The Nordic rail adventure of a lifetime

Transcription

1 Arctic Circle Express 2015 The Nordic rail adventure of a lifetime From 2,945 per person Majestic mountains and heavenly fjords in Norway combine with the tranquil landscapes of Sweden on an epic journey that includes every great Scandinavian rail experience. On this exciting 15-day tour you'll visit the fascinating cities Oslo and Stockholm and travel beyond the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. The itinerary for your journey Tour highlights Stockholm Inland Railway across the Arctic Circle Lapland Ofoten Railway journey to Narvik Trondheim Rauma Railway Geiranger and Geirangerfjord cruise Flåm and a journey on the Flåm Railway Boat cruise to Bergen and the Bergen Railway Oslo Days The delights of Stockholm We depart from London Gatwick to Stockholm, where we spend two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to the city centre and the historic Old Town. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Day 2 is free to explore Stockholm, spread across fourteen islands facing the Baltic Sea. Day 3 - Inland to Östersund Departing Stockholm we head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden's fifth largest lake. Here we stay for one night at the Best Western Gamla Teatern. Day 4 - The Inlandsbanan, Arctic Circle and Lapland We leave Östersund and head north, travelling through some of Sweden's most glorious scenery as we head to the untamed wilderness of Lapland, making several stops at beauty spots along the way. Our journey on the Inlandsbanan tourist train takes us through a

2 landscape of crystal clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. We get a real taste of Lapland with a light dinner of local Sami specialities before transferring to the Hotel Jokkmokk. Day 5 - The Ofoten Railway to Narvik Today we enjoy a journey on one of the most northerly railway lines in the world, the Ofoten Railway. We travel through Sweden's breathtaking mountains into Norway, traversing steep mountainsides, with sheer drops to the fjords below. We arrive in Narvik, where we stay at the Rica Hotel Narvik. Day 6 - A day at leisure in Narvik Your day in Narvik is free to spend as you choose. You may take the opportunity to visit the Ofoten Museum, to discover the cultural history of Narvik, enjoy a cable car ride (seasonal) to experience breathtaking views or visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum. Day 7 - South to Trondheim Today is spent admiring the rugged shores of Norway as we follow the coastline south to Trondheim. The first part of our journey is by coach to Fauske, including a scenic ferry crossing. In Fauske we board the train for a journey that delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way. Late this evening we arrive in Trondheim, Norway's religious capital. The centrally located Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is our home for two nights. Day 8 - Trondheim Today you are free to explore the atmospheric city of Trondheim, one of the oldest cities in Norway. As well as discovering the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, you could visit the Ringve Museum which features a collection of musical instruments from all over the world. Day 9 - The Rauma Railway Today we join the 71 mile long Rauma Railway for a spectacular journey through magnificent, contrasting landscape. We navigate the same course as the emerald waters of the River Rauma for much of the journey, the tracks following the river as it winds around the hillsides below jagged mountain peaks. As we climb over rounded mountain plateaus we are treated to awesome views across the expansive, unspoiled national parks that stretch into the distance. We transfer by coach to Geiranger for a two-night stay at the Union Hotel Geiranger. The hotel stands at the head of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most spectacular sites, more incredible at first hand than you could have imagined from any photograph. Day 10 - Geirangerfjord boat cruise

3 Today we enjoy the beautiful scenery of the spectacular Geirangerfjord by boat. As we cruise along the serene, deep water, the steep sides of the fjord seem to tower over the boat. In sunshine, this UNESCO World Heritage site is alive with colour and contrasts - the lush greens of the trees clinging to the rock contrasting with the deep blue water; the perfect blue sky contrasting with the brilliant white of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. When it rains, the fjord can defy logic and become even more spectacular; countless waterfalls appear from nowhere, flowing majestically over exposed rocky outcrops and crashing down into the water below. Day 11 - Through the fjords to Flåm We leave Geiranger by coach this morning, continuing our scenic voyage through Norway's incredible fjord country. We travel through valleys hemmed in by lofty mountains and along steep-sided fjords, every bend in the road offering a new and interesting perspective, every mountain pass delivering us into a new, beautiful valley. We reach Flåm at the head of the Aurlandsfjord and stay at the Fretheim Hotel. Day 12 - The Flåm Railway to Bergen Today we enjoy a superb excursion on the Flåm Railway. Our rail journey takes us up into the mountains along one of the steepest lines in the world, twisting and turning sharply and regularly as the railway line does its best to accommodate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, from where we board the express boat for an afternoon journey along Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Navigating coastal islets and skerries, we end the day in Bergen, where we stay for two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Norge, located in the heart of the city. Day 13 - At leisure in Bergen Today you are free to explore Bergen at leisure. The town is nestled beneath seven strategic hills and surrounded by fjords. Bryggen, the old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Fløibanen funicular railway affords great views of the city and its harbours from the top of Mount Fløien. Day 14 - The Bergen Railway to Oslo We leave Bergen by train for a magnificent journey on Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. The train climbs high above the tree line across some of the most remote areas of western Norway before descending through pastures to the elegant city of Oslo. We stay at the Thon Hotel Opera. Day 15 - Oslo to London

