The Aurora Grand Circle

Transcription

1 For Expert Advice Call for Swedish and Norwegian Lapland for Iceland and Greenland A unique occasion deserves a unique experience. The Aurora Grand Circle Break available: Break Available: September March 8 Nights Highlights This fabulous multi-destination break combines many of the highlights of Swedish and Norwegian Lapland. The journey begins in the Lulea Archipelago in Swedish Lapland before taking you to the Paris of the North, Tromso and then south through Narvik, Abisko, the Northern Lights capital of the region, and then to the IceHotel. With unparalleled opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights in fantastic locations this trip opens up the Lapland region for clients seeking a longer and broader experience. Visits to 2 Different Sky Stations for amazing Northern Lights hunting A Journey full of contrasts mountains, lakes, fjords, sea and Ice Fantastic experiences shaped to give you the best of each season Visit Historic Narvik Visit Tromso the Paris of the North Visit the Original IceHotel (option of staying) Nights in Abisko, probably the best location for Northern Lights hunting in Lapland Day by Day Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Lulea. Dinner, Sauna and outdoor Hot Tub Fly to Lulea in Swedish Lapland, where you will be met and transferred to Brändö where a welcome warming drink will be served around the open fire whilst you kit up with your arctic clothing (winter arrivals). Brandon Lodge is on the edge of the Archipelago with access by boat in the Autumn and snowmobile in the winter. Start your Northern Lights holiday with hopefully a full horizon Aurora over the frozen Bay of Bothnia. The Luleå Archipelago, which has a total of 1300 islands and only 100 residents, is a unique wilderness environment where the sea around the island freezes up to a metre thick in winter. Enjoy a wholesome 2 course dinner prepared using local ingredients and then relax with a sauna and a session in the outdoor hot tub. A la Carte Optional Extras page 1/12

2 Extension to See Stockholm Scandinavia's Capital City Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and always rates in the top 10 most desirable cities in the world to live in. It is also the perfect contrast to a break in the arctic. The old town in Stockholm is very picturesque and compact and can be done in a full day. Your time will be spent exploring some fascinating landmarks. The VASA museum is world class, the Nobel museum of local interest and for ABBA fans; new in 2013 is the ABBA interactive museum. Also in December Stockholm has many Christmas markets so a break can allow you to do some shopping and get into the Christmas spirit. You will stay in the Rival Hotel owned by Benny Anderson of Abba fame. The hotel is an excellent 4* hotel in a quiet square but within walking distance of the old town. Cost Per Person ( Weekend vs Week Day ) Includes 2 nights in standard double room bed and breakfast, private airport transfers to and from Arlanda airport Day 2 Day of Seasonal Experiences. Northern Lights Photography Evening page 2/12

3 Depending on whether you do this trip in the Autumn or Winter you have a fabulous day to look forward to. AUTUMN In Autumn we have lined up a boat trip into the Archipelago to explore the islands and wildlife. Seals, Moose and various bird species populate the islands and not much else! You will have an outdoor lunch on one of the islands before heading back to the Lodge. Alternatively, the Autumn is nature s harvest and the forests around Lulea provide a bountiful harvest of wild mushrooms, berries and other delicacies. Go foraging in the woods and enjoy an outdoor lunch in a remote spot. WINTER Depending on the depth of ice in the Archipelago you will have a fantastic snowmobile adventure through the forests or do the unique 4 hour adventure on the frozen seas in the Luleå Archipelago! Along the way the guide will tell you about the surroundings and about life in the northern wilderness. Your destination is the island of Brändöskär in the outermost archipelago, an idyllic fishing village dating from the 17th century. From here you can look out over the frozen Bothnian Bay with its seemingly endless fields of pack ice and snow. Some years the blue ice piles up into formations about 10 metres high a mighty experience! Make a lunch stop at Jopikgården on the island of Hindersön before heading back to the Lodge. This evening after dinner meet with your guide for an evening of searching for, and hopefully filming, the Northern Lights. Cameras and tripods will be supplied just bring your camera and a memory card. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 3 Day of Seasonal Experiences. Option of night in Tree Hotel After breakfast you have two great days to look forward to depending on the season of travel. AUTUMN Today you will have a guided trip to unique Tree Hotel in Harads. Along the way visit Gammelstad the UNESCO world heritage village near Lulea which dates back over 300 years. The feature of the village is its dominant church. At the Tree Hotel explore the wood where you can find the quirky cabins with evocative names like the UFO, Birds Nest and Mirror Cube before lunch. If you would like to stay the night see this option below. If not return to Brandon Lodge and overnight. WINTER In winter we offer you the thrilling experience of driving your own sled dog team for 2 hours in a secluded location with traditional arctic landscapes. For many people the experience of having the dogs pull you through fresh snow with the silence of the arctic around you is one of the lasting memories. If you would like to stay in the Tree Hotel tonight then we can arrange a transfer and then after a night there you would be driven to the airport for your onward trip to Norway. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner A la Carte Optional Extras page 3/12

