Spectacular Scandinavia and its Fjords

Transcription

1 Spectacular Scandinavia and its Fjords Revel in outstanding Scandinavian scenery as you cruise the glassy fjords and ride the Flåm Railway. In the cities, soak up the seafaring history and lively cultural scene. This comprehensive tour visits Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Highlights Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm. Copenhagen: The Little Mermaid and the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces. Stockholm: The fabulous Gold Room in the rose-hued City Hall covered by 25 million gilded mosaic tiles. Sigtuna: See the tiny City Hall in the old Viking capital Uppsala: Visit the Gothic Cathedral Nusnas: Visit to a workshop to witness an artisan creating a colourful wooden horse. Falun: View the Great Pit, a vast crater caused by an enormous mine collapse in Lom: Visit the 12C Stave Church. Geiranger: Cruise along majestic Geirangerfjord Fjærland: The Norwegian Glacier Museum - all you ever wanted to know about ice flows Flåm Railway: Journey on one of the world's steepest railways Oslo: Akershus Castle and Royal Palace. Visit the controversial Vigeland sculptures in Frogner Park Bergen: See Haakon's Hall in this wooden city' What is included Transfers and tours as per itinerary on luxury coaches with extended leg room and free WiFi 14 nights accommodation as specified in itinerary, twin sharing, on a bed and breakfast basis 7 dinners Personal radio headset Porterage Hotel and restaurant tips Tour Manager throughout What is not included Return flights Single supplement (exceptions listed under Important Information below) Travel insurance (+ 66 years double premium) ITINERARY Day 1 Copenhagen Fly Dublin to Copenhagen (own expense) - see suggested flights below. On arrival at Copenhagen Airport, your transfer shuttle service will leave for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:30. Then you will be at leisure to relax and settle in. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception, drinks and a

2 wonderful Welcome Dinner, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. Hotel: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen Day 2 Copenhagen (Relaxed Start) A Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbour. See Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, as well as the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces and the Renaissance Stock Exchange. Continue to Copenhagen's cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary and the unusual Rundertaarn - a 17th century round tower, the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps take an optional experience into the picturesque Danish countryside to the castles of North Zealand. Hotel: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen Day 3 Roskilde (Relaxed Start) Travel to the ancient city of Roskilde, dating back to the Viking age. Visit Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first gothic cathedral in Scandinavia, where 39 kings and queens are buried. Roskilde is also home to the giant rock music event, Roskilde Festival. Hotel: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen Day 4 Stockholm Leave Denmark and cross over the Oresund bridge to Sweden. On through the Skåne region (which gave its name to Scandinavia), past a patchwork of fertile farmlands. Continue along the shores of Lake Vattern to the Swedish capital. Hotel: Hilton Slussen, Stockholm Day 5 Stockholm (Relaxed Start) The charms of Sweden's capital are revealed with your Local Expert. Start with the Cathedral, the coronation palace of many Swedish kings and the Old Town, with some of the narrowest streets in the world. Stroll through the courtyard of the Royal Palace and visit the imposing City Hall with its Gold Room (site of the annual Nobel Prize presentation banquet), with walls covered by 25 million gilded mosaic tiles. There's free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fabulous Vasa Galleon, raised from Stockholm's harbour bed in 1961 after sinking on its maiden voyage in Hotel: Hilton Slussen, Stockholm Day 6 Sigtuna, Uppsala, Falun Travel via Lake Mälaren to tiny Sigtuna, once the Viking capital and now boasting Sweden's smallest City Hall. Then head to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia's oldest university and visit the lofty cathedral. Later, travel through rural Dalecarlia to the old historic mining town of Falun. View the Great Pit, a vast crater caused by an enormous mine collapse in Hotel: First Grand Hotel/Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren, Falun

3 Day 7 Lillehammer A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region, brings you to Nusnas, home of the Dala horse. Visit a workshop to witness a colourful wooden horse being made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden. Cross into Norway and pass the Olympic ice skating rink called the Viking Ship' at Hamar. Journey along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, to Lillehammer. Hotel: Scandic Victoria, Lillehammer DAY 8 Geiranger (Relaxed Start) Head northwest from Lillehammer amid the countryside of Peer Gynt, immortalised by Ibsen. At Lom, visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to Continue along winding roads that pass waterfalls, rivers, icefields, lakes and snow-capped peaks in abundance. End your day in spectacular fashion with an incredible cruise on the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Stay in the remote village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains. Hotel: Union, Geiranger Day 9 Geiranger (Relaxed Start) The day is reserved for relaxation among the most breath-taking scenery, which has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. Maybe take a trip along the Troll's Road with outstanding photo opportunities. Hotel: Union, Geiranger Day 10 Fjærland and Fjordland to Leikanger Head to the Bøyabreen Glacier for a photo-stop before gaining a deeper understanding of your surroundings at the nearby Fjærland Glacier Museum. Journey through time, from the creation of the earth, to the last ice age and up to the year Then a scenic drive will bring you to your hotel in Leikanger. Hotel: Leikanger Fjord Hotel Day 11 The Flåm Railway to Bergen Cross the serene waters of magnificent Sognefjord, the world's longest and deepest fjord. Then embark on a spectacular scenic journey on the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914m. Visit a family-run farm on the Hardangerfjord to hear all about the fruit production process and sample the apple juice and homemade cider. During a walk through the orchard, learn how eight generations have farmed the land, producing fruit, berries and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake and other delicious dishes. Move on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen. Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal, Bergen Day 12 Bergen (Relaxed Start) Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert. The ancient Hanseatic port of Bergen still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively fish market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has many stalls, selling a colourful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th century Haakon's Hall,

