Arctic Experience

7/27/2019 Arctic Experience

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2 All our holidays are bound by our Terms & Conditions, which can be ound on our website

ContentsWelcome I am proud to say that 2014 sees us reach a rather special

landmark – it is 30 years since we frst launched our Arctic

Experience collection and during that time we have created

many new and exciting holiday concepts, not to mentioncarrying well over a quarter o a million British visitors to

experience the magic o the north. One o our most notable

achievements was to operate the very frst whale watching

trips in Iceland on board an Icelandic trawler. Much to the

surprise o some o the locals the concept caught on and

now tens o thousands o oreign visitors and Icelanders,

enjoy this amazing spectacle every year.

It is in the Arctic regions that we cut our teeth, all those years

ago, and although we now operate around the globe, the lessons

we’ve learnt in planning travel, in what can be one o the mostchallenging parts o the world, has held us in good stead.

It is this distinction which sets us apart rom most other travel companies: we truly

specialise in the relatively small number o countries to which we operate. We can

plan any type o arrangement rom a budget trip through to a luxury adventure,

and everything else in between.

You may fnd similar holidays on the market but the devil is in the detail - beware o

imitations, they are oten not what they seem! Innovation is in our DNA which stems

rom knowing the countries to which we operate, like the back o our hands.

Whether you are hoping to experience the amazing spectacle o the northern lights,

or simply want to enjoy the wonderul scenery and riendly people, our tailor-made

team are here to make your holiday that bit more special and create a unique travelexperience just or you.

And i I can be o assistance at any point beore, during, or ater your holiday,

my personal email address is [email protected]

Happy travelling!

Clive Stacey

Managing Director and co-Founder

Introduction

Welcome 2

Our 100% Guarantee 3-4

5 Things About the Northern Lights 5

Choosing the Right Destination 6-9

Please note: for trip references below 3n = 3 nights

Iceland

Northern Lights & Blue Lagoon (3n, independent) 10-11

Aurora Nights (3n, self-drive) 12-13

4WD Highland Adventure (3n, self-drive) 14-15

Arctic City Break (3n, self-catering) 16-17

Northern Lights Special (3n, guided group tour) 18-19

Killer Whales & Northern Lights(4n, guided group tour) 20-23

Volcanoes & Northern Lights(4n, guided group tour) 24-25

Northern Lights Odyssey (7n, guided group tour) 26-27

Festive Iceland (various) 28-29

Sweden & Norway

The Icehotel 30-33

Icehotel Break (3/4n, independent) 34-35

Abisko & the Icehotel (3/4n, independent) 36-37

Wilderness Husky Adventure (3/4n, escorted) 38-39

Iceland & the Icehotel (7n, independent) 40-41

Tromsø, Abisko & Icehotel (7n, independent) 42-43

Icehotel, Abisko & Lofoten (7n, self-drive) 44-45

In Pursuit of the Aurora (7n, independent) 46-47

Hurtigruten Coastal Voyages (3-11n, voyage) 48-49

Tromsø & Svalbard (6n, independent) 50-51

Finland

Muotka Wilderness Lodge (3-6n, independent) 52-53

Arctic Wildlife at Ranua (7n, independent) 54-55

Korpikartano Retreat (3-7n, independent) 56-57

Kakslauttanen Log Cabins (3n, independent) 58-59

Iso-Syöte Log Cabins (3n, independent) 60-61

Canada

Polar Bear Kingdom (5n, guided group tour) 62-63

Northern Lights & Winter Rockies (9n, independent) 64

Yukon Winter Dream (4n, guided group tour) 65

Winter Adventure in Ontario (5n, semi-guided) 66

Winter Adventure in Quebec (5n, independent) 67



discover-the-world.co.uk/aurora Talk to the experts 01737 214 257 3

Your Discover the World100% Guarantee

We Protect YouFinanciallyWith Discover the World, your

nancial security is guaranteed.

We are ATOL Protected and

you are covered by extremely

stringent British travel industry

regulations and UK legislationthroughout your holiday.

Your CompleteConsumer ProtectionYour consumer rights are completely

protected by the EU Package Travel

Regulations that govern the sale

and operation o every trip we

organise. We are also members

o ABTA - The Travel Association

and AITO (The Association o

Independent Tour Operators).

We Take Care Of

Travel DisruptionsWe will look ater you should the

unexpected occur. Beore and

during your trip, our expert Travel

Disruption Charter team are on call

24 hours a day to help you should

anything happen to your fights.

So should your trip be cancelled or

i your outward fights(s) cannot

operate within 24 hours o the

scheduled departure time, we will

make alternative arrangements.

I it is not possible to re-arrange

your trip, you will receive a reund

o the trip cost you have paid

to us. When you are on holiday,

i it becomes necessary to alter

or reroute your itinerary, we willmake these arrangements at no

additional cost to you. We will even

provide you with accommodation

and meals i your fight home is

cancelled or severely delayed. Such

events and circumstances are rarely

covered by travel insurance policies.

Our ‘No Surcharge’GuaranteeThe moment your booking is

conrmed we will give you our

100% guarantee there will be no

price increases or additional ees

to be paid. Whatever happens

to Sterling, oil prices, and taxesanywhere in the world, it will not

aect the cost o your holiday.

Visit discover-the-world.co.uk/ unique-pledge for further details,terms and conditions.

We know how important your holiday is. You’ve researched where you want to go and what to do when

you get there. You’ve booked time o work. Now you’re ready to really enjoy yoursel. And it’s our business

to make sure you do.

We give every booking you make our unique 100% Discover the World Guarantee that protects you, your

amily, your holiday and your nances. We’re there should you need to talk to us and we’ll take care o anyfight disruptions and travel delays. And we’ll make sure you never, ever have any surcharges to pay.

All o which means that when you travel with us, you are in the saest, most experienced hands - 24/7.

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Flexible PricingDue to constantly changing

currencies, uel prices and airares,

we’ve adopted a fexible approach

to pricing to ensure we give you

the best possible price at the time

o booking. Our brochure pricesare to be used as guidelines only -

the actual price will be conrmed

when you book your holiday and it

may end up being lower or higher

than shown in the brochure.

Up-to-date pricing is available on

our website or can be obtained

by calling our team o travel

specialists. This policy allows us to

give you the best possible price at

the time o booking, including any

special oers. And due to our ‘no

surcharge’ guarantee, once we have

booked and conrmed your holiday,

your price is ully guaranteed.

Price Promise In the unlikely event that you

should nd the same holiday

arrangements elsewhere at a

lower price, our Price Promise

means that we will do our best

to improve on it. Do bear in mind

that arrangements which appear

the same can be very dierent –

we are very particular about the

partners we work with and only do

so with the best and most reliable.

Full Tailor-Made ServiceOur expertise lies in tailor-made travel

which means, not only will we adapt

any o the itineraries presented in this

brochure or on our website to suit your

personal requirements - we can even

create your holiday ‘rom scratch’. We

can arrange fights, accommodation,

car hire, excursions and activities,

as well as a number o ‘extras’ such

as insurance and airport parking.

Specialist AdviceWith such a prousion o

destinations, holidays and

experiences on oer, it is not

always easy to know where to

start planning your holiday - which

is where we can help. Our team

know our destinations inside out

having travelled extensively or

even lived within them. Our Travel

Specialists are on hand to createa holiday to suit your interests,

timescale and budget, as well as

give practical advice and insider tips.

Booking with Discover the Worldwill ensure that you experience aquality, value-or-money holiday,fnancial and consumer protection,with 24/7 support and the assurancethat you will be looked ater everystep o the way.

More reasons why you should book with us

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Discover the World is a member o the Association

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represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages

high standards o quality and service. Discover the World abides by the

Association’s Code o Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter

which can be viewed at aito.com - visit the website to nd out more

about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

Scan with your smartphoneand visit our website!

Use the QR codes printed in this brochure to take you

straight to our website when you scan them with your

smartphone. The codes can be ound on each holiday

page and will link you to urther inormation about the trip as well as the

current prices. You must be able to access the Internet on your mobile

device and it will need to be equipped with a QR code reader application,

available or download at discover-the-world.co.uk/qr

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Our top 5 things you shouldknow about the northern lights

How Do I Photograph Them? Generally you’ll need a

tripod as exposures rom several seconds to almost 20 give the best

results. SLR camera users should try a wide angle lens with a wide

aperture as well as setting their ISO levels to high - or urther tips

visit our website. On your winter holiday you’ll see numerous books

and postcards showing spectacular night skies but these have been

put together by people with years o experience – not to say that

complete novices don’t succeed - we’ve had some amazing shots

sent in to us by rst timers! But more oten than not, people tend to

simply stand beneath a display and marvel at its magnicence – also

beats having to take your gloves o to try and work your camera!

Will I Defnitely See Them? Most people appreciate that

the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and we can’t just turn

them on or you! But what we can do is get you to locations across thenorthern hemisphere where sightings are generally known to be better

than anywhere else. And what’s more, those places have plenty o things

to see and do during the day whilst you are not star gazing. Patience

is the key as well as a clear, cloudless winter’s night. Displays can occur

any time rom around 5pm but most activity tends to be a little later -

ortunately on many o our holidays eatured in this brochure you can opt

to be woken during the night so you don’t miss a thing!

Location, Location, Location! Don’t be ooled by

cheap oers or weekend breaks in Reykjavík, which include a short

excursion to ‘see the lights’. You need to be outside o built-up areas

and light pollution, not just or a ew hours, but or the duration o

your holiday. Many o the hotels we use in Iceland oer a wake-up

service i the lights make an appearance during the night, and the

more remote you are the more spectacular the show will be!

What Is So Special About NASA’sDouble Prediction? You may have heard about the Sunspot

Cycle and how it is linked to sightings o the northern lights. Sunspotsare temporary dark patches which are cooler than the rest o the surace

o the Sun and when these increase in number, so too does the amount

o solar fare activity and the subsequent possibility o auroral displays.

This doesn’t mean you won’t see displays during other periods o the

cycle, as activity is constant, just that displays at the peak may be more

intense or more requent. The cycle is generally around 11 years and the

2012-13 season was supposedly the latest peak, or ‘Solar Maximum’.

However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

have revised their predictions, saying the continued surge in solar activity

could result in an extension o this Solar Max period into 2015! And i

sightings experienced over the last season are anything to go by, then

this coming season should see even more incredible displays.

What Are The Northern Lights? Solar fares are

explosions ejected by the Sun. These fares contain charged particles

and i they head our way, carried on a solar wind, Earth’s magnetic

elds divert them. Most disappear into space but i some enter our

upper atmosphere, around the Polar Regions where those magnetic

elds converge, then these charged particles react with the gases

ound there. These magnetic elds create auroral ovals around the top

and bottom o our planet, which move and distort as the Earth rotates

and solar fare activity increases. You have to be within an auroral oval

or a chance o seeing this particle/gas reaction hence why you need

to travel north.

Please remember that witnessing a display o the aurora cannot beguaranteed even when conditions seem just right. Displays should be

seen as a bonus to your winter break.

Visit our website or more inormation about the northern lights andsee remarkable images that will no doubt inspire you to travel norththis winter.

© Sara Winter




Choosing the Right DestinationFor many people, the Arctic holds a deep ascination, it has or us or almost 30 years. And whilst we

continue to operate an unrivalled collection o year round holidays across the region, quite a number

o our clients preer to visit during the winter months.

It is hard to put your fnger on

what lures people to the ar north

at this time o year. For some, it’s

the untouched, snow-laden scenery

and the chance o a relaxing,

romantic getaway. For others,

it’s the howl o the huskies, the

opportunity to drive a snowmobile

or try other snowy activities. And

or many, witnessing the surreal

and enchanting northern lights

is their dream. Fortunately, all the

careully chosen itineraries in this

brochure aim to provide optimum

northern lights viewing opportunities

but as we’ve mentioned previously,

sightings can never be guaranteed

and should always be seen as a

bonus to any trip.

Our extensive knowledge o the

places, people and pastimes you

can visit, meet and experience in

this surprisingly diverse region,

sets us apart rom other operators.

Whether you are an independently

minded traveller or preer to

choose something ‘o the peg’, let

our experience be your guide. And

whatever you are seeking or your

winter holiday, we are confdent

we can help you fnd it.

Take a look at the holidays

in this brochure, browse the

full collection on our website

or contact one of our expert

travel specialists and we’ll

help you decide where to go

this winter...

© rosenmedia.se




Iceland is truly captivating - a simple act that has led to us

becoming the world’s leading travel operator to the land o re

and ice. The closest o our winter destinations, Iceland oers a

broad spectrum o things to see and do. Known or its wealth

o volcanic and geothermal eatures, Iceland’s south and west

are prime locations or a winter break whether you want to see

killer whales in their natural habitat, take a look at the site o the

inamous Eyjajallajökull eruption and see other natural wonders,

or simply indulge in some superb Icelandic hospitality in search o

those elusive northern lights. With a number o its better known

highlights in these areas, including many o the island’s spectacular

wateralls, our winter itineraries appeal to a varied range o ages

and interests, whether you wish to travel independently or as part

o a small group.

Acquaint yoursel with the ‘small and riendly’ yet stylish and chic

city o Reykjavík, over a weekend break or use it as a base to explore

urther aeld. Let us put together something or you using our

comprehensive tailor-made service, or maybe just extend your chosen

itinerary. Opt or car hire and explore at your own pace, take a ride in

or even drive an iconic superjeep, go on a day trip to check out the

trio o wonders on the amous Golden Circle route – these are just

a ew suggestions or starters. There are many ways you can get to

know Iceland and once you do, trust us, you’ll be back or more!

Our Iceland holidays begin on page 10.

Take advantage o our exclusive direct fights to this winter

wonderland and you can have snow on your boots in no time!

Swedish Lapland is the setting or the world amous Icehotel.

Enjoy a night sleeping on ice in a one-o-a-kind Art Suite, tucked

up in a thermal sleeping bag upon layers o reindeer skins, ater

which you’ll most likely report having your best ever nights’ sleep!

And with a wealth o optional activities and excursions on oer, you

can make your trip as active or laid back as you wish.

No trip to Swedish Lapland is complete without a spot o husky

sledding. Whether on a short excursion or a ull – on wilderness

saari, travelling by sled or mushing a team o your own eager

dogs is the ultimate way to travel. Or try snowmobiling, something

to denitely bring colour to your cheeks and a smile to your ace.

Zip over rozen rivers and weave through orested surrounds or an

exhilarating adventure – drive it yoursel or ride pillion i you preer.

Testing your skills in a powerul mini on an ice track is another, most

denitely, exciting option.

Team the Icehotel with Abisko National Park, probably the best place

in the world or aurora sightings. Maybe combine the Icehotel with

Iceland or Norway on a longer holiday. We also oer a trip to Abisko

to see its glorious autumn colours, at a time when sightings o the

northern lights are also possible.

Our Swedish holidays to the Icehotel and beyond start on page 30.

Iceland

Sweden

Travel September to MarchFlying time from the UK 3 hours

Whale watching / geysers / hotsprings / volcanoes / superjeeps

Travel December to AprilFlying time from London (direct) 3½ hours / via Stockholm 5½ hours (excluding time in transit)

Icehotel / husky adventures / snowmobiling / Aurora Sky Station / moose saaris© Gillian Lloyd

© Cathy Harlow© Cathy Harlow




Norway’s dramatic scenery o deep jords, sheer, snow coveredpeaks and traditional fshing communities can be even more

dramatic in winter than during the summer months. Deep contrasts

o light bring changing moods and great photo opportunities,

and the urther north you travel the shorter the days. When you

reach the high latitudes above the Arctic Circle, the sun might

not rise above the horizon between December and mid-January,

but the magical blue light or ‘polar night’ this creates adds to an

unorgettable Arctic experience.

Discover the enchanting Looten and Vesterålen islands on an

independent sel-drive or maybe team Looten with the breathtaking

Icehotel and Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland. Explore

the rugged coastline rom the deck o a Hurtigruten ship, and call

in at some truly ascinating and endearing ports o call such as

Kongsjord and Kirkenes. And o course, Norway’s vast, open skies

oten play host to marvellous perormances o the northern lights!

Team the historic city o Tromsø with Spitsbergen, the largest island

o the Svalbard archipelago or a true taste o the Arctic. Or maybe

include a visit to the Swedish Icehotel and Abisko National Park, an

itinerary especially or dedicated aurora hunters.

Our Norway holidays begin on page 42.

Authentic log cabins and crackling open fres are an integral part o

many people’s idea o a perect winter getaway. Our itineraries to Finnish

Lapland oer exactly this, set in a number o beautiul areas and without

orgetting the Finnish staple - private saunas. Ater a day out enjoying

all kinds o snow-based activities, a sauna session is just the ticket. The

cabins we eature are built to a high standard. They come in a variety

o designs, or anything up to 6 persons, with kitchenette and dining

acilities, a lounge area and, o course, a private sauna.

The snow in Finland seems remarkably bright, almost as i the locals

respray it nightly. And so much o the white stu alls here that the

skyline is distinctive with trees bending and bowing under its weight.

Explore this beautiul scenery by husky, reindeer or snowmobile saari

and more.

An unusual eature at Kakslauttanen is the chance to stay overnight in

a glass igloo, or those who really don’t want to miss out!

