Grand Circle Travel Planning Guide
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GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Norwegian Fjords, Lapland and Finland Voyage 2021 Learn how to personalize your experience on this vacation Grand Circle Travel ® Worldwide Discovery at an Extraordinary Value 1 Grand Circle Travel ® 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 Dear Traveler, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. Soon, you’ll once again be discovering the places you’ve dreamed of. In the meantime, the enclosed Grand Circle Travel Planning Guide should help you keep those dreams vividly alive. Before you start dreaming, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all Grand Circle travelers, Program Directors, and coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. Our new, updated health and safety protocols are described inside. The journey you’ve expressed interest in, Nordic Coastal Voyage: Norway, Finland & the Arctic Circle vacation, will be an excellent way to resume your discoveries. It takes you into the true heart of Scandinavia, thanks to our groups of 42 travelers (with an average of 30). Plus, our Scandinavian Program Director will reveal their country’s secret treasures as only an insider can. You can also rely on the seasoned team at our regional office in Vilnius, who are ready to help 24/7 in case any unexpected circumstances arise. Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding of the regional culture. Gain insight into daily life during a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local Finnish family near Saariselka. You’ll also discover a unique way of life when you visit a Sami family on their reindeer farm in Lapland and learn about how this ancient indigenous culture has adapted to modern life. Plus, a portion of our proceeds goes toward the charitable efforts of Grand Circle Foundation: inside you’ll also see how your travel dollar helps make the world a better place. We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why more than 80% of our travelers take advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 66% of travelers who extend their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to, Russia: St. Petersburg or Sweden: Stockholm post-trip extension to Norway: Oslo or Denmark: Copenhagen, or a combination of these extensions to your Scandinavia vacation. I hope you find this Grand Circle Travel Planning Guide helpful. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Travel Counselors at 1-800-221-2610. Warm regards, 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.gct.com/riskfree-booking. 2 WHAT’S INSIDE TRIP SUMMARY It’s Included . 4 Departure Dates and Prices . 5 Deck Plans. 6 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . 8 DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY . .9 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION . .34 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements . 36 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . 38 Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines . 41 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . 46 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 50 Climate & Average Temperatures . 57 Your Special Accommodations . 61 About Your Destinations: Culture, Etiquette & More . 63 Demographics & History . 79 Resources: Suggested Reading & Movies . 89 Health & Safety Measures – Vaccines Required . 96 MAP . .99 3 Nordic Coastal Voyage: Norway, Finland & the Arctic Circle Finland: Helsinki, Saariselka | Norway: 5-Night Coastal Cruise, Bergen, Oslo Countries: 2 | Cities: 4 | 5 nights aboard a Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage Ship Old Town, Bergen, Norway Cruise the crystalline waters and majestic fjords of Norway’s rugged coast IT’S INCLUDED 15 days from $5495 Including international airfare • Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, and your airport transfers, from New York government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make your own air arrangements Travel from only $367 per day • All flights within Scandinavia $ • Accommodations for 8 nights in comfortable rooms with private baths, and 1 4 days from 4395 5 nights aboard a Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage Ship Tour only • 31 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners (including 1 Home- Travel from only $314 per day Hosted Dinner) Single Supplement: $995 • 15 included features: 13 guided tours and 2 exclusive Discovery Series events: Sami family visit • Home-Hosted Dinner MAXIMIZE YOUR • Exclusive services of a local Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to no more than 42 travelers) DISCOVERIES & VALUE • Gratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers OPTIONAL EXTENSION S • Personal headset for all included and optional tours on your main all