virtually the same as Swedish meatballs, but you won’t make Norwegian friends if you call them that.)

You will make friends if you’re willing to share your lefse, crepe-like flatbreads that are slathered with butter, sugar, and maybe cinnamon, then rolled up or folded for eating on the go. For a crispier sweet snack, try krumkake, a delicate, waffle-like cookie, shaped like an ice cream cone and filled with cream or fruit.

One of the most ubiquitous fruits is lingonberry, which tastes similar to cranberries and is used in compotes, juices, and preserves. As a jam, it’s a great accompaniment to brunost, a family of brown goat’s milk cheeses (like gjetost) that have the consistency (and a little of the sweetness) of fudge. Or just go straight to dessert heaven and order some fluffy trollkrem—a meringue of lingonberries whipped with sugar, vanilla, and egg whites.

Icelandic Cuisine Most visitors are surprised by the freshness, variety, and overall quality of Icelandic cuisine. For a small island whose arable land is limited by climate and geography, ecology-minded Iceland has developed ingenious techniques for raising and preparing produce, fish, and livestock that is

68 organic, non-GMO and free of chemicals. In Reykjavik you’ll find innovative chefs experimenting with New Nordic and other cutting-edge cuisines, plus plenty of ethnic eateries. But here are some traditional specialties to try.

Reykjavik’s Hot Dogs (or pylsur) are wildly popular, and you’lll see lines of dog lovers queuing up at pylsur stands all over the capital. These franks are usually a blend of beef, pork, and sometimes lamb. Order it eina með öllu, with everything, and you’’l get crunchy deep fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard, and a creamy remoulade sauce. Sauce, by the way, is somewhat of an Icelandic obsession. They slather everything from pizza to fries to fish with a healthy dollop of brown gravy, béarnaise sauce, paprika sauce, jafningur (béchamel), mayonnaise and more. Kokteilsósa means cocktail sauce but it’s not the same zippy, tomato-based condiment you’d eat with your shrimp. Here, it’s more like thousand island dressing, and is eaten with French fries.

Icelandic lamb is among the best in the world. They are free-range and never grain fed. Try it roasted with herbs like blódberg (Arctic thyme), or in the traditional lamb soup called kjötsupa.

Skyr is Icelandic yogurt, a creamy and protein-rich concoction that is ideal with berries. It is similar to Greek yogurt in consistency, but milder in taste. You can also enjoy skyr frozen, but don’t leave without tasting Icelandic ice cream. It’s another obsession here, and some ice cream shops stay open till 1 am to accommodate the throngs. (By the way, there are chocolate and candy and fruit sauces for these, too.)

The waters around Iceland support 340 varieties of fish, and the ones that end up on your plate are likely the daily catch—be it salmon, halibut, haddock, cod, arctic char, lumpfish, monkfish, mackerel, or pollock. There is nothing heartier than plokkfiskur or “mashed fish stew,” made with potatoes, onions and cod or haddock, mashed up with herbs (such as dill or parsley), and white pepper. Hardfiskur is fish jerky that is often served with Icelandic butter and rúgbraud, a dark rye bread baked in an earthen pot buried next to a hot spring. It is delicious when topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

There are no real lobsters in Icelandic waters, but here, what the locals call lobsters are really langoustines. Their tails are tender, sweet, and delicious. Sometimes they are served in a creamy bisque with curry, or in a grill with Icelandic scallops and mussels.

Perhaps the most infamous Icelandic dish is hákarl. It is shark meat that has been fermented underground till nearly (but not quite) rotten, then hung to dry for four to six weeks. It is intensely strong, with a heavy ammonia smell. Hákarl is usually served in small cubes on long toothpicks, along with a shot of brennivín, a caraway-scented schnapps. Because it is so strong it is called “the Black Death,” but expiring from brennivín might be preferable to dying of hákarl.

Two other items you might see on an Icelandic menu may also give you pause: whale meat and puffin. Though our modern sensibilities may find these repugnant, they were once essential to the Icelandic diet when food was hard to come by. Most whales are protected but in Iceland, fin and minke whales may be hunted for meat. Puffin meat is often smoked or cured like pastrami. Most Icelanders don’t eat whale or puffin anymore, but it turns up in restaurants that cater to foreign foodies and culinary adventurers.

69 Danish Cuisine Twenty years ago one might’ve described Danish food as peasant cooking—hearty, stick-to- your-ribs Viking fare that would get you through a long day of farming, fishing, or raiding. Today, Denmark is the epicenter of the New Nordic cuisine, a movement begun by Danish chefs René Redzepi and Claus Meyer, who helmed Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant (considered the world’s best) and influenced chefs everywhere with their philosophy that celebrates sustainable, locavore, and seasonal ingredients—many of which are foraged and were previously forgotten. It has inspired many cooks to revisit and refine some of the classics of Danish cuisine, like these:

Perhaps the best-known Danish delights are smørrebrød—open-faced sandwiches built on a base of buttered rugbrød, a dense, dark rye bread. These are not random sandwiches, they are artfully composed, so the dish is colorful and the garnishes are complementary. Toppings might include syltede sild (pickled herring) with micro greens; shrimp and egg with dill; or roast beef with pickles, onions, and horseradish. A favorite is dyrlægens natmad, which translates as “veterinarian’s midnight snack” and includes corned beef, sky (Danish meat aspic), and leverpostej (liver pâté) topped with slivered red onions, sprouts, and parsley or dill.

The national dish is stegt flæsk, crispy pork belly chunks served with boiled potatoes and parsley sauce. So many Danes have a “burning love” for bacon, they named a dish after this affliction, brændende kærlighed, which is mashed potatoes topped with oven-roasted cubes of bacon, caramelized onions, and butter. Another pork favorite is brunkål, brown cabbage braised with sugar till it’s caramelized, then roasted with pork shanks, and served with pickled cucumber.

For a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes, there’s forloren hare, a Danish meatloaf made with ground pork, leeks, and egg. Bacon strips are woven around the loaf, which is then baked till it looks like an elegant brown basket. On the flip side there’s the humble røde pølser, which translates as “red sausage” and is a Danish hot dog. They are sold from pølsevogen (hot dog wagons) all over, and come with toppings like fried onions, pickles, and a variety of condiments.

Not all protein is pork. Try rødspættefilet, a filet of plaice (a mild white fish) that is breaded and fried. It can be eaten as an entrée, or as the stjerneskud (“shooting star”) of a smørrebrød topped with shrimp, lettuce and caviar from the Limfjord. Tarteletter are flaky pastry tartlets filled with chicken and asparagus in a creamy béchamel sauce. Roast duck or andesteg is a holiday favorite, stuffed with apples and prunes, then roasted until golden-brown and served with a sauce made with reserved duck fat, whiskey, and wine.

For something sweet to go with your coffee (bica), order a Danish but call it by its proper name, wienerbrød, which means “Vienna bread” and is a more accurate reflection of its provenance. Even though Danes did not invent them, they love these flaky, croissant-like glazed pastries filled with cream or fruit. They also love risalamande, a cold rice pudding topped with hot cherries, with an almond hidden in the custard. If you order frugtsalat, be your fruit salad may be turbo-charged with bits of chocolate and marzipan, and maybe topped with whipped cream.

70 Then there’s the cake that literally towers above them all, kransekake. It’s a cone of concentric almond cake rings bound together with a white icing glaze, and sometimes decorated with berries or nuts. They are served at festive occasions (especially New Year’s), and the center of the tower might hold candies, chocolates, and even champagne or wine bottles.

Scottish Cuisine Scotland has some of the most creative chefs in the United Kingdom, and considering the fantastic pantry they have to work with—with world-class seafood, game and produce—it’s no wonder that the country boasts ten Michelin-starred restaurants. Twelve products of Scottish origin qualify for the European Union’s PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) designation, including Shetland lamb, Orkney Island Scottish cheddar, Scottish salmon, and Scottish whisky.

