russia - Beyond Travel

RUSSIA &BEYOND

2018

FEATURING SCANDINAVIA RUSSIA, FINLAND, DENMARK NORWAY, SWEDEN, ICELAND BELARUS, UKRAINE, CHINA MONGOLIA & CENTRAL ASIA

SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS

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ESCORTED TOURS CRUISES LEGENDARY RAIL JOURNEYS TAILOR-MADE TOURS CITY STAY PACKAGES

Travel broadens the mind; a true journey enriches the soul

St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow Russia

Contents SPECIAL JOURNEYS HIGHLIGHTS OF RUSSIA ESCORTED TOURS MOSCOW TO VIENNA MOSCOW TO PRAGUE AND LITTLE TOUR OF RUSSIA THE CZAR ROUTE RUSSIAN CAPITALS SCENIC NORWAY GRAND TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA FABULOUS SCANDINAVIA UNIQUE FJORDS & CAPITALS COMPLETE ICELAND GRAND TOUR OF ICELAND THE NORTH CAPE & NORTHERN LIGHTS NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPLORATION

7–9 8 10–21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

CRUISE ICELAND THE LAND OF ICE & FIRE

22 22

CRUISE RUSSIA VOLGA DREAM RUSSIAN RHAPSODY VOLGA CLASSIC

23–27 24 26 27

RAIL JOURNEYS CZAR’S GOLD TRANS-MONGOLIAN TRANS-SIBERIAN

28-33 30 32 33

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

34–57

‰ INDEPENDENT TOURS GOLDEN RING EXPLORER AND BEST OF THE GOLDEN RING GRAND RUSSIA SCENIC TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA ROYAL KINGDOMS & MAJESTIC FJORDS NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL AND SOGNEFJORD IN A NUTSHELL INTIMATE NORWAY NORWEGIAN PANORAMA SELF-DRIVE AROUND ICELAND SELF-DRIVE LAPLAND – ICE HOTEL & NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BY LAND & SEA CHARMING FINLAND PEARLS OF UZBEKISTAN

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

‰ CITY STAYS MOSCOW ST. PETERSBURG HELSINKI ROVANIEMI STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN OSLO BERGEN REYKJAVIK KYIV, LVIV, ODESSA and MINSK

46 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

GETTING AROUND (FERRY, TRAIN, COACH) TERMS AND CONDITIONS

58 59

Russia & Beyond RUSSIA Veliky Novgorod

Yekaterinburg Novosibirsk

Kazan

MoscowH

LAKE BAIKAL

Irkutsk H Astana

Ulan Ude Moron

KyivH

KAZAKHSTAN

Volgograd

UKRAINE

Karakorum

UZ BE KIS Khiva TA H Tashkent N Samarkand TURKMENISTAN

GEORGIA H Tbilisi

H Ulaan Baatar

MONGOLIA

Vladivostok

Urumqi Beijing H CHINA

Isafjordur

Siglufjordur Husavik

Bildudalur

Akureyri ICELAND

Akranes

H Reykjavik HEIMAEY

BARENTS SEA

Honningsvag Kirkenes Tromso

Svolvaer ARC

TIC

CIRC L

E

Rovaniemi Kemi

NORWEGIAN SEA

Oulu

RUSSIA

FINLAND

GU LF OF BO TH N

IA

SWEDEN Trondheim

LAKE LADOGA

Flam NORWAY

Turku H Oslo Stockholm H

Helsinki H AND

St. Petersburg

R VE RI

Balestrand Bergen

A LG VO

Geirangerfjord

Kizhi Island LAKE ONEGA

L FIN OF F L GU

ESTONIA

Gothenburg

BALTIC SEA

NORTH SEA

LATVIA

Sergiev Posad Moscow H

Aarhus DENMARK H Malmö Odense Copenhagen

LITHUANIA

BELARUS Minsk H

GERMANY

POLAND

Suzdal Vladimir

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Up to

1,000

Booking and payment deadlines are stipulated on the silver symbols featured.

LOOK FOR THE GOLD SYMBOL IN THE BROCHURE

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$

LOOK FOR THE SILVER SYMBOL IN THE BROCHURE

IN DISCOVER MORE TRAVEL VOUCHERS

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ON SELECT SMALL SHIP CRUISES IN ICELAND & RUSSIA

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BOOK EARLY &

DISCOVER MORE WITH BEYOND TRAVEL Your vouchers are a great way to save on a wide range of additional Beyond Travel services. You can use your vouchers on any service featured on our websites and in our brochures. From pre or post hotel stays and city packages, to additional tours, cruises and even rail or ferry services. There’s plenty of options to choose from, take a look at our selection of brochures and websites!

www.cruise-croatia.com.au www.beyondtravel.com.au

www.cruise-russia.com.au www.india-and-beyond.com.au

INDIA & BEYOND

CRUISE CROATIA

CROATIA & BEYOND

EASTERN EUROPE & BEYOND

Conditions apply to the savings and Discover More Voucher offers, please see page 59, contact us or visit our websites for details.

[email protected] • www.beyondtravel.com.au

5

Service, Value Social Footprint When you book with Beyond Travel, you’re booking us…our people, our products and our social belief. With our collective knowledge and over 21 years of unparalleled experience we are able to match each of your unique requirements to the right product and at the right price. But equally important is the knowledge that you will be travelling with a company that cares about it’s SOCIAL FOOTPRINT and has aspirations to do everything in it’s power to make sure that this has a positive impact.

This is what we do and we do it well…

Recognised Leaders

Going the Extra Mile

We value our reputation as standouts in the industry. Our people and our products are what set us apart:

There’s a reason we’re known as the best in the business – we’ve grown through word of mouth from our many satisfied customers. We consistently deliver beyond what we promise to enable a flexible and unforgettable experience for each of our clients.

u CRUISES u TOURS u HOTELS u CAR HIRE u TAILOR MADE ITINERARIES u GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

Free Cancellation (within 7 days) Still unsure? Make your booking and you have up to seven days to pay a deposit with no cancellation fees during this period. Peace of mind whilst you make up your mind. Refer to page 59 for details.

Russia & Beyond...Your Way SMALL GROUP

SMALL GROUP

6

Our intimate small group tours allow you to connect with like minded people and travel as a group of friends rather than just being another face in the crowd. A smaller group means better quality of time with your guide and superior access to certain sights.

TAILOR-MADE

TAILOR-MADE

For independent travellers who like to forge their own path, our Tailor-Made Tours are designed to be customised by our experts to suit your own specific needs. These personalised tours allow you to take the reins – you’re an individual; travel like one.

Contact our destination specialists today: Australia 1300 363 554 • New Zealand 0800 550 065

SPECIAL JOURNEYS Our private small group Special Journeys are designed to enrich your travel experience, bringing you closer to the destinations you wish to explore. The Special Journey featured in this brochure is the “Highlights of Russia” – a comprehensive and inclusive journey offering an emersive experience that is exciting and hassle-free. Packed with local encounters and cultural experiences, each day is delightfully different and filled with a collection of exceptional moments.

HIGHLIGHTS OF RUSSIA 9 day tour from Moscow to St. Petersburg featuring the fascinating cities of the historic Golden Ring For more details please refer to page 8 & 9

SOLO TRAVELLER CLUB

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Beyond Travel is pleased to offer solo travellers, who are prepared to share on one of our Special Journey tours, the opportunity to make new friends whilst saving on single supplements. Register your interest for twin share accommodation on any of the three mentioned tours on this page. Refer page 59 for details.

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SPECIAL JOURNEY

MOSCOW

SMALL GROUP

HIGHLIGHTS OF RUSSIA 9 day tour

Our best selling tour of Russia travels between the two iconic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg and offers an insight into the fascinating enigma that is the world’s largest country. See first-hand opulent palaces and onion domed cathedrals, a visual reminder of the incredible wealth enjoyed in the era of the Czars. In contrast we also explore the magnificent towns of the famed Golden ring including Suzdal, where time has stood still. DAY 1 MOSCOW We commence our tour with an arrival transfer to Hotel Metropol (5 star). This evening, we meet our guide and fellow tour members for a welcome dinner followed by an evening walk to the heart of Moscow, spectacular Red Square, to see it beautifully illuminated at night. (D) DAY 2 MOSCOW Today we will be introduced to the political and economic capital of the Russian Federation and see its iconic landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre, KGB Headquarters, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the magnificent Cathedral of Our Saviour. We will visit Novodevichy Cemetery, one of the most prestigious resting places for Russia’s political and literary figures including Khrushchev, Chekhov and Prokofiev. We then take a scenic lunch cruise along the Moskva River and, this evening, enjoy an entertaining performance by the famous Moscow Circus. (B, L) DAY 3 MOSCOW As we travel by Moscow’s famous metro with our guide, we will learn of its history and see its lavishly decorated stations. We follow this with the splendour of Red Square, with time to visit Lenin’s Mausoleum, before we enter the formidable Kremlin and Armoury Museum, a stunning collection of royal artefacts, carriages and coronation dresses. (B, L)

KREMLIN – SUZDAL

PRE-TOUR EXCURSION: TRETYAKOV GALLERY (4 hours) Benefit from our great value hotel rates and arrive a day earlier to join our optional half-day tour to the acclaimed Tretyakov Gallery (Day 1). The gallery displays the world’s finest collection of Russian art including religious icons and pre-revolutionary paintings. It gives you the opportunity to discover Russian history through art and see the early influences of Russia’s great artists such as Kandinsky and Malevich.

DAY 4 MOSCOW – SERGIEV POSAD – SUZDAL Explore Russia’s countryside as we journey to the historic towns of Sergiev Posad, Vladimir and Suzdal along the famed Golden Ring. These were the founding towns of modern day Russia and their charming old churches and monasteries paint a stunning image of early Russian art, architecture and way of life. We arrive in the picture-perfect town of Suzdal for check in at Pushkarskaya Sloboda (4 star). (B, L, D) DAY 5 SUZDAL – VLADIMIR – ST. PETERSBURG Today we visit Suzdal’s 11th century Kremlin and take a horse-drawn carriage ride to beautiful St. Euthimius Monastery. We will then meet a local family and enjoy a traditional lunch in their home, before driving to Vladimir, Russia’s former capital founded in 1108 to see the city’s Golden Gate and Assumption and Demetrius Cathedrals. We return to Moscow to board the evening high-speed train to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner in 1st class comfort. Check in at Hotel Akyan (4 star). (B, L, D)

$68 per person (based on minimum 4 persons)

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THE GOLDEN RING BELARUS

DAY 6 ST. PETERSBURG Our introduction to St. Petersburg begins with something exceptional, a visit to the city’s Faberge Museum to see the most complete collection of exquisitely crafted Faberge eggs by the jeweller to the Czars, Carl Faberge. We continue with a wonderful cruise along the canals and Neva River to see the city from a different perspective. After lunch, we will tour the renowned Hermitage Museum for an introduction to its immense collection of over 2.7 million items of art. (B, L)

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INCLUSIONS • Locally escorted 9 day tour in ENGLISH ONLY • Small group tour with maximum 24 participants • Accommodation in central, deluxe and first class hotels

DAY 7 ST. PETERSBURG We will continue to uncover this visually stunning city on a comprehensive tour which visits Peter and Paul Fortress, which houses the burial vault of the Romanov dynasty, and the magnificent Spilt Blood Cathedral which features 7,000 square metres of exquisite mosaics. Afterwards we will enjoy a vodka history and appreciation class at the Vodka Museum and then, this evening we will be entertained by a lively folklore performance at the Nikolaevsky Palace. (B, L)

