small group journeys

FOLLOW THE
MIDNIGHT
SUN 2017
SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS
16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS from $7995*
DEPARTS: Stockholm
14 & 28 July 2017
Bentours has tailor-made two small group “Follow the
Midnight Sun” departures, designed to capture the very best
that Scandinavia has to offer in the luminous summer months.
The 16 day tour discovers the capital of Sweden and visits Gamla
Stan - one of Europe’s most historic hubs. The tour then heads North
on a magnificent scenic rail journey called the “Inlandsbanan”, up
to the Arctic Circle. From there we pass through three countries in
one day! Arriving at the North Cape, only 2,000 kilometres from the
Geographical North Pole, we have a toast at the North Cape and
savour caviar. In Honningsvag we embark on a unique bird safari, then
a flight to Oslo begins our journey through Norway’s breathtaking
UNESCO protected Fjords, Briksdale Glacier, and finally the legendary
“Norway in a Nutshell”, Europe’s top scenic rail journeys.
Highlights of this outstanding tour include:
•Journey on the unique “Inlandsbanan” Rail Journey from Ostersund
via the Arctic Circle to Jokkmokk
•Cross two borders and experience three countries in one day!
Sweden, Finland and Norway
• Savour a toast of sparkling wine, caviar & dinner at the North Cape
• A unique bird safari, or king crab safari* in Honningsvag
• Visit the Holmenkollen Ski jump with panoramic views of Oslo
•Delight in the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage listed
Geiranger Fjord
• Get up close with the Briksdal Glacier
• Be overawed by Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord
• “Norway in a Nutshell” including a Fjord cruise
Spaces on this extraordinary tour are strictly limited.
Call Bentours to reserve your spot today!
Contact us on 1800 221 712 or [email protected] | bentours.com.au
*Terms and conditions apply. See www.bentours.com.au for full details, or talk to one of our specialists on 1800 221 712.
FOLLOW THE MIDNIGHT SUN 2017
SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS
16 Days/15 nights | 14 Jul & 28 Jul 2017
Day 1 ARRIVE STOCKHOLM (Sweden)
Honningsvag
Make your own way to the hotel or have Bentours
arrange a private transfer. Tonight there is an
opportunity to meet with your Tour Manager
and fellow travellers to hear about our exciting
adventures to come, over a welcome drink.
Alta
Kautokeino
Jokkmokk
Overnight: Clarion Hotel Amaranten (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
NO
RW
AY
Meals Included: None
Day 2 STOCKHOLM (Sweden)
Ostersund
Baltic FINLAND
Sea
Lillehammer
This morning enjoy a 3 hour sightseeing tour of
Stockholm including the main highlights of the city;
entrance to City Hall, a walking tour of the old town,
“Gamla Stan”, and finally marvel at the view from the
top of the Kaknas Tartnet (TV Tower).
Geiranger
Balestrand
Bergen
Voss
SWEDEN
Oslo
Stockholm
2A-“Royal Canal Tour” - a boat trip around Djurgarden
(50 min)
2B-“Under the Bridges of Stockholm”, canal tour (2hr)
2C-“Boat Cruise Drottningholm” return (2hr) & entrance
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Clarion Hotel Amaranten (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 3 STOCKHOLM – OSTERSUND (Sweden)
This morning we depart Stockholm, and spend most
of the day travelling by land to Ostersund.
Ostersund, situated on the shores of Lake Storsjon, is
widely known for its gastronomic heritage, national
events, cultural attractions and magnificent nature.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Scandic Ostersund City hotel (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
In the early afternoon, we take a “Bird Safari” to one
of the bird nesting areas (2 hrs + driving). We drive
to Gjesvaer and take a boat tour to Gjesvaerstappan
Nature Reserve.
To set foot on the islands is not allowed, however
from the boat you can observe one of Norway’s
largest groups of puffins and kittiwakes. The puffins,
easily recognisable by their colourful bill, nest in
holes in the grassy hills. The nesting period, from
April to September, teems with life in the air and
on land. Mighty White-Tailed Eagles can be seen
hovering overhead as they hunt for prey. Guillemots,
Razorbills, Cormorants, Arctic Skuas, Fulmars, and
Gannets are also part of the flourishing bird life at
Gjesvaerstappan.
*Supplement Excursion – 7A King Crab Safari
(additional to pay).
The afternoon is at leisure, why not pre-book one of
the optional excursions?
OPTIONAL EXCURSION:
Day 7 HONNINGGSVAG – ALTA (Norway)
distance further is the Norwegian border where the
Sami town of Kautokeino is located.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight: Thon Hotel Kautokeino (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 6 KAUTOKEINO – HONNINGGSVAG & THE
NORTH CAPE (Norway)
On the way to the northernmost point of Europe,
we pay a visit to a traditional silversmith, and cross
the rugged mountains at Alta. Further on we pass
the summer territory of the Sami reindeer herds, and
later arrive in Honningsvag.
Honningsvag is the nearest port to the North Cape
- at 71° 10’ 21” N, only 2,000 kilometres from the
Geographical North Pole.
