experience summer adventures · call us on 01206 708888 visit or see your travel agent 3 as the...

E X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Norway Iceland Sweden Finland Greenland & Spitsbergen

Whale Watching Self Drives Expedition Cruises & Activity Tours

2012-13

Summer AdventuresNature History Culture Wildlife

Call us on 01206 708888 visit www.nordicexperience.co.uk or see your Travel Agent2

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

In the first instance, that any tour you choose from us has been designed by a team, one or all of whom, have been to the places featured in it. So when talking to us you’ll know you are doing so with somebody who has first hand knowledge of where you’ll be going. And along with that you have the benefit of the Scantours heritage whose business we acquired in 2010.

And if you need advice on where to go and what’s right for you, ours will be completely unbiased because we’re the only UK travel company specialising in ALL the Nordic countries. We’re independent of any group or company. So we don’t have a preference for one country over another: each has its merits.

You’ll stay in hotels that we’d stay in ourselves. If it’s in the city it’ll be close to the centre so you don’t waste time or money shuttling back and forth to where you want to be. And if it’s out in the wilds, your accommodation will be authentic, in a picturesque setting and family run.

Your Nordic Experience travels with you, rather than disappears when you’ve paid your invoice, because we provide a comprehensive Travel Guide detailing everything you need to know. So you get the most from your holiday experience. And last but not least a Personal Concierge who is always on hand to talk to you about your booking up until the day you travel.

We only fly you on scheduled airlines (SAS, Blue1, Icelandair, Finnair, BA, Norwegian, Estonian Air and Air Baltic) because they invariably offer better value for money than so called ‘low cost’ carriers or charters. They also offer a better choice of, and more flexible, departure times and either include on-board cabin service or offer a better standard of ‘Pay on Board’ service.

Finally, any tour you book with us is financially secure (however far in advance you book) because we hold an ATOL licence (No 6558) and are members of ABTA (No W879X). In simple terms this means in the unlikely event of our insolvency either the CAA or ABTA will see to it that, if you were on holiday at such time, you could continue, or alternatively any money you had paid in advance of a tour would be refunded.

The Nordic Experience

Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Call us on 01206 708888 visit www.nordicexperience.co.uk or see your Travel Agent 3

As the spring equinox passes and gives way to summer a vast adventure playground above and below the Arctic Circle opens up stretching from Greenland in the west right across to the Norwegian border with Russia in the south, round the Baltic from Helsinki to Stockholm and all points in between. The Nordic region (or Scandinavia if you prefer and don’t want to be too pedagogic) has vast forests, innumerable lakes, elegant cities, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, tiny hamlets, food to die for.

The Nordic Summer Experience

WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER

Each year we take a fresh look at our past itineraries, re-visit destinations to check they haven’t been plasticised or over developed, check back with what our Clients have told us and see what we can improve. Above all we try and search out for things new, exciting and different, so this year we have.

WHALE WATCHING ON THE EDGE OF THE ARCTICIcelandair’s new flight to the north of Iceland combined with the appearance of whales in Olafsfjordur has afforded a first time opportunity for us to devise a tour focused on whale watching in two different locations together with a visit to Lundey Island with its Puffin population. See page 12 for details.

THE MIDNIGHT SUN AT MIDNIGHTUnprecedented numbers of people flew with us to Tromso this last winter to try and catch the Northern Lights, told us how much they loved this Uni city on the edge of the Arctic Circle that we decided to fashion a tour there to see the

Midnight Sun. Our special arrangement features a concert in the Arctic Cathedral and a midnight feast on top of a mountain at midnight. See page 31 for details.

THE BEST OF THE RESTUniquely amongst UK Tour Operators we specialize right across the Nordic region and have a larger portfolio of tours than anybody else featured in our brochures or on our website. Check out the pages by country as follows

Contents Pages

Our Iceland tours 4-15

Web selection Iceland 16-17

Web selection Finland 18

Web selection Sweden 19

Our Greenland tours 20-22

Our Spitzbergen tours 23-26

Our Norwegian tours 27-40

Need to know 41-43

With a milder climate than other cities on the same latitude (even in winter it can be warmer than Vienna or New York), the weekend nightlife spills affably out on to the streets. The seafood is out of this world (everything from shark to salmon) and the people just delightful with an unparalled reputation for being able to enjoy themselves.

And on Reykjavík’s doorstep are wild and romantic places with narrow fjords, deep ravines, vast glaciers with jumbles of moraine, dormant and not so dormant volcanoes, thunderous waterfalls and spouting geysers. If God had designed a theme

park this would surely have been it.

Brief Encounters Reykjavik

HOTEL KLETTURJust off Laugavegur, the city’s main street, the Klettur is Reykjavik’s newest tourist class hotel developed by the people who own the Cabin. Styled with a black lava rock motif in the public areas, and a biscuit brown and light pine in the bedrooms, there are 66 standard rooms on the first three floors and 20 de-luxe ones on the 2 upper floors. All have private WC/shower, mini bar, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and wi-fi. There is a first floor breakfast room, lounge and evening bar with a range of Icelandic beers.

Close to the city centre Breakfast room Evening bar Choice of room types

THE CENTRUM HOTELA stylish modern hotel inside with an exterior sympathetically in keeping with its surrounding clapboard buildings. Bang in the centre of town but in a quite enclave (more than useful on a Friday or Saturday night). Close to restaurants and shops. All 89 rooms are furnished and fitted in a Scandinavian minimalist but warm style and have private WC/shower, radio, TV, telephone.

City Centre Quite location Icelandic cuisine Café/bar

Iceland Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK – Reykjavik Scheduled flight from UK to Keflavik Airport. Transfer to and check in at your chosen hotel (see opposite page for our favourites).

Day 2&3 Reykjavik & beyond. Take your pick from our extensive range of safari excursions and make the most of your stay in the ‘capital of cool’. Must do’s are the Golden Circle which comes in coats of many colours; the south coast’s waterfalls, black sand beaches and Jokulsarlon lagoon; Vestmannaeyjer and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You can also take a ride in a Super Jeep or climb up on a glacier. Half day, full day and evening excursions are detailed on our web site;super jeep & adventure excursions on pages 6 & 7.

Day 4 Reykjavik – UK Leave the city mid morning for the Blue Lagoon and a bathe in its uniquely soporific, turquoise waters and thereafter transfer to Keflavik airport for your return flight home.

Reykjavík, with its long time ‘cool’ reputation and the destination of choice for a cognoscente including Jeremy Clarkson, Eric Clapton, Jamie Oliver and Reese Witherspoon, is now on the way to becoming ‘chilled and sparkling’ with stylish hotels, modish design and cutting edge everything.

HOTEL ODINSVEUndeservedly less well known than many of Reykjavik’s hotels, the Odinsve is a gem tucked away in a residential area beneath Hallgríms Church. With its characterful interior, plush furnishings, recent renovations and stylish dining room this is the place to be if you want proximity to the city centre and rooms a cut above the ordinary. All 43 rooms are individually styled & decorated and have private WC/shower, TV, and telephone.

Close to the city centre Celebrity chef restaurant

HOTEL HOLTThe wood panelled walls, original Icelandic art, leather Chesterfields, wine cellar, library and bar give this family owned hotel something of a ‘Back to the Future’ feel. Just a few minutes from the city centre, it has a deserved reputation for personal service guided by long standing Manager Snorri Valsson, and 39 twin & double rooms along with 12 suites. All are styled with cream linen; regency pink carpets and mahogany furniture and have private WC/shower (bath tubs in the suites) mini bar, satellite TV, hairdryer, mini safe, telephone and Wi-Fi.

Close to the city centre Larger than average bedrooms Adjacent local specialities restaurant

HALLGRIM-SKIRKJA

HOTEL REYKJAVIK

NORDICA

GRAND HOTEL REYKJAVIK

ODINSVEHOTEL HOLT

HOTEL BORG

CENTRUM HOTEL

HOTEL KLETTUR

Laugavegur

Old Harbour

Lake Tjorn

From £595ppDaily April-September

WHAT’S INCLUDEDPrices include scheduled return flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick*, Manchester* or Glasgow* to Reykjavik All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges Pay on board cabin service Arrival hotel transfer 3 nights accommodation at chosen hotel Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower 3 buffet breakfasts Departure airport transfer via Blue Lagoon (entrance, towel & bathrobe included)

* Flight schedule may dictate amended itinerary.

Price from

Something of an Icelandic phenomenon, the Icelandic Super Jeep is the ultimate ‘boy’s toy’ which makes any excursion that much more exciting and gets you to places neither cars nor buses can reach. Super Jeeps are customised versions of some of the world’s largest SUV’s with reinforced chassis’, heightened wheel clearances and 4 foot diameter wheels. Each is fitted with an air compressor and deflatable tyres to give traction on lava fields and across ice. They also come fitted with a sat nav system, gyro compass and lots of other high-tech add-ons. To add luxury to utility, the ones we use have wide and well upholstered seating for 7 on which we seat a maximum of 6 and our driver guides are some of the most experienced and well qualified in Iceland, invariably with an emergency service or paramedic background.

FJORD & GLACIER ADVENTURETo the uninitiated glaciers are simply big blobs of ice; to environmentalists, frozen mines of information stored for thousands of years; to the adventurous, playgrounds to snowmobile or husky safari on; to the everyday traveller, simply awesome sights to gaze at. Above all they are living breathing things, compacting from falling snow at their centres, negligently crushing rock at their sides and irrigating their edges with melt water. This trip takes you across barren wild terrain past weathered moors, waterfalls, volcanoes and mountains to the edge of a glittering glacier. Once there you clamber aboard a caterpillar-wheeled former rocket launcher to cross the deep fissured edge up to the top where, depending on weather and season, you can take an optional snowmobile safari. Hotel pick-up at 8.30 am for 9-10 hours. Daily (min 4 passengers). £165 pp Optional Snowmobile £95 pp

Super Jeep ExcursionsSUPER JEEP CLASSICThe white-knuckle ride of all time. First stop the landscapes south of Lake Pingvallavatn before the National Park Pingvellir. From there continue to the Geysir area with its spouting water geysers and bubbling mud pots with time for lunch (not included). And then to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, with its foaming, thundering waters over-arched with a rainbow or frozen, in winter, as giant stalactites before carrying on to Langjökull for a snowmobile tour on top of the glacier. Return to Reykjavik via the cathedral at Skalholt, the extraordinary crater Kerid and the greenhouse community Hveragerdi. Hotel pick-up at 8:30 am for 8-9 hours. (Tues, Thurs, Sat). £165 pp

PORSMORK Thor’s Wood lies between three glaciers and is a unique canvas of rock faces, birch trees and wild flowers carpeting the valley, reached along a trail stretching across glacial rivers that your Super Jeep easily brushes aside. The scenery here contrasts dramatically with the black sands of the south coast on the way back and the glacial lagoon Gigjokull. Whilst in the Pórsmörk Valley itself you can take a hike up the Stakkoltsgjá fissure.Hotel pick-up at 8.30 am for 8-9 hours. (Tues, Thurs, Sat). £175 pp

MIDNIGHT SUN LOBSTER FESTIceland’s lava fields are stark and surreal and look as though they belong to another world (in fact, NASA used them to replicate the moon’s surface) but under the Midnight Sun they will take your breath away. Depart from Reykjavík just as the sun doesn’t begin to set and drive down to the fishing village of Fjorubordid. Round off the evening by settling down to a platter of freshly caught lobster in butter and garlic, whilst your guide tells stories of Iceland’s national treasure, medieval warlord Snorri Sturluson. Hotel pick-up at 6.30 pm for 4-5 hours (Apr-Sep). £199 pp

ICE & FIRE WALKSA full day guided trip to the area surrounding Hengill volcano with its surrounding hot springs and fumaroles and Mydralsjokull glacier, an ice cap covering the Katla volcano for some easy hiking through contrasting terrain of geothermal areas and frozen icecap. At Hengill’s edge you take a two to three hour walk along marked trails skirting the geothermally heated water from springs erupting through the earth’s crust. Along the way you can take a bathe in a warm stream. From Hengill by vehicle to the edge of Myrdasjokull where, after fitting on crampons, you are led through a spectacular pathway of ice sculptures, blue ice ridges, deep crevasses and past ice castles. Tues /Thurs /Sat / Sun June 1st-Sept 15th. Hotel pick-up at 8.30 for 10 hours. £136 pp

WATERFALLS, LAKES & SPRINGSHvalfjordur or the ‘whale fjord’ is north of Reykjavik alongside of which is Glymur, a horsetail waterfall with 196m cascade, where this tour begins with a hike along marked trails through scenery characterised by moss clad rocks and tree plantations.

From there you drive to Pingvellir designated by government degree as a ‘protected national shrine for all Icelanders, the perpetual property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of parliament’ or a short hike in the valley and a drive alongside the lake to Nesjavellir for a hike in this geothermal area with its boiling mud pools and hot springs. Mon for 9 hrs. Hotel pick-up at 8.30. £116 pp

Adventure ExcursionsGLACIER ICE WALKA full day guided tour to the Eyjafjallajokull massif the southern end of which once formed part of the coastline, its consequent retreat having left sheer cliffs with numerous plunge and punchbowl waterfalls and then on to Solheimajokull a glacier tongue of Myrdalsjokull (literally the ice cap in the marsh valley). An experienced glacier guide will help you on with your crampons and talk through the use of basic equipment before setting off on a gentle 3 to 4 hour walk across the glacier with its ice sculptures, contorted ridges, crevices and moraine scarred glacial deposits. On the return to Reykjavik you will stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss both of which spill off the fell into a shallow pool beneath. Wed /Fri /Sat /Sun All year. Hotel pick up at 8.30 for 10 hours. £123 pp

GLACIER SNOWMOBILING & WATERFALLSA day out by Super Jeep, the unique Icelandic boy’s toy with its giant wheels, deflatable tyres and high-tech add-ons, following a rugged farmland trail on a similar route to that of our Glacier Ice walk to Myrdalsjokull. Once there you have an hour’s snowmobile drive across the glacier (like skating on the biggest ice rink in the world) accompanied by a driver guide. Afterwards your guide takes you down to the black sand (literally) beaches for a drive along their white foaming edge before stopping off at both Skogarfoss and Seljandsfoss on the way back to Reykjavik. Wed/Sat All year. Hotel pick up at 8.30 for 10 hours. £195 pp

YOUR TOUR

A Walk on the Wild SideEnjoy a week hiking in the rugged scree scarred countryside of Iceland’s eastern coast

where the mountains meet the atlantic in a tapestry of secluded coves, moss clad valleys,

pastel coloured rhylolite mountains, narrow fjords, black sand beaches interlaced with

a tapestry of over 150 km of hiking trails. The trails are suitable for anyone of moderate

fitness – if you walk once or twice a week, you’ll find the walking easy and enjoyable.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flights from London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow to Reykjavik

All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service Internal flight transfers from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir/ Akureyri Local transfers in Egilsstadir and Akuyeri 8 nights hotel or guesthouse accommodation as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout, 6 lunches and 6 dinners NB Departures other than from Heathrow may involve an additional final night in Reykjavk

Price £1465ppFridays June, Aug 17, 24

Price £1595ppFridays July, Aug 3, 10

Day 1 UK – Keflavik Scheduled flight to Keflavik Airport. Transfer to and overnight at Hotel Klettur.

