Iceland and Svalbard (Norway)

Departs 2nd June, 2018

Itinerary correct as at Feb 18, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

ICELAND AND SVALBARD (NORWAY), PRISTINE LANDSCAPES, QUIRKY CULTURE, POLAR BEARS AND A LOT MORE.

Whatever your perceptions of Iceland may be, they are possibly off the mark - or at least dated - as this small North Sea nation keeps on reinventing itself. From humble Nordic origins it has become one of Europe’s leading eco-paradises, boasting the largest national park in the European Union - Vatnajökull. Here you’ll discover pristine streams full of salmon, trails through glaciers, five-gaited Icelandic horses running wild, and bubbling pools of mud and sulphur to heal the body and mind. Many things remain exactly as the Vikings found them around 1,100 years ago, especially the raw and dramatic glacial fjords. Then there’s the other side of Iceland, the hip and contemporary side. For years Bjork and other quirky Icelandic musicians have not so quietly made Reykjavik a happening music and nightlife destination.

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which was formally known as Spitsbergen, lies in the Arctic Ocean roughly half way between Norway and The North Pole. It comprises of three main islands and numerous smaller ones. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, it's known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. Summer brings the “midnight sun” – sunlight 24 hours a day. Grab an atlas and you will see that its latitude is the same as the tip of Greenland’s north. It’s a long way from anywhere and has a small population of less than 3,000 over the same land mass as Tasmania. From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. You’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land.

Our tour explores Iceland at a good pace, over 12 days. The Svalbard component is via an expedition cruise ship where you’ll spend 7 nights on board. There is also an option to extend to other parts of the region including Greenland, The Faroe Islands and parts of Scandinavia. Grab your camera and be prepared to be wowed!

Itinerary correct as at Feb 18, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

Day 1, Saturday 2nd JunTRANSIT Depart Australia for Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. All flights and arrival times are to be confirmed and will vary across the group. Please refer to your flight itinerary. Meals in flight.

DAY 2, Sunday 3rd JunTRANSIT — REYKJAVIK Welcome to the very chic and cosmopolitan city of Reykjavik. On arrival, transfer to the hotel where you can rest, or, explore the city which is within easy walking distance. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant for our formal welcome. D www.centerhotels.com/front-page/

DAY 3, Monday 4th JunREYKJAVIK After breakfast we’ll take a private guided city walking tour of this small but lively city. You’ll visit the stunning opera house,

Hallgrímskirkja church with its impressive tower, the Þingholt neighbourhood and the beautiful CBD district with its colourful buildings, lively shops and café scene.There’s also a visit to the Perlan Museum to see the glacier and ice cave

exhibits. Later we will head to the Blue Lagoon, on the outskirts of Reykjavik, for a therapeutic soak in Iceland’s most famous bathing lagoon. The silky smooth water will make you feel very relaxed – try not to fall asleep in the water! Well stay for dinner in the restaurant. B/D www.centerhotels.com/front-page/

DAY 4, Tuesday 5th JunREYKJAVIK Today you’ll experience Iceland’s famous Golden Circle including the stunning Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Golden Waterfall, the Geyser and Strokkur hot springs. Lunch (own cost) will be available at one of the geyser cafes. We begin our tour by driving to Þingvellir, a remarkable geological site and the most historic site on the island as the world's oldest democratic parliament was founded here in 930. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. The area’s combination of natural phenomena and historical significance make it inseparable from the fabric of Icelandic national life. All in all, a fantastic day of breathtaking scenery and nature at her best! Return the hotel late in the afternoon. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. B

Itinerary correct as at Feb 18, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

www.centerhotels.com/front-page/

DAY 5, Wednesday 6th JunREYKJAVIK – SKAGAFJORDUR Approx 4 hours drive time. Today we head from the South-West of the island to Skagafjörður in the North. Along the way you will to see the Hvítserkur basalt column and the fertile farmlands. The scenery changes dramatically from the volcanic fields to the glacier sculptured landscape created 10,000 years ago. Skagafjörður stretches from the Arctic Ocean to the highlands and is one of the “cradles of Icelandic history” playing a leading role in the events on the 13th century civil war and in cultural developments for centuries afterwards. B/D www.hotelvarmahlid.is/en/