You can enjoy these delicacies all over the country, not just in the foodie capital of Edinburgh. But when you’re in the capital, do visit one of its famous chippies. These fish and chip shops dish up the crispiest fare, served with something unique to Edinburgh: “salt ‘n sauce.” This is a tangy, brown condiment that’s a cross between malt vinegar, brown gravy, and ketchup.

Cullen Skink may sound like the name of a Harry Potter villain, but it’s a fish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and leeks. Traditionally, it’s made from finnan haddie, a cold-smoked haddock from Aberdeen; or Arbroath smokie, a hot-smoked haddock. Scottish salmon is widely considered the best in the world. Some say the same about Scottish oysters from Loch Ryan.

For meat lovers, your roast, stew, or steak will taste best if it’s made with rich, marbled Angus Aberdeen beef. Another favorite of Scottish carnivores is black pudding. It’s a sausage made from congealed pig’s blood mixed with oats, fat, and seasonings. It may not sound appetizing, but because it’s loaded with protein, potassium, calcium and iron, it’s considered a “superfood.”

In Scotland, your bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) might include something besides pork, such as venison or apples. Bangers are a breakfast staple, as are lorne sausage, which are square and made with beef. You’ll get both of those if you order a full Scottish, a heaping breakfast plate that also includes fried eggs, tomatoes, baked beans, ham or bacon, butter, scones, bread, and sometimes even haggis.

And oops, there you go, we’ve mentioned the unmentionable: haggis. Scotland’s national dish, it’s made from minced sheep’s liver, lungs, and heart; mixed with spices and oatmeal; and served inside the stomach lining. It is usually served with neets and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes.) If you get invited to a traditional Robbie Burns supper, haggis will be the main dish, ushered to the table by a bagpiper, and praised by a reading of the revered poet’s Address to the Haggis. Otherwise, haggis is widely available, and many people say it’s delicious. Go ahead, try it. This may be your only chance, because haggis has been banned by the USDA since 1971.

For dessert you might try traditional shortbread; tablet, a fudge-like confection (minus the chocolate); or the “king of Scottish desserts,” cranachan, a rich parfait of cream, raspberries and oats. Cholesterol not high enough? Try a battered Mars Bar. Scots love to dip this American candy in a sweet batter, then deep fry it. And here’s a secret: You can also get a deep-fried Snickers or Three Musketeers bar, whatever your sweet tooth desires.

71 Whatever your meal includes, you can toast it with a wee dram of Scottish whisky. If you order it in a pub, please don’t call it “Scotch.” If you ask for it on the rocks, you may get a pitying look along with your ice. To impress your bartender, order a single malt and specify one of the six official Scottish whisky regions: Lowlands, Speyside, Highlands, Campbeltown, Islay and Islands. Then raise your glass and say slainte-mhath (pronounced “slange var”)—to your health!

Responsible Travel in the Arctic We do our best to have a minimum negative impact on local cultures and the natural environment in every country where we operate trips. Our goal is to leave no trace on the natural environment, or to leave places better than we find them. As you travel in the Arctic, your ship’s expedition staff will follow strict guidelines to protect the environment. Please cooperate enthusiastically, and make it your own priority to keep this uniquely unsullied wilderness intact in all its pristine beauty. Here’s what we ask of you as part of this effort.

The #1 rule is: Follow all instructions given onsite faithfully.

Protect the Wildlife Harmful interference with or taking Arctic wildlife is prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority.

• Do not feed, touch, or handle wildlife, or approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behavior.

• Do not bring non-native plants or animals into the Arctic.

Be Safe Be prepared for severe and changeable weather and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Arctic standards. Remember that the Arctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous.

• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, both on land and at sea. For this reason, we will not explore on the Zodiacs if polar bears are nearby; instead, we will observe from the ship.

• Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders; do not stray from your group.

• Do not walk onto glaciers or large snow fields without the proper equipment and experience; there is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses.

Keep the Arctic Pristine • Do not dispose of litter or garbage on land. Open burning is prohibited.

• Do not disturb or pollute lakes or streams. Any materials discarded at sea must be disposed of properly.

• Do not paint or engrave names or graffiti on anything.

72 • Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or man-made artifacts as a souvenir, including rocks, bones, eggs, fossils, and parts or contents of buildings.

If in doubt, remember the famous saying: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.

Oslo in Brief

City Layout and Details Oslo occupies a magnificent site, surrounded by hills on three sides and a fabulous fjord on the fourth. In general, the city’s compact and straightforward design makes getting around on foot easy. The Aker River divides the city into east and west.

Karl Johans Gate is Oslo’s main street, running the length of the city’s downtown, from Central Station to the Royal Palace. Much of it is a car-free pedestrian thoroughfare, and many of the city’s most important buildings, stores, and hotels make Karl Johans Gate their address. A pedestrian park is created between Karl Johans Gate and Stortingsgate, an important parallel street running from Parliament to the Royal Palace.

A couple of blocks south, City Hall fronts Oslo’s active port, creating a triangle with Central Station and the Royal Palace. City Hall is across the street from the main Norway Information Center. Across the park from City Hall, ferries make regular runs to the Bygdoy Peninsula, site of several top museums. Frogner Park, with its famous Vigeland Sculpture Garden, lies about a mile northwest of the Royal Palace. The park and the palace sandwich an exclusive neighborhood of tree-lined streets and turn-of-the-century homes.

Local Transportation Public Transit: The Oslo public transit system is comprised of buses, trams, ferries, local and inter-city trains and an extensive metro system called the “T-bane”. A single ticket allows the transit user to make use of the full transit system within Oslo for a period of one hour.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You may not be asked to show your ticket on public transit. As a result, some travelers have been tempted to not buy a ticket at all. However, we strongly recommend that you purchase tickets, despite the fact you may not be asked to show them. Evading fares is illegal in Norway and Finland, and can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to €1000. If you are unable to pay the on-the-spot fine, you may be escorted to a police station until payment is received.

Bus and tram: Jernbanetorget is Oslo’s major bus and tram terminal stop. Most buses and trams passing through the heart of town stop at Wessels Plass, next to the Parliament, or at Stortorvet, the main marketplace. Many also stop at the National Theater or University Square on Karl Johans Gate, as well as stopping through Oslo’s suburbs.

The subway: The T-banen has four branch lines to the east. The Western Suburban route (including Holmenkollen) has four lines to the residential sections and recreation grounds west and north of the city. Subways and trains leave from near the National Theater on Karl Johans Gate.

73 Taxis: Hiring a taxi is very expensive in Oslo—we recommend taking public transportation instead. In addition to regular fares, there are lethal surcharges between 5pm and 4am.

All taxis have meters, and Norwegian cab drivers are generally honest. When a cab is available, its roof light goes on. Taxis can be hailed on the street, provided they’re more than 298 ft. from a taxi stand. The most difficult time to hail a taxi is Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 10am and 3 to 5pm, and Saturday from 8:30 to 10am.

Copenhagen in Brief

City Layout and Details Old Copenhagen is defined as a rough square by Nørreport Station to the north, Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square) to the west, and Kongens Nytorv to the east.

Strøget is Europe’s the longest continuous pedestrians-only route. It runs east from Town Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv, and is composed of five interconnected streets: Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv, and Østergade and roughly bisects Old Copenhagen. Strøget is a stoller’s and shopper’s heaven: lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and, in season, with sidewalk cafes it a favorite of visitors and locals alike. On the Eastern end, Pistolstræde is a maze of galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, housed in restored 18th-century buildings.

Fiolstræde (Violet St.), closer to the western end of Stroget, offers antiques shops and bookshops and cuts through the university (Latin Quarter). At the end of Fiolstræde you can turn onto Rosengaarden where you’ll find Kultorvet (Coal Square). Here you’ll find join the third main pedestrian street, Købmagergade (Butcher St.) which runs gently south until it meets up with Strøget at the Amagertorv section.

At the eastern end of Strøget you approach Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square), where you’ll find the Royal Theater and Magasin, the largest department store in Copenhagen. Across the square you come to the beginning of Nyhavn, the former seamen’s quarter that now features upscale restaurants, apartments, cafes, and boutiques.

Denmark’s government is centered on the small island of Slotsholmen, which is connected to the center by eight different bridges. The island also features several museums, most notably Christiansborg Castle.