• Half board meals – breakfast and one main meal daily

DAY 8 ST. PETERSBURG Today we will immerse ourselves in St. Petersburg’s imperial past with an excursion to magnificent Catherine’s Palace and its Amber Room. We will then drive to Petrodvorets (Peterhof Palace) to see the spectacular Grand Cascade of fountains and gold statues on a guided walk through the spectacular gardens. We return to the city and this evening we will celebrate the conclusion of our tour at a farewell dinner. (B, D)

• Gratuities and hotel porterage

DAY 9 ST. PETERSBURG Our tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

• Outstanding and in-depth sightseeing by professional guides • Transport by 1st Class high speed train and modern air conditioned coach • Arrival and departure transfers

HIGHLIGHTS • Moscow’s incredible Metro and the Kremlin & Armour Museum – treasury of the Russian Czars. • 2 day excursion to the Russian countryside exploring historic towns along the famed Golden Ring • Sergiev Posad’s colourful monastery, the holiest pilgrimage site of the Russian Orthodox Church • Traditional Russian meal with a local family in Suzdal • Magnificent Catherine Palace and Peterhof Palace Gardens • Faberge Museum and its exquisitely crafted Faberge eggs • Vodka history and appreciation class at the Vodka Museum • Moscow Circus and Russian Folklore show tickets

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

PETERHOF PALACE

May 11; Jul 27; Aug 10; Sep 7


Per Person Twin Share

Single Supplement

3,695

995

9

ESCORTED

MOSCOW

MOSCOW TO VIENNA 20 day Premium Escorted Tour DAY 6 ST. PETERSBURG Today, explore the world-famous Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace, the former home of the Czars. One of the world’s oldest and largest museums, the Hermitage houses an immense collection of art including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Rembrandt, Rubens and French Impressionists. (B, D) DAY 7 ST. PETERSBURG – TALLINN Depart for Tallinn with a stop in Narva on the Estonian border. Overnight at Sokos Hotel Viru (4 star). (B, D) DAY 8 TALLINN – RIGA Tallinn boasts the best-preserved medieval town in Northern Europe. Your walking tour of this charming city with its distinctive architecture takes in Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and 14th century Gothic Town Hall. In the afternoon, depart for Riga, capital of Latvia. Overnight at Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel (4 star). (B, D)

PRAGUE

DAY 1 MOSCOW Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Marriott Grand Hotel (5 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome dinner. (D) DAY 2 MOSCOW Moscow is the symbolic heart and soul of Russia. Your sightseeing tour begins at Red Square, dominated by the red walls of the Kremlin and the colourful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. After a tour of the Kremlin grounds, visit the famous Armoury Museum, treasury of the Russian Czars, with its opulent collection of Faberge Eggs, royal thrones, crowns and carriages. Continue along the banks of the Moskva River to Novodevichy Convent and then end your tour at the Arbat Street shopping district. (B) DAY 3 MOSCOW / SERGIEV POSAD Depart Moscow for a sightseeing tour of 14th century Sergiev Posad, renowned as a centre of ancient Russian art and architecture. For centuries the fairy-tale gold and blue domes of the Trinity St. Sergius Lavra Monastery has served as the religious centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. Return to Moscow for overnight. (B, L) DAY 4 MOSCOW – ST. PETERSBURG Enjoy a last morning in Moscow before your departure on the high-speed Sapsan train to St. Petersburg. On arrival you will be transferred to Courtyard by Marriott Centre West Pushkin (4 star) or Radisson Royal (4 star). (B, D) DAY 5 ST. PETERSBURG Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges, imperial St. Petersburg is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Enjoy a guided city tour along the Nevsky Prospekt to see Palace Square with the Winter Palace and the golden domes of St. Isaac’s Cathedral. You will also visit Peter and Paul Fortress, site of the first settlement of the city and the burial vault of the Romanov Dynasty. (B)

10

DAY 9 RIGA Riga, founded in 1201, is often referred to as the “Paris of the Baltics.” Your morning sightseeing tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, home of the Latvian president, Dome Cathedral with its world famous organ, Powder Tower and the district of Art Nouveau houses. (B) DAY 10 RIGA – VILNIUS Depart on a scenic journey through the Baltic countryside to Vilnius. On arrival, your afternoon and evening is at leisure. Overnight Radisson Blu Hotel Astorija (5 star) or Radisson Blu Lietuva (4 star). (B, D) DAY 11 VILNIUS Today enjoy a panoramic walking tour of Vilnius, one of Europe’s most charming Old Towns with its maze of baroque-inspired architecture and cobblestone streets. Visit the Old Town to see such sights as St. Stanislav’s Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, the baroque Peter and Paul Church and ruins of Vilnius Castle. (B) DAY 12 VILNIUS – WARSAW Depart the former Soviet Union through the picturesque countryside of Lithuania and northern Poland to Warsaw. Overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel Centrum (4 star). (B, L, D) DAY 13 WARSAW On a morning tour of Warsaw, a city with over 700 years of history, you will drive along the Royal Route from Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of Poland’s last king. Continue with a walk through the Old Town to see Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. (B) DAY 14 WARSAW – KRAKOW Leave Warsaw for Czestochowa, to visit the Yasna Gora Monastery with its famous portrait of the Black Madonna. In the afternoon you will tour Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious World War II concentration camps and now a sombre memorial to the Holocaust. Continue onto Krakow for dinner and overnight at Mercure Old Town (4 star). (B, D)


FINLAND 3 St. Petersburg

SWEDEN

Tallinn 1 Narva

RUSSIA

ESTONIA

Riga 2 LATVIA

Sergiev Posad

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LITHUANIA

Moscow 3

DAY 18 PRAGUE – VIENNA Travel south to Vienna, the ‘city of waltzes,’ where, after check-in to Hilton am Stadtpark Hotel (5 star), the afternoon is free to explore Austria’s majestic capital. (B) DAY 19 VIENNA Your sightseeing tour features the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Hapsburg Empire, Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Prater Amusement Park. After an afternoon at leisure celebrate the last night of your tour with a farewell dinner. (B, D) DAY 20 VIENNA Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

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UKRAINE

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Czestochowa

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500

$

per couple

TRAVEL VOUCHER

AUSTRIA

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DAY 17 PRAGUE Your city tour of Prague starts with a drive to Wenceslas Square and then across the Vltava River for a guided tour of Prague’s Hradcany district which overlooks the river and city beyond. Hradcany is Prague’s main attraction and here you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the resting place of Czech kings, and the Royal Castle of Hradcany which dominates Prague’s beautiful skyline. Continue with a walk to see St. George’s Basilica, the Golden Lane and Daliborka Tower before an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Warsaw 2

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BELARUS

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DAY 16 KRAKOW – PRAGUE Drive through Poland, Slovakia and finally into the Czech Republic. Today’s destination is Prague, with its baroque churches, promenades, parks and medieval Old Town. Overnight at Angelo Hotel by Vienna House (4 star). (B, D)

POLAND

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DAY 15 KRAKOW A sightseeing tour of the culture-packed city of Krakow will start at Wawel Hill to see the Royal Castle and Cathedral. Walk through the magical Old Town and visit the Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe with its Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free to wander the city on your own. (B)

GE RM AN Y

2 Vilnius

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY • 4 & 5 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • Guided tours: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Warsaw, Krakow, Prague and Vienna • Wireless ‘whisper’ headset technology used for touring • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • 2nd class rail: St. Petersburg to Moscow • Arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)


Apr 27; May 11, 18, 25; Jul 20, 27; Aug 17, 31; Sep 7, 14, 28


Single Supplement

5,200

2,100

Moscow to Prague (18 days – please refer to days 1 to 18 only) Apr 27; May 11, 18, 25; Jul 20, 27; Aug 17, 31; Sep 7, 14, 28

4,925

1,985

Little Tour of Russia (7 days – please refer to days 1 to 7 only)

WARSAW

Apr 27; May 11, 18, 25; Jul 20, 27; Aug 17, 31; Sep 7, 14, 28


2,390

1,010

11

ESCORTED

FINLAND ST. PETERSBURG

Helsinki

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St. Petersburg

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DAY 3 HELSINKI – ST. PETERSBURG Today, continue east to cross the border into Russia. You will stop in quaint Vyborg for a sightseeing tour and to see its 13th century castle. In the late afternoon arrive in St. Petersburg for overnight at Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky (4 star). (B)

ESTONIA

...

DAY 2 HELSINKI Helsinki is located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. Your city tour includes the city’s lovely harbour, Senate Square, Parliament Building, Sibelius Monument, Finlandia Hall and the famous “Church-in-the-Rock.” In the afternoon, an optional tour will be offered to Seurasaari Open-Air Museum an exhibition of cottages, farmsteads and manors from all over Finland. (B)

100

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DAY 1 HELSINKI Your tour commences with an optional arrival transfer to Hotel Glo Art (4 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome meeting.

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THE CZAR ROUTE

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BELARUS

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted by MULTILINGUAL guide • 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • City tours of Helsinki, Vyborg, St. Petersburg and Moscow • Entrances to Church-in-the-Rock (Helsinki), Peter & Paul Fortress (St. Petersburg) and Kremlin (Moscow)

DAY 4 ST. PETERSBURG St. Petersburg is an incredible city with its imperial palaces and museums enjoying worldwide fame. The Neva River and many canals give the city the title of “The Venice of the North.” On a city tour you will become acquainted with the city’s foundations at Peter and Paul Fortress, then travel the Nevsky Prospekt, and see Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Spilt Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and much more. This afternoon’s optional tour is to Pushkin with the impressive Catherine’s Palace and the Amber Room, beautifully restored for St. Petersburg’s 300 year celebrations in 2003. This evening, enjoy an optional entertaining folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace. (B)

• Transportation by air-conditioned coach

DAY 5 ST. PETERSBURG This morning’s optional tour is to Peterhof, a masterpiece from the time of Peter the Great, with its impressive Grand Palace, Grand Cascade and wonderful gardens. Then in the afternoon, an optional tour will be offered to the world famous Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s premier art galleries and home to an impressive collection of art and antiquities. In the evening enjoy an optional dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant. (B) DAY 6 ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW Explore St. Petersburg on your own, or take an optional canal cruise to view the city from a different perspective, before boarding the afternoon high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow. Your train journey takes you through endless Russian landscapes and along the mighty Volga River. On arrival in Moscow overnight at Park Inn Sadu Hotel (4 star). (B) DAY 7 MOSCOW Moscow, the Mother of Russia, is an iconic Russian city with its Kremlin and onion-domed cathedrals. Dramatic changes over the last decade have made this city one of the most dynamic metropolis’ in the world. On a sightseeing tour of the Russian capital, you will see Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Bolshoi Theatre and take a tour of the Kremlin grounds including a visit inside one of the many cathedrals on the site. In the afternoon, join an optional tour of the grand stations of the Moscow Metro and the bohemian Arbat Street area. This evening, an optional cruise along the Moscow River will be offered. (B)

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• 2nd class rail tickets: St. Petersburg to Moscow

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share

Single Supplement

May 27; Jun 3

1,870

900

Jul 15, 22, 29; Aug 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep 2, 9, 16

