Kingdoms of the North

Transcription

1 Lofoten Islands, Norway Kingdoms of the North May 2019 Norway Edinburgh Orkney Islands With Iceland extension May 2019

2 Cruise through mighty fjords Norway is a remote land possessing otherworldly beauty, ancient history and a thriving arts and cultural scene. It is a land of Viking heritage, beautiful music, magnificent fjords and rich medical and military history. Travel with Professor John Pearn through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and experience Norway s music, folk culture and long history and the midnight sun - on a journey to the Arctic Circle and back. Continue to the gracious city of Edinburgh with its long history and culture and onto the remote Orkneys with their ancient Neolithic and Viking heritage. There is an optional extension to Iceland after the tour. Edvard Grieg and hear a concert of his music in his home. Continue to the North Sea Museum to learn about the extraordinary achievements of the Shetland Bus a boat operation between Shetland and Norway to assist the Norwegian resistance movement during WWII and Norway s role in the war. Next day take a funicular up Mt Fløyen for magnificent views. Descend to explore Bryggen, Arrive in the colourful Norwegian city of Bergen, the gateway to fjordland and a visual link with Norway s past. Enjoy a welcome dinner. Next day explore Norway s historic second city, starting with the official royal residence in Bergen, Gamlehaugen, set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds. Continue to the cottage and gardens of famous Norwegian composer, Bergen

3 wooded hills make this historic capital a pleasure to wander through. Take a guided walking tour and learn about its Viking kings. Visit Nidaros Cathedral and the 12th century Archbishop s Palace, which contains the crown jewels. See the Kuli Stone, a unique runestone, and medieval skeletons. Stop at the monolithic Kristiansen Fortress and visit the open-air museum, built around the ruins of the oldest stone castle in Norway. Kjeungskjær Lighthouse Bergen s medieval wharf, which reflects its Hanseatic League heyday. Visit Bergen Fortress and the Maritime Museum and enjoy time at leisure to explore this beautiful town at your own pace before an evening departure. Rise early next morning to stunning fjord views as you pass Njordford and continue to Alesund, which lays claim to being Norway s most beautiful town. It burnt down completely in 1904 and was rebuilt in the then current Art Nouveau style. Spend an afternoon at leisure before returning to the ship. John Pearn will give a talk on Dr Axel Munthe, a prominent, progressive Scandinavian physician and best selling author before WWII. Disembark in Trondheim the next morning. Colourful warehouses, waterways and green Board the Midnatsol in the afternoon and continue north, passing the distinctive octagonal Kjeungskjær Lighthouse on the way to the tiny port of Rorvik. In the evening hear a talk on Norwegian folklore. Next morning cross the Arctic Circle into the region of the midnight sun, an event which has a special ceremony. Visit Bodo, another attractive, colourful Norwegian town and the gateway to the Lofoten Islands. You arrive on Norway s National Day, a day of enthusiastic pageantry with all the locals parading in national dress, and the biggest celebration of the year all across the country. Spend the afternoon enjoying the atmosphere before heading back out to sea towards the Lofoten Islands, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The approach from Bodo provides the most dramatic view of the towering peaks of the Lofoten Wall, which stretches 160km wide and up to a kilometre high. Green hills of Trondheim