In the evening, we travel out to the North Cape
where we witness an unforgettable view of the Arctic
Ocean. Dinner is included at the North Cape, and
later a glass of sparkling wine, caviar and a certificate
of the milestone!
Day 4 OSTERSUND – JOKKMOKK (Sweden)
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Today we will enjoy a very special train journey on
the ‘Inlandsbanan’ the Inland railway. This full day
journey departs early morning from Ostersund
and we travel North, to the Arctic Circle, arriving in
Jokkmokk in the evening.
Overnight: Scandic Honningsvag (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Instead of the bird safari, you can choose to partake
in the unforgettable king crab safari (3.5 hrs) in the
area surrounding the North Cape. We take you deep
sea rafting to the Sarnesfjord, and after the catch, go
ashore and cook the crabs into a fantastic meal in a
lavvu camp (Sami tent/hut).
In the mid-afternoon we depart from Honningsvag
and drive south again, this time via Skaidi, to Alta.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight: Scandic Alta (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 8 ALTA – OSLO (Norway)
After check out, this morning is at leisure, until we
transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Oslo.
On arrival to Oslo airport, the group is transferred by
private coach to the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Thon Hotel Terminus (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 9 OSLO (Norway)
This morning we meet a local English speaking
guide and enjoy a 3 hour panoramic sightseeing
tour of the Norwegian Capital, Oslo. Highlights will
This unique train journey will show the many sides to
inland Sweden. We will encounter Swedish people,
culture, animals, food, and nature you won’t find
elsewhere. Along the way, there are short stops for
rare natural or cultural sights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Jokkmok (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 5 JOKKMOKK – KAUTOKEINO (Norway)
Today we travel by long distance by coach, travelling
across two borders. First the Finnish border, past the
city of Gallivare, famous for its ore mining. A short
Bergen
Contact us on 1800 221 712 or [email protected] | bentours.com.au
Day 13 BALESTRAND – BERGEN (Norway)
This morning we have an early start! We board the
4 hour fast ferry from Balestrand to Bergen, which
departs from just outside the hotel early morning,
and takes us through the Sognefjord, reaching
Bergen at approximately midday.
On arrival to Bergen, we disembark and enjoy a 4
hour tour the town of Bergen. Pass St. Mary’s Church
& Haakon Hall. Walk around the colourful and
picturesque fish markets and old Hanseatic wharf
at Brygge. Visit Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s
most famous composer Edvard Grieg (1843 - 1907).
Troldhaugen consists of the Edvard Grieg Museum,
Grieg’s villa, the hut where he composed music and
his gravesite.
Seven Sisters
include a walk on the Oslo Opera House, a visit to
Holmenkollen Ski Jump, and a view of the famous
Vigeland Sculpture Park.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION:
9A- “Evening Cruise on the Oslo Fjord” 3 hours on board
a traditional sailing ship including seafood buffet.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 14 BERGEN – VOSS (Norway)
This morning a porter service collects bags at 6:30am
(1 bag per person), and delivers them to the hotel
in Oslo. Please prepare an overnight bag for our stay
in Voss.
EXPO EXCLUSIVE PRICE!
Twin/Double:
$7,995*per person
Single:
$9,395*per person
INCLUSIONS
•15 nights accommodation in 4 star + hotels.
•Transport in first class coaches as per itinerary.
•Inlandsbanan Railway Ostersund – Jokkmokk
via the Arctic Circle. (2nd Class).
•Domestic flight Alta to Oslo.
•Valldall – Eidsfdal, & Hella – Dragsvik ferry.
•Fast ferry Balestrand – Bergen.
•Fully guided by a Bentours tour manager.
•Breakfast daily, 8 dinners.
•Porter service at hotels (where indicated).
•Local sightseeing with English speaking guide
as per itinerary.
EXCLUSIONS
Today we will experience the start of a 2 day Norway
in a Nutshell tour. This legendary tour takes us
through Norway’s most breath-taking UNESCO
protected fjord mountain scenery and on Europe’s
top scenic rail journey.
•Anything not specifically mentioned in
“package cost includes”.
Today we depart Oslo and travel by coach to
Lillehammer, entrance to Maihaugen, one of the
largest open air museums in Norway. We continue
into the mountains and fjords of Norway, travelling
via Otta and stopping in Lom, to view the Lom Stave
Church. We continue through the Ottadalen and
(weather permitting) stop at Dalsnibba, Europe’s
highest fjord view by road.
We transfer by coach to the Bergen railway station
and embark on the Bergen Railway to travel to Voss.
It is a short walk to our historic hotel.
•Optional excursions/activities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 15 VOSS – OSLO (Norway)
Overnight: Hotel Geiranger (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Today we continue our Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Overnight: Thon Hotel Terminus (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 10 OSLO - GEIRANGER (Norway)
Day 11 GEIRANGER (Norway)
This morning, enjoy a spectacular fjord cruise on the
Geiranger Fjord, sail past the Seven Sisters, the Suitor,
and the Bridal Veil waterfalls on this stunning cruise.