1,710

740

Arrival / Departure Transfer

130 per transfer

All optional tours featured in the itinerary can be purchased during your tour. Full details and prices will be supplied with your travel documentation. *Price based on a transfer by private vehicle (for 1-3 persons) DAY 8 MOSCOW Today, take an optional excursion to Sergiev Posad for a sightseeing tour of this 14th century city, renowned as a centre of ancient Russian art and architecture. The town is home to the beautifully restored Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the most important monastery in the Russian Orthodox Church. In the evening, you may join an optional visit to the Old Russian Circus. (B) DAY 9 MOSCOW Your tour concludes with an optional departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


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ESCORTED

RUSSIAN CAPITALS 7 day Escorted Tour DAY 1 ST. PETERSBURG Your tour commences with an optional arrival transfer to Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky (4 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome meeting. DAY 2 ST. PETERSBURG St. Petersburg is an incredible city with its imperial palaces and museums enjoying worldwide fame. The Neva River and many canals give the city the title of “The Venice of the North.” On a city tour you will become acquainted with the city’s foundations at Peter and Paul Fortress, then travel the Nevsky Prospekt, and see Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Spilt Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and much more. This afternoon’s optional tour is to Pushkin with the impressive Catherine’s Palace and the Amber Room, beautifully restored for St. Petersburg’s 300 year celebrations in 2003. This evening, enjoy an optional entertaining folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace. (B) DAY 3 ST. PETERSBURG This morning’s optional tour is to Peterhof, a masterpiece from the time of Peter the Great, with its impressive Grand Palace, Grand Cascade and wonderful gardens. Then in the afternoon, an optional tour will be offered to the world famous Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s premier art galleries and home to an impressive collection of art and antiquities. In the evening enjoy an optional dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant. (B) DAY 4 ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW Explore St. Petersburg on your own, or take an optional canal cruise to view the city from a different perspective, before boarding the afternoon high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow. Your train journey takes you through endless Russian landscapes and along the mighty Volga River. On arrival in Moscow overnight at Park Inn Sadu Hotel (4 star). (B) DAY 5 MOSCOW Moscow, the Mother of Russia, is an iconic Russian city with its Kremlin and onion-domed cathedrals. Dramatic changes over the last decade have made this city one of the most dynamic metropolis’ in the world. On a sightseeing tour of the Russian capital, you will see Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Bolshoi Theatre and take a tour of the Kremlin grounds including a visit inside one of the many cathedrals on the site. In the afternoon, join an optional tour of the grand stations of the Moscow Metro and the bohemian Arbat Street area. This evening, an optional cruise along the Moscow River will be offered. (B) DAY 6 MOSCOW Today, take an optional excursion to Sergiev Posad for a sightseeing tour of this 14th century city, renowned as a centre of ancient Russian art and architecture. The town is home to the beautifully restored Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the most important monastery in the Russian Orthodox Church. In the evening, you may join an optional visit to the Old Russian Circus. (B)

RUSSIA

ESTONIA

Sergiev Posad

LATVIA

BELARUS

Moscow 3

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted by MULTILINGUAL guide • 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • City tours of St. Petersburg and Moscow • Entrances to Peter & Paul Fortress (St. Petersburg) and Kremlin (Moscow) • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • 2nd class rail: St. Petersburg to Moscow


May 8, 15, 22

Per Person Twin Share 1,220

Single Supplement 570

May 29; Jun 5

1,380

740

Jul 17, 24, 31; Aug 7, 14, 21, 28; Sep 4, 11, 18

1,220

570

Arrival Transfer*

115 per transfer

Departure Transfer*

130 per transfer

All optional tours featured in the itinerary can be purchased during your tour. Full details and prices will be supplied with your travel documentation. *Price based on a transfer by private vehicle (for 1-3 persons)

DAY 7 MOSCOW Your tour concludes with an optional departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


13

ESCORTED

GEIRANGERFJORD

1 Geiranger SWEDEN

SCENIC NORWAY

2

Balestrand

Flam

8 day Premium Escorted Tour DAY 1 OSLO Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Thon Hotel Opera (4 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome dinner. (D) DAY 2 OSLO – ULVIK This morning, visit the world-famous Viking Ship Museum before departing Oslo for Geilo. After lunch travel across the wild Hardanger Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall. Overnight at Brakanes Hotel with a fjord view room (4 star). (B, L, D) DAY 3 ULVIK – BERGEN Today, journey along the idyllic Hardangerfjord for a scenic tour of this beautiful fjord. After lunch in Bergen, an afternoon tour includes a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, Bryggen Harbour and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You will also take the funicular to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords. Overnight First Hotel Marin (4 star). (B, L) DAY 4 BERGEN – FLÅM – BALESTRAND This morning board the train to Myrdal, where you will join the Flåm Railway, a masterpiece of engineering descending 865 metres to the fjord. Cruise along the picturesque Aurlands and Nærøy fjords before a drive through the amazing Stalheim Canyon and Nærøy Valley and ferry to Balestrand. Overnight at Kvikne’s Hotel with a fjord view room (4 star). (B, D) DAY 5 BALESTRAND An entire day free to enjoy breathtaking Balestrand on the Sognfjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Soak up the grandeur, nature and spectacular scenery of this very special part of the world. (B, D)

Bergen 1

Lillehammer

1

Ulvik

NORWAY

1 1 H Oslo

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY • 4 star, central hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • City tour: Bergen including the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien • Bergen and Flåm Railway journeys • Sogn, Nærøy and Geiranger Fjord cruises • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • Arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)


Jun 5, 12, 19, 26; Jul 3, 10, 17, 24 Aug 7, 14


Single Supplement

3,505

645

Land of the Fjords (6 days from Bergen – please refer to days 3-8 only) Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16

2,605

455

DAY 6 BALESTRAND – GEIRANGER A morning scenic tour of Sognfjord is followed by a visit to the world-famous Briksdal Glacier and a cruise along the Geirangerfjord. Possibly the most impressive of all Norwegian fjords, you will see magnificent waterfalls such as the Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters. Overnight at Union Hotel (4 star), Geiranger. (B, L, D) DAY 7 GEIRANGER – OSLO Following some of Norway’s most scenic drives you will arrive at the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. After lunch your journey continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, back to Oslo. Overnight at Thon Hotel Opera (4 star). (B, L, D) FLAM RAILWAY

14

DAY 8 OSLO Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


ESCORTED

1 Geiranger

FINLAND

Balestrand 2 Bergen 1

Flam Ulvik

STOCKHOLM

Lillehammer

1

Helsinki 1

Oslo 1 1 1

NORWAY

2

Stockholm 1

GRAND TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA 15 day Premium Escorted Tour

SWEDEN DENMARK Copenhagen

2 H

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY

DAY 1 COPENHAGEN Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Admiral Hotel (4 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome dinner. (D) DAY 2 COPENHAGEN Your sightseeing tour includes the Royal Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (Danish Parliament), Little Mermaid, and the old harbour of Nyhavn. During afternoon free time we recommend a visit to the famous Tivoli Gardens (entrance ticket included). (B) DAY 3 COPENHAGEN Free morning followed by an afternoon transfer to the port for your overnight ferry to Oslo. Cruise along the Kattegat on your way to Norway. (B, D) DAY 4 OSLO On arrival in the Norwegian capital you will join a guided tour including the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park and City Hall. Afternoon at leisure with overnight at Thon Hotel Opera (4 star). (B, D) DAY 5 OSLO – ULVIK This morning, visit the world-famous Viking Ship Museum before departing Oslo for Geilo. After lunch travel across the wild Hardanger Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall. Overnight at Brakanes Hotel with a fjord view room (4 star). (B, L, D) DAY 6 ULVIK – BERGEN Today, journey along the idyllic Hardangerfjord for a scenic tour of this beautiful fjord. After lunch in Bergen, an afternoon tour includes a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, Bryggen Harbour and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You will also take the funicular to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords. Overnight First Hotel Marin (4 star). (B, L) DAY 7 BERGEN – FLÅM – BALESTRAND This morning board the train to Myrdal, where you will join the Flåm Railway, a masterpiece of engineering descending 865 metres to the fjord. Cruise along the picturesque Aurlands and Nærøy fjords before a drive through the amazing Stalheim Canyon and Nærøy Valley and ferry to Balestrand. Overnight at Kvikne’s Hotel with a fjord view room (4 star). (B, D) DAY 8 BALESTRAND An entire day free to enjoy breathtaking Balestrand on the Sognfjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Soak up the grandeur, nature and spectacular scenery of this very special part of the world. (B, D) DAY 9 BALESTRAND – GEIRANGER A morning scenic tour of Sognfjord is followed by a visit to the world-famous Briksdal Glacier and a cruise along the Geirangerfjord. Possibly the most impressive of all Norwegian fjords, you will see magnificent waterfalls such as the Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters. Overnight at Union Hotel (4 star), Geiranger. (B, L, D) DAY 10 GEIRANGER – OSLO Following some of Norway’s most scenic drives you will arrive at the popular tourist town of Lillehammer. After lunch your journey continues alongside Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, back to Oslo. Overnight at Thon Hotel Opera (4 star). (B, L, D)

• 4 star, central hotel accommodation • Seaview cabin with private facilities: CopenhagenOslo and Stockholm-Helsinki ferries • Meals as specified • City tours: Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm & Bergen including the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien • Bergen and Flåm Railway journeys and Sogn, Nærøy and Geiranger Fjord cruises • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • Arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)


Jun 23, 30; Jul 7, 14, 21, 28


Single Supplement 1,720

DAY 11 OSLO – STOCKHOLM This morning, drive to Stockholm, passing through a varied landscape of forests, fertile farmland and blue lakes. Arrive in the Swedish capital in the afternoon and overnight Clarion Hotel Sign (4 star). (B, L, D) DAY 12 STOCKHOLM Stockholm is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by the Stockholm archipelago. Your sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings and the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets. (B) DAY 13 STOCKHOLM A free morning is followed by a transfer to the port for the overnight ferry to Helsinki. Sail through the Stockholm archipelago on your journey to Finland. (B, D) DAY 14 HELSINKI On arrival in Helsinki, join your guide for a tour of the Finnish capital. Highlights include the beautiful harbour, Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument. Overnight at Haven Hotel (4 star). (B, D) DAY 15 HELSINKI Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


15

ESCORTED

BERGEN

Stalheim 1 Bergen 1 1 Eidfjord

FABULOUS SCANDINAVIA

1 Fagernes

Flam

SWEDEN Oslo

1

NORWAY

2 Stockholm

1

10 day Escorted Tour DENMARK

H

Copenhagen 1

DAY 1 COPENHAGEN Your tour commences with a transfer to Hotel Tivoli (4 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome meeting. DAY 2 COPENHAGEN Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s largest and most lively city and one of Europe’s most romantic capitals with its old castles, churches, charming squares and harbours. A morning sightseeing tour will acquaint you with all the city’s treasures such as the Little Mermaid, Royal Castle, Nyhavn and the City Hall Square. This afternoon embark on your overnight ferry bound for Oslo. (B, D) DAY 3 OSLO – EIDFJORD Departing Oslo, your tour heads directly to Hoenefoss, Nesbyen surrounded by a landscape, which alternates between forests of pines and lakes to arrive in the beautiful Hallingdal Valley. Arrive in Geilo, a small town surrounded by mountains and afterwards continue to Hardangervidda to visit Voringfossen Waterfall before arriving in todays final destination, Eidfjord. Overnight at Hotel Quality Voringfoss (4 star). (B, D) DAY 4 EIDFJORD – BERGEN This morning takes you further into the breathtaking Norwegian nature. Crossing the splendid Hardanger Fjord, by travelling across Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridge spans in the world. On the other side of the bridge pass Nordheimsund and birch forests before arriving in Bergen, known as the capital of the fjords. An afternoon sightseeing tour will showcase this remarkable Hanseatic city, including the Bryggen area of old wooden houses, traditional Fish Market, St. Mary’s Church and Haakon’s Hall. Overnight at Hotel Scandic Oernen (4 star). (B) DAY 5 BERGEN – STALHEIM Your morning is at leisure to further explore this stunning Norwegian city before an afternoon drive to historical Voss with its scenic backdrop of snow clad mountains. Continue to the Naroy Valley and Stalheim, with its stunning views down the Stalheim Gorge. Overnight at Hotel Stalheim (4 star). (B, D) DAY 6 STALHEIM – FLÅM – FAGERNES Travel to Flåm via the fjord region, with its formidable water-drowned glacial valleys and rugged mountain terrain. Here you may join an optional excursion on the Flåm Railway, one of the most famous and breathtaking railway journeys in the world. Later, drive along the Aurlandfjord to Fagernes for check in at Hotel Thon Scandic Valdres (4 star). (B, D) DAY 7 FAGERNES – OSLO Upon arrival in Oslo, join a morning sightseeing tour where you will see Frogner Park decorated with the unique sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. Also see City Hall, Karl Johan Gate and the Royal Palace. Overnight at the Hotel Thon Opera (4 star). (B)

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted by MULTILINGUAL guide • 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • Guided tours: Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen and Stockholm • Overnight ferry in a sea-view cabin: Copenhagen-Oslo • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • Arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)


May 17, 24, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep 6, 13


Single Supplement

3,570

1,430

The optional tour on the Flåm railway can be purchased during your tour. Full details and prices will be supplied with your travel documentation.