4 and take a tour of the town, including a visit to Andersgrotta, a vast WWII underground bunker. Spend the night in Kirkenes. Next morning depart for the airport to fly to Edinburgh via Oslo. Arrive in the afternoon and check into the hotel. Enjoy a Viking feast, Lofoten Arrive in Stamsund and visit the superb Lofoten Viking Museum, housed in a reconstruction of an original Viking longhouse. Explore the museum, with demonstrations of traditional Viking life, and enjoy a feast with mead and local festive fare, lit by oil lamps and served by Vikings in authentic costumes. After the feast drive to Svolvaer to reboard the Midnatsol. Next morning cruise to Tromso, the Arctic capital. Tromso is striking, set on an island in the Arctic with a charming old town and the spectacular landmark Arctic Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure before returning to the ship to hear a talk on the sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz in a nearby fjord during WWII. Edinburgh is a beautiful city in a stunning natural setting with a rich Norse, medieval and Enlightenment history. Next morning take a tour with a local guide, starting with a visit to imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched on on a hilltop above the city. View Scotland s Crown Jewels before taking a panoramic tour of the city by coach, passing by the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament and the Georgian New Town. Stop for lunch at the brasserie at the National Museum of Scotland (not included) with time to visit its diverse collections. Afterwards take a walking tour of Enlightenment Edinburgh, including a visit to Surgeons Hall, home to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. In the evening there is a whisky tasting and dinner at the Scotch Whisky Society. Spend the sunlit night cruising through magnificent sub-arctic landscapes and arrive next day at Honningsvag. Disembark to visit the North Cape the northernmost point of Europe, where dramatic cliffs rise 1000m from the ocean, and now in midnight sun. The ship then continues north, sailing into the heartland of the ancient indigenous Sami culture. Pass their sacred site, the rock formation of Finnkirka and continue to the fishing village of Kjøllefjord. In the evening hear a talk on how polar explorers and Arctic warriors survived the cold. Cruise onto Kirkenes, which is farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul and just 15km from the Russian border. This location plunged the remote town into frontline hostilities during WWII as it became the focus of the battle for Murmansk and was bombed over 300 times. Disembark the ship for the final time in Kirkenes North Cape, Arctic Circle

5 Skara Brae, Orkney Next morning fly to the Orkney Islands, an archipelago comprising approximately 70 islands with a rich Norse heritage. Visit the famous Italian Chapel, a beautiful building constructed by Italian POWs in WWII, who were brought to Orkney in 1942 to build a giant causeway - today known as the Churchill Barriers - to seal off access to the vast naval base at Scapa Flow. In the afternoon visit the Burray Fossil and Heritage Centre and St Magnus Cathedral before continuing to the Highland Park Whisky Distillery for a guided tour and tastings. Hear a talk by local guide Patricia Long on Australian Orcadians. (not included) before visiting Ness Battery, which once defended Scapa Flow against enemy attack. In the evening there is the option to return to the Orkney Folk Festival. The final day is at leisure before flying back to Edinburgh. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a piper and a traditional Address to the Haggis from the famous poem by Robert Burns. Next day transfer to the airport for departure flights or join the Iceland extension. Orkney s human history stretches back 10,000 years to its Neolithic origins, which are evident in a breathtaking landscape of ceremonial stone circles, tombs, prehistoric villages and many other ancient monuments. The following morning explore this extraordinary heritage with a visit to Skara Brae, Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe. After lunch visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and Barnhouse Village. Visit Kirkwall Hospital to learn about remote medicine in the Orkneys. In the evening there is the option to drive to Stromness for their Folk Festival. Next morning visit Stromness Museum, which puts the history of Orkney into context with the wider world. Stop for lunch at Orkney Brewery The Italian Chapel, Orkney

