Australian Freephone: 1800 132 385
New Zealand Freephone: 0800 132 385
Email: [email protected]
Scandinavian Discovery
Featuring Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and the
Norwegian Fjords
Scandinavia is often considered a homogenous group of countries:
Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Our program considers the
similarities but also explores the differences between the very
diverse
 areas of this fascinating region. We discover the geology,
geography, history, culture and rise of various nationalistic
consciences in each country visited.
In Denmark we discover the history and culture of Zealand Island
in the wonderful capital Copenhagen with its surrounding fairytale
royal castles and charming countryside. In Sweden, we learn about
the great fighting force of the Reformation in the attractive
medieval port capital city, Stockholm. In Norway, we explore both
Viking and modern traditions. We stay in the Norwegian capital,
Oslo, and also experience “Norway in a Nutshell” as we travel by
train and boat to the outstanding Fjord lands around Grieg's city of
Bergen where we explore not only this historic Hanseatic city but
the incredibly attractive fjords with their dramatic scenery and
unique way of life.
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / Number of Nights
Denmark, Copenhagen - 3,
Sweden, Stockholm - 3,
Norway Oslo - 2,
Hardangerfjord – 3,
Bergen – 2.
Program ends in Bergen.
13 nights in Scandinavia
Commences Copenhagen 20 June 2014 and ends Bergen 03 July 2014
Hardangerfjord
Little Mermaid
Group Leader - George Dibley
George Dibley has been involved in educational travel for more than 20 years, initially as a part of his work in
adult education at the University of Auckland where he was Assistant Director. Subsequently he worked for an
educational travel company planning programs and leading groups of North Americans visiting Australia and New
Zealand and leading groups to various European destinations. Over the years he has led groups in Italy, Austria,
Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.
He has a special interest in music and with a colleague has led many special interest opera tours to various
European destinations. His broader interests include the visual arts and architecture. In the role of tour leader, he
enjoys the opportunity to introduce and explore the social history contexts that give extra meaning and pleasure
to encounters with new places.
With a daughter and new granddaughter in Bergen, Norway he has in recent years become a regular visitor to
Scandinavia.
Denmark, Copenhagen
Denmark is the smallest and most southerly of the Scandinavian countries. It is made up of the Jutland
Peninsula and over 400 islands, the largest of which is Zealand, where Copenhagen is found. The country is a
fascinating mix of pastoral farmland and lively cities and is rich in mediaeval churches, Renaissance castles and
fishing villages. The country's historic and cultural heritage ranges from the Viking Raiders who settled large
swathes of England, to colourful mediaeval Kings and Queens. The Danish Royal House remains the oldest in
Europe and now has an Australian Crown Princess. The island of Zealand is a contrast of rural pasture, sandy
beaches with imposing castles and the country's lively capital, Copenhagen, with its treasure trove of museums,
castles and churches.
Accommodation
We stay in central Copenhagen in a comfortable city hotel in en-suited share twin and single rooms. Buffet
breakfasts and 2 dinners are provided during our 3 night stay.
What We Will Experience
We learn about the role of Copenhagen in Danish history as we explore the icons of the city as well as some of
the charming Zealand countryside viewing Hamlet’s dramatic castle of Helsingor, overlooking the Oresund
towards Sweden, and visiting one of Scandinavia’s most magnificent Renaissance style castles of Frederiksborg.
Included are lectures and field trips to:
 Explore Copenhagen on a led walk to view the Amalienborg Palace, the citadel, Parliament, Nyhaven
(new harbour), the Resistance Museum and, of course, Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid.
 Discovery the Zealand countryside with views of Hamlet’s Helsingor Castle and a visit to impressive
Frederiksborg.
En route to Stockholm, we cross the impressive Oresundsbridge to Malmo and travel through the Swedish
countryside.
Frederiksborg Castle
Stockholm
Nyhaven
Sweden, Stockholm
Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries and has historically dominated its smaller neighbours. It too,
is a country of lakes and forests, stretching from the Baltic to the Arctic Circle. Its greater contact with the
outside world has created an open and outgoing people, whilst its social policies have brought about one of the
highest standards of living in the world. Sweden, like its other Scandinavian neighbours is still a
Monarchy. Stockholm, undoubtedly one of the world’s most striking capital cities, reflects this royal heritage in its
palaces and architecture.
Accommodation
We stay in central Stockholm in a comfortable city hotel in en-suited share twin and single rooms. Buffet
breakfasts and 2 dinners are provided during our 3 night stay.
What we will experience
We learn of the history and culture of Stockholm from its Viking origins through to the growth of its Royal Houses
and dominating role in the European Reformation. We experience the Old Town of Stockholm together with its
ornate City Hall and striking palaces.
Included are lectures and fieldtrips: Learn about Swedish history and culture
 Discover the city of Stockholm and inspect the imposing City Hall where the Nobel Prize Awards
Ceremony is held
 Explore the old town of Stockholm on a led walk
 Learn about the maritime heritage of Sweden on a visit to the acclaimed Vasa Museum
 Experience the life of Swedish Royalty as we inspect the royal residence and parks of Drottningholm.