Disembark in Hellesylt and travel to Stranda where
we cross the fjords again to Liabygda, then continue
to the incredible Trollstigen (Troll road). We will be
engrossed by the winding roads and unforgettable
views.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Geiranger (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Day 12 GEIRANGER – BALESTRAND (Norway)
Today the journey continues in the fjords of Norway
and first stop is at Briksdal Glacier, where we will
enjoy a return journey on the Troll cars, and view this
incredible Glacier.
After some free time, we continue via Skei, and
Sogndal until reaching the Sognefjord, one of the
longest and deepest in Norway. We cross the fjord
on a short local ferry journey between Hella and
Dragsvik, before reaching Balestrand.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight: Fleischer’s Hotel (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
•Arrival and departure transfers.
•Tips & gratuities.
•Additional fees & entrances for optional
excursions.
•Meals & beverages other than those
specifically mentioned.
•Porterage in Sweden.
•Items of a personal nature
(laundry, mini bar etc).
We board a local coach and travel the steep
hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva before reaching
Gudvangen. In Gudvangen, we board a fjord cruise
along the narrow and dramatic UNESCO protected
Naeroyfjord, before reaching the picturesque village
of Flam. From there we travel on the Flam Railway
(Flamsbana), a spectacular train journey that offers
a panoramic view of some of the wildest and
most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjord
landscape. In Myrdal, a mountain station, we change
trains and board the Bergen Railway, considered
one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Late in the
evening we arrive into Oslo, and take a short walk to
our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Thon Hotel Terminus (or similar
Room Category: Standard
Day 16 DEPART OSLO (Norway)
Our tour ends after breakfast at the hotel - no
transfers have been included but we can offer these
at an additional cost.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight: Kviknes Hotel (or similar)
Room Category: Standard
Geiranger Fjord
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS COST
2A -“Royal Canal Tour” - a boat trip around
Djurgarden (50 min), $35 per person.
2B -“Under the Bridges of Stockholm”, canal
tour (2hr) $50 per person.
2C -“Boat Cruise Drottningholm” return (2hr)
& entrance $70 per person.
*7A King Crab Safari supplement $195.00 per
person.
9A - “Evening Cruise on the Oslo Fjord” 3
hours on board a traditional sailing ship
including seafood buffet $75 per person
Contact us on 1800 221 712 or [email protected] | bentours.com.au
*Terms and conditions apply. See www.bentours.com.au for full details, or talk to one of our specialists on 1800 221 712.
WHY CHOOSE BENTOURS
A DESTINATION SPECIALIST
BACKING OF COX & KINGS
• With over 35 years of experience in Scandinavian, Greenland, Arctic, Baltic,
Russian and Antarctic travel, Bentours has been specialising in this niche
market longer than anyone else in Australia.
• Bentours is a trusted part of Cox & Kings – the world’s longest-established
travel company, with a heritage spanning more than 255 years.
• We boast a dedicated team of expert and passionate consultants, all of whom have
travelled extensively and are happy to recommend and construct tailored itineraries.
• Our product managers handpick and/or create a variety of the best tours and
accommodation, ensuring a high standard for all budgets throughout your trip.
• Bentours has formed strong relations with a respected network of travel industry
contacts, working closely with a variety of local operators to maximise experience.
• Cox & Kings global buying power means our guests enjoy excellent value and
unparalleled customer choice, flexibility and highly personalised service.
COMPETITIVELY PRICED
• Bentours has some of the best-value cruises, expeditions and tours around. If
you happen to find a cheaper product elsewhere, simply let us know and we
will endeavour to match the quote.
A LOCAL TOUCH
WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS
• Bentours offers a large range of group, private and independent travel options,
allowing you to select the style and pace of journey that works for you.
• Our brochures contain a small sample of Bentours’ product offering. Please
contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for – our team will be happy to
find (or create) the ideal holiday for you.
• We use local guides that know their destination intimately, giving travellers a
genuine insight into each region’s culture and people.
• Our local representatives take the worry out of travel by offering 24/7 support in
case of emergency.
Bentours is proudly part of the Cox & Kings
group of companies.
Australia
Travel Agents | Call 1800 221 712
Email [email protected]
Travelers | Call 1800 221 712
Email [email protected]
Private Groups | Call 1300 836 762
Email [email protected]
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New Zealand
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RUSSIA & THE FAR EAST | CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC | CHILEAN FJORDS
& PATAGONIA | ANTARCTICA | SOUTH GEORGIA | FALKLAND ISLANDS
Call 0800 443 510
Email [email protected] Or [email protected]
Bentours is Australia’s leading Scandinavian, Polar and Expedition cruising specialist
for over 35 years. See our brochures for a full range of our exciting destinations.
Tempo Holidays Pty Ltd
trading as Bentours International
72 Market Street, South Melbourne,
VIC 3205, AUSTRALIA
Tel: 1800 221 712
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9699 3190
Email: [email protected]
www.bentours.com.au
Tempo Holidays Pty Ltd trading as Bentours International ABN 51007331213