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SCANDINAVIA BY TRAIN, BOAT AND PLANE

15 days  22 July – 5 August 2013

STOCKHOLM – LAPLAND – –

Featuring: Inlandsbanan – Norland – Rauma – Flåm Railways

Mid-summer in Scandinavia is when the sun shines all night and the locals come out to play. Starting in the historic capital of , you’ll ride the Inlandsbanan special train through the heart of Sweden to Lapland and the Arctic Circle and onto the northern coast of Norway, cruise the Lofoten islands by Hurtigruten and then join the renowned Norland train to picturesque .

The Rauma Railway which will take you close to the Art Deco city of Ålesund is considered one of Europe’s most scenic lines. You will then fly over the spectacular coastline to Bergen before cruising the fjords to Flåm and riding the legendary Flåm Railway on the return journey to Bergen. Top off your adventure with a special steam excursion on the historic Old line, part of the original Bergen railway.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Monday 22 July 2013 – Flight / Arrive Stockholm (D) Arrive in Stockholm today. Stockholm is built on a group of islands linked by bridges and is surrounded on all sides by water. Transfer to your city centre hotel by coach and check in. Accommodation for three nights is at the Clarion Sign Hotel, located next to the main railway station.

Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW. 2534. Australia Phone 1300 733323 16012013 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

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Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight with Scott and the whole group.

Day 2 – Tuesday 23 July 2013 – Stockholm (B) This morning you will enjoy a guided tour of Stockholm by bus and by foot with a private guide including to the City Hall and the Vasa Museum. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise of Stockholm. Pass under 15 bridges and through two locks connecting the Baltic Sea with Lake Mälaren. See the inner city, the Old Town, the islands of Södermalm, Lilla and Stora Essingen, the new area of Hammarby Sjöstad and the green areas of Djurgården. Overnight in Clarion Sign Hotel, Stockholm. Scott McGregor – host of Railway Adventures Day 3 – Wednesday 24 July 2013 – Stockholm (B) Today, take a day excursion to the National Railway Museum, located in Gävle. The tour will include a guided tour. See the oldest, heaviest, quickest and most beautiful engines! In Gävle the museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historical railway trains. Experience the museum through tours and visit Hennan’s station from the 1940s and Hosäter, the lineman’s cottage. You can go into many of the engines and carriages. Don’t miss our café and our rich assortment of railway-related products in the museum shop. Overnight in Clarion Sign Hotel, Stockholm. National Railway Museum Day 4 – Thursday 25 July 2013 – Stockholm-Östersund (B, D) Departing Stockholm, head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden's fifth largest lake. The afternoon is free to enjoy the ambiance of this regional capital. Take a cruise on the lake, have a dip in the outdoor heated pools on the lake’s edge or get up close and personal with the local creatures at the ‘hands on’ Moose Garden. Join Scott for dinner with unexpected touches and a decided local flavour. Overnight in Hotel Scandic, Östersund.

Day 5 – Friday 26 July 2013 – Inlandsbanan – Östersund-Arvidsjaur plus Steamtrain Arvidsjaur (B, D) Leave Östersund and head north, travelling through some of Sweden's most glorious scenery as you head to the untamed wilderness of Lapland, making several stops at beauty spots along the way. The journey on the Inlandsbanan tourist train takes you through a landscape of crystal clear lakes and Inlandsbanan (“the inland railway”) runs from towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. Kristinehamn in the south to Gällivare in the north – a total distance of 1300 kilometres. In Arvidsjaur take a trip on a vintage steam The idea for an inland railway linking the north and train once used for the logging industry. south of Sweden was first suggested in 1894. Construction began in 1907 and continued in stages You are taken back in time to the 1930s until the final link to the Norwegian border at and an era of faith in the future, Riksagansen was completed in 1937. The line did not prove profitable and was operated by revolutionary speed and pioneering travel. SJ with a gradually decreasing service until 1992 The Inlandsbanan Enjoy an evening in the Midnight Sun and when it was mothballed. By this time, the far southern section from Mora to Filipstad had already been watch the drama of the wilderness unfold outside your window. closed. Overnight in Hotell Laponia in Arvidsjaur. The remaining track was subsequently sold off to the municipalities along the route. Inlandsbanan AB operates a passenger service for three months each Day 6 – Saturday 27 July 2013 – Inlandsbanan – Arvidsjaur-Gällivare (B, D) summer primarily for tourists. Today the Inlandsbanan is crucial for both tourism and industry Today continue your journey on the Inlandsbanan to Gällivare with several stops along and is mainly serviced by modern diesel rail-car the way where you can purchase lunch and snacks. In the evening ascend the notable units. There are also a number of heritage operations along the way including a preserved logging steam peak of Mt Dundret by coach for a Midnight Sun dinner at the legendary restaurant on railway at Arvidsjaur. the top of the mountain. Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW. 2534. Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

