Finland & Iceland
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Finland & Iceland With optional extension trip to Greenland July 13 - 27, 2016 Tour leader: Robert Veel Finland & Iceland Overview This 15-day tour captures the essence of two remarkable Nordic countries, Finland and Iceland. Each is highly distinctive and very different from mainstream European culture. Both offer a compelling amalgam of mythology, history, outstanding natural scenery, art, architecture and design. First and foremost, it is the natural beauty of Finland and Iceland that attracts visitors – forests, lakes, thousands of kilometres of pristine coastline in Finland, and the wild landscape of Iceland, with lava fields, long stretches of remote coastline, glaciers and many active volcanoes. Nature is ever present in Nordic culture: in Norse and Finnish myths and legends, in the painting of the Finnish school, in the music of Jean Sibelius, in the decorative flourishes of Art Nouveau architecture, in the natural timbers of Scandinavian design and in the spectacular northern school of modern and contemporary architecture. History, myth and nature are also used to create national identity in both countries. For the Finns it is the image of the independent, practical Karelian peasant, celebrated in the literature of the Kalavela and through painting, architecture and music. For Icelanders, it is the Viking sagas, documenting the occupation of Iceland since the tenth century that provide ongoing inspiration for Icelanders and a unique sense of place for visitors. In Finland we explore the history, architecture and design of the capital, Helsinki, before travelling north to the lakes to enjoy an opera at Savonlinna, a 15th-century castle. Our nine days in Iceland include excursions in and around the vibrant capital Reykjavík, the fjords of Akureyri in the north and the outstanding scenery of the Snaefells peninsula. For those wishing to see more, we are offering an adventurous post-tour extension to Greenland. Tour Highlights Walking tours of the striking 19th-century, Art Nouveau and contemporary architecture of Helsinki Private visits to both historic houses and modern residences designed by Finland’s greatest architect, Alvar Aalto A performance of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni in the 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle in Finland’s Lakeland region The frontier atmosphere of Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital city Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ of waterfalls, geysers and historic sites The fjords, bird and animal life of Iceland’s remote north Two days in a remote boutique hotel on the Snaefells Peninsula, where Jules Verne set his Journey to the Centre of the Earth A snowcat trip to the ice-capped summit of the Snaefells volcano Images left: the striking design of the Kamppi Chapel, Helsinki, also known as the Chapel of Silence; and inside Helsinki University Library, photo by Pekka Nikrus, Flickr Tour Price Tour Leader For 25 years, Robert Veel has The tour price is $10,750 per person, twin share (land content only). The led tours and taught courses in supplement for a single room is $2,230 per person. A non-refundable cultural and art history. In deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour. 2004 he co-founded Academy Travel. Robert’s knowledge Included in the tour price ranges from the middle ages to the 20th century. He has led All accommodation in selected four star hotels tours to Italy, Turkey, the USA, Asia and All breakfasts, 13 lunches/dinners Scandinavia, including Academy Travel’s two Wine with dinners Scandinavian tours in 2015. On tour Robert will Land travel by air-conditioned coach work with local guides and museum lecturers. One-way economy class air flights Helsinki to Reykjavik and Reykjavik to Akureyri Background talks, extensive notes and on-site commentary Services of Australian tour leader throughout tour All entrance fees to sites mentioned on itinerary Qualified local guides and museum lecturers Not included International airfares (competitive quotes available) Travel insurance Meals and activities not stated as included in this itinerary Personal expenses Air travel OPTIONS The tour price does not include the international flights to join the tour in Olavinlinna castle (above), where the Savonlinna Opera Helsinki or return from Reykjavik. We strongly suggest Festival performances take place; and Grundarfjordur, Qantas/Finnair codeshare flights to and from Helsinki, which offer good Iceland (below) quality and competitive prices. Finnair also flies on to most major European capitals if you wish to extend your trip. Please contact us for a quote. Airport transfers Transfers between Helsinki airport and our hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. Transfers can also be arranged at additional cost for anyone booking their own flights. Please contact Erin Laffin for further details regarding transfers. Enquiries and