Day 2 Reykjavik – Borgafordur Morning at leisure. Late afternoon self transfer to Reykjavik domestic airport for flight and bus transfer via Egilsstadir to Borgarfjordur. Overnight at the Elf guesthouse for 6 nights.

Day 3 Storurd (Hiking 16km/500m traverse) Start the day with a hike across Geldingafjall, then inland west of Súlur to Fljótsdalshérad and the black sand beaches of Heradsfloi bay. Later opt either for the hike along the Dyrfjoll or down the valley below Rjupnafell peak.

Day 4 Stapavik To Njarovik (Hiking 11km/415m traverse) Transfer to Unaós farm for hike along Selfljot river. From Stapavik hike along Gonguskord before pick up at Njardavik farm and return to Borgarfjordur.

Day 5 Breidavik (Hiking 15km/400m traverse) Transport to Afrett for an easy hike over moors and gravelly ground before reaching Breidavík inlet. After a short stop on Breidavik black sands beach, hike up Gagnheidi ridge. Return transfer to Bakkagerdi.

Day 6 Borgarfjordur Valley (Hiking 12km/400m traverse) Start the day with a 3 hour walk in the village. After a light lunch, hike in Borgarfjordur and Jokuldalur with their rugged landscapes. Return to and walk through Bakkagerdi.

Day 7 Brúnavík Bay (Hiking 16km/700m traverse) Start the day at Hafnarholmi before hiking through vegetated mountain scree to Brunavik Pass: ford a small stream and walk barefoot along the beach. Then return to Bakkagerdi.

Day 8 Myvatn (Driving 5hrs/Hiking 4hrs) After breakfast drive towards Mývatn stopping en route at Sænautasel & Modrudalur farms and hike amongst the smoking lava fields of Leirhnjukur. Finish the day with a bathe at the Myvatn Nature Baths before a final night at a local farm guesthouse.

Day 9 Akureyri – UK After breakfast transfer to Akureyri for return flight to UK via Keflavik.

Price from

Horse Trailing and TrekkingThe sweetest of horses, it’s virtually unknown for an Icelandic horse to kick or bite: an even temper, self assurance and

strength coupled with equanimity are the hallmarks of a breed that has made it the horse of choice for novices and

experienced equestrians alike. Virtually all horses have three natural’ gaits (taking ‘canter’ and ‘gallop’ as one). Icelandic

horses however have an ambling gait, the ‘tolt’, which along with the ‘pace’ gives them 5 gaits. ‘Tölt is a 4 beat gait in which

each leg moves independently in the same order as the ‘walk’, giving a uniquely smooth ride particularly suitable for novices

or those with rusty equestrian skills.

BACK TO THE FUTURENot that long ago Icelanders still travelled around the island on horseback along the same tracks as their Viking ancestors, no doubt inured by familiarity to their scenically dramatic surroundings. As you follow in their footsteps you will undoubtedly be less blasé at the sight of steam rising out of the ground; glacial rock formations; melt water tumbling down rock sides; moss clad lava fields; the glaciers in the distance and the clean air and sound of silence around you. Riding with your herd of re-mounts setting the pace in front of you and gradually acclimatising to a slightly different posture in the saddle and stirrup length, time drifts along with differing vistas opening up as the day ambles by.

TRAILS AND TREKSA somewhat artificial distinction but in our context intended to signify between what is suitable for novices and what for equestrians. So trailing is something pretty much anybody of everyday fitness can do whether they have ridden a horse before or not, whereas trekking requires a reasonable level of equestrian skill, good horse sense and control at a canter.

ISHESTER RIDING CENTREThe riding center and stables are in meadowland pastures close to the fishing port of Hafnafjordur just north of Reykjavik. There is stabling for 54 horses, tack room, restaurant and a shop selling equine memorabilia. Of the original founding families Einar Bollason and his wife Sigrun Ingolfsdottir

have only recently retired but their sprit still guides the company and family descendants work as rider guides during the summer. On longer treks horses are provided by long standing farmer partners who also act as guides

THE LAVA TRAILTransfer to riding centre, riding hat, boots, waterproof outerwear and tack included. 1½ to 2 hours guided riding along lava field and hillside tracks. Herring,dried fish, pate & rye bread lunch included. Daily departures at 10.00 & 14.00 £59 pp ex Reykjavik.

BRIDLE PATHS TRAILScheduled return flights from UK to Keflavik, meet & greet on arrival, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Reykjavik, 2 nights accommodation in summer cottages (made up beds) during trail, breakfasts throughout, 3 packed lunches (self packed from breakfast), 3 suppers, riding hat, waterproof jacket & trousers, riding helmet, water bottle, saddlebag, tack. Departures Sundays June 10th to August 12th inclusive £1165 pp ex UK.

THE KJOLUR TREKScheduled return flights from UK to Keflavik, meet & greet on arrival, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Reykjavik, 6 nights accommodation in mountain cabins (sleeping bag) during trek, breakfasts throughout, 6 packed lunches (self packed from breakfast), 7 suppers, riding hat, waterproof jacket & trousers, riding helmet, water bottle, saddlebag, tack. Departures Saturdays June 16th to August 18th inclusive £1865 pp ex UK.

YOUR TOUR

Highlights of IcelandIceland’s southwest corner has some of its most dramatic natural attractions. At Vík, on the

island’s southern tip is Dyrhólaey’s bird cliff promontory, from which black sand beaches

fringed with ocean foam stretch as far as the eye can see. Also take in Gullfoss, Geysir and the

Pingvellir valley with its faults and fissures at the junction of the North American and Eurasion

tectonic plates.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick*, Glasgow* or Manchester* to Reykjavík

All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service 5 nights hotel accommodation as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout 5 days (5 x 24 hrs) Category A car hire rental including unlimited mileage; theft protection and collision damage waiver insurance; all local taxes and airport collection/drop off charges.

Touring map, audio guide CD & pocket guide*Flight schedule may dictate amended itinerary.

Price £1195pp

Day 1 UK – Keflavík Scheduled Icelandair flight to Reykjavík. Transfer on arrival to the nearby Northern Light Inn for overnight with time for a bathe in the Blue Lagoon before dinner.

Day 2 Keflavík – Vík After breakfast, transfer back (15 minutes) to Keflavik to collect your hire car and set off along the South coast towards Vik. Along the way don’t miss Seljalandsfoss behind which you can walk; the naturally heated pool at Seljavellir for a quick dip and Dyrhólaey bird cliffs. Overnight at Dyrhólaey Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 3 Vík-Skaftafell – Jokulsarlon-Vík Drive along the southeast coast across bridges fording dramatic outwash plains interspersed with black sand beaches and lava fields. Apart from a walk in the Skaftafell Park or a snowmobile on Sólheimajökull, the highlight of the day is undoubtedly Jokulsarlon glacial Lagoon.

Day 4 Vík – Hekla Drive up to the Geysir area where Strokkur spouts impressively every 5 to 10 minutes, alongside of which there are steaming fumaroles, hot springs and pools, some a dark muddy grey and others a translucent turquoise. Then on to Gullfoss, the golden waterfall, where the glacial river Hvítá plummets 32 metres before twisting and tumbling down a large gorge. Overnight at Hotel Hekla.

Day 5 Hekla – Reykjavík After breakfast take in Skálholt Cathedral and the Pingvellir Valley and continue to Reykjavik. Return hire car and overnight at Hótel Klettur or similar.

Day 6 Reyjavík – UK Time for some last minute shopping before transfer back to Keflavik and return flight to UK.

Daily May-September

Price from

The Scenic South with ReykjavíkSoak up Southern Iceland’s unique cocktail of sights. Experience the falling water curtains that

are Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss, the rock stacks at Reynisdrauger and Vestmannaeyjar where

parts of the ground are still warm from the last volcanic eruption. Visit Thor’s Wood where you

can gently hike or vigorously white water raft, and take in the Golden Circle’s trio of spectaculars.

Afterwards, contrast with a night of Reykjavík’s urban cool atmosphere.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled Icelandair flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester* or Glasgow* to Reykjavík All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service 4 nights accommodation at hotels specified in itinerary Lodging in twin rooms (superior at Hotel Ranga) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout 4 days (4x24hrs) car hireincluding unlimited mileage; theft protection and collision damage waiver insurance; all local taxes and airport collection/drop-off charges Touring map, audio guide CD & pocket guide

*Flight schedule may dictate amended itinerary

From £1125pp

HÓTEL RANGÁBuilt in log cabin style but with 4 star hotel luxury, Hótel Rangá has just 51 rooms & suites and is a perfect jumping off point for South Iceland’s major scenic attractions. The hotel has several outdoor geothermal hot tubs, a lounge bar and a restaurant with a signature ‘Surf and Turf’ dish made with Icelandic lamb and lobster.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

SKOGARFOSS AND SELJALANDSFOSSSeljalandsfoss spills straight off the fell side dropping into a shallow pool behind which run pathways magnifying the water’s sound. Skógarfoss similarly drops straight down into the pool below, in front of which you can stand on the gravel river bed watching your surrounding world disappear in white mist.

PÓRSMÖRK.Thor’s wood with its dwarf willow and birch is a haven in summer for everybody. Whether you want eco or action Pórsmörk is the place to be with everything from marked hiking trails to white water rafting adventures. The latter need to be booked in advance.

THE GOLDEN CIRCLEAn unmissable trio of sights that are a ‘must do’ for every visitor to Iceland. The double fall at Gullfoss and its turn through 90º makes it unique; the eponymous Geysir area gave the world the name and Strokkur still spouts impressively. Last but not least Thingvellir where the early Vikings set up the

world’s first parliamentary assembly on an elevated ridge format the shores of the largest natural lake in Iceland and the junction of the North American and Eurasion tectonic plates.

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK – Keflavik Scheduled flight to Keflavik. Collect your hire car at the airport, to and overnight at Hotel Rangá for 3 nights.

Days 2 & 3 Hella At leisure to explore Porsmork, visit your surroundings.

Day 4 Hella – Reykjavik Drive to Reykjavík for a final night at the Hotel Centrum.

Day 5 Reykjavík – UK Early morning departure for a bathe in the Blue Lagoon before continuing to Keflavik for your return flight to the UK

Daily May-September

Price from

YOUR TOUR

Whale Watching on the edge of the ArcticFly up to the very edge of the Arctic Circle for whale spotting expeditions on traditional carvel built

trawlers in two of Iceland’s best spots for recorded sightings: Skjalfandi Bay alongside Husavik

and Olafsfjordur at the entrance to Eyjafordur. From Husavik you’ll be under sail and have a

chance to work ‘before the mast’ whilst sailing out in the bay and out to Lundey Island with its

200,000 strong puffin population. On both sailings you should see minke, white beaked dolphins

or harbour porpoises and have a good chance of spotting other species such as the tall dorsal

finned pilot and fluke raising humpbacks.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Prices include Icelandair return scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Akuyeri via Reykjavik

All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service 5 nights hotel accommodation as per itinerary 5 nights lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout 3 days (3 x 24 hrs) Group A car hire unlimited mileage; theft protection and collision damage waiver insurance; all local taxes and airport collection/drop–off charges)

1.500.000 TOURING MAP TWO WHALE SPOTTING TOURS AS PER ITINERARY Reykjavik Hotel/airport transfer via the Blue Lagoon including entrance fee, towel & bathrobe

Price £1295pp

Day 1 UK-Keflavik – Akureyri Scheduled Icelandair flight(s) from London Heathrow to Akuyeri in North West Iceland via Keflavik International Airport. Collect hire car, drive to and overnight at Hotel Kea for 3 nights.

Day 2 Myvatn & Whale Watching Breakfast in your hotel before driving out to Lake Myvatn where you can explore Namafjell’s steaming fumaroles, take a look at the underground bakery, buy some of their bread from Gamlibaer’s shop and bathe in the Nature Baths before heading up to Husavik. Late afternoon trip on a traditional, 2 masted schooner into Skjálfandi Bay and out to Lundey for whale spotting and bird watching. For those who wish to try their hand ‘before the mast’ you can help the skipper and haul up the mainsail. Hot coffee and cinnamon buns served aboard. Disembarkation 4 hours later and return drive to Akuyeri.

Day 3 Whale Watching In Olafsfjordur Drive up along the rugged Tröllaskagi peninsula with its maze of mountains, rivers and miniature glaciers to the fishing village of Olafsfjordur for a trip out to the marine mammal feeding grounds at the head of the Eyjafjordur, The hull form of the traditional carvel built trawlers used provides a useful bulwark against swell for a comfortable afternoon spotting minke and humpbacks with their distinctive flukes. Return drive to Akureyri.

Day 4 Akureyri – Reykjavik Return drive to Akureyri for flight down to

Reykjavik domestic airport, self transfer to and overnight at Hotel Centrum for 2 nights.

Day 5 Reykjavik At leisure

Day 6 Reykjavík – Uk Transfer to Keflavik airport via the mystical Blue Lagoon for a bathe and then to Keflavik airport for return scheduled flight to UK.

Daily May-September

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Southern Highlights and The Magic of MyvatnDiscover South Iceland’s most iconic attractions including Gullfoss and Geysir’s hot springs

combined with the dramatic landscape of Northeast Iceland’s Lake Myvatn area with its surreal

water filled volcanoes, boiling mud pots and sculpted lakeside lava formations. Add in whale

watching from Húsavík, and a bathe in the famed Blue Lagoon for a holiday of extravagant

contrasts.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick*, Manchester* or Glasgow* or to Reykjavík

All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service All airport/hotel bus transfers 7 nights hotel accommodation as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout All internal transport by scheduled bus & plane as detailed in itinerary GUIDED EXCURSIONS AS PER ITINERARY Blue Lagoon entrance including bathing fee, bathrobe and towel.

*Flight schedule may dictate amended itinerary.NB Reykjavik domestic airport transfers on days 4 and 7 are payable locally.

