Spaces on this extraordinary voyage are strictly limited. Call Bentours to reserve your spot today! Highlights of this outstanding tour include:

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1 Bentours has put together a special 14-day departure to enable you to see the spectacular Northern Lights for yourself. Departing from Helsinki in February 2015, our action-packed itinerary will take you deep into the heart of Finnish Lapland. Here you can gaze up at the shimmering light show from your bed in a glass igloo, delve into the rich culture of the region s Sami people and explore pristine Arctic landscapes aboard a snowmobile or husky sled. Your winter adventure continues with a 6-day cruise through Norway s majestic fjords, visiting remote islands and coastal communities not normally accessible by other means. While there are never any guarantees of seeing the Northern Lights, Bentours carefully planned itinerary and knowledgeable tour escorts will give you the best possible chance of witnessing this magical phenomenon. Highlights of this outstanding tour include: A night in the unique Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, where you can lie in bed and gaze at the stars (and if you re lucky, the Northern Lights) Discovering the Sami culture and remarkable Arctic wildlife of Finnish Lapland A visit to Rovaniemi the home of Santa Claus and one of Finland s best skiing areas A traditional husky dog safari through the icy wilderness Dining in magical surroundings at the Bear s Den A relaxing cruise along the coast of Norway by far the best way to experience the country s stunning fjords and historic coastal towns An evening safari by Reindeer into the quiet night forest Tour of the Snowhotel in Kirkenes The services of a qualified Bentours representative throughout the journey Spaces on this extraordinary voyage are strictly limited. Call Bentours to reserve your spot today! BENTOURS

2 Follow the Lights Special Group Departure February days/13 nights Friday 06 February 2015 Arrive Helsinki Arrive into Helsinki and make your own way to the hotel today. Tonight there is an opportunity to meet with your tour guide and fellow guests and hear about the exciting tour over a welcome drink. Meals Included: Welcome drink (1 glass of house wine or beer per person) Overnight at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna or similar Room Category: Standard Room Saturday 07 February 2015 Helsinki - Rovaniemi This morning we stroll across the road to the railway station to catch a train to Rovaniemi, capital of Finnish Lapland and the home of Santa Claus. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel, remainder of the day at leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast Overnight at Rantasipi Pohjanhovi Hotel or similar Room Category: Standard Room Sunday 08 February 2015 Rovaniemi This morning is at leisure to relax or explore the small city of Rovaniemi. There is time to take an optional excursion. Optional excursions available at an additional charge: Rovaniemi - Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm (10am - 1pm) Rovaniemi - Fishing Experience by Snowmobile (9am - 1pm) Solo Driving Supplement available on above snowmobile excursions This afternoon enjoy an enchanting visit to Santa s Village located on the Arctic Circle where you have free time to experience this unique attraction, including the possibility of a quick visit to Santa Claus himself. Later drive to the Bear s Den for our dinner this was the secret place where statesmen met to carry out their negotiations during the Cold War. Enjoy a welcome drink (hot berry juice), before dinner is served at the Bear s Den, in magical surroundings. Transfer back to the hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Rantasipi Pohjanhovi Hotel or similar Room Category: Standard Room Monday 09 February 2015 Rovaniemi Kakslauttanen Mid-morning depart from Rovaniemi for the drive to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. On arrival check in to your igloo. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Spend the night in a specially heated glass igloo, admiring the night sky (and the Northern Lights, if you re lucky) from the comfort of your bed. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or similar Room Category: Glass Igloo Northern Lights, Norway Tuesday 10 February 2015 Kakslauttanen Saariselka This morning experience an exhilarating 2 1/2hr husky dog safari. You will be given a lesson in basic sled driving before the dogs lead you through breath-taking Arctic scenery. There is time to warm up with a light lunch around the campfire at a traditional wooden tepee. After the Husky safari, you will be transferred to the nearby village of Saariselka for check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Optional excursion available at an additional charge: (based on min. 2 people sharing): Aurora Borealis Walk on Snowshoes (7pm - 9pm) Meals Included: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner Overnight at Santa s Hotel Tunturi or similar Room Category: Superior Room (Geilas Building) Wednesday 11 February 2015 Saariselka Full day at leisure to explore Saariselka on your own. Optional excursions available at an additional charge: (based on min. 2 people sharing): Saariselka - White Silence on Snowshoes (10am - 12pm) Saariselka Snowmobile Safari to the Wilderness (2pm - 4pm) Solo Driving Supplement available on above snowmobile excursion This evening enjoy an Aurora Safari by Reindeer. Sitting in sleighs pulled by the reindeer, we make our way into the quiet night forest. With some luck we might see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above us! To keep ourselves warm we will enjoy a cup of traditional Finnish coffee by the campfire. Meals Included: Breakfast Overnight at Santa s Hotel Tunturi or similar Room Category: Superior Room (Geilas Building)