4 A night in the Iconic Tree Hotel If you would like to stay a night in the Tree Hotel during your trip then rather than spending your last night at Brandon Lodge why not take a room in the trees! The Treehotel comprises 7 unique themed Tree Rooms, created by 7 separate architects. These are the Mirrorcube, Bird s Nest, Cabin, Blue Cone, dragon fly, UFO and 7th Room! The rooms are set between 4-6 meters from the ground in pine trees and rooms are accessed by either a ramp or sturdy stairs. They can house between 2 and 4 people and the larger rooms, The Dragon Fly and the 7th Room have separate bedrooms and carry an extra supplement. Every Tree Room has its own living and sleeping area and is equipped with a state of the art eco-friendly incineration toilet and water efficient hand basin, which means there is no artificial plumbing. The emphasis is on running the hotel consistent with values of low impact on the surrounding forest and every aspect of the operation compliments this aim Price: From 250 per person to include Dinner and Airport Transfer Day 4 Fly to Tromso. Evening at leisure. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tromso, commonly referred to as the Paris of the North. On arrival catch the flybus transfer to your hotel, the perfectly located Scandic Ishavshotel, your base for the next 2 nights. Settle in and explore the local area. This evening enjoy a 3 course dinner in the excellent hotel restaurant. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner page 4/12

5 Day 5 Explore Tromso. Polar Museum or Optional Whale Watching Trip. Dinner in the Fjellheisen Sky Restaurant Tromso is picturesquely situated between the sea and the Fjord lands behind. There are a number of sites worth seeing and we include entry to one of these in your trip. Tromsø has long been an important base for many polar expeditions and the Polar Museum exhibits and presents this polar seafaring tradition. At the museum you will meet men, women, ships and equipment that were essential for life on the sea and in the Arctic. Take time out to have some lunch on the quayside before our suggestions of visiting the impressive Arctic Cathedral and/or the Mack Brewery, the most northerly brewery in the world! There is a fine collection of beers on tap and an interesting heritage to discover. If you are planning your trip between the end of October and early February you can add in a whale watching experience. Tonight continue your Northern Lights holiday with a final Northern Lights hunt as you Experience Tromsø s best view! The Cable Car runs from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen in just four minutes. The two gondolas, known as Seal and Polar bear, each have a capacity of 28 passengers. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of can enjoy the spectacular views or Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. It s also one of the best locations to witness the Northern Lights. Enjoy a 2 course meal whilst searching for the Aurora! Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner A la Carte Optional Extras Whale Watching in Tromso From Mid October to early February, whale species such as the Humpback, Killer whale (Orca), Harbour porpoise and sometimes even the enormous Fin whale visit the coast outside Tromso to feed on herring. This 3-7 hour trip ( depending on boat chosen) will take you on a journey through the fjords around Tromsø to bring you close to the whales that gather there to feed during the winter months. You will always be accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide with first-hand knowledge of the whales and the nature of the area. There is a kiosk on board the bigger boats so you can purchase hot expedition meals, snacks and cold drinks which you can enjoy whilst looking at the magnificent landscapes. Depending on your preference this trip can either be done in a 146 Seat fast catamaran or for the more hardy a 12 Seat fast RIB boat. Available: Mid October Early February Cost: 150 per person page 5/12

6 Day 6 Fly to Narvik. Northern Lights Gondola Experience Check out from your hotel and flybus to the airport for your flight to Narvik where you will transfer to the city and your hotel the Grand Royal Hotel. Check in and afternoon at leisure. Entrance to the newly built Peace Museum is included. This state of the art facility offers a glimpse of what life looked like in these majestic Fjords during the Second World War Nazi occupation. Tonight enjoy dinner at the Hotel before pick up for a night of Northern Lights hunting. From Narvik town, you will be lifted up to the top of Narvik Fjellet by gondola to a stunning newly renovated lodge to search for Northern Lights. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner Day 7 Train to Abisko. Welcome Lappish Meal After breakfast at leisure until you catch the train for the spectacular 90 minute journey from the Fjord lands to the arctic fells in Abisko. This famous iron ore railroad with beautiful mountain vistas, frozen waterfalls and stunning Arctic valleys. On the Norwegian side enjoy the magnificent views around Björnfjell a stunning Norwegian mountain dotted with small grass roofed cottages. Once you cross into Sweden the mountainous scenery is flanked by Lake Tornetrask on one side and the Abisko Alps on the other. You know when you are near to Abisko, the defining ice age formation of Lapporten will be apparent. Abisko is one of the best locations on earth for Aurora hunting as its unique microclimate results in many more clear nights the perfect ingredient for Aurora sightings! The train drops you a short walk from Abisko Mountain Lodge. Settle in and enjoy the traditional Lappish welcome menu. Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner A la Carte Optional Extras Upgrade to Abisko Mountain Lodge Superior Room 2015 saw the addition of 4 superior rooms at the Lodge. Housed in a separate annexe across the courtyard these rooms add additional comfort and space. All are en suite and are for exclusive use by our clients. This is a highly recommended upgrade for the marginal increase in cost Cost: 48 per person per night subject to availability page 6/12