Day 1 UK – Keflavik Scheduled flight to Keflavik. Transfer on arrival to and overnight at Hótel Klettur for three nights.

Day 2 Reykjavík City Tour Morning tour including the cosmic looking Perlan, the pseudo lava formation that’s Hallgrímskirkja, and Hafnafjordur. Afternoon at leisure

Day 3 Golden Circle Excursion First stop the landscapes south of Lake Pingvallavatn before Pingvellir. Continue to Gullfoss with its foaming, thundering waters invariably over-arched with a rainbow and then to the Geysir area with its spouting geysers and bubbling mud pots with time for lunch (payable locally). Return to Reykjavík via the cathedral at Skálholt, the extraordinary crater Kerid and the greenhouse village Hveragerdi.

Day 4 Rekjavík – Akureyri Early morning flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri. Bus transfer to the village of Reykhalid with a stop at Gódafoss Waterfall. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Reynihlid or Reykhalid for three nights.

Day 5 Myvatn Excursion Morning at leisure. Afternoon guided excursion to Krafla mountain and the explosive crater; Hverir’s bubbling sulphur mud pots and Dimmuborgir’s towering lava formations.

Day 6 Whale Spotting Excursion Afternoon journey to Husavik for a 3 hour trip out in to the bay on a traditional oak built trawler, whose hull form provides a gentle bulwark against the swell.

From £1599pp

Day 7 Akureyri – Reykjavík Free time to explore the Myvatn area further, late afternoon departure by bus to Akureyri airport for early evening scheduled flight to Reykjavík. Self transfer to & overnight at Hotel Klettur.

Day 8 Reykjavík – UK Transfer to Keflavik airport via the mystical Blue Lagoon for a bathe and then to Keflavik airport. Return flight to UK.

YOUR TOUR

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YOUR TOUR

A Grand Motoring Tour of IcelandDiscover the whole of Iceland from its signature highlights in the south to its dramatic eastern fjords; from Myvatn’s

mystical marvels in the north to the serenity of Snaefellsnes in the west. A complete and comprehensive tour of the whole

island with excursions available in every quadrant.

Day 1 UK – Reykjavik Scheduled flight from UK to Keflavik. Collect your hire car on arrival, drive to and overnight at Hotel Fludir for 2 nights.

Day 2 Fludir Spend a day savouring south Iceland’s attractions: the Geysir geothermal area with its hot springs, fumaroles stained yellow with sulphur and Thykkuhverir, the viscous hot springs; Gullfoss, whose waters flow down a 3 step staircase before plunging in two stages down a crevice at right angles to the flow of the river and Pingvellir, home to Althing which is in the hearts of Icelanders.

Day 3 Fludir Vik Drive down to and along the south coast stopping at Seljandsfoss and Skogafoss, possibly detouring up to Myrdalsjokull for a glacier snowmobile ride before arriving at Dyrholaey. Overnight at Hotel Dyrholay.

Day 4 Vik – Skaftafell Drive along the southeast coast with its vast outwash plains forded by bridges and Skeidararsandur, the black sands of the Skeidarsandur glacier before arriving at the edge of Skaftafell National Park. Overnight at Hotel Skaftafell.

Day 5 Skaftafell – Seydisfjordur The highlight of this day’s journey is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, undoubtedly one of Iceland’s ‘wow factor’ sights. Continue driving along the still gravelled section of route 1 overhung by rhyolite crags contouring the indented coastline dotted with fishing villages before descending to Seydisfjördur. Overnight at Hotel Aldan.

Day 6 Seydisfjördur – Mývatn Vast seemingly endless deserts of glacially crushed rock are the hallmark of the day before arriving at the contrastingly lush Lake Mývatn area. Overnight at Hotel Reykjahlid or Reyhnilid for 2 nights.

Day 7 Mývatn Time to explore the extraordinary scenery and wildlife in the area:the wooded headland at Hofdi with its lava pillars; contorted black towers of Dimmuborgir; the pastel coloured Námafjall ridge with its steamy surroundings and the smouldering, sulphurous Krafla caldera. Further afield there are the multi-hued houses that hug the mountainside by the fishing village of Husavik from where you can go whale spotting; the unusually wooded canyon at Asbyrgi; Dettifoss with its dishwater grey torrent and the somewhat forgotten Selfoss with its wide curtain fall.

Day 8 Myvatn – Saudarkrokur Drive to Akureyri, through the Öxnadalsheidi pass and then round to Laugarbakki for a night at Gauksmyri Lodge in the heart of horse breeding country.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick*Glasgow* or Manchester* to Reykjavík

All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service 13 nights hotel accommodation as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfast throughout 13 days (13 x 24 hrs) cat group C car hire including unlimited mileage; theft protection & collision damage waiver insurance; local taxes and airport collection/drop off charges

Entrance to the Blue Lagoon including bathrobe & towel Touring map, audio guide CD and pocket guide

* Flight schedule may dictate amended itinerary.

Price £2195pp

Day 9 Laugarbakki – Isafjordur Take the road across to Blönduos and follow the fjord road through some of the country’s most verdant countryside, then through Steingrímsfjardarheidi to Isafjördur for 2 nights at Hotel Isafjördur.

Day 10 Isafjordur Time to explore one of Iceland’s most remote towns. Once home to a prosperous fishing industry, the decline has thrown up some quirky alternatives including swamp mud football!

Day 11 Isafjordur – Grundarfjordur Drive south to Dyjandi (a series of falls, uppermost of which is the much photographed fan shaped one) and then along the northern side of the Snæfellsness peninsula, dropping in on Stykkishólmur and then to Grundarfjordur for 2 nights at Hotel Framnes.

Day 12 Grundarfjordur A take your pick day! Bird watch on Breidafjördur bay; take the car round to the vertiginous bird cliffs at Arnarstapi (the hike between there and Hellnar is beautiful) or climb up on to Snæfellsjökull glacier. The choice is yours.

Day 13 Grundarfjordur – Reykjavik Along the southern shore of the peninsula to Bogarnes (the Settlement Centre there is a good place to catch up on Sagas that Iceland is known for) and south to Reykjavík for a final night at Hotel Centrum.

Iceland Summer Adventures

Day 14 Reykjavik – UK After breakfast, leave relatively early for the Blue Lagoon and a valedictory bathe before dropping off your hire car and return flight to the UK.

SEY ISFJOR UR

ISAFJ R UR

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Highlights of the South Iceland in a Nutshell

Savour scenic vistas of Hekla and still warm Eyjafjallajökull whilst staying at the eponymous Hotel Hekla from where you can enjoy South Iceland’s most famous attractions each and every day. Just a stone’s throw away are Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir, and little more than two stones’ throw the glacial splendour of Myrdalsjökull and rainbow arched Skógafoss.

Enjoy Reykjavík’s cutting edge everything; take in Iceland’s best known natural attractions: Gullfoss, Geysir and the serenity of Pingvellir, do a little culture vulturing up by Reykholt, shrine to Saga author Snorri Sturluson; drive out along the Snæfellsnes peninsula topped at its end with an eternal ‘pyramid of snow’; do a little whale spotting at Ólafsvík.

PRICES FROM £899pp PRICES FROM £1285pp

South Coast Explorer Iceland’s Natural Wonders

Enjoy some of Iceland’s most iconic attractions that are strung out along the island’s southern coast: the hanging curtain waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss; Dyrhólaey’s bird cliffs and unique rock arch; Myrdalsjökull glacier and the most famous trio of them all: Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir.

Take in Gullfoss and Geysir and then follow the South Coast for the best of Iceland’s natural wonders: Seljalandsfoss; Skogafoss, Dyrhólaey, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Seydisfjördur and the magical Lake Myvatn area.

Our Iceland experiencesFrom Reykjavík the road North skirts Faxafloi Bay through Borgarnes and out along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, topped at its tip with a glacier dubbed ‘the pyramid of eternal snow’. Búdir is beautifully isolated and from there you can take a trip to Ólafsvík where blue whales proliferate offshore; drive up on the glacier or over to Stykkishólmur, an iconic fishing harbour.

The Northern coastal strip is peaceful, pastoral and intersected by the deep fjords, Skagajördur and Eyjajördur, both of which have islands at their entrance and towns at their head. Akureyri is the so called capital of Northern Iceland but don’t be mislead by this - just 15,000 people live here. A trip to Hrísey, a flat teardrop-shape island populated by more ptarmigan than people, is the thing to do there.

Iceland’s Northeast corner is dominated by Lake Myvatn, a vast placid sheet of water dotted with islets like giant water lilies, surreally skirted by cones, craters and other strange shaped volcanic detritus. Just up the road from Myvatn is Húsavík from where you can go whale spotting and Ásbyrgi, a huge

Birdlife, Whales and the Magic of Myvatn An Island adventure

The bird cliffs either side of the Snæfellsness Peninsula; Lake Myvatn’s breeding ducks including the American Barrow’s Goldeneye make this tour a particular joy for the amateur ornithologist. Whale spotting in Husavik, Namaskaro’s steam vents, the Arctic Char Laden Laxa River and Dimmuborgir’s extraordinary lava formations.

Circumnavigate the island for a surfeit of ‘wow’ factor sights and dramatically contrasting scenery ranging from black sand beaches, eerily misty fjords, and steaming fumaroles to lush green moorland, fertile glacier plains and waterfalls.

A Highland Adventure Whales and WaterfallsUninhabitable and impassable for all but two months of the year, the Sprengisanður highland road is an awesomely stark route down through the middle of the Island and the dramatic centrepiece of this itinerary.

One of the best locations for Whale spotting is featured in this itinerary as you follow a route out along the dramatically stark Snaefellsness Peninsula, round through horse country to the Northern curtain block waterfalls of Goðafoss and Selfoss, and Europe’s most popular plunge waterfall Dettifoss.

horseshoe shaped cliff face left by Odin’s eight legged horse! Nearby Jökulsárglijúfur National Park has three of Iceland’s great waterfalls: Godafoss, Dettifoss and Selfoss.

In the South are Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir often referred to collectively as The Golden Circle: Gullfoss or Golden Falls, invariably overarched with a rainbow, falls 10 metres before turning at right angles and streaming down a 2 km long canyon. The eponymous Geysir gave the world the name and its centre piece Strokkur spurts somewhat arthritically but still impressively. Pingvillir is a National Park and also site of the old Viking Parliament, Althing. The Reykjanes Peninsula is best known for Iceland’s signature attraction, the Blue Lagoon.

However and whatever you might want to discover here we have an extensive portfolio of pre-designed itineraries featured on our web site where you can also download specific ones in PDF format. And of course we can tailor make an itinerary for you – please just give a ring or send an e-mail.

The Pearls of Eastern Finland - 8 days (Self Guided) The route of Kings and Czars - 8 days (Self Guided)

Uncover the Russian legacy of Eastern Finland with its wild and romantic forests; foaming white rapids; onion domed architecture and Karelian cuisine. Along the way drift around by boat to savour the lakes at Tervo; cruise on Lake Saimaa and, for the full Monty, take a trip into Russia proper.

Follow the route of Kings and Czars along the Baltic Hansa Trail from Stockholm through the Aland Islands to Turku, the ancient capital of Finland, and ending in Helsinki ‘Daughter of the Baltic’. Highlights include a cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago and a stay in Mariehamn.

Images of Western Finland - 11 days (Partially escorted) Helsinki & St Petersburg - 8 days (Escorted)

Come and discover the Finland we know and love: its western archipelago with innumerable rocks and skerries; its lattice of lakes and forests and capitals, old & new. The highlight day of this tour in high summer is undoubtedly the lake cruise to Sibelius’ birthplace.

As much a work of art as a city, Russia’s past capital, St. Petersburg is a captivating cocktail of experiences. This twin centre holiday begins with time in Helsinki before taking the rail route past medieval Vyborg, across the Karelian Isthmus and into the ancient capital of the Czars.

Our Finnish, Baltic & Russian ExperiencesIndisputably the land of the Midnight Sun bathing late evening landscapes with a blood orange glow, Finland is also the land of golden cloudberries and arctic salmon, of a thousand lakes and majestic forests, inspired architecture and civilized living. Anthropologists often argue how and why the Finns came to be there (their impenetrable language has linguistic affinities with only Estonian and Hungarian) but spend a few days here and you’ll discover why they stayed.

Just around the corner from Helsinki at the top of Gulf of Finland is St Petersburg with its onion domed Cathedrals, Catherine the Great’s astonishing stash of loot in the Hermitage Museum and the last Czar’s extravagant Summer Palaces. Along the interconnected waterways leading to Moscow dominated by its infamous Kremlin you’ll find Russia delivers all its Tolstoy drama in spades. Barely 2 hours away buy high speed catamaran lies Tallinn and Estonia, one of the trio of countries known as the Baltic States.

However and whatever you might want to discover here we have an extensive portfolio pre-designed itineraries featured on our web site where you can also download specific ones in PDF format. And of course we can tailor make an itinerary for you – please just give a ring or send an e-mail.

Finland, Baltic & Russia E X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Images of Sweden - 9 days (Self guided) The Gota Canal - Sweden from Coast to Coast - 6 days (Partially escorted)

Discover Sweden from coast to coast:stylish Stockholm and its 24,000 island archipelago; the beauty of the Swedish countryside and the wooden clapboard village of Grythyttans; the serenity of Lake Vanem and maritime Gothenburg.

Discover Sweden from coast to coast travelling on a Gota Canal steamer in true grand 19th century style; crossing the country’s great lakes; drifting through its tranquil countryside and navigating Stockholm’s southern archipelago.

Soul of Lapland - 5 or 7 day (Self guided) Sweden from East to West - 5 or 7 day (Self guided)

Explore the natural beauty of Swedish Lapland and learn of the traditional Lapp culture on this carefully tailored tour starting in Stockholm and then travelling across the Arctic Circle on Sweden’s famous Inlandsbanan inland railway. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to contrast Stockholm’s sophistication with the rugged beauty of Sweden’s Northern provinces.

Enjoy some of the places the Swedes keep to themselves: The smoothly skerried western coastline where the nation’s smart set have their summer houses; the ‘can hear a pin drop’ meadowland close by its great lakes, the cobbled alleyways of Stockholm’s Old Town and its second city Gothenburg.