Entertainment Free time? Try strolling the Strøget, a three quarter mile stretch of shops between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv . If you get peckish or thirsty midway, you can hop over a street to the Vestergade, lined with historic buildings, restaurants, stores and bars for a little more variety. Nynhavn (New Harbor) is the place to be on a good day – outdoor cafes abound, and classic buildings overlook the classic ships that line the harbor front.

In summer, a visit to Tivoli Gardens is a must. Tivoli’s twenty-one acres encompasses impressive structures (the Chinese Tower, the Glass Hall Theater, and the Pantomime Theater among them), flower beds, fountains and lovely landscaping. The park features 5 roller coasters, including

74 one of the world’s oldest wooden coasters, as well as other rides. Locals and visitors alike find the ambience and experience a repeatable pleasure. If you’re not interested in the rides or the performances you can simply stroll, take in the view and people watch. (There is an entrance fee, but many of the events inside are included).

You’ll find the nightlife in several neighborhoods, including Strøget and nearby areas; in Vesterbro, with its main street on Vesterbrogade just across from Tivioli Gardens; and on Istegade — home to some of the today’s trendier bars and cafés. The area just off Kongens Nytorv on Gothersgade is another busy nightlife spot.

The famed jazz venues of Copenhagen are largely closed. Nightspots now cater to a wider range of music — from ballroom music to house, rap, and techno. Restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs stay open after midnight, a few until 5 am.

Local Transportation Copenhagen is sufficiently compact and inviting that most of your travel in the city should be as a result of a leisurely stroll. Many of the major sightseeing attractions are close to one another.

By Bus: Copenhagen’s buses are an inexpensive way to get around a little further out, if necessary. Most buses leave from Rådhuspladsen. A basic ticket buys an hour of travel and unlimited transfers within the zone where you started your trip. For information, call tel. 36-13-14-15.

Metro: Copenhagen’s Metro is almost 20 years old, and it connects the east to west of the city with the center. It operates 24 hours a day, and Metro fares are integrated into Copenhagen’s zonal system. A joint zone fare system works with Copenhagen Transport buses, State Railway, and the Metro. You have the option to purchase a grundbillet (base ticket), 10 tickets, or a 24-hour bus and train ticket which allows you to travel through nearly half of Zealand.

Discount Passes: The Copenhagen Card entitles you to free and unlimited travel by bus and rail throughout the metropolitan area (including North Zealand) and free admission to many sights and museums. The card is available for one day or three days.

Taxis: Watch for the FRI (free) sign or a green light when hailing a taxi. Be sure the taxis are metered. Tips are included in the meter price and many drivers speak English.

Bicycle: In good weather cycling around the city is a great option. Getting through central Copenhagen can take around 30 minutes on a bike—and may be faster than the metro – and bikes are popular with the residents. Cycle paths are plentiful and quite safe.

75 Edinburgh in Brief

City Layout and Details Edinburgh consists of a New Town, dating from the 18th century, and an Old Town dating back to the city’s origin in medieval times. The spine of the Old Town is the famous Royal Mile, comprised of the four linked streets of Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket, and Castlehill. Holyrood Palace sits at the end of Canongate, next to a hilly park of the same name, while Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline from the Castlehill end of the Royal Mile.

Below and to the north of the Old Town lies the New Town, built in the Georgian era between 1766 and 1840. This area is laid out in a neat grid, with George Street running through the middle between the charming parks of Charlotte Square and St. Andrew Square. Paralleling George Street to its south is Princes Street, which has an elegant shopping district and offers fine views of the Old City from the adjoining Princes Street Gardens. Between Princes and George Streets, Rose Street boasts a dense concentration of shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Festivals The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Commonly referred to as “The Tattoo,” Edinburgh plays host to hundreds of musicians, pipers and drummers, singers and dancers at the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival, including the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands. The festival takes place for three weeks, typically during the month of August, with a different line up of entertainment and performers each year. From traditional Scottish costumes and bagpipes to theatrical performances and fireworks displays, this festival has become an international sensation.

Because this festival attracts international attention with over 200,000 visitors, we strongly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance if you are interested in experiencing this unique performance at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. To purchase tickets, please visit www. edintattoo.co.uk/tickets. You will have the option to purchase tickets online for a specific date and time, as there are many performances over the course of the three week festival.

More information about The Tattoo is available at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Fringe is the largest arts and culture festival around the globe, featuring thousands of performances in theater, comedy, dance, opera, circus, music, and more. Lasting for 3-4 weeks and usually held during the month of August, the events range from free performances and exhibits to ticketed events. To find out more about the specific events and buy tickets for performances, visit their website at www.edfringe.com.

76 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

Norway Popular items include trolls, jewelry, woolen items, glass, wood and leather goods, local brews, furniture, carpets, and other decor.

Iceland Hand-knit Icelandic sweaters and other woolens, including hats, mittens, and jackets, are widely available. Icelanders enjoy contemporary Scandinavian-style housewares and accessories so you’ll find a good selection of these, many with Icelandic themes. The Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur shopping streets in the heart of Reykjavik have contemporary boutiques and shops offering European fashions and accessories, plus unique Icelandic designs and jewelry.

VAT: Although prices are inflated by a hefty Value-Added Tax (between 11-24%), non-European Union citizens can receive a refund. For more details and a list of all tax-free shops, ask at the tourist office for a copy of the Tax-Free Shopping Guide.

Denmark A showcase for world-famous Danish design and craftsmanship, Copenhagen seems to have been designed with shoppers in mind. The best buys are such luxury items as crystal, porcelain, silver, and furs. Look for offers and sales (tilbud or udsalg in Danish) and check antiques and secondhand shops for classics at cut-rate prices.

VAT: Although prices are inflated by a hefty 25% Value-Added Tax (Danes call it MOMS), non-European Union citizens can receive about an 18% refund. For more details and a list of all tax-free shops, ask at the tourist office for a copy of the Tax-Free Shopping Guide.

77 Scotland Scotland has many fine local products to choose from, including shortbread, handmade soaps, Celtic jewelry, and bagpipes. There are plenty of items emblazoned with the Scottish flag, Nessie the Loch Ness monster, and golf imagery (since the game was invented here.) If there’s a dog lover on your gift list, consider a memento of Greyfriar’s Bobby. He was a 19th-century Skye Terrier who supposedly stood by his master’s grave in Edinburgh’s Greyfriar’s churchyard— every day for 14 years.

Many of the best souvenirs are wearable, like Scottish cashmere, Harris tweed, quality woolens, Balmoral caps, tams, and tartans (which found on everything from umbrellas to scarves and pajamas.) While the kilt is the quintessential Scottish garment, there are also special accessories that complete the look: a sporran (pouch), sgian-dubh (a small ceremonial knife—which might be hard to get back to the U.S. in your luggage), and jaunty knee-high socks. Although women don’t wear kilts, they do wear tartan skirts and special shoes known as ghillie boots.

And of course, there’s whisky (without an “e”), which is so synonymous with Scotland that many Americans call it “Scotch.” Not a whisky fan? Scotland is also known for high-quality gin.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

78 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

Svalbard

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 23,956 square miles

• Capital: Longyearbyen

• Government: Territory of Norway

• Geography: Svalbard is an archipelago, a series of islands, in the Arctic Ocean which features rugged mountains, icy terrain, and fjords along the north and west coasts.

• Languages: Norwegian and Russian

• Location: Arctic Circle

• Population: 2,583 (estimate)

• Time zone: Svalbard is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time. Daylight Saving Time is in effect in Svalbard from the end of March until the end of October.

National Holidays: Svalbard

As an archipelago of the Kingdom of Norway, find out if you will be traveling during these Svalbard celebrates a number of national holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. holidays as the mainland Norway, such as com/holidays. Easter, Constitution Day, and Christmas. To

Svalbard: A Brief History There is no conclusive evidence that early humans inhabited the Svalbard archipelago. But it is possible that Viking seamen may have sighted it, as it was mentioned in a Norse saga dating from 1194 that references “a land in the far north at the end of the ocean.” Officially at least, the polar archipelago now known as Svalbard was first discovered in 1596 by the Dutch explorer, navigator, and cartographer William Barentz, who was searching for a northeast passage to China. He named the islands Spitsbergen, meaning “sharp mountains.”

