Shop 6, Wave crest Centre Da Gama St. Jeffreys Bay South Africa Email: info@seagulltours.co.za ww.seagulltours.co.za Tel: +27 [0] 42 296 0475 Fax: +27 [0] 86 686 0009 SCANDINAVIA AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER EXPERIENCE IN THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN When summer comes, the Land of the Midnight Sun truly lives up to its name. Then brilliant sunshine bathes the shores, fjords, mountains peaks and bays in fire red, soft pink and golden yellow. The deep, soft greens of pine and hardwood form a startling contrast to this. Because of the intense, extended daylight, lasting 24 hours a day above the Arctic Circle, every Norwegian night is an extraordinary experience. Day 1 17 July JOHANNESBURG COPENHAGEN We meet at OR Tambo International Airport and check in for our flight. The flight will be an overnight flight via Europe. Overnight Aircraft meals on-board Day 2 18 July COPENHAGEN We arrive in Copenhagen and make our way through passport control, collect our luggage and meet our guide. We enjoy n city orientation tour on our way to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure use this time to relax after the long flight or to explore the area around the hotel. Overnight Imperial Hotel or similar with breakfast Day 3 19 July COPENHAGEN After breakfast we start our city tour of Copenhagen City. Copenhagen is considered to be one of the world s premier design capitals. The city s thousand-year history was written by ambitious kings, inspiring artists and creative designers. Their influence is seen in the magnificent palaces, copper-roofed town houses and cobbled squares.
We drive past all the major sights including the Tivoli Gardens, the old Stock Exchange and the National Museum, across Kongens Nytorv, where we will see the Royal Theatre, world-famous for its Royal Ballet. The tour continues past the colourful harbour district of Nyhavn and on to Amalienborg Palace - winter residence of the Royal Family and on to the Gefion Fountain and the Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale. In the afternoon we have free time to explore the city, its museums, pedestrian streets or a boat cruise on the canals is also another option. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner in the romantic Tivoli Gardens; time to get to know the rest of the group. Overnight Imperial Hotel or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 4 20 July COPENHAGEN OSLO Today we drive through the countryside, along the Danish Riviera, to the castle districts. The scenic route takes us past holiday homes, hunting grounds and parks. We also see the home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa. We see the Castle of Frederiksborg, in its magnificent setting, in Hillerød. We also visit the National Museum, the Chapel and the Knight s Hall. The tour then continues to Hellsingør, and Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare s Hamlet. We board our ferry for a relaxing overnight sea journey to Oslo. On board we enjoy a delicious meal in one of the good restaurants. Various facilities make this a highlight of the trip. Quiet pubs, lively nightclubs, shops, movies and a deck from which to take photographs are all available. Overnight DFDS Seaways Copenhagen with breakfast and dinner Day 5 21 July OSLO We enjoy a Scandinavian buffet breakfast on board before we disembark. First on the list is a visit to the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram museum. Here we get to know more about the early Norwegian sailors, merchants and raiders, as well as the national Polar explorers. At Vigeland Park we admire the sculptures by celebrated Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. These 212 famous works of art celebrate life, from birth to death. It will be one of the memories of Oslo that you will treasure for ever! The rest of the day at your own leisure to enjoy the the city by yourself. We enjoy dinner tonight in a local restaurant near the hotel. Overnight Thon Hotel Bristol or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 6 22 July OSLO ALTA HONNINGSVÅG After breakfast we depart for the airport for our flight to Alta, beyond the Arctic Circle. There we will board a coach and drive to Honningsvåg. In this wide expanse of wilderness, the Nordic Lapland, the only life is an occasional herd of reindeer. The Midnight Sun shines here from mid-may to the end of July. Honningsvåg is the last village before the North Cape and our gateway to this natural splendour. We visit North Cape Rock. This point, which is situated at more than a thousand feet above the sea, marks the northern most corner of Europe. The majestic cliff formation is the final frontier to the Arctic Ocean. For many centuries this has been a destination for adventurers as well as royalty. Tonight we learn more about the gigantic King Crabs and the crabbing industry. King Crabs are caught and we are also shown how to prepare them. The brave are free to hold the crabs, which