DAY 9 STOCKHOLM Stockholm is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by Skargarden, the Stockholm archipelago. Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to the Old Town with its Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral and famous City Hall. Afternoon at leisure for further discovery. (B) DAY 10 STOCKHOLM Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

DAY 8 OSLO – STOCKHOLM Enjoy a morning drive to Stockholm, passing through a varied landscape of forests, fertile farmland and blue lakes. Arrive in the Swedish capital in the afternoon and check-in at Hotel Scandic Grand Central (4 star). (B)

16


ESCORTED

Norheimsund 1

H

Bergen 2

2 Balestrand

Flam

SWEDEN Oslo 2

OSLO SMALL GROUP

UNIQUE FJORDS & CAPITALS

NORWAY

2 Stockholm

DENMARK Copenhagen 1

11 day Escorted Tour INCLUSIONS DAY 1 BERGEN Arrive in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, with an optional transfer to Scandic Hotel Neptun (3 star). This evening, join your fellow tour members and guide at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, we recommend an evening journey on the funicular railway known as Fløibanen to the top of the nearby mountains for some stunning views. DAY 2 BERGEN - NORHEIMSUND Experience Bergen on a morning city tour which includes a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, Bryggen Harbour and the old Hanseatic Quarter. Afterwards travel to the beautiful Hardangerfjord, the orchard of Norway. Overnight Thon Hotel Sandven (3 star), Norheimsund. (B, D)

• Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY • 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • Guided tours: Bergen, Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen • Transportation by air-conditioned coach

DAY 3 NORHEIMSUND – FLÅM – BALESTRAND Drive via Voss to Stalheimen, situated on the very top of the Nærøydalen Canyon for panoramic views over the valley. Continue your drive via the panoramic route to Flåm, where on arrival you will join a fjord cruise to Gudvangen. Marvel at the steep snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages as your cruise takes you through the spectacular Sognefjord to Balestrand. Overnight in Kviknes Hotel (4 star). (B, D)

• Ferry: Flåm – Gudvangen, Balestrand – Jostedal – Balestrand, Balestrand - Flåm

DAY 4 BALESTRAND / NIGARDSBREEN GLACIER Travel by ferry across the Fjærlandfjord to the village of Jostedal. Visit the Breheimsenteret Glacier Centre and enjoy lunch before taking the afternoon to see up close the Nigardsbreen Glacier, a glacier arm of the Jostedal Glacier which is the largest on the European mainland. (B, L, D)

• Transfers to/from railway station in Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen

DAY 5 BALESTRAND – FLÅM - OSLO Journey across the Sognefjord to Flåm where you will join the Flåm Railway, a masterpiece of engineering and one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. Enjoy the panoramic views of the most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjordlands before your arrival at the mountain station of Myrdal. Change train to join the Bergen Railway to Oslo where you will overnight in Scandic St. Olav Plass (3 star). (B) DAY 6 OSLO Enjoy a morning guided tour of Oslo including City Hall, the Opera House and the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park, a unique sculpture park featuring the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. (B) DAY 7 OSLO – STOCKHOLM This morning, travel to Stockholm by train, passing through a varied landscape of forests, fertile farmland and blue lakes. Arrive in the Swedish capital in the afternoon and overnight at Clarion Hotel Amaranten (4 star). (B) DAY 8 STOCKHOLM Stockholm is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by the Stockholm archipelago. Your sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings and the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets. (B)

• Flåm Railway: Flåm-Myrdal • 2nd class rail: Myrdal – Oslo, Oslo – Stockholm, Stockholm - Copenhagen

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share Jun 3, 24; Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 5 4,090


DAY 9 STOCKHOLM – COPENHAGEN Journey by train through the Swedish countryside, passing Malmo as your train crosses the Øresund Straight into Denmark via one of the world’s longest bridges. Arrive in the enchanting capital, Copenhagen, and check in to Comfort Hotel Vesterbro (3 star). (B) DAY 10 COPENHAGEN Your sightseeing tour includes the Royal Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (Danish Parliament), Little Mermaid, and the old harbour of Nyhavn. During afternoon free time we recommend a visit to the famous Tivoli Gardens (optional). (B) DAY 11 COPENHAGEN Your tour concludes with an optional departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


17

ESCORTED

ARCTIC CIRCLE LAKE MYVATN

Siglufjordur 1

GODAFOSS WATERFALLS

1

Lake Myvatn

Akureyri

COMPLETE ICELAND

Egilsstadir NAMASKARD MUD POOLS

9 day Escorted Tour

1

ICELAND Borgarnes 1

Geysir Gullfoss

Thingvellir

H

VATNAJOKULL NP

1 Hofn

Reykjavik 1 1

DAY 1 REYKJAVIK Your tour commences with an optional arrival transfer to Hotel Hilton Nordica (4 star). Your first opportunity to explore Reykjavik will leave you with a memorable impression of the most northerly capital in the world. DAY 2 REYKJAVIK – VIK Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Reykjavik where you will see such highlights as the Hafnarfjordur Fish Market, the presidential residence at Bessastadir and the Hallgrimskirkja Church. Your journey around Iceland begins with a visit to the waterfalls, exploding geysers and boiling mud pools of Gullfoss and then the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Arrive in the village of Vik for overnight at Icelandair Hotel Vik (3 star). (B, D) DAY 3 VIK – HOFN Continue your journey along the “Ring Road” and traverse the Eldhraun lava field, created by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. You then drive over the vast Skeidararsandur sands, the largest sand plain in the world, to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacial area within Vatnajökull National Park. Visit the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where icebergs begin their life after breaking off the glacier and then overnight at Hotel Hofn, Hofn (3 star). (B, D) DAY 4 HOFN – EAST FJORDS – EGILSSTADIR A day of scenic wonder awaits as you drive through Almannaskard Pass to Iceland’s East Fjord region. Explore the striking scenery of towering mountains, dramatic sea cliffs and charming villages. Overnight in Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir (3 star). (B, D) DAY 5 EGILSSTADIR – LAKE MYVATN Explore the vast emptiness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi as you head to Lake Myvatn. The Lake Myvatn area is a microcosm of all of Iceland’s natural wonders: from bubbling mud pools and geothermal caves, powerful waterfalls, craters and a diverse birdlife. Highlights of the day include Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful, and the Namaskard Pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. Overnight Sel Hotel Myvatn, Lake Myvatn (3 star). (B, D) DAY 6 LAKE MYVATN – AKUREYRI – SIGLUFJÖRÐUR Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Godafoss Waterfall and then continue to Akureyri, Iceland’s colourful northern city with its charming buildings and beautiful views of the Eyjafjordur Fjord. Leaving Akureyri, you drive along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula, with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. Arrive in Siglufjordur, located on the beautiful fjord of the same name, and admire some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Overnight at Hotel Sigló (4 star). (B) DAY 7 SIGLUFJORDUR – BORGARNES This morning visit Siglufjörður‘s award winning Herring-Era Museum to learn of Siglufjordur’s transformation as a herring fishing boom town. Afterwards, drive via the majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered one of Iceland’s finest places to breed horses. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait - the tolt. Cross the Holtavorduheidi Plateau through Borgarfjordur, to beautiful Borgarnes for check in at Icelandair Hotel Hamar (3 star). (B, D)

18

JOKULSAARLON GLACIAL LAGOON

Dyrholaey

1 Vik

INCLUSIONS • • • •

Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation Meals as specified Guided tours: Reykjavik, Vatnajökull National Park, East Fjord Region, Lake Mývatn, Akureyri, Siglufjörður and Golden Circle • Horse show in Skagafjordur • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • Services of a local representative

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share

Single Supplement

Apr 25 May 2, 9, 16, 21, 23

3,540 3,980

890 1,130

Jun 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27; Jul 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; Aug 1, 6, 8, 15, 22, 29

4,700

1,860

Sep 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 26

4,500

1,530

DAY 8 BORGARNES – THINGVELLIR – REYKJAVIK Explore more of Iceland’s amazing natural wonders as you return to Reykjavik. Along the way visit Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world, the beautiful Hraunfossar Waterfalls and Lake Thingvallavatn in Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO listed national park is the location of the founding place of the world‘s oldest parliamentary government, from the 10th century, and is the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. Overnight in Reykjavik at Hotel Hilton Nordica (4 star). (B) DAY 9 REYKJAVIK Your tour concludes with an optional departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


ESCORTED

disc

...

700 T $

discover more.

o v er mor e...

discover more per co uple

sit by 29 DE C

..

RA VOUCVEL HER Depo ve disco r more. ..