DAY 6, Thursday 7th JunSKAGAFJÖRÐUR – SIGLUFJÖRÐUR – AKUREYRI Approx. 3.5 hours drive time. After breakfast the group will visit Glaumbær - an old farm with turf buildings in traditional style, sections of which date back to the 18th century. From there we will drive past Hegranes and then on to the very scenic Skriður drive along the coastline of the North Atlantic Ocean. On arrival into Siglufjörður the former herring capital of Europe, we’ll taste some herring and Brennivin – Iceland’s signature beverage. From there it’s just a short drive to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. B/D www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/akureyri

DAY 7, Friday 8th JunAKUREYRI The main activity today is Whale Watching from Eyjafjörður Fjord. After breakfast, a specifically designed whale watching boat will take us from the harbour of Akureyri along Iceland’s longest fjord searching for Humpbacks. After this excursion we will drive a little south of the town to Cowshed Café of KaffiKú, a family run business where we can see how the modern dairy farmers go about their day. The afternoon provides some time to browse the stores of Akureyri and enjoy a nice dinner (own cost) at one of Akureyri’s excellent selection of restaurants. B www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/akureyri

DAY 8, Saturday 9th JunAKUREYRI – MYVATN – DETTIFOSS – EGILSTAÐIRApprox. 4 hours drive time Today we will drive about 270kms to the

east of the island and learn all about the volcanic nature of Iceland. You will witness craters, sulphur mud pots, geothermal energy, steam vents and waterfalls. Highlights include Lake Myvatn and the Dettifoss Waterfall. B/D http://lakehotel.is/

DAY 9, Sunday 10th JunEGILSTAÐIR – HOFN After breakfast, your day starts with the East Fjords - towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea. You’ll explore Petra's renowned collection of local stones and

minerals and then the group will drive along the majestic coastline to Höfn where we will overnight. (Approx. 3 hours drive time). B/D http://www.smyrlabjorg.is/?lang=en

DAY 10, Monday 11th JunHÖFN – SKAFTAFELLApprox. 2 hours drive time Forgive us if you suffer from scenery overload today. We’ll follow Vatnajokull Glacier - Europe’s largest glacier – most of the day. The glacier controls the elements on the South Coast. You will see the Glacier Lagoon where thousands of years old icebergs float around on their way to the ocean. (Weather permitting we will include an amphibian boat ride out on the lagoon). Compare the vast stretches of black sandy wasteland and volcanic debris resulting from volcanic eruptions with the glaciers and the gorges with crystal clear brooks, beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation. B/D http://en.geirland.is/

DAY 11, Tuesday 12th Jun SKAFTAFELL – VIK Approx. 2 hours drive time. Today we head west to the quaint township of Vik. There are numerous sights along the long the way including Skógarfoss - a stunning waterfall at over 60m high - the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, Reynisfjall Mountain, Dyrhólaey - a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs renowned for its birdlife - and Reynisfjara – a black sand beach with beautiful basalt columns. B/D http://www.drangshlid.is/

DAY 12, Wednesday 13th Jun RETURN TO REYKJAVIK Approx. 3 hours drive time Today we head along the South Coast on to Seljalandsfoss, certainly one of the most picturesque waterfalls on the whole island. We will transfer to the airport (not far from the baths) for our flight to Oslo via Copenhagen FI216 at 16:10hrs arriving Copenhagen 21:10hrs. Connect to SK1474 at 22:55hrs in Oslo. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel near the airport for a short stay. B/D

DAY 13, Thursday 14th JunOSLO – LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN (SVALBARD). After breakfast, transfer back to Oslo airport around 8:00am for our flight SK4414 at 09:55hrs to Longyearbyen. On arrival at 14:00hrs we will transfer to our ship, where we will spend the next 7 nights. B/L

DAYS 14 – 19 (Friday 15th June to Wednesday 20th June) ARCTIC CRUISE TO SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO Our voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and

Itinerary correct as at Feb 18, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. B/L/D meals on board *About the G Expedition. The G Expedition provides an intimate small ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private ensuite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition's spacious confines holds a maximum of 134 passengers. With a focus on safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, the crew of the G Expedition is committed to the ship’s continued safe operation.