For wildlie enthusiasts, head to Ranua where you’ll have a week’s ree

entry to the wildlie park and a chance to eed the polar bears!

Fly rom the UK to Finnish Lapland via Helsinki, and onwards to Kittilä,

Ivalo, Rovaniemi, Oulu or Kuusamo, rom where you’ll be transerred

to your accommodation o choice. It is also possible to extend your

holiday and stay over in the capital i you so wish.

Our Finland holidays start on page 52.

Norway

Finland

Travel September to AprilFlying time from the UK 4 hours via Oslo(excluding time in transit)

Hurtigruten / husky sledding / sel-drive / snowmobiling / scenic railways

Travel November to AprilFlying time from the UK 4½ hours (excluding time in transit)

Log cabins / glass igloos / snowmobiling / husky sledding / wildlie / skiing

Iso-Syöte © Kakslauttanen

© nordnorge.com

© Hurtigruten © Bard Loken/visitnorway.com

© Ranua




GreenlandTravel SeptemberVoyages commence in Iceland, fying time 3 hours

Voyaging / hiking / wildlie spotting / zodiac cruises / Inuit culture

A winter holiday oers a whole new way to experience Canada,

rom the wilderness o the mighty Yukon and the vast Arctic tundra

o northern Manitoba, to the spectacular Rocky Mountains and the

vibrant cities beyond.

The clear skies over Fort McMurray, northern Alberta, oer a 90%+

success rate o seeing the aurora borealis, and a 3-night stay here is

perectly complemented by an independent tour through the Rockies.

For the more active traveller, the ‘wilderness city’ o Whitehorse

provides the base or a wealth o adventures, such as dog sledding,

snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and, conditions permitting, the chance

to see the northern lights. Wildlie sightings are possible too - i

you’ve ever wanted to see the mighty polar bear in his natural

habitat, then a trip to quirky Churchill is a must. Every October and

November these magnifcent mammals congregate here, waiting or

Hudson Bay to reeze over – oering an unparalleled chance o a

close encounter with the world’s largest land predator.

Extend your stay with a visit to one o Canada’s gateway cities –

winter is celebrated in style here, with annual estivals in Montréal,

Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. Featuring light displays, outdoor

skating and ice-sculpting, as well as a variety o live entertainment

and culinary experiences, a city add-on provides the ideal contrast

to the northern wilderness.

See a selection o our Canada holidays rom page 62.

CanadaTravel October to MarchFlying time rom the UK 7 to 10 hours (excluding time in transit)

Polar bear encounters / northern lights / Canadian Rockies / winter activities

Greenland is predominantly a summer destination. However in

September, as the Arctic summer turns into autumn, take a voyageand discover its extensive coastline. Boasting spectacular jords and

some incredible icebergs, it is best explored by an ice-strengthened

ship or a much smaller sailing schooner.

Travelling ashore by Zodiac makes it possible to land at otherwise

inaccessible bays to hike through pristine wilderness. Visiting remote

Inuit communities is also a highlight, providing a rare chance to

learn about the isolated way o lie north o the Arctic Circle. And

at this time o year you may be lucky enough to experience the

optimum atmospheric conditions which produce the aurora borealis

– a magical bonus to any Greenland voyage.

Details o our Greenland voyage can be ound on our website.

© Richard Day© Ruby Range Adventure

© Travel AlbertaAdventure © GCTC




Fact File

• Independent

• 3-nights (Northern Lights Inn)

• Breakfast

• Who for? Those wanting to combinethe northern lights with a world-classspa experience

• Departures September to March

• Prices rom around £206pp (ex fights)

Northern Lights& Blue LagoonThe delightul Northern Light Inn sits on the volcanic Reykjanes

Peninsula just a 20 minute drive rom the airport. Relax and

unwind by day in the surreal Blue Lagoon spa, just a lava

rock’s throw rom the hotel, and when the lights make an

appearance, the hotel’s 360° degree observation lounge allows

you to marvel at them in comort.

Highlights World-amous Blue Lagoon spa close by.

Purpose-built observation lounge or superb views o the aurora.

Easy access to the Golden Circle route.

Range o optional excursions available rom the hotel.

= Overnight stay

Gulloss

ReykjavíkKefavík

Blue Lagoon

Þingvellir

Skógaoss

Geysir

ICELAND

Northern Lights Inn

Seljalandsoss

© RTH Sigurdss




Outline ItineraryDay 1 Fly UK to Kefavík, transer to hotel.

Day 2 Visit the Blue Lagoon (entry ee included).

Optional treatments are available at additional cost.

Day 3 At leisure to enjoy an optional excursion or re-

visit the Blue Lagoon (entry ee at additional cost).

Day 4 Transer to Kefavík, fy to the UK.

Please note: there will be some light pollution from

the nearby geothermal heat exchange, which provides

clean, green energy and the water that feeds the

lagoon. This can make for an interesting visit during

your stay, which we can arrange for you in advance.

This winter break is ideal or those who want a

quick getaway to somewhere special with the

emphasis on winding down and relaxing. The

Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most iconic attraction,

is a large expanse o naturally heated, powder-

blue water, set amidst a jet-black lavascape. It

makes or some interesting photography but

people mainly come here to bathe and enjoy

the extensive range o massage treatments

and therapies.

Take an invigorating dip in the crisp Icelandic air,

open to the elements – it is strangely enjoyable to

be surrounded by clouds o steam as snowfakesdrit down around you! And perhaps complete

your experience with a silica mud massage or a

salt glow treatment, one o the many on oer.

Visit our website or a list o available treatments

which we advise you to pre-book.

The nation’s capital Reykjavík is a mere 40

minutes away by bus, perect or a day

out. But with so many o Iceland’s natural

wonders on the doorstep, you’ll have plenty

o options or lling your days with adventure.

A popular choice is to explore Iceland’s south

coast by guided superjeep. These magnicent

vehicles tackle every kind o terrain thrown

at them taking passengers to see some o

Iceland’s iconic wateralls, basalt clis, black

sand beaches and impressive coastal rock

ormations. Alternatively, take a tour o three

o Iceland’s most amous natural wonders

ollowing the Golden Circle route. Witness

spouting geysers at Geysir’s geothermal area,

the dramatic, two-tiered waterall Gulloss,

which can be partly rozen in winter, and

marvel at the tectonic plates and dramatic rits

at Þingvellir National Park – awe-inspiring tosay the least!

Your rst entrance to the Blue Lagoon is

included in the price o the holiday and you can

nd a list o optional treatments on our website

or just give us a call.

The Northern Light Inn has a bright and airy

eel, with a dining room that boasts panoramic

windows and the 32 spacious guestrooms,

comy chairs and even more comortable beds!

Trip Details

Scan with yoursmartphone for moreholiday information onour website (see page 4).

We offer a superb range of Icelandholidays available year round. Orderonline or by phone, call our specialistsor see the full range on our website.

Iceland

© Brooks Walker

© Daytour

© Jobongard




Aurora NightsOne o our most popular winter sel-drives. We aim to

maximise your chances o an aurora sighting by oering

two remotely located and very special hotels. With the

reedom to go as you please, explore local natural wondersby day and wait in anticipation by night in exceptionally

comortable surroundings, or the main attraction!Fact File

• Self-drive (4WD)

• 3-nights (Hotel Rangá or Hotel ION)

• Breakfast

• Who for? Potential aurora watcherswho like to do it in style!



Highlights Hotel Rangá sits under vast open skies in the rural south, close to the

Golden Circle route and several o Iceland’s iconic wateralls.

Hotel ION, less than an hour rom Reykjavík, is set in the wilds near LakeÞingvellir and boasts a spa and foor to ceiling panoramic windows in the bar.

Hotel Rangá oers outdoor hot tubs while Hotel ION has an outdoor dippingpool – the experience o sitting in steaming waters whilst watching the aurora

is not to be missed! Should an impressive display o the lights appear during the night, you can opt

to have hotel sta wake you so you don’t miss it.

Hotel Rangá hosts northern lights presentations.

Reykjavík

Rangá

GullossGeysir

Skógaoss= Overnight stay

Kefavík

Vík

Búðir

GrundarjörðurSnæellsnes

ICELAND - SELF-DRIVE

Hotel ION

© Hotel Ran




For aurora watchers it is all about that

important sighting. But typically, or our clients,

it is also about what you can experience during

the daylight hours in a country as special as

Iceland. On this short break, choose between

two very distinctive properties oering rst-rate

Icelandic hospitality and take the chance to

explore their scenic surrounds.

Hotel ION is a 4-star hotel, contemporary

in style, oering many unique characteristics

designed to inspire and relax its guests in

equal measure. It oers 46 rooms, a natural

geothermal, 10m outdoor ‘dipping’

pool, gourmet restaurant and a ‘northern

lights’ bar with enormous windows or that

all important vigil.

The location, not ar rom the western shores o

Lake Þingvellir, on the edge o the Golden Circle

route, means Hotel ION is ideally positioned

or discovering the amous natural wonders

o the south west, and aurora sightings here

so ar have been phenomenal. Nearby is the

Nesjavellir Plant, a compelling example o

how Icelanders harness the country’s natural

resources into a sustainable energy source - it is

possible to visit the plant.

Hotel Rangá is a luxury 4-star, ranch-style

hotel around a two hour drive rom Reykjavík.

It boasts uninterrupted 360° skies and is

close to Seljalandsoss, one o Iceland’s most

photographed wateralls. The Golden Circle

route with its must-see trio o natural wonders,

Geysir, Gulloss and Þingvellir, is also easily

accessible. The hotel exudes sophistication

and it has a reputation or excellent personal

service. The 51 superbly appointed rooms

include a Royal Suite and seven extraordinary

suites in the ‘World Pavillion’ – see our website

or details. The comortable lounge and bar

area sits above the gourmet restaurant which

oers sweeping views, an extensive menu and

wine list.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Fly UK to Kefavík, collect rental vehicle

and drive to your hotel o choice.

Days 2 & 3 At leisure to explore the local area /

enjoy optional excursions.

Day 4 Check out o hotel, drop o vehicle at

Kefavík, fy back to UK.

Please note: it is possible to extend your

stay with a night in Reykjavík or perhaps the

Northern Light Inn, close to the Blue Lagoon.

Contact us to discuss your options.

We also oer a version o this holiday based at

Hotel Glymur located on the northern side o

Hvaljörður in Iceland’s scenic west as well as

a New Year option based in Reykjavík and the

Highlands – see page 29.

Trip Details


AURORA RETREAT This winter sel-drive

option is based at the charming Hotel

Búðir on the westernmost tip o the

Snæellsnes Peninsula. Situated in view o

the magnicent Snæellsjökull glacier with

amazing sea views, this is a great place to

relax and unwind, especially over a glass o

wine by the re in the lounge. The intimate

hotel boasts a gourmet restaurant and a

reputation or exceptional cuisine. Explore

the dramatic countryside and volcanic

coastline by day, and hopeully by night,

enjoy uninterrupted sightings o the aurora.

4-nights hal board

Departures November to March

Prices rom around £549pp (ex fights)

Also try…

© James Appleton Photography




4WD HighlandAdventureThis new and exclusive sel-drive holiday is aimed at giving

enthusiastic adventurers a taste o Iceland’s hidden treasures whilst

enjoying the ultimate o road driving experience. Get behind the

wheel exploring the rugged highlands on a network o 4WD routes.

With a large choice o trails, all with varying degrees o driving

diculty, this thrilling holiday is suited not only to experienced

o-roaders, but novices too.

Fact File

• Self-drive

• 3-nights (Hrauneyjar Guesthouse)

• Full board (packed lunches)

• Who for? Aimed at those witha passion or driving and a tasteor adventure!

• Departures Year round


Highlights Drive a high clearance 4WD and eel like an Icelander!

Get ‘o-the-beaten-track’ in Iceland’s spectacular Highlands.

Top advice and local know-how to help you get the best rom your vehicle.

Option to upgrade to a superjeep.

= Overnight stay

ReykjavíkKefavík

Highland

ICELAND - SELF-DRIVE

© ISAK




This year round short break gives you a taste

o Iceland’s wild side staying in the very heart

o the countryside and the gateway to the

country’s rugged interior - the perect location

to test your skills on a 4WD adventure.

Hrauneyjar Guesthouse, the last outpost beore

the Highlands, is your base or three nights, easily

accessible on a paved road, and close enoughto the rugged interior to oer you a choice o

graded routes to suit your experience and sense

o adventure. Your stay at the simply urnished yet

comortable guesthouse is on a ull board basis,

breakast and evening meals plus packed lunches.

In the evenings, relax in the lounge, and perhaps

play a game o pool or darts, sharing talk o your

days’ adventures and making plans or the next.

Collect your 4WD rom the airport and head

to Reykjavík and beyond, along increasingly

rural roads and by the time you reach the

guesthouse, you’ll eel ready to tackle some o

the landscape you’ve so ar only glimpsed.

During this trip you’ll get the chance to see lava

elds, canyons, iconic wateralls, hot springs

and a whole variety o curious and ascinating

natural wonders. The 4WD’s high clearance

means it can reach the parts that other,

standard vehicles cannot, and you’ll have the

support o local experts with optional morning

or evening briengs. Maps can be provided

prior to each trip so you’ll be ully prepared.You’ll also be oered tips on how to get the

most out o your vehicle and, or complete

peace o mind, rescue teams are always on call

in case o an emergency.

To say Icelanders are obsessed with 4WD

pursuits is an understatement, meant

aectionately o course. Their enthusiasm or

all things ‘all our’ is only natural, given the

surroundings they grew up in! The Highlands

are simply breathtaking and they can be

challenging too. Take up that challenge and

you’ll be rewarded with photo opportunities

galore; magnicent vistas that just keep

getting better and better. And, depending on

the time you travel, they could be bathed in

the midnight sun or you could be treated to a

glimpse o the northern lights back at base.

I you want to get o-the-beaten-track,

then this is denitely the place to do it!

Day 1 Fly UK to Kefavík, collect your 4WD

rental vehicle and head to Hrauneyjar,

approximately a 3 hour drive. Check in or a

3-night stay, rest o the day at leisure.

Days 2-3 Explore on a choice o routes

inaccessible to standard vehicles. An

experienced o road guide will be on hand at

Hrauneyjar to provide assistance and advice

beore you set o on your daily adventure.Day 4 Ater breakast drive to Kefavík Airport,

drop o your rental vehicle and fy back to

the UK.

Please note we can tailor-make your itinerary

and an upgrade to Hotel Highland is also

available. For the ultimate upgrade, rent a

superjeep and discover the Highlands rom

behind the wheel o a beast o a vehicle! Please

contact our Iceland team or details.

Trip Details Outline Itinerary


© Clive Sta




Akureyri –Arctic City BreakHead north or a winter break to Iceland’s second city, Akureyri,beautiully situated on the shores o Eyjajörður and just an

hour’s fight rom Reykjavík. This small but charming city is

a genuine alternative to Iceland’s capital, boasting a good

selection o restaurants and bars, an attractive historic centre

and many o the eatures o a town ten times its size. It is also

the perect gateway or exploring the natural wonders or which

this part o Iceland is renowned.

Fact File

• 3-nights (Sæluhús studioapartments and villas)

• Self-catering

• Who for? Independent travellers whoenjoy a relaxed winter getaway

• Departures October to April

• Prices rom around £365pp (ex fights)Highlights

Delightul accommodation suited to couples, riends and amilies. Complete reedom to go-as-you-please.

Option to rent a car or take a day trip to explore the many attractionsin the area.

Reykjavík

AkureyriMývatn

DettiossGoðaoss

= Overnight stay

Kefavík

ICELAND

© subtik

© photoempt




Whether you are looking or relaxation,

adventure or perhaps a little o both, a stay

in Akureyri oers a variety o possibilities.

Following a short fight rom Reykjavík, and a

mere 10 minute taxi ride rom the airport at

the end o Eyjajörður, you’ll be at Sæluhús.

Whether you choose a spacious studio

apartment or a three bedroom house, this

collection o sel-catering properties is set on

a hill overlooking Akureyri – with around a 20

minute stroll down into the centre.

The accommodation is well-equipped,

modern and comortable. The light and

bright apartments sleep up to our and have

a kitchenette, bathroom with shower, private

veranda, fat-screen TV and ree WiFi. Some

have their own hot tub. The villas, which sleep

up to seven over three bedrooms (one room

has bunk beds), have a large open plan living

room/kitchen, a spacious veranda with a private

hot tub, a bathroom with shower, fat-screen

TV, DVD player and ree WiFi.

Should you wish to venture urther aeld,

perhaps consider a thrilling superjeep saari

exploring Lake Mývatn and its surrounds -

home to countless birds during the summer

months, oten eerily silent, yet still beautiul

when rozen in winter. Around the lakeshore,

see pseudocraters and strange rock ormations,

take a dip in its own, more intimate version

o the Blue Lagoon, the geothermal Nature

Baths. And close by, Námaskarð intrigues

with its steam vents and bubbling mud

pools – yet more evidence o the regions

volcanic infuences. Goðaoss is a beautiul

waterall. Then there is Dettioss, Europe’s most

powerul, a thundering waterall which spans

an impressive basalt gorge that can be heardlong beore it is seen! You can also opt or an

evening adventure out into the quiet surrounds

o the city, in search o the northern lights.