7 Day 8 Daytime Seasonal Experience. Night time Aurora Photo Workshop. Breakfast in the Lodge and then depending on the season we offer two great ways to experience Abisko National Park. Autumn (September November) Half day hike to Paddustievva, an ancient Sami ritual location The guide will meet you at the Lodge and take you straight out onto the trail which is followed (slightly uphill) all the way to the Samii sacrificial site called Paddus. From here enjoy a spectacular view straight into the famous Lapporten mountain formation (the gateway to the Sami country). Enjoy a picnic lunch before the downhill walk back to the Lodge. Winter (December March) Snowmobile Safari in Abisko Abisko National Park is one of the most scenic locations in Sweden and today offers you the opportunity to explore it on snowmobiles. As you journey through the fresh snow trails enjoy the contrasting beauty of Lake Tornetrask on one side, which totally freezes in winter and the mountains shielding the National Park on the other. A truly spectacular way to spend a few hours! Lunch will be enjoyed back at the Lodge. This evening enjoy the fine menu at Abisko Mountain Lodge prior to joining the Lights Over Lapland team for their exclusive Northern Lights Photo tour designed for Weekend a la Carte guests staying at Abisko Mountain Lodge. This gives you fantastic opportunities to see and photograph the Aurora Borealis in the wilderness of Abisko National Park. Walk right out the Lodge front door and a snowmobile transfer will take you to our exclusive location with commanding views over the mountains and the lake, both of which provide wonderful backdrops for Aurora photos! You will have 2 guides, one to instruct you and the other to look after you and make drinks etc. We have a yurt set up with a fire so you can warm up if necessary. You will be supplied with cameras preset for Aurora photography and spend the evening in Abisko National Park. Whether you are a Pro or never taken a picture in your life you have a great chance of going home after your Northern Lights holiday with some beautiful Aurora photographs and memories that will last a lifetime! Overnight at Abisko Mountain Lodge. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner page 7/12

8 Day 9 Visit the Original IceHotel before flying home After breakfast a driver will transfer you to the world famous and original ICEHOTEL. This incredible structure is built afresh each year and is a must see for anyone visiting Kiruna. Its Art Suites are works of art and additionally there is the icebar, chapel and the excellent shop to visit. You will also see the revolutionary design and function of ICEHOTEL 365, the new permanent edition of the ICEHOTEL. If you visit before Mid December ICEHOTEL 365 will be open and then between 15 December and the end March the non permanent structure sits alongside. You do have the option of extending your stay to experience a night in the ICEHOTEL. Your driver then will take you to the airport for your flight home or if you would like to see Stockholm, Scandinavia s capital city we can extend your break to include a couple of nights staying at the Rival Hotel owned by Benny Andersson of ABBA fame. Meals included: Breakfast A la Carte Optional Extras Extension to See Stockholm Scandinavia's Capital City Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and always rates in the top 10 most desirable cities in the world to live in. It is also the perfect contrast to a break in the arctic. The old town in Stockholm is very picturesque and compact and can be done in a full day. Your time will be spent exploring some fascinating landmarks. The VASA museum is world class, the Nobel museum of local interest and for ABBA fans; new in 2013 is the ABBA interactive museum. Also in December Stockholm has many Christmas markets so a break can allow you to do some shopping and get into the Christmas spirit. You will stay in the Rival Hotel owned by Benny Anderson of Abba fame. The hotel is an excellent 4* hotel in a quiet square but within walking distance of the old town. Cost Per Person ( Weekend vs Week Day ) Includes 2 nights in standard double room bed and breakfast, private airport transfers to and from Arlanda airport Night in World Famous Ice Hotel page 8/12

