19 Day Norway Winter Wonderland

Helsinki Tallinn Kemi Rovaniemi Sinetta Sodankyla Karasjok North Cape Honningsvag Alta Lyngen Alps Tromso Narvik Svolvær Evenes 19 Day Norway Winter Wonderland

FROM NZ $8,999 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Scandinavia, ‘tis always the season. This winter wonderland is the Arctic North as you always dreamed it existed. Reindeer, sleigh rides and Santa’s Village by day; dazzling starry skies and Northern Lights by night. This enchanting region encompasses magnificent mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers

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TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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DAY 1 Destination Australia  Helsinki Meals included Hotel N/A

Today, board your flight to begin a once in a lifetime arctic adventure.

DAY 2 Destination Helsinki Meals included Hotel Sokos Hotel Presidenti Helsinki, or similar

Welcome to Scandinavia! Arrive in charming Helsinki today. You’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this quirky city.

DAY 3 Destination Helsinki  Tallinn  Helsinki Meals included Breakfast, dinner Hotel Sokos Hotel Presidenti Helsinki, or similar

Today starts early, you will be transferred to your ferry and enjoy breakfast on-board as we cruise through a small stretch of the Baltic Sea, before arriving at the medieval city of Tallinn (Estonia). We will then enjoy a guided city tour of Tallinn's magical old town. Due to its exceptionally intact 13th century city plan, the Old Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, joining the ranks of the world's most recognised landmarks. Later, we return to Helsinki again by ferry where we’ll be transferred to the hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow travellers a little better.

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DAY 4 Destination Helsinki  Kemi Meals included Breakfast Hotel Santa Claus Express Sleeper Train, or similar

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Temppeliaukio Church or locally known as the Rock Church. Excavated directly into solid rock and completed in 1969, this is one of Helsinki's main attractions.

This afternoon, get ready to board the ‘Santa Claus Express’. This iconic overnight sleeper train will take us from Helsinki into the heart of Lapland and the ‘official’ home of Santa Claus. The modern train has private twin share cabins, on board dining and is the perfect way of journeying up to the untouched north.

Train: Twin cabin with private facilities

DAY 5 Destination Kemi  Snow Castle  Icebreaker Cruise  Rovaniemi Meals included Breakfast Hotel Santa's Hotel Santa Claus, or similar

We arrive early morning in Kemi and sadly we disembark the Santa Claus Express. We then head to the Snowcastle Resort located by the Bothnian Bay – the sea here freezes over during the Winter months. Here you will have breakfast and visit the SnowExperience365, where you are welcomed to a Winter wonderland every day of the year. Amazing snow and ice sculptures decorate the snowy walls, where you can wine and dine by the ice tables.

A little later in the morning, you will board the Sampo Icebreaker, an incredible icebreaking adventure. This unique experience of swimming amongst the ice offers some of the most exciting and memorable moments in the Arctic nature. Sampo is like a moving museum retaining its original form from the 1960’s. Everyone on board will surely feel the by-gone glory of the vessel even today. After an unforgettable 3 hours we continue the journey north to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus of course, where we experience all the thrills of Santa’s Village, before checking in to our hotel.

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DAY 6 Destination Rovaniemi Meals included Breakfast Hotel Santa's Hotel Santa Claus, or similar

Today, enjoy a free day at leisure in Rovaniemi. Christmas lovers might wish to return to Santa’s Village to enjoy the festivities. Tonight, get ready for a night you’ll never forget. Board a snowmobile for a 3 hour ride through the wilderness to hunt the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you’ll travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages and savour a snack by the campfire and learn more about this incredible phenomenon.

Optional Tour - Fishing Experience by Snowmobile (5hrs) - Ice fishing safari to a wilderness lake. Head north on a snowmobile trail that takes you along the frozen River Ounasjoki and through snowy forests up into the hills, where you can admire the beautiful surrounding countryside of Lapland. Follow the trail through white, snow-covered fields to arrive at a small wilderness lake. The silence will envelop you as you prepare to go fishing. Try your hand at traditional ice fishing, then fry your catch over the campfire. Afterwards, return to town for a well-earned rest.

Optional Tour - Reindeer Safari (1hr) - Memorable reindeer sleigh ride. Transportation by car to a reindeer farm to try reindeer sleighing. This traditional way of travelling through snowy forests is a unique experience. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee with a bun around the campfire and learn about the life of reindeer herders.

(Note: Only 1 of the optional tour may be purchased as they run simultaneously).