with FREE Single Supplements trip (except tours offered through the Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage Ship) St. Petersburg, Russia • Private motorcoach land travel 4 nights pre-trip from $1295 • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips Stockholm, Sweden 3 nights pre-trip from $1195 • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip Oslo, Norway 3 nights post-trip from $795 Copenhagen, Denmark To get a richer view of the Included Features on this trip, 4 nights post-trip from $1295 watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.gct.com/bct2021 Nordic Coastal Voyage: Norway, Finland & the Arctic Circle 4 NORDIC COASTAL VOYAGE: RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 NORWAY, FINLAND & We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. THE ARCTIC CIRCLE See details at www.gct.com/riskfree-booking. 2021 DATES & PRICES JUNE-JULY; DEPART FROM: MAY AUG 3-25 AUG 31 SEPTEMBER New York $5695 $6195 $5795 $5495 Miami $5795 $6295 $5895 $5595 Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Newark, Seattle, $5895 $6395 $5995 $5695 Washington, DC Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Portland $5995 $6495 $6095 $5795 Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, $6095 $6595 $6195 $5895 San Francisco, Tampa San Diego $6195 $6695 $6295 $5995 Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. MAY JUNE-JULY; AUG 3-25 AUG 31; SEPTEMBER Cruise only $4395 $4895 $4495 BCT2021 DECK UPGRADES B Sea View Cabin Double $900 $900 $700 I Inside Cabin Twin $0 $0 $0 Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.gct.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.gct.com/bct2021pricing SAV FREELIMITED SINGLE LOW-COST SUPPLEMENTS SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL WITH OUR GOOD BUY PLAN oSINGLEn your main SUPPLEMENTtrip and extensions. From $995 on your main trip New travelers you refer will instantly The earlier you reserve your departure We don’t charge you more for your save $100, and you’ll earn increasing and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up ow& nFREE room on. all extensions. rewards—up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Roommate Matching Service Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.gct.com/va For details, visit www.gct.com/gbd available on select decks. available—callCall for details. today. Publication Date: 1/4/21 1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/bct2021 5 Your Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage Ship Since 1893, Hurtigruten ships have sailed along Norway’s rugged, scenic coast, bringing travelers and essential groceries and supplies to the country’s vibrant cities and tranquil hamlets. This rich maritime history means Hurtigruten captains know Norway’s waters better than anyone else—and are able to bring you into narrow fjords and waterways that larger cruise ships could never reach. Choose to embark our modern Discovery-class ship or explore Norway aboard our classic Nautical-class ship. No matter your choice, you’ll cruise in comfort as each ship offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and all the amenities necessary for a pleasant cruising experience ideal for viewing Norway’s natural wonders. Shipboard Features • Up to two dining rooms with open-seating at • Complimentary wireless Internet access: tables reserved for our travelers: Savor hearty, Connect online in cabins and common areas. Please home-style, Norwegian-inspired dishes during note: Connectivity may be limited at certain points lunch buffets and table-service dinners. throughout your cruise. • Panoramic lounges: Marvel at the passing scenery • Elevator service: An elevator serves all in the large, glass-enclosed lounge. passenger decks. • Cafeteria and bar: For purchasing snacks, as well beer, wine, and spirits. An ice machine is also available in the cafeteria. 6 HURTIGRUTEN DISCOVERY-CLASS OR NAUTICAL-CLASS SHIP CABIN CATEGORIES JACUZZI B/D Outside Cabin with window O Outside Cabin with window I Inside Cabin Width: 63 feet Length: 400 feet Passenger capacity: 691 SHOP INFO CONF. ROOM CONF. ROOM TRONDHEIM HAMMERFEST LIBRARY Decks: 7 (3 with STOKMARKNES LOS passenger cabins) POLAR RESTAURANT HOLTES PLAY- CAFÉ ROOM CONF. ROOM BABY INTERNET DRAUGEN RAFTSUNDET Number of cabins: 661 TROLL BAR ARCADE Elevator: Yes Other Features: 1 restaurant, 2 observation lounges, 2 bars, library, LAUNDRY TEL. GANGW AY fitness room, sauna LOBBY LUGGAGE CARLIFT CAR DECK HOSPITAL FITNESS Please note: Deck plans and ship information featured are for the MS Richard With, one of eight Hurtigruten ships used for this Norwegian cruise. The other Discovery-class vessels—the MS Nordlys, MS Nordnorge, MS Polarlys, MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken, and MS Midnatsol—and Nautical-class MS Vesteralen feature similar deck plans, but with slight variations.