6 Itinerary May nights Bergen 7 night cruise 1 night Kirkenes 2 nights Edinburgh 3 nights Orkney 1 night Edinburgh North Cape 6 Reykjavik Iceland Norwegian Sea Lofoten Islands Tromso 3 Kirkenes 2 Trondheim Alesund Sweden Finland Orkney 5 Nordfjord Bergen 1 Norway Oslo Glasgow 4 UK Edinburgh 12 May (Sun) Bergen Arrive in Bergen Welcome dinner 13 May (Mon) Bergen See Gamlehaugen, the Royal Residence in Bergen. Continue to Troldhaugen to see Edvard Grieg s cottage and garden Hear a concert at Grieg s home. Visit the North Sea Museum and learn of the Shetland Bus and Norway in WWII 14 May (Tues) Bergen / Cruise Take the funicular up Mt Fløyen. Explore old Bergen including the medieval Hanseatic Wharf Bryggen, Bergen Fortress and the Maritime Museum At leisure in Bergen Embark on the Midnatsol 15 May (Wed) Cruising: Nordfjord / Alesund B L D Rise early to see breathtaking Nordfjord Disembark in Alesund and at leisure Talk: Dr Axel Munthe by John Pearn D 16 May (Thur) Cruising: Trondheim B L D Guided walking tour of Trondheim to learn of Olav Tryggvason, King of Norway and founder of Trondheim, and medieval and Viking history Board Midnatsol and continue past Kjeungskjær Lighthouse toward Rørvik Talk: Norwegian Folk Tales, Trolls and Legends 17 May (Fri) Cruising: Lofoten Islands B L D Cross the Arctic Circle with Arctic ceremony Visit Bodo. At leisure to celebrate Norway s National Day. Embark and cruise by the 1000m high Lofoten Wall Arrive at Stamsund. Visit the Lofoten Viking Museum and enjoy a traditional Viking feast. Reboard at Svolvaer 18 May (Sat) Cruising: Tromso B L D Briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes en route to Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic Visit Tromso and at leisure Talk: The Sinking of the Tirpitz JP

7 B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner 19 May (Sun) Cruising: North Cape B L D Cross the 71st parallel toward the North Cape and arrive in Honningsvåg Disembark and visit the soaring North Cape. Board the ship and continue north into the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people. Pass their ancient sacred site, Finnkirka, and continue to Kjøllefjord Talk: Polar Explorers and Arctic Warriors Surviving the Cold by JP 20 May (Mon) Cruising: Kirkenes Arrive in Vadsø and and then Kirkenes, the gateway to the east. Disembark Visit Kirkenes, including the Borderland Museum and a vast underground bunker built during World War II Overnight and dinner 21 May (Tues) Kirkenes / Edinburgh Depart for Norwegian Airlines flight to Edinburgh via Oslo Arrive Edinburgh and transfer to hotel Dinner at the hotel 22 May (Wed) Edinburgh Visit Edinburgh Castle, including Scotland s Crown Jewels. Panoramic coach tour of city, passing the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament and the Georgian New Town Lunch at the Brasserie at the National Museum of Scotland (not included). Walking tour of Enlightenment Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Society tasting and dinner at the Scotch Whisky Society 23 May (Thur) Edinburgh / Orkney Fly from Edinburgh to Orkney and transfer to the Italian Chapel via the Churchill Barriers Visit the Burray Fossil and Heritage Centre. Visit St Magnus Cathedral and continue to the Highland Park Whisky Distillery for a tour and tastings. Talk: Some Australian Orcadians by Patricia Long 25 May (Sat) Orkney Visit the Stromness Museum Visit Orkney Brewery for lunch (not included). Visit the Ness Battery. Return to Kirkwall alongside Scapa Flow Option to visit the Orkney Folk Festival 26 May (Sun) Orkney / Edinburgh At leisure or option to visit the Broch of Gurness Fly to Edinburgh and farewell dinner with a piper and an Address to the Haggis Extension to Iceland (can also be taken separately) 27 May (Mon) Edinburgh / Reykjavik Fly to Reykjavik Visit Blue Lagoon hot springs and Viking World. Transfer to the Fosshótel Barón 28 May (Tues) Reykjavik Visit the Golden Circle, stopping at Thingvallanvatn, Iceland s largest natural lake. Continue to Gullfoss waterfall and the geyser area Visit the ruins of a Viking Settlement Manor and a reconstructed Saga-Age Farm Viking dinner 29 May (Wed) Reykjavik Visit the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, Reykholt and the Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik Visit Árbær open air museum Farewell dinner 30 May (Thur) Reykjavik Transfer to the airport B D 24 May (Fri) Orkney B L Visit Skara Brae and Skaill House. Continue to the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe Visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and Barnhouse Village. Visit Kirkwall Hospital to meet with Orcadian medical staff and learn of remote medicine Option to drive across Mainland to Stromness for the Folk Festival Reykjavik