English, Dutch, French, Norwegian, and Danish companies began hunting for bowhead whales here by 1611. This first recorded visitors to attempt to overwinter here were English, establishing a camp at Bellsund in 1630. In the early 1700s, Pomors from coastal Russia came to hunt walruses, beluga whales, moose, polar bears, arctic foxes, and seals. But because they moved their camps seasonally, their practices were sustainable and did not deplete the area’s natural resources. By the end of that century, Norwegians dominated the hunting and whaling here, many of them Sami people from the Hammerfest region.

79 Exploration was initially focused on finding new whaling grounds, but it was known that there was coal on the islands and from the 18th century, more scientific expeditions took place. In 1906, a mining station was established at Longyearbyen, followed by stations at Barentsburg, Grumant, Pyramiden, Svea, and Ny-Ålesund. In 1925, Norway was granted sovereignty over the region, which it renamed from Spitsbergen to Svalbard. But per the Svalbard Treaty, mining rights were granted to all 40 signatories, and Svalbard was declared a demilitarized, free economic zone.

During World War II, mining was halted and all the Soviet and Norwegian settlements were evacuated during Operation Gauntlet. Still, the Nazis bombed several targets including Longyearbyen, whose No. 2 Mine continued to burn for 14 years. The Nazis built an airstrip and weather station here. Norwegian settlers returned in 1945, as did the Soviets, who resettled in Barentsburg and Pyramiden.

In the postwar years, relations between Norway and the Soviet Union were strained, especially when Norway joined NATO in 1949. As either side built research stations or attempted to launch infrastructure projects, tensions increased. Oil drilling began in 1961 by Caltex, a division of Chevron. The Soviet counterpart Arktikugol also began drilling, but by the 1980s no commercially viable wells had been found.

Also in the 1970s, Longyearbyen underwent a process of “normalization” to transform it from a company town to a regular community. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian population dramatically decreased, while the Norwegian population grew. The first hotel was built in 1995, and nature tourism has become a major component of the economy. Today, more than half the archipelago is protected as four national parks, 15 bird sanctuaries, and six nature reserves. Svalbard is also on the tentative list for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Norway

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 125,049 square miles

• Capital: Oslo

• Geography: Nearly 70% of Norway is uninhabitable and covered by mountains, glaciers, moors, and rivers. It has a 1,700-mile coastline on the North Atlantic, raggedly indented with inlets, fjords, peninsulas, and islands. Because the coast is so well sheltered, and most of the country’s land area is so rocky and mountainous, Norwegians have taken to the sea since prehistoric times.

• Languages: Two official forms of Norwegian: Bokmal and Nynorsk

• Location: The Kingdom of Norway stretches along the western edge of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering Sweden, Finland, and Russia to the east. It extends about 1,100 miles from the North Sea to more than 300 miles above the Arctic Circle. That makes it the farthest north of any European country.

• Population: 5,320,045 (estimate)

80 • Religion: Church of Norway (Lutheran) 71.5%, other Christian 3.9%, Muslim 2.8%, Roman Catholic 2.8%, other 2.4%, unspecified 7.5%

• Time zone: Norway is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time. Daylight Saving Time is in effect in Norway from the end of March until the end of September.

National Holidays: Norway

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/01 New Year’s Day Norway celebrates a number of national 05/01 May Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Ascension Day. To find out if you 05/17 Constitution Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/25 Christmas Day

12/26 Boxing Day

Norway: A Brief History In spite of its extreme geography and climate, Norway has been inhabited for about 10,000 years, starting when the last great ice sheets retreated. Migrations of the Nøstvet-Økser people of central Europe began arriving along the southern Norwegian coast, and by 5,000 BC, agricultural settlements appeared around the Oslofjord, and spread across southern Norway, then migrating north. The real story of Norway begins with the Vikings, dauntless seafarers who emerged from southern Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Sailing their advanced longboats, they developed new trade routes from Newfoundland to Russia to Baghdad and beyond. The Viking Age was short, spanning about 300 years starting in 793.

Throughout history, the Vikings have been romanticized and vilified. Today, archeologists have constructed a more balanced picture. The Vikings certainly terrorized, murdered, and enslaved many people they overran; but they also often assimilated with them, rarely destroyed the native cultures, expanded the flow of goods and ideas, and left progressive legal codes. It can be argued that they were no more ruthless than their contemporaries, just more successful. Their legacy includes the first unification of Norway in 872; and the adoption of Christianity.

After 1066, a declining Norway became increasingly beholden to Sweden, Denmark, and the merchant cities of the Hanseatic League. In 1349, the Black Death killed more than 50% of the population. Norway entered a union with Denmark and for the next 200 years, most of its commerce was taken over by the Hanseatic League. Various disputes between the Danish Union and Sweden dragged Norway into the Seven Years War (1563–70), followed by the Kalmar War (1611–14). Up until 1720, Norway lost a good portion of its territory to Sweden.

Nationalist sentiments began growing in Norway during the waning years of the Napoleonic Wars, when the kingdom of Denmark-Norway and Sweden were once again on opposing sides. By the end of 1814, Norway was a constitutional monarchy in a union with Sweden. But while Norway had adopted its own constitution and chosen its own king, it would only achieve full independence after severing ties with Sweden as a result of a popular referendum in 1905.

81 Norway remained neutral during World War I, and its economy and confidence grew with the development of industry, hydroelectric power, and exports; and the enfranchisement of women. But when Norway stated its neutrality during World War II, Germany invaded anyway and occupied Norway from 1940 until the end of the war. The Norwegian Resistance was strong, and the Germans took revenge up until the end, retreating with a scorched earth policy that obliterated farms, forests, and entire towns. Norway joined NATO 1949 and became a founder member of the United Nations. Still, it remained one of Europe’s poorest nations.

This changed when crude oil was discovered here in 1969. The standard of living and per capita wealth rose dramatically, and the windfalls (coupled with high taxes) enabled the government to develop one of the world’s most comprehensive social welfare systems. Citizens enjoy free medical care; free higher education; generous family leave; childcare and eldercare supports; generous pensions; and more. Norway is arguably Europe’s most egalitarian social democracy.

Norway has a strong presence on the international stage; has participated in peacekeeping missions; and plays a leading role in refugee assistance. But Norway has remained wary of joining the European Union. Erna Solberg became the nation’s first female Prime Minister in 2013, and was re-elected in 2017. She heads a center-right coalition government and has shown a commitment to global solutions for development, and conflict resolution.

Iceland

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 39,769 square miles

• Capital: Reykjavik

• Languages: Icelandic is the official language; English, Scandinavian languages, and German are also spoken.

• Ethnicity: Norse/Celtic descent 94%, foreign-born 6%

• Location: Iceland is an island bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean.

• Geography: Poised atop the geologically active mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates are separating as Europe drifts away from North America, Iceland is one of only two places in the world where an undersea mid-ocean ridge rises above sea level. Iceland’s 3,088 miles of coastline are punctuated by numerous rugged fjords, while some 63 percent of the mountainous interior is treeless tundra.

• Population: 360,000 (estimate)

• Religions: Lutheran Church of Iceland 73.8%, Roman Catholic 3.6%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.9%, Hafnarfjordur Free Church 2%, The Independent Congregation 1%, other 3.9%, none 5.6%, and unspecified 7.2%

• Time Zone: Iceland is on UTC (“Greenwich Mean Time”), five hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 11am in Reykjavik.

