|
click to enlarge
Tour Date: 10 Jul 2012 - 02 Aug 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $20,979.00
This is a stunning 23-day tour to an extraordinary part of the world. It is one of the world's least-visited, yet most beautiful regions, featuring stunning glaciers, mountains, fjords, geysers and icebergs. Our tour takes in the incredible highlights of Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Greenland and, in addition to the majestic scenery, we will encounter ancient civilisations and cultures. The centrepiece of this great adventure is a four-day visit to the iceberg town of Ilulissat, home to the midnight sun. We invite you to join us on a spectacular adventure to the extraordinary High Arctic!
10/07/2012 Australia - Bangkok
Disko Bay, Greenland
Depart from your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Bangkok.
11/07/2012 Bangkok - Stockholm (LD)
Depart Bangkok TG 960, 01.10
Arrive Stockholm 07.00
Stockholm is built across 14 islands and is often called the 'Venice of the North'. Situated at the point where the vast Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea, it was built on this strategic spot in the mid 13th century, enabling the Swedes to tax merchant vessels sailing in and out of the lake. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and check in to our rooms. This afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour including entrance to Stadshuset and the Vasa Museum.
Clarion Sign Hotel
Stockholm
Ph: 0011
Fx: 0011
12/07/2012 Stockholm (BLD)
After breakfast we transfer to the boat pier for our cruise "under the bridges of Stockholm", where we will pass under 15 bridges and through 2 locks. As water covers one third of Stockholm, the maritime life is a vital aspect of the city. The water is so clean the locals say you can drink it and catch salmon right in the middle of the city.! Later this afternoon we visit Drottningholm Castle, the home of Sweden's Royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
13/07/2012 Stockholm - Oslo (BLD)
This morning we take the train from Stockholm to Oslo via Karlstad.
Depart Stockholm 08.29
Viking Ships
Oslo, the Norwegian capital lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. On arrival we visit the Viking Ships Museum and the superb Fram Museum before checking in to our hotel.
Thon Hotel Opera
Oslo
14/07/2012 Oslo - Flam (BLD)
 Flam Railway
This morning we board our train to Flam via Myrdal. The 65 year old Flam Railway is considered as one of the world's most fantastic stretches of railroad. On this amazing journey we climb nearly 900 metres from Fjord to mountain top, an incline of 1 in 18, a tunnel that spirals inside a mountain, and views that will take your breath away!
Depart Oslo 08.11
Arrive Flam 14.25
Our hotel in Flam is situated next to the railway station, so we check in before starting our Fjord Safari,
Frethion Hotel
Flam
15/07/2012 Flam - Bergen (BLD)
Cruise from Flam to Bergen
An early start this morning as we head to the boat pier for our cruise to Bergen via the Fjord village of Leikanger. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and begin a sightseeing tour which includes the composer Edvard Grieg 'shouse in Troldhaugen. Edvard Grieg lived and worked here during the winter months. He was much in demand all over the world, both as a pianist and a conductor, and became Norway's foremost ambassador for the music of his times. Today Troldhaugen is a living museum, consisting of not only the Museum, but also the composer's house, cabin and tomb.
Clarion Admiral Hotel
Bergen
16/07/2012 Bergen - Reykjavik (BLD)
Reykjavik
This morning we then transfer to the airport for our flight to Reykjavik.
Depart Bergen SK248, 08.30
Arrive Oslo 09.20
Depart Oslp SK4787, 10.00
Arrive Reykjavik 10.50
Welcome to Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital! In many ways it feels more like a provincial town than a capital city.
When viewed from the top of the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church, the city - with its low buildings and brightly painted houses - stretches out like a toy town. Despite this impression, Reykjavik is home to three out of five Icelanders. The diminutive city is the focal point for Icelandic life and politically, socially and economically it dominates the country.
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Reykjavik
Ph: 0011 354
Fx: 0011 354
17/07/2012 Reykjavik - Akureyri (BLD)
Highland interior drive
After breakfast we leave Reykjavik. Driving across the highland interior, we may see the Icelandic horse, a breed unchanged since its introduction by the Vikings more than 1,100 years ago. We continue via Nesjavellir and Thingvellir arriving into Akureyri.
Hotel Kea
Akureyri
Ph: 0011 354
Fx: 0011 354
18/07/2012 Lake Myvatn (BLD)
Lake Myvatn
Tody we spend some time in the old capital of Akureyri before our drive takes us through majestic mountain ranges and narrow passes en-route to Lake Myvatyn, where we spend the afternoon visiting the old pseudo craters, and the strange lava formations of Dimmuborgir.
Hotel Sel Myvatn
Reykjahlid 2
Myvatn
Ph: 0011-
19/07/2012 Lake Myvatn - Egilssatdir (BLD)
Mudpools near Namaskard Pass
We then head inland across the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau to the biggest waterfall in Europe; Dettifoss. We then continue via Egilsstadir and the stunning fjords of East Iceland to Hotel Blafell.