9 Swedish Lapland is home to the original and most dramatic ICEHOTEL. Now in its 27th edition. The hotel has two editions: Permanent ICEHOTEL 365. (open all year) This revolutionary design has allowed visitors from around the world to experience the ICEHOTEL all year round. Through a unique cooling system the designers have built all the features of the original icehotel into this amazing structure. Art suites and deluxe art suites are housed in 365 Temporary ICEHOTEL (open Mid December End March) This hotel is rebuilt from blocks of ice harvested from the Torne river. As the temperature in Jukkasjärvi drops below zero Ice Artists arrive from the world over to build this magnificent creation. They build the 4 levels of rooms, the ice chapel and ice bar. Their art is created with imagination and hard work, only to melt away under the unforgiving rays of the sun come spring. We offer all categories of room from cabins to Art Suites and the new en suite deluxe art suites in ICEHOTEL 365. We will make a reservation in the restuarant for you so you can experience some of the region s best cuisine (a la carte menu paid for locally) From 120 per person bed and breakfast (cabin) 480 per person (deluxe art suite) depending on room choice including arctic clothing in winter and transfers to the airport at the end of your stay. Where You'll Stay Brandon Lodge Lulea Archipelago Each of the 15 cabins at Brändön Lodge has two bedrooms with 2 single beds in each room. In one room the two single beds can be joined into a double bed on request. The cabin has a bathroom and small kitchen if required. The front of the cabin includes a balcony and all cabins have a view over the sea. In the main Lodge building is a relaxation lounge, bar and restaurant. page 9/12

10 Scandic Ishavshotel Tromso Almost all rooms at the Scandic Ishavshotel are located at the very end of the quay and provide panoramic views whilst there are excellent Restaurant and Bar facilities. For a relaxing drink visit the Roast Bar, located right by the water and offering views of the Tromsø Bridge and a famous architectural landmark, the Arctic Cathedral. Grand Royal Hotel Narvik The airport bus that goes to the Narvik/Harstad airport stops directly in front of the hotel which is very convenient and it is only a short walk to the Peace Museum and the train station. Abisko Mountain Lodge Abisko Mountain Lodge offers genuine accommodation in an old-fashioned mountain hotel setting. The service is personal and the cuisine is centred on raw ingredients. It is accredited by the Sapmi Slow Food movement, an award that took 4 years to achieve. Chefs are dedicated slow-food addicts and produce wonderful nightly meals! The 16 standard rooms in the low red 'Swedish style house' are all en-suite. Although basic they are warm and cosy. There are no televisions in the rooms as time is spent meeting guests around the bar or in the wonderful lounge area. Additionally there are 4 new superior rooms added in early These four rooms are in a separate annexe and are used exclusively by Aurora nights. Order a coffee or a glass of wine at the bar, read a magazine or spin a yarn about your arctic adventures and the magnificent aurora displays you have seen. For those wanting to soothe the muscles there is a sauna. Original ICEHOTEL warm accommodation page 10/12

11 Nordic Chalets - These apartments have two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a simple lounge area, ideal for family or friends sharing. The décor is calm and classic Scandinavian, with white-washed wooden panel walls, birch wood details, heated tiled floors and shades of natural shades of grey, white and brown. The apartment is spacious with two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with a bunk bed, and sleeps four. There is also a small lounge and kitchenette and heated tiled flooring in the hallway, lounge and bedrooms. Our Arctic Chalets are traditionally Scandinavian with natural materials and colors. Rustic, simple and comfortable, this two bedroom apartment is decorated in natural materials and organic shades of dark blue, white and brown. Arctic Chalets - have a rustic character, with pine wood paneled walls, tiled floors and birchwood details complemented by shades of dark blue, grey and white. New is that the master bedroom is furnished with a comfortable Carpe Diem Bed (160 x 200 cm). There is also one single bedroom, a small lounge, kitchenette and a bathroom with shower. Reviews & Feedback A personal and superbly organised experience, it was too easy! Excellent value for money. A top notch experience of a lifetime and of memories. Hats off to the agenda organiser(s). Excellent communication and care from Weekend a la carte. Rik Excellently organised holiday All pick ups on time and activities were brilliant. Food excellent. People very friendly and helpful. Cannot recommend this break enough. Carole Price Per Person: From 3,195 ( Inc Flights) What's Included? page 11/12

12 Flights (From the UK) with one hold bag per person Domestic flights in the itinerary 3 Nights at Brandon Lodge in a cabin Full Board Sauna and Hot tub welcome 2 Days of seasonal experiences in Lulea 2 Nights at the Ishavshotel in Tromso Dinner & Breakfast Dinner at the Sky Restaurant in Tromso Dinner at the Gondola restaurant in Narvik 1 Night at the Grand Hotel in Narvik bed and breakfast Visit to Peace Museum in Narvik Train to Abisko 2 Nights Abisko Mountain Lodge Full Board Day of seasonal activities in Abisko Night time Aurora Photo Workshop Visit to the Original IceHotel All transfers, guides and Arctic clothing in Swedish Lapland (winter) 8 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners and 3 Lunches Break Available: September March Departure Days: Tuesday / Thursday / Sunday Departure Airports Heathrow Gatwick Manchester Stockholm For our international Clients we can link into your Inter continental flights, provide domestic flights in Iceland and Sweden or just offer you the ground plans freeing you up to book your own flights Weekend a la Carte For Expert Advice Call for Lapland for Iceland page 12/12