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Overnight in Grand Hotel Lapland in Gällivare.

Day 7 – Sunday 28 July 2013 – Gällivare- (B, D) In the morning, the coach will bring you to the station to board your train from Gällivare to Narvik. In Narvik, visit the Ofoten Museum (famous railway museum). Line The (Norwegian: Nordlandsbanen) is a It is located in the old NSB railway administration building that dates back to 1902 and railway line between Trondheim and Bodø in Norway. Running for approximately 729 km, it is the displays exhibitions from the local cultural history. Norwegian railway system's longest line, and the only Traditionally, the people of the Ofoten region made a living from a combination of one in Norway to cross the Arctic Circle. Work began on the line in 1881 and in spite of intense efforts to fishing and agriculture. Modern times arrived with the building of the complete the line as part of Hitler’s expansion plans railway towards the end of the 1800s. In order to extract iron ore from the mines in the during World War II it did not reach Bodø until 1962. The first stage is from Trondheim to Hell. After Hell area, a railway leading to an ice-free port was necessary so that the ore could be the railway passes through the towns of Stjørdal, shipped to Europe and other parts of the world. The railway was completed in 1902, , , , Mosjøen, and before reaching Bodø. together with the new city of Narvik. Unlike most of the Norwegian rail networks, the Overnight and dinner will be in Rica Hotel, Narvik. Nordland Line is not electrified. Passenger traffic is fairly heavy between Trondheim and Steinkjer through the Trøndelag , but is Day 8 – Monday 29 July 2013 – Hurtigruten – Narvik-Svolvaer (B, D) significantly lighter further north. Most passenger services are provided by diesel multiple units (DMU). We start this day with a coach transfer to Sortland, where you will board the There are 154 , 295 bridges and 43 stations on Hurtigruten to sail down to Svolvaer. This stretch between Sortland through Rafsundet the route which is considered one of Europe’s most scenic journeys. The smooth and modern trains and with a short visit into the Trollfjord is the most beautiful of all the Hurtigruten feature wi-fi internet connections, large picture journeys. With its postcard-looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords dotting a windows and a ‘Komfort’ Carriage for refreshments and newspapers. very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. Dinner and overnight in Rica Hotel, Svolvaer.

Day 9 – Tuesday 30 July 2013 – Svolvaer-Bodø (B, D) Today you continue your exploration of the Lofoten Islands with a local guide. Visit the Viking Museum Lofotr featuring a fully excavated and reconstructed Viking Long House—the largest in the Viking world. Have dinner near the ferry harbour in Moskenes and afterwards take the ferry to Bodø for the The Rauma Railway runs between Åndalsnes (4 metres above sea level) and Dombås (659 metres next overnight in the Clarion Collection Hotel Grand. above sea level). At Dombås there are train connections to/from Oslo and Trondheim. Day 10 – Wednesday 31 July 2013 – Bodø-Trondheim (B, D) Once on board the train, all you need to do is sit back, gaze through the large windows and enjoy your Catch the train from Bodø to Trondheim on journey through a landscape of wild magnificence full the Nordland Railway. This will be a of contrasts. You will see views ranging from precipitous crags journey that delivers almost continuous plunging vertically to the valley floor among majestic, The Nordline Railway jagged alpine peaks to lush, curving hillsides climbing panoramic views of beautiful, untouched towards great rounded mountain plateaus that extend wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle along into unspoiled national parks. The beautiful, emerald- Nordland Line green River Rauma will follow you, right outside the the way. After a late arrival in Trondheim, train window, for much of your trip. The river’s