82 National Holidays: Iceland

In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/01 Labor Day Iceland celebrates a number of national Late May Ascension Day (moves each year) holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling 06/17 Icelandic Republic Day during these holidays, please visit www. timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/24 Christmas Eve

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day

Late April First Day of Summer (moves 12/26 Second Day of Christmas each year) 12/31 New Year’s Eve

Iceland: A Brief History Geologically speaking, Iceland is one of the youngest places on earth, and thanks to its ongoing volcanic and glacial activity, you can still see it being born. The first known human to take note of this roiling mass of fire and ice was the Greek explorer Pytheas, who wrote of an island he called “Ultima Thule.” He described it as a realm of ferocious storms and even more ferocious, dog-headed people. That did not stop Irish monks (called papars) from settling here around 700 AD. They left after Norse settlers began arriving in the ninth century. Many were fierce Vikings, as you would imagine, but just as many were Scandinavian farmers, herders, and traders looking for better opportunities. It was one of these Norwegian farmers, Flóki Vilgerdarson, who gave the island its current name, Ísland or Iceland.

By 930 AD, there were many settlements, all connected through commerce, intermarriage, and various agreements over land and resources. Realizing that they needed some sort of government to define and uphold laws, they wrote a constitution and created the Althing (AlÞing in Icelandic), which exists today as the oldest active legislative assembly in the world. The Althing met at the natural amphitheater of Thingvellir, where local chieftains gathered annually to elect leaders. Among the decision made there was the adoption of Christianity by Iceland in 1000 AD, notable for the fact that it took place peacefully. The 11th and 12th centuries were a peaceful Golden Age when the literary tradition of the Icelandic saga developed. But by the early thirteenth century, Iceland descended into clan warfare.

That internal strife left an opening for Norwegian King Haakon to claim Iceland in 1262—a claim superseded in 1397 by Denmark, who held the island for the next 600 years. It was an era beset by trade restrictions, pirates, kidnappings, plagues, crop failures, and a series of devastating volcanic eruptions that caused about 20% of the population to die of starvation. By the 19th century, Icelandic nationalism was on the rise. Between 1855 and 1918, Iceland won increasing degrees of autonomy, with Iceland becoming a sovereign nation under the Danish Crown in 1918. In 1944, following a referendum in which 97% of Icelanders voted to sever ties with the Danish Crown, the establishment of the free Republic of Iceland took place in a ceremony symbolically located at Thingvellir, site of the ancient Althing.

83 During World War II, Iceland’s vulnerability as a potential Nazi target led the British to occupy the defenseless island. The Icelandic government allowed US troops to move in in 1941. When the US military left in 1946, it retained the right to re-establish a base at Keflavík should war threaten again. In the postwar years, Iceland only reluctantly became a member of NATO, with the provision that its citizens would not participate in any offensive action, and that no foreign troops would be based there during peacetime. That proviso fell apart with the Cold War. The US only relinquished its base at Keflavik in 2006. Today Iceland is a multi-party parliamentary democracy and a member of NATO.

At the dawn of the 21st century, Iceland enjoyed one of the highest standards of living in the world, but it was severely affected by the global economic downturn. In 2008, the government took over all three of Iceland’s failing major banks, but weeks later had to apply to the International Monetary Fund for emergency aid. The coalition government was forced to resign, and the new Prime Minister formally applied for EU membership in 2009.

The ensuing years saw a series of banking scandals and controversies around the repayment of loans to the IMF and the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Perhaps because of this, most Icelanders do not wish to pursue EU membership. Meanwhile, the Icelandic economy has been making a tremendous comeback, thanks to a surge in tourism.

Denmark

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 16,640 square miles

• Capital: Copenhagen

• Government: Constitutional monarchy

• Geography: Denmark is the smallest of the Scandinavian countries (it’s about half the size of Maine). The country occupies the Jutland peninsula, a lowland area, where the highest elevation is only 565 feet above sea level. But that doesn’t mean that the country is entirely flat. Most of its terrain consists of folds, undulations, small, often steep hills, and long, low rises. There are also forests, rivers, lakes, and beaches, many of which are excellent for swimming, though the water may be too cold for some people.

• Languages: Danish, Faeroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), and a small German- speaking minority

• Location: Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland and a group of islands at the entrance to the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Germany. The two largest islands are Sjaelland, site of Copenhagen, and Fyn. Denmark also has two self-governing dependencies—Greenland and the Faeroe Islands.

• Population: 5,605,948 (estimate)

• Religion: Evangelical Lutheran 76%, Muslim 4%, other 16%

84 • Time zone: Denmark is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, six hours ahead of Eastern Time. Daylight Saving Time is in effect in Denmark from the end of March until the end of September.

National Holidays: Denmark

In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/01 May Day/Labor Day Denmark celebrates a number of national 05/05 Liberation Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Ascension Day. To find out if you 06/05 Constitution Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/25 Christmas Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/26 2nd Christmas Day

Denmark: A Brief History About 10,000 years ago, the glacial ice sheets that covered northern Europe began to retreat, attracting huge herds of reindeer. These in turn attracted hunter-gatherers who arrived from southern and eastern Europe. As the climate further warmed, the reindeer migrated north, but the early Danes remained in this fertile land, establishing farming communities by 3000 BC.

By 1800 BC, these proto-Danes were trading weapons, jewelry, amber and furs with people as far away as Rome. They buried their dead in peat bogs and many of those bodies have been remarkably preserved. The first people identified as Danes came from Sweden around 500 AD. They had a written system of communication based on runes. (The symbol we now use for bluetooth devices is based on the runic signature of Harald Bluetooth, or Harald I, the Danish Viking who became king around 900 AD.)

The Viking Age began in 793 AD with the raid on Lindisfarne, an English island monastery. Sporadic raids had likely occurred before this, by Vikings from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. They were not unified and the Danish Vikings primarily raided northeastern England, which at the time was a collection of warring Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Danish Vikings had established a large settlement in Kent by 850 AD, and as more Danish colonists arrived, all of northeastern England fell under their control. The exception was Wessex, which reached an agreement with the Danes granting Wessex sovereignty, while the rest of the region was ruled as the Danelaw.

The Danish King Harald Bluetooth converted to Christianity in 965 AD, possibly to appease the Franks at Denmark’s door. Harald forcibly established the new religion, and elevated the status of the Christian clergy. But Christianity did not bring peace. The Danes continued to fight to maintain and expand their territory, conquering parts of Germany and Estonia. After the Viking Age ended in 1066, Denmark’s power declined. In 1397, the Union of Kalmar united Denmark, Sweden, and Norway under a single monarch, with Denmark as the dominant power.

Beginning in the 16th century, Denmark and Sweden began a lengthy rivalry. In 1658, Sweden took the Danish regions of Skåne, Halland and Blekinge, which are still Sweden’s southernmost provinces. In the ensuing century, Denmark suffered more defeats: in 1814, it had to cede Norway to Sweden. But there were important domestic gains. . . . As 19th-century Europe was swept by

85 nationalist fervor and revolution, Denmark had already abolished serfdom and established universal public education. By the 1830s, social and agricultural reforms had boosted the economy; there was a peasant landowner class; and a free press. In 1849, a new constitution created a legislative democracy, ending the monarchy’s previous absolute power.

Denmark remained neutral during World War I, and tried to do the same during World War II. It signed a non-aggression pact with the Third Reich. But Germany invaded in 1940, threatening to bomb Copenhagen. With only a small military, the Danish government yielded. The Nazis at first allowed the Danes some autonomy. But when it began pressuring officials to comply with anti- Semitic policies, the Danish government resigned in protest. The Nazis took over in earnest, and the resistance movement grew. Tipped off by a Nazi diplomat that Germany was about to deport Denmark’s Jews to concentration camps, the Resistance and many citizens managed to evacuate 7,220 of Denmark’s 7,800 Jews to safety in Sweden.

After Germany’s defeat, Denmark joined the United Nations in 1945, and became a founding member of NATO in 1949. The latter half of the 20th century saw Denmark’s emergence as a prosperous, stable social democracy with one of the world’s highest standards of living. In 2000, Denmark voted by referendum not to adopt the euro. It is one of only 5 countries in the world that meets the UN goal for wealthy nations to provide 0.7% of its gross national income for international development assistance. In addition, Denmark has established Danida, Danish Development Assistance, to fight poverty and improve education in developing countries. The current Prime Minister, Mette Fredericksen, is the second woman and youngest person (at 44) to hold that office. She is the leader of the center-left Socialist Democratic Party.