bookings For further information or to secure a place on this tour please contact Erin Laffin at Academy Travel, on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email [email protected] Finland & Iceland Detailed Itinerary All breakfasts included. Included lunches and dinners are indicated by the letters (L) and (D). Begin Your tour relaxed In order to get the most out of your tour, we suggest a few days in Copenhagen or Stockholm to recover from the long flight and adjust to the time change. Please contact us to make arrangements. Wednesday July 13 Helsinki orientation Qantas/Finnair codeshare flights arrive in the early morning. Your tour leader will meet you at the airport for the coach transfer to our hotel. Rooms will most likely not be available until the afternoon, so after freshening up we take an architectural and historical walking tour of central Helsinki. We visit Senate Square and the Uspenski Orthodox cathedral, both from the time of the Russian Grand Duchy. We then stroll down the tree-lined Esplanadi, the city’s grand boulevard, lined with National Romantic buildings, cafes and high-end shops. Our last stop is Helsinki railway station, the 1919 masterpiece of Eliel Saarinen. Lunch is in an elegant restaurant in Helsinki’s ‘design district’. (L) Thursday July 14 Finnish architectural traditions After a morning talk, we spend a few hours at the Seurasaari outdoor museum, located on a picturesque island in Helsinki harbour. Here in 1906 a professor of architecture assembled a collection of traditional Finnish buildings from around the country, mainly from the 16th-18th centuries. An expert guide will take us inside a number of structures and we will learn much about Finnish history and society along the way. This afternoon we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Suomenlinna Islands, a massive fortress complex overlooking the Baltic, built by the Swedish in the 18th century and later taken over by the Russians. (B) Friday July 15 Finnish Moderne This morning we travel via the 1952 Olympic Stadium and the 1971 Finlandia Hall to architect Alvar Aalto’s home and first studio, where we take a private tour. Built in the 1930s but strikingly modern, the home gives us some insight into the man and his contribution to world architecture. Nearby is the Didrichsen Art Museum, housed in the 1950s international modernist house designed by one of Aalto’s pupils. The collection includes works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Miro and Henry Moore. We then travel by coach to Hvritträsk, about 45 minutes out of Helsinki. Built in 1902 Hvritträsk was the home of Saarinen and is the epitome of the National Romantic style. We have lunch at a local restaurant and tour Images left: a detail of Saarinen’s 1919 Helsinki Railway Station; Helsinki’s neo- classical cathedral; and Pekka Halonen’s Mowers men, 1891. Halonen was a student of Gaugin’s in Paris. His images helped define the finish national identity the site. On our return to Helsinki we call in at the Rock Church, built in 1969 and the Chapel of Silence, opened in 2012. Both are fine examples of modern Finnish architecture. This evening we hope to catch a concert or recital in Helsinki. (B, L) Saturday July 16 Villas, lakes and artists This morning we stop in at the monument to the composer Jean Sibelius before heading to Lake Tuusala, where an important community of artists and musicians lived in the early 20th century, and whose houses reflect the nature-loving traditions of Finland. We visit Ainola, the villa of composer Jean Sibelius and learn a little more about his life. Our next stop is Halosenniemi, the lakefront residence and studio of artist Pekka Halonen (1865-1933). Finally, we make an extended stop at the Villa Kokkonen, designed by Alvar Aalto for his composer friend Juliuus Kokkonen. The current occupants of the villa will host us to lunch and demonstrate the beautiful music room within the villa. This afternoon, back in Helsinki, there is time to visit the Atheneum art museum or the recently re-opened city art gallery. (B, L) Sunday July 17 To the Lakes – Optional Performance An express train takes us north east towards the Lakeland region. We meet our coach to complete the journey to Savonlinna. Picturesquely located on an island between two lakes, the town is famous for the annual Above: Hallgrímskirkja church can be seen from almost opera festival, featuring artists from the Helsinki Opera. Performances are everywhere in Reykjavík held in the courtyard of the Olavinlinna castle, founded in 1475. Tonight, after an early dinner, there is the option of attending an orchestral concert Below: Harpa Hall is a thrilling contemporary building, with led by the internationally-renowned conductor Riccardo Muti. (B,D) complex steel and glass architecture and vast interior spaces Monday July 18 Opera on the lake This morning we travel to the town of Kerimäki to visit the wooden church built in 1844-47, at the height of the Russian period.