4 there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Or perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edward Grieg, before ascending Mount Floyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia. Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal, Bergen Day 13 Oslo Cross scenic mountains and travel through ski-resorts on your way to the capital of Oslo. Hotel: Hotel Bristol, Oslo Day 14 Oslo (Relaxed Start) With a Local Expert, pass the Royal Palace, as well as the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbour. At Frogner Park, view the intriguing Vigeland sculptures, before a highlight visit to the Viking Long Ship Museum. In the evening, round off your Scandinavian adventure with a farewell Celebration Dinner and a glass of wine to toast to new friends. Hotel: Hotel Bristol, Oslo Day 15 Oslo Departure transfers arrive at Oslo Airport at 07:15 & 10:15. Fly from Oslo to Dublin (own expense) see suggested flight below. ACCOMMODATION Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen 4* In a peaceful setting overlooking Stadsgraven canal and just a 15 minute walk from the city centre and Tivoli gardens, this excellent hotel has 3 restaurants serving Italian, Japanese and Thai specialities, 2 bars, a casino and a gym. 542 en site rooms with satellite TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and hairdryer. Free WiFi. Hilton Slussen Hotel, Stockholm 4* Centrally situated between between trendy Södermalm and the charming Old Town, this modern hotel has panoramic views of the inner city, Lake Mälaren and Stockholm City Hall. It has 2 restaurants and the Eken Bar with city views plus a sauna and a gym. 289 well-equipped, stylish rooms at feature contemporary Swedish décor and have air conditioning, TV, safe, minibar and coffee maker. WiFi is free. First Grand Hotel, Falun 4* Located in central Falun, only 5 minutes' walk from the Central Station, this historic hotel dates back to 1862 and features O Learys restaurant/bar serving an extensive array of traditional dishes. 191 en suite rooms were all renovated in 2015 with a design inspired by Falun heritage. The walls are painted in warm colours taken directly from the hotel's historic banquet hall. The rooms feature a desk and a TV. Free WiFi.

5 Clarion Collection Hotel, Falun 4* Housed in an elegant 1830s building in the centre of Falun and just a 15 minute walk from the Falun Copper Mine and Museum, this hotel has a casual restaurant and bar, a lobby lounge, coffee shop and a fitness room and sauna. 85 bright, modern en suite rooms have satellite TV and hairdryer. Free WiFi. Scandic Victoria Hotel, Lillehammer 4* Located on the popular Storgata pedestrian street in the centre of Lillehammer and steps away from the Lillehammer Museum and the Lillehammer Art Museum, this modern hotel has a restaurant, bar and a gym. 109 en suite rooms are simply and classically styled and have hairdryer, flat screen TV and minibar. Free WiFi. Union Hotel, Geiranger 4* In an area of outstanding natural beauty, this spa hotel overlooks the Geiranger Fjord. The spa has a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. There is an a la carte restaurant, an outdoor terrace overlooking the fjord and surrounding mountains, two bars and a nightclub. There is also a vintage car museum. 197 en suite rooms are attractively furnished and have hairdryer, satellite TV and minibar. Free WiFi. Leikanger Fjord Hotel, Leikanger 3* Dating back to the 1920s this family-run hotel is situated by the Sogne Fjord in an area of breathtaking natural beauty and just 3 km from Leikanger town centre. There is a restaurant, bar and terrace and a beach. 49 en suite rooms in traditional style and each with a view of the surrounding nature and complete with hairdryer and satellite TV. Free WiFi. Radisson Blu Royal Bergen 4* Steps from the harbour, this hotel is at the edge of the picturesque Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fløibanen Funicular is a 5-minute walk. There are two restaurants, one serving the best of Norwegian food, the other more casual food, a nightclub, fitness centre and sauna. 342 stylishly decorated modern rooms with hairdryer, safe, minibar and satellite TV. Free WiFi. Hotel Bristol, Oslo 4* This genteel hotel from the 1920s is situated in the heart of downtown Oslo, a short walk from the Royal Palace, the Oslo Opera House, the pedestrian shopping area and the Aker Brygge waterfront. It has 2 restaurants offering formal or casual dining, a cocktail bar and a lobby bar with regular live music. There is also a spa. 251 retro-chic rooms have hairdryer, flat-screen TV, safe (laptop compatible) and minibar. Free WiFi. PROPOSED FLIGHTS Carrier From / To Departure Time Arrival Time Scandinavian Airlines Dublin/Copenhagan hrs hrs Scandinavian Airlines Oslo/Dublin hrs hrs Fares from Call us for a quotation

6 DATES AND PRICES Start Date End Date Price PPS Sun 07 May Sun 21 May 3, ** Fri 02 Jun Fri 16 Jun 3, Sun 11 Jun Sun 25 Jun 3, Sun 03 Sep Sun 17 Sep 3, ** ** Book and pay in full by 27 January 2017 and save on all the above departure prices Additional dates are available on request. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Single supplement except for: Start Date End Date Price Sun 03 Sep Sun 17 Sep 1, Passport: you must possess a valid passport Flights from Dublin to Copenhagen/Oslo return are not included call us for price Transfers times: Your transfer shuttle service will leave the airport for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:30. Departure transfers arrive at Oslo Airport at 07:15 & 10:15. Dates, flight times and tour prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however, are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. How to reserve a place(s): a completed booking form with deposit of per person (payment by cash/ cheque /debit or credit card) should be sent directly to. The balance will be due 10 weeks prior to departure payment by cash/cheque or debit card. A 2% surcharge applies only to balances paid by credit card. In conjunction with Insight Vacations