Arctic Highway Challenge 2015

Transcription

1 Arctic Highway Challenge 2015 Join us for the Greatest Drive of your life on the Road to the North Cape & Midnight Sun Norway s Arctic Highway is one of the world s great roads. For around 1500 km it runs from Mo i Rana, just south of the Arctic Circle to Honningsvag and the North Cape. Seen simply in terms of latitude, the road gets to within nineteen and a half degrees of the North Pole; roughly as far north as central Greenland. Almost as remarkable, it reaches as far east as Istanbul. New for 2015 and due to demand we have included the Norwegian Fjordlands and the Atlantic Road in our itinerary to make this amazing tour even more spectacular and we've even included a trip on the Flam Railway, one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in the world. 22 DAY / 21 NIGHT TOUR 4th to 26th June Mixed Marque All Cars Welcome From 3250* Per Person Return Ferry Crossing from the UK to Holland with Accommodation in a 2 Berth Cabin each way 1 Overnight in Hamburg, Germany Outbound Overnight Ferry from Hirtsals to Stavanger with Accommodation in a 2 Berth Cabin 18 Nights in Good Quality Hotel Accommodation in Norway, Finland, Sweden & Denmark 1 Overnight in Bremen, Germany Homebound 19 Breakfasts & 14 Dinners Ferry from Bodo to Moskenes Visit to Arctic Circle Raceway Rail Journey on the Flam Railway Complimentary Car Parking at Hotels as stated Commemorative Arctic Highway Tour Shirt & Cap Commemorative Arctic Highway Rally Plate Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Directions, Attractions and other useful information *Above prices are per person and based on 2 person occupying a car and room/cabin. Single room Occupancy Supplement on request

2 The Arctic Highway Norway s Arctic Highway is one of the world s great roads. For around 1500km it runs from Mo i Rana, just south of the Arctic Circle, north to Kirkenes on the Norwegian/Russian border. Seen simply in terms of latitude, the road gets to within nineteen and a half degrees of the North Pole; roughly as far north as central Greenland. Almost as remarkable, it reaches as far east as Istanbul. The climate is unpredictable; mountains still have to be crossed and our targets are; to reach the top of Europe at North Cape, to make it to the border with Arctic Russia, to experience Lapland. And, of course, there is the stark beauty of the landscape. Arctic Norway must be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Highway - Improvements to the Highway over the last few years have produced a modern road which should not deter even anxious drivers. On the other hand, drivers should not expect to find anything even remotely resembling a motorway, autostrada, autobahn or equivalent. The only exceptions are stretches near to major towns in south and central Norway. Widths have been increased but there are still some stretches, especially in Finnmark and where the Highway runs along fjord edges, where the road is not wide enough for easy passing. In places the standard 6m may be reduced to 4.5m or less. Radii of curvature have also been increased but there are blind corners again chiefly when the road hugs the shore of a fjord. In summer, no special equipment is needed beyond that which drivers would be carrying for any long journey in Europe. However, because of the remoteness of the area we will be travelling through and taking into account the relatively small size of its settlements, it s prudent that drivers carry any appropriate spares and to check their vehicle and tyres are in good order before departure. Luggage - There is no restriction on the amount of luggage you can bring other than how much you can fit in your car. However due to the informal nature of this tour, we suggest that you pack economically, bringing comfortable casual driving attire, good walking shoes, a rainproof jacket/coat plus a small overnight bag for the overnights on the ferries. Breakdown - even the smallest garage in Northern Norway will probably be able and willing to come to a driver s assistance but charges can be high. Because of the area s remoteness there is a general acceptance that everyone comes to the aid of another in need but, like anywhere else, it should not be taken for granted that the first vehicle to be waved down will actually stop. The main motoring organization in Norway is the Norges Automobil-forbund and, as a member of Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT), it is affiliated to most national motoring organizations such as the AA and RAC in Great Britain. Members of affiliated associations will be given help by the NAF.