4 The final morning of the holiday is free to spend at leisure in Oslo, taking in the sights and sounds of the city at your own pace. We depart for the airport in the afternoon for our return flight to London Gatwick. Departures between June 5th and July 10th coincide with the period of the Midnight Sun. Please note Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above. Departure Dates 5 June 2015 From 2, June 2015 From 2, June 2015 From 2, June 2015 From 3,045 3 July 2015 From 3, July 2015 From 2, July 2015 From 2, July 2015 From 2, July 2015 From 2,945 7 August 2015 From 2,945 All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room. Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability. Trains Bergen Railway Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip through southern Norway links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The harsh climate experienced in this part of the world has produced a landscape that is breathtaking and wild, and the railway enables us to soak up the spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages. Beginning in Bergen in Western Norway, the train begins its ascent into the rugged mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and passing through numerous tunnels hewn out of the solid rock to the stations at Arna and Dale. After the Trollkona tunnel - the longest on the line at 5.5 miles (8.7km) - we reach Voss, situated by the Sognefjord in an area renowned for its skiing and extreme sports. We travel onwards to Myrdal, the upper terminal of the Flåm Railway, and then continue our ascent to Taugevann, the highest point of the line at

5 4,267 feet (1,303m). Sub-arctic Finse, the highest station on the route at 4,009 feet (1,222m), is our next stop. The scenery is truly breathtaking. From Finse, the Bergen Railway then begins a 3,281 foot (1,000m) decent over the next 62 miles (100km). The train takes us through the pretty Hallingdal Valley and along a ledge above the Hallingdalselva River to Lake Krøderen, where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the mountain of Norefjell. Having passed through towns and villages such as Geilo, Gol and Flå, our journey through some of the wildest nature accessible by train anywhere in the world, slowly begins to become more urban as we approach our destination, vibrant Oslo. Flåm Railway A branch line of the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a wonderful 12.5 mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of which were drilled by hand. The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m). Inlandsbanan The Inlandsbanan connects Kristinehamn in the south of Sweden with Gällivare in the north, a journey of approximately 810 miles (1,300km). On our Arctic Circle Express and Grand Arctic Circle Explorer holidays we join the railway in Östersund, an inland city in the

6 middle of the country, for the trip to Jokkmokk, situated above the Arctic Circle. This fantastic journey up the 'backbone of Sweden' takes us past tranquil lakes and tumbling streams bursting with life. As we travel through the dense forests of northern Sweden, keep an eye out for native wildlife, in particular reindeer and elk. The Inlandsbanan train crosses the Arctic Circle and we travel through the Laponian area, a region dominated by mountains and lakes in the Lapland province which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Relax and soak up the wild, beautiful scenery as the train makes its way to our destination, Jokkmokk. Ofoten Railway The Ofoten Railway lies on a headland at the foot of the Fagernesfjellet, between the Beisfjord and Rornbaksfjord, and runs between the iron-ore mines at Kiruna in Swedish Lapland and the port town of Narvik on the Norwegian coast. The modern town of Narvik was developed as a port for the export of the iron-ore, and the Ofoten Railway, was built at the turn of the century as the link between the mines and the port. At the time of construction, the Ofoten Railway was both the coldest and northern-most railway project in the world. The 26-mile (42km) line was painstakingly carved out the mountains - an incredible engineering project that was largely undertaken by hand. The result is a breathtaking route which takes passengers past deep fjords, through the wild, rugged mountains and the barren mountain plateaus north of the Arctic Circle. The Ofoten Railway Museum is dedicated to the local history of Narvik and the Ofoten Railway, and is located close to the centre of Narvik. The Raumabanen Railway

7 Our spectacular journey on the 71 mile (114 km) Raumabanen Railway begins in the village of Dombås. The train takes us along the valley carved by the River Rauma, offering magnificent views of the awe-inspiring crags, peaks and plateaus of the Alpine massif along the way. Just beyond Verma, the train enters the semi circular Stavem Tunnel, which reverses the train's direction, taking us back in the direction from which we have just come, before crossing the famous Kylling Bridge. Further along the line we pass Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the tallest vertical rock face in Europe and then continue through the wild, aweinspiring landscape towards the town of Åndalsnes on the shores of the beautiful Romsdal Fjord. Åndalsnes is the terminus of the Raumabanen Railway, and from here we continue our journey by coach. Hotels Radisson Blu Hotel Norge, Bergen The Radisson Blu Hotel Norge is centrally located, within easy walking distance of Bergen's main sights. It is home to the Hammam Spa, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments, along with a host of other leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna. The hotel also boasts three restaurants and bars. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, and feature a television, radio, mini-bar, complimentary wi-fi, hairdryer and a telephone. Fretheim Hotel, Flåm The Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a long-standing favourite with our customers. Surrounded by nature, the hotel has an impressive view of the nearby fjord and surrounding mountains. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Rooms are equipped with television and a hairdryer. In 2013 Great Rail Journeys customers awarded the Fretheim Hotel a Gold Award in the category of Overall Best Hotel in Scandinavia. As well as this, in 2011 the hotel won GRJ's Gold Award for Food. Union Hotel, Geiranger