Also popular rom here is a spot o horse riding

- the distinctive, shaggy Icelandic pure bred is

perect or beginners and more experienced

riders alike. It is advisable to book optional

activities in advance, contact us or details.

Day 1 Fly UK to Kefavík and transer to

Reykjavík City Airport or the onward

fight to Akureyri. Check into your chosen

accommodation at Sæluhús.

Days 2-3 At leisure to relax, explore the city or

take an optional excursion or activity.

Day 4 Fly back to Reykjavík, beore transerring

to Kefavík or the fight home.

Please note: I you extend your stay in Akureyri,

your 4th night stay is FREE! Call or details.


Set o rom Akureyri in a North Sailingboat in search o cetaceans. This lovingly

restored oak shing boat is usually on

patrol rom Husavik during the summer

months but sheltered Eyjajörður during

winter, oers a good chance o spotting

whales, notably humpbacks eeding, just

a short sail away.

Winter Whale Watching

“The rst thing that strikesyou about north Iceland ishow dierent the scenery isto the south, and the northhas trees, well part o itdoes! We drove the DiamondCircle route, Akureyri to Lake

Mývatn, Husavik and backagain stopping or a dip in theNature Baths. Tremendous.”Maria Kondje


© Sæluhus

© Sæluhus




Fact File

• Guided group tour

• 3-nights (2n Rangá + 1 Northern LightInn; 2n ION + 1n Grand Hotel Reykjavík;

2n Glymur + 1n Northern Light Inn ORGrand Hotel Reykjavík)

• Half board at Rangá, Glymur & ION,breakast at Northern Light Inn & GrandHotel Reykjavík

• Who for? Aurora watchers who want ataste o the south-western highlights

• Departures October to March


Northern Lights SpecialThe northern lights are without a doubt, a magical and

unorgettable sight – an otherworldly phenomenon which has

amazed people or centuries. On this escorted two-centre shortbreak, the odds o a sighting are as good as they can be thanks

to the combination o quality properties with antastic locations

and some scientic know how.

Highlights Hotel Rangá is a ranch-style property with a rural location in the south,

close to some iconic wateralls.

Hotel Glymur has a stunning location, on the northern shores oHvaljörður, the ‘Whale Fjord.’

Hotel ION is on the edge o the Golden Circle route and boastsmany unique eatures.

All o the eatured countryside hotels are equally blessed with open skiesand sweeping views.

The Northern Light Inn next to the Blue Lagoon has a 360° auroraobservation lounge.

The Grand Hotel Reykjavík, a short drive rom the city centre,boasts a Grand Spa.

= Overnight stay

GullossGeysirReykjavík

Kefavík

Blue Lagoon Hotel Rangá

Hotel Glymur

ICELAND

Northern Light InnHotel ION

Þingvellir

© Alphons & Carmen Burk




This is a hugely popular escorted break, not

surprising, given that the accommodation is

rst rate, the daytime activities give a taste o

Iceland’s nest natural wonders, and the record

or quality northern lights displays is superb.

Begin your holiday with a late aternoon arrival

and transer to your countryside hotel with time

to relax beore dinner. Choose between three

properties: luxury ranch-style Hotel Rangá in

the south, contemporary Hotel ION in the south

west (details o both on page 13), or boutique

Hotel Glymur in the west - your departure date

determines the hotel combination. Generally the

Glymur/Northern Light Inn combination is based

on fights rom Manchester rather than London

but speak to our travel specialists to discuss your

plans, as it is oten possible to tailor your trip

with a slight itinerary adjustment.

These countryside properties have one majorthing in common – prime locations or aurora

watching as vast, uninterrupted views help

optimise any sightings. They also oer ne

dining restaurants, exceptionally appointed

rooms and the act that you can opt to have

sta wake you should an auroral display occur

during the night – perect! The second hotel

choice is either the Northern Light Inn on the

Reykjanes Peninsula (as seen on page 11), next

door to the Blue Lagoon, or the Grand Hotel

Reykjavík, just outside the city centre.

On a day trip tracing the Golden Circle route,

experience three o Iceland’s captivating natural

wonders – the spouting geysers at Geysir are

ascinating, Gulloss is a tiered waterall as

beautiul as it is impressive, and the rit and

scars o Þingvellir National Park provide an

intriguing look at Iceland’s volcanic heritage,

still very much active today.

On Day 3 it is time or sightseeing in Reykjavík

– see the charming old town, the characteristic

hilltop church Hallgrímskirkja, built in a style

refecting basalt columns, and the glass-domed

Perlan. ‘The Pearl’ houses a revolving restaurant

with an outside viewing platorm which sits

above huge water tanks used to store the

city’s naturally heated hot water. Creatively lit

at night, with an intensely bright beam which

shoots to the skies, this is another o Reykjavík’s

distinctive landmarks.

Finally, enjoy a dip in the Blue Lagoon, the

surreal experience o swimming in the open air

in its geothermal waters is said to be a ‘must’

on any visit to Iceland.

Please note: guests staying at Grand Hotel

Reykjavík have the option to add a Northern

Lights by Boat excursion and those at the

Northern Light Inn can join a tour o the

Reykjanes Peninsula – contact us or details.

Day 1 Fly UK to Kefavík and transer to

countryside hotel.

Day 2 Visit the amed Golden Circle route and

explore the volcanic landscape o Þingvellir

National Park, see and hear spectacular Gulloss

and watch the spouting geysers o Geysir.

Day 3 Head into Reykjavík or a hal day o

sightseeing then continue to the Blue Lagoon

or an evening dip.

Day 4 Optional excursions are available during

the morning. Transer to Kefavík or the fight

back to the UK.



We also oer a 5-night variation on this

short break which includes a New Year’s

Eve Dinner Cruise beore the reworks

at midnight. Accommodation is at Hotel

Rangá or Hotel ION or 2 nights ollowed

by 3 nights in Reykjavík at Hotel Arnarhvoll

– see page 28 or details.

New Year Departure

© Northern Light Inn

© stewyphoto © stewyphoto© anderspa




Killer Whales & Northern LightsDuring the winter o 2011 we heard reports that pods o killer

whales were being seen in large numbers o the west coast o

Iceland. The ollowing season we worked with a local couple,

Shelagh and Gísli, who ran a hotel and owned a small boat, to

oer some extraordinary trips based in Grundarjörður. Sightings

o both whales and the northern lights on nearly all o our trips

in 2012 and 2013 were amazing, and this holiday has deservedly

become one o our most popular winter holidays in Iceland.

Highlights Superbly situated and EXCLUSIVE choice o accommodation, great or

cetacean and aurora sightings.

Two included boat trips into Breiðajörður Bay to observe orca as theyhunt or herring.

Full day tour o the stunning Snæellsnes Peninsula.

A visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Accompanied throughout by an Iceland guide/cetacean expert.

Fact File• Guided group tour

• 4-nights (Hotel Framnes)

• Full board

• Who for? Wildlie enthusiasts andthose interested in the aurora borealis

• Departures January to March


Reykjavík

= Overnight stay

Kefavík

Grundarjörður

Snæellsjokull

Blue Lagoon

ICELAND

© RTH Sigurdss




The Snæellsnes Peninsula, which protrudes

rom Iceland’s rugged west coast like an arm

reaching out into the Atlantic, is one o the

most magical and romantic places in the

country, the ocus or much lore and legend.

At its tip the majestic glacier, Snæellsjökull,

sits atop a volcano which is believed by

locals to hold mysterious powers. Whatever

the attraction, this location is proving to be

enormously popular or our winter visitors.Thanks to very little light pollution in this

remote location, sightings o the northern

lights have been especially requent, and

their intensity over the last two seasons

has been outstanding. With the ‘solar max’

continuing, this coming winter is predicted

to eature even more spectacular sightings

o the aurora.

Although other killer whale holidays

may be on the market, this is the ONLY

tour that is based in the fshing village o

Grundarjörður, rom where you can otenspot orca rom the shore, or even the hotel!

Our holiday puts you right in the heart o

things - our nights with ull board at the

traditional and very welcoming waterront

property, Hotel Framnes, with two whale

watching trips, sightseeing and a visit to the

Blue Lagoon.

Hotel Framnes has 29 rooms - standard,

with mountain views, and superior which

boast sea views. The hotel oers modern

yet simple accommodation, close to the

shoreline providing views o the bay and

with luck, orca! Choose between twin,

double or amily en suite rooms. Full details

are on our website.

During the two included boat trips out into

beautiul Breiðajörður Bay, you’ll be joined

by an experienced cetacean specialist, with

the knowledge and a passion or one o themost enigmatic o cetaceans.

Cathy Harlow is one o our team o

naturalist guides. An Iceland expert, she

has guided around, written books on and

photographed her second home or many

years. And or several seasons, she spent

time as a whale watch guide in Tysjord and

Looten in northern Norway.

Winter nights on Snæellsnes are long.

Whilst we cannot guarantee an aurora

sighting, chances are very good so you may

fnd yoursel tempted to stay up quite late

on more than one occasion!

A day trip exploring the peninsula is

included. You’ll see sweeping lava felds,curious rock ormations, the windswept

coast and, o course, the imposing glacier.

The character o this peninsula is so defned

by volcanic activity and the power o Mother

Nature that you won’t be surprised to learn

it was the inspiration and setting or Jules

Verne’s classic novel ‘Journey to the Centre

o the Earth’.

Trip Details

“Just a quick note to saythank you or all yourhelp in organising ourholiday to Iceland. Wehad a totally amazingtime and can’t believehow lucky we were withthe weather, the northernlights on most nights, thewhales (easily 100!), and just about everything.Cathy was antastic as ourguide and we all enjoyedher enthusiasm as well asher subject knowledge.I already knew what anamazing place Iceland wasbut I have now convincedthe rest o the amily aswell. We will defnitelybe back!”Carina Watson 2013

“We have just returnedrom the Killer Whales andNorthern Lights holiday and just want to say thank youall or an experience o alietime! We saw more orcasthan people and the lightshow we saw was absolutelyspectacular, we could not

have wished or more. Cathyand Alexa the guides wereso knowledgeable, kind andavailable or any questions orqueries the whole time wewere there. So thank you allor making the trip one wewill never orget!”Kim Savage and Liz Whitehouse 2013

© Alexa Kersh

© Alexa Kersh

© Cathy Harl




Also on the itinerary is the chance to take a dip

in the powder-blue waters o the Blue Lagoon,

just a 10-15 minute drive rom the international

airport at Kefavík. Set amidst a jet-black

lavascape, enjoy these soothing, geothermal

waters and perhaps take an optional massage

or spa treatment. Additional optional activities

are available on this holiday such as bird

watching, a visit to a local arm or perhaps

horse riding.

Book early to avoid disappointment - this is a

holiday on which to make good riends and

share some wonderul experiences.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Fly UK to Kefavík and transer to

Grundarjoður, a three hour drive.

Day 2 Morning whale watching trip (2-3hrs)

then in the aternoon, take a short guided walk

around the shing village.

Day 3 Enjoy a ull day guided tour o the

beguiling Snæellsnes Peninsula including a visit

to Snæellsjökull, the distinctive glacier at its

western tip.

Day 4 Another whale watching trip out into

the bay then rest o the day at leisure.

Day 5 Transer to the Blue Lagoon (entrance ee

included), take a dip in the geothermal waters,

continue to Kefavík and fy back to the UK.

“I just wanted to let youknow that we have just hadthe most amazing trip toIceland. Everything surpassedmy expectations rom viewingthe lights every night towatching the masses o orcason both boat trips to extras

like the harbour porpoisesand sea eagles.

The weather was perectand scenery incredible. Theteam were great and nothingwas too much trouble.HotelFramnes was very comortable,welcoming, warm and clean.Excellent ood was providedand great portions.

The trip was exceptionally

well organised andeducational, and I couldnot recommend it enoughthough I do appreciate thatwe were very lucky and

nature was on our side orthe our days o our tour.

Many thanks to all the teamand to the sales and bookingpeople. Thanks or makingour 25th wedding anniversaryone that Angie and I will

not orget.”Rik and Angie Humphries 2013


© Cathy Harlow

© Alexa Kershaw

© Alexa Kershaw

© Will Gray




Alexa Kershaw

SELF-DRIVE OPTION

I you’d preer not to join an escorted

tour but still see the magnicent killer

whales, this is or you! A weekend sel-

drive option that allows you to explore

at your own pace and add optional

excursions as you wish. Accommodation

is at Guesthouse Grundarjörður - car

rental and a whale watching trip included.

Contact us or details.

Prices rom around £339pp (ex fights)

Killer Whales &

Northern Lights WeekendWhaleFest

An EXCLUSIVE, once-a-year departure

aimed at cetacean enthusiasts. This very

special week-long trip includes 5-nights in

Grundarfjörður combining whale watching

trips with a programme of fascinating

lectures from many top whale experts,

sightseeing around the peninsula aswell as a trip around the Golden Circle

route, taking in some of Iceland’s iconic

natural wonders.

WhaleFest also includes a night in

Reykjavík at the beginning and end of the

holiday and a chance to enjoy a dip in the

world-famous Blue Lagoon.

Visit our website or urther details.

Only one departure a year!



“Grundajordur mustbe the best place in theworld to see killer whalesin winter...”Erich Hoyt, WhaleFest 2013

Erich Hoyt is a leading whale and dolphin

researcher, conservationist, lecturer and

author of 19 books and more than 500

reports, articles and papers.Please note: we also oer special

Christmas and New Year departures o our

Killer Whales and Northern Lights holiday,

see page 28 or details.

© Will Gray © Will Gray

© Cathy Harlow




Volcanoes& Northern LightsThis escorted tour ocuses on two o Iceland’s most ascinating

natural wonders – the mesmerising northern lights and its

otherworldly volcanic landscape. Experience the magnicent

Highlands and the amous Golden Circle route. Also included is

a thrilling excursion into stunning Þórsmörk Valley courtesy o a

monster 8WD vehicle!

Fact File

• Group escorted• 4-nights (1 Northern Light Inn,

2 Hotel Highland, 1 Hotel Rangá)

• Half board at Highland & Rangá,breakast at Northern Light Inn

• Who for? Those with a specicinterest in Iceland’s natural wonders



Highlights 8WD trip into Þórsmörk Valley – see the site o the 2010 volcanic eruption.

Guided tour o the Golden Circle route.

A trip into the Highlands.

A night at luxury Hotel Rangá due to popular demand!

An experienced photographer on hand at Hotel Highland to give advice,hints and tips on photographing the aurora.

ICELAND

Eyjajallajökull 2010 © James Appleton Photography

Geysir

= Overnight stay

Gulloss

ReykjavíkKefavík

Blue Lagoon

Geysir

Þórsmörk

Hotel HighlandÞingvellir

Northern Light Inn

Hotel Rangá

© Ar




On this guided group trip immerse yoursel in

volcanic curiosities. Stay rstly at the Northern

Light Inn, set amongst the lavascape on the

Reykjanes Peninsula, adjacent to the Blue

Lagoon with an opportunity to take a dip.

The hotel’s dining room has large, panoramic

windows and should the lights make an

appearance, you might want to pop up to the

360° observation lounge or a better look.

Your second day is spent sightseeing - no

trip to Iceland would be complete without

experiencing the trio o natural wonders on

the Golden Circle route, so keep your camera

handy at all times!

Continue to the stunning Icelandic Highlands,

transerring to a wonderully remote property

150km rom Reykjavík or a two night stay.

Contemporary Hotel Highland oers single

storey accommodation in rooms, apartments

and suites. It has a restaurant, an outdoor hot

tub and little else in the way o entertainment

but its simplicity, solitude and stunning natural

surrounds are what it’s all about. Its remoteness

means truly uninterrupted skies, increasing the

chance o an aurora sighting.

The next day, venture urther into the Highlands

or a day o exploration, including a lava hike.

‘Rugged and dramatic’, best describes the

landscape but so too does ‘awe-inspiring and

magnicent’!

On the ourth day, you’ll take a rather

unusual journey up to the site o the amously

unpronounceable 2010 eruption. Head into

wooded Þórsmörk Valley in a mammoth

8WD vehicle, criss-cross streams and rivers,negotiate boulders the size o cars, strange

rock ormations and travel across terrain that

no other vehicle can access. Witness the

impact o the eruption and see where the lake

that existed at the oot o Gígjökull glacial

tongue has completely disappeared. And just

or the record, it is ‘ay-yar--at-lar-yok-ul’ or

thereabouts!

Spend the night at one o Iceland’s best-known

rural hotels, the Rangá. With a very luxurious

‘log cabin’ eel, this hotel prides itsel on service

and style and the outdoor hot tubs are the

place to be when the aurora appears!

This is another northern lights trip that

we advise you to book early to avoid

disappointment!

Day 1 Fly UK to Kefavík, meet your guide,

transer to the Northern Light Inn and take a

dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Day 2 Trace the Golden Circle route then

travel past sweeping lava elds deep into the

countryside en route to Hotel Highland or a

2-night stay.

Day 3 Explore the Highlands admiring the

dramatic winter landscape.Day 4 Enjoy a thrilling 8WD adventure in a

mammoth Ice Truck into Þórsmörk Valley then

overnight at Hotel Rangá and perhaps try the

hot tubs ater dinner!