ARCTIC CIRCLE

Látrabjarg DYNJANDI WATERFALL

2

Siglufjordur

Brjánslækur

Akureyri

GODAFOSS WATERFALLS

1

2

Lake Myvatn Bakkagerði 1

NAMASKARD MUD POOLS

1 SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA

Borgarnes 1

GODAFOSS WATERFALL

Thingvellir SMALL GROUP

H

ICELAND Geysir Gullfoss

VATNAJOKULL NP

1

GRAND TOUR OF ICELAND 12 day Escorted Tour DAY 1 REYKJAVIK Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Hotel Klettur (3 star). Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. DAY 2 REYKJAVIK – THINGVELLIR – BORGARNES Explore Iceland’s classic highlights on a journey around the famous Golden Circle. Marvel at the iconic “Golden Falls” of Gulfoss and walk through the active geothermal area of Geysir where you will see Strokkur (The Churn), a geyser which erupts at regular intervals with its white column of boiling water reaching as high as 30m. Continue to Thingvellir National Park where the North American and European tectonic plates meet, then travel along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord to Borgarnes where you will overnight at Icelandair Hotel Hamar (3 star). (B, D) DAY 3 BORGARNES – PATREKSFJÖRÐUR Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which juts out from Iceland’s West Coast. Here you will see the rugged mountain range, lava fields, volcanic craters, sandy beaches and high cliffs. Afterwards board a ferry to Brjánslækur and with a final drive to Breiðafjörður Bay, with an opportunity for magnificent views of the countless islands of the West Fjords. Overnight at Fosshotel West Fjords (3 star). (B, D) DAY 4 PATREKSFJÖRÐUR / REMOTE WEST FJORDS REGION Spend the day in the remote and sparsely populated regions of the West Fjords. Visit Látrabjarg the western most point of Iceland and Europe where you may see puffins during summer. Also, if weather permits, you will drive to the endless red sand beach of Rauðisandur. (B, D) DAY 5 PATREKSFJÖRÐUR - BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR BAY Travel over mountains and along scenic fjords to reach the beautiful Dynjandi waterfall, with its seven levels of plunging water. Continue over the mountain pass along roads less travelled to reach the remote Vogur Country Lodge (3 star), located in the Breiðafjörður Bay area. (B, D) DAY 6 BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR BAY – AKUREYRI This morning travel off-the-beaten-path and head north with a stop at a local farm for lunch and a horse show to learn about the unique qualities of Iceland's special breed. Continue to Akureyri for overnight at Hotel Kea (4 star). (B, L, D) DAY 7 AKUREYRI / SIGLUFJÖRÐUR On a full day excursion to Iceland’s northernmost town, Siglufjörður, you will see spectacular fjord landscapes, small fishing villages and stop at a deserted valley that even most Icelanders have not seen. In Siglufjörður, visit the Herring Museum and enjoy beer tasting at Kaldi, a local micro-brewery. The rest of the day is at leisure. Return to Akureyri in the late afternoon. (B, D) DAY 8 AKUREYRI – LAKE MÝVATN Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Godafoss Waterfall followed by a walk in the mysterious lava field Dimmuborgir. Explore the hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð, and then spend the afternoon relaxing with a soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Overnight at Hotel Laxá (3 star). (B, D)

Hofn

Reykjavik 1 1


INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY • 3 & 4 star hotel, charming guesthouses and farm accommodation • Meals as specified • Guided tours: Golden Circle, Siglufjörður, Námaskarð, Lake Mývatn, Bakkagerði and Vatnajökull National Park • Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon boat trip • West fjords ferry: Stykkishólmur - Brjánslækur • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • Arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)


Jun 4, 11, 25; Jul 9, 23, 30; Aug 6, 20, 27


Single Supplement

8,695

2,450

DAY 9 LAKE MÝVATN – EAST ICELAND This morning visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. You will then travel to the uninhabited highlands to East Iceland to explore the northernmost fjord and visit the isolated village of Bakkagerði at Borgarfjörður-Eystri. This charming place still functions as a traditional Icelandic fishing village, relying on small boat fishing. Overnight at Country Guesthouse Alfheimar. (B, D) DAY 10 EAST ICELAND – VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK Admire the dramatic fjord landscape and the tiny fishing villages of the East Fjords as you travel to Vatnajökull, Europe's biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Near the town of Höfn, stop for a boat ride amongst the floating icebergs on the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, considered one of the highlights on tour around Iceland. Overnight at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (3 star), Vatnajökull National Park. (B, D) DAY 11 VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK – REYKJAVIK Further explore Vatnajökull National Park which covers 14% of Iceland. Visit the region of Skaftafell that is nestled below Iceland's highest mountain and the second biggest stratovolcano in Europe. Arrive this afternoon in Reykjavik for check in at Hotel Klettur (3 star) followed by this evening farewell dinner. (B, D) DAY 12 REYKJAVIK Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


19

ESCORTED

Honningsvag 1

TROMSØ 1 Alta SMALL GROUP

THE NORTH CAPE & NORTHERN LIGHTS 8 day Escorted Tour

Tromsø 2

SWEDEN Karasjok 1 RUSSIA

NORWAY

Inari

H Ivalo

Saariselka 2

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY

DAY 1 IVALO – SAARISELKA Your tour begins with an optional arrival transfer to Saariselka from Ivalo Airport (approximate 30 minute journey). After check in at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi (3 star), the remainder of your day is at your leisure. Tonight at a welcome meeting and dinner, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director. (D) DAY 2 SAARISELKA Today is at leisure to choose from one of the many optional winter safaris on offer, from reindeer safari, husky safari, to snowmobile safaris and many more. In the evening, enjoy your first adventure (by way of a sleigh ride) into the Finnish wilderness to chase the spectacular Northern Lights. The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis, are nature's own light show formed when the solar winds meet the atmosphere in the zone around the magnetic North Pole, forming arches, waves and curls of light moving across the sky. A truly magical experience! (B) DAY 3 SAARISELKA – INARI – KARASJOK Morning departure, via Inari, to visit the Slida Sami Museum. This museum is dedicated to the Sami culture and the diverse nature of Northern Lapland. The main exhibition focuses on survival strategies needed in the extreme conditions of the north and the demands of the cycle of seasons. After the visit you continue north-west, crossing the border into Norway and arriving in Karasjok with its small population of approx 3,000 inhabitants, and some 60,000 reindeer! Overnight at Hotel Scandic (3 star), (B, D) DAY 4 KARASJOK – HONNINGSVÅG Early morning departure to continue your journey north. Travel through the North Cape tunnel to Mageroya Island to visit the North Cape cliff (subject to the weather conditions), a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Scandic. (3 star). (B, D) DAY 5 HONNINGSVÅG – ALTA Travel south along the Posanger fjord, bound for Alta. On arrival check in at Scandic Hotel Alta (4 star) followed by the remainder of your day at leisure. The breathtaking forest terrain surrounding Alta offers the perfect base for taking in truly memorable experiences such as an optional husky safari or snow mobile adventure or you may like to visit the wonderful Alta Museum to see the exhibitions on the local history and traditions of the indigenous Sami people, the Northern Lights and the slate-quarrying industry which is crucial to this area. (B)

• 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • 2 Northern Lights excursions • Transportation by air-conditioned coach

2017/18 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

Jan 14, 21, 28; Feb 1, 22



There are many optional adventures and unique accommodation stays that can be requested to personalise your Arctic experience. Please contact our destination specialists at Beyond Travel to discuss your options. Our 2018/19 departure dates will be available in December 2017. Please contact Beyond Travel for further details.

DAY 7 TROMSØ Discover Tromsø and its highlights today with a full day at leisure. Visit the Polar Museum, which contains the history of the Arctic explorers Amundsen, Nansen and Scott; wander the historic centre with its centuries-old wooden houses; see the Arctic Cathedral with its soaring stained glass windows or simply wander the city to soak up the lively atmosphere of this cultural hub. You can also embark on more arctic wilderness adventure by joining an optional Reindeer Safari. (B) DAY 8 TROMSØ Your tour concludes with an optional departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

This evening there is an opportunity to upgrade to the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (at additional expense). Please enquire with Beyond Travel for further details. DAY 6 ALTA – TROMSØ Today, drive along scenic Arctic fjords to Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic and former starting point of many North Pole expeditions. This city is situated in the heart of the Northern Lights zone and is known as one of the best places on earth to experience this mysterious phenomenon. On arrival, check in at Thon Hotel Polar (3 star) before your evening Northern Lights Safari including a light dinner. (B, D) HUSKY SAFARI

20


ESCORTED

SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA

ICELAND

Stykkishólmur HOT SPRING GRÁBRÓK VOLCANO

SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND

HRAUNFOSSAR LAVA FIELD

Borgarnes 2 SMALL GROUP

NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPLORATION 8 day Escorted Tour

H

Thingvellir

VATNAJOKULL NP

GEYSIR

Reykjavik 1 1 1

2

Selfoss


Kirkjubæjarklaustur Seljalandsfoss

Vik

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY • 3 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified

DAY 1 REYKJAVIK Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Centerhotel Arnarhvoll (3 star). Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. DAY 2 REYKJAVIK – BORGARNES Explore Iceland’s exciting capital on a morning city tour. Afterwards your tour will travel west to explore Borgarfjörður, also known as the Saga Valley, where you will have the opportunity to climb the Grábrók volcano crater and visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Also visit the waterfalls and lava field at Hraunfossar before arriving in Borgarnes for check in at Icelandair Hotel Hamar (3 star). This evening is reserved for a lecture about the Northern Lights followed by a search for the Northern Lights. (B) DAY 3 BORGARNES / SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which juts out from Iceland’s West Coast. See the rugged mountain range, lava fields, volcanic craters, sandy beaches and high cliffs. Arrive in Stykkishólmur for a Brjánslækur fjord scenic cruise and afterwards visit a traditional shark curing farm where they make Hákarl (fermented shark). On your return to Borgarnes your guide will share some practical tips on how to photograph the Auroras and naturally once darkness falls you will be out on the hunt for the dancing lights. (B, L) DAY 4 BORGARNES – THINGVELLIR – SELFOSS Explore Iceland’s classic highlights on a journey around the famous Golden Circle. Start at Thingvellir National Park where the North American and European tectonic plates meet, followed by a visit to the iconic “Golden Falls” of Gulfoss and walk through the active geothermal area of Geysir where you will see Strokkur (The Churn), a geyser which erupts at regular intervals with its white column of boiling water reaching as high as 30m. The chef of Restaurant Geysir invites you to taste freshly baked hot spring bread served with Icelandic butter, geothermally boiled eggs and herring. It is best served with a small glass of Geysir Schnapps, very cold – nearly freezing. In the afternoon, you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse, before arriving at Fosshotel Hekla (3 star), near Selfoss in South Iceland. Tonight, step into the darkness to search for the Northern Lights amidst the peace and stillness of rural Iceland. (B) DAY 5 SELFOSS – KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR Travel along the South coast with a stop at Skógafoss waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. This afternoon take a walk along the black lava beach and bird cliffs at Reynisfjara in South Iceland. Overnight at Fosshotel Núpar (3 star) near Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the Vatnajökull National Park region, a wonderful location for chasing the Northern Lights. (B) DAY 6 KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR / VATNAJÖKULL Today’s exploration is all about glaciers, ice and icebergs. Your first stop is Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, where you can explore this extraordinary site and maybe see seals swimming in arctic waters. There is also an opportunity to walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded. Afterwards, visit the tiny turf church at Hof and spend time

• Hot Spring tasting with geothermally cooked bread • Guided tours: Reykjavik, Golden Circle and Vatnajökull National Park • Breiðafjörður fjord cruise including lunch • Blue Lagoon entrance • Northern Lights Academy program (6 evenings) including presentations, film, guided Northern Lights searches and midnight refreshments • Transportation by air-conditioned coach • Arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)

2018/19 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share 4,575


2018: Jan 9, 16, 30; Feb 6, 13, 27; Mar 6, 20, 27; Apr 3; Sep 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20, 27; Dec 4 2019: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 5, 12, 19, 26; Apr 2 at Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajökull, which covers 14% of Iceland and home to Europe's largest glacier. In the evening enjoy a film presentation about the Northern Lights followed by a search of the Auroras in this remote and quiet region. (B) DAY 7 KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR – BLUE LAGOON – REYKJAVIK This morning you will travel across the Eldhraun lava field to the village of Vík, where you can stop for the perfect photo opportunity - the black lava beach with high bird cliffs and pounding waves is very impressive. Further west you will see the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall before your return to Reykjavik. In the early evening it will be time for a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon followed by an Icelandic farewell dinner and one last nocturnal tour to seek the Northern Lights. Overnight at Centerhotel Arnarhvoll (3 star). (B, D) DAY 8 REYKJAVIK Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


