with Scott McGregor 23 July 9 August 2018

Transcription

1 FEATURING INLANDSBANAN, NORLAND, RAUMA, BERGEN AND FLÅM RAILWAYS AND THE HURTIGRUTEN COASTAL CRUISE SHIP with Scott McGregor 23 July 9 August 2018 STOCKHOLM LAPLAND LOFOTEN ISLANDS BODO TRONDHEIM ALESUND BERGEN OSLO

2 OVERVIEW Mid-summer in Scandinavia, when the sun shines all night and the locals come out to play is an ideal time to journey on a variety of trains, boats and coaches through some of the world s most astounding landscapes. Starting in the historic capital of Stockholm, you ll head north to ride the unique Inlandsbanan train through the heart of Sweden to Lapland and then take the Ofoten line beyond the Arctic Circle before descending onto the northern coast of Norway to cruise the Lofoten Islands by liner. The dramatic Norland Railway takes you to the medieval city of Trondheim and the breathtaking topography of the Rauma and Flam Railways are the best seats in the house en-route to the iconic cities of Alesund and Bergen. Finally, traverse the alpine tundra on Norway s highest railway and enjoy a fitting finale in the compact and charismatic capital, Oslo. Scandinavia is quite simply a once in a lifetime destination. WHY TRAVEL WITH US The joy of travelling is no longer confined to the destination the mode of travel is a large part of the experience. Railway Adventures offers a truly unique perspective on some of the world s most spectacular holiday destinations, with the assurance that the journey is just as magical and unforgettable as what is discovered at the end of the line. With us, you can confidently expect: Small group sizes a maximum of 20 passengers per trip guarantees an intimate experience with less time spent queuing, more time with your guide, and better access to sightseeing destinations. Unique itineraries each itinerary has been meticulously developed by a team with great cultural awareness and many years knowledge of each destination. You are guaranteed to experience the best that each destination has to offer. Authentic local experiences whether it s a little-known yet impressive steam railway, a small boutique hotel or an authentic restaurant, know that you will experience something special on our tours. Expert local guides and local operators we employ local guides to share their passion and knowledge of the places they call home, while our partners on the ground offer us support and backup all the way. Customer satisfaction our testimonials speak for themselves. Thousands have travelled with us over the years and many come back year after year, often bringing friends along! On our customer satisfaction ratings, over 97% would recommend us to others and/or travel with us again. Fully escorted our team of tour leaders is experienced and capable, entertaining and considerate, and together with our local guides, has your needs well covered. They will help with everything along the way, giving you the peace of mind to soak up your surroundings. And you ll find them jolly good company to boot! Trondheim Cathedral Norland Railway Scott McGregor MEET YOUR TOUR LEADER Scott McGregor has been involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer and has recently extended his many interests into the world of travel. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide range of stage, film and TV roles including the lead in the ABC s epic mini-series He has presented and hosted numerous prime-time ratings winners including many years as the handyman on Better Homes and Gardens and Room for Improvement. He presented two series of his own, Railway Adventures for Channels 10 and 7 and many programs for the History Channel. After more than a decade leading tours he decided to establish Railway Adventures in He also owns and operates Ruwenzori an Orient Express style tourist retreat on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee.

3 HIGHLIGHTS Three days in the grand city of Stockholm and three days through the heart of Northern Sweden (Lapland) Two days journeying on the unique Inlandsbanan Day cruise of the spectacular Arctic Islands on the famous Hurtigruten Guided exploration of the dramatic Lofoten Islands Iconic train journeys linking Bodo, medieval Trondheim, art nouveau Alesund and avant-garde Oslo Two nights in atmospheric Trondheim, three nights in Bergen, and two nights in Oslo 12 train journeys (including two steam specials), six boat trips and five scenic coach journeys Quality accommodation in centrally located 3-5 star hotels Meals included most days with many local delicacies on offer TOUR MAP Coach Train Boat Narvik Boats In Alesund Harbour Bodø Gällivare Trondheim Alesund Bergen Ostersund Oslo Stockholm Bergen HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL First class rail journeys, private luxury coach for off-train travel and many other appealing ways to travel. Here s a selection: Arvidsjaur steam train, Lapland Hurtigruten cruise line, Lofoten Islands Bergen-Oslo Railway