3 Tour Itinerary DAY 1 - Overnight North Sea Ferry Crossing from Harwich, Hull or Newcastle to Holland DAY 2 - Holland to Hamburg (326 miles - 5h 15 min) DAY 3 - Hamburg to Hirtsals (321 miles - 5 hrs) then overnight ferry to Stavanger, Norway DAY 4 - Stavanger to Flam (216 miles - 6 hrs 20 mins) DAY 5 - Flam to Geiranger Flam Railway trip included in morning (175 miles - 4 hrs 30 mins) DAY 6 - Geiranger to Molde (90 miles - 3 hrs 30 mins) DAY 7 - Molde to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road (170 miles - 4 hrs 45 mins) DAY 8 - At Leisure in Trondheim DAY 9 - Trondheim to Mo i Rana (298 miles - 6hrs 17mins) - Including a visit to the Arctic Raceway. DAY 10 - Mo i Rana to Narvik (264 miles - 5hrs 57mins) Including visit to Arctic Circle visitor centre, Arctic Raceway, then onto Bodo for an afternoon Ferry to Moskenes in the Loften Islands (150 miles - 5hrs 44 mins excl. ferry) DAY 11 - Loften Islands to Narvik (222 miles - 4hrs 49 mins) DAY 12 - Narvik to Alta (337 miles - 7hrs) DAY 13 - Alta to Honningsvag (147 miles - 3 hrs 3 mins) Nordkapp to Honningsvag (18 miles each way - 15 mins) DAY 14 - At leisure in Honningsvag DAY 15 - Honningsvag to Karasjok (147 Miles - 3 hrs) DAY 16 - Karasjok to Rovanemi (281 miles - 5 hrs 45 mins) DAY 17 - Rovanemi to Umeå (316 miles - 6hrs 21 mins) DAY 18 - Umeå to Rättvik (303 miles - 6hrs 18 mins) DAY 19 - Rättvik to Gothenburg (297 miles - 6 hrs) DAY 20 - Gothenburg to Copenhagen (266 miles - 5 hrs 30 mins) DAY 21 - Copenhagen to Bremen (263 miles - 4 hrs 25 mins) DAY 22 - Bremen to Holland (258 miles - 4 hrs 15 mins) Overnight ferry crossing back to UK Total Driving Miles 4660 Miles

4 Accommodation Hotel Hamburg TBC Reine Rorbuer, Lofoten This property is located by the Reine Fjord and surrounded by the Lofoten Mountains. It features traditional fisherman cottages with a kitchenette, flat screen TV and private bathroom. All the guest cottages feature fjord views, wooden floors and open plan living/dining room, refrigerators and DVD player. The Gammelbua onsite restaurant services typical Norwegian food and specialises in local produced sea food dishes. Wi- Fi access is available in the main building. Complimentary parking. The Comfort Hotel Winn, Umea The Comfort Hotel Winn provides charming accommodation in a central location of Umea. This hotel has a cocktail lounge in the lobby that is open around the clock and offers lights meals also. The guest rooms feature a flat screen/plasma TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, desk and simply pure comfort. There is indoor and outdoor parking available as well as a free newspaper every morning. Fretheim Hotel, Flam Fretheim Hotel is a beautiful white timber building situated at the innermost point of an arm of the Sognefjorden. Guest rooms have features including a seating area, electric kettle and a bathroom. The restaurant offers Norwegian cuisine and locally sourced ingredients are used. The hotel has facilities including a library, a bookable hot tub and several elegant lounges with fireplaces. Flåm Station and the Flåm Line are within 5 minutes walk of Hotel Fretheim. Complimentary parking.

5 Accommodation Quality Grand Hotel, Narvik This hotel is a 2-minute walk from Narvik Train Station, and offers free parking and rooms with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities and free Wi -Fi access. All the guest rooms have a bathroom with either a shower or bath and a hairdryer. You will have access to a minibar in your room, or you could simply enjoy a drink at the hotels bar. Guests can enjoy a meal in the Rallarn Pub & Café, a buffet breakfast is served every morning. Complimentary parking at the hotel. Villa Langbers, Near Rattvik This hotel is located on the top of Tallberg with expansive views of Lake Siljan. All guest rooms have flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, shower or bath and views of the Siljan or Terminal Bergen. There is access to 2 large lounge areas, and a Veranda outside with amazing views. The restaurant offers a variety of food and has exciting ideas on the menu, your food which can be enjoyed inside or outside on a clear day. Complimentary parking at the hotel. Union Hotel, Geiranger This hotel overlooks the Geiranger Fjord, with the Flydalsjuvet viewing point only 4 Km away. All guest rooms have a bathroom with shower, some with views of the Fjord. There is access to the swimming pool, Sauna and hot tub as well as a vintage car museum and fitness centre. Restaurant Fjorden offers locally sourced ingredients in their menu and the Restaurant Julie offers a la carte dishes, the Café Losta has light meals and salad buffet. Free parking at the hotel. Scandic Hotel, Alta The Scandic Hotel is based next door to the Northern Lights Cathedral and is located in central Alta. All standard rooms have a bathroom with shower, furnished with an armchair and table and has wooden floors. They have a TV, telephone, Wi-Fi and hair dryer for your convenience. At Restaurant Alta you can enjoy something off the a la carte menu and enjoy a couple of drinks at the hotel bar. Parking is available in the hotel garage or just outside the hotel (fee payable)