DAY 7 Destination Rovaniemi  Sinetta / Arctic Glass Igloos Meals included Breakfast, dinner Hotel Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos, or similar

This morning is yours at leisure to explore a little more of Rovaniemi, until your Inspiring Sight this afternoon, a Husky Safari. After a short drive from town, you’ll arrive at a husky farm, where these friendly dogs will bark an enthusiastic

Call 0800 475 025 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 4 TOUR ITINERARY welcome for you. Before departing on the 10km safari, you will be given instruction on how to control the sleds. Upon your return to the farm, enjoy some hot berry juice by an open fire and chat away with the head musher about these amazing northern animals.

Later in the afternoon, we leave Rovaniemi and continue our journey into Lapland for an Inspiring Stay. Tonight we are staying in an incredible glass igloo. The glass-roofed igloos provide you the opportunity to sleep beneath the starry skies and hopefully the Northern Lights. Each igloo is extremely well heat insulated to ensure guests are not bothered by the cold in even the coldest of times at night.

Optional Tour - Northern Lights Safari by E-sled (3hrs - Walking distance from your hotel) - We ride our E-Sleds to the top of a hill, far from the city lights – an ideal place for watching the Northern Lights. We stop to observe and admire the night sky and stars, and, if we are lucky again, see the Northern Lights. The guide is happy to help guests with camera settings, to capture the perfect shot. To top things off, we warm ourselves by the fire in a private hunting cabin and enjoy a delicious Finnish supper.

Optional Tour - Arctic Photography Excursion (2hrs) - Ensure you get the photos of the Northern Lights you’ve only dreamed of. Our professional photographers will do their best to make your dream happen during this excursion. The expedition starts at Log Restaurant where you will receive some background information behind this natural phenomenon, while enjoying another hot berry juice. Our professional photographer will give you instructions to set the correct settings in your cameras. We highly recommend that you bring your own DSLR camera, as we cannot guarantee that you are able to take night photos with compact or phone cameras. When everyone is ready, it is time to go out to the nature and find the best spot for taking the ultimate photos. As a souvenir, you will also receive a professional photo of yourself (1 photo per couple or family), hopefully under the northern stars! (Please note: A minimum of 4 people is required for this tour to operate).

(Note: Only 1 of the optional tour may be purchased as they run simultaneously).

DAY 8 Destination Arctic Glass Igloos  Sodankyla  Karasjok Meals included Breakfast, dinner Hotel Scandic Karasjok, or similar

Today we travel further north through the constant Winter landscape, with a pit stop in Sodankyla, located at the top of the Kaunispää Fell (438m), perhaps the most recognisable of Saariselka’s fells. A ‘fell’ is a ‘high and barren landscape

Call 0800 475 025 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 5 TOUR ITINERARY feature’, such as a mountain range or moor-covered hills. Then enjoy an informative visit of the SIIDA museum in Inari, before continuing across the border into breathtaking Norway, and onto the Sami village of Karasjok for the night.

DAY 9 Destination Karasjok  North Cape  Honningsvåg Meals included Breakfast, dinner Hotel Scandic Honningsvåg, or similar

Leaving Karasjok we continue our arctic adventures to the northern tip on Norway, the vast North Cape. Upon arrival you’ll be presented with a North Cape Certificate to say you have been to Europe's most northerly point, where you’ll also enjoy an Inspiring Taste of sparkling wine & caviar.

DAY 10 Destination Honningsvåg  Alta Meals included Breakfast Hotel Scandic Alta, or similar

Leaving the North Cape region today we begin our southerly journey down the coast of Norway to Alta. Here we enjoy a visit to the Alta Museum, the World Heritage Rock Art Centre (in Winter the rock art outside is covered by snow of course). Tonight we go on an evening drive around Alta to hunt for the Northern Lights again from a different perspective.

DAY 11 Destination Alta  Lyngen Alps  Tromsø Meals included Breakfast Hotel Clarion Hotel The Edge, or similar

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Today we leave Alta and continue south to Tromsø. Tromsø is located 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. The city is known for its lively night scene and range of restaurants specialising in the fresh rich ingredients of the Arctic. Enroute we travel via the Lyngen Alps. These mountains dominate the exquisite Lyngen Peninsula, which is bordered by the Lyngen fjord to the east, and the Ullsfjorden to the west. On arrival, enjoy some time at leisure in the Gateway to the Arctic.