Our Swedish Experiences Sweden is a land of elegant cities inseparable from the exquisite beauty of its countryside. Almost touching Denmark at its most southerly point, the country

stretches above the Arctic Circle to conflate with Finland and Norway at its apex and its countryside vistas move from sand dune beaches through forested

woodland to cobble topped mountains. From Stockholm to Goteborg on the west coast the Gota Canal unites the country’s two port cities along its multi-

locked canal route stepping up the famed water staircase at Trollhatan, crossing Lakes Vattern and Vanern and along the coast. Carefully manicured fields

and meadows are peppered with ochre coloured clapboard houses and Lutheran spired churches. We know about Stockholm Archipelago’s 24,000 islands;

Marstrand and Gotland on the opposite coast where Sweden’s A list hang out; where the best places to be over mid-summer, are and other little known gems

around which to plan the holiday you want.

However and whatever you might want to discover here we have an extensive portfolio pre-designed itineraries featured on our web site where you can also

download specific ones in PDF format. And of course we can tailor make an itinerary for you – please just give a ring or send an e-mail.

Sweden Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Our Greenland ExperiencesTo holiday in Greenland is to holiday on the edge of a giant ice cap (over 80% of the world’s biggest island is covered in ice) with

a fertile coastal fringe indented with glacial valleys and fjords, many of which in summer have calving glacier tongues at their edge

with bergs drifting leisurely out to sea. Above all Greenland is awesome grandeur: eerily quiet with a tiny population still a long way

from the 21st century in both mind and spirit.

Greenland Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Greenland’s fleeting summer brings migratory birds and a plethora of flora and fauna: bluebells, broad leaf fireweed, mountain crowberry, herbs, mosses and heather. Wildlife is prolific with white tailed Eagles, Polar Bears, Reindeer, Fin and Humpback Whales, Harp Seals, Musk Oxen and Blue & White Arctic Foxes.

For those interested in the complexity of climate change Greenland is one giant resource centre: researchers have drilled down over 3 kilometres to extract a core providing a 100,000 year old climate change record; in 2007 a new island ‘Warming Island’ was revealed as the ice sheet retreated and Greenland’s ice sheet stores 10% of the world’s fresh water.

NATIONAL PARK

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ILULISSAT

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SISIMIUT

MANLITSOQ

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Ilulissat – The Town of IcebergsGiant icebergs, calving glaciers, baying sled dogs and magnificent wild life, including seals musk oxen

and eagles, make Greenland quite unique. Get up close and personal with reindeer and the arctic

fox; walk up on the inland Ice Cap and fly up across the Arctic Circle to Disko Bay to see the glaciers

continuously dropping ice chunks into the turquoise blue water with a thunderous clap.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled SAS flights from Heathrow to Copenhagen Return scheduled Air Greenland flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlusuaq Return Air Greenland flights from Kangerlusuaq to Ilulissat In flight cabin service including lunch/breakfast Copenhagen/Kangerlusuaq return All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes 5 nights accommodation in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Hotel transfers in Greenland Breakfasts throughout and 4 dinners in Greenland Services of Destination Guide in Greenland.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The Icebergs of SermermiutSermermiut is a fertile valley next to the Ice Fjord where you can enjoy flowers and fantastic ice bergs at the same time. 4 hours, refreshments included.£43 pp

Midnight Cruise to the Ice FjordCruise between the icebergs in the midnight sun and enjoy a Martini on the ‘real rocks’. 3 hours.£86 pp

Eqip – The Calving GlacierCruise in front of Ilulissat’s only calving glacier and enjoy lunch whilst anticipating a unique ‘delivery’. 8 hours including lunch.£245 pp

Rodebay Hunter’s SettlementBy boat to the small settlement Oqaitsut/Rodebay with a local population of approx. 40 persons totally dependent on fishing and hunting - a quite different world compared to the nearby town of Ilulissat. Guided walk through the village before we will enjoy lunch at the old trading station.£166 pp

Day 1 UK – Keflavik Scheduled flight to Keflavik. Transfer to & overnight at Hotel Natura.

Day 2 Reykjavik – Ilulissat Mid morning Air Iceland flight to Ilulissat. Meet and greet service by local guide. Transfer to hotel for information briefing and guided walk around the town. Supper and overnight at Hotel Arctic.

Day 3 Ilulissat Air Greenland flight to Iluissat. Transfer on arrival. Optional excursions. Overnight at Hotel Arctic for three nights.

Day 3/4/5 Ilulissat Days free for optional excursions as shown.

Day 6 Ilulissat – Reykjavik Air Iceland flight to Reykjavik, self transfer to and final night at Hotel Natura.

Day 7 Reykjavik – UK Transfer to Keflavik via the Blue Lagoon for return flight to UK.

YOUR TOUR

Price £1995pp

E X P E R I E N C E Greenland Summer Adventures

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South GreenlandSouth Greenland is the tip of the country and synonymous with the name Greenland: pastoral

landscapes peppered with villages and working sheep farms set against a backdrop of majestic

mountains. The Ice Cap is just a few kilometres from Narsarsuaq and it is here that you will find the

remnants of the Norse Age including a meticulous reconstruction of Erik the Red’s farm.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow* or Manchester* to Reykjavik Return scheduled Air Iceland flights from Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq Pay on board cabin service All passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Airport/hotel bus transfers in Reykjavik in connection with International flights 6 nights accommodation at hotels specified in itinerary. Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout and 4 dinners in Greenland Services of Destination Guide in Greenland.

*Flight schedule may dictate amended itinerary

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK – Reykjavík Scheduled flight to Reykjavík. Transfer to & overnight at Hótel Natura

Day 2 Reykjavík – Narsarsuaq Short self-transfer to Reykjavík Domestic Airport for flight to Narsarsuaq. Overnight at Hotel Narsarsuaq for 4 nights.

Days 3, 4 & 5 Narsarsuaq Days free for optional excursions as shown. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 6 Narsarsuaq – Reykjavík Air Iceland flight to Reykjavík, self-transfer to and final night at Hotel Natura.

Day 7 Reykjavík – UK Transfer to Keflavik via the Blue Lagoon for return flight to UK.

Price £1865pp

Greenland Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

IGALIKU VILLAGEA 9 hour tour beginning by boat through an ice filled fjord to Itilleq where you land and continue by foot to the preserved ruins of the Vikings’ Cathedral and Bishop’s Farm. Lunch included. £147 pp

QOOROQ ICE FJORDA cruise through an iceberg strewn fjord to witness the dramatic sights and sounds of vast amounts of ice calving from one of Greenland‘s most stunning glaciers. 3 hours. £74 pp

ICE CAP HIKEStarting from Narsarsuaq, your route follows a 6km trail across mountain terrain with beautiful sub-Arctic flora. Lunch atop a mountain peak with awe-inspiring vistas of the Glacier and Ice Cap beneath. 8 hours. £68 pp

ERIC THE RED’S VIKING RUINSSail down Eric’s fjord to Qassiarsuk in the footsteps of Eric the Red, who founded Greenland in 985 AD, with a visit to the ruins of Brattahlid, his original farmstead and Thorhildur’s Church. £61 pp

Excursions are pre-bookable in Sterling or payable locally in Danish Krona. We reserve the right to cancel or change intineraries for logistical or climatic reasons.

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Our Spitsbergen ExperiencesFollow in Amundesen’s footsteps to these islands of extraordinary beauty with their glacial landscapes, migratory bird life and

remote settlements. Here, where the sun never sets in summer, you lose touch with time, whilst slowly savouring a mountainous

beauty unmatched anywhere in the world.

Spitsbergen is the largest of the Svalbard archipelago’s islands, whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the most northerly point in the world reachable by scheduled flight and where the sun never sets (April 20th and August 22nd). The name means “land of the jagged peaks” and Geologists estimate that millions of years ago the archipelago was at the equator and subsequently drifted north to produce dramatic mountain rock formations and heat hardened sea beds pointing skywards and glacier walls, as long as 200 km.

The largest settlements are Longyearbyen, with a population of about 1400, the Russian mining town of Barentsburg that is frozen in time and Ny Ålesund from where Amundsen began his epic voyage across the North Pole by airship. The old trappers’ huts, made from drift wood and logs carried down the Barents Sea, bear witness to the winter hardships still borne by a handful of hunters.

For botanists Spitsbergen’s some 200 species include the delicate Svalbard poppy; abundant purple Saxifragas, white heaths of Cassiope; pink mounds of Silena acaulis and the delicate blue hues of the Boreal Jacob’s ladder.

For the ornithologist the sheer abundance of the literally millions of Brunnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks are just mind boggling. With King Eider, Ivory Gull, Sabine’s Gull and Snow Buntings to add to the show, Svalbard is a photographers paradise.

If you take one of our expedition cruises, partway round the archipelago the arctic mammals are the stars of the show. This is Polar Bear country and you will have a good chance of seeing females with their cubs searching out food alongside walruses hauled out on sand banks and grazing Svalbard reindeer.

THE TRAPPERS LODGEBuilt with reclaimed driftwood in a traditional rustic trapper’s style and furnished with sealskins, fur rugs, whalebones, oil lamps and other arctic bric-a-brac, the Trappers Lodge is exquisitely atmospheric and possessed of instant heritage. Notwithstanding the Lodge’s style all 16 rooms have WC/shower.

Spitsbergen Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Spitsbergen Expedition Cruises Price from £3875pp

THE PLANCIUSOriginally built as an oceanographic research vessel for the Dutch Navy and subsequently completely re-built as a polar exploration vessel and modified to include 53 cabins in different configurations: 9 twin, 2 triple and 4 quads with porthole plus 26 twin, 2 twin de-luxe and 10 superior cabins with window. All cabins have private WC/shower and deck level bunks other than the triples (1 deck level and 2 bunks and quads which have 2 two bunks).

Deck 3 has a restaurant cum lecture room and deck 5 an observation lounge with glazed surrounds for maximum panoramic views of shoreline scenery and wildlife. Deck 4 also has free run deck space fore and aft down both sides for viewing.

The ship has gangways on both starboard and port sides and carries ten 40 HP zodiac inflatables all of which make for swift shore landings.

The ship’s crew is multi-national in the hospitality areas but deck officers are invariably Russian being acknowledged for their polar navigation skills and seamanship.

THE EXPEDITION LEADERSCruises are led by experienced leaders with a strong and academically based enthusiasm for the Polar Region in general and their specialist subject in particular. As eclectic a group by way of nationality, gender, career path, experience and academic discipline as it is possible to find, they nonetheless find common ground in their love of nature and the environment.

Some of those who have led expeditions in recent years are: Robin Buzza who moved to Spitsbergen after rowing from England to the North Cape in an open boat. During his 25 years in Spitsbergen he’s spent a winter in a trapper’s cabin and dog sledded over the greater part of the archipelago.

Rolf Strange has published several books including ‘Rocks and Ice’ on the geography and geology of Svalbard and has worked as a guide and zodiac driver for Oceanwide Expeditions for over a decade doing somewhere over a 100 trips.

Ian Stone, a Polar historian and honorary research associate at the Polar Research Institute at Cambridge.

Morten Jorgensen has worked for the Danish Ornithological Society and as an observer for the Danish Polar Centre.

YOUR EXPEDITION CRUISE

9 DAY EXPEDITION CRUISEDay 1 Oslo Scheduled SAS flight to Oslo. Overnight at Clarion Oslo Airport Hotel.

Day 2 Oslo – Longyearbyen Early morning scheduled SAS flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen. Transfer to your ship. Evening sail north along the west coast.

Day 3 Zodiac along the sculpted front of Glacier. Kittiwakes, Brünnich’s Guillemots nest; Arctic Foxes patrol and Bearded Seals cruise the fjord. Later we sail to Ny Ålesund with its Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese and Arctic Terns.

Day 4 Sail to the mouth of Leifdefjorden and go ashore on the tundra island of Andøya. King and common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here. We might also sail alongside the impressive Monaco glacier. Polar bears can occasionally be seen.

Day 5 In Hinlopen straits we get a chance to see Bearded and Ringed Seals, Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. On Lomfjordshalvøya we zodiac up to the to the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Later land in Palanderbukta to see Spitsbergen Reindeer, Walrus and a rare Ivory Gull colony.

Day 6 At 81 degrees north we will be just over 500 miles from the geographic North Pole at Phippsøya, the northernmost point of our voyage. Taking our time we might see Polar Bears, Ivory Gulls and possibly even a Ross Gull, before it is time for us to journey south again..

Day 7 Retracing our route westwards, visit Raudfjord, a fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and Seals. At Ytre Norskøya the bird life is prolific, with colonies of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas.

Day 8 Depending on conditions either land near Fuglehuken or sail south to Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on the cliffs at both, with the former having the only

June, July August

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Spitsbergen Summer Adventures

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return SAS flights from Heathrow to Longyearbyen via Oslo Passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Overnight hotel accommodation in twin bedded room(s) either outbound or inbound in Oslo or Longyearbyen as required by airline schedule.

7 or 10 nights onboard ship according to selected cruise in chosen cabin category All meals on board ship including daytime snacks, coffee and tea All shore excursions and activities by Zodiac throughout expedition cruise Programme of lectures by naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff Transfers in Longyearbyen Pre-departure pack and Spitzbergen wildlife guide book

harbour seal population in Spitsbergen and at the latter Arctic Foxes search for fallen eggs and chicks, while reindeer graze. Later cruise through beautiful Borebukta following a glacier front.

Day 9 Longyearbyen – UK Dock at Longyearbyen in time for your return SAS flight(s) to the UK via Oslo.

Prices £3875pp (Twin with porthole) £3995pp (Twin with window)£4215pp (Twin de-luxe) £4585pp (Twin Superior)

12 DAY EXPEDITION CRUISEDay 1 UK – Oslo Scheduled SAS flight to Oslo, overnight at Clarion Airport Hotel.

Day 2 Oslo-Longyearbyen Early morning scheduled flight to Longyearbyen and transfer to the ship. Check in to your cabin. Time for a brief look at Longyearbyen before early evening sailing.

Day 3 Sail into Krossfjorden and Zodiac along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. Nearby cliffs have Kittiwakes and Brünnich’s Guillemots nesting whilst Arctic Foxes patrol the base of the cliff in case a hapless chick falls from its nest whilst Bearded Seals cruise this scenic fjord.

Day 4 In Liefdefjorden go ashore on the tundra island of Andøya. Common Eiders and pink-footed Geese nest here along with rare King Eider which may also be seen. Sail along the sheer face of the Monaco Glacier, where thousands of kittiwakes and occasionally polar bears are seen.

Day 5 Today we reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet just over 500 miles from the North Pole. Possibly sit in the pack ice, taking in the spectacular surroundings.

Day 6 Visit Laagöya today, a low island with a big lagoon where a walrus herd tends to congregate; Sabine’s gulls nest on the island as well. At Sorgfjord we may find another herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th century whalers.