6 Accommodation Hotel TBC, Gothenburg Fjordstuer Hotel, Molde This hotel features Molde Fjord views and an on site restaurant that serves local cuisine and specialising in sea food. The guest rooms are bright offering cable TV, a seating area, tea/coffee making facilities are available and some rooms have a balcony with fjord views. There is free parking and Wi-Fi access at the hotel. In terms of location, the Aker Stadion known for hosting sports and special events is only 200 metres from the hotel. Rica Bryggen, Honningsvag The location of the hotel is pleasant with beautiful views of the sea. The restaurant itself has a great view of the sea whilst you are enjoying a choice of delicacies from the Arctic Ocean and specialities from Finnmark. All standard rooms have a bathroom with a shower, furnished with an armchair, table and wooden floors. They are equipped with a TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, hair dryer and a kettle. There is free parking close to the hotel. Hotel Scandic Sydhavnen, Copenhagen This modern hotel is located 3km from central Copenhagen, it is situated within easy reach of Copenhagen s shopping area and attractions. All standard guest rooms are equipped with a hairdryer, iron and board, a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and an armchair. The restaurant serves up dishes from the season s best ingredients, and has direct access to the terrace. Alternatively you can order a light snack and enjoy a beverage at the bar and take in the relaxing atmosphere. Free parking at the hotel.

7 Accommodation Scandic Bakklandet, Trondheim Scandic Bakklandet hotel is centrally located in the heart of Trondheim along the river Nidelven by Bakke Bro. You can see the popular sights of the famous Gothic Cathedral, the Old Town Bridge or the concert hall Olavshallen and more. All the guest rooms have a bathroom with shower and are equipped with a TV, telephone, Wi-Fi access, hairdryer, refrigerator and water boiler. Enjoy the views of the River from the restaurant which offers locally produced foods on the menu, the cosy atmosphere is set with wood-fired oven in the heart of the restaurant, and the bar is there to relax and enjoy a drink or two. Parking (fee payable) Rica Hotel, Karasjok This hotel is located in central Karasjok, which is home to indigenous Sami people, you may even be able to watch the beautiful Northern Lights in the right conditions! All guest rooms are equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, kettle and hairdryer. The Restaurant Karasjok offers a la carte menu inspired by the region, or you could dine at Storgammen Restaurant, here you will sit on reindeer skins around the fire while you are served food based on Lapp cuisine. Complimentary parking at the hotel. Hotel Haverkamp The 4-star Hotel Haverkamp lies in a quiet side street in the centre of Bremerhaven, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi. It also features free use of the in-house sauna, steam bath and swimming pool. All rooms at the Hotel Haverkamp feature stylish interiors, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A breakfast buffet and hot drinks are available each morning at the Hotel Haverkamp. The Weinrot restaurant serves modern, innovative cuisine and guests can enjoy a range of cocktails, whiskeys and light meals in Haverkamp's Bar. Guests at the Haverkamp enjoy free coffee 24 hours a day in the lobby. Rica Meyergarden, Mo I Rana This hotel is located in the centre of Mo I Rana, just below the Arctic Circle and surrounded by the hotel s private garden. All the guest rooms are non-smoking, desk, hair dryer, TV and Wi-Fi access and some with tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant is inspired to use local produce and products when developing new ideas for the menu, for example reindeer from Arkitsk Rein. Complimentary parking at the hotel.

8 Accommodation City Hotel, Rovaniemi, Finland Located in the very centre of the town of Rovaniemi, next to the main shopping areas and a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village. The guest rooms feature a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, kettle, shower and a telephone. You can enjoy a variety of dishes in either the Monte Rosa Restaurant or the Bull Bar & Grill which both vary in atmosphere when enjoying your meal. Complimentary parking at the hotel. Attractions Flam Railway The Flam railway has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. The Flam Railway is one of the steepest railway lines in the world, with 80% of the journey having a gradient of 5.5%. The train runs through spectacular nature, past the Rallar road, steep mountains, foaming waterfalls, through 20 tunnels and offers so many viewpoints. Arctic Circle Raceway The track was first opened in The course is located North of Mo I Rana and is described as the most modern raceway in Northern Europe and is referred to internationally as a welcome innovation; it is the largest track in Norway. The name of the track comes from the location, it is just under 30 Km south of the Arctic circle. 24 hour racing can take place always in daylight which makes it unique from others.

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