8 Located on the edge of the beautiful Geirangerfjord, the Union Hotel features a lounge, two restaurants, three bars and a terrace serving light snacks and drinks, where guests may enjoy the magnificent views over the fjord. The hotel also has an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, an outdoor pool (seasonal) a spa offering various therapies and treatments (pay locally) and a fascinating vintage car museum. Rooms are comfortably furnished and feature a telephone and television. The Union Hotel was awarded Great Rail Journeys' Gold Award for its outstanding customer service in 2009, the Gold Award for Food in 2010 and the Gold Award for its outstanding customer service in Hotel Jokkmokk, Jokkmokk The Hotel Jokkmokk is situated on the shores of Lake Talvatis, close to the centre of Jokkmokk. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, gym and saunas - one in the main hotel building and one next to the lake. The rooms are comfortably furnished and feature a telephone, television and a hairdryer. Many of the rooms enjoy wonderful views over the lake. The Hotel Jokkmokk won the Bronze Award in the 'Best Scandinavian Hotel' category in 2010 and in 2011 it won our Bronze Award for its excellent customer service. Rica Hotel, Narvik Opened in 2012, the Rica Hotel is one of Norway's tallest and most distinctive buildings, and offers fine views of the surrounding mountains. Its facilities include a restaurant, a sky bar and terrace on the top floor, and a well-stocked gym. The rooms feature amenities such as a television, minibar, telephone and hairdryer. Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo The modern Thon Hotel Opera is perfectly located next to Oslo Central Station and just a short walk from Karl Johans Gate, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar serving snacks and light refreshments, a sauna and fitness studio. The rooms are comfortably furnished and facilities include climate control, a television, telephone, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. The Thon Hotel Opera is popular amongst our customers and in 2009, 2010 and 2011 it won our 'Best Scandinavian Hotel' award. In 2012 the hotel won a Gold Award for Food, and in 2013 received a Bronze award for Best Overall hotel in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the Baltic. Best Western Hotel Gamla Teatern, Östersund The 4-star Best Western Hotel Gamla Teatern is conveniently situated in the centre of Östersund. The hotel has an a la carte restaurant

9 serving Swedish cuisine, a bar and a steam room. The rooms feature a telephone, television, alarm clock, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. The Best Westnern Hotel Gamla Teatern won Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award for its excellent customer service in 2010 and the Silver Award for its food in Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm In Stockholm we have chosen the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, which enjoys a location in the heart of the city, just minutes from the Central Station. The hotel benefits from its own restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness centre. The beautifully appointed rooms are equipped with a flat screen television, complimentary wifi, a safe, minibar and tea & coffee making facilities. Great Rail Journeys customers awarded The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel a Gold Award for its food in 2013 and a Silver Award for its outstanding customer service in Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim The Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is situated in the heart of Trondheim, within walking distance of its shops, restaurants and Bakklandet, the city's old quarter. The hotel has a bar which serves a selection of meals and drinks. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and a gym. The rooms feature stylish, contemporary décor and come equipped with individual climate control, a telephone, television, minibar and a hairdryer. In 2011 the Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel was awarded Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award in the category of 'Best Hotel in Scandinavia & the Baltic States'. What's included What's Included Scheduled flights in Economy Class from London Heathrow to Stockholm and Oslo to London Heathrow Rail and coach travel as described 14 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day 9 dinners Guided sightseeing tour of Stockholm Scenic rail journey on the Inlandsbanan across the Arctic Circle Journey on the Ofoten Railway to Narvik Journey on the Rauma Railway to Åndalsnes Cruise on Geirangerfjord Excursion on the Flåm Railway Cruise on Sognefjord Journey on the Bergen Railway Transfers in Scandinavia The services of a professional Tour Manager throughout Flight taxes and charges Porterage is included at all the hotels on this tour except for the Fretheim in Flam. No Porterage at any of the railway stations is provided in Scandinavia. Single room prices include the supplement for single occupancy throughout with a twin/double room in Oslo and Trondheim: 645 Not Included Upgrades Cancellation, medical and travel insurance: from 50 We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier! Extend your holiday

10 Extend your holiday by making alternative flight arrangements. Please call us to discuss your ideas and requirements. London Hotels Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End, or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home. We are able to book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. The hotels listed below are some of the more popular hotels our customers book in Central London, others are available on request. Hotel Board Star Weekday room rate Weekend room rate Pullman London St Pancras B&B 4-star From 240 From 220 Comfort Inn Kings Cross B&B 3-star From 150 From 150 President Hotel B&B 3-star From 110 From 110

11 London hotel & theatre offer Stay in a 4* London Hotel with breakfast, enjoy a two-course, pre-theatre dinner at a restaurant and see the critically acclaimed War Horse production - from 185 per person We are now offering a brand new opportunity for a London theatre offer at the start or end of your holiday. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Kings Cross, close to the iconic St Pancras station, ideally located for any onward journeys. Experience a superb two course meal at Grace, in the heart of London's theatre land followed by a night of world-class entertainment with top price stall seating for one of the city's most popular shows.