8 Summer landscapes in Iceland Iceland extension Iceland is a magical island humming with energy and natural phenomena that turn everyday experiences - a walk, a drive, a dip in a pool - into something that will take your breath away. Its beauty comes from a vast volcanic landscape where mighty forces shape the earth. It also has an ancient Viking history and rich Nordic culture. From Edinburgh transfer to Glasgow for a direct flight to Reykjavik. The city combines colourful buildings and a cosmopolitan, creative feel with excellent museums and vibrant nightlife. In the afternoon immerse yourself in the Blue Lagoon hot springs, set in a magnificent black-lava field. Continue onto Viking World before transferring to your hotel and dinner at a local restaurant. cultural centre. Return to Reykjavik to visit the fascinating Settlement Exhibition that explores life in Viking times, built around ancient relics found during an excavation in In the afternoon continue to Árbær to visit its superb open-air museum with more than 20 buildings that form a town square, a village and a farm. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner in Reykjavik. Next day transfer to the airport. NB: The Iceland extension can be taken as a stand-alone tour. Next morning set out for the Golden Circle, a circuit that includes the meeting-point of the continental plates, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament (Þingvellir), Strokkur Geyser, spurting hot water and steam 30 metres into the air, and a roaring waterfall (Gullfoss). In the afternoon visit the ruins of a Viking Settlement- Age farm, excavated in 1939 after being buried for 835 years under massive layers of tephra. Continue to Hafnarfjörður for a Viking dinner. Next morning drive to Borgarnes village and visit the Settlement Centre, which tells the story of the Viking settlement of Iceland. Continue to Reykholt, an important historical site and Strokkur Geyser in full flow

9 Hotels Thon Orion Hotel (Bergen) Thon Hotel Orion has been recently renovated with a bright, contemporary décor. This comfortable hotel has a superb location right by the Bryggen waterfront. Thon Hotel (Kirkenes) Renovated at the end of 2017 with a bright and modern décor, this comfortable, light filled hotel is perched on the quay in central Kirkenes with unimpeded views of the fjord. Apex Hotel Waterloo (Edinburgh) Built in 1819, this elegant Georgian building was the first purpose-built hotel in Edinburgh and today combines contemporary furnishings, a stylish bar and restaurant, a complimentary swimming pool and gym with timeless style. At the east end of Princes Street, this hotel enjoys a desirable New Town location. Ayr Hotel (Orkney) The Ayre Hotel is one of Orkney s finest hotels and is situated in the principal town of Kirkwall. The hotel is in a charming whitewashed building with harbour views, clean and cosy rooms with good facilities and friendly service. Fosshótel Barón (Reykjavik - Iceland extension) A historic hotel with a sleek, contemporary décor situated in the heart of Reykjavík, near the seafront and a short walk from Reykjavik s harbour. Simmer dim - an Orkney/Shetland word that literally means summer-dusk and describes the endless twilight of days around the summer solstice, when true dark never falls. Alesund (top); Edinburgh; St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall; Puffins in Iceland (bottom)