4 Day 1 Monday 23 July: Arrive Stockholm Stockholm, Sweden s capital of about two million people, is built on a group of islands linked by bridges and surrounded by water on all sides. Transfer from the airport on the high-speed Arlanda Express train to your city centre hotel. In the evening, join Scott and your fellow travellers for a celebratory welcome dinner. Overnight: Radisson Blu Waterfront hotel, Stockholm (D) Day 2 Tuesday 24 July: Stockholm This morning we ll enjoy a guided tour of Stockholm by bus and foot with a private guide. The extraordinary architectural styles employed in the impressive City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize receptions and the medieval and baroque era old town will delight you. Board the historic live steam ship for a leisurely cruise around the islands to the Royal Palace of Drottningholm to tour the collections and the gardens of this charming imperial island. Overnight: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm (B, L) Day 3 Wednesday 25 July: Stockholm Enjoy a free morning before gathering at noon to board a vintage restaurant tram for a lunchtime excursion around the city on the tramlines. The tram tour terminates adjacent to the world-renowned Vasa Museum displaying the only almost fully intact 17th century warship that has ever been salvaged. This massive 64-gun flagship sank on her maiden voyage in Here you ll get to spend an easy afternoon enjoying the extraordinary displays before the coach transfer s us back to the hotel in the afternoon for an evening of leisure. Overnight: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm (B, L) Day 4 Thursday 26 July: Stockholm Ostersund This morning we begin our journeys into the Swedish countryside, first by coach and later by train. Our firsts stop is the historic city of Uppsala, just north of Stockholm. It was the capital of medieval Sweden, and the city s impressive cathedral is the resting place of the country s early kings and queens. Our city tour continues with a visit to the fort and the old town where we have some time to explore before transferring to the railway station for our late morning train departure. Travelling up the Baltic coast we change trains and turn inland at the port city of Sundsvall passing some of Sweden s largest lakes and forests on our way to the regional capital of Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden s fifth largest lake. After transferring and checking into the hotel we stroll down to the lakeside and board out privately chartered vintage vessel for a relaxing cruise around the lake with drinks and nibbles. Dinner tonight is hosted in the restaurant at the hotel. Overnight: Hotel Clarion Grand, Ostersund (B, D) Day 5 Friday 27 July: Östersund Arvidsjaur This morning meet the unique Inlandsbanan train, a retro diesel rail-car, at Östersund s picturesque station. The journey takes us north, travelling through some of Sweden s most remote and wild landscapes, heading towards Lapland through the untamed wilderness. The train makes several stops at quaint villages and hamlets along the way to take refreshments and visit local museums and shops. The train arrives in Arvidsjaur in the mid-afternoon. Enjoy free time after checking in. An early supper is offered at the hotel before joining a special vintage steam train tour down the line and back in time. The steamer pulls up at Lake Storavan where a barbeque is set up on the beach. Take a swim, grill some sausages and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a beach party as the late-night sun begins to set. Overnight: Hotel Laponia, Arvidsjaur (B, D) Stockholm Day 6 Saturday 28 July: Arvidsjaur Gällivare You will have free time until the mid-afternoon, when our train departs. Relax at the hotel or explore the town and its many charms. Nestled by Lake Boliden, Arvidsjaur also has a neatly laid out Sami Village, a pristine old timber church and a collection of museums. We will then board the Inlandsbanan in the mid-afternoon for the second stage of the journey along the line through landscapes of crystal clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun and the city of Gällivare. This evening take an optional tour to Dundret Mountain so you can view the surrounding landscape and have supper in the cafe with a view of the glowing midnight twilight. Overnight: Grand Hotel Lapland, Gallivare (B) Jotunheimen