Day 7 Sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, polar bears, and ivory gulls. Navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in Zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. Attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, pink-footed geese, breeding ivory gulls, and walruses.

Day 8 Near Torrelneset, explore the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world’s third largest ice cap. Sailing south of Nordaustlandet there is good chance of seeing Greenland whales.

Day 9 In Freemansundet to land on Barentsøya to visit an old trapper’s hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen Reindeer and Barnacle Geese. Later cruise south to Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya and Zodiac through the shallow bay to land on a beach littered with whale bones and logs carried down from the Barents sea. Climb to the rim of a narrow gully inhabited by thousands of Kittiwakes, Black Guillemots and piratical Glaucous Gulls.

Day 10 Cruise the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks: Hornsundtind rises to 1431m dramatically demonstrating why Spitsbergen (the land of jagged peaks) is so called; there are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and Polar Bears.

Day 11 Land on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden. Here piles of Beluga skeletons (a small white whale), the remains of 19th century slaughter, litter the shoreline and there is a good chance we will come across a pod. Cruise into Recherchefjorden during the afternoon and explore an area of tundra at the head of the fjord where many Reindeer feed.

Day 12 Dock at Longyearbyen in time for your return SAS flight(s) to the UK via Oslo.

Prices £4695pp (Twin with porthole) £4875pp (Twin with window)£5165pp (Twin de-luxe) £5625pp (Twin Superior)

PRE-BOOKABLE EXCURSIONS

BOAT TRIP TO BARENTSBURG AND ESMARK GLACIER Sail past the calving glacier Esmark, guided tour of the Russian mining town Barentsburg, photo safari by teeming bird cliffs. Lunch on board. 9/10 hours. Mon,Wed, Fri & Sat at 08.30 hrs. £174 pp

BOAT TRIP TO PYRAMIDEN AND THE NORDENSKIOLD GLACIER Close view of the cathedral looking Tempelfjellet and the Nordenskiold glacier. Visit the abandoned Russian mining town Pyramiden. Lunch on board. 9/10 hours. Tue, Thu & Sun at 08.30 hrs. £174 pp

TREKKING TO TROLLSTEINEN VIA LARSBREEN A combined hiking and glacier walk. Packed lunch below Trollsteinen at 849m above sea level. Return via the Longyear glacier. Uneven and steep

Adventures in SpitsbergenTake a zodiac cruise to the Bird Mountain; hike up over a glacier; cruise down the fjord to

Barentsburg; kayak on Adventurefjorden or trek over to Kap Linne from Longyearbyen, the

jumping off point for some of the 19th century Arctic explorers. The settlement’s 3 pubs, 1 shop

and cinema that opens only on Sunday all add to the frontier feel of this remote Arctic region.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled SAS flight(s) from Heathrow to Longyearbyen via Oslo All Passenger service charges and airport departure taxes 5 nights accommodation at Trappers Lodge Lodging in twin room with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout

YOUR TOUR

LONGYEARBYENDay 1 UK – Oslo Scheduled SAS flight to Oslo. Overnight Clarion Oslo Airport Hotel.

Day 2 Oslo – Spitsbergen Scheduled SAS flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen. Self transfer to the Trappers Lodge for 4 nights.

Day 3 – 5 Longyearbyen Choice of optional excursions.

Day 6 Spitsbergen – UK Self transfer to Longyearbyen airport for your return SAS flight(s) via Oslo back to the UK.

Price £1325pp

terrain, experience in walking on rugged surface is required. Mountain boots essential. 6 hours. Tue,Thu & Sat at 14.00 hrs. £80 pp

ISFJORD SAFARI TO FUGLEFJELLA AND HJORTHAMN In an open Zodiac the tour heads for Fuglefjellet (the Bird Mountain) where thousands of nesting sea birds can be seen in June and July. Warm clothes necessary, protective clothing provided. 3 hours. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at 09.00 hrs. Sat & Sun at 16.00 £83 pp

KAYAK TRIP TO HJORTHAMN An exciting paddle in sturdy kayaks on Adventfjorden. 7 hours. Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat at 09.00. £114 pp

WILDERNESS BARBEQUE Spend an eventful evening in a small traditionally built cabin with open fireplace. Enjoy a 3 course dinner with a glass of wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a visual slide show around Svalbard and learn about the island’s animal life as well as summer and winter expeditions. 3 hours. Wed and Sat at 19.00 hrs. £95 pp

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GEIRANGER

TRONDHEIM

ÅLESUND

TORVIK

RØRVIK

SVOLÆR

SORTLAND

RISØYHAMN

TROMSØ

KJØLLEFJORD

MEHAMN

BERGEN

HAMMERFEST

Our Norwegian Experiences An almost mystical land of glass flat water fjords, of sweeping pine and spruce forests and towering

mountains reaching up across the Arctic Circle into Lapland, where its once nomadic Sami people

still live a life, and in a world, apart. In spring orchards blossom in the country’s southern fertile

valleys giving way in summer to melt water cascading in gossamer threads down vertiginous

mountain sides.

Norway Summer AdventuresE X P E R I E N C E NORDIC

Along the skerried coastline, Hurtigruten’s (literally express route) passenger carrying ships sail each and everyday

in a sort of glorified shuttle service stopping to deliver post and packets at 32 different ports between the Hanseatic

town of Bergen and Kirkenes on the Russian border. Serpentine roads crisscross the smooth rock topped

mountains plunging down through valleys clad with birch clinging perilously to their sides and encircle tranquil

lakes glistening green and blue in the sunlight. Across the great mountain arch between Oslo the ‘Viking Capital’

and Bergen the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ the Bergensbanen cruises along its tracks providing spectacular views of a

mountain canopy stretching as far as the eye can see.

Across the Roof of Norway with Mountain & Fjord add-onsThe Bergensbanen is one of the great rail journeys of the world: the highest line in Europe it climbs up to 4000 feet across the

barren, snow flecked Hardangervidda mountain plateau before descending through lush valleys to the coast. You can enjoy it in a

single day; stop off in the mountains or take the Flåm mountain spur down to the Sognefjord.

OSLOThe oldest Nordic capital is set at the head of the Oslo fjord and steeped in its Viking heritage. A compact city, with most of its museums, shops, theatres and restaurants within walking distance of each other, it has a uniquely restful and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The extraordinary Vineland Sculpture Park is a must.

BALESTRANDNestling on a promontory the little village of Balestrand is something of a Norwegian icon with its backdrop of snow capped mountains and sweeping fjord. Both the Kviknes Hotel and the Midtnes Pension have been in the same hands for years. A trip to the Fjaerland glacier is a must.

LOFTHUSWith views across the Hardangerfjord to the Folgefonna glacier its easy to understand why this was a favourite haunt of Greig’s. In many ways more an orchard than a village (in spring the fjord’s edge is carpeted with apple blossom) Lofthus is synonymous with the legendary Ullensvang Hotel. In the hands of the Utne family for generations the current descendant Hans has a Swiss wife adding her skills to the hotel’s hospitality and cuisine.

YOUR TOUR

THE BERGENSBANENDay 1 UK – Oslo Scheduled SAS flight to Oslo for 2 nights at Hotel Byporten (standard) or the Victoria Hotel Victoria (superior).

Day 2 Oslo All day to enjoy the many attractions this capital has to offer; take a guided city tour, explore the many museums, shop till you drop, or just wander around at your leisure.

Day 3 Bergendbanen Take the train ‘Across the Roof of Norway’ to Myrdal for the steep descent along the 20 km mountain railway to Flam. Then by ferry along the Aurland and Naeroy fjords to Gudvangen; bus to Stalheim for a view over the mountains before continuing on to Voss and the Bergensbanen down to Bergen. Two nights at the Grand Hotel Terminus (standard) or Neptun (superior).

Day 4 Bergen The ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ is filled with attractions; take the funicular up Mount Fløyen, stroll around the fish market, take a fast ferry into the fjords or enjoy the famous ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ day excursion.

Day 5 Bergen – UK Morning at leisure before self transfer to Flesland airport for return SAS flight to UK.

For many years this tour has been our most popular to Norway, especially for the first time visitor; combining Oslo with Bergen by travelling along the spectacular rail route that literally crosses the ‘Roof’ of Norway.

As well as our 5-day option, 7-day variations allow you to enjoy a stay in a magical fjord-side retreat. And of course any of our itineraries can be extended by a day or more in any given location.

Price STANDARD £1385pp

Price SUPERIOR £1415pp

BERGENSituated in the heart of Fjord Norway, this charming Hanseatic harbour town sits in the embrace of its seven mountains, latticed by fjords. Bryggen, the medieval quayside and Troldhaugen are probably its best known attractions. The view from the top of Mount Fløyen is truly breathtaking.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled SAS return flights from London Heathrow to Oslo/Bergen Passenger service charges and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service Accommodation at hotels specified in itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) (FJORD VIEW ROOMS AT KVIKNES & ULLENSVANG) with private WC/shower

Breakfasts throughout and buffet dinners in Balestrand or Ullensvang according to itinerary

Internal travel by rail (2nd class), ferry, and/or bus according to itinerary NB Local airport hotel transfers are payable locally.

ALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

LOFTHUS Day 1 UK – Oslo Scheduled SAS flight to Oslo for 2 nights at the Hotel Byporten (standard) or Hotel Victoria (superior).

Day 2 Oslo A full day to explore this the Viking capital on your own or join an escorted city tour.

Day 3 Bergensbanen Morning departure by rail on the famous Oslo-Bergen railway as far as Voss. Transfer by connecting buses and ferry to Bruravik, Brimnes and Lofthus for 3 nights at the Hotel Ullensvang.

Day 4/5 Lofthus Explore the ‘Orchard of Norway’ – maybe enjoy some walks up in the surrounding mountains.

Day 6 Lofthus – Bergen Late afternoon departure by ferry to Norheimsen and connecting bus to Bergen. Two nights at either the Hotel Grand Terminus (standard) or Hotel Neptun (superior).

Day 7 Bergen The ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ is filled with attractions; take the funicular up Mount Fløyen, stroll around the fish market or take a fast ferry into the fjords.

Day 8 Bergen – UK Morning at leisure before return SAS flight to UK.

Price from £925pp

YOUR TOURS

BALESTRANDDays 1 & 2 UK – Oslo As per Across the Roof itinerary.

Day 3 THE Bergensbanen Early morning departure west by train to Myrdal, then experience the eponymous spectacular mountain railway down to Flam and continue by fjord express boat across the Sognefjord to Balestrand. Two nights Midtnes Pension (standard) or Kvikne’s Hotel (superior).

Day 4 Balestrand All day to relax in this picturesque fjord village - or take the ferry along the Fjærlandfjord to the edge of the Jostedalsbreen glacier; visit Urnes Stave church or cross the fjord for a high speed RIB wildlife safari.

Day 5 Balestrand – Bergen Travel by fjord express boat down the length of the Sognefjord, before turning south along the coast to Bergen for 2 nights at Hotel Grand Terminus (standard) or Hotel Neptun (Superior).

Day 6 Bergen At leisure to see the many sights, or take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for a walk on one of the many marked paths.

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Alesund and the Geiranger FjordEnjoy the Gaudi like swirls, medieval ornamentation, story book spires and mannered chic of the

Art Nouveau style in which Ålesund was built together with one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords.

Perfect for a short break: you can wander the streets of this fairy tale city, dine on fish that’s been

landed on the quayside that day and cram masses of dazzling experiences into a day guided out to

and along the Geirangerfjord.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Alesund . Alternative Departure airports available

All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges Pay on board cabin service Full day Geiranger fjord excursion 3 nights accommodation at chosen hotel (See website for details) Lodging in twin room with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK-Alesund Scheduled flight to Ålesund via Oslo. Self transfer to your selected hotel for 3 nights.

Day 2 Alesund Day at leisure to explore this art nouveau gem with an optional evening excursion for a fish supper on the island fishing village of Ona crowned with an ochre red lighthouse.

Day 3 Geirangerfjord Cultural and scenic vistas unfold by the hour starting along the boulder scree slashed Norangsdal valley by bus to the village of Oye, from there to Hellesylt for the local ferry for a close up experience of the fjord and time ashore in the eponymous village at its end. Then back in more majestic style on a Hurtigruten packet ship and along the coast to the quayside in Alesund.

Day 4 Alesund – UK Self transfer to airport for return flight to UK.

Price £925pp

PRE-BOOKABLE EXCURSIONS

ONA LIGHTHOUSE AND FISH SOUP SUPPER.Boat trip to the small island of Ona in the open ocean, visit the lighthouse and see the small community with only 30 permanent inhabitants. Fish soup supper included. Sun, Tue, Thur, Sat departures at 20.00, 4 hours. £65 pp.

WILDLIFE SEA SAFARIWhisk out along the coast in a high speed rigid inflatable boat (RIB) for spectacular sightings of puffins, fulmars and eagles perching on the bird cliffs of numerous islands skerries. Mon, Wed & Thurs departures at 18.00 hours £95 pp.

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Midnight Sun ExperienceWitness the extraordinary phenomena of the ‘Midnight Sun’ from the top of Mount Floya in Tromso,

Norway’s ‘Paris of the North’. Enjoy the effervescent atmosphere of the world’s most northerly

university town, sample the freshest fish dishes in myriad local restaurants and experience numerous

excursions options to make your trip one to remember.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled SAS flights from Heathrow to Tromso (via Oslo) Alternative departure Airports available Airport departure taxes and passenger service charges Hotel accommodation at Hotel With Lodging in harbour view twin bedded room with private WC/Shower 3 breakfasts, afternoon waffles, complimentary tea & coffee, 3 light buffet suppers Midnight Sun cable car trip including light meal Entrance to Midnight Sun concert

Price £895pp

E X P E R I E N C E Norway Summer Adventures

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS

GLACIER HIKING (NOT FOR THE FAINTHEARTED)An exhausting but exhilarating day out. An hour’s drive, followed by two and a half hour’s walking brings you to the Steindals glacier in Lyngen. Upon arrival you will receive basic instruction in the use of glacial equipment and safety before we embark on our journey over the glacier, which will last for about three to four hours, with the awe-inspiring Alps of Lyngen in the background. A truly memorable experience. Bring warm and windproof clothing, sunglasses, good mountain walking boots, a woollen hat and mittens. £175 pp Time: 07:15 – ca. 22:00

MIDNIGHT SUN HIKINGEnjoy an adventurous and exotic hiking trip in the bright summer night. Beautiful mountain scenery. Make sure to wear hiking shoes or boots. £140 pp

RIB TRIP TO RYOYALeave by Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to the site of the sinking of the German Battle ship ‘Tirpitz’, by the Royal Air Force in 1944, and then on to the Musk Oxen island. The Musk Ox is a magnificent arctic animal with a thick coat and long curved horns. £120 pp

MIDNIGHT SUN SAFARIAt 23:00 we leave Tromso harbour to go to Gasvaer Island, where we marvel at the white coral sand, spectacular sea views and a beautiful old church. Afterwards sail through Falsundet enjoying the bright shining night to look out for seal, dolphins and sea eagles. An unforgettable experience. £110 pp

YOUR TOURDay 1 UK – Tromso Scheduled SAS flights from Heathrow to Tromso, self-transfer to and overnight at Hotel With for 3 nights.