En route to Norway, we traverse the lakelands and forests of Sweden pausing to view the 16th century Gripsholm
Castle and passing Karlstad in Varmland before arriving in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.
Norway, Oslo
A ruggedly beautiful land of high mountains, deep Fjords and icy blue glaciers, Norway stretches for over 2,000
kilometres from its southern beaches to the Tundra wastelands of the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. Winters are
cold and relentless, but summers benefit from long hours of sunshine when the sun hardly sets for weeks on
end. The heritage of Norway includes unspoilt fishing villages, rich historic sites, Viking ships and mediaeval
stave churches. Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, but despite being Norway's largest city and
containing many fine palaces and monuments, has a comfortable, small-town feel.
Accommodation
We stay in a comfortable hotel in the city centre in en-suited share twin, double and single rooms. Buffet
breakfasts and 1 dinner are provided during our 2 night stay.
What We Will Experience
We learn about the history and culture of Norway as we explore the Viking Ship Museum, where some of the
best examples of Viking ships ever found, are exhibited. We also inspect the interesting Norwegian Folk
Museum, a fine ethnographic museum that has collected over 140 quintessential Norwegian buildings from all
over the country. We also experience the history and heritage of Oslo as depicted in its icons and monuments
and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Included are lecture and field trips to:
 Introduce the history and heritage of Oslo
 View the Royal Palace, City Hall, Mediaeval Akershus Fortress, Parliament House and the Cathedral
 The Viking Ship Museum
 The Norwegian Folk Museum
 The Vigeland Sculpture Park.
En route to the Hardangerfjord, we experience “Norway in a Nutshell”. First we take one of the world’s most
spectacular rail journeys from Oslo past forests, lakes and waterfalls over a desolate plateau with a background
of snow and glaciers to arrive in Myrdal where we join the Flam Valley railway. The train journey to Flam is a
constantly changing panorama of snow peaked mountains, thundering waterfalls and green pastures, From here
a boat trip along the Naeroyfjord takes us past tiny farmsteads clinging to steep mountainsides to Gudvangen
from where our bus takes us through the spectacular Stahlheim Gorge to Voss and on to our hotel in Oysterse.
Norway, Oysterse on the Hardangerfjord
The village of Oysterse on the outstandingly beautiful Hardangerfjord allows us time to explore the extraordinary
scenery of the Western fjords
Accommodation
We stay in a comfortable fjordside hotel in the pleasant village of Oysterse. The hotel overlooks the fjord and
offers all rooms with private facilities, TV and telephone. It also boasts an indoor pool, sauna, bar and attractive
restaurant. Our accommodation is in en-suited share twin and single rooms. Continental buffet breakfasts and
dinners are provided during our 3 night stay.
What We Will Experience
We learn about the culture and customs of this region as we cruise the Hardangerfjord, visit a hydroelectric
power station and visit a local farm.
Included are lectures and field trips to:
 Mini-cruise on the narrow and scenic Fykesund arm of the Hardangerfjord to the village of Botnen.
 Eidfjord with a guided visit to the fascinating Sima hydroelectric power station (700 m inside the
mountain and one of the largest in Europe) and to the mountain farm at Kjeasen, perched on a mountain
ledge 600 m above the Simafjord.
Oslo Opera House
Stave Church - Oslo
Norway, Bergen
Situated on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is the country’s second largest town. Its sheltered position
between a string of islands to the west and a ring of mountains to the east, has always given it a great advantage
for industries such as shipbuilding and fishing. In present times, its economy has been boosted by the North Sea
Oil industry.
Accommodation
We stay in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Bergen offering all rooms with private facilities, TV and telephone.
There is also a pleasant bar and attractive restaurant. Our accommodation is in en-suited share twin and single
rooms. Buffet breakfasts and farewell dinner are provided during our 2 night stay.
What We Will Experience
We learn about the history and culture of Bergen on a guided walking tour of the city
Included are lectures and field trips to:
 View the Bryggen, the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage waterfront of Bergen characterised by the
rows of wooden buildings, the lively Torget (Fish Market), the medieval Rosenkrantz Tower) and
Troldhaugen, the home of the famous Norwegian composer, Edvard Greig.
Our program ends in Bergen where you may join our Norwegian Coastal Cruise or extend your stay in Bergen,
Copenhagen or elsewhere in Europe. Please contact us for details.
Flam Railway
Program Includes
 13 nights en-suited hotel accommodation.
 Buffet breakfasts daily and 9 dinners.
 Transport, field trips and excursions as
indicated.
 Services of a program leader.
 Applicable entry fees and services of local
guides.
 Gratuities and necessary tips.
 Detailed Program Information Booklet.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Price:
AUD 8,440 NZD 9,340
Book before 13/12/13 for our early bird
prices:
AUD 7,640 NZD 8,990
Vasa Warship
Prices per person twin share.
Single Supplement: AUD 1,150
NZD 1,300
Activity Rating: Moderate
Tour Code : GCTSD14
Itineraries may change if flight schedules, site availability and other inclusions have to be amended prior to
departure. Golden Compass will notify registrants if, and as soon as, such changes occur.
To book, or for a more information, please call 1800 132385(Aus) or 0800 132385(NZ)
or email [email protected]
© Golden Compass