5 Day 7 Sunday 29 July: Gällivare Narvik After breakfast at the hotel, stroll across the street to catch the morning express train to Norway. The train glides past vast iron ore mines in northern Sweden and then drops down to the Norwegian port city of Narvik via the extraordinary Ofoten Railway which is literally carved into the side of the spectacular fjord. Check into our hotel and enjoy a beverage at the sky bar overlooking the harbour and a buffet dinner will be presented in the hotel s atrium restaurant. Overnight: Scandic Hotel OR Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik (B,D) Day 8 Monday 30 July: Narvik Svolvaer After breakfast you are treated to a scenic coach journey to the charming town of Sortland to board a Hurtigruten cruise, Norway s famous cruise ship specialists. During the six-hour journey, sailing down to Svolvaer in the comfort of the fully appointed liner, you can marvel at the stunning scenery including the astounding Troll Fjord. This is considered the most beautiful of all the Hurtigruten journeys. Disembark and walk straight to the hotel situated on the corner of the waterfront and the town square. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel or in the adjacent restaurant. Overnight: Thon Hotel OR Fast Hotel, Svolvaer, (B, D) Day 9 Tuesday 31 July: Svolvaer Bodø Craig, our local guide is on hand once again to greet us after breakfast and host an eye-opening half-day tour down to the Viking Museum at Lofotr. The story of the Viking era is bought vividly to life in the atmospheric museum and we will enjoy a light lunch with a twist in the Viking longhouse before continuing through the craggy mountains and past the wild and bountiful coast to Moskenes. A working car ferry takes us across to the busy port city of Bodø. Join Scott and the group for a feast at a local alehouse on the old wharf. Overnight: Radisson Blu, Bodø (B, L, D) Day 10 Wednesday 1 August: Bodø Trondheim Enjoy a morning around the sites of Bodø or join Scott on an optional tour to the Air Force Museum on the outskirts of town. Bodø is the northern terminus of the main railway network south and you will board the Norland Express train at midday for the 720-kilometre scenic journey to Trondheim. The train has a well-catered cafe car and your Komfort class seats offer added services. This journey delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing back over the Arctic Circle along the way. The train pulls in at 10.00pm. A short coach transfer will see you to your hotel for the next two nights. Overnight: Radisson Blu, Royal Garden Bakklandet, Trondheim (B) Day 11 Thursday 2 August: Trondheim The morning is devoted to exploring atmospheric Trondheim, one of the oldest cities in Norway. We take a bus tour of the city dropping us off at the cathedral to enjoy a tour of the 800 year old precinct followed by a short walking tour of the old town, arriving for lunch in the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Bakklandet. The afternoon and evening are free so you can explore the many museums, shops and scenic spots around the city. Overnight: Radisson Blu, Royal Garden Bakklandet, Trondheim (B, L) Day 12 Friday 3 August: Trondheim Dombas - Ǻlesund Depart in the morning by train on the wonderful Norland Railway which snakes around lakes and rivers and climbs the ranges to traverse the wild treeless alpine plateau. Change trains and have a lunch break at the junction town of Dombas in preparation for the descent down the breathtaking Rauma Railway to Ǻndalsnes. For the last leg, relax on a scenic coach journey past the lakes, waterways and mountains of the coastal region to the wonderful art nouveau city of Ǻlesund. Settle into the hotel and take a late afternoon walking tour of this unique town, finishing off the day with a buffet dinner at a local favourite. Overnight: Scandic Parken Hotel, Alesund (B, D) Day 13 Saturday 4 August: Ǻlesund Bergen Board our luxury coach for the journey overland to Bergen. It s an epic excursion but as one traveller put it, The trip cuts through many fjords along the way, with picture postcard scenery all day. In hindsight, I can safely say it was the most scenic bus trip of my life! There are a couple of interesting car ferry crossings and we stop many times for breaks, refreshments and to enjoy the many wonderful lookouts and views. Arrive in Bergen in the evening and settle into your hotel right in the heart of the historic wharf area for the next three nights. Dinner this evening will be hosted at a local restaurant on the Bryggen, just a stone s throw from the hotel. Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal, Bryggen, Bergen (B, D) Day 14 Sunday 5 August: Bergen Gamle Vossebanen- Bergen After an early breakfast we head across town to board our train for high plateau junction station of Myrdal. Here we change trains to ride the extraordinary Flam Railway, the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Descending a thousand metres along the sides of the steep valley, the train twists and turns sharply making easy work of the extreme terrain, revealing stunning views of the mountains and fjord as it winds its way down to the port town of Flam. You have time to explore the museum and wander the shops before we gather for lunch at Flam s very own brewery where you will have a chance to enjoy not only a fine local fare but a tasting paddle from the taps. The return journey takes on a ferry navigating the dramatic waterways of the Fijord to Gerainger where we board a coach for a hair-raising trip up the sweeping escarpment of Valley. At Voss we meet up with the Oslo-Bergen Line for a connecting train that will take us on the stunning rail trip back to Begen. Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal Bryggen, Bergen (B) Day 15 Monday 6 August: Bergen Flam - Bergen After breakfast wander across the wharf to board one of Bergen s most historic steamships. Sailing up the harbour and along the estuary you ll eventually meet up with the Gamle Vossebanen, a vintage steam train complete with a vintage dining car that runs along the original Bergen Railway back toward the city. It s a lovely round trip back in time returning you to your hotel by the mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to explore the atmospheric surrounds of the world heritage listed Wooden City. Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal Bryggen, Bergen (B, L) Day 16 Tuesday 7 August: Bergen - Oslo Today s journey, the last one of the tour, has us transferring to the railway station for the trip on the scenic railway from Begen to Oslo. This 500 km route rises up to the highest point of any railway in Norway where the tundra landscape is dusted with snow, lakes and glaciated plateaus. We then drop down into rich agricultural land, past prosperous towns and cities and snaking rivers all the way to the capital in the mid-afternoon. Our coach will meet us in Oslo and we transfer to our historic hotel for the next two nights. Your evening is free for you to take advantage of the excellent location right in the heart of town. Overnight: Grand Hotel, Oslo (B) Cruise ship Geiranger