Day 2 Tromso Day at leisure. Evening visit by cable car to Storsteinen on Mount Floya for an Arctic inspired midnight feast and a view of the Midnight Sun at midnight.

Day 3 Tromso Day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel. Midnight sun concert at the Arctic Cathedral with choral music and traditional folk music.

Day 4 Tromso – UK Self transfer to airport for return flight(s) to the UK.

HOTEL WITH The Hotel With is our favourite hotel in Tromso. Situated close to the quayside in the city centre with Tromso Sound on one side and the city’s historic centre on the other it has a friendly comfortable feel. Close by are the Arctic Botanical gardens, Mack Brewery, Arctic Cathedral and several restaurants and bars. All 76 rooms have air conditioning, telephone, cable TV and private WC/shower.

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Fjords, Lakes and MountainsSome of Norway’s spectacular scenery reveals itself on this tour: the dramatic Geirangerfjord with its

overhanging waterfalls, the emerald green waters of Lake Loen, the unparalleled Kjendal Glacier and

the Sognefjord. Overnight hospitality is at two of Norway’s most famous fjord hotels, renowned for

their night time buffets and family atmosphere.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return flights from London Gatwick to Bergen. All passenger service and airport departure taxes Pay on board cabin service Hotel accommodation as specified in itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/Shower Fjord View Rooms In Loen And Balestrand Internal travel by ferry and bus as per itinerary 8 breakfasts 5 buffet dinners Geirangerfjord excursion in Loen. (Is this the Briksdal Glacier excursion?)

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK – Bergen Scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Bergen, self transfer and overnight at Hotel Neptun.

Day 2 Bergen Enjoy a day at leisure: a trip up the Floybanen Funicular for the most spectacular view across the Bergenfjord and lunch from the Fish Market are both musts.

Day 3 Bergen – Loen Travel north by bus across the Sognefjord to Utvik and along the south side of Nordfjord to the Alexandra Hotel in Loen for a 3 night stay.

Days 4/5 Loen At leisure in this, one of Norway’s most dramatic settings. During your stay, a spectacular half day excursion by coach to the Briksdal glacier is included.

Day 6 Loen – Balestrand Transfer by scheduled bus to Balestrand for 2 nights at Kviknes Hotel with time to relax in this picturesque fjord village alongside the Sognefjord.

Day 7 Balestrand At leisure: optional excursions across the fjord to Flam for a ride on its mountain railway or a ferry along to the Fjaerland glacier.

Day 8 Balestrand-Bergen Travel by Fjord Express boat along the Sognefjord to Bergen for a final night at the Hotel Park.

Day 9 Bergen – UK Morning at leisure before your return flight to London Gatwick.

Price £1635pp

HOTEL ALEXANDRAWith landscaped gardens looking out over an emerald green lake, the views, whether of mountain or lake, are very special. Members of the Grov family are always around keeping a loving eye on things and it’s their care and attention that

makes the hotel a gem.

191 rooms Lobby café Live Music 6 nights a week Tennis court/crazy golf 2 restaurants Indoor and outdoor swimming pool Bicycle hire Boat and pedal

boat hire Bar/piano bar Souvenir shop Nightclub Sauna/solarium Spa

HOTEL KVIKNESOriginally popularised in the late 19th century by British aristocracy and Scottish fishermen and painters who came for the magnificent light reflected on the Sogne. The hotel is still owned and run by descendants of the founding family. Built overlooking the fjord, it is the centrepiece of the tiny village of Balestrand, one of whose features is a replica Anglican Church originally commissioned by an English woman to appease her father for having married a Viking!

Bar Lift in the new wing Live music six nights a week in high season Restaurant overlooking the fjord Sauna and fitness centre Small boat marina Own beach

From left: Image 2 - Hotel Kviknes Image 4 - Hotel Alexandra

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The Lofoten IslandsDrive and discover the Norwegian Sea’s unique archipelagos: Lofoten and Vesterålen with their

spectacular glacial rock formations dominating the seascape. Here clustered fishing hamlets

picked out in burgundy and white along the coastline have attracted artists down the centuries.

Your tour takes you to Sortland on Vesterålen and down to Svolvær on Lofoten. Overnight

accommodation is in a mix of hotel and converted Rorbuer with opportunities for both whale

and bird watching along the way.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled SAS flight(s) from Heathrow to Evenes via Oslo All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges Pay on board cabin service 7 nights accommodation as specified in itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) or Rorbu with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout 8 days (8 x 24hrs) Group B car hire including unlimited mileage; theft protection; and collision damage waiver insurance, all local taxes and airport collection/ drop-off charges

Touring map & Lofoten & Vesteralen guidesALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK – Vesterålen Scheduled SAS flights to Evenes via Oslo. Collect your hire car and drive to Sortland. Overnight at the Sortland Hotel for 3 nights.

Days 2 – 3 Vesterålen Islands A must here is whale watching on the Moby Dick at Andenes or from Sto for longer trips that include bird life as well. At both you have a high chance of seeing sperm whales (the most abundant) plus minke, pilot and humpback whales.

Day 4 Sortland – Svolvær After breakfast take the more scenic route to Svolvaer along road 82 and the Melbu – Fiskebol ferry. Overnight for 4 nights at Svinøya Rorbuer.

Days 5 – 7 Lofoten Islands Musts here are Refsvikhula, a cathedral like cave with 3000 year old matchstick men wall drawings illuminated in the evenings by the Midnight Sun, Malstrøm, the strongest tidal rip in the world from where bellowing whales were once heard frightening the life out of villagers in Hell and Moskenes whose eagles, hawks, owls, waders, divers, ducks, gulls, puffins, waxwing and snow bunting may be seen.

Day 8 Lofoten – UK Drive back to Evenes airport. Return hire car before return flight to UK.

Price £1485pp

SORTLAND HOTELSitting in the embrace of Langoya’s mountains and fjords, the Sortland has a simple, functional exterior and a rather 60’s interior (described by the owner as retro). The 46 twin rooms were all renovated in 2010 and, whilst on the small size, are painted white which gives them a sense of space beyond their 19 or so square metres and are laid with pine flooring and brown rugs. All have private WC/Shower and particularly comfortable mattresses. Car parking is just across the road.

SVINØYA RORBUER30 Renovated or newly built Rorbu cabins with varying internal configurations and all reminiscent of the original fisherman’s homes but with bathrooms, shower/WC, kitchenette and sitting room.

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Take in Oslo’s extraordinary Vigeland sculpture park and Viking ship museum before boarding

the ‘Raumabanen’ (railway / train) that climbs up Norway’s mountain spine to Åndalsnes on the

edge of Romsdalsfjorden; from where you continue along the Trollstigen, down along the

Geirangerfjord to Ålesund. After seeing this Art Nouveau city relax and enjoy the unfolding vistas

along the coast on a Hurtigruten voyage before rounding off your trip in the Hanseatic port town of

Bergen, nestled in the embrace of its seven mountains.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled SAS flight from Heathrow to Oslo/Bergen. All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges 7 nights accommodation at hotels specified in itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout Internal travel by rail (standard class), bus and ferry as per itinerary Overnight accommodation on board Hurtigruten in NZ cabin with private WC/shower

Excursion as detailed in itineraryALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Day 1 UK – Oslo Scheduled SAS flight to Oslo. Self transfer to Hotel Victoria for two nights.

Day 2 Oslo Day at leisure. Excursion option: Hop on - Hop off sightseeing by bus including the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Viking Ship Museum.

Day 3 Oslo – Alesund Spectacular train journey from Oslo to Åndalsnes along the scenic ‘Raumabanen’. Guided travel by bus from Åndalsnes along the ‘Troll Road’, Trollstigen, across the mountain and through the valley to Valldal and Linge. Ferry to Eidsdal and further on by bus through the valley and decend via the ‘Eagles Road’, Ornevegen’ to Geiranger by the fjord. Continue by boat down the amazingly narrow and stunningly beautiful Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt where the journey continues by bus to øye and Leknes, ferry along Hjorundfjord to Magerholm and bus to Ålesund for two nights at Hotel Brosundet.

Day 4 Ålesund Cultural and scenic excursions unfold by hour starting from the Quayside in Ålesund and steaming along the Geirangerfjord on the Hurtigruten disembarking in the small village of Geirangerfjord for an afternoon ashore. Early evening departure by ferry back down the fjord to Hellesylt for an ‘up close and personal’ experience. Continue by bus through the boulder scree slashed Norangsdal valley to the village of Oye before continuing back to Ålesund.

Day 5 Ålesund – Bergen Day at leisure in Ålesund, enjoy the unique and beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and visit the Art Nouveau Centre to learn

Price £1425pp

how the town was rebuilt after the great fire of 1904. Midnight departure by Hurtigruten overnight voyage to Bergen.

Day 6 Bergen Enjoy the rugged coastal archipelago en route to Bergen. Mid afternoon arrival and self transfer to Hotel Park for two nights.

Day 7 Bergen Day at leisure. Excursion options; Funicular railway to Mount Fløyen; Bergen sightseeing tour including visits to Trollhaugen, home of composer Edward Grieg, and the Fantoft Stave Church

YOUR TOUR

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Price fromThe Geirangerfjord, a Coastal Voyage & Alesund

Voss, Sognefjord and LoenTake the road up to the mountain village of Voss dominated at its centre by Lake Vangnes; cross the

Vik mountains before catching the ferry across the Sognefjord to enjoy a couple of nights in one of

Norway’s most notable Pensjonats. Continue alongside Lake Jølster on the way to the tiny scattered

village of Loen, stopping off at the Briksdal glacier along the way. R & R Stay is in a mix of pensonjats

and fjord resort hotel with buffet dinners included each night.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return scheduled flights from UK to Bergen All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges 7 nights accommodation at nominated hotels as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout Buffet Dinners at all hotels other than in Bergen 8 days (8 x 24hrs) Cat B car hire including. unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and theft protection insurance, all local taxes and CDW, TP, taxes and airport surcharge. NBCar upgrade available on request.

Day 1 UK – Bergen Scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Bergen. Collect your hire car at the airport and self transfer drive to and overnight Hotel at Hotel Park.

Day 2 Bergen – Voss Take the funicular for the view from Mount Fløyen; explore the winding streets of Old Bergen and perhaps choose your lunch at the Fish Market before driving to Voss. Two nights at Fleischers Hotel.

Day 3 VOSS3 At Voss At leisure. Enjoy the dramatic Flåm Mountain Railway and cruise the Aurland and Nærøy Fjords.

Day 4 Voss – Balestrand Drive to Balestrand (journey includes ferry crossing payable locally). A journey of contrasts: across the Vik Mountains, down to Vik and Hopperstad Stave Church, by ferry across to Dragsvik and a short drive to Balestrand for two nights at Midtnes Hotel.

Day 5 Sognefjord We think Balestrand is Norway’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’. If you can tear yourself away from the village with its centrepiece wooden Anglican church, visit the Fjærland Glacier or; drive along to Solvorn and Urnes Stave Church. or alongside Lake Jølster.

Day 6 Balestrand – Loen Drive to Loen. Through the Barddal Valley, then along to Lake Jølster and up alongside the Briksdal Glacier. Two nights at Hotel Alexandra.

Day 7 Loen A day of agonising Today you have a number of choices. Drive up to the Geiranger Fjord withand its spectacular waterfalls; take a trip to the

YOUR TOUR

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little known Kjendal Glacier or visit Ålesund with its fascinating art nouveau buildings.

Day 8 Loen – UK Drive back to Bergen. Along the Nordfjord to Byrkjelo, then down to the ferry at Oppedal and onwards to Bergen airport. Return hire car and return flight to UK. (NB Some airline schedules may dictate an overnight in Bergen.)

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Dovrefjell, Alesund, Lakes and Fjords Explore Oslo, the Viking capital, before driving up along Norway’s mountain spine to Dombås on

the edge of Dovrefjell , a habitat for protected flora and fauna that some botanists believe to have

survived from the Ice Age; continue on to Ålesund, one of Europe’s finest examples of art nouveau

architecture before driving South alongside lakes and across fjords, staying overnight at some of

Norway’s finest fjord hotels, before ending up in the Hanseatic port of Bergen with its indelible

maritime atmosphere, clapboard houses and fish market.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Prices include return scheduled SAS flight(s) from London Heathrow to Norway All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges 9 nights hotel accommodation at hotels specified in itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout 3 dinners 8 days (8 x 24 hrs) cat B car hire including unlimiting mileage, collision damage waiver and theft protection insurance, all local taxes and airport surcharge.

NB car upgrade available on request.ALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Price £1555pp

YOUR TOUR

Day 1 UK – Oslo Scheduled SAS flight(s) to Oslo. Self transfer by rail to city centre and overnight at Hotel Oslo for 2 nights.

Day 2 Oslo Explore Norway’s Viking Capital: the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Viking Ship Museum and Akersus without rushing it.

Day 3 Oslo – Dombås Collect your hire car and take the E6 out of Oslo, up alongside Lake Mjosa, stopping for a bite to eat in Lillehammer, and then on to Dombås. Overnight at Hotel Dombås.

Day 4 Dombås – Ålesund Follow the E136 on the south side of the Dovre national park, home to musk oxen and reindeer, to Åndalsnes at the head of the Romsdalsfjorden and along the fjord’s edge before turning down on the E9 to Ålesund. Overnight at Hotel Brosundet for 2 nights.

Day 5 Ålesund Explore the old town with its unique collection of art nouveau houses dating from the beginning of the 19th century when young Norwegian architects re-designed the city in Art Nouveau style: ornamentatory fairytale spires, towers and Gaudi like swirls at every turn.