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DELUXE CRU ISE

ARCTIC CIRCLE 1 1

Siglufjordur

Isafjordur

1,000

$

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Husavik

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Akranes Reykjavik

2 H

Reykholt ula

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Krysuvik

THE LAND OF ICE & FIRE

INCLUSIONS • 8 day deluxe cruise in a sea-view cabin • Full-board meals • Captain’s dinner

8 day one way cruise aboard MS Panorama

• Services of an experienced Captain and crew • English-speaking Cruise Manager

REYKJAVIK to AKUREYRI or reverse

• Port charges

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES DAY 1 REYKJAVIK Welcome to Iceland! Embarkation is from 3.00pm. Enjoy a welcome cocktail on board and the opportunity to meet your fellow passengers. (D) DAY 2 REYKJAVIK Today you have the opportunity to join an all-day optional excursion in the city before you enjoy a panoramic tour to the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula, Vikingaheimar, and the geothermal fields of Krysuvik. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B, L, D) DAY 3 REYKJAVIK – AKRANES Cruise into Akranes and join an optional excursion to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful thermal spring, and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls area. You will stop in the village of Reykholt, the hometown of the famous poet and politician Snorri Sturluson whose records of the Old Norse language and mythology of medieval Iceland are invaluable to modern scholars. Rejoin your ship this afternoon and cruise to the west fjords. (B, L, D) DAY 4 BILDUDALUR – ISAFJORDUR Cruise past the Latrarbag cliffs which rise 450 metres from the sea as you navigate towards Bildudalur. Join an optional excursion to the Dynjandi Waterfall followed by a walking tour of Bildudalur. Rejoin your ship for a cruise around the remote west fjords, with incredible views of the majestic landscape, to Isafjordur. (B, L, D)

Reykjavik to Akureyri: Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1 Akureyri to Reykjavik: Jun 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8

Jun 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18, 25; Sep 1, 8

C

B*

A

4,154

4,714

5,524

Prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share and include port charges of $444 Single Supplement for Sole-Use: Cat C-B: 50% of the twin share price; Cat A: 75% of the twin share price. *Triple cabin available. Please contact Beyond Travel. All optional tours featured in this itinerary can be purchased during your cruise. Full details and prices will be supplied with your travel documentation.

MS PANORAMA (DELUXE)

DAY 5 ISAFJORDUR Explore Isafjordur, known for its rich cultural heritage, merchant's homes dating from the 18th century and the European mud soccer championships. Your optional excursion today will explore this stunning island with a visit to the village of Bolungravik and the town of Osvor. (B, L, D)

TECHNICAL DATA Launched: 1993 Renovated: 2014 Length: 54m Breadth: 12m Speed: 20km/h Crew: 18 Passengers: 49 Cabins: 24

DAY 6 SIGLUFJORDUR – HUSAVIK This morning you will arrive at Iceland’s northernmost city, Siglufjordur. Very close to the Arctic Circle and possibly the most picturesque port in Iceland, Siglufjordur was once known as the capital of the herring fishing industry. Your cruise continues to nearby Husavik via Skjafandi Bay, known for its abundant wildlife, especially whales. (B, L, D) DAY 7 HUSAVIK – LAKE MYVATN – AKUREYRI Travel by land from Husavik to Akureyri on an optional full day tour of northern Iceland. En route you will visit Lake Myvatn, Namarksard and Dimmuborgir, all fine examples of volcanic activity with lava fields, bubbling mud pools, steam vents and desolate craters. Continue along the ring road to reach Godafoss Waterfall, one of the most impressive falls in all of Iceland. Rejoin your ship in Akureyri with free time to explore this colourful city. (B, L, D) DAY 8 AKUREYRI Your cruise concludes on disembarkation in Akureyri. (B) The itinerary in the reverse direction (Akureyri-Reykjavik) varies slightly to the above. Please contact Beyond Travel for further details.

22

CHOOSE YOUR CABIN DECK CABIN CODE Upper/ Category A A Main Category B B Lower Category C C

BEDDING

SIZE

WINDOW

TO OPEN

Double/Twin

11.5sqm

Window

No

Twin Double/Twin

11.5sqm 11.5sqm

Porthole Porthole

No No

Please visit www.beyondtravel.com.au or contact Beyond Travel for further details on MS Panorama


www.cruise-russia.com.au YOUR ONE-STOP WEBSITE FOR RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISING

WIDE CHOICE

UP TO DATE

RED HOT SPECIALS

AVAILABILITY

WIDE RANGE OF CRUISES & BOATS FIRST CLASS

t

Departure Port

t

Category of Cruise

t

Itinerary

t

DESTINATIONS

SELECT BY:

Comprehensive boat descriptions & images

t

STANDARD

PRICES

CHOOSE THE PERFECT CRUISE FOR YOU

t

DELUXE

UP TO THE MINUTE

Special Offer


23

DELUXE CRU ISE

MS VOLGA DREAM IN MOSCOW

VOLGA DREAM 13 day one way cruise-tour aboard MS Volga Dream MOSCOW to ST. PETERSBURG or reverse DAY 1 MOSCOW Welcome to Moscow! Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel located in the historic heart of the city. In the evening, join your guide and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting. Platinum Class: Ararat Park Hyatt or St. Regis Moscow Hotel Nikolskaya (5 star) Gold Class: Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel (5 star) DAY 2 MOSCOW This morning join the following tours in Moscow: Platinum Class: Kremlin, Cathedrals and Armoury Museum tour including the Diamond Fund. You will have lunch at a local restaurant followed by a tour of the city and a visit to the renowned State Tretyakov Gallery to view its collection of Russian art. (B, L) Gold Class: A Moscow city tour including Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent followed by an afternoon at leisure. (B) DAY 3 MOSCOW Today there is more opportunity to discover Russia’s dynamic capital city: Platinum Class: Begin your day with a backstage tour of the famous Bolshoi Theatre* followed by a tour of the Moscow Metro, renowned for its architectural splendour. This afternoon visit the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. (B, L) Gold Class: A morning Kremlin, Cathedrals and Armoury Museum tour. (B) *May, Jun and Sep departures only. On all other departures this tour will be replaced with a tour to the State Central Museum DAY 4 MOSCOW Check-out from your hotel and enjoy further touring before a transfer to MS Volga Dream. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome aboard ceremony of bread, salt and vodka before dinner: Platinum Class: Visit the New Tretyakov Gallery led by a specially invited museum curator and after lunch continue with a Moscow Architecture tour. (B, L, D) Gold Class: Visit the renowned State Tretyakov Gallery to view its collection of Russian art followed by a tour of the Moscow Metro, renowned for its architectural splendour. (B, D) DAY 5 CRUISE: UGLICH Morning cruise on the Moscow Canal. Afternoon walking tour of Uglich, which dates back to the 10th century, including the Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood. (B, L, D) DAY 6 CRUISE: YAROSLAVL Early arrival in Yaroslavl, one of Russia’s oldest cities, for a tour of the Spassky Monastery and a Russian Tea Ceremony, with a traditional costume reception, at the Governor’s House. Afternoon cruise on the Volga and on deck barbeque. (B, L, D)

24

DAY 7 CRUISE: GORITZY Cross Lake Beloye to the village of Goritzy for a tour of the fortress-like gold Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397 and home to an incredible collection of Russian icons. Evening Russian dinner aboard with vodka tasting. (B, L, D) DAY 8 CRUISE: KIZHI Morning cruising across Lake Onega to Kizhi Island for a tour of the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Church of the Transfiguration. This evening, relax on board with a piano concert featuring the works of Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov. (B, L, D) DAY 9 CRUISE: SVIRSTROY Visit the village of Svirstroy and spend time with the local residents who share with you the town’s traditions, lifestyle and local flavours including a tea and pirozhkill (local pies). (B, L, D) DAY 10 ST. PETERSBURG Early arrival into St. Petersburg where you disembark MS Volga Dream and join a city tour including Peter & Paul Fortress. Following lunch: Platinum Class: A visit to the Faberge Museum with its collection of nine eggs commissioned by the Russian royal family. (B, L) Gold Class: An afternoon visit to the renowned Hermitage Museum with its impressive collection of European art. (B, L) Platinum Class: Grand Hotel Europe (5 star) Gold Class: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (5 star) DAY 11 ST. PETERSBURG Today explore this magnificent imperial city further: Platinum Class: Tour to Pushkin to visit the famed Catherine Palace and its Amber Room. Then visit the beautiful gardens surrounding Peterhof Palace before returning to the city to visit the Yusupov Palace for a series of short musical performances. (B, L) Gold Class: Morning tour to Peterhof Palace and Gardens, featuring the fountains of the Grand Cascade. (B) DAY 12 ST. PETERSBURG Today, join the following tours in St. Petersburg: Platinum Class: Early entry, before the crowds, to the Hermitage Museum. Follow on with a canal cruise, Russian Choral performance and visit to an authentic Russian home. (B, L) Gold Class: Tour to Pushkin to visit the famed Catherine Palace and its Amber Room. Continue your touring with a visit to the Faberge Museum. (B, L) DAY 13 ST. PETERSBURG Your Volga Dream cruise-tour concludes after breakfast with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


disc

300

$

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1 Lake Ladoga

1

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FINLAND

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Kizhi Island

Lake Onega

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Goritsy

Mandrogi

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St. Petersburg 3

Rybinsk Reservoir 1

Yaroslavl

Uglich ESTONIA

RUSSIA

GORITZY 1

INCLUSIONS 3 Moscow H

LATVIA

• 6 nights 5 star hotel accommodation • 6 night deluxe cruise in a river-view cabin • All meals on board MS Volga Dream • Additional meals in Moscow and St. Petersburg Platinum Class: Breakfast and six lunches Gold Class: Breakfast and two lunches • Complimentary wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board MS Volga Dream • Small group shore excursions as detailed Platinum Class: Maximum 18 guests Gold Class: maximum 25 guests • Port lectures and cultural highlights • Arrival & departure transfers (first and last day only) • Port charges and local taxes


ENGLISH ONLY

Moscow to St. Petersburg: May 18; Jul 16, 28; Aug 21; Sep 2, 20 St. Petersburg to Moscow: May 12, 27; Jun 12+; Aug 15; Sep 26

PLATINUM from

GOLD from

$6,945pp

$4,695pp

Go to www.cruise-russia.com.au for the best prices, HOT deals and cabin availability. Plus single prices, ship images and information. From prices are per person twin share based on August 15 departure in a Standard Cabin, cabin deck. See the website, call or email for all other prices. + 12 nights aboard Volga Dream in GOLD CLASS ONLY (no hotel nights in Moscow or St. Petersburg). Please contact Beyond Travel for full details.