Day 5 Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula beore

transerring to Kefavík or the fight home.

Manchester Flights

We also oer a departure rom Manchester

Airport – see our website or details.


Highlands


© anderspa

Ice Explorer




Northern LightsOdysseyThis NEW small group tour led by a specialist guide travelsrom one end o Iceland to the other. It includes an internal

fight between Reykjavík and Egilsstaðir, the route traversing

the country across dramatic trails and giant icecaps normally

only passable by car during the height o the summer. The

variety o accommodation, set in rural or semi-rural locations,

has been careully chosen to enhance the likelihood o

northern lights sightings.

Highlights Explore the Golden Circle route.

Take in the south coast black sand beaches and iconic wateralls.

8WD glacier truck excursion through Þórsmörk.

A visit to the Blue Lagoon and time in Reykjavík.

= Overnight stay

ReykjavíkKefavík

Blue Lagoon Kirkjubærjarklaustur

Skataell

Egilsstaðir

ICELAND

Fact File

• Small group guided tour(max 20 participants)

• 7-nights (breakast basis atNorthern Light Inn and GrandHotel Reykjavík; hal board atHotel ION, Smyrlabjörg, Rangá andGuesthouse Eyvindará)

• Internal fight betweenReykjavík and Egilsstaðir (included)

• Who or? Serious aurora hunters

who want to experience a large sliceo the country


• Prices rom around £1,265pp (ex fights)

Vík

Þórsmörk

Þingvellir

Hotel Rangá

Hotel ION

Gulloss

Geysir Hotel Smyrlabjö

Images © RTH Sigurdss




As the name would suggest, this holiday has

it all. Aurora watching is the prime ocus and

as the itinerary covers a lot o ground, most o

it the rural variety, your chances o a sighting

are maximised. And with daytime excursions

included, so too is your enjoyment!

Begin your holiday with a night at the

Northern Light Inn, close to the Blue Lagoon,

where you’ll take a dip in the powder-blue

geothermal waters. The hotel boasts a

360° viewing lounge and the dining

room has a panoramic view over the

surrounding lavascape.

Explore the Golden Circle route, taking in a

trio o natural wonders ound not ar rom the

capital: Þingvellir National Park, where the Mid-

Atlantic Ridge dramatically scars the landscape;

Gulloss, a tiered waterall that disappears

into the Skógaoss river canyon and Geysir,

whose erupting geysers never cease to amaze.

You’ll have a day to explore these wonders

beore heading to Hotel ION, which has an

impressively designed lounge area with foor toceiling windows, perect or aurora gazing.

Your daytime adventures continue with a

thrilling ride in a mammoth 8WD truck through

the wooded valley o Þórsmörk, criss-crossed

by streams and rivers. Visit the eruption area o

the 2010 Eyjajallajökull volcano and see where

the lake that once existed at the oot o the

Gígjökull glacial tongue has been completely

covered by ash. Ranch-style Hotel Rangá is the

choice or tonight’s overnight stay.

Time or another day o exploring Iceland’s

beautiul south, rst taking in the iconic

wateralls o Seljalandsoss and Skógaoss -

you’ll want to photograph these rom every

angle! Continue eastwards to the little town

o Vík with its black sand beaches and striking

oshore sea stacks. An interesting detour is a

visit to the volcano exhibition at Þorvaldseyri,

the arm lying in the shadow o the

Eyjajallajökull eruption – learn how they live in

a potentially volatile landscape and see images

o the eruption. Overnight in Skataell.

The national park at Skataell boasts an

extraordinary arena o constantly changing

glacial landscapes, continuing eastwards

to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and

its stunning lagoon, Jökulsárlón. At this

time o year, the lagoon is crammed with

immense icebergs and again, presents some

wonderul photo opportunities. Overnight at

Hotel Smyrlabjörg.

Travelling through the East Fjords, you’ll

experience a distinctive backdrop o layered,

snow-capped mountains and a coastlinepeppered with tiny shing villages. At the town

o Egilsstaðir, celebrate your nal evening with

the guide over a meal at Guesthouse Eyvindará,

also your accommodation or the night.

Ater a short domestic fight, transer rom

Reykjavík City Airport to your accommodation

or the night at Grand Hotel Reykjavík. The rest

o the day is at leisure to see the sights, relax

or perhaps take an optional excursion, beore

fying back to the UK the ollowing day.

Day 1 Fly UK to Kefavík, transer to Northern

Light Inn, stopping or a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Day 2 Explore the amed Golden Circle route.

Overnight at Hotel ION.

Day 3 Excursion into Þórsmörk by 8WD truck

to see the site o the 2010 Eyjajallajökull

eruption. Overnight at Hotel Rangá.

Day 4 Enjoy two iconic wateralls,

Seljalandsoss and Skógaoss and the black

sand beaches at Vík. Overnight in the

Skataell area.

Day 5 Morning exploration o the national

park beore continuing to Vatnajökull and

Jökulsárlón. Overnight Hotel Smyrlabjörg.

Day 6 Continue to the spectacular East Fjords

and overnight at Guesthouse Eyvindara

in Egilsstaðir.

Day 7 Morning fight to Reykjavík, rest o

the day at leisure. Overnight at the Grand

Hotel Reykjavík.

Day 8 Transer to Kefavík, fy back to the UK.

Please note: This itinerary may also be

ollowed in reverse, fying to Egilsstaðiron Day 2.

Trip Details

Scan with your smartphone formore holiday information onour website (see page 4).

Outline Itinerary

© James Appleton Photography© James Appleton Photography

Ice Explorer




Festive Iceland

ICELAND

The nightlie in Reykjavík at Christmas and New Year is lively, oten particularly colourul, and Icelanders

never miss an opportunity to celebrate. We give you the chance to sample these estivities combined

with some o our most popular winter trips.

In the days preceding Christmas,

the 13 Christmas ‘lads’ known

locally as ‘Jólasveinar’ come down

rom the hills to make mischiein the towns and villages. Visitors

with children should make note

- leave a shoe in the window

overnight and hopeully, the ‘lad’

o the day will leave a small git!

Christmas lights are everywhere -

decorating the streets, adorning

windows, draped over balconies,

gardens, shops, bars and

restaurants, where many a estive

east and special event takes place.

But even the abundance o airy

lights cannot compete with the

splendour that is the light show onNew Year’s Eve.

Just beore midnight, a riot o

colour and sound explodes over

Reykjavík as everyone sets o

freworks to welcome in the New

Year. It can get rather crowded

with people vying or the best

viewpoint but we have the answer

to that - join our New Year’s Eve

Dinner Cruise! Enjoy a welcome

drink as you step aboard, a gala

5-course dinner with live music

whilst you see Reykjavík rom the

sea, then get into a prime positionor enjoying the freworks.

The city plays host to numerous

concerts and choirs and there

seems to be something musical

happening on every street corner.

The legendary nightlie steps up a

gear or the special celebrations,

confrming the act that Reykjavík

is a very exciting place to be over

the estive season.

We oer a number o

accommodation options in and

around Reykjavík over the estive

period and early booking isadvisable!

© RTH Sigurdsson




Kirkjuell © Miles Cowton

Killer Whales & Northern Lights at ChristmasEnjoy our Killer Whales and Northern Lights escorted tour, extended to 6 nights

to include the natural wonders o the Golden Circle route and a sumptuous

Christmas buet at Hotel Glymur.

Fact File

Escorted 6-night tour (3 Hotel Framnes, 3 Hotel Glymur)

Hal board plus Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buets

Blue Lagoon plus 2 whale watching trips

Killer Whales & Northern Lights at New YearEnjoy our Killer Whales and Northern Lights escorted tour, extended to 6 nights

to include time in Reykjavík to celebrate the New Year. Includes a antastic dinner

cruise out into Reykjavík harbour, a prime spot or watching the spectacular

freworks when they explode over the city at the stroke o midnight.

Fact File

Semi-escorted 6-night tour (4 ull board at Hotel Framnes,

2 breakast basis at Hotel Plaza, Reykjavík)

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Blue Lagoon, guided village walk plus 2 whale watching trips

Northern Lights Special plus New YearOn this escorted tour, head to rural Iceland and stay at either Hotel ION or

Hotel Rangá or two nights. Enjoy sightseeing around the south coast highlights

and Golden Circle beore heading to the capital and a New Year’s Eve Dinner

Cruise on Reykjavík harbour.

Fact File

5-night semi-escorted tour (2 hal board at Hotel ION or Rangá,

3 on breakast basis at Hotel Arnarhvoll, Reykjavík)

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and south coast touring

New Year in Reykjavík and Aurora NightsFirst, in lively Reykjavík, welcome in the New Year rom the harbour on a gala

dinner cruise, then spend time in the breathtaking Highlands on this ‘best-o-both-worlds’ estive break. Independent in the capital, sel-drive in the countryside.

Fact File

6-night tour (3 Hotel Plaza, Reykjavík, 3 Hotel Highland)

Breakast basis plus New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Blue Lagoon (optional extra)

Please note: as tailor-made destination specialists, we can put together a estive break to suit,

subject to availability. Call our Iceland specialists to discuss.

© Special Tours




The IcehotelThe Icehotel is literally breathtaking and has to be seen to be believed! With an ingenious mix o snow and

ice, otherwise known as ‘sn-ice’, plenty o engineering know-how and supreme design fare, it is created

each winter then let to melt back into the river Torne in late April, with no two designs ever the same.

We’ve been connected with the Icehotel since its inception almost 25 years ago, and our continuedrelationship and exclusive direct fights have led to us becoming their leading UK partner. This means,amongst many things, that we have extensive room allocations as well as insider knowledge on some o theorthcoming Art Suites. We’re particularly excited to be working with British lm director Marcus Dillistone,who has designed ‘Mind the Gap’ seen above, and cannot wait to see it in snice! Further details on our website.

Each year the creation o a

new Icehotel celebrates more

inventive and even quirkier

designs. Consisting o a variety

o sleeping accommodation

(the top-o-the range Art Suitesnever ceasing to amaze) and a

spectacular Icebar, these rooms

radiate rom a magnicent

central hallway, complete with

ice crystal chandeliers. Close by,

but with a separate entrance, is

the magical Ice Chapel or those

truly white weddings.

When rst considering the

Icehotel you’re likely to have a

lot o questions about the place,

such as: what is there? Where

do you shower? And isn’t it too

cold to sleep? Answers to allthese questions can be ound

on our website or ask one o

our Icehotel specialists – they’ve

visited personally so their advice

is spot on. The answer to that

last question by the way: many

people nd that the silence, cool

resh air, and o course, a cosy

thermal sleeping bag gives them

the best nights’ sleep they have

ever had!

Although the main part o the

hotel is built o ‘sn-ice’ there is

a separate building alongside

which houses plenty o warm

showers, WC’s and sauna

acilities. Also housed in heatedbuildings are a couple o lounge

bars and an excellent ne dining

restaurant, which also serves the

daily breakast buet. There is

also a log-cabin style restaurant

just ar enough away or you to

walk o your meal aterwards,

perhaps with the northern lights

illuminating your way home.

You may have seen the Icehotel

on TV or in photographs, or

know someone who has visited.

In our opinion, nobody can quite

convey how special the Icehotel

really is - it isn’t just about astay in the world’s coolest hotel

(literally!), it is about a complete

experience and one that you

really need to try rst hand.

SWEDEN

Artist’s Impression ‘Mind the Gap’ Art Suite

2013-14 season © Marcus Dillistone




Icehotel Rooms

Standard Snow Rooms are in the shape o an igloo and generally sleep

two. Ice Rooms are slightly larger with the addition o ice ‘urniture’ and

typically sleep two also. Northern Lights Suites are exclusively themed

to capture the magic o the aurora borealis, and Art Suites are the most

spacious and impressive o all, abulously themed and with no two alike.

For your night on ice, you’ll be given a thermal sleeping bag so you won’t

need to wear layer upon layer o night clothes. Beds consist o a large block

o illuminated ice upon which sits a mattress, then a layer o reindeer skins.

Warm Rooms

There are three types o ‘warm’ accommodation. Kaamos Rooms are

en suite hotel rooms or two. The chalets have two bedrooms and

kitchenette acilities - Nordic Chalets are ‘light and bright’ with modern

urnishings, twin beds and bunk beds and Arctic Chalets have a double

bed and a single bed.

For detailed descriptions o all the rooms and urther images, please

visit our website or call us to talk through your options.

AccommodationAs a guest at the Icehotel, you’ll generally have a night‘sleeping on ice’ with two or three nights in warmaccommodation, on a breakast basis. There are variouscategories o both.

Snow Room Chalet Lounge © Dennis Bromage BLUE Marine Suite © Paulina Holmgren

Kaamos Room Deluxe Suite © Photobigben.com/Artists M Vroom & M Vonk Chalets

The UK’s only direct fight to the IcehotelFly Heathrow to Kiruna in 3½ hours!

• Convenient fying times and pre-bookable seats

• Meal, wine, beer and sot drinks included in the price

• Avoid the extended fying time and hassle o changing planesin Stockholm

• Discover the World representative

• Upgrade to Premium Class and enjoy business class check in,Fast Track Security, SAS Business lounge access at Heathrowplus other benets

• Departures December to March

When on holiday, especially on a short break, we believe that it isessential to make the most o your time away. One o the easiest

ways to do this is to use the most convenient fight options andavoid any unnecessary time ‘in transit’ changing planes.

With this in mind we introduced a directfight rom London Heathrow to Kiruna, just 20 minutes rom the Icehotel.Whilst we do oer the option to fy viaStockholm, and indeed the chance tostop over there, our direct fight is thequickest way to reach the Icehotel.

discover-the-world.co.uk/directfight

http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/holidays/sweden/icehotel-break/direct-flight.html?utm_source=AE13&utm_medium=onlineBrox

http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/holidays/sweden/icehotel-break/direct-flight.html?utm_source=AE13&utm_medium=onlineBrox




By ar the most popular activity is husky

sledding. Whether mushing a dog team

o your own, or letting someone else

take the reins, a husky trip is not to be

missed. Choose between a short excursion

and a ull-on saari, see page 38 or

details. Reindeer and moose saaris are

available too, typically including a taste o

traditional ood around a Sami campfre.

For those wanting a real adrenalin rush,

try ice driving around a specially designedtrack. Hone your driving skills under the

supervision o a skilled instructor, then

head out onto the track and test the car

and your abilities at up to 100km/hour!

Snowmobiling is another enormously

popular pastime, and you’ll eel just like a

local as you whiz through a Christmas-card

landscape. For something more gentle,

try your hand at ice sculpting – a really

absorbing activity or all the amily (over the

age o 12) that will surprise and delight.

Other activities are available rom the

Icehotel such as snow-shoeing and cross-

country skiing, both with instruction so

novices can eel at home too. And or avid

northern lights watchers, you may be lucky

and have a sighting whilst on horseback

- riding a sure-ooted, purebred Icelandic

horse. Alternatively, take an evening trip

out on a snowmobile in search o thenorthern lights. Specifc details, durations

and prices o all our excursions can be ound

on our website, or call us.

Not surprisingly, these optional activities

and excursions are very popular thereore

we strongly advise pre-booking. Simply

give us a call and we can include them in

your itinerary.

Activities & ExcursionsThe Icehotel aside, one o the main attractions o Swedish Lapland is the

sheer range o optional activities. Try your hand at some unusual and otenexhilarating things to do and really experience this wonderul winter realm.

Ask the experts

Our specialist team, who have all visited

the Icehotel, will be happy to answer any

queries you may have – here are some

requently asked questions.

Q What is it like to sleep on ice?

A Sleeping on ice is a great experience

and what most people come here to do.

However, i you preer to spend all your

nights in heated accommodation this is

also possible, subject to availability. There

is much to oer during this winter break

and the experience is just as unorgettable

wherever you sleep!

Q Should I prebook my excursions?A Yes, we’d defnitely recommend that.

Excursions are oten substantially cheaper

i booked in advance rather than locally. Also

the more popular excursions can become

ully booked, so to avoid disappointment, it

is advisable to book early.

© Mlenny Photography© Will Gray

© Ferran Traite Soler




Weddings at the Icehotel

The experience o getting married at the Ice Chapel is particularly

something to cherish, thanks to the uniqueness o the venue. For

that authentic touch, opt to arrive at the chapel on a reindeer

sledge and ater the ceremony, enjoy a delicious à la carte

wedding breakast in the Icehotel restaurant, or go or a more

homely option at the rustic Homestead.

Visit our website to see a selection o images rom our previous

‘Happy Couples’. And our dedicated wedding specialist is here toadvise at every step.

Give us a call i you are considering a wedding, renewing your

vows or proposing. Who knows, you may be lucky enough to

have the northern lights appear, bringing a perect end to a

perect day.

“ Our photos were amazing and wedon’t even remember getting coldwhilst they were being taken. But I’mdefnitely glad I had my snow boots

on under my dress!”

© Kathryn & Edward Klein

ce Chapel © Photobigben.com/Artists M Vonk, C Berg, M Vroom, J Willem & M Meijer

© Homestead restaurant

© Ice




Icehotel BreakTake our classic, 3-night trip to the simply magnicent Icehotel,

and discover what all the excitement is about! Marvel at the

ingenuity o the design, enjoy ne local cuisine and try an

assortment o thrilling winter activities, including husky sleddingand snowmobiling. And a sighting o the northern lights might

even add to this already perect winter break!