Day 6 Ålesund – Loen Drive from Alesund to Loen. Overnight at Hotel Alexandra for 2 nights. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7 Loen At leisure. Enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Loen. Visit Nicolai Astrup’s home or take a trip to the Briksdal Glacier at the end of the Olden Valley. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 Loen – Balestrand Drive to Moskog and over the mountains for the serpentine descent to Dragsvik and round to Balestrand . Overnight at the renowned Kviknes Hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 Balestrand-Bergen Drive to Bergen along the northern shore of the Sognefjord to Lavik for the ferry at Oppedal and onward to Bergen. Final night at Hotel Park..

Day 10 Bergen-UK Return hire car before return flight to UK.

Daily May-September

Price from

A Three Fjord OdysseyDiscover the contrasts between Norway’s three great fjords: the fertile Hardangerfjord, majestic

Sognefjord and the vertiginous sided Geiranger. En route take in vast mountain plateaus; the

Fjærland glacier; Lake Jølster, waterfalls and a kaleidoscopic mix of fjord Norway’s most dramatic

sights. Round off your trip with a day in Alesund with its Art Nouveau old town complete with

turrets, gargoyles, spires and medieval ornamentation.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Flights from London Gatwick to Bergen & return from Alesund. All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges Pay on board cabin service 11 nights hotel accommodation at hotels as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout 6 Buffet dinners 11 days (11 x 24 hrs) Cat B car hire including unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and theft protection insurance, all local taxes and airport surcharge. (Car upgrade available on request.)

Road map & Norway pocket guideALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Day 1 UK – Bergen Scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Bergen. Collect your hire car at the airport and overnight at Hotel Park.

Day 2 Bergen – Lofthus Take the funicular for the view from Mount Fløyen; explore the winding streets of Old Bergen and perhaps choose your lunch at the Fish Market. Drive to Lofthus on the Hardangerfjord. Your journey includes ferry crossings payable locally. Two nights at Hotel Ullensvang. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 Hardangerfjord At leisure. Walk the Heritage Trail in Sysehagen; see the saltmarsh bird life in Holmen; take a trip up the Orsafjord or cruise on the fjord to Kinsarvik. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 Lofthus – Utne – Voss Drive up the mountain road past Skjervefoss waterfall to Voss . Overnight at Fleischers Hotel for two nights.

Day 5 Voss At leisure. Enjoy the dramatic Flåm Mountain Railway and cruise the Aurland and Nærøy Fjords.

Day 6 Voss – Balestrand Drive to Balestrand . A journey of contrasts: across the Vik Mountains, down to Vik and Hopperstad Stave Church, by ferry across to Dragsvik and a short drive to Balestrand for two nights at Midtnes Pension. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7 Sognefjord We think Balestrand is Norway’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’. If you can tear yourself away, visit the Fjærland Glacier or drive along to Solvorn and Urnes Stave Church. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 Balestrand – Loen Drive to Loen. Through the Barddal Valley, then along by Lake Jølster and up alongside the Briksdal Glacier. Two nights at Hotel Alexandra.

Price £1995pp

Day 9 Loen Today you have a number of choices. Drive up to the Geirangerfjord with its spectacular waterfalls; take a trip to the little known Kjendal Glacier or visit Ålesund with its fascinating art nouveau buildings.

Day 10 Loen – Alesund Drive to Alesund . For a bit of excitement between Hjelle and Sunnmøre you can drive through the Sunnmøre mountains and take the so called “shelf road”. En route you can take in the Isflamannen the “saluting” mountain that spouts hot water in late summer. Two nights at Hotel Brosundet.

Day 11 Alesund Day at leisure in this one of Europe’s best examples of Art Nouveau architecture.

Day 12 Alesund – UK Drop hire car off at the airport and return flight back to London Gatwick.

YOUR TOUR

Daily May-September

Price from

Jostedalsbreen, Geirangerfjord & Lake LoenDrive up to Stalheim peak for one of Norway’s great panoramic views; down to the inner reaches of the

Nærøyfjord and then cross the Sognefjord for a couple of nights at the Walaker Hotel. Continue on and

up to Dalsnibba via its serpentine road before plunging down to the head of the Geiranger Fjord and

continuing on to the turquoise green waters of Lake Loen. Cap off this itinerary of dramatic mountain-

scapes, fjords and tranquil lakes with a drive over the mountains and a final night at the Kviknes Hotel.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return flights from London Gatwick to Bergen. All airport departure taxes and passenger service charges 9 nights accommodation at hotels as per itinerary Lodging in twin room(s) with private WC/shower Breakfasts throughout Buffet dinners at all hotels other than in Bergen Fjord view rooms in Geiranger and Balestrand 10 days (10 x 24hrs) Cat B car hire including unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and theft protection insurances, all local taxes and airport surcharge. (Car upgrade available on request).

Road Map & Norway pocket guide.ALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Day 1 UK – Bergen Scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Bergen. Collect your hire car at the airport and overnight at Hotel Park.

Day 2 Bergen – Solvorn Explore Bergen in the morning before driving to Solvorn (journey includes ferry crossing payable locally). Through the mountain village of Voss; up to Stalheim and then the old road to Gudvangen for ferry journey across and along the Sognefjord to Kaupanger. A short drive through Sogndal to Solvorn by the Lusterfjord for two nights at Walaker Hotel.

Day 3 Solvorn At leisure. Unquestionably the thing to do here is visit the Jostedalsbreen glacier: there is a small road running beneath it, from where you can walk into the Austerdal valley. A guide will now take you across to where the glacier tongues Loke, Odin and Tor meet for a spectacular view of ‘Europe’s finest ice scenery’.

Day 4 Solvorn – Lom Drive to Lom. Follow the serpentine road across the Sognefjell and down through the Bøverdal. There are detours possible along the way to see Urnes Stave Church and the waterfall at Morkkidsdal. Overnight at Fossheim Tourist Hotel.

Day 5 Lom – Geiranger Drive to Geiranger. Follow the road past Donfoss and Pullfoss waterfalls and then to Geiranger. The detour above Nibbeveien Road with its 10 hairpin curves to Dalsnibba offers breathtaking views. Two nights at Union Hotel.

Day 6 Geiranger At leisure. Walk behind Storseterfossen waterfall; drive up Ornevegen’s remarkable hairpins for breathtaking views or enjoy the ‘Golden Route’ to Åndalsnes.

Price £2159pp

Day 7 Geiranger – Loen Begin the day with the ferry down the Geirangerfjord with its precipitous rock faces and tumbling waterfalls. At Hellesylt follow the road down to Loen. Two nights at Hotel Alexandra.

Day 8 Loen At leisure. Enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Loen. Visit Nicolai Astrup’s home or take a trip to the Briksdal Glacier at the end of the Olden Valley.

Day 9 Loen – Balestrand Drive to Moskog and over the mountains for the serpentine descent to Dragsvik and round to Balestrand. Overnight at Kviknes Hotel.

Day 10 Balestrand – UK Drive back to Bergen (journey includes ferry crossing payable locally) along the northern shore of the Sognefjord to Lavik for the ferry at Oppedal and onward to Bergen airport to drop your hire car before your return flight to UK.

YOUR TOUR

Daily May-September

Price from

The HurtigrutenSomewhat incongruously meaning ‘fast route’ Hurtigrutten is a fleet of 11 packet ships operating a 12

day, 34 ports of call round trip service along the Norwegian coast from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes

in the North at the junction of the border with Russia. Along the way you have unrivalled views of the

country’s most xxx geological attractions and a real dose of Norwegian life: many of the ports visited are

little more than coastal hamlets where Hurtigruten is freight service, postman and waterborne taxi. And

of course once above the Arctic Circle between days 5 and 8 you’re in the land of the Midnight Sun.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Prices include return scheduled flights from UK to Bergen Airport departure taxes & passenger service charges Private transfers on arrival and departure including arrival luggage transfer whilst in Bergen

13 day coastal cruise in chosen cabin category (from price based on P grade cabin)

Full board on board ship Shore excursions from Geiranger to Alesund and Honningsvag to Northe Cape Hotel overnight in Bergen on Day 12 as detailed

Day 1 UK – Bergen Scheduled SAS flight to Bergen. Nordic Experience private transfer to city centre for afternoon at leisure and then to the Hurtigruta quayside. Ship departs early evening sailing out through the skerry littered archipelago and north towards Stadt.

Day 2 Ålesund – Geirangerfjord Disembark for a guided excursion up Orneveien stopping at Ornesvingen for a panoramic view of the fjord, the mountainscape stretching to the horizon and the Seven Sisters waterfall. Continue to Alesund and a trip to Mount Aksla, the town’s highest point, followed by a sightseeing tour of the Art Nouveau centre before re-joining the ship.

Day 3 Trondheim 3 ports of call. Star shore side attraction: Nidaros Cathedral

Day 4 Ørnes – Svolvær 7 ports of call. Star shore side attraction: the 100km snow capped granite Lofotveggen.

Day 5 Harstad – Tromso 7 ports of call. Star shore side attraction : the jagged peaks of the Lyngen Alps.

Day 6 Honningsvåg – North Cape Disembark in Honningsvag for a journey to Nordkapp whose cliff top faces out to the Barents Sea and where, between May 13th and July 31st, , the sun never sets. First discovered by an Englishman Richard Chancellor, it’s frequently described as Europe’s most northerly point which it most decidly isn’t – the highest mainland point is further west at Cape Nordkinn – but at Latitude 71˚ North enough.

Day 7 Kirkenes Where Norway meets Russia and turnaround day. Ports of call on your southbound journey will be different to those northbound.

Price £3789pp

Day 8 Hammerfest – Tromso 8 ports of call. Star shore side attraction: Midnight concert at Arctic Cathedral.

Day 9 Harstad – Stamsund 7 ports of call. Star shore side attraction: the passages through Toppsundet and Troll Fjord

Day 10 Bodo – Brønnøysund 6 ports of call. Star shore side attraction. Seven Sisters

Day 11 Trondheim – Ålesund 4 ports of call.

Day 12 Tørvik – Bergen 4 ports of call. Arrive in Bergen at 14:30 hours. Nordic Experience private transfer to & overnight at Hotel Marin. Remainder of afternoon at leisure.

Day 13 Bergen – UK Morning at leisure. Nordic Experience private transfer to airport and scheduled SAS flight to UK.

YOUR TOUR

Daily May-September

Price from

2013 Sailing Schedule

Ship NK NN PL NL RW FM TF KH LO MS VA

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 x 6 x 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 x 17 x 19

20 21* 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 x** 30

FEBRUARY

x 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 x 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9* 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

OCTOBER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 x 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31

NOVEMBER

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

DECEMBER

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

JANUARY

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 x 12 x 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 x 23 x 25

26 x 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

1 2 3 4 5

6 x 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 x 26 27

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 x 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

OCTOBER

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 x 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

NOVEMBER

1 2 3 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DECEMBER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DEPARTURES FROM BERGEN 2013 DEPARTURES FROM KIRKENES 2013

MS = MS MIDNATSOLTF = MS TROLLFJORDFM = MS FINNMARKENNN = MS NORDNORGENK = MS NORDKAPPPL = MS POLARLYSNL = MS NORDLYSRW = MS RICHARD WITHKH = MS KONG HARALDVA = MS VESTERÅLENLO = MS LOFOTEN

X = No departure * = Special Sailing Winter festival Narvik and Northern light festival Tromsø ** = In schedule from Trondheim January 3124 December 2013 no departure from Bergen and Kirkenes. On 24 December 2013 all ships stay in port for 24 hours.29 October 2013 no departure from Bergen and 4 November no departure from Kirkenes Departures from Bergen from 15 April - 14 September 2013 include the sailing into Geirangerfjord We reserve the right to make changes.

The Small Print

BROCHURE DESCRIPTIONS

The descriptions of areas and hotels in this brochure have been compiled as a result of inspection by our staff or agents and checked to ensure they are accurate. However, changes may occur after the date of publication. In addition there may be occasions when accommodation owners, proprietors of facilities etc. may decide to withdraw some of the facilities. These are regrettably beyond our control and we therefore reserve the right to change the particulars at any time before we confirm your booking. We will inform you of any such change at the time of booking, or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before your departure if there is time. Public holidays particularly Christmas, New Year and religious festivals may also affect the availability of centre and hotel facilities.

MINIMUM NUMBERS

Certain tours require a minimum number of people to enable them to operate. We will check whether these minimum numbers have been reached no later than 6 weeks before the relevant tour departure date. We shall inform you immediately if the minimum number necessary has not been reached for your tour and in that event we reserve the right to cancel your holiday and refund all monies which you have paid to us.

CORRESPONDENCE

If you make your booking through a travel agent, all communications between you and Nordic Experience must be through that travel agent. If you book your tour direct with us we will send all correspondence direct to you. Please quote the reference number shown on your invoice in any communication.

HEALTH, VISAS AND DOCUMENTS

a) You must ensure that you and all members of your party have a valid passport and visas and any inoculations and health certificates for all countries to be visited. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your arrival at your foreign destination.

b) We will offer reasonable assistance and advice as to how to arrange such items, but we cannot in any circumstances be responsible if any member of your party is not permitted to enter any country. You should therefore make necessary

arrangements well in advance of your departure date.For FCO advice contact www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or ABTA Information Line Tel: 0901 2011 5050 (calls are charged at 50p per minute).

SPECIAL REQUESTS

If you have any special request, (e.g. dietary requirements or a need for special assistance), please inform us. We will always do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and in no circumstances will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of our contractual agreement.

BOARD & TRANSFERS

All our tours include open style Scandinavian buffet breakfasts. These will include cereal, juices, fresh rolls, bread, cheeses and cold meats. Picnic or snack lunches and buffet suppers are provided where indicated in the price panel sub text and itinerary. Transfers are included where necessary or if we can organise them economically. Otherwise they are payable locally and by public transport, fly bus services or taxi, for which we provide detailed information in your travel pack.

ACCOMMODATION

The nature, style and standard of accommodation we use for our tours varies according to country, location and itinerary: please check the thumbnail sketches provided in each case. In respect of hotels we do not endorse any local star rankings since they do not, in our opinion, provide an accurate reflection of style, atmosphere or location. Please note the description ‘twin room’ refers to a twin bedded room and that a shower rather than a bathtub is the norm throughout Scandinavia. Whilst some hotel rooms can take an extra bed this will invariably result in the room being cramped. In some areas/countries single rooms may be inferior in standard to twin rooms.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Many of the tours in this brochure depend for their successful accomplishment on suitable climatic and weather conditions both prior to and during operation. Air temperature, sea state, cloud cover, rainfall and terrain conditions are just some of the factors that can effect the operation of excursions, visibility of natural phenomena

and sightings of wildlife. Tour validity and excursion/safari dates are given in good faith based on our experience and that of our suppliers. However we, or our agents, may have to change itineraries or cancel excursions at any time prior to departure or during a tour. If we do so, it is with your interest in mind and we regret the necessity of having to point out that we do not accept any liability for compensation in respect of such changes or cancellations.