10 MS Midnatsol Midnatsol sailing out of Trollfjord Hurtigruten Midnatsol The MS Midnatsol (Midnight Sun) is dedicated to the wonders of Arctic summer, sailing along the Norwegian coast from May to September. MS Midnatsol features modern design and a strong environmental profile. The interior s bright, colourful décor is inspired by the midnight sun, which you can enjoy from the Jacuzzi on the sun deck on Deck 9. Key ship features include the large, two-storey panorama lounge above the bow, with massive glass expanses that allow in natural light and provide extraordinary views. She is an ice class 1X ship, equipped with advanced technology and has her own on-board expedition team. Their mission is to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, culture and natural phenomena you see on the journey Balcony Balcony Balcony Balcony Balcony MG-815 MG-817 MG-819 MG-821 MG-823 MX-825 MG-816 MG-818 MG-820 MG-822 MG-824 MX-826 MG-775 M2-782 MG-780 Outdoor Explorer deck U2-771 U2-813 U2-801 U2-803 U2-805 U2-807 U2-809 U2-811 U2-802 U2-804 U2-806 U2-808 U2-810 U2-812 U2-814 U2-733 U2-735 U2-737 U2-739 U2-743 U2-747 U2-751 U2-755 U2-759 U2-763 U2-767 I2-741 I2-745 I2-749 I2-753 I2-757 I2-761 I2-765 I2-769 I2-773 I2-746 I2-750 I2-754 I2-758 I2-762 I2-766 I2-770 I2-774 I2-778 U2-738 U2-740 U2-742 U2-744 U2-748 U2-752 U2-756 U2-760 U2-764 U2-768 U2-772 U2-776 O2-649 O2-651 O2-642 O2-653 O2-644 P2-655 I2-657 P2-646 P2-659 I2-661 P2-648 P2-663 I2-665 P2-650 P2-667 I2-669 P2-652 P2-671 I2-673 P2-654 P2-675 I2-677 P2-656 P2-679 I2-681 P2-658 P2-683 I2-685 P2-660 P2-687 I2-689 P2-662 Q2-691 Q2-664 MS MIDNATSOL Outdoor Jacuzzi deck The Hamsun J3-729 J3-731 Room Library J3-719 J3-721 J3-723 J3-725 J3-727 J3-718 J3-720 J3-722 J3-724 J3-726 J2-728 J2-730 J2-732 J2-734 QJ-736 J3-637 J3-636 J3-639 J3-638 J3-641 QJ-640 J3-643 J3-645 J3-647 Info/ Tour Leader J3-626 J3-628 J3-630 J3-632 J3-635 J3-634 Outdoor walking deck Seating area Mysterier Bar Paradis Bar Bar Sauna U2-709 U2-713 J3-715 J3-717 U2-712 U2-716 U2-707 U2-710 I2-711 I2-714 I2-708 J3-627 J3-618 J3-629 J3-620 J3-631 J3-622 J3-633 J3-624 Fitness room Horisont Hall Horisont Gallery Panorama Lounge Q2-701 U2-703 U2-705 Q2-702 U2-704 U2-706 YA3-619 YA3-625 YA3-614 YA3-616 P2-603 P2-605 P2-607 P2-611 P2-615 I2-609 I2-613 I2-617 I2-621 I2-623 I2-600 P2-604 P2-606 P2-608 P2-610 P2-612 Q2-601 Q Midnatsol Main Dining Breakfast Lunch Dinner Shop Grill Food Court À la carte Restaurant Playroom Lecture halls 4 N2-461 N2-463 N2-465 N2-467 N2-469 N2-471 N2-473 N2-475 N2-477 I2-479 N2-483 I2-481 N2-485 I2-487 N2-491 N2-493 N2-499 Laundry I2-441 N2-443 N2-445 N2-447 N2-449 N2-451 N2-455 N2-459 I2-457 I4-439 I2-433 I2-453 I2-437 I2-435 O2-434 O2-436 O2-438 O2-440 O2-442 N2-444 N2-446 N2-448 N2-450 N2-452 N2-454 N2-456 N2-458 N2-460 N2-462 N2-464 N2-466 N2-468 N2-470 N2-472 N2-474 N2-476 N2-478 N2-480 N2-482 N2-484 N2-486 N2-488 N2-490 N2-492 N2-494 Gangway Reception Luggage L2-401 L2-403 L2-405 L2-409 L2-413 O2-415 O2-419 O2-421 O2-427 O2-429 I2-417 I2-420 I2-423 I2-426 I2-425 I2-428 I2-410 I2-407 I2-411 I2-408 I2-412 L2-402 L2-404 L2-406 L2-414 L2-416 O2-418 O2-422 O2-424 O2-430 O Expedition landing deck L2-302 L2-304 L2-306 L2-308 L2-310 L2-312 L2-314 L2-316 L2-318 L2-320 L2-322 L2-324 L2-326 L2-328 L2-330 L2-332 L2-334 L2-336 EXPEDITION SUITES Views from the deck MS Midnatsol deckplan MX Owner s suite m 2 Two-room suite, seating area, dining table, TV, kettle, stereo, Internet access, mini-bar, private balcony MG Grand suite m 2 One or two-room suite, seating area, TV, kettle, stereo, internet access, mini-bar, some with bathtub, bay window or private balcony M Suite m 2 One or two-room suite, TV, kettle, mini-bar and private balcony Q Mini suite m 2 One-room suite, seating area, TV, kettle, mini-bar