3 Bergen, Norway Thursday 12 February 2015 Saariselka Inari - Kirkenes This morning we depart from Saariskelka and travel north, deeper into Lapland to Inari where we pause to visit the SIIDA Sami Museum. After a short stop continue across the border into Norway before reaching Kirkenes where we will spend the night. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Thon Hotel Kirkenes or similar Room Category: Standard Room Friday 13 February 2015 Kirkenes Coastal Voyage (DAY 1 of NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE) This morning we have a sightseeing tour of the Kirkenes Snowhotel, and take a look at the suites and beautiful snow paintings designed by local and international artists. Visit the souvenir shop dedicated to native craft. Transfer to Kirkenes pier to board M/S Kong Harald (please note no porterage service is available at Kirkenes pier). The ship departs Kirkenes and heads for Vardø this afternoon. Kakslauttanen Hotel & Igloo Village Saturday 14 February 2015 Hammerfest - Tromso (DAY 2 of NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE) Stop in Mehamn before we continue on to Hammerfest and enjoy an optional tour of this northernmost town in the world. Continue on to Tromsø, and experience an optional midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Optional excursions available at an additional charge: 8B The Northern Most Town In the World (Hammerfest) 8C Midnight Concert At The Arctic Cathedral (Tromso) Sunday 15 February 2015 Vesteralen Lofoten Islands (DAY 3 of NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE) Today s sailing takes us past sheltered bays and glorious mountains wrapped in the cloak of a polar winter. Stop in Stokmarknes and enjoy an optional tour of Vesterålen before continuing Little beacon, Vesteralen through the Raftsund, the picturesque narrow channel that divides the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands. As a tribute to Lofoten s proud fishing heritage, our chef will show you how to fillet the catch of the day on deck. Optional excursion available at an additional charge: 9A A Taste Of Vesteralen (Harstad) Monday 16 February 2015 Arctic Circle Seven Sisters (DAY 4 of NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE) With its myriad islets and steep granite walls, the Helgeland coast provides some of our voyage s most spectacular scenery. Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters as well as the towns of Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund and Rørvik.

4 Tuesday 17 February 2015 Trondheim - Kristiansund (DAY 5 of NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE) Stop in Trondheim, a lively cosmopolitan city with an array of handsome civic architecture. You can uncover the city s rich history on an optional walking tour or join a guided visit of the Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia s largest medieval building. Continue sailing south to Kristiansund past the jagged, snowcovered peaks of the Romsdal Alps. Optional excursions available at an additional charge: 11A Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim) 11D Trondheim City Walk (Trondheim) Trondhiem, Norway Remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Clarion Admiral Hotel or similar Room Category: Harbour View room Thursday 19 February 2015 Depart Bergen The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast Dog Sledding INCLUSIONS 8 nights hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels as indicated above or similar 5 nights Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage in Outside N Category cabin (departing 13 February on MS Kong Harald) including cabin assignment fee, fuel surcharges, and meals on full board basis on the cruise 13 breakfasts 6 lunches & 1 light lunch (soup & bread) including coffee/tea 10 dinners including coffee/tea Services of a Bentours Tour Guide for the duration of the tour Sightseeing with local English speaking guides and entrance fees as per itinerary All road tolls, tunnel and bridge fees as per itinerary Rail from Helsinki to Rovaniemi including seat reservation Transfers and sightseeing by first class coaches as per itinerary VAT, all service charges and reservation charges Porter service at all hotels, where possible Gratuities/Tipping EXCLUSIONS Any service not mentioned above or in the itinerary Arrival and departure transfers Additional entrance for sightseeing Room extras Domestic or International flights Beverages with meals Porter service at Igloo Village & Hurtigruten pier in Kirkenes & Bergen Optional land or cruise excursions Visa & Passport fees Travel Insurance PRICING: N CABINS ON THE CRUISE AU$5,895 per person twin share AU$8,260 per person single P CABINS ON THE CRUISE AU$6,015 per person twin share AU$8,405 per person single U CABINS ON THE CRUISE AU$6,115 per person twin share* (Single not available) Wednesday 18 February 2015 Bergen (DAY 6 OF NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE) Soak up the last few miles of coastal scenery as we sail towards Bergen, the capital of the Norwegian fjords. Disembark from the cruise and meet the guide for a two hour guided panoramic tour of Bergen, passing by St. Mary s Church & Haakon Hall before arriving at the hotel. N cabin