CLOTHING

Temperatures in the Nordic countries and Northern Europe can vary considerably from day to day or even in a day and conditions can change unexpectedly and rapidly; the terrain is often hazardous and ground conditions frequently difficult. You should take suitable clothing with these conditions in mind particularly good quality wind/rain proof outerwear; strong walking shoes or boots, gloves and sufficient and varied clothes to enable you to ‘layer up’. Many of our tours, particularly in Iceland and Greenland, involve walking or medium grade hiking and you may find it useful to invest in a good pair of boots, broken in well before departure. If you’re in any doubt as to what to take, we’re always happy to talk it through with you.

YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

We will normally send all your travel documents and itineraries to either yourself or your travel agent approximately two to three weeks before your departure. PLEASE check them carefully. In some cases, the timings may have changed from those on your holiday confirmation, and the correct timings will appear on the tickets themselves, or on accompanying documentation.

TOUR PRICES

Full details of what is included in the price of your tour are shown in the panel at the base of the relevant tour page and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking by way of a Confirmation Invoice . Prices include all applicable taxes and mandatory charges. This brochure was published in 2012 and prices shown are valid for departures in 2012/2013 subject to availablity and any post-publication notifications. Sterling prices have been calculated using the following exchange rates: GBP/ EUR 1.18GBP/NOK 9.15GBP/SEK 10.69 GBP/DKK 8.86/ISK 178 (Source: MAT rates ex IG Index/ Iceland Central Bank/Financial Times 14/02/2012).

INSURANCE COVERWe have both a legal obligation under legislation covering the travel industry to ensure your travel is covered by comprehensive travel insurance that protects your safety and travel enjoyment. If you already have such insurance or prefer to buy it from a third party then all we ask is that you notify us of the name of your insurer when you complete you booking form. Alternatively, we are an Appointed Representative of NJ Heritage Partnership Ltd and we are able to provide travel insurance covering all the destination and activities featured in this brochure. NJ Heritage Partnership Ltd are specialist Insurance Brokers whose cover is provided by International Insurance Company of Hannover Ltd. The cover includes a 24 Hour Worldwide emergency Medical Service with experts providing friendly and professional emergency help.

Your premium should be forwarded to us with your tour deposit in order to ensure immediate protection under the holiday cancellation section of the insurance. The details below show only a summary of cover; full details of the cover provided are shown on your policy document which will be sent to you upon receipt of payment of premium; please read it carefully to ensure you understand the cover provided which includes certain terms conditions, exclusions and warranties. Should you wish a specimen, a copy will be made available prior to purchase upon request. If the insurance does not meet your requirements you may return the documentation within 14 days of the purchase or prior to travel if this is sooner and, provided no claim has been made, obtain a refund.

TRAVEL INSURANCE SUMMARY OF COVER

(Sums insured are per insured person)A Medical Expenses £5,000,000 Inpatient Benefit £200 Criminal Injuries £5,000 Inability to Dive £250 Personal Liability £2,000,000B Personal Accident £10,000 Permanent Loss of Sight £25,000 Loss of Limb(s) £25,000 Permanent Total Disablement £25,000 Death £10,000 (Limited to £1,000 for persons aged over

65 or under 16 years at time of death)

C Cancellation or Curtailment £5,000 D Delayed Departure or Arrival £100/£1,000 Hi-jack of Aircraft £3,000 Failure of flight connections £150 Interruption of Transport £300E Personal Effects £1,500 (Valuables limited to £350) (Single Article limit £250) (Disc Collections £200) Money £250 Tickets £1,000 Passport and Visas £250 Damage to Hired Sports Equipment £750F Legal Expenses £15,000 G Winter Sports Extension Optional

PREMIUMS (INCLUDING INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX) PER PERSON

Period of cover: up to 9 days £40.00 per adultChildren under 2 years on date of departure are insured free of charge. Children under the age of 18 on departure are insured at half the adult rate. Adults aged 66 or over at the date of departure can be insured at twice the appropriate premium. Winter sports cover is available to people under 65 years at twice the normal rate.

IMPORTANT

This policy includes certain terms, conditions, exclusions and excesses. In particular cover is excluded for any defined pre-existing medical condition from which you or any person upon whom travel depends are suffering. If in doubt please contact the medical helpline in confidence on 0844 826 2686, as additional cover may be purchased directly from the insurer’s medical screening helpline for certain pre-existing conditions. Should you wish a specimen, a copy will be made available upon request or alternatively a copy is available for download from our website www.nordicexperience.co.uk. The policy contains a 14 day ‘Cooling Off’ Period and details of how to make a claim and who to contact in the event of a medical emergency.Both NJ Heritage Partnership Ltd and International Insurance Company of Hannover Ltd and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA’s website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234. Nordic Experience is a trading name of Colchester Travel Ltd who are Appointed Representatives of N J Heritage Partnership Ltd.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/IMAGE CREDITS

The authors acknowledge the help in producing this brochure of our staff, partner suppliers & organisations: the contributions of the Misses Francesca Khodaverdi and Stephanie Sargent

have been invaluable. Image credits various:Visit Sweden,Gota Canal,Innovation Norway,Visit

Northern Norway,Oceanwide Expeditions,Visit Finland,Visit Iceland,Visit Reykjavik, Blue

Lagoon,Visit Greenland, Hurtigruten.

1. WHEN BOOKING

When you make your booking you must complete a booking form, accepting on behalf of all your party the terms of these booking conditions, and pay the appropriate deposit. If booking through a Travel Agent all monies paid to that agent are held by them on our behalf at all times. A contract between us will exist when we issue our confirmation invoice, is governed by English Law and both parties shall submit to the jurisdiction of English Courts at all times.

2. PAYING YOUR BALANCE

The balance of the price of your tour must be paid at least ten weeks before your departure date. If the balance is not paid in time we reserve the right to cancel your tour, retain your deposit, and apply the cancellation charges set out in paragraph 4 below.

3. AMENDING YOUR BOOKING

If, after our confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to another of our tours or change the departure date, we will endeavour to make any such change, provided the request to do so is received in writing from the person who signed the booking form or from your Travel Agent at least ten weeks before departure. This must be accompanied by a payment of £50 to cover administration costs. Alterations cannot normally be made within ten weeks of departure and any such request for an alteration will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and subject to the cancellation charges set out in paragraph 4 below. Please note that certain travel arrangements cannot be changed after a reservation has been made and any alteration will then incur a 100% cancellation charge and be treated as a new booking.

4. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR BOOKING

You, or any member of your party, may cancel your tour at any time providing that the cancellation is made by the person signing the booking form and is received by us in writing. As this incurs administrative costs, we will retain your deposit and apply cancellation charges up to the maximum below:

PERIOD BEFORE DEPARTURE AMOUNT OF CANCELLATION WITHIN WHICH WRITTEN CHARGE SHOWN AS A CANCELLATION IS MAXIMUM PERCENTAGE OF RECEIVED BY US THE TOUR PRICE More than 71 days Deposit only 70-42 days 50% within 42 days 100%

5. PROBLEMS

If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. hotelier, excursion operator, etc.) immediately, who will endeavour to put things right on our behalf. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to us at 39 Crouch Street, Colchester CO3 3EN giving your booking reference and other relevant information to help us identify the problem(s) you encountered. It is strongly recommended you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the services in question and if possible keep a written account of having done so. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were on tour and this may affect your rights under this contract.

It is unlikely that you will have a complaint that cannot be settled amicably between us. However, disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration under a special scheme which, though devised by arrangement with ABTA, is administered quite independently by IDRS part of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. It provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be downloaded from the ABTA website. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The Scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by IDRS within nine months of the date of your return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. For injury and illness claims, you may like to use the ABTA / Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Mediation Procedure. This is a voluntary scheme and requires us to agree for mediation to go ahead. The aim is to help you resolve your dispute in a quick and cost effective way. Details on request or from www.abta.com .

6. SURCHARGES

We reserve the right to alter the prices of any arrangement featured in our brochure or on our website. You will be advised of the current price of any arrangement you wish to book before your contract is confirmed.

Changes in transportation costs, including fuel costs, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports and exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked, but there will be no change within 30 days of your departure.However we will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount

to cover agents’ commission if applicable. If this means that you would have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another arrangement if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should the price of your arrangement decrease due to the changes mentioned above, (by more than 2% of your invoice paid) then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual arrangements.

Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. The price of your travel arrangements was calculated using exchange rates rate of GBP/EUR 1.13.

7. CANCELLATION AND VARIATION TO ARRANGEMENTS

It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your arrangements, but we do plan them many months in advance. Occasionally changes occur, but most are minor, and we will advise you or your travel agent at the earliest possible date. Flight timings and carriers in the brochure are subject to change as a result of airline procedures. Final details will be shown on your tickets and/or in the accompanying documentation. If a major change becomes necessary, we will inform you or your travel agent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. When a major change occurs (such as the alteration of your outward/return flights by more than 12 hours, changes of hotel or a reduction in the standard of accommodation), provided it does not arise from circumstances amounting to force majeure (see below), you will have the choice of either accepting the change, taking another available arrangement from us, or cancelling your arrangement and receiving a full refund. In the interests of our clients, we reserve the right to cancel itineraries, or to substitute alternative accommodation, if the arrangement, unamended, would then in our opinion suffer, or be in some way impracticable. However, in no case will we cancel your arrangement less than six weeks before the scheduled departure date except for reasons of force majeure or failure on your part to pay the final balance (circumstances amounting to force majeure include war, the threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, or withdrawal of suppliers facilities) In circumstances where we are unable to provide the arrangement booked, we will return to you all monies paid, or offer an alternative arrangement of comparable standard

In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the airline operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer which we do by detailing this on your confirmation invoice. Any changes to the airline used after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to be a minor change. Other examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard.

8. OUR RESPONSIBILITY & LIABILITY TO YOU

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to either you or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure was unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness will be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to (a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements and (b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

Although we do not control or operate any airlines, own any coaches, hotels or other facilities mentioned in our brochure, or directly employ staff of those organisations, we do take all reasonable steps to ensure that such organisations maintain standards which are acceptable to us within the bounds of possibility in each locality. No third party has the authority to make, on our behalf, any promise or representation to you concerning our tour or travel arrangements. We do not accept liability for any such arrangements changed without our consent, or make any refund for unused travel, accommodation vouchers or excursion vouchers other than at our absolute discretion.

The texts of the transport companies’ contractual terms, or international conventions are available on request.

Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is

set out in clause 6. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk

9. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY TO US

In accepting a booking and entering in to a contract with us you are provided with statutory protection under English and European Law and various International Treaties. In providing you with such protection you agree to satisfy our conditions for so doing. In particular we accept no responsibility for any claims for compensation that would have been met under the terms of the Personal Travel Policy we offer in relation to the programmes and tours featured in this brochure or any tailor made variations to them, irrespective of whether you take such policy or not.

When on any tour featured in this brochure you agree to abide by any advice given by our accompanying courier and/or any of our agents locally. You further accept and agree to accept your responsibility as being ‘in loco parentis’ for any children under the age of majority travelling with you and appearing on your Booking Form. In respect of all safaris, excursions and activities you further accept responsibility both for yourself and any accompanying children for listening and/or reading instructions given to you both on usage of equipment (including but not limited to equipment used in connection with animals), health and safety.

10. ASSISTANCE WHILST ON TOUR

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party connected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.

11. LOCALLY BOOKED EXCURSIONS & SAFARIS

For any excursion or safari that you book locally, your contract will be with the operator of that excursion or safari and not with us irrespective of whether the operator is one used by us or not. We do not accept responsible for the provision of any such excursions or tours or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

12. FINANCIAL PROTECTION & STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for any tours booked with us and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of our insolvency. We provide this security by way of an ATOL 6558 administered by the Civil Aviation Authority and a bond held by ABTA. When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us (or via our authorised agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. The CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk We are a member of ABTA, membership number W879X and are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by virtue of their Code of Conduct.

13. OTHER TERMS

The conditions, terms and obligations outlined in this brochure and on our website www.nordicexperience.co.uk under the heading “the small print” shall be deemed to be included within these conditions. Nordic Experience is a trading name of Colchester Travel Ltd with whom your contract is and which is governed by English Law and the jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Booking Conditions

SPECIAL REQUESTS

I WISH TO PAY BY: CREDIT CARD/DEBIT CARD

39 Crouch Street

Colchester CO3 3EN

Tel 01206 708888 Fax 01206 508899

e-mail: reservations@nordicexperience.co.uk

CLIENT’S ADDRESS OR ABTA AGENT’S STAMP

CLIENT’S EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Daytime ....................................................................................................

Evening .....................................................................................................

Mobile .......................................................................................................

Next of Kin...............................................................................................

TITLE FIRST NAME SURNAME DATE OF BIRTH (IF UNDER 18)

AGENT’S ABTA NO AGENT’S REF

Deposit(s) only

Deposit(s) & Insurance Premiums

Confirmation invoice total (if within 10 weeks of departure)

Balance 10 weeks before departure

Card Number:

Expiry Date: CC Security Code:*

Start Date: Issue No:*

Signed:

There is no charge for payments made by Debit Card; Credit Card payments are surcharged at 2.4%; American Express payments at 3.6%. *for security reasons may be telephoned through

I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE PAYABLE TO NORDIC EXPERIENCE OR GIVE CREDIT CARD AUTHORITY FOR:

Signed: Date:

I certify that I am authorised to make this booking on behalf of all those named above and that I am responsible for ensuring payment of all monies due in respect of this booking. I have read and accept the Company’s ‘Booking Conditions’ and ‘Small Print’ as being incorporated within the terms of the contract between us.

Total Amount (if within 10 weeks of departure) £

Travel Insurance Premiums (see page 15 for rates) £

TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE £

Deposits (£150 minimum per person travelling depending on tour booked) £

I understand that it is a condition governing acceptance of this booking that I and all others named on this form are covered by comprehensive travel insurance. If I decline to take Nordic Experience’s recommended policy covering the arrangements featured in this brochure, I agree to indemnify the Company as to any costs that might arise which would otherwise have been met had such insurance been in place.

DEPARTURE DATE DEPARTURE POINT RETURN DATE TOUR TITLE

Booking Form

My alternative travel insurers are:

www.nordicexperience.co.uk

39 Crouch Street, Colchester CO3 3EN

01206 708888reservations@nordicexperience.co.uk

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