can weigh up to fifteen kilograms. A snap of its claw could remove one s finger! Of course we also have the opportunity to feast on the catch for dinner. On a clear night we could see the sun shine at midnight; the famous Midnight Sun! We continue to the hotel and settle into our rooms. Overnight Arran Hotel or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 7 23 July HONNINGSVÅG ALTA - OSLO After breakfast we return to Alta where we visit the UNESCO World heritage site and its prehistorical rock carvings. Here we learn more about the first inhabitants of Norway. Afternoon flight from Alta to Oslo. We arrive in Oslo, are met by our guide and transferred to our hotel. After dinner, why not stroll through the city to enjoy the sights and sounds? Overnight Thon Hotel Bristol or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 8 24 July OSLO VINSTRA We enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before we start our journey to the fjordlands. We start our city tour of Oslo with a visit of the Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded on the 10th of December every year.the next few days of the tour are done by coach and ferry. From now on we will gasp at the breathtaking scenery. Enough memory cards and batteries for cameras are indispensable. We travel through Lillehammer, which gained international fame as the host of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games. Since then, tourism has flourished in this Norwegian city. Skiing is excellent, of course, but even non-skiers can experience the thrill of the slopes by taking a lift to the top of Lysgårdsbakken Olympic ski jump site. Explore the awesome collections and structures of the Maihaugen open-air museum or hike the Fåberg Cultural Trail to the site of ancient petroglyphs. Overnight Wadahl Høgfjells Hotel or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 9 25 July VINSTRA GEIRANGER After breakfast we depart for Geiranger situated at the head of the Geirangerfjord. Our journey takes us on the scenic Road of the Trolls, Trollstigen, curving its way through the dramatic Norwegian mountains, aptly named The King, The Queen and the Bishop. Waterfalls cascade down the slopes as we navigate this popular summer attraction. The road is closed in Autumn and Winter. After a short ferry trip from Linge to Eidsdal, we continue to Geiranger, where we overnight. Overnight Hotel Union Geiranger or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 10 26 July GEIRANGER - LOEN The ferry to Hellesylt takes us through the UNESCO protected Geirangerfjord. This fjord is known as the jewel of the Norwegian fjords. Spectacular sights of emerald to deep-blue water, wild waterfalls and lush, green inclines and by now deserted farms awaits. We have an opportunity to once again capture the memories of this breathtaking natural wonder.
From Hellesylt we continue to the Briksdal glacier. Briksdal Glacier is a part of the main ice mass, Jostedal Glacier, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. It is a protected area and as a national park, now covers 486 km 2. At its thickest point it is 400 meter and its tallest peak stretches 1 950 meters above sea level. We go on an excursion, in small off-road cars, which takes us close to the glacier. From here we explore on foot, before returning to the visitor s centre. In the afternoon we return to Loen, a smaller village, located in the heart of the Northernfjord. This region is home to some of the oldest farms in Norway. Some sources claim that these were established long before the advent of Christianity. Overnight Hotel Alexandra or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 11 27 July LOEN - BERGEN After breakfast we travel to Flåm. En route we explore the Sognefjord by boat. We continue from Myrdal to Bergen by train. The train journey provides some of Norway's most magnificent sceneries. This route is a masterpiece of engineering. On the 20 km train journey, rivers cutting through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain-farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes, are part of the exhilarating scenery. The Flåm Railway line is one of the world s steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The gradient is 55/1000 on almost 80% of the line, i.e. a gradient of one in eighteen. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are some of the most daring and skilful engineering feats in Norwegian railway history. On arrival in Bergen, our bus driver awaits the group to transfer us to our hotel. We have enough time to freshen up before going to a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight Radisson Blu Royal Hotel or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 12 28 July BERGEN After this morning s panoramic city tour of Bergen, it is clear that Bergen is one of the most picturesque towns of Norway. We start by walking through Bryggen, the old wharf and quarters of the Hanseatic League. Driving through the charming streets of Old Bergen, we learn more about the history of this city. We make our way to the home of famous Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg, where we join a lunchtime concert. This afternoon we spend time exploring the quaint shops in Bryggen or the mainstream shops located within walking distance from our hotel. If shopping is not on your agenda, why not visit one of the many cultural attractions or take the Fløybanen funicular to view Bergen from 987 metres above sea level. Bergen is a vibrant city. Make the most of your time here and enjoy dinner on your own at the fish market tonight. Overnight Radisson Blu Royal Hotel or similar with breakfast Day 13 29 July STOCKHOLM After breakfast, we check out and make our way to the airport, from where we fly to Stockholm. Stockholm, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, is built on fourteen islands connected by 57 bridges. The beautiful buildings, greenery, fresh air and proximity to water are distinctive traits of this city. The Royal National City park (the first National City Park in the world) is a green space indispensable in the bustling city.
On arrival we are met and start our city tour of Stockholm, visiting the most famous buildings and views of this wonderful Swedish capital. This includes a stop at Fjällgatan for a magnificent view of Stockholm s islands and waters. On this tour we see Södermalm, Kungsholmen, Djurgården and the Royal Palace, the Opera, the City Hall and many other sights. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the shops and sites at your own pace. Stockholm is the place to shop on this tour, as prices are lower than in the other major cities. Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Kung Carl or similar with breakfast and dinner Day 14 30 July STOCKHOLM - JOHANNESBURG With its 750 year history and rich cultural life, Stockholm offers a wide selection of world-class museums and attractions. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot, and there s a good chance of experiencing city life, the history of civilisation and natural scenery, all in the course of the same day. Spend the morning exploring on your own and doing last minute shopping. In the afternoon we are transferred to the Stockholm Airport for our flight to Istanbul and Johannesburg. ** WE OFFER THE OPTION TO EXTEND THE TOUR TO ICELAND. ENQUIRE FOR MORE INFORMATION ** Overnight Aircraft with dinner Day 15 31 July JOHANNESBURG After a wonderful and enriching holiday, we arrive in Johannesburg at 09:40am. BON VOYAGE!!
Package information 17-31 July 2017 COST Land Only EUR 2 890.00 per person Single supplement EUR 650.00 (European single bed room) International flights from Johannesburg Domestic flights in Scandinavia ± R 4 700.00 per person (subject to 2017 rates) ± EUR 280.00 per person (subject to 2017 rates) (Please note all prices are based on 20 participants) INCLUDED in rates as indicated above Economy class international flights from Johannesburg Economy class domestic tickets within Scandinavia on Scandinavian Airlines Air conditioned coach and ferries Meals as specified on the itinerary All entrance fees Ferries as per itinerary English speaking tour director and guides Superior tourist class hotels and cabins EXCLUDED and additional to above rates Domestic flights in South Africa We can assist with add-on flights Tips per person ± 130.00 Items of personal nature Insurance ± R950.00 for clients under the age of 69 Airport taxes ± R9500.00 Airport taxes in Europe ± 205.00 per person Schengen visa ± 65.00 per person GENERAL We request R5 000.00 deposit per person and completed booking form to guarantee a place on the tour. It will be on a first come first serve basis. The balance of payment is due 2 months prior to departure unless otherwise notified. Please be aware that if you do not make use of the exact same flights as the group fare, a penalty will apply. PRICE IS SUBJECT TO CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS, INCREASES, SIZE OF THE GROUP AND FLIGHT SCHEDULES UNTIL FINAL PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY SEAGULL TOURS. NO CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ARE ACCEPTED FOR GROUP BOOKINGS.