5 Reindeers, Finland Optional Excursions Pre Cruise 08 February Rovaniemi Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm (10am 1pm) First you will learn about our Lappish culture and reindeer husbandry. Everyone who passes a reindeer-driving test will be issued an international reindeer drivers license and you have the possibility of participating in a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or berry juice before returning back to town. Transportation: Snowmobile conditions & Warm layers of clothing. Special clothing is provided. Bring your drivers license if you want to drive a snowmobile Subject to weather/snow conditions Meeting point: Lapland Safari Office at 9.30am Price $305 Solo driving supplement $95 Rovaniemi Fishing Experience by Snowmobile (9.30am 1pm) Ice fishing safari to a wilderness lake. Head north on a snowmobile trail that takes you along the frozen River Ounasjoki and through snowy forests up into the hills, where you can admire the beautiful surrounding countryside of Lapland. Follow the trail through white, snow-covered fields to arrive at a small wilderness lake. The silence will envelop you as you prepare to go fishing. Try your hand at traditional ice fishing and fry your catch over a campfire. Afterwards, return to town for a well-earned rest. Transportation: Snowmobile conditions & Warm layers of clothing Special clothing is provided Bring your drivers license if you want to drive a snowmobile Subject to weather/snow conditions Meeting point: Lapland Safari Office at 9.00am Price $255 Solo driving supplement $95 10 February Saariselka Aurora Borealis Walk on Snowshoes (7pm 9pm) Capture the true feeling of a winter night in the northern woods. Your guide will take you by car to learn the wintry way of movement with snowshoes. While walking on the snow, you will experience how the milky light of the moon and stars cast enchanting shadows through the snowfields. Enjoy a break and some warm berry juice while the only sound you ll hear is the sough of the forest and fells. If you are lucky, the Northern Lights may be seen. Transportation: Car/Minivan conditions & Warm layers of clothing No special clothing provided Meeting point: Lapland Safari Office at 6.30pm Price $ February Saariselka White Silence on Snowshoes (10am 12pm) Go wandering in the fells. On the way, you will walk both on marked tracks and in the deep snow. You might find some tracks of rabbits, foxes, snow grouses and squirrels if you are lucky! Well take a break for photos and hot berry juice on the way. conditions & Warm layers of clothing No special clothing provided Meeting point: Lapland Safari Office at 9.30am Price $130 Trekking with Snowshoes Saariselka Snowmobile Safari to the Wilderness (2pm 4pm) During this brisk safari, you will drive around the area of Saariselkä to see all the beautiful fell scenery. You will also enjoy a coffee break by the open fire in the nature. Transportation: Snowmobile conditions & Warm layers of clothing Special clothing is provided Bring your drivers license if you want to drive a snowmobile Subject to weather/snow conditions Meeting point: Lapland Safari Office at 1.30pm Price $210 Solo driving supplement $95 CONDITIONS: All snowmobile safaris include thermal outfit, guide services in English and each snowmobile shared by two guests taking turns at driving. The driver of a snowmobile has to be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver s licence. Solo driving of a snowmobile is a possibility where a single supplement has been stated as above. On all other snowmobile excursions you will be sharing with another traveller where there is no supplement mentioned.