11 The cost includes: Comprehensive pre-departure information The services of experienced tour leader and speaker, Professor John Pearn Tour Leader Orkney Folk Festival Professor John Pearn is a clinician and medical historian based in Brisbane, Australia. He has been an Academic and Clinical Teacher for 50 years in Medicine and Health Sciences, based at the University of Queensland. He is the Author of some thirty books and more than 200 published papers on the history of medicine and health. As Major General John Pearn, he served in the Defence Reserves for 35 years, ultimately in the appointment of Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force. He commanded the 2 Field Hospital, formerly No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station, which was the pivot medical unit on the beach at Gallipoli, 25 April Professor John Pearn was a founder, later President and then Honorary Life Member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of the History of Medicine. He is an historian of the Order of St John. He has been a Member of the Council for the International Society of the History of Medicine for many years; and its Vice President for the last four years. His books include the history of one of the Greek Islands and research publications on Simpson (of Gallipoli fame) and on ancient Greek medicine. John Pearn an encyclopaedia of knowledge and a true leader excellent +++ Omar and Sigrun Khan, History of Medicine - Greece & Turkey 2012 In Norway and Scotland the cost includes: Nine nights accommodation in twin bedded rooms in medium grade hotels (Bergen, Kirkenes, Kirkwall and Edinburgh) Seven nights accommodation in twin bedded cabins aboard the Midnatsol Breakfasts and dinners daily on land All meals at sea Scotch whisky tastings in Edinburgh and Kirkwall A full programme of sightseeing, walks and talks as per the itinerary Admission fees and tips Services of experienced English speaking guides All transportation services including flights (Kirkenes to Edinburgh via Oslo) and Edinburgh - Kirkwall return The cost per person is: In a I grade cabin on decks 4, 6, 7: US $6,286 Single Supplement US $1,932 In a N grade cabin on deck 4: US $7,308 Single Supplement on request In a O grade cabin on decks 4 and 6: US $7,602 Single Supplement US $2,460 In a P grade cabin on deck 6: US $7,756 Single Supplement US $2,484 In a U grade cabin on decks 6 and 7: US $8,204 Single Supplement US $2,604 The extension to Iceland costs US $2,028 per person sharing and includes: Transfer from Edinburgh Hotel to Glasgow Airport and flight from Glasgow to Reykjavik on Iceland Air Three nights accommodation in twin bedded rooms in a medium grade hotel in Reykjavik Single supplement is US $280 Breakfast and dinner daily A full programme of activities as per the itinerary including all transport and admission fees and tips Services of experienced English speaking guide throughout The cost excludes: International flights All personal extras such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc. All optional excursions, tours and visits. Travel insurance

12 About Us To travel with us is to dig below the surface, revealing the deeper destination. Of course, you will visit the great historical sites; marvel at the wonders of architecture and engineering; be moved by the riches of culture and art; and experience the most spectacular landscapes in the world. What we also do is make sure that you see the country as it is today, giving you privileged access that independent travel and other tour companies rarely get close to. We give you a variety of experiences, from the sublime to the humble, in the company of intelligent, curious, like-minded people. And while we can be worthy, we also make sure that you have a lot of fun. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: Jon Baines Tours (London) Hyde Park House, 5 Manfred Road, London, SW15 2RS Tel: +44 (0) / info@jonbainestours.co.uk Jon Baines Tours (Melbourne) PO Box 68, South Brunswick, Victoria 3055 Tel: +61 (0) Fax: +61 (0) info@jonbainestours.com.au Sail through Trollfjord (top); Spectacular Lofoten Islands; The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney; Bathe in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland - extension (above) topp PROTECTED