DAY 20, Thursday 21st JuneSPITSBERGEN — LONGYEARBYEN — OSLO On departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for your next flight back to Oslo and home or, alternatively your next destination.Your flight from Longyearbyen is SK4425 departing 14.45 hrs and arriving Oslo 18.55 hrs. (Flights subject to change).Your tour host will help all group members transfer via train to your hotel for overnight stay in Oslo- the Hotel Citybox. Airport Express Train (Flytoget) The Airport Express Train runs between the airport and Oslo S every twenty minutes. The trip takes 20 minutes. B citybox.no/oslo-en/

DAY 21, Friday 22nd June Some group members will commence their journey home or to their next destination. Please refer to your flight itinerary. Your tour officially ends at this point. For those travelling to Greenland and the Faroe Islands you’ll transfer to Oslo airport around 15.00h. You’ll fly from Oslo to Copenhagen on flight SK1477 departing Oslo 18.50h and arriving Copenhagen at 20.00h where you will overnight at an airport hotel called The Clarion Hotel. It is a two minute walk from terminal 3, where you will be landing. Note: Your time in Oslo is unguided. We will provide a list of places and suggestions to visit. A great way to see the city for the first time is the hop-on-hop-off bus.Your hotel is centrally located. B www.nordicchoicehotels.com/hotels/denmark/kastrup/clarion-hotel-copenhagen-airport/

Extension - Ilulissat, Greenland & The Faroe IslandsDay 22 Saturday 23rd JuneCOPENHAGEN - ILULISSAT Breakfast at the airport hotel then board your morning flight GL781 departing at 11.00am with Air Greenland to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq. Meet and greet your Arctic Adventure guide on arrival at Illulisat Airport. Transfer to the Hotel Arctic (where you will stay for 3 nights) for check-in and information/introduction with the Arctic Adventure guide team. Your guide will then take you on a city walk so you can get acquainted with the town and also get a first glimpse of the amazing country side. Tonight you will enjoy a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant ‘Ulo’ which specialises in fresh-from-the-fjords-and-fells cuisine. Other local staples include seaweed, musk ox, Greenland halibut, and Greenlandic herbs. In the evening there’s a PRIVATE excursion: Midnight Cruise to the Ice Fjord (3 hours). The midnight sun and the warm red colours reflecting in the gigantic icebergs is a fantastic sight. Cruise between the icebergs and enjoy a late drink on "the real rocks"! This tour is guided and includes light refreshments. B/D http://hotelarctic.com// *Note, your connection time between Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat is around 3 hours and 30 mins. (The township is all about the airport). There is very little to see and do other than a small museum. You could however arrange for a small tour at you own expense. Example; mini bus city tour, arctic nature tour or ice cap flight. We will provide more information closer to departure. PLEASE NOTE, flights within this region can, and often do, change. It is imperative that you check these internal flights. Your local guides or hotel staff can check on your behalf.

Day 23 Sunday 24th JuneILULISSAT Morning PRIVATE excursion: Hike to Sermermiut (3 hours). This is a beautiful (not difficult) guided walk

along the UNESCO World Heritage designated Ilulissat Ice Fjord to Sermermiut where traces from the three old Inuit cultures can still be found. Sermermiut is a fertile valley next to the Ice Fjord; here you can enjoy the flowers as well as the fantastic icebergs. Great photo opportunities! Light refreshments included. Afternoon PRIVATE excursion: The Calving Glacier Eqi (6-7 hours incl. dinner). You’ll cruise in front of the 5-km wide glacier for approx. one hour and hope for the unique sight of an iceberg “delivery”. The Eqi Glacier is very active and there will be many photo opportunities. This area is also excellent for spotting whales and sea otters. Hopefully the gentle giants of the sea will put in an appearance. B/D

Day 24 Monday 25th JuneILULISSAT Breakfast in the hotel then a PRIVATE excursion: Half Day trip to Rodeby Fishing Village – a guided tour by boat to the

Itinerary correct as at Feb 18, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

small settlement Oqaatsut/Rodebay with a local population of approx. 40 people, totally dependent on fishing and hunting. A very remote and different world compared to Ilulissat. Dinner at the hotel. B/L/D