Highlights Exclusive direct fight option – be there in 3½ hours!

Experience ‘sleeping on ice’.

Fully independent with a comprehensive collection o optional activities.

Fact File

• Independent short break

• 3/4-nights (1 Snow Room,

2/3 Kaamos Room or chalet)

• Breakfast

• Who for? Those looking or a trulyunorgettable travel experience at the‘coolest’ hotel in the world

• Departures December to April

• Prices (3-nights) rom around£1,164pp (inc direct fight) / £933pp(inc scheduled fight via Stockholm)

© Beatrice Karlsson © Paulina Holmgren

SWEDEN

© RTH Sigurds

© Paulina Holmgren




Whether you choose the fexibility o travelling

via Stockholm or the convenience o our

exclusive direct fight allowing you to maximise

your time away, your Icehotel experience will

exceed your expectations. From the novelty

o a night sleeping on ice to the sheer thrill o

mushing your own team o huskies, the simple

pleasure o chinking ice glasses to the awe

o witnessing the northern lights - this winterwonderland delivers on every level.

The world amous Icehotel, open rom

December to April, has around 50 rooms built

each year rom a blend o snow and giant

blocks o crystal clear ice, harvested rom

the waters o the local river Torne. Guests on

departures beore early January may be able to

see some o the international ice sculptors and

artists at work, nishing o their creations and

other aspects o the hotel. Ater that time, you

can see the completed hotel in all its glory, and

or a truly unique experience, upgrade to one

o the stunning Art Suites, each individually

themed – sometimes bizarre, breathtaking and

out o this world!

The interior, around -5°C, actually eels quite

pleasant, especially when outside temperatures

can drop way beyond that! For the duration

o your stay, you’ll be kitted out in a one piece

thermal suit, boots, gloves and a hat. But i you

eel you still need warming up then head to

the Icebar, where colourul vodka cocktails are

served in chunky ice glasses, naturally!

Your itinerary is designed to allow you the

reedom to make your time in Jukkasjärvi as

active or relaxing as you wish. There are so

many dierent experiences to be had here that

you might have trouble deciding what to do –

so give our experts a call and they’ll help you

choose - o course, you can also look at the

extensive list on our website!

Day 1 Fly UK to Kiruna (either direct or via

Stockholm) and transer to Jukkasjärvi.

Check in at the Icehotel or a 3 or 4-night

stay – one night in a Snow Room. Guided

tour o the Icehotel.

Days 2-3/4 At leisure to enjoy optional

activities or just soak up your surrounds.

Days 4/5 Transer to Kiruna or the return fight

to the UK (either direct or via Stockholm).

Please note: Which night you’ll spend in a

Snow Room will be advised at the time o

conrming your booking – it may be possible

to upgrade your ice accommodation or stay

in a 2-bedroom chalet subject to availability.

Optional activities and excursions should be

booked in advance in order to benet rom

our specially negotiated prices and to ensure

availability. I travelling via Stockholm, it may

be possible to extend your stay in the capital

city – contact us or details.

Trip Details

Outline Itinerary


Festive Icehotel

‘What better way to celebrate the estive

season than to spend it somewhere that

boasts perect Christmas-card scenery?’

Wrapped up with rosy cheeks, amongst

snow-laden trees glistening in the winter

sun, the atmosphere couldn’t be better –

enjoy either a torchlight procession to a

picturesque church or a Christmas day carol

concert, or a New Year’s Eve gala dinner

included in the itineraries as well as a host

o optional activities.

We also oer pre-Christmas treats, which

incorporate time at the Icehotel with

the Christmas Markets in Stockholm, to

immerse you in that estive spirit.

© Nordic Photos / awl-images.com




Northern Lights, Abisko& the IcehotelThis incredible short break has it all – a stay at the Icehotel with the

chance to try a range o winter activities, as well as a night at the

Mountain Station in Abisko National Park, where spectacular displays

o the northern lights are not uncommon. Take a chairlit ride to the

Aurora Sky Station and, ngers crossed, the lights will appear...

Highlights Time at the world-amous Icehotel.

Chairlit ride to Aurora Sky Station, Abisko National Park, regarded asone o the best places in the world to see the northern lights.

Convenient direct fights between UK & Sweden.

Fact File


• 3/4-nights (2/3 Icehotel, 1 AbiskoMountain Station)

• Breakfast at Icehotel, hal boardin Abisko

• Who for? Those looking or a winterbreak with a dierence


• Prices (3-nights) rom around£1,278pp (inc direct fight)

SWEDEN

Aurora Sky Station © rosenmed

© Photobigben.com/Artists L Pobornikova & V TsarskiBig Ben Productions © Icehotel © Paulina Holmgren




As Lapland winter breaks go, this one is pretty hard to beat. Your holiday

includes two or three nights at the Icehotel (depending on your chosen

itinerary) where you’ll have ample opportunity to experience some o the

many optional activities, some o which can be ound on page 24.

The extra special addition to this itinerary is a night in Abisko National

Park, regarded as one o the best locations in the world to observe the

northern lights. A natural occurrence in the behaviour o the prevailing

winds in the area means that cloud rarely orms, creating ideal conditionsor auroral appearances. This anomaly in cloud ormation makes Abisko

one o the driest places in Sweden.

The Abisko Mountain Station, exclusive to Discover the World, is the only

hotel located within the national park, a convenient walking distance

rom Abisko Canyon and the chairlit up to the Aurora Sky Station, a trip

on which is included in this itinerary. As an optional extra, choose to have

dinner at the Sky Station at the summit - eating delicious home cooked

Swedish cuisine whilst keeping a look out or the lights through enormous

picture windows is to be recommended - please contact us or details.

The Aurora Sky Station boasts a large outside deck area, ideal or aurora

watching, and inside you can warm up by a log re. With such expanses

o sky here, when sightings occur, the lights can be enjoyed rom ground

level too - rom the scenic surrounds o the Mountain Station as well

as rom its lounge areas which oer giant picture windows - even the

restaurant and bar have panoramic views.

At the Abisko Mountain Station, which has unique views over Lake

Torneträsk and the surrounding mountains, you can enjoy peace and

quiet and, more importantly, no light pollution to hinder any northern

lights viewing.

Trip Details

Day 1 Fly UK to Kiruna and transer to the Abisko Mountain Station or

an overnight stay. Ater dinner take the 20 minute chairlit ride to the

Aurora Sky Station.

Day 2 Ater breakast, transer to the Icehotel or a 2-night stay (one

night in a Snow Room) – day at leisure to enjoy an optional excursion.

Day 3 Free or optional excursions or just soak up your surrounds.

Day 4 Transer to Kiruna or the fight back to UK.

Please note: This itinerary also operates in reverse with the last night

spent at Abisko and a 4-night version is also available, with two days

ree or optional excursions.

Outline Itinerary


© rosenmedia.se

Art Suite © Photobigben.com/Artists Armstong & Ruane




This action-packed adventure is the perect way to experience

Lapland’s great outdoors. Mush your own team o huskies

through the beautiul orested surrounds o Jukkasjärvi, enjoy a

spot o snowmobiling, sleep in a rustic lodge and spend a nightin the amous Icehotel. And i conditions are right, you may

even see the amazing northern lights!

Fact File

• Small group escorted

• 3 or 4-nights (1 Mushers Lodge,1/2 Wilderness Lodge & 1 Icehotel)

• Full board on the trail, breakast atthe Icehotel

• Who for? Those who enjoy achallenge and the great outdoors


• Prices (3-nights) rom around£1,730pp (inc direct fight)

Highlights Mush your own team o dogs.

Get an authentic sense o the wilderness out on the trail.

Arrive in style by snowmobile or your night at the Icehotel.

Option to experience ‘sleeping on ice’ at the breathtaking Icehotel.

Wilderness Husky Adventure

SWEDEN

© Will Gray




© Will Gray

Many visitors to Lapland take a husky sled

excursion as travelling behind a team o eager

dogs is the perect way to explore. By driving

your own team o dogs, this holiday allows you

to experience a total sense o adventure and

accomplishment. The itinerary is aimed at the

novice ‘musher’ – accompanied by your vastly

experienced guide, take turns at the helm and

then enjoy a spot in the sled so you can ully

appreciate your pristine surrounds.

When on the trail, the ‘whoosh’ o the sled

runners on snow and the panting o the dogs

are the only sounds you will hear, and it is only

when the sled stops that the dogs become

more vocal. Sledding days can prove physically

demanding, so these trips are unsuitable or

children or those without a good general level

o tness.

Whilst sledding, remember to be on the

lookout or Arctic wildlie and the telltale

signs o ootprints in the snow – possibly even

spot a moose! And at this latitude, in such a

remote location, when the skies are dark, keep

your ngers crossed or an appearance o the

northern lights.

The Wilderness Lodge is ‘home’ or one or

two nights on the trail, depending on your

chosen itinerary. The overnight accommodation

is bunk-bed style, in shared rooms or cabins.

It’s pleasantly rustic with no electricity supply

but you’ll be kept warm and cosy by the large

log re. There are basic washroom acilities, a

wood sauna and an outside toilet.

On the penultimate day o the trip, say arewell

to the dogs and exchange paw power or

horsepower, arriving in style at the Icehotel by

snowmobile. The nal night will be spent here,

ater you’ve had a guided tour o this amazing

construction and perhaps a warming vodka

cocktail in the Icebar.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Fly direct London Heathrow to Kiruna,

transer to the Mushers Lodge. Dinner and

overnight stay.Day 2 Ater a brieng set o on the sledges,

alternating mushing duties. Lunch on the trail –

overnight at Wilderness Lodge.

Day 3 Again alternate handling the team o dogs

on your way back to the Mushers Lodge. Ater

lunch drive to the Icehotel by snowmobile -

overnight in a Snow Room or warm room.

Day 4 Time at leisure to explore the Icehotel

and its surrounds or take an optional

excursion. Transer to the airport or the

fight back to the UK.

Please note: we oer a 4-night version o this

itinerary which includes a husky transer on arrival

and two nights on the trail - plus each participant

has their own team o huskies to mush.

Trip Details


© Christopher O’Driscoll

“The perect combinationand so much un! Amazingexperience - mushing huskies,campre dinner tasted so goodand the traditional sauna was just what I needed.”

S Taylor




Iceland & the IcehotelThis antastic winter break combines re and ice! Discover

Reykjavík and some o Iceland’s amazing natural wonders; visit

vibrant Stockholm and spend time in beautiul Swedish Lapland

at the Icehotel. With a huge choice o optional activities available

throughout, this fexible itinerary allows you to make this holidayas active or relaxed as you wish.

Fact File


• 7-nights (3 Hotel Reykjavík Centrum,

1 Hotel Diplomat Stockholm, 3 Icehotel)

• Breakfast basis

• Who for? Those looking or a uniquewinter experience


• Prices rom around £1,680pp (inc fights)

Highlights Spend time in Reykjavík and beyond - perhaps visit the Blue Lagoon,

Golden Circle route and more!

Enjoy shopping and dining in Stockholm.

Marvel at the Icehotel and explore pristine surrounds on a number ooptional activities and excursions.

ICELAND & SWEDEN

© Dan77 Reykja

© RTH Sigurdsson




This is a unique opportunity to visit two

incredible destinations and two distinct

capitals. Contrast the classic snow-laden

scenery o Lapland with the volcanic curiosities

and geothermal wonders o Iceland. Contrast

too, stylish and sophisticated Stockholm with

the charm and ‘small and riendly’ character

o Reykjavík.

Reykjavík is blessed with numerous natural

wonders all within easy reach, by escorted

tour or private vehicle should you wish to rent

your own. For three nights you’ll be based in

a centrally located hotel and you’ll have the

reedom to choose how to ll your days. During

February, Reykjavík plays host to a couple oestivals with special events organised around

the city.

Enjoy the turn o the century charm and relaxed

atmosphere o Hotel Diplomat, your overnight

accommodation in Stockholm, centrally located

so you can make the most o your day here.

Go sightseeing, shopping, visit a museum or

sample some o the wonderul bars, restaurants

and caes that make this such a lively city.

Next stop, the Icehotel! Learn more on pages

28-31 - here you’ll have a night ‘sleeping on

ice’ and two nights in a warm room. Your

time in Lapland is also at leisure but we’re

sure you’ll be tempted to include an excursion

or two – husky sledding and snowmobiling

being the most popular. We highly recommend

the evening trips in search o the northern

lights and as with all o the optional activities,

we strongly advise pre-booking to ensure

availability.

On this holiday, you’ll take advantage o

our exclusive direct fight between London

Heathrow and Kiruna, cutting down on

travelling time. Between Stockholm, Reykjavíkand London the fights will be with Icelandair.

Please note: I you wish to extend your stay in

Iceland, Kiruna or Stockholm please call us.

Day 1Fly UK to Kefavík, transer to Hotel

Reykjavík Centrum or a 3-night stay.

Days 2-3 At leisure to enjoy one o the many

excursions on oer or perhaps opt or car hire.

Day 4 Transer to Kefavík or the early morning

fight to Stockholm - rest o the day at leisure

then overnight at Hotel Diplomat (airport

transers in Stockholm are not included).

Day 5 Make your way to Arlanda Airport or

the fight to Kiruna. Transer to the Icehotel

and check in or a 3-night stay (1 night in a

Snow Room).

Days 6-7 Free to enjoy optional activities.

Day 8 Transer to Kiruna or our exclusive direct

fight back to the UK.

Please note: This itinerary also operates in

reverse, determined by departure date - visit

our website or details.



Stockholm




Tromsø, Abisko & the IcehotelThree incredible destinations have been combined to make this a northern lights holiday to remember!

The Norwegian city o Tromsø, well known or its sky-lling aurora sightings; Abisko National Park in

Swedish Lapland, possibly the place or the most requent and spectacular sightings and the nearby

Icehotel, one o the world’s coolest hotels.

Highlights Time to explore the charismatic

city o Tromsø.

Chairlit to the Aurora Sky Stationin Abisko National Park – said tobe the best location or northernlights sightings.

Sleep on ice at the Icehotel andchoose rom a wide range ooptional activities.

Fact File

• Independent

• 7-nights (3 Thon Hotel Tromsøor Rica Ishavshotel, 1 Abisko,3 Icehotel: 1 Snow Room,2 warm room)

• Breakfast

• Who for? Northern lights hunters whowant plenty o daytime adventures too!



Trip DetailsThe coastal city o Tromsø is located high above

the Arctic Circle, ramed by amazing mountain

and jord scenery. It has much to oer in theway o modern shops, lively bars and eateries,

art galleries and museums as well as an eye-

catching cathedral, so your three days here

could be very busy! Because o its location,

many people aurora-watch out towards

the oshore islands, the gigantic dark skies

providing the perect canvas or the lights.

From Tromsø, take the coach to Narvik and

sit back and enjoy the magnicent scenery.

Cover the scenic journey rom Narvik to Abisko

NORWAY & SWEDEN

© Bard Loken/visitnorway.com




by train, passing some o Sweden’s highest

mountains, including amous Lapporten – a

‘gateway’ to Lapland. Ater dinner at Abisko

Mountain Station, take a short walk to the

chairlit and the Aurora Sky Station. At the

summit, you’ll be able to see a northern lights

exhibition and hopeully, the real thing.

Continue by train to Kiruna, and keep a look

out or reindeer and moose en route, oten seengrazing in this area. Transer to nearby Jukkasjärvi

and the Icehotel, where you’ll spend three nights,

one in a Snow Room, although it is possible to

upgrade to a more elaborate Ice Room, Northern

Lights Suite or an individually-themed Art Suite.

The remaining two nights will be in a warm

Kaamos Room or a chalet – or room descriptions

see page 31. The untouched orested surrounds

can be explored at your leisure or by taking part in

exhilarating winter activities – page 32 has some

suggestions. I you’re looking or a less energetic

activity, try ice sculpting and get creative with

some chisels and a block o ice, harvested rom

the River Torne.

Day 1 Fly UK to Tromsø via Oslo. Spend 3

nights at the Thon Hotel Tromsø or upgrade

to the Rica Ishavshotel.

Days 2-3 At leisure in Tromsø.

Day 4 Transer by coach to Narvik (4 hours),

then travel by train through the mountains to

Abisko (1 hour and 40 minutes). Check in at

Abisko Mountain Station. Evening chair lit ride

to the summit Aurora Sky Station.

Day 5 Travel by rail to Kiruna and transer toJukkasjärvi. Check in at the Icehotel or a

3 night stay (one in a Snow Room).

Days 6-7 Participate in optional activities or

simply relax and enjoy your surrounds.

Day 8 Transer to Kiruna or your fight back

to the UK.

As fights operate via Oslo and Stockholm, it

is possible to extend your stay in these two

Scandinavian capitals. It is also possible to enjoy

this itinerary in reverse, with a stay at the Icehotel

rst. Alternatively you can fy direct between

London Heathrow and Kiruna - available on set

dates only. See our website or details.

Outline Itinerary


Abisko Sky Station a personal account

‘Last winter I was very excited to be able to

visit Abisko National Park in the north o

Sweden, 200km above the Arctic Circle. The

highlight o the trip was a visit to the Aurora

Sky Station, high up on Mt. Nuolja.

