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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® New! Under the Midnight Sun: Sami Lapland, Norway & the Arctic Circle 2022 Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. New! Under the Midnight Sun: Sami Lapland, Norway & the Arctic Circle itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these: There was something intangibly magical about Lapland. Maybe it was the midnight sun, the endless rugged tundra, or the welcoming nature of the Sami people. All I know is that there was a true sense of Arctic magic everywhere I went, especially when I met an indigenous Sami family on their reindeer farm. As we explored the farm, they introduced me to their way of life and traditions dating back thousands of years. I was saddened to hear that their ancient culture is under threat from two forces: the construction of an Arctic Railway through Sami territory and Sami youth deviating from their traditional lifestyle. You’ll hear about these challenges as well when you meet with a Sami family on their reindeer farm. In the regions I travel to around the world, the stories of the people who live and work there are the most distinct and poignant experiences. You’ll meet with a local educator in Oslo to hear about July 22, 2011—the harrowing terrorist attack on this city—and their personal account of this day. We’ll also delve into the opposing attitudes Norwegians hold towards the justice system. The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can. To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. 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 until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your New! Under the Midnight Sun: Sami Lapland, Norway & the Arctic Circle 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. Love and peace, Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking. USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler 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 UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN: Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, SAMI LAPLAND, NORWAY & Shipping & More ........................ 75 THE ARCTIC CIRCLE Your Adventure at a Glance: DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Finland ................................. 78 and What’s Included ..................... 10 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 78 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ........ 12 Finland: A Brief History .................. 78 Pre-Trip Extensions ...................... 28 Norway................................. 79 Post-Trip Extension ...................... 39 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 79 80 Dates & Prices ........................... 43 Norway: A Brief History .................. Denmark ............................... 81 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 81 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 44 Denmark: A Brief History ................. 82 Visas Required .......................... 44 Estonia ................................. 84 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 46 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 84 Vaccines Required ....................... 47 Estonia: A Brief History .................. 84 Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Latvia .................................. 85 Guidelines .............................. 49 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 85 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 53 Latvia: A Brief History .................... 86 Optional Tours .......................... 54 Russia . 87 Optional Tours: Reserve Before You Go .... 55 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 87 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 55 Russia: A Brief History ................... 88 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 57 Belgium ................................ 89 Suggested Packing Lists .................. 59 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 89 Electricity Abroad ....................... 61 Belgium: A Brief History .................. 90 Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 63 RESOURCES ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: Suggested Reading ...................... 93 CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Suggested Film & Video .................. 97 Scandinavian and Sami Culture ........... 67 O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures.......................................................... 103 Notes.................................................................................. 104 Map ................................................................................... 107 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Scandinavia 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: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—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 16 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 visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in St. Petersburg. studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more. Explore Svolvaer, Norway with your Trip Experience Leader Share a meal with a local family 4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Under the Midnight Sun adventure. GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT A DAY IN THE LIFE GCF was established in 1992 to help change Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like people’s lives in the world where we live, work, to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s and travel. To date, we have pledged or donated find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an $200 million worldwide. exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community where you’ll By investing in the places we explore— meet various people where they live, work, including local schools, cooperatives, or arts and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a centers—we hope to give locals the skills and hand with daily chores; and break bread with confidence they need to become leaders of our hosts. their generation and preserve their heritage for many years to come. We’re proud to play a part This adventure includes A Day in the Life of a in preserving precious locales like the Bryggen Sami husky farm in Lapland where we’ll see waterfront district of Bergen, a living example what life is like for local people in remote rural of the glory days of the Hanseatic League, and Finland. We’ll