United Kingdom in Brief

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 94,525 square miles

• Capital: London, with a separate parliament in Edinburgh for Scotland, a National Assembly in Cardiff for Wales, and a National Assembly for Northern Ireland in Belfast.

• Government: Constitutional monarchy

• Languages: English, Welsh, Gaelic

• Location: Situated off the northwest coast of Europe, the island of Britain is occupied by England, Wales, and Scotland—collectively called Great Britain. Together with Northern Ireland, Great Britain makes up the nation officially called the United Kingdom (UK). England, in the southern part of Britain, is separated from Scotland on the north by the granite Cheviot Hills. To the west along the border of Wales—a land of steep hills and valleys—are the Cambrian Mountains. To the south of England is the English Channel and to the east is the North Sea, which also washes the eastern coast of Scotland. To the west of England is the Irish Sea, mixed to the north with the Atlantic Ocean.

• Population: Entire UK 65,105,246 (estimate): England - 55,268,100, Scotland - 5,404,700, Wales - 3,113,200, Northern Ireland - 1,862,100

86 • Religions: Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, unspecified 7.2%, none 25.7%

• Time zone: Great Britain is five hours ahead of Eastern Time: when it is 6 am in New York, it is 11 am in Wales, England, and Scotland.

National Holidays: United Kingdom

National holidays can vary depending on follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To which part of the country you’re in; please find out if you will be traveling during these refer to the section for the specific area that holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. you’ll be visiting. The United Kingdom also com/holidays. celebrates a number of national holidays that Scotland

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 30,918 square miles

• Capital: Edinburgh (regional); Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, whose national capital is London

• Location: Consists of 32 council areas, occupying the northern part of Great Britain and islands

• Languages: English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic

• Population: 5,404,700

• Religions: None 49.4%, Church of Scotland 24.1%, Roman Catholic 14.5%, other Christian 7.8%, Other 2.3%, Muslim 1.6%, Unknown 0.3%

• Time Zone: Same as the rest of the United Kingdom, five hours ahead of Eastern Time

87 National Holidays: Scotland

In addition to the holidays listed below, 1st Monday in May Early May Bank Holiday Scotland celebrates a number of national Last Monday in May Spring Bank Holiday holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling First Monday in August Summer Bank Holiday during these holidays, please visit www. timeanddate.com/holidays. 11/30 St. Andrew’s Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day

01/02 2nd January Holiday 12/26 Boxing Day

Scotland: A Brief History We know that various hunter-gatherer tribes inhabited Scotland as far back as 9,600 BC. By 3,000 BC, they used tools, established farming and scattered standing stones all over. You can see some of these Neolithic monoliths on the Isle of Lewis, Shetland, Orkney, and beyond.

The Romans arrived in Great Britain 43 AD, but when they attempted to occupy Scotland, they met fierce resistance from the native tribes, who they referred to as Caledonians. The Romans built several fortifications, including Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall. But they were never able to conquer the Caledonians and by 212 AD, they left.

In the wake of the Romans, Scotland was divided into four main kingdoms. The Picts held the northeast, the Scots (from Ireland) established Dal Riata in the west, the Britons occupied the southwest, and the Angles had Bernicia, which eventually morphed into Northumbria and stretched into England. Their rivalries were set aside in the face of a new threat: by 793 AD, Viking marauders arrived, ferociously attacking the monasteries at Iona and Lindisfarne, taking over villages and establishing trading posts. In 843 AD, the various kingdoms united under Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Alba. Eventually, his domain became known as Scotland. A nation was born.

When the Normans took over England in 1066, many Anglo-Saxons moved north into the Scottish Lowlands. This is when the Scots began adopting English cultural ways. But when a succession dispute arose, the English King Edward I seized the opportunity to invade and name himself king. This led to the first War of Scottish Independence in which William Wallace, of Braveheart fame, routed the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297. The victory was short lived, as the English returned in 1298, captured Wallace and executed him in 1305. But Robert the Bruce picked up the baton (and the crown), and defeated the English at Bannockburn in 1314. Scotland’s independence was assured, but peace was not.

Centuries of conflict with England ensued, often fueled by religion and marked not just by physical violence, but by various English attempts to suppress Scottish culture. The connections between clans were broken, and the chieftains became feudal lords whose rapacity often forced their own people off lands in evictions known as “clearances.” In 1707, the two nations signed onto the Act of Union, which united England and Scotland under the same flag and Parliament,

88 but allowed Scotland to keep its own church and legal system. The United Kingdom was born, but again, the bloodshed did not die as years of rebellion continued. The last one, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, culminated with the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Despite tensions, Scotland’s economy was supercharged by the Industrial Revolution. The 18th century saw the Scottish Enlightenment, and Glasgow became a great trading port. Scotland’s educational system flourished, and its inventors exported their genius around the world. During World Wars I and II, the Scots’ warrior legacy made huge contributions to the Allied War effort.

Following deindustrialization in the 20th century, the Scottish economy hit a wall. Tensions with England continue, manifesting as periodic calls for independence. In 2014, voters rejected a referendum for independence by a slim margin. They may well be reconsidering that decision: only 38% of Scots were in favor of Brexit, and a 2020 poll showed that 52% of voters support leaving the UK, post-Brexit.

89 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading

The Arctic & Svalbard Ice Station Zebra by Alistair MacLean (1963, Suspense) The crew of a U.S. submarine undertake a dangerous mission to save a group of British meteorologists trapped on the pack ice after their weather station suffered a fire. But could the fire—or even the whole mission—be sabotage?

Dreams by Barry Lopez (2013, Natural History) The ecology, terrain, wildlife, and native cultures of the Arctic are covered in this book, which many readers praise for its poetic descriptions of the beautiful, icy world “up north”.

True North by Gavin Francis (2011, Travel Narrative) Follow the author as he treks through the European Arctic—from Scotland’s Shetland Islands to Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, and Finland.

Erebus: The Story of a Ship by Michael Palin (2018, History) The true story of the HMS Erebus, a Victorian-era sailing ship that survived a trip to Antarctica only to mysteriously vanish in the Arctic. While the story takes place all over the world (and not just in the Arctic) it gives a good sense of the golden age of polar exploration. Or, if you prefer fictional maritime stories, you might consider The Terror by Dan Simmons, which takes the facts about the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror but adds a supernatural/horror twist in the style of Stephen King.

Seeds on Ice: Svalbard and the Global Seed Vault by Cary Fowler (2016, Non-fiction) Deep in the Norwegian archipelago lies a vast storage system for nearly half a billion seeds. This coffee-table book features lots of photos of the facility (which is not open to the public) and describes how and why the vault exists.

The Ice Master: The Doomed 1913 Voyage of the Karluck by Jennifer Niven (2000, History) The dramatic loss of the fishing vessel Karluck and the crew’s race to save themselves are covered in this engaging book that puts a spotlight on a lesser known hero—the ship’s captain Robert Bartlett, aka “The Ice Master”.

Norway The Bat by Jo Nesbo (1997, Mystery) Norwegian novelist Jo Nesbo published 10 more thrillers featuring Harry Hole, a gifted investigator with the Oslo police. This is the first, introducing our hero who is an alcoholic and prone to depression, but a joy to know.

The Winter Fortress: The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler’s Atomic Bomb by Neal Bascomb (2016, History) It reads like a thriller, but it’s the true story of the race to prevent the Nazis from getting heavy water—which was the last piece they needed to create an atomic bomb—an item only produced in a fortress-like plant in Vemork, Norway.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (2017, Myths) Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman retells stories about the Norse gods Odin, Thor, and Loki in a modern way while still staying true to the originals.

90 Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun (1920, Fiction) Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Hamsun captures the indomitable human spirit of Norway’s early settlers like Steinbeck did for farm families during the Dust Bowl.

A Doll’s House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, and The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen (Plays) These works by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) changed theater forever with the first realistic dialogue and depictions of love, marriage, and the ills of contemporary society.