MS VOLGA DREAM (DELUXE) TECHNICAL DATA Launched: Refurbished: Length: Breadth: Speed: Crew members: Passengers: Cabins/Suites: Voltage:

ST. PETERSBURG

CHOOSE YOUR CABIN DECK CABIN Sun Deck Deluxe Junior Suite Junior Suite Deluxe Deluxe Single Promenade Deck Owners Suite Junior Suite Deluxe Standard Single Main Deck Superior Cabin Deck Standard

BEDDING Double Double Twin Single Double Double Double Single Twin Twin


SIZE 15.8sqm 13.1sqm 11.7sqm 7.5sqm 24.2sqm 14.7sqm 11.3sqm 6.4sqm 10.6sqm 9.4sqm

WINDOW Window Window Window Window Window Window Window Window Window Porthole

1959 2007 96m 14.5m 25km/h 60 109 50/6 220v

TO OPEN Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

25

FIRST CLASS CRU ISE

Lake Onega

FINLAND

Kizhi Island

1

Svirstry Mandrogi

Lake Ladoga 1

1

Goritzy

1 H St. Petersburg

1

Rybinsk Reservoir

Uglich ESTONIA

RUSSIA 1

KIZHI

1

LATVIA

RUSSIAN RHAPSODY 8 day one way cruise aboard MS Mstislav Rostropovich

Moscow

INCLUSIONS • 8 day cruise in a river-view cabin • All on board meals • Complimentary glass of wine with dinner • Shore excursions as detailed

ST. PETERSBURG to MOSCOW or reverse

• Port lectures and cultural highlights • Port charges

DAY 1 ST. PETERSBURG Welcome to imperial St. Petersburg! Following embarkation and a traditional “Bread & Salt” ceremony, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and afterwards enjoy this evening’s Welcome Dinner. (D) DAY 2 ST. PETERSBURG Today, during your city tour, you will see the imperial palaces and stunning cathedrals of St. Petersburg. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, which houses the burial vault of the Romanov dynasty followed by lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon is reserved for a tour of the world-renowned Hermitage Museum. (B, L, D)

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES St. Petersburg to Moscow: May 12, 26; Jul 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15, 29; Oct 13 Moscow to St. Petersburg: May 5, 19; Jun 2; Jul 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8, 22; Oct 6

from

DAY 3 MANDROGI This morning, cruise to the traditional Russian village of Mandrogi to view some fine examples of wooden architecture. A barbeque lunch will be served ashore, where you have a chance to taste the Russian shashlik (kebab). (B, L, D) DAY 4 KIZHI Cruise along Lake Onega to the World-Heritage listed Kizhi Island for a tour of the Museum of Wooden Architecture with the iconic Church of the Transfiguration. The 300 years old multi-dome church is most noted for being constructed entirely without nails. (B, L, D) DAY 5 GORITZY Today you will cruise to Goritzy to visit the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, which was one of the largest, richest and most famous monasteries in Russia in 15-17th centuries. (B, L, D) DAY 6 UGLICH Enjoy a walking tour of Uglich, including a visit to the Kremlin grounds Transfiguration Cathedral and the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son was killed. (B, L, D)

$1,980pp Go to www.cruise-russia.com.au for the best prices, HOT deals and cabin availability. Plus single prices, ship images and information. From prices are per person twin share based on a Standard Cabin, main deck (J) in low season. See the website, call or email for all other prices.

MS ROSTROPOVICH (FIRST CLASS) TECHNICAL DATA Launched: 1980 Renovated: 2009 Length: 135m Breadth: 16.8m Speed: 25km/h Crew: 100 Passengers: 212 Cabins: 106

DAY 7 MOSCOW On today’s city tour you see many of the city’s iconic landmarks including the colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, the GUM and the Bolshoi Theatre. Your tour continues with a visit to the formidable Kremlin, the official residence of the President of Russia and the apex of Russian political power. Explore the Kremlin grounds with a visit to one of its historic cathedrals. (B, L, D) DAY 8 MOSCOW Your Russian Rhapsody cruise concludes after breakfast. (B) CHOOSE YOUR CABIN

MOSCOW

26

DECK

CABIN

BEDDING

SIZE

Sun Boat Middle Main

Deluxe (A) Standard (G) Standard (H) Standard (J)

Double/Twin Double/Twin Double/Twin Double

15.7-16.3sqmBalcony 12.7sqm Balcony 12.4-13.4sqmBalcony 11.7-12.1sqmWindow

WINDOW

TO OPEN

Yes Yes Yes No

The above cabin categories are a sample of cabins available aboard MS Rostropovich. For more images, cabin categories, deck plans and further ship details please refer to our website.


STANDARD CRU ISE

Lake Onega

FINLAND

Kizhi Island

1

Svirstry Mandrogi

Lake Ladoga 1

disc

ESTONIA

per cou ple

Pay by 29

DEC

over more ...

11 or 10 day cruise aboard MS Anton Chekhov

350

$

Rybinsk Reservoir 1

Uglich

Yaroslavl

RUSSIA 1

d isc

VOLGA CLASSIC

to

1

St. Petersburg

o v e r mor e. ..

ST. PETERSBURG

SAVE Up

Goritzy

2

o v er mor e.. . disc

over more

...

disc

1

2 Moscow H

LATVIA

INCLUSIONS • 11 or 10 day cruise in a river-view cabin • All on board meals • Shore excursions as detailed • Port lectures and cultural highlights

MOSCOW to ST. PETERSBURG or reverse DAY 1 MOSCOW Welcome to Moscow! Embarkation is from 2.00pm, followed by an evening Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner. (D) DAY 2 MOSCOW Morning city tour of Moscow which includes Red Square the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free or join optional tours to Tretyakov Gallery and Moscow by Night. (B, L, D) DAY 3 MOSCOW Today take a tour of the Kremlin and its Cathedrals with the option to visit the Armoury Museum – a stunning collection of royal artefacts, carriages and coronation dresses. (B, L, D)

• Port charges

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES 11 DAY CRUISE Moscow to St. Petersburg: May 27; Jun 15; Jul 4, 23; Aug 11, 30 10 DAY CRUISE Moscow to St. Petersburg: May 9; Sep 18 St. Petersburg to Moscow: May 18; Jun 6, 25; Jul 14; Aug 2, 21; Sep 9

from

DAY 4 UGLICH Morning cruising along the Moscow Canal to Uglich where you will visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood. (B, L, D)

$1,760pp

DAY 5 YAROSLAVL Early arrival in Yaroslavl for a city tour and visit to the Church of Ilja The Prophet and Spassky Monastery of the Transfiguration. (B, L, D) DAY 6 GORITZY Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterway to Goritzy. Visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. (B, L, D) DAY 7 LAKE ONEGA & KIZHI Cruising Lake Onega to Kizhi Island for a tour of its Museum of Wooden Architecture with the Church of the Transfiguration. (B, L, D) DAY 8 SCENIC CRUISING A day of cruising along the Svir River, before a short stop at the village of Mandrogi to view some fine examples of wooden architecture and the Vodka Museum. (B, L, D)

Go to www.cruise-russia.com.au for the best prices, HOT deals and cabin availability. Plus single prices, ship images and information. From prices are per person twin share based on a Standard Cabin, main deck (10 day itinerary). See the website, call or email for all other prices.

MS ANTON CHEKHOV (STANDARD)

DAY 9 ST. PETERSBURG Arrive in St. Petersburg for a morning city tour of this incredible city with its imperial palaces and museums enjoying worldwide fame. In the afternoon join optional tours to either Peterhof Palace or Pushkin and Catherine Palace. (B, L, D)

TECHNICAL DATA Launched: 1978 Renovated: 2003 Length: 115m Breadth: 16.7m Speed: 25km/h Crew: 70 Passengers: 195 Cabins: 98

DAY 10 ST. PETERSBURG Today take a tour of the Hermitage Museum. In the afternoon you will be offered an optional tour of the Yusupov Palace before an evening Farewell Dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 11 ST. PETERSBURG Your Volga Classic cruise concludes after breakfast. (B) Note: The cruise St. Petersburg to Moscow (and select Moscow to St. Petersburg dates) is 10 days with Yaroslavl omitted.

CHOOSE YOUR CABIN DECK

Boat Upper Main

CABIN

BEDDING

SIZE

WINDOW

TO OPEN

Suite Standard Standard Junior Suite Standard

Double Twin Twin Double Twin

20sqm 8-10sqm 8-10sqm 20sqm 8-10sqm

Window Window Window Window Window

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes


27

Kazan Moscow

RUSSIA

LEGENDARY RAIL JOURNEYS THE TRANS-SIBERIAN AND TRANS-MONGOLIAN RAILWAYS ARE TWO OF THE WORLD’S TRULY CLASSIC JOURNEYS. NOW OVER 100 YEARS ON FROM THE INAUGURAL DEPARTURE, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE LEGENDARY RAIL JOURNEYS FULL OF ADVENTURE AND ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES. The following pages offer two different and equally amazing ways to experience this great rail journey. You can choose from our premium private train for a comfortable care-free holiday with like-minded travellers or tailor make your own adventure aboard local trains. With a choice of travel styles available you can explore the fascinating cities, villages and scenery of Russia, Mongolia & China in a way that is designed just for you!

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LEGENDARY RAIL JOURNEYS

RUSSIA Yekaterinburg RUSSIA

Novosibirsk

Irkutsk

LAKE BAIKAL

Ulan Ude

Khabarovsk TRANS SIBERIAN

KAZAKHSTAN

Ulaan Baatar

MONGOLIA UZ BE KIS TA N

TRANS MONGOLIAN

Vladivostok

CHINA Beijing

Escorted Rail Journey

Tailor-Made for you

PREMIUM PRIVATE TRAIN

LOCAL TRAIN

PREMIUM

This epic adventure is experienced effortlessly aboard the private Czar’s Gold train. A comprehensive, all inclusive escorted tour offering an immersive experience that is exciting, comfortable and care-free. Once-in-alifetime experiences such as an exclusive miniNaadam festival at Terelj National Park and an evening barbeque by Lake Baikal are just some of the special features of this premium journey.

TAILOR-MADE

For those who would like to design their own adventure on this classic journey with the help of our passsionate and experienced. Enjoy the security and convenience of pre-booked services, we give you the essential ingredients of your holiday including rail tickets, hotels, transfers and sightseeing and leave the rest up to you. Do as much or as little as you like and relish the freedom of travelling just like the locals.


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RAIL JOURNEY

BEIJING

CZAR’S GOLD PREMIUM

15 or 16 day Escorted Rail Journey This premium rail journey offers an exciting and comfortable adventure on the legendary Trans-Mongolian Railway aboard a private train at an affordable price. Travel 8,000 kilometres from Moscow’s Red Square to the imperial city of Beijing or vice versa on the journey of a lifetime!