DAY 12 Destination Tromsø Meals included Breakfast Hotel Clarion Hotel The Edge, or similar

Today is a free day at leisure to enjoy the relaxed life of Northern Norway. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the many museums within walking distance of your hotel, or why not join one of the many optional Winter safaris on offer.

Optional Tour - Reindeer Sledding, Reindeer Feeding and Sami Culture - The Sami and their reindeer have been living and working on this land for centuries and have only recently invited guests to be part of their daily life. You will be hosted bya reindeer herder who will show and teach you about reindeer herding and Sami culture. With thousands of reindeer in the mountains and a herd of around 200 at the camp during the Winter months, you are guaranteed to experience the joy of being close to these wonderful creatures. Embrace the feeling of entering a warm Lavvu (Sami tent) and the sounds of the traditional Joik (Sami singing). This is a ritual which is an important way of life for the local Sami which is their pleasure to let you experience it. You will then get picked up in the city centre before enjoying a short, seaside drive to where the reindeer sleds are waiting. Join Sami guides for an unforgettable experience of reindeer sledding (approx. 35 minutes) and more Sami culture. After the sledding you will visit their camp and have a chance to feed the herd of around 200 reindeer. Then you will gather again inside the Lavuu (Sami tent) for a hot traditional Sami meal and listen to more stories about Sami culture around the camp fire.

Optional Tour - Aurora Safari - Embrace more of the Northern Lights by safari with local knowledge and years of experience in finding the best places to photograph the Northern Lights. This is a fascinating way of searching the Northern Lights and enjoying the beautiful landscape, deep in the Polar Night. Don’t forget that camera! Includes: transport by comfortable minibus, warm drink and local cake (Lefse), advice and help with camera settings, Aurora portrait (later sent to your email address), thermal winter suit and tripods to be shared during the safari.

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DAY 13 Destination Tromsø  Narvik Meals included Breakfast Hotel Scandic Narvik, or similar

After breakfast we leave Tromso and make our way to Narvik which sits on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands. On arrival we visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum. In the spring of 1940, Nazi Germany suffered its first defeat in Narvik at the hands of Norwegian, British, French and Polish forces. The Red Cross War Memorial Museum tells the full story of the epic Battles of Narvik.

DAY 14 Destination Narvik  Svolvær Meals included Breakfast Hotel Scandic Svolvær, or similar

Leaving Narvik, we make our way to the Lofoten town of Svolvær. The setting surrounding the town is sublime with a backdrop of high mountains and iconic red wooden houses. Svolvær is the perfect base to explore the magical parts of Lofoten.

DAY 15 Destination Svolvær Meals included Breakfast Hotel Scandic Svolvær, or similar

Today we enjoy a full day of exploring the stunning Lofoten Islands and their natural beauty, including a stop in the small village of Henningsvær. Set among a group of tiny islands seemingly dropped into the ocean at the foot of the imposing Vågakallen mountain, Henningsvær is one of Lofoten‘s best known fishing villages. The stunning setting and mix of traditional wooden architecture with modern art galleries makes this island village one of a kind.

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DAY 16 Destination Svolvær  Evenes  Oslo Meals included Breakfast Hotel Clarion Hotel The Hub, or similar

After checking out of the hotel we head to Evenes to board a flight to the captivating Norwegian capital of Oslo. After a short flight we arrive in Oslo where we are transferred to our central hotel. Oslo is known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum. Enjoy free time at leisure to explore this pedestrian friendly city.

DAY 17 Destination Oslo Meals included Breakfast, dinner Hotel Clarion Hotel The Hub, or similar

Today we enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, including a visit to the Viking Ship museum. All the Viking ships at the museum were once ocean vessels before they were hauled onto land to be used in burial rituals for their wealthy owners. In the burial mounds, archaeologists unearthed skeletons, beautiful wood carvings and a diverse range of artifacts from the fascinating world of the Vikings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time before tonight's farewell dinner to recount the incredible experiences you’ve had over the last few weeks.

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DAY 18 Destination Oslo  Australia Meals included Breakfast Hotel N/A

Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia. Enjoy free time at the hotel before your transfer to the airport where you will board your flight home. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring Winter Wonderland experience.

DAY 19 Destination Australia Meals included Hotel N/A

Sadly, arrive home today. However, hopefully the memories will last through your lifetime.