6 Optional Excursions Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage Shore excursions are usually available to be booked locally on-board the cruise but are subject to availability. We strongly recommend booking shore excursions in advance to avoid disappointment. Even when requesting pre-bookings for shore excursions, we cannot guarantee they will be available. These are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Level 1 Suitable for everyone Level 2 Suitable for some guests, requires some physical effort Level 3 Suitable for guests in good physical condition 14 February 8B The Northern Most Town In the World (11:30am 12:30pm) Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world. On arrival here, the bus will take you to the Meridian Column, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites and commemorates the first official measurement of the exact size and shape of the Earth. From here we also have a spectacular view of Melkøya and the Snøhvit LNG field (Liquid Natural Gas). As we head up Mount Salen, you will learn more about Hammerfest s unique history, whilst also getting an insight into both Sámi history and culture and Europe s first LNG factory. Once at Salen s peak, we can experience great views over the town and our waiting ship. Before we return to the quay we will drive past the town church which features unusual architecture inspired by fish flakes. Level 1 Transportation: Coach Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes/warm clothing Price $65 8C Midnight Concert At The Arctic Cathedral (12am 1.15am) With its exquisite glass mosaic window, there is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience the Arctic Cathedral than by attending a midnight concert. As the candle lights flicker, this elegant church is filled with the sounds of the most beautiful Norwegian folk songs, as well as some wonderfully powerful classical and sacred selections. This incredible musical experience is enhanced by the Arctic Cathedral s fantastic acoustics. All in all, it s a moving and perfect way to end the day. Level 1 Transportation: Coach No filming or photography is permitted during the concert The duration of the concert is approximately 45 minutes The programme may vary There is no guide on the bus Price $ February 9A A Taste Of Vesteralen (8.15am 12.45pm) Harstad to Sortland is one of the real classics in Hurtigruten s excursion program. Today we will experience history, beautiful scenery and a selection of breath-taking sights. We begin with a short sightseeing tour through the streets of Harstad, before moving on to the Trondenes peninsula. Here, you visit the white medieval church, which is one of our premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages. You are truly on historic ground and in Trondenes Historical Centre, you ll find an exciting exhibition complete with sounds, smells and original objects from the region throughout history; from the Viking and Middle Ages, to the present day. The bus then takes us across Hinnøya Island, where we can enjoy a view of beautiful fjords, steep mountains and large fertile agricultural areas. Moving on, you will cross the Gullesfjord by ferry, which will give you a chance to enjoy a hot drink and some freshly baked cakes. The tour then continues along the Sigerfjord to Sortland where you rejoin our ship. This excursion picture perfect in winter. Level 1 Transportation: Coach/Ferry Meals on the trip: Coffee/tea and cakes Price $ February 11A Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral (8am 9.45am) Norway s original capital, Trondheim was founded as early as 997 by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who gave the town the name Nidaros. It is also a city full of contrasts, with monastery ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colourful wharves, and a beautiful red-painted city bridge dating back to You will hear about the city s many features as the bus Northern Lights, Norway takes us through Trondheim s streets and boroughs, including a short stop at Utsikten (The View) to admire the city from a high elevation. We continue to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the construction of this enormous building with its countless details and decorations, began as early as After a guided tour around the cathedral, you will understand why many describe it as the most beautiful religious building in Norway. Level 1 Footwear: Comfortable shoes Price $90 11D Trondheim City Walk (7.30am 9.45am) A walk through Trondheim is a journey through its 1000 year history. The harbour was developed during the second half of the 19th century, and you start your walk here at the quay. You walk up to Stiftsgården, the royal residence in Trondheim, and continue to the market square to take a closer look at the statue of the city s founder, the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, which towers over this busy square. From here, you continue to Nidaros Cathedral, the national monument of Norway. You cross the old city bridge with its red gateway, known to the locals as the portal of happiness, and enter the area of the city called Bakklandet, which has managed to preserve its charming wooden architecture. Originally this was the industrial part of the city, but now the old factories have been renovated into desirable housing surrounded by boutique shops and gourmet restaurants. And it s here that you find the world s one and only bicycle lift which has to be seen to be believed! Level 2 Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes/warm clothing Approximately 5 km walking at a moderate pace Entrance to Nidaros Cathedral is not included Price $65

7 Follow the Lights Special Group Departure 2015

8 Follow the Lights Special Group Departure 2015