The 20 minute chairlit ride took us up to

the Sky Station just in time or a 3-course à

la carte dinner. It was still a little early or the

northern lights to appear, so we just sat back,

enjoyed the delicious meal and the v iews

over Lake Torneträsk and the twinkling lights

o the villages beyond.

Ater the meal we went outside to a sky

ull o stars and just a hint o fickering

green lights. Hal an hour later the tempting

glimpse became the aurora in all its glory.

Brighter now, dancing overhead, rapidly

changing shape and direction - we just stood

there in awe and enjoyed the show!

Then almost as quickly as it began, the

lights aded and we were let looking at

the stars, speechless. Ater a while, some o

us decided to take the chairlit back down

to the Mountain Station where we were

staying overnight - drinks in the bar and

a crackling log re beckoned. On the way

down those stars above gave us a ull view

o the amazing scenery. That on its own

was stunning then all o a sudden the lights

appeared or an encore. It was disappointing

to come back down to ‘Earth’ although

we elt hugely privileged, and the aurora

continued to light our path all the way back

to the Mountain Station. What a night!’

Susan Watkins

© rosenmedia.se




Icehotel, Abisko& LootenOn this holiday, not only do you get to stay at the magnicentIcehotel and have a night in Abisko National Park, a prime spot

or aurora viewing, you also have two scenic rail journeys AND

a chance to drive around the stunning islands o Vesterålen and

Looten! The longer daylight hours allow time to ully appreciate

this incredible scenery, and the dark Arctic nights oten play host to

the surreal northern lights.

Fact File

• Self-drive

• 7-nights (2 Icehotel, 1 AbiskoMountain Station, 2 Hotel Sortland,2 Rica Hotel Svolvær)

• Breakfast (plus dinner at Abisko)

• Who for? Northern lights hunters,photographers and independentlyminded travellers

• Departures February to April


Highlights Experience a night at the ultra-cool Icehotel.

Take a chairlit to the Aurora Sky Station and keep watch or the lights. Enjoy driving through picturesque and spectacular Arctic islands.

Scenic rail journeys through pristine winter landscapes.

NORWAY & SWEDEN - SELF-DRIVE

© nordnorge.com © RTH Sigurdsson

© nordnorge.com




A stay at the Icehotel is a great way to begin

your Arctic adventure, a place so worthy o

the expression ‘it takes your breath away’.

Stay or two nights, one in a warm room

(hotel-style or chalet), and the other in a Snow

Room, sleeping on ice, uelled, no doubt, by

a colourul vodka cocktail rom the Icebar. By

day, choose rom an exciting array o optional

activities or excursions and by night, keepwatch or the aurora.

The next day, continue by rail into the pristine

wilderness o Abisko National Park, the domain

o reely roaming reindeer and a prime location

or aurora sightings. Your base or the night

is the Abisko Mountain Station, sitting next to

the rozen lake, Torneträsk. High mountains

provide the backdrop, the most distinctive o

which is U-shaped Lapporten, also known as

the gateway to Lapland.

During the evening, take a chairlit ride to

the Aurora Sky Station, and keep your ngers

crossed the lights decide to join you. Sightings

o the aurora rom here, under a vast expanse

o sky, are oten some o the best in Lapland.

Warm up at the Summit Caé, where you

can see a small exhibition then return to the

Mountain Station by chairlit, and perhaps have

a drink in the bar beore retiring.

Venture urther north by train, on a journey

that takes you across the border into Norway

and the coastal town o Narvik. Collect your

rental vehicle and head o towards Vesterålen.

Excellent road and bridge connections between

the islands mean driving here is simple and

straightorward, so enjoy the beautiul scenery

and some lovely little shing villages.

Explore Langøya and Andøya, perhaps join a

whale watching trip or visit Nyksund, a once

thriving shing village that was let to ruin, now

thankully undergoing restoration. In Ringstad

opt or a sea eagle saari, or choose to kayak in

the sheltered bay.

Further south to Looten, you’ll notice the horizon

is dominated by the rugged Lootenveggen

mountain range, which orms the backbone o

the islands. Charming Svolvær is where you spend

your last two nights on this adventure. Swit

weather changes here provide magnicent light

conditions and, coupled with dramatic, awe-

inspiring scenery, this place continues to inspire

artists and photographers alike.

The properties oered throughout this itinerary

are o a very high standard, well situated

and have excellent acilities - details o the

accommodation can be ound on our website.

Day 1 Fly UK to Kiruna via Stockholm, transer

to the Icehotel and check in or a 2-night stay,

beore taking a short guided tour.

Day 2 At leisure to enjoy optional activities,

or to explore Jukkasjärvi and its beautiul

surrounds.

Day 3 Travel by rail (approx. 1½ hours) to

Abisko – the Mountain Station is just a short

walk. Aternoon exploring the national park

beore dinner, take the 20 minute chairlit

to the Aurora Sky Station or northern lights

viewing (cannot be guaranteed).

Day 4 Travel by train to Narvik and by bus

to Evenes, collect rental vehicle and drive to

Vesterålen and Hotel Sortland.

Day 5 Take an optional whale watching trip

rom Andenes or try kayaking in the jord

(dependant on weather conditions) andperhaps visit Nyksund.

Day 6 Drive to Stokmarknes and visit the

Hurtigruten Museum beore continuing to

Melbu. Take the car erry to Fiskebøl (additional

cost) then continue to Svolvær or a 2-night stay.

Day 7 Time at leisure to explore Looten or join

one o the optional excursions.

Day 8 Return to Evenes, drop o vehicle and fy

back to the UK via Oslo.

Please note: this itinerary also operates

in reverse.

Trip Details

Scan with yoursmartphone for moreholiday information onour website (see page 4).Outline Itinerary

© RelaxFoto.de

To avoid disappointment, we strongly

recommend you book your activities

and excursions prior to departure. I you

cannot decide, our expert team will be

happy to oer recommendations.

Optional Activities & Excursions

Art suite © Paulina Holmgren




Finnmark is a wild and wonderul area o northern Norway which

boasts spectacular scenery, rom rugged island seascapes to vast

mountain plateaux. This coastal adventure starts in Tromsø, and

takes you to the top end o mainland Europe, throughout whichendless skies give ample opportunities or aurora sightings rom

land or whilst at sea.

Highlights Kongsjord Guesthouse – a hidden gem in the Arctic.

Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage enjoying stunning scenery.

Kirkenes Snow Hotel (subject to opening times).

In Pursuit o the Aurora

• Independent

• 7-nights (2 Tromsø, 1 Hurtigruten,

1 Båtsjord, 2 Kongsjord, 1 Kirkenes)

• Breakfast plus 2 evening mealsonboard ship and ull board inKongsjord

• Who for? Northern lights and Arcticenthusiasts, photographers

• Departures September to April


Fact File

NORWAY: Tromsø, Kongsjord & Kirkenes

© Kongsjord Guesthouse

© nordnorge.com© Leslie A Kelly

© Hurtigruten




Fly ar above the Arctic Circle to Tromsø, thelargest city in Northern Norway. Steeped inhistory, this vibrant metropolis provides a perectbase rom which to visit many attractions, suchas the striking Arctic Cathedral, ascinating PolarMuseum or the Polaria Centre. Or i you preerto spend your time outdoors, try one o themany optional excursions such as dog sledding

or snowmobiling.

From Tromsø, set sail on the Hurtigruten orFinnmark. This region lies along the samelatitude as Alaska to the West and Siberia tothe East. Although inland temperatures can dipwell below zero, the Gul Stream ensures thecoastline and, more importantly, the harboursdo not ice over, meaning that this remote Arcticregion can be ully explored.

As you voyage north, winding between islandsand jords, you’ll swear it gets darker eachnight, the ‘big skies’ lend themselves perectlyto keeping watch or the aurora. The next dayHonningsvåg is your port o call where wehighly recommend the optional excursion toNordkapp (North Cape). The snow coveredlandscape en route is empty, except or herdso reindeer which provide a glimpse o trueArctic scenery. The Visitor Centre at the top othe 307m cli includes a super widescreen lmpresentation o a helicopter fight overthe area - not to be missed! Outside is themuch-photographed steel globe at the end othe promontory.

Next stop is Båtsjord harbour, where anovernight is spent at the comortable Polar

Hotel, beore the scenic drive to Kongsjord.The Kongsjord Guesthouse is an absolutegem, in an enviable location boasting sweepingviews over the jord. This lovingly restored 19thcentury armhouse aords a high standard oaccommodation, with tasteully urnished roomsand a homely restaurant which specialises inlocal dishes. Your host, Åse, and her team are

here to make sure your stay is truly memorable.There is a range o daytime activities on oer,including show-shoeing, ice shing, boat tripsor bird watching and king crab shing, or youcould explore with one o the complimentarykicksleds. With next to no light pollution in thisarea, Kongsjord oers good chances to stargaze and view the aurora borealis.

Fly rom Berlevåg to Kirkenes, and enjoy themagnicent scenery rom the air. While stayinghere you can visit the Russian border, a mere10km away; try your hand at a winter activityand see the Kirkenes Snow Hotel (open 20December to mid April), with its individuallycrated snow suites and ice bar - you can evenopt to spend a night there.

Day 1 Fly UK to Tromsø via Oslo - 2-nights atthe Thon Hotel Tromsø or upgrade to theRica Ishavshotel.Day 2 Time to explore Tromsø and perhaps visitthe Arctic Cathedral, Polar Museum and PolariaCentre, or soak up the atmosphere at one othe many vibrant caes in the city centre. Thereare also many optional excursions on oer.

Day 3 At leisure. Join the Hurtigruten and setsail at 18:30 - dinner and overnight onboard.Day 4 Arrive in Honningsvåg at 11:45. Time toexplore the town or take an optional excursionto North Cape. The ship sets sail again at 15:15.Relax on board and have dinner beore arrivingin Båtsjord at 00:30. Transer to the Polar Hotelor an overnight stay.

Day 5 Enjoy the scenic drive to Kongsjord andcheck into the guesthouse or a 2-night stay.Day 6 Time to relax and explore the area ortake one o the optional excursions. Perhaps tryone o the kick sleds that are provided ree ocharge at the guesthouse.Day 7 Fly rom Berlevåg to Kirkenes and enjoythe magnicent views rom air. Transer to theThon Hotel Kirkenes, aternoon at leisure ortake an optional excursion. From 20 Decemberyou can visit the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, just a 15minute drive. I you are tempted to experience anight ‘sleeping on ice’ in the Snow Hotel, pleasecontact us or details.Day 8 Fly Kirkenes to the UK via Oslo.

Please note: this itinerary is also available inreverse, starting in Kirkenes, heading southalong the coast to Tromsø. London Heathrowor Gatwick fights are available. We advisebooking optional excursions in advance tosecure availability.

Trip Details


Outline Itinerary

© Kongsjord Guesthouse

© Kirkenes Snow Hotel

© Stockphoto24




Hurtigruten Coastal VoyagesHurtigruten traces the dramatic Norwegian coastline rom Bergen and the southern jords, up across

the Arctic Circle, all the way to Looten and the top end o Europe. It is the name o the route rather

than one o the collection o ships that ply it year round. On a winter voyage, as well as the variety

o daytime activities and sights, the northern lights prove a big attraction - huge vistas providing the

canvas or oten spectacular displays.

Fact File

• Norwegian coastal voyage

• 3 to 11-nights (onboard)

• Half or full boarddepending on voyage

• Who for? Northern lights enthusiasts

and those who enjoy sea andcoastal scenery


• Prices (4-nights) rom around £830pp(inc fights)**3-night voyage (Tromsø - Kirkenes -Tromsø) plus 1 night in Tromsø

Highlights Northern lights ‘alert system’ onboard.

Good choice o interesting onshore excursions. Stunning jord, mountain and Arctic scenery.

Choice o Voyages3-night voyage: Tromsø - Kirkenes - Tromsø

6-night voyage north: Bergen - Kirkenes

5-night voyage south: Kirkenes - Bergen

Classic 11-night voyage: ull round trip Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

NORWAY

© RelaxFoto.de




On a Hurtigruten coastal voyage you arealways in eyeshot o the remarkable scenery.More than just a means o travel or thelocals between remote ports, this routeand the ships that sail up and down it yearround, have become a popular way orvisitors to explore the region. Hurtigrutenships are working vessels which call in at

dierent ports throughout the day and night,transporting goods and passengers. Chooseto cover the ull route or just a section andenjoy a traditional, inormal and very dierentkind o cruising.

Every evening a ship sets sail rom Bergenheading north, navigating throughnarrow passages and past rocky shorelinesdistinctive o the Norwegian coastline. Thenext day it arrives at Ålesund, allowingpassengers 3 hours to explore this picture-postcard Art Nouveau town. Continuingnorth, the ship passes the peaked RomsdalAlps, navigating through islets and skerries

beore an evening arrival at Kristiansund.

Early on the third day the ship stops o inTrondheim, the rst capital city o Norway.Here you may wish to visit the amousgothic cathedral o Nidaros or perhaps justtake a walk in this ancient city and soak upthe atmosphere.

The ourth day will bring the excitement ocrossing the Arctic Circle and rom here onyou should keep an eye out or the northernlights, although the ship also has a northernlights alert system in place. At the Lootenand Vesterålen islands, navigate the narrowRatsund Strait, passing the looming cragso the Trolljord.

Day ve will bring an early arrival at Harstadbeore continuing past the beautiul islando Senja. In the aternoon there will be a 4hour stop in Tromsø, with a choice o shoreexcursions - it is also easy to explore thetown independently on oot.

The highlight on day six is the optional shoreexcursion to North Cape, which is advisableto book in advance. The ship then headseast towards the pretty shing villages

o Kjøllejord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg.You have the option to join an eveningsnowmobiling excursion at Kjøllejord,picking up the ship again at Mehamn.

On day seven, the ship arrives in Kirkenes.Take a husky or snowmobiling tour or visitthe creatively crated Kirkenes Snow Hotel. Iyou are disembarking here, perhaps spend anight or two in this Arctic town.

This is the outline or the 6-night northboundvoyage - those returning on a southboundsailing will depart Kirkenes in the earlyaternoon. For the 5-night southboundsailing schedule, please see our website – theclassic 11-night voyage is a combination oa north and south sailing. We can also assistwith booking your fights and overnight

accommodation in connection with yourchosen voyage.

ExcursionsAn excellent choice o shore excursions isavailable. Although they can be bookedonboard, it is strongly advisable to do thisat the time o booking your holiday toensure availability. Please visit our websiteor excursion details and prices.

The FleetThe Hurtigruten feet consists o 12 ships,with 11 operating on these winter voyages.The ships vary rom older, beautiullyauthentic vessels to larger and more modernships. Although cabins have private acilities,berths may be either twin or bunk. Youwill be advised the name o the ship atthe time o booking, however this will besubject to change. The standard o onboardaccommodation and acilities is consistentlyhigh and the atmosphere inormal andrelaxed. The large, comortable loungesoer excellent views through enormouswindows and there is ample deck spaceso whether you’re admiring beautiuluntouched scenery by day, or watchingsurreal dancing lights at night, you’ll haveplenty o room to manoeuvre.


Trip Details

Hurtigruten has adapted a dynamicpricing policy which means that theprice may change according to time obooking and popularity o the voyage -early booking is thereore recommended.Your nal price will be conrmed at thetime o booking. It is also possible tobook shorter port to port journeys, pleasecontact us or inormation.

Voyage Pricing

© antonyspencer

© Stein J Bjorge

© Imagine Gol

© Hurtigruten




Tromsø & SvalbardThe lure o the north and the magic o the aurora have drawn many

to the northern part o Norway and even urther aeld to Svalbard.

Although just a step away rom the North Pole, this archipelago

is easily reached by air rom the mainland. Unique and dramaticlandscapes as well as the spellbinding polar night make this a trip

to be remembered.

Fact File

• Independent

• 6-nights (3 Tromsø, 3 Longyearbyen)

• Breakfast

• Who for? Those seeking to experiencethe polar Arctic

• Departures November to April

• Prices rom around £1,238pp (inc fights)Highlights Exhilarating winter activities available in both locations.

Breathtaking Arctic scenery.

Stay in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the worldand Svalbard’s capital.

NORWAY & SVALBARD

Longyearbyen © nordnorge.com




The vibrant coastal city o Tromsø, a mere 350

km north o the Arctic Circle, will be your base

or the rst three nights. The city spreads across

two islands, Tromsøya and Kvaløya, and is

connected to the mainland by the spectacular

Tromsø Bridge. Staying at the centrally located

Thon Hotel Tromsø or Rica Ishavshotel, you will

be within easy reach o the city’s many cultural

attractions. Perhaps take the cable car to theFjelltop, to enjoy amazing views over the city

and the surrounding islands.

During the winter months, Tromsø is oten

blessed with outstanding displays o the aurora

borealis. To experience the ull magic o this

natural phenomenon, it is advisable to join an

escorted northern lights hunt, well away rom the

city lights. Your experienced guide will seek the

best vantage point, and sometimes the hunt may

even take you across the border into Finland, so

come prepared, and bring your passport!

During the day, there are opportunities or

other activities - try a snowmobile ride or test

your skills at reindeer sledging while learning

about Sami culture and traditions.