Iceland Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (2013, Fiction) A novel based on the true story of Agnes Magnussdottir, an Icelandic woman waiting to be executed for murder in 1829. Since there are no prisons for women she is sent to wait out her execution on a remote farm. Previous travelers highly recommended it, but also mentioned there are a few tough scenes.

Woman at 1,000 Degrees by Hallgrimur Helgason (2018, Fiction) Octogenarian Herra makes an appointment for her own cremation, then waits out her time in her garage. Here she occupies herself with a hand grenade, a Facebook account, anonymous digital attacks on her family, and a head full of memories that take us to World War II Europe, the Westmann Islands, Argentina, Reykjavik and back. A roller coaster of a ride that is at once bawdy, outlandish, gleeful and tragic.

Butterflies in November by Audur Ava Olafsdottir (2014, Fiction) Things are going badly for our unnamed narrator, a young woman who gets dumped twice in one day and also finds herself the reluctant caregiver of her friend’s four-year old deaf-mute son. But when the boy helps her choose a winning lottery number, the two set out on a picaresque adventure along Iceland’s Ring Road.

The History of Iceland by Gunnar Karlsson (2000, History) A scholarly and comprehensive review from the Viking era through independence and the 20th century. The book evolved from a course that the author taught at the University of London.

Independent People by Halldor Laxness (1934, Fiction) This great mock-epic uses the saga style to tell the tale of an independent-minded sheep farmer. The story’s sardonic humor and rich cultural details are a hallmark of this author, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955.

The Little Book of the Icelanders by Alda Sigmundsdottir (2018, Nonfiction) Here are 50 lively essays on the quirks, habits, and inscrutable customs of Iceland.

The Sagas of Icelanders introduced by Jane Smiley, illustrated by Robert Kellog (2001, Cultural Literature) A collection of nine sagas and six tales, translated in a lively, easy-to-read style for the modern reader. At over 500 pages, this is a big and bold volume. (For a quicker read, consider Hrafnkel’s Saga and Other Icelandic Stories translated by Hermann Palsson.)

The Thora Gudmundsdottir Series by Yrsa Sigurdardottir (2009-2016, Mystery) The so-called “Queen of Icelandic Crime”, author Yrsa Sigurdardottir is known for this popular mystery series set in Iceland that features an attorney-turned-sleuth.

91 Seawomen of Iceland: Survival on the Edge by Margaret Willson (2016, Nonfiction). Margaret Willson, an anthropologist and former seawoman, dives into the maritime culture of seawomen in Iceland, who have been fishing in Iceland for centuries, a job deemed a predominantly male profession by most of Iceland and the rest of the world.

Denmark We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen (2011, Fiction) An epic seafaring adventure that follows the inhabitants of the Danish town of Marstal from 1848 to World War II, when the men sail the world and the women who are left behind form a community. The book is long (600 plus pages) and deals frankly with war, violence, and cruelty. But it was a runaway international bestseller and lauded for its use of fantastical elements.

Iceland’s Bell by Halldor Laxness (2003, Fiction) Nobel Laureate Halldor Laxness reinvents the traditional Icelandic saga and injects it with a modern sensibility and a satirical undercurrent that speaks to our age. The plot pits an impoverished Danish colony – Iceland in the 17th century – against the grand historical workings of Danish and Icelandic history. Three interconnected stories reveal the political and personal conflicts of the day in historical context.

On Tycho’s Island: Tycho Brahe and his Assistants, 1570-1601 by John Robert Christianson (1999, Biography/History) Chiefly famed as an astronomer, this book offers a fuller vision of Tycho Brahe as Renaissance man and scientist. From his private island in Denmark, Brahe assembled and manipulated the artists, nobility and the intelligentsia of the age to create breakthroughs in astronomy, science and research.

Winter’s Tales and Seven Gothic Tales by Isak Dinesen (1934, Stories) Best known for Out Of Africa, her memoir of 20 years running and living on a coffee plantation in Africa, Karen Blixen (pen name, Isak Dinesen) also wrote short tales based in her homeland, Denmark. Winter’s Tales and Seven Gothic Tales are generally considered the high water marks of her shorter works.

The Complete Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen (Folklore) There are several different anthologies of these fairy tales, written by Denmark’s famous poet, novelist, and writer of short stories. Considered a genius for his inventiveness and imagination, his works continue to captivate both children and adults.

Scotland The Scottish World: History and Culture of Scotland by Harold Orel, et al (1981, Culture) Ten essays seek to show that Scottish culture is distinctly different from English in its art, architecture, literature, music, and history.

The Crow Road by Iain Banks (1992, Fiction) Set in the west Highlands (in a town reminiscent of Oban), this darkly comic tale from one of Scotland’s most acclaimed writers touches on themes of love, death, sex, addiction, family and the power of the Scottish landscape. In it, Prentice, a bumbling student, attempts to unravel the disappearance of his Uncle Rory, just one of the eccentric characters in the sprawling McHoan family. The Crow Road is a real road in Glasgow, but the expression “to take the crow road” means you are dead.

92 Corrag by Susan Fletcher (2010, Historical Fiction) In Glencoe in 1692, 38 members of the Macdonald clan are killed by the redcoats of William III—after they’d enjoyed the family’s hospitality for a week. This real-life incident is told from the perspective of Corrag, a young woman who is accused of witchcraft after the event, and imprisoned in Inverary.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (1961, Fiction) In 1930s Edinburgh, six 10-year-old girls are chosen as the favorites of their teacher, the unconventional, complicated and exuberant Miss Brodie. We follow all their lives through petty jealousies, the emergence of fascism in Europe, misguided affairs, World War II, religious awakening—and a searing betrayal. The film version won an Oscar for star Maggie Smith as Miss Jean.

44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith (Fiction) Alexander McCall Smith, also known for the bestselling No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, depicts the lives of colorful residents in an Edinburgh apartment building.

Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burnsby Robert Burns (2012, Poetry) A collection by the famous Scottish poet who is known for writing in the Scots language, including the famous Auld Lang Syne.

Suggested Film & Video

The Arctic & Svalbard Frozen Planet (2011, Nature/Documentary) This seven-part BBC series won four Emmys for its spectacular storytelling and cinematography. Though it does not focus exclusively on Svalbard, the archipelago figures prominently in each episode. Narrated by David Attenborough. (There is also a US version narrated by Alec Baldwin.)

Arctic (2018, Drama) After an airplane crash, a man must survive in the Arctic and make difficult decisions to survive.

Arctic Tale (2007, Documentary) Learn about the struggles of two wildlife families in the Arctic: a polar bear and her cubs and a walrus and her calf.

NOVA: Arctic Ghost Ship (2015, TV episode) This episode of NOVA follows a breakthrough in the mystery of two Royal Navy ships that disappeared in the Arctic in 1845.

The Polar Sea (2016, TV series) This documentary series follows modern-day scientists as they venture through the Northwest Passage.

Norway Edvard Munch (1974, Biography) Peter Watkins’ experimental biography of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch traces Munch’s life between 1884 and 1894, from Christiania (modern Oslo) to Berlin and his relationships with August Strindberg. Watkins’ uses sound, montage, close ups and a dark color palette to emulate Munch’s stylistic approach to his art.

93 Kissed by Winter (2005, Drama) Set in Norway’s snowy wilds, a woman runs from her difficult past and discovers love again. After a horrible accident, the guilt-stricken Victoria leaves her husband and flees to the country. She becomes entangled in an unusual murder investigation, and is pulled into the life of the main suspect.

Song of Norway (1970, Biography) This 1970 film adaptation of the operetta of the same name depicts the early struggles of composer Edvard Grieg and his attempts to develop an authentic Norwegian national music. With an international cast that included Florence Henderson and Edward G. Robinson, the film was an attempt to cash in on the success of A Sound of Music. Most critics agreed that it failed miserably—although British audiences liked it.

Kristin Lavransdatter (1995, Historical Drama) An epic love story set in 14th century Norway. The beautiful Kristin dutifully takes herself to a convent to await her arranged marriage, but her beauty and devotion only inspire envy and violence. When she falls in love with young knight, it prompts a family and political crisis. Directed by Liv Ullmann and adapted from a trilogy by the Nobel Laureate Sigrid Undset, this is a clear-eyed depiction of Norse life, love, society, and redemption.