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Inclusions

HIGHLIGHTS Return international airfares with Qatar (Emirates or similar if unavailable)

Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo

Return airport transfers

15 nights in comfortable 4 star accommodation throughout Finland and Norway

1 night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi

Daily breakfast, 5 dinners including memorable welcome and farewell dining at North Cape

Fully escorted English speaking guide throughout

Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary, including husky sledding, snowmobile safari, Icebreaker cruise, Santa's village in Rovaniemi and the picturesque Lofoten Islands

All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per the itinerary

SIGHTSEEING Helsinki - Visit Temppeliaukio Church or locally known as the Rock Church

Tallinn - Day trip from Helsinki by ferry to enjoy a guided city tour of Tallinn's medieval old town

Santa Claus Express - Overnight sleeper train from Helsinki into Kemi, the heart of Lapland

Sampo Icebreaker Cruise - Enjoy the most exciting, memorable moments in Arctic nature

Snowcastle - Visit the incredible castle built using only snow and ice from sea water

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Rovaniemi - The home of Santa Claus of course! Experience Santa's Village

Northern Lights - Board snowmobiles for a night you'll never forget, hunting the Aurora Borealis

Lapland - Stay in an epic glass igloo, sleeping beneath the starry skies and hopefully the Northern Lights

Lapland - Experience a husky pulled sled through the arctic forest

Sodankyla - Visit the top of recognisable Kaunispää Fell (438m)

North Cape - Be presented with a certificate to say you have been to Europe's most northerly point

Alta - Enjoy the Hjemmeluft Rock Carvings and the Alta Museum

Lyngen Alps - Travel pass Lyngen fjord to the east, and the Ullsfjorden to the west

Tromso - Located 350 kms north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway

Narvik - Land on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands

Svolvær - Further explore magical Lofoten, including Henningsvær, Lofoten‘s best known fishing village

Oslo - Explore the Viking Ship museum, with a diverse range of artifacts from the world of the vikings

ACCOMMODATION Spend one of the most incredible nights of your life in a Glass Igloo looking up at the stars looking for the Northern Lights.

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INSPIRING SIGHTS Carve through the ice on a Icebreaker, go on a husky sled safari through the Lapland wilderness, glide through the wilderness on a snowmobile.

INSPIRING TASTE Enjoy sparkling wine at Northcape, Norway's most northerly point and memorable welcome and farewell dinners.

DEPOSITS Secure your package with a deposit of $2,000 per person. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR STAY Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay post tour. If you wish to do so, please follow the following steps:

1. Follow the ‘book now’ prompts. 2. After selecting your departure date and completing your bedding configuration details, please select that you wish to 'stay behind' in the 'extra services' field. 3. In the 'special requests', field please specify your extension requirements. 4. Complete the remaining booking requirements and click ‘pay now’. 5. After finalising your purchase a member of our reservations team will be in contact with you to discuss your extension request. 6. Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers will not be included.

A $150 per person supplement plus any fare difference applies if you wish to confirm your extension. You will be contact after purchase for collection of this payment. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement.

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Fine Print

BOOKING PROCESS Follow the ‘Book Now’ prompts Select your travel dates, departure city, number of travellers, room preference and any extra services. Click ‘Checkout’ to login or create an account. You’ll need an account to review your details and download documentation. Click ‘Pay Now’ to proceed to payment. Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a booking form so that we can fulfil your booking. Your booking is confirmed once your booking form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

AIRFARE INFORMATION Full service airline used will be with Qatar (Emirates or similar if unavailable) Brisbane Customers - Full service airline used will be Emirates Airlines Flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2) All tickets will include 23kgs checked baggage. Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees. Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.

EXCLUSIONS Visas Travel insurance (compulsory) Tipping Anything not mentioned in the itinerary Optional activities Personal expenses

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TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly encourage all travellers to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against the unexpected.

We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their Travel Insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and save 25% on retail rates.

Simply click HERE to arrange your policy.

DOCUMENTATION final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single supplement is $1,899 per person in addition to the twin share price.

LAND ONLY A $1,500 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'. Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers will not be included.

TRIPLE SHARE Not available.

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OPTIONAL TOURS Fishing Experience by snowmobiles - $329 per person Reindeer Safari - $279 per person Northern Lights Safari - $329 per person Arctic Photography Excursion - $159 per person Reindeer Sledding & Sami Culture - $389 per person Aurora Safari by Minibus - $299 per person

You will be contacted prior to departure to arrange booking and payment for your chosen optional tours.

PREMIUM ECONOMY UPGRADE Not available.

BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE Available from an additional $6,000 per person in addition to the standard price (subject to availability). Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.

ITINERARY The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

GROUP SIZE 10-16 people

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CHILDREN Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.

ACCOMMODATION The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

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