6 Day 17 Wednesday 8 August: Oslo Oslo has a vibrant cultural life and we begin our city tour with a local guide at the stunning new Opera House and continue with the sights and the history of Akershus Castle and Fortress, home to numerous fascinating museums including the Museum of the Resistance and the Royal Tombs. Enjoy time for lunch on your own around the trendy Radhusgata and return to the hotel just a short walk away when you re ready. This evening join Scott and your fellow travellers for a sumptuous farewell dinner on the Stortingsgata. Overnight: Grand Hotel, Oslo (B, D) Day 18 Thursday 9 August: Onward travel (B) Your tour concludes after breakfast at the hotel. The airport bus or fast airport train both leave from close to the hotel or if you happen to be in the need of another train journey, the main station is just down the road. THE RAILWAYS OF YOUR ADVENTURE The Old Voss Line (Norwegian: Gamle Vossebanen) is a heritage railway between Garnes and Midttun near Bergen, Norway. Originally constructed as a narrow gauge line, it formed part of the Bergen to Voss Railway opened in Following the decision to complete the railway to Oslo in standard gauge, the line was upgraded in Electrified in 1954, it continued to serve as part of the Bergen to Oslo main line until the 7.5 kilometre Ulriken Tunnel, which opened in 1964, resulted in the closure of the line. Today, the museum railway is operated by the Norwegian Railway Association (Norsk Jernbaneklubb) and runs on Sundays between June and September over a distance of 18 kilometres between Garnes and Midttun, taking just under one hour. The Midttun terminus is located near Nesttun, The service operates with a type 18 steam locomotive, no. 255, built in 1913, decommissioned in 1969 and restored by volunteers between 1981 and It pulls a series of teak carriages built between 1921 and The locomotive is stored at the restored Garnes station which features a museum, engine shed, yard and turntable. The Rauma Railway runs between Åndalsnes (4 metres above sea level) and Dombås (659 metres above sea level). At Dombås there are train connections to/from Oslo and Trondheim. On this railway you will see views ranging from precipitous crags plunging vertically to the valley floor among majestic, jagged alpine peaks to lush, curving hillsides climbing towards great rounded mountain plateaus that extend into unspoiled national parks. The beautiful, emerald-green River Rauma will follow you, right outside the train window, for much of your trip. The river s character is constantly shifting one moment flowing gently between small beaches of white sand before transforming into a wild torrent, cascading down rapids at breakneck speed. The train will run especially slowly through the most spectacular scenery, and at the famous Kylling Railway Bridge and at Trollveggen, Europe s highest perpendicular mountain wall, the train will make a complete stop. On board the train you will be guided in Norwegian, English and German. All passengers will receive a new brochure describing the highlights of your journey and a map of the train line. Work was begun on the Flåm Railway in 1923 to connect the Bergen Oslo line with the Sognefjord. It was to take 20 years to complete. It s an incredible train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway down to Flåm station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway s major and most spectacular tourist attractions. The Flåm Railway is one of the world s steepest railway lines on normal gauge tracks. Nearly 80 percent of the route is on a 55% gradient. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are testament to the most daring and skilful engineering in the history of Norwegian railways. On the 20 kilometre train ride, you will experience some of the most dramatic and magnificent Norwegian nature. Here you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls that plunge from the steep cliffs of the snowcapped mountain slopes, as well as mountain farms clinging onto steep slopes. The Norland (Nordlandsbanen) is a railway line between Trondheim and Bodø in Norway. Running for approximately 729 kilometres, it is the Norwegian railway system s longest line, and the only one in Norway to cross the Arctic Circle. Work began on the line in 1881 and in spite of intense efforts to complete the line as part of Hitler s expansion plans during World War Two it was not finished to Bodø until The first stage is from Trondheim to Hell. Unlike most of the Norwegian rail network, the Nordland Line is not electrified. Most passenger services are provided by diesel multiple units (DMU). There are 154 tunnels, 295 bridges and 43 stations on the route, which is considered one of Europe s most scenic journeys. The smooth and modern trains feature wi-fi internet connections, large picture windows and a Komfort Carriage for refreshments and newspapers. PRICE Per person twin share... $12,985 Single supplement... $1,695 Upgrade to Business (where available)... $1,245 Final payment due by May 2018 INCLUSIONS 17 nights accommodation in comfortable, centrally located hotels Many meals as specified in the program Drinks included with welcome and farewell dinners Luxury coach connections and excursions throughout Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides All excursions and entrance fees to attractions, as listed in the itinerary Trondheim Bryggen Bergen EXCLUSIONS International flights Airport transfers on arrival and departure Meals and services not mentioned in itinerary All other personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, laundry services, camera fees where applicable Excursions listed as optional and extra in the brochure