Kitchen Stories (2003, Comedy) Swedish efficiency researchers come to Norway to study the domestic habits of Norwegian men. But things go awry when Isak, a cranky farmer, decides to amuse himself by impeding the work of his fastidious Swedish researcher, Folke. The kitchen quickly becomes the scene of a sly battle of wits. Inspired by actual research done in the 1940s and 50s, this stylish film charmed audiences.

Iceland Children of Nature (1991, Drama) This Best Foreign Film nominee follows the adventures of Thorgeir, an elder who is unceremoniously dumped by his family in a nursing home. There he meets an old flame from his past, Stella, and the two of them break out on a road trip across Iceland unlike any other.

Under an Arctic Sky (2017, Documentary) Can you imagine surfing the frigid waters of northern Iceland during the biggest storm in decades, along a beach ringed by frozen white mountains and illuminated by the shimmering green curtains of the Northern Lights? You will, after watching this crew of daredevil surfers go in search of the perfect wave.

Cold Fever (1999, Comedy) This offbeat comedy follows the travails of a Japanese businessman, Hirata, who comes to Iceland (where his parents died) to perform a traditional burial ritual. Between the exploding icebergs, boiled sheep heads, Icelandic country & western bands, quarrelsome American hitchhikers and other quirky locals, it is a long, strange trip indeed.

Jar City (2006, Drama) In this tangled bit of Nordic noir, a Reykjavik detective tries to piece together the connections between a cold case from 1974 and a recent death. A good choice if you like gritty TV police procedurals like “Prime Suspect.” In Icelandic with subtitles.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008, Adventure) This latest version of the Jules Verne sci-fi classic stars Brendan Fraser, and was shot in and around Snaefellsjökull National Park.

94 Of Horses and Men (2013, Drama) This cult classic examines the intense, funny, and almost spiritual relationships between men, women, and horses. Set amidst the colossal landscapes of rural Iceland, the story reveals how the horses enjoy more honest, intimate and unselfconscious connections than their neurotic human masters.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013, Comedy) Ben Stiller plays James Thurber’s famous daydreamer in this updated story of a meek functionary in the photo department at Life magazine. Mitty withstands the abuse of his boss, and lets his feelings for a co-worker go unspoken—until some valuable negatives go missing and he sets out in search of them. Greenland and Iceland are the spectacular backdrops where Walter’s real adventures finally surpass the ones he had previously only imagined.

And lastly, a music suggestion from previous travelers: Inspired by Harpa: The Traditional Songs of Iceland (available for purchase online or in Iceland).

Denmark The Danish Girl (2015, Drama) The Danish artist Einar Wegener (later known as Lili Elbe) was one of the first people to undergo sex reassignment surgery. This biopic depicts Elbe’s early career and marriage to artist Gerda Gottlieb, and the Bohemian worlds of Copenhagen and Paris in the 20s and early 30s.

A Royal Affair (2012, Historical Drama) The mentally ill King Christian VII comes to rely on his friend and physician, Johann Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen), a radical Enlightenment thinker from Germany. So, too, does the lonely Queen Caroline (Alicia Vikander), who begins a passionate affair with the doctor. The king learns of their liaison, but protects them, and makes Struensee a Royal Advisor who essentially rules in the king’s name. But his reforms are cut short when plotting aristocrats use the affair and Struensee’s foreign status to bring a tragic end to this true story.

Pele the Conqueror (1988, Drama) Directed by Billie August, this Danish-Swedish production won the 1989 Oscar for Best Foreign Film, and star Max von Sydow was nominated for Best Actor. It follows the early 19th-century widower Lasse, who emigrates with his 12-year old son Pelle to the Danish island of Bornholm in search of a better life. That is not what they find.

Babette’s Feast (1988, Comedy) Set on the rugged coast of 19th century Denmark, this film is from a short story by Isak Dinesen. Two beautiful daughters grow up with a clergyman father, who preaches self-denial. After his death, the sisters uphold his inflexible practices until the arrival of a French refugee, Babette. She cooks and for them, and introduces them to the deep pleasure of a gourmet French meal. Winner of the 1987 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

The Danish Solution (2003, Documentary) Filmmakers Karen Cantor and Camilla Kjaerulff , with Garrison Keillor narrating, reveal how the citizens of Denmark protected their Jewish population against Hitler’s attempt to impose export his final solution into Denmark.

95 Scotland Mary Queen of Scots (2018, Historical Drama) History has cast Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) and her cousin Mary (Saoirse Ronan) as enemies. This film imagines them as both power brokers and pawns whose mutual admiration is crushed by the misogyny, nationalism and treachery of their courts.

Local Hero (1983, Comedy) Oil exec Burt Lancaster sends young hotshot Mac to coastal Ferness, Scotland, to buy the entire village to make way for an oil refinery. The quirky locals are eager to make money, but others are not so keen, including an eccentric beach bum and a researcher who may (or may not) be a real mermaid. Spectacular Scottish locations, magical starry skies, subtle humor and genuine affection make this the perfect pre-trip pic.

Macbeth (2015, Drama) Evocative Scottish settings, outstanding production values and the timeless themes of Shakespeare’s tragedy make this a must-see. Stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard bring intensity and depth as Scotland’s most famous power couple.

Trainspotting (1997, Dark Comedy/Drama) Danny Boyle’s electrifying breakthrough film follows a young heroin addict (Ewan MacGregor) and his outrageous friends as they struggle to score in the underside of Edinburgh. Plenty of black humor and provocative social commentary.

Braveheart (1995, Drama) The 13th century rebel William Wallace teams up with Robert the Bruce to lead the First War of Scottish Independence against England. The historical accuracy of Mel Gibson’s opus has been critiqued, but none can deny the thrill of its battles, epic scenery and engrossing storyline.

Scottish TV Shows Outlander (2014–present, Drama) Based on the novels of Diana Gabaldon, this wildly popular, historical time-travel series begins when a WWII nurse visits Inverness, Scotland, where she is mysteriously carried from the standing stones at Craigh na Dun back in time to 1743. She falls in love with a rebel Highlander, whose Jacobite cause, she knows, is doomed.

Shetland (2013–present, Mystery) Small town life is more complicated than it seems in this acclaimed BBC series. Follow detective Jimmy Pérez as he investigates crime amidst the elemental landscapes of the Shetlands.

96 Useful Websites

Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

97 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. • COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest ship staff, and crew will be fully taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. • All coach drivers will be fully • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

98 Notes

99 Notes

100 Notes

101 Notes

102 103 Get inspired by our collection of more than 3,000 engaging and informative films and videos featuring 85 countries where we travel—all in one place. Discover a variety of different perspectives through carefully curated Videos & Slideshows by O.A.T. Travelers, Independent Films, videos highlighting the O.A.T. Experience, and more.

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE We offer a variety of films and videos to bring the history and culture of a destination to life, and show you what makes O.A.T. the leader in value, excellence, and personalization on the road less traveled:

1. Videos & Slideshows by O.A.T. Travelers allow you to see highlights of an adventure through the footage and photography of a fellow O.A.T. traveler—so you really get a feel for being there.

2. Independent Films reveal local culture through storytelling and historical insights. This diverse FROOHFWLRQLQFOXGHVFUHDWLRQVIURPHPHUJLQJͫOPPDNHUV and top-rated series from the BBC, Atlas Obscura, travel journalist Rudy Maxa, and more.

3. The ReelEarth Collection, produced for O.A.T. by ͫOPPDNHUDQGFRQVHUYDWLRQLVW'DYLG&RQRYHUH[SORUHV cultural nuances through the eyes of everyday people. (DFKͫOPRIIHUVDXQLTXHDQGSHUVRQDOSHUVSHFWLYHRQD destination.

4. The O.A.T. Experience shows you what it’s like to explore with O.A.T.: Get to know our Trip Experience Leaders, preview our itineraries, meet local people, and hear from fellow women travelers about traveling solo.

We’re continuously adding films and videos to our collection, so come back often to see what’s new.

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