Fly north rom mainland Norway and in just 1½

hours reach the island o Spitsbergen, the largest

o the Svalbard archipelago. Longyearbyen,

the capital, is your base or the next three

nights. Stay at the Radisson SAS Polar Hotel or

Spitsbergen Hotel, or alternatively, in the more

rustic Trapper’s Lodge or at Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg

– contact us or visit our website or details.

Being the northernmost town in the world and

with just over 2,000 inhabitants, Longyearbyen

is surprisingly lively, with excellent shopping

and dining experiences. You’ll nd manyopportunities to buy local arts and crats; gold

and silver items being the most popular, oten

inspired by polar bear, walrus and reindeer

- and being a tax ree area, goods here are

generally better value than on the mainland.

Join a snowmobiling or husky sledding

excursion, which take you out o town into

the Arctic wilderness. Here, you can appreciate

dramatic, unspoilt scenery and the unique

Arctic light, which provides many inspiring

opportunities or photo stops.

When travelling as ar north as Svalbard in winter,

you’ll get to experience polar light, which can

be quite surreal. In the period between dawn

and sunrise, sunset and dusk, everything is lit by

a distinctive and strikingly-beautiul blue glow.

And then there is polar night - rom around

mid-November to the end o January, Svalbard

experiences almost total darkness. Visit during this

period or a true sense o lie in the Arctic.

Day 1 Fly UK to Tromsø via Oslo and check in

at Thon Hotel Tromsø or Rica Ishavshotel or a

3-night stay.

Days 2-3 Time at leisure to explore the town or

join one o the optional excursions.

Day 4 Fly to Longyearbyen and spend 3-nights

at your choice o accommodation.

Days 5-6 Time at leisure to explore the town or

join an optional excursion.Day 7 Transer to the airport or the fight back

to the UK via Tromsø and Oslo.

Please note: details o all the accommodation

mentioned can be ound on our website, or

give us a call.

Transers in Oslo and Longyearbyen are not

included and are payable locally.

Trip Details

Scan with your

smartphone for moreholiday information onour website (see page 4).

Outline Itinerary

Longyearbyen © Thedor Kristensen/nordnorge.com

© Bjørn Klauer/nordnorge.com© Tyler Olson Aurora, nr Tromso © RainbowJo




Located deep within the tranquil taiga orests o Finland’s

eastern Saariselkä ells and Urho Kekkonen National Park,

Muotka Wilderness Lodge is a magnicent place or a winter

break. The picturesque surroundings provide the backdrop or

a range o activities, including reindeer sledging, snowmobiling

and husky sledding. Enjoy evenings spent relaxing beside aroaring log re, beore seeking out the magical northern lights

in the skies overhead.

Highlights Traditional wilderness experience.

Husky sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing included!

Excellent location means increased chance or northern lights sightings.

Fact File

• 3, 4 or 6 nights (with an optionto add a night in a glass igloo at

Kakslauttanen)

• Who for? Those looking or a true

winter getaway blending activitieswith relaxation

• Full board

• Included activities & excursions


• Prices (3-nights) rom around£1,256pp (inc fights)

Winter Adventure at Muotka Lodge

FINLAND

© Alexandrite

© Muotka

© rsaulyte © chris-ra© IsaacLKoval




Set within the vast ell area o Saariselkä,

300km north o the Arctic Circle, Muotka

Wilderness Lodge is just a 30-minute transer

rom Ivalo airport. Purpose built, the location o

the lodge was careully chosen or the beauty

o the surrounding taiga orest. Well away

rom artifcial light, Muotka is also perectly

situated or northern lights viewing, although

sightings can never be guaranteed. With awhole host o activities included, you can

enjoy genuine winter experiences, and this is

a holiday ideal or both couples and amilies.

Evenings are spent in the cosy lodge, where

a crackling log fre and Finnish sauna allow

guests the chance to relax and unwind –

there are two more saunas on site. The more

adventurous may even choose to take an

Arctic plunge in the nearby river! The main

building also houses a restaurant and a lounge,

where tea and coee are served all day.

Detailed 3, 4 and 6-night itineraries are on

our website.

Reindeer Farm Safari (approx. 4-5 hours)

Snowmobile to a reindeer arm, where

you will meet the local Sami and fnd out

how to lasso a reindeer beore taking a

short sleigh ride. Snowmobile drivers must

possess a ull driving licence and may be

required to show it beore the excursion.

Aurora Hunt (approx. 2.5 hours)Ater dinner, head up into the ells

in search o the northern lights.

Husky Safari (approx. 4 hours)

Visit a husky arm, where you will meet the

dogs beore being given ull instruction on how

to handle the sled. Head out onto the 2.5 hour

trail (2 people per sled, taking turns mushing).

Lunch by an open fre served on the trail.

Northern Lights Snowshoeing

(approx. 3 hours)

Depending on the weather, transer to the ell

by snowmobile, sled or car and go in search

o the aurora (3-night itineraries only).

Snowshoeing (approx. 3-4 hours)*

Enjoy a walk in Muotka’s beautiul surrounds

during which picnic snacks and warm drinks

will be provided. Once you have mastered

the skill o snowshoeing, you will have use

o the equipment or the rest o your stay.

Skiing Tour to Taiga Forest (approx. 2-3 hours)*

Begin with tuition, beore venturing out

through the taiga orest. Picnic snacks and

warm drinks will be provided during the

trip. Once again, you will have use o the

equipment or the duration o your stay.

Snowmobiling in the Fells (approx. 4 hours)**

Take a thrilling snowmobile saari through thelodge’s picturesque surrounds, through orests

and up to the ells. Saari distance is around 40-

50km - two people share, taking turns to drive.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by an open fre on the trail.

*4 & 6-night holidays only /**6-night holidays only.

All included activities, dependent on your

chosen itinerary, begin with a saety briefng

and instruction rom experienced guides.

Thermal clothing is provided as well as a

helmet or the snowmobile saaris (urther

details on our website). Children aged 4-14,

will be in a sled pulled by the guide on

snowmobile trips and during husky sledding,

children will be seated in the guide’s sled.

Trip Details Included Activities


Extend your stay

Add a night to your holiday and

stay in a glass igloo at nearby

Kakslauttanen – contact us or details.

© Muotka © Artpilot




Nestled in a beautiul orested location Ranua Wildlie Park, just

south o the Arctic Circle, is home to a whole host o native and

other wildlie. Here, you can observe wolves, lynx and moose and

even help eed the polar bears! During this week long holiday,

enjoy authentic winter activities and have plenty o time to relax,

sharing some precious experiences with amilies and riends.

Highlights Breakast with the polar bears!

Winter activities included.

Day trip to Rovaniemi.

Unlimited entry to the Wildlie Park.

Fact File

• Independent

• 7-nights Gulo Gulo Villas

• Half board plus two lunches

• Who for? Couples, riends andamilies looking or a winter holidaywith activities as well as leisure time

• Departures December to Marchincluding Christmas


Arctic Wildlie at Ranua

FINLAND

© Ranua © Clive Stac

© Ranua © Ranua © Ran




This brilliant, new 7-night holiday, lets you

spend quality time with your travelling

companions and share wonderul experiences

that you’ll treasure – it’s not every day you get

the chance to have breakast with polar bears,

ater all!! And with departures over Christmas,

this is likely to be very popular indeed!

This great value-or-money winter break,includes a day trip to nearby Rovaniemi (with

lunch), where you can sample the Finnish

design shops at the Arctic Circle, visit the

Arctic museum and exhibition centre, Arktikum

(entrance payable locally) or, the avourite or

kids o all ages, Santa Village!

A snowmobile saari to a choice o destinations

is included, along with tuition in two relatively

easy winter pursuits; snow-shoeing and cross-

country skiing (the equipment will be available

to use throughout your stay). Other excursions

are available, such as a reindeer saari and

husky sledding – urther details can be ound

on our website. And o course, being this close

to the Arctic Circle, the northern lights could

make a grand appearance.

Based in comortable two bedroom villas just

across the road rom the Ranua Wildlie Park,

you’ll enjoy unlimited entry throughout your

stay – giving you plenty o opportunities to get

to know its 50 animal species. The villas, which

sleep up to 6 (4 adults and 2 children), have a

ully-equipped kitchen and lounge with log re,

and the addition o a private Finnish sauna will

have you eeling like a local in no time!

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Fly UK to Rovaniemi via Helsinki, transer

to Ranua, check into the Gulo Gulo Villas or

a 7-night stay. Transer time approximately

1 hour.

Day 2 An early start – accompany the Park

Ranger on polar bear eeding duties then have a

guided tour o the wildlie park (approximately

3½ hours). Rest o the day at leisure.

Day 3 Ater breakast, time to try cross-country

skiing and snowshoeing (approximately

2½ hours).

Day 4 A day or a snowmobile saari

(approximately 3 hours) - choose between a

visit to a reindeer arm, a husky camp or a trip

into the pristine surrounds.

Day 5 At leisure or time to take an optional

excursion.

Day 6 A day trip to Rovaniemi.

Day 7 At leisure or time to take an optional

excursion.

Day 8 Ater breakast, check out and transer

to Rovaniemi or the fight home via Helsinki.

Please note: this is an outline only - the order

o the itinerary is subject to change. Equipment

or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

is available or use by guests throughout

their stay. Entrance to the Wildlie Park and

transportation to the nearby town o Ranua is

also complimentary throughout.

Shorter durations with a fexible itinerary

are also available. See our website or call

or details.

Trip Details

Scan with yoursmartphone or moreholiday inormation onour website (see page 4).

© lightpix

© Ranua

© Ranua © Carole Gomez

© Ranua




Korpikartano enjoys a picturesque setting by the shores o Lake Menesjärvi and the largest national park

in Finland, Lemmenjoki. In this Sami heartland, pick up on the traditions o reindeer husbandry and learn

about the culture and history o Scandinavia’s indigenous people. The beautiul and remote location o

this small hotel makes this an ideal base or a range o daytime winter activities, which, along with nighttime orays in search o the aurora, are included in the holiday.

Fact File

• Independent

• 3, 5 or 7 nights

• Full board

• Who for? Anyone looking or a winterbreak with a good mix o activities andrelaxation time.


• Prices rom around £979pp (inc fights)

Highlights A choice o itineraries.

Remote wilderness location.

A variety o winter activities(many included).

Korpikartano Retreat

Trip Details

FINLAND

Korpikartano, meaning ‘wilderness manor’

boasts a tranquil setting bordering the

Lemmenjoki National Park, in the heart o Sami

country. You’ll receive an extra-special welcome

rom your hosts, Anne and Timo, ensuring that

your stay here will be memorable.

At this relaxed and homely retreat there are two

main buildings, a Kota restaurant or special

occasions, a main restaurant with beautiul

views o the rozen lake, and a glass rooed grill

hut. An indoor sauna is available to all guests or

at additional charge, enjoy a private lake shore

log cabin sauna and hot tub. Choose rom a

short winter getaway to a week-long adventure,

© Korpikartano




with plenty o activities and excursions on oer,

many o which are included, depending upon

your chosen itinerary o 3, 5 or 7 nights.

During the day, delight in your scenic

surrounds, and perhaps explore by kick sled,

snowshoe, cross-country skis or toboggan,

available to guests throughout their stay. Husky

sledding and snowmobiling are either included

or optional, dependent upon your itinerary, as

are trips to a local husky arm, Sami Museum

and the village o Inari. Further details are set

out in the itineraries below.

Take an evening walk onto the rozen lake, and

marvel at the night sky, which is oten pierced by

a multitude o stars or swathed in the light o the

aurora, this part o the north known or its reliable

sightings. An evening snowshoe trek in search

o the lights is included in the 3 and 5-night trips

and it’s optional on the 7-night itinerary.

Winter ActivitiesSnow Fun Activities (approx. 2 hours)

A guide will teach you basic skills and how to be

sae using the toboggan, kick sleds, snowshoes

and cross-country skis, reely available to guests

to enjoy throughout their stay.

Inari and the Husky Farm (approx. 6 hours)

Head o to Inari to visit a husky arm. Learnabout these amazing animals and how to

drive a team then set o two to a sled, taking

it in turns to drive and sit back or the ride.

Either beore or ater the husky arm you’ll

have ree time in the village. Visit handicrat

shops and learn how native Sami ashion

delicate items rom reindeer bone, silver

and other materials, and also take a look

around Siida, the Sami Museum and Northern

Lapland Centre (entrance ee included).

Winter Fishing by Snowmobile

(approx. 2½-3 hours)

First, you have a choice whether you wish

to drive a snowmobile, be a passenger or

sit in the sled being pulled by the machine.

Travel out into the wilderness to the perect

place or a spot o winter shing. Your

guide will pass on some secrets and share

a hot drink as you hope to land a catch.

Reindeer Watch (approx. 3 hours)

Transer to a local ‘home arm’ and meet

your guide who will take you by snowmobile,

out to his herd. Enjoy travelling through

pristine scenery beore arriving at the

eeding place where you’ll have time to

observe these peaceul animals – great or

photographic opportunities. Share a campre

coee with the herder beore returning.

Wilderness Skills (approx. 3½-4 hours)

Budding adventurers can join a wilderness

guide on a short snowshoe trek into the

orest and lake area, where you spend time

learning practical skills: build a re; use a

compass and GPS, map read, learn how

to read the weather, and spot and track

animal ootprints. Enjoy a light campre

lunch beore returning to the hotel.

Northern Lights by Snowshoe

(approx. 2 hours)

Weather permitting, join a guided snowshoetour out into the scenic surrounds o

Korpikartano, during which the guide will share

his knowledge o the aurora and Arctic nature.

Outline Itinerary3-nights Day 1 Fly UK to Ivalo via Helsinki, transer to

Hotel Korpikartano, less than a 90 minute drive

and check in or a 3-night stay.

Days 2-3 At leisure to relax, use the hotel’s

toboggans, kick sleds and snowshoes, or time

to take optional activities and excursions. One

evening, join an Aurora workshop and learn

how to photograph the lights beore taking the

Northern Lights by Snowshoe excursion, or travel

by snowmobile (additional payment required).

Day 4 Transer to Ivalo or the fight back home

via Helsinki.

5-nightsDay 1 Fly UK to Ivalo via Helsinki, transer to

Hotel Korpikartano.

Day 2-5 Begin your trip with the Snow Fun

Activities tuition as detailed above. Enjoy the

Husky Farm and Inari visit which includes husky

sledding. Rest o your time at leisure to relax or

enjoy optional activities.


via Helsinki.

7-nightsDay 1 Fly UK to Ivalo via Helsinki, transer to

Hotel Korpikartano.

Days 2-7 Begin your trip with Snow Fun Activities

as detailed above. During your time here enjoy

the Husky Farm and Inari visit which includes

husky sledding; take part in the Wilderness Skills

activity; join Reindeer Watch and take a Winter

Fishing by Snowmobile trip. Rest o your time

at leisure – perhaps enjoy an optional evening

excursion, Northern Lights by Snowshoe.


via Helsinki.

Please note: the order o the included activities

will be conrmed locally, and each activity

detailed in the itinerary will be included once.

Northern lights excursions by snowshoe or

snowmobile are weather/conditions dependent.


© Korpikartano © VV-Pics © Korpikarta




Log Cabins & IgloosOne o our most popular short breaks is based at Kakslauttanen, deep in the Finnish countryside

amidst tranquil, snow-cloaked orests. The choice o accommodation is superb, making this an

ideal surprise getaway, romantic escape or amily break. This is also a prime location or viewing

the northern lights.

Fact File

• Independent

• 3-nights Kakslauttanen HolidayVillage or Santa Resort

• Half board

• Who for? Couples, amily or riendslooking or a picture-postcardwinter break


• Prices (3-nights) rom around £993pp(inc fights)

Trip DetailsKakslauttanen is set within the vast ell area o

Saariselkä, 300km north o the Arctic Circle.Being a mere 80km rom the Russian border,

it rarely suers rom a lack o sparkling white

snow, meaning an array o optional activities is

on oer. There are two locations, the Holiday

Village and the Santa Resort, 4km apart. They

oer a variety o authentic accommodation,

and the same services and excursions are

available at each resort.

The Holiday Village oers 40 authentic log

cabins dotted amongst the trees, sleeping

Highlights Fantastic range o accommodation

over two locations.

Plenty o optional activities.

A good chance o northernlights sightings.

A great trip with‘all-round’ appeal.

Option tomeet Santa!

FINLAND: Kakslauttanen

© RTH Sigurdss




two to ve, depending on the size o your

party. They have private saunas, an open re

and lounge area. There is a traditional Finnish

house, which sleeps two, and the Honeymoon

Cabin is built rom traditional tur - you don’t

even need to be on honeymoon to book it!

The Queen Suite is the ultimate – open plan

with a 4-poster bed, roll-top bath, rain shower,

sauna and private outdoor hot tub.

Snow Rooms have one large ice bed (with

reindeer skins and thermal sleeping bags

provided) and are suitable or a maximum o

our. Facilities are in a separate heated building

nearby. Finally, the striking glass igloos, built

in the traditional dome shape, provide an

uninterrupted view o the skies and make you

eel like you are sleeping under the stars. They

sleep a maximum o two adults and one child,

are heated with a WC and basin, and showers

are provided in a separate building.