stay at the Rica Hotel Nidelven within walking distance of the station. character is constantly shifting – one moment flowing gently between small beaches of white sand before transforming into a wild torrent, cascading Day 11 – Thursday 1 August 2013 – Trondheim-Ǻndalsnes-Ǻlesund (B, D) down rapids at breakneck speed. The train will run The morning is at leisure to explore the atmospheric city of Trondheim, one of the oldest especially slowly through the most spectacular scenery, and at the famous Kylling Railway Bridge and cities in Norway. See the old warehouses and attractive dwellings. Some options are at Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular visiting the Trondheim Cathedral or the Ringve Museum which features a collection of mountain wall, the train will make a complete stop. On board the train you will be guided in Norwegian, musical instruments from all over the world. Or perhaps take an optional walking tour of English and German. And all passengers will receive the medieval-era city. a new brochure describing the highlights of the journey and a map of the train line. You will have a late afternoon departure by train on the Rauma Railway from Trondheim Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW. 2534. Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

www.railwayadventures.co to Ǻndalsnes. In Ǻndalsnes a coach will take you to a local restaurant to have dinner before departing by coach to Ǻlesund arriving around midnight. Overnight in Rica Parken Hotel.

Day 12 – Friday 2 August 2013 – Ǻlesund-Bergen (B) Catch the coach transfer to Ålesund Airport where you will board the scenic coastal flight to Bergen. Bergen is known as the “Wooden City” and is the portal to the Fjords. It was a trading centre for the Hanseatic League controlling commerce between the North Sea and Baltic. Enjoy an optional city sightseeing tour of Bergen or ride the funicular railway to view the city from Mt Floyen. Overnight at the Radisson Blu Royal, Bryggen. Work was begun on the Flåm Railway in 1923 to connect the Bergen Oslo line with the Sognefjord. It was to take 20 years to complete. It’s an incredible Day 13 – Saturday 3 August 2013 – Bergen – Flåm Railway (B, D) train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal on Enjoy a superb excursion on the Flåm the Bergen Railway, down to Flåm station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. Each year, Railway today beginning with a ferry cruise this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from from Bergen to Flǻm up the astonishing all corners of the world, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway's major and most spectacular tourist Sognefjord and free time in quaint town of attractions. Flǻm at the head of the valley. The rail The Flåm Railway is one of the world's steepest The Flǻm Railway railway lines on normal gauge tracks. Nearly 80 journey takes you up into the mountains percent of the route is on a 55‰ gradient, ie: a rise along one of the steepest lines in the world, twisting and turning sharply and regularly as of one metre per 18 metres. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are testament to the the railway line does its best to accommodate the extreme terrain. most daring and skillful engineering in the history of At the mountain station of Myrdal, 865 metres above sea level, the Flåm Railway meets Norwegian railway. On the 20-kilometre train ride you will experience up with the for connections with return trains to Bergen. Continue along the some of the most dramatic and magnificent scenic Bergen line arriving back late in the day. Norwegian nature. Here you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls that plunge from the Overnight at the Radisson Blu Royal, Bryggen. steep cliffs of the snow-capped mountain slopes, as well as mountain farms clinging on to steep slopes. Day 14 – Sunday 4 August 2013 – Bergen – Gamle Vossebanen (B, D) Join the excursion on The Old between Garnes and Midttun, then the rest of the day is at your leisure in Bergen. Some suggestions are to visit the - The is a between Fishmarket Garnes and Midttun near Bergen. Originally The picturesque and lively Fish Market in Bergen is one of Norway's most visited constructed as a narrow gauge line, it formed part of the Bergen to Voss railway opened in 1883. Following outdoors markets and has a charming location in the heart of the city between the fjords the decision to complete the railway to Oslo in and Bergen's seven mountains. The Fish Market also sells fruit, vegetables, flowers, standard gauge, the line was upgraded in 1904. handicrafts and souvenirs. Electrified in 1954, it continued to serve as part of the Bergen to Oslo mainline until the 7.5 kilometre Hanseatic Museum , which opened in 1964, resulted in the closure One of the oldest and best preserved wooden buildings in Bergen, furnished in 18th of the line. Today, the Norwegian Railway Association century style to provide an intimate picture of the life of a Hanseatic merchant. operates trips over a distance of 18 kilometres between Garnes and Midttun, taking just under one Troldhaugen Museum (5 miles south of Bergen) hour. The Midttun terminus is located near , Troldhaugen consists of the Edvard Grieg Museum, Grieg’s villa, the hut where he and there are further intermediate stops at Arna, composed music and his gravesite. Espeland and Haukeland. The service operates with a type 18 steam , no. 255, built in 1913, Fløibanen Funicular decommissioned in 1969 and restored by volunteers The funicular ride up to the top of Fløyen between 1981 and 1993. It pulls a series of teak carriages built between 1921 and 1938. The Mountain (320 metres above sea level) locomotive is stored at the restored Garnes station takes 5-6 minutes. The ride itself is that features a museum, engine shed, yard and spectacular and the views of Bergen only turntable. improve the closer you get to the top Fløibanen Funicular

Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW. 2534. Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

www.railwayadventures.co where you will find a variety of mountain walks.

Join Scott and your fellow travellers for a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Drinks included!

Day 15 - Monday 5 August – Onward travel (B) Coach transfer to Bergen airport for your return flight.

Tour Price Per person twin share AUD$9,985 Sole room use AUD$10,970 Plus airfares The Old Voss Line The Old Voss Line Inclusions  14 nights’ accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels based on twin bedded rooms  Breakfast daily  11 dinners included (3 courses, no drinks included)  Private luxury coach for all transfers according to the itinerary  Ferry ticket Sortland–Svolvaer on the Hurtigruten  All rail journeys as per the itinerary  Flight as per itinerary  Local guides: Stockholm  Entrance fees: Stockholm City Hall, Vasa Museum, Stockholm cruise, National Railway Museum, Ofoten Museum, Viking Museum Lofotr

Not included  International flights  Walking tour Tronheim (€15 per person)  City tour of Bergen (€10 per person)

Note: unexpected circumstances may cause changes to the events outlined in the itinerary

Extension Options 1. Fly internationally from Bergen 2. Ferry to and then travel onto Oslo by train 3. Ferry to Hirtshals and then train to Copenhagen, Denmark

Pre/Post Travel Pre- and post-travel can be arranged including extended stays in Europe, international flights, and rail travel to and from Scandinavia and Europe. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options.

How to Book Complete, sign and return the booking form available from Guidepost Tours with your deposit.

Fitness and Preparation For the overall benefit of the group, all tour members must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to:

Nordland Line Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW. 2534. Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

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 Negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance  Use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)  Undertake walking tour of 2-3 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces  Stand for long periods in museums and other sites  Embark/disembark coaches, trains and other modes of transportation without assistance  Handle your own luggage The Flam Railway

Luggage

This is an adventure journey with many train trips and single overnight stays. Keeping the size of your luggage to a minimum will help to ease movement and storage on and off trains and in and out of hotels.

Please note:

If you (or we) have any doubts about your ability to participate in this tour you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor reading the itinerary and providing you with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.

The Rauma Railway

Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW. 2534. Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]