Today, or tomorrow morning, we can visit the huskies (1 hour). Ilulissat is a dog sledge area, and the dogs in town are still used for both work and play every winter. We invite you to join in the feeding of a family of dogs. You can see, feel and certainly hear the howling of around 20 hungry dogs. The owner will demonstrate the equipment and tell about life as a sledge dog in Greenland. Sturdy shoes advised! Dinner is at the hotel. B/D

Day 25 Tuesday 26th JuneILULISSAT – COPENHAGEN Breakfast at the hotel, then you’ll transfer to the airport for departure on GL533 to Kangerlussuaq (with a short stop in Aasiaat 10.05 -11.40). Transfer to GL782 to Copenhagen 13.10 to 21.30 hrs. On arrival in Copenhagen, transfer to the Hotel Clarion where you’ll overnight. B/D www.nordicchoicehotels.com/hotels/denmark/kastrup/clarion-hotel-copenhagen-airport/

Day 26, Wednesday 27th JuneFAROE ISLANDS

Breakfast at the hotel then you will transfer to your flight to Vagar, The Faroe Islands on flight RC453, departing 12.25 arriving 13.40hrs. Meet and greet with your local guide who will take you to your hotel - Hotel Hafnia – in

Torshavn, the capital, where you will stay for 3 nights. You’ll have a walking tour of the township including the old part of town – known as Tinganes, a little peninsula delightfully jumbled with pretty turf-roofed cottages and historic red-painted stone-and-timber buildings. The Faroese capital of Torshavn is a small but charming town. The city centre provides a variety of local shops and smaller boutiques selling everything from mainstream fashion to souvenirs, as well as contemporary Faroese arts and crafts. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. B/D http://www.hafnia.fo

Day 27 Thursday 28th JuneFAROE ISLANDS After breakfast, a Private excursion: Day trip in the World of the Sagas (approx.10 hrs incl. lunch) You’ll take you on a tour of Suðuroy, probably the most beautiful islands in the Faroes. Visit most of the villages and

make time to relax and eat a packed lunch in Famjin. Afterwards we will drive up to the northern tip of the island and discuss the end of the Faroese saga history, as this was the scene for one of the main events. Stop in Hvalba on our way back to the ferry, where we will visit the ancient coal mines, in operation from the 1770’s. Then you’ll take the ferry back to Tórshavn, leaving you to reflect on a great day! Dinner is at your leisure tonight. B/L

Day 28 Friday 29th JuneFAROE ISLANDS Private excursion: Mykines Bird Paradise (approx. 10 hours). After breakfast you’ll head to Mykines, long believed to be the Island referred to as “Paradise of Birds!” by the hardy Irish seafaring monk, St. Brendan in the 6th century during his adventure in the North Atlantic. The perfect setting to take a deep breath and enjoy the calm, away from the rest of the world! Marvel at the rugged landscape, be fascinated by the antics of the Puffin colony that graces the island, or just to walk in the steps of the Vikings! Gastronomically the Faroese capital is an adventure. You have a table booked at Aarstova Restaurant (famous for lamb on the bone). B/D

Day 29 Saturday 30th June - VAGAR AIPORT – COPENHAGEN Breakfast at the hotel and then you’ll visit Kirkjubøur; the southernmost village on the island of Streymoy, is the home to the ruins of an unfinished cathedral, a 900-year old and St. Ólav's church. The latter (a small white church near the ruins) was built in 1110 and was the main church of the Faroes Islands and bishop's seat for centuries. Roykstovan is a 900-year-old log farmhouse with a turf roof. The building has been occupied by 17 generations of the same Faroese family, the Paturssons, and the farmhouse museum is usually open daily during the summer. Transfer to Vagar Airport. Take the Atlantic Airways flight to Copenhagen for your trip home. Your flight is RC456 departing 14.35 hrs and arriving 17.40h. For those travellers departing for home on 1st July, you will overnight at the Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport. Transfer to your next flight for your trip home or next destination. Please check your flight schedule. With the exception of breakfast, meals today are at your leisure and own cost. B

Day 30 Sunday 1st JulyHOME Breakfast at the hotel. Check your flight schedule for your journey home. Your tour officially ends at this point. B

Itinerary correct as at Feb 18, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au