In the main reception building, there is abasement Piano Bar and sel-service caé, as

well as a 3-tiered restaurant with open ire

- guests stay here on a set menu hal board

basis and an à la carte menu is available at

additional cost.

The Holiday Village has an Ice Chapel or, i

you preer, there is a little wooden chapel

approximately 2km away – both providing an

intimate location or a winter wedding.

The Santa Resort oers both log cabin and

glass igloo accommodation. There is a restaurant

or breakast and evening meals as well as a

reception building which houses shower and

sauna acilities. In the heart o this resort, you’ll

also nd a Celebration House with dining and

concert acilities. And o course, here you’ll have

a chance to meet Santa, his wie and the elves

who also live on the property!

Further inormation about the Holiday Village

and Santa Resort can be ound on our website.

The ski resort o Saariselkä is 10-15 minutes

by Ski Bus - the small town oers several

shopping and dining options, a great spa

and indoor swimming lagoon which is ideal,

perhaps, or an aternoon with the kids.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Fly UK to Ivalo via Helsinki and transerto Kakslauttanen or a 3-night stay at the

Holiday Village or Santa Resort.

Days 2 & 3 Free to enjoy optional excursions.

Day 4 Transer to Ivalo or the fight back to the

UK via Helsinki.

Please note: in addition to a standard 3-night

break, Christmas and New Year 4-night

departures are available – visit our website

or call or details.

LAINIO SNOW VILLAGE & LEVI

Combine these or another great Finnish

winter break which includes a variety

o optional activities, ensuring there

is something or every member o the

amily! Stay in a luxury tepee or theamazing hotel made o snow and ice

at Lainio; dine in their atmospheric Ice

Restaurant or enjoy a drink at the Ice Bar.

At the vibrant ski resort o Levi nearby,

stay in a comortable hotel or sel-catering

accommodation, and enjoy excellent

skiing and snowboarding. Call or visit our

website or details o this totally fexible

package, which also oers picturesque

wedding locations.

Also try…


© Ellen Bower

© RTH Sigurdsson Queen Suite

© Lainio




Iso-Syöte is a very special place on the southern border o Finnish

Lapland, around 150km below the Arctic Circle. This charming and

secluded resort is unusually located on top o the ell within Syöte

National Park. Boasting ull 360 degree views, with big skies to

match, this stunning location is also ideal or aurora watchers.

Fact File

• Independent

• 3-nights Iso-Syöte (hotel, cottageor cabins)

• Half board

• Who for? Couples, amily orriends looking or an authenticLapland break with a variety ooptional activities


• Prices rom around £715pp (inc fights)

Highlights Authentic log cabins, cottages & hotel accommodation.

Wealth o activities & excursions to suit all.

Skiing & snowboarding.

Tons o snow!

Log Cabin Hideaway

FINLAND: Iso-Syöte

All images © Iso-Syote




This Finnish ski resort is situated on and around

gently rolling ells, with panoramic views in every

direction. Being Finland’s snowiest region with,

on average, more than 2m annually, it’s generally

covered in a thick blanket until the end o April.

It is here more than anywhere in Finland that

treetops bend and bow under the weight o

the snow, creating a distinctive skyline, which is

oten blessed with amazing sunsets.

Husky sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer saaris,

ice shing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing

and ice rally driving are some o the optional

excursions available here. There is also the

chance to visit the Ranua Wildlie Park or, i

you are travelling with children, the Rovaniemi

Santa Village on a day trip.

Iso-Syöte has direct access to teen pistes,

with many o the slopes illuminated at night.

Although the terrain is best suited to beginnersand intermediate skiers, with straight, smooth

runs cut rom top to bottom, more advanced

skiers will enjoy the opportunities in the

powder elds through the trees.

The small hotel oers 30 en suite rooms, an

indoor pool and male and emale saunas,

which are also available to those staying in

the traditional log cabins or wooden cottages,

set amongst trees and on top o the ell

respectively. Full accommodation details can be

ound on our website. The hotel’s panorama

restaurant, which has breathtaking views

over the surrounding snow-covered orests

and valleys, oers a breakast, lunch and

dinner buet, as well as an à la carte menu –

on this holiday breakast and evening buets

are included.

Being centrally located between three airports,

Rovaniemi (2 hours transer time); Oulu (1½

hours) and Kuusamo (1 hour), means a greater

choice o fights connecting through Helsinki.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Fly UK to Rovaniemi, Oulu or Kuusamo

via Helsinki and transer to Iso-Syöte or a

3-night stay, rest o the day at leisure.

Days 2 & 3 Time to enjoy optional excursions,

go skiing or just enjoy the scenic surrounds.Day 4 Transer to the airport or the fight back

to the UK via Helsinki.

Please note: Extra nights can be added subject

to availability – call to discuss your plans.

Trip Details


HOTEL JERIS/HARRINIVA On our 3-night

break to beautiul, northwest Finland,

you have the choice o village-style or

lakeside cabins at Hotel Jeris or hotel

accommodation at the Harriniva Holiday

Centre. Located near the charming town

o Muonio, these two properties are set

within an area o natural beauty close to

the Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park.

Relaxation and rejuvenation are what thisitinerary is all about. Ater snowmobiling

or husky sledding, indulge in a little spa

time. Jeris boasts a Japanese-style spa

with two heated indoor spa pools, saunas

and an illuminated, ice-ree section o

the lake, while Harriniva oers a Wellness

Centre with a ull range o spa and beauty

treatments and an outdoor lakeside hot

tub. Further details are on our website.

Also try…

Evening Skiing




Every autumn, the tiny rontier town o Churchill, Manitoba, is

transormed into the ‘polar bear capital o the world’. Hundreds

o bears gather on the shores o Hudson Bay, waiting or the sea

to reeze so they can get out onto the ice to hunt or ood. This

tour, with two ull days on the tundra accompanied by a naturalist

guide, provides excellent opportunities or witnessing the world’s

largest predator in its natural habitat.

Highlights Two ull day Tundra Vehicle excursions to

view polar bears in the wild.

Services o an experienced naturalist guide.

Sightseeing tour o Churchill.

Traditional dog sled excursion.

Optional helicopter fight.

Polar Bear KingdomMANITOBA

Winnipeg

Churchill

CANADA

• Guided group tour

• 5-nights (2 Winnipeg, 3 Churchill)

• Breakfast plus 2 packed lunches &2 dinners

• Who for? Those wanting a memorablewildlie encounter with world’s largestland predator

• Departures October and November

• Prices rom around £3,184pp (ex fights)

Fact File

© Robert Taylor




Trip Details

This tour oers the chance to experience one

o the planet’s ultimate wildlie encounters,

seeing polar bears in their natural habitat.

Your adventure begins in Winnipeg, where

you’ll have time to explore the city and meet

your ellow travellers over dinner. Historic

Winnipeg is the country’s ourth largest city,

and its location at the confuence o the Red

and Assiniboine rivers has made it an importanttrading post or First Nations people dating

back thousands o years. Its rich and varied

history can be investigated at the excellent

Museum o Man & Nature, and the Forks

Market is well worth a visit or its crat shops,

ood stalls and street perormers.

The ollowing day, fy to the quirky town o

Churchill, nestled on the western shore o Hudson

Bay around 600 miles north o Winnipeg. Every

year as many as 1,200 polar bears gather along

the water’s edge, anxiously waiting or the sea ice

to orm so they can travel out across the bay in

search o seals. The best way to see the bears in

complete saety is in an outsized ‘tundra vehicle’ -

these specially designed buggies eature huge tyres

to cope with the snowy, uneven terrain, and the

extra height makes or clear viewing. The vehicles

are heated, with restroom acilities onboard as well

as an outside, rear viewing platorm that provides

outstanding photographic opportunities.

During your two ull-day excursions onto the

tundra, you may see Arctic hare, Arctic ox, snowy

owl and even the occasional grey wol. But the

undoubted wildlie highlight will be your rst

glimpse o the mighty polar bear. The largest land

predator on earth weighs in at around 600kg and

stands up to 3 metres tall on its hind legs. The

bears aren’t bothered by the presence o an all-

terrain vehicle in their midst and will oten come

right up to the buggies to investigate!

Between time on the Arctic tundra, you will

also have a chance to explore Churchill, a

rather curious place, with its long main street,

low-rise buildings and distinctly pioneer eel.A traditional dog sled excursion is included,

along with a tour o scenic Cape Merry and the

town’s renowned Polar Bear Jail, whilst time is

also available or an optional helicopter trip.

Conditions permitting, a combination o clear

skies and minimal articial light may also mean

an extra treat, in the orm o a dazzling display

o northern lights.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Arrive Winnipeg, transer to hotel,

remainder o the day at leisure. Enjoy a

welcome dinner and a private guided tour o

the Manitoba Museum.

Day 2 Morning at leisure in Winnipeg beore

fying to Churchill. Meet your guide and have

an introductory wildlie lecture.

Day 3 Take a ull day tundra tour in search o

polar bears and other wildlie.

Day 4 Join a morning guided tour o Churchill,

and in the aternoon, take an included dog

sledding excursion.

Day 5 Take a second ull-day tundra tour in

search o polar bears. Enjoy a arewell dinner

beore an evening fight back to Winnipeg.

Day 6 Depart or the airport ater breakast.


PHOTO SAFARI

New or 2014, we are delighted tointroduce a one-o special departureo our classic Polar Bear Kingdom tour.The Polar Bear Photo Saari is open toonly 15 passengers or optimum wildlieviewing and photographic opportunities.This trip will be hosted by proessionalphotographer Robert Taylor, who will

be on hand throughout to ensure youcapture the best possible images. Bobhas over 40 years’ experience as anaturalist and photographer and haspublished several books on Manitoba, its

wildlie and landscapes.

Departure: November

Also try…

© David Parsons

© GCTC

© John Pitcher




Northern Lights & Winter RockiesEnjoy both sides o a Canadian winter on this independent

adventure, staying at Canada’s northern lights capital o Fort

McMurray beore leisurely exploring the snow-muted Canadian

Rockies. With great opportunities to see the northern lights and visitsto Ban, Jasper and the sapphire sparkle o Lake Louise, this itinerary

showcases the very best o winter in Alberta!

Fact File

• Independent

• 9-nights (3 Fort McMurray, 2 Ban,2 Jasper, 2 Lake Louise)

• Room only plus 2 packed lunches

• Who for? Dedicated aurora watcherswho also wish to enjoy Canada’smajestic scenery



Highlights Over 90% chance o seeing northern lights rom the aurora viewing centre.

Snowshoeing excursion in Marble Canyon.

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk OR Wildlie Tour, weather dependent.

Evening sleigh ride at Lake Louise.

Trip Details

Northern Alberta’s Fort McMurray is renowned

or reliable northern lights activity. Claiming

more clear nights than any other aurora-

watching destination in Canada, guests here

have a 90%-plus success rate o seeing aurora

activity during a 3-night stay. Local astronomy

experts are on hand to answer questions and

share photography tips each evening, while,

during the day, your time is ree to enjoy the

optional excursions available.

Following your stay in the north, fy to Calgary

or an independent, scheduled-coach tour

through the snow-covered Canadian Rockies

- the grandeur here is simply breathtaking!

Journey by snowshoe through the dramatic

colours o Marble Canyon; Marvel at the

rozen Maligne Canyon’s ice-clad limestone

walls on an Ice Walk, or, should the conditions

not be avourable, take a guided Wildlie Tour,

exploring the lower valleys’ dramatic backdrop

or the elk, deer and wolves that are active

here in winter. At Lake Louise, dress up snugly

or an evening, horse-drawn sleigh ride in

picture-postcard surroundings, beore enjoying

a day at leisure to explore.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Arrive Fort McMurray and head out to the

aurora viewing centre.

Days 2-3 At leisure to enjoy optional winter

activities - evenings at the aurora viewing centre.

Day 4 Transer to airport or fight to Calgary

(not included) - continue by coach to Ban.

Day 5 Travel to Kootenay National Park or a

snowshoe excursion.

Day 6 Travel along the glacier country o the

Iceeld Parkway to Jasper.

Day 7 Experience the Maligne Canyon on a

guided Ice Walk.

Day 8 Travel south to Lake Louise or an

evening sleigh ride.

Day 9 At leisure exploring beautiul

Lake Louise.

Day 10 Return transer to Calgary.

Scan with yoursmartphone for moreholiday information on

our website (see page 4).

CANADA

Guest Lounge © Deer LodgeMoraine Lake © Travel Alberta

ALBERTA NORTHERN LIGHTS BREAK

(3-NIGHTS)

Based at Fort McMurray, with

departures rom September to April,this trip oers superb chances o seeingthe aurora. Days are at leisure to enjoya variety o optional excursions andevenings will be spent in the companyo a local astronomer at the auroraviewing building. This is an idealpackage to build into a tailor-madeholiday – see website or details.

Also try…




Yukon Winter DreamExperience true winter adventure in Canada’s wild ar north as part

o a small group. From the ‘wilderness city’ o Whitehorse to the

vast mountainous landscape beyond, the Yukon Territory is perectly

designed as a winter playground. An action-packed 4-night stay

oers the chance to enjoy snowmobiling and dog sledding, andconditions permitting, a spectacular display o the northern lights.

Fact File

• Guided group tour (max 9 participants)

• 4-nights (standard hotel

accommodation, Whitehorse)• Breakfast plus welcome dinner

• Who for? Those wanting anadventurous winter escape


• Prices rom around £1,135pp(ex fights)

Highlights Sightseeing fight over Whitehorse and surrounding area.

Dog sledding and snowmobiling tours.

Visits to Takhini Hot Springs and Yukon Wildlie Preserve.

Trip Details

Whitehorse provides the ideal base rom whichto venture out into the wilderness, with all

the modern comorts o the city to return to

each evening. During your stay you will enjoy

a memorable sightseeing fight, explore by

snowmobile and dog sled, and relax at Takhini

natural hot springs. Wildlie encounters can be

had at the Yukon Wildlie Preserve, and with

Whitehorse renowned or its opportunities to

view the northern lights, an evening spent at

the Aurora Centre could well be the highlight

o your winter adventure.

Day 1 Arrive Whitehorse, transer to hotel.Day 2 Visit Yukon Wildlie Preserve and

Takhini Hotsprings then take a sightseeing

fight over Whitehorse.

Day 3 Explore mountainous landscapes on a

guided snowmobile tour. Evening at the Aurora

Centre in search o the northern lights.

Day 4 Learn the old tradition o mushing (dog

sledding), on the rozen Yukon River.

Day 5 Transer to the airport.

Please note: The guideline prices quoted or

these tours do not include international fights.

However, we will be happy to provide you with

our best available airares or your preerred

routing and specic travel dates at the time o

quoting or your holiday arrangements.


Outline Itinerary

All images © Arctic Range

CANADA

Takhini Hot Springs

© Arctic Range © Arctic Ran




Trip Details


Fact File

• Independent

• 5-nights (2 Fairmont Queen ElizabethHotel, 3 Hôtel Sacacomie)

• Room only (Montréal), hal board(Sacacomie)

• Who for? Those looking or a taste o

the ‘great outdoors’ and a sliceo city lie

• Departures December to March• Prices rom around £1,037pp (ex fights)

Winter Adventure in QuébecCelebrate winter with a two-centre break in Québec, enjoying

time in the vibrant city o Montréal beore heading out to the

wilderness resort o Hôtel Sacacomie. From historic buildings to

a winter playground, this week-long adventure showcases the

best o winter in Québec.

Highlights See Montréal’s key sights on a city tour including the Montréal Museum.

Complimentary winter activities at stunning Hôtel Sacacomie.

Optional winter activities and spa.

CANADA

Situated on Montréal Island in the heart o the

St Lawrence River, Canada’s second largest

city is a chic blend o the old and new. During

the winter months the modern downtown

oers shopping, entertainment and dining

not only above ground, but also in the climate

controlled Underground City o malls, whilst

the historic buildings o Old Montréal areascinating to visit at any time o year. Ice

skating is a Canadian way o lie so why not

give it a go at one o the city’s many rinks,

indoor and outdoor!

From Montréal, a 2-hour transer to Saint-

Alexis-des-Monts will take you to the secluded

Hôtel Sacacomie or a 3-night stay. This

snow-covered wilderness resort oers an easily

accessible contrast to the city. The sprawling

log cabin style resort sits in the heart o the

orest, on an elevated position overlooking

pristine Lake Sacacomie, bordering the

Mastigouche wildlie reserve. Idyllic is denitely

the right description!

A range o optional activities such as dog

sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating and

snowshoeing help ll your time or you might just want to relax, or sample the variety

o treatments and acilities in the hotel’s

impressive spa.

Outline ItineraryDay 1 Arrive Montréal, take a taxi (pay locally)

to the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and check in

or a 2-night stay.

Day 2 Enjoy a comprehensive 3 hour tour o

the city, remainder o the day at leisure.

Day 3 Morning transer to Hôtel Sacacomie

in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, rest o the day

at leisure to get to know your beautiul

surrounds.

Days 4-5 Enjoy complimentary use o

toboggans, try out the hiking trails, try the

winter slide with the aid o a large innertube, or choose rom a selection o optional

activities and excursions.

Day 6 Transer back to Montréal.

© Vladone © Hotel Sacacom

Arctic Experience

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