Hotel Blafell
Egilsstadir
Ph: 0011 354
20/07/2012 Egilsstadir - Skatafell (BLD)
Glaciers
Today we stop and visit the Glacier Lagoon Jokulsarlon and enjoy a boat tour among the floating icebergs. Jokulsarlon borders south and east part Iceland, at the roots of Europe's largest glacier Vatnajokull. Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of the great glacier Vatnajokull, crumbles down the steep mountainside of the glacier and big icebergs break off into the lagoon where they float around before melting. We then continue over Skeidararsandur to the Skatafell National Park, a beautiful green oasis beneath the towering Oraefajokull glacier, Iceland's highest peak (2,119m)
Fosshotel Skatafell
Skatafell
21/07/2012 Skatafell - Vik - Selfoss (BLD)
Sejlandsfoss Waterfalls
Today we continue to the black volcanic beach of Vik, where we get the chance to visit a local famer and hear his stories about the local area over lunch. Then we head towards Selfoss via Skogar and Sejlandsfoss Waterfalls.
Hotel Selfoss
Selfoss
22/07/2012 Selfoss - Reykjavik (BLD)
Gulfoss Falls
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Reykjavik
Ph: 0011 354
Fx: 0011 354
23/07/2012 Reykjavik (BD)
Blue Lagoon
This morning we finish with a relaxing trip the famous Blue Lagoon. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Reykjavik
Ph: 0011 354
Fx: 0011 354
24/07/2012 Reykjavik - Ilulissat (BLD)
Inuit women wearing traditional costume
Depart Reykjavik Iceland Air NY255, 11.00
Arrive Ilulissat 12.15
On arrival we explore the town and learn its fascinating history. In the old town we visit the Danish trading station, the busy fishing harbour and the museum.
Hotel Arctic
Box 1501
Ilulissat
Ph: 0011 299 944153
Fx: 0011 299 944049
25/07/2012 Ilulissat (BLD)
With a population of 4,000, Ilulissat is set in the marvellous surroundings of Jakobshavn fjord. Perched on the shores of spectacular Disko Bay, Ilulissat is world famous for its icebergs. These shimmering ice masses run aground in the mouth of the fjord, literally just outside the town! Today we tour by boat to hunter's settlement Rodebay.
26/07/2012 Ilulissat (BLD)
Moon over the ice
Today is a magical hihglight when you are treated to a helicopter ride over the Ice Fiord.
In the evening we take a cruise on the ice fjord. The midnight sun and warm red colours reflect in the gigantic icebergs, creating an unforgettable sight.
27/07/2012 Ilulissat (BLD)
En-route to Equip Glacier
Today we view the astonishing Equip Glacier. Known as the calving glacier, the Equip often provides spectators with the awesome sight of the 'birth' of an iceberg. We cruise along the 5- km wide glacier, hoping to see a spectacular 'delivery'. As the new iceberg crashes and rotates in the water, sea creatures rise to the surface providing waiting flocks of sea birds with a huge meal.
28/07/2012 Ilulissat (BLD)
Disko Bay
Today we continue to explore this magnificent part of the world. Afternoon is at leisure.
29/07/2012 Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen (B)
The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
Early this morning we board our flight to Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq.
Depart Ilulissat Greenland Air GL 501, 07.00
Arrive Kangerlussuaq 07.40
During transit you will be taken on a Musk Oxen Safari tour
Depart Kangerlussuaq 11.40
Arrive Copenhagen 20.00
Radisson Blue Royal Hotel
Radhuspladsen 14
Copenhagen
30/07/2012 Copenhagen (BD)
Oresund Bridge between
Denmark and Sweden
This morning we begin our tour of Copenhagen, passing by the Tivoli Gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. We drive through the colourful canal district, past the National Museum, and past Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament. We continue on to The Old Stock Exchange and across Kongens Nytorv, where we can see the Royal Theatre, world famous for its Royal Ballet. The tour continues past the colourful harbour district of Nyhavn to Amalienborg Palace - winter residence of the Royal Family. Here we have the opportunity of seeing the changing of the Danish Royal Guard. This afternoon is at leisure beore a wonderful farewell dinner in the Tivoli Gardens.
31/07/2012 Copenhagen - Bangkok (B)
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
A morning at leisure in this beautiful city before a midday transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Depart Copenhagen Thai Airways TG 951, 14.25
01/08/2012 Bangkok - Australia
Thai Airlines
Arrive Bangkok 06.00
On arrival in Bangkok we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city, arriving home on the same day (except Perth).
02/08/2012 Arrival in Australia
Perth passengers arrive home today.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
JULY 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $20,979
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,987
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All international and domestic flights
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers
* All ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader from Australia
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
*All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Personal expenses
* Meals not specified in itinerary
* Any sightseeing in addition to itinerary
* Insurance
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
|