7 SUGGESTED FLIGHTS We have suggested flights for this itinerary depending on your departure point from Australia, any preferred stopovers en-route and/or your planned pre- and posttour activities. We can also investigate your preferred airline and offer you a solution based on connection times and prices. Contact to discuss your options. HOW TO BOOK Download a booking form from our website and follow the easy steps to getting on board. Alternatively, contact Platinum Travel & Tours on or enquiries@platinumtravel.com if you d prefer a form be sent to you. Complete the form and submit it, along with your $1000 pp deposit to secure your place on the tour. DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing. However, sometimes factors beyond our control may affect the final inclusions and prices. These factors may include, but not be limited to; significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates, individual hotel/restaurant decisions that may affect bookings; weather events forcing a change of itinerary; unexpected trackwork on rail lines, unexpected closure of site attractions and so forth. Therefore, items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. If a change is imposed on us, we will endeavour to ensure the substitute is of the same quality that you ve paid for. TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS: Our itineraries are designed to make the most of each destination, so a reasonable amount of activity is built into most days, which is why we call them adventures. Our philosophy is to offer you the best experience possible, while leaving you, our guest, the flexibility to pace yourself and choose how much or how little you want to do. Each Railway Adventures tour incorporates periods of free time for your own exploration and relaxation. While you don t need to be a gym junky, a reasonable level of fitness is required for most of our tours. The ability to manage your own luggage, get on and off all manner of trains and coaches, walk for extended periods, stand comfortably, and climb steps and stairs will ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your adventure. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS In addition to assisting with flight suggestions and bookings, we can also give you some ideas of what you could do before and after your Railway Adventure. We can also organise your all-important Travel Insurance for you. Call our office on if you would like to discuss options. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors such as travel insurance requirements, fitness levels, fees and charges, tour cancellations, payment schedules and so on, please refer to our Terms and Conditions, which accompany the booking form. They can also be found on our website. WHERE YOU WILL STAY Handpicked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here s a selection; Clarion Collection hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen Hotel Thon, Svolvaer Radisson Blu, Bodo Hotel Grand, Oslo

8 Flaam Railway THE RAILWAY ADVENTURES STORY A passion for train travel can manifest itself in many ways. Founder and director of Railway Adventures, Scott McGregor, has made much of his obsession over the years. Travelling to boarding school on the Mudgee Mail gave me a sense of how an active social life and long-distance trains can be a good combination. Building a rural retreat out of a collection of vintage railway carriages in the early 1980s gave Scott a new perspective on rail heritage. During this time, he also operated his first tour The Antipodean Renaissance Express an experience he has never forgotten. Trading in vintage memorabilia and furniture sourced largely from the railways was also a source of great inspiration. Scott travelled far and wide trading and collecting for his Sydney shop, Off The Rails. Hosting a couple of TV documentary series about great train journeys paved the way for leading his own train journeys. Once just an enjoyable part-time hobby, getting paid to do what I love has, naturally enough, led to a more substantial commitment and ultimately the launch of Scott s own dedicated train travel and touring company. This tour is operated by Platinum Travel Corp in association with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures. ATAS Accreditation No: A10597