DAY 1 MOSCOW Welcome to Moscow! Your rail journey commences with an arrival transfer to the centrally located, Hotel InterContinental Tverskaya (4 star) or similar. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers as you discover the Russian capital wonderfully illuminated on a night tour of the city. Before dinner, stroll across Red Square and experience some of Moscow’s elaborate metro stations. (D) DAY 2 MOSCOW Your city tour includes the Kremlin and its magnificent cathedrals, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM department store, Lenin’s Mausoleum on Red Square, as well as the Bolshoi Theatre and KGB building. In the evening, board your private train, the Czar’s Gold, and depart for Kazan. (B, L, D) DAY 3 KAZAN On arrival in Kazan, the ancient capital of Tartarstan, visit the city’s Kremlin and learn about the turbulent history of the Tartars, Cossacks and Russians. Your train resumes its journey in the evening. (B, L, D) DAY 4 YEKATERINBURG A short tour of Yekaterinburg visits the newly erected Cathedral on the Blood, built as a memorial to the last Russian Czar, Nicholas II, and his family who were executed here. Continue your journey through the vast steppes of Western Siberia. (B, L, D) DAY 5 NOVOSIBIRSK As you reach Novosibirsk in the heart of Siberia, you will be welcomed by the Russian tradition of bread and salt. Your city tour includes a visit to Lenin Square and the Opera House. (B, L, D) DAY 6 ON BOARD Relax, chat with new friends and admire the scenery as your train travels through Siberia. Your on-board chefs demonstrate their skills with their speciality Czar’s Feast where you can enjoy caviar and vodka tasting. (B, L, D) DAY 7 IRKUTSK Irkutsk is the capital of eastern Siberia and on a city tour you will discover the traditional wooden architecture the region is known for. After lunch, take an excursion to an open-air museum that highlights Siberian life in times past. Dinner is in a local restaurant before checking in to Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (4 star) or similar. (B, L, D) DAY 8 LAKE BAIKAL Drive to Listvyanka on the shores of picturesque Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake. From here take a boat ride to Port Baikal where you will meet your train. A barbecue dinner will be served by the side of the lake. (B, L, D)

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DAY 9 ULAN UDE Travel along the shores of Lake Baikal and then through the mountain steppes towards the Mongolian border. A short stop is made in Ulan Ude for a tour of this interesting town which is home to the ethnic Buryat people. (B, L, D) DAY 10 ULAAN BATAAR Arrive in Mongolia’s capital and embark on a city tour. Visit the impressive Buddhist Gandan Monastery, the open-air railway museum and the Lama Museum. Spend the night in Ramada Hotel (4 star) or similar. (B, L, D) DAY 11 MONGOLIAN ALPS After breakfast, a coach excursion reveals the beautiful countryside of the Mongolian Alps. Lunch will be served in a typical ger camp of nomadic herdsmen, and a horseback riding show will be performed for you. In the evening continue to the Chinese border. (B, L, D) DAY 12 GOBI DESERT Reach the Chinese border at lunch time where you will transfer to a modern Chinese train for the remainder of your rail journey. (Note: Cabins are standard 2 or 4 berth and the train does not have Nostalgic Comfort or Bolshoi carriages. Single and twin accommodation can not be guaranteed, except for those clients travelling in Nostalgic Comfort cabins or above.) (B, L, D) DAY 13 BEIJING After observing Chinese rural life from your cabin window, you arrive in Beijing in the morning. Check-in to Hotel Capital (4 star) or similar and begin your exploration of the Chinese capital. (B, L) DAY 14 BEIJING A morning city tour will show you the Temple of Heaven as well as the huge expanse of Tiananmen Square. A guided tour through the interior of the Forbidden City follows in the afternoon. (B, L) DAY 15 BEIJING Today’s highlight will be an excursion to the Great Wall of China. Your tour also includes a tour of a pearl cultivation farm and the ancient Ming Tombs, burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. In the evening, enjoy traditional Peking duck at a farewell dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 16 BEIJING Your Czar’s Gold rail journey concludes after breakfast with a departure transfer (conditions apply) to the airport. (B) Note: The 15 day itinerary from Beijing to Moscow omits 1 night in Beijing.


RUSSIA Yekaterinburg

Moscow

H 1

1

Novosibirsk LAKE

1

2

1

Irkutsk BAIKAL 1

Kazan

Ulan Ude

1

MONGOLIA

KAZAKHSTAN

1

Ulaan Bataar 1 UZ BE KIS TA N

GEORGIA

TURKEY

2 KYRGYZSTAN

CHINA

TURKMENISTAN TAJIKISTAN

Beijing 3

IRAN

INCLUSIONS • Dedicated Tour Director, professional group guides and knowledgeable local guides

CZAR’S GOLD PRIVATE TRAIN

• Combined train and hotel accommodation with alternate nights taken either on board or in 3, 4 or 5 star hotels • Extensive sightseeing program accompanied by local guides • Educational lectures on local culture and history • All meals on board served in the restaurant carriage with the finest local cuisine

BOLSHOI PLATINUM

• Dedicated carriage attendant serving snacks and drinks • Daytimes prioritised for sightseeing, with longdistance journeys travelled at night • Arrival and departure transfers (conditions apply) • Hotel transfers at intermediate destinations including porterage service • Border formalities organised on board the train

NOSTALGIC CLASSIC

• Travel guide and personal log book

2018 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Moscow-Beijing (16 days): May 5; Jun 2, 28; Jul 21; Aug 16; Sep 8 Beijing-Moscow (15 days): May 13; Jun 10; Jul 6, 29; Aug 24; Sep 16

CLASSIC

CHOOSE YOUR CABIN CABIN BEDDING Classic Twin (side by side) Superior Twin (side by side)

SIZE 3.8sqm 3.8sqm

Nostalgic Classic Twin (upper & lower)

4sqm

Bolshoi

Twin (upper & lower)

5.6sqm

Bolshoi Platinum

Twin (upper & lower)

7.2sqm

FACILITIES Shared - 2 toilets per carriage/1 shower compartment in every 2nd carriage Shared – one toilet and shower compartment shared between two cabins Private – each cabin has its own shower and toilet. Platinum has a slightly larger bathroom compartment

Moscow to Beijing Beijing to Moscow Per Person Single Per Person Single Twin Share Supplement Twin Share Supplement Classic Superior Nostalgic Classic Bolshoi Bolshoi Platinum

10,260 10,800 14,360 19,040 22,400

4,000 4,460 7,280 10,370 12,050

Low Season Discount (May departures only)

10,070 10,610 14,210 18,720 22,070

3,850 4,310 7,130 10,240 11,890

330 per person

Triple and Quad Share cabins available. Please contact Beyond Travel for prices and details.


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RAIL JOURNEY

RUSSIA

3 St. Petersburg

3

2

Moscow

Irkutsk LAKE 2

Kazan

1

BAIKAL

Ulaan Bataar 1 1 Terelj NP

KAZAKHSTAN

MONGOLIA GEORGIA

TURKEY

UZ BE KIS TA N

1

KYRGYZSTAN

TURKMENISTAN TAJIKISTAN

CHINA

Beijing

H 3

ENHANCE YOUR TAILOR-MADE TRANS-MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE

MONGOLIA

TAILOR-MADE TRANS-MONGOLIAN

MONGOLIA GER STAY & WILD HORSES

18 day Tailor-Made Rail Journey

6 day Tailor-Made Tour from $1,670*

TAILOR-MADE

Departs Daily: Jan-Dec

INCLUSIONS This package fits perfectly within train times for travellers arriving from Beijing and continuing to Russia. Highlights include Ulaan Baatar; ger stays on the Mongolian Steppes, wild horse watching and the ancient capital, Karakorum.

• 4 star hotel accommodation for 11 nights • Ger camp accommodation for 1 night • 1st class (2 berth) sleeper accommodation for 5 nights • Meals as specified

DAY 1 Arrival transfer and hotel accommodation at Hotel Ramada.

• Sightseeing as per itinerary with English-speaking local guides

DAY 2 Gandan Monastery tour. Overnight ger stay at Mongol Els Sand Dunes region (B, L, D)

• Private vehicle arrival and departure transfers in each city DAY 1 BEIJING Arrival transfer to Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao Hotel (4 star). DAY 2 BEIJING Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace tour. (B, L) DAY 3 BEIJING Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs tour. (B, L) DAY 4 BEIJING – ULAAN BAATAR Transfer. Overnight train to Ulaan Baatar. (B) DAY 5 ULAAN BAATAR Arrival transfer to Hotel Ramada (4 star). Afternoon National Museum Tour and evening concert. (D) DAY 6 ULAAN BAATAR Gandan Monastery and Terelj National Park overnight excursion. Overnight at a traditional ger camp. (B, L, D) DAY 7 ULAAN BAATAR – IRKUTSK Transfer. Overnight train to Irkutsk. (B) DAY 8 IRKUTSK Arrival transfer to Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (4 star). Irkutsk Walking Tour. DAY 9 IRKUTSK Lake Baikal & Listvyanka Excursion. (B) DAY 10 IRKUTSK Transfer. 3 night train to Moscow. (B) DAYS 11-12 ON BOARD DAY 13 MOSCOW Arrival transfer to Peter 1 Hotel (4 star). DAY 14 MOSCOW Kremlin & Armoury Museum, Metro and Arbat Street Tour (B) DAY 15 MOSCOW – ST. PETERSBURG City tour with Novodevichy Convent. Transfer and high-speed train to St. Petersburg. Arrival transfer to Golden Triangle Hotel (4 star). (B) DAY 16 ST. PETERSBURG City tour with Peter & Paul Fortress and Hermitage Museum Tour. (B) DAY 17 ST. PETERSBURG Peterhof Palace & Gardens Tour. (B) DAY 18 ST. PETERSBURG Departure transfer. (B) Note: Rail schedules are based on 2017 and are subject to change at any time.

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DAY 4 Excursion to Kushstain Naruu National Park to view the rare “Takhi”– Przewalski’s wild horse. Overnight ger stay (B, L, D) DAY 5 Return to Ulaan Baatar. Visit Bogd Khan Palace. Traditional concert. (B, D) DAY 6 Departure transfer. (B)

KAZAN – WHERE EUROPE & ASIA MEET 2 day Tailor-Made Tour from $225* Departs Daily: Jan-Dec The capital of Tatarstan, Kazan bridges Central Asia and Europe and offers a unique blend of architectural and cultural styles. The UNESCO-listed Kremlin, built on the orders of Ivan the Terrible, overlooks the Volga River and contains Europe’s largest mosque. DAY 1 Arrival transfer and accommodation at Centre Hotel Kazan Kremlin (4 star). DAY 2 City Walking Tour and departure transfer (B)

2018 DEPARTURES

Jan-Dec (Saturday or Wednesday)

DAY 3 Excursion to Karakorum & Erdene Zuu. Overnight ger stay. (B, L, D)

Per Person Twin Share from 7,825

Single Supplement (Hotels Only) from 3,395

*From prices are per person, based on twin share. The above itineraries are designed to fit within train schedules along the Trans-Mongolian Railway.


RAIL JOURNEY

RUSSIA 3 St. Petersburg LAKE

3

LAKE BAIKAL

Listvyanka BAIKAL

2

TAILOR-MADE TRANS-SIBERIAN

TAILOR-MADE

15 day Tailor-Made Rail Journey

3

Irkutsk 2

Moscow KAZAKHSTAN

MONGOLIA GEORGIA

UZ BE KIS TA N

CHINA

H

Vladisvostok 1

KYRGYZSTAN

ENHANCE YOUR TAILOR-MADE TRANS-SIBERIAN ADVENTURE

LAKE BAIKAL VILLAGE STAY INCLUSIONS

4 day Tailor-Made Tour from $855*

• 4 star hotel accommodation for 8 nights • 1st class (2 berth) sleeper accommodation for 6 nights

Departs Daily: Jun-Sep

• Meals as specified • Sightseeing as per itinerary with English-speaking local guides • Private vehicle arrival and departure transfers in each city • Services of a local representative

This package starts in Irkutsk with extra time to explore Lake Baikal staying in the charming lake-side, wooden village of Bolshoe Koty, plus a night in the larger village of Lystvyanka. Day 1 Arrival transfer and hotel accommodation at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (4 star). Irkutsk walking tour.

DAY 1 VLADIVOSTOK Arrival transfer to Hotel Hyundai (4 star). DAY 2 VLADIVOSTOK City Tour. Transfer. 3 night train to Irkutsk. (B) DAY 3-4 ON BOARD DAY 5 IRKUTSK Arrival transfer to Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (4 star). Irkutsk Walking Tour. DAY 6 IRKUTSK Lake Baikal & Listvyanka Excursion. (B)

Day 2 Transfer to the pier; hydrofoil tickets to Bolshoe Koty and chalet accommodation. (B, L, D) Day 3 Free morning; hydrofoil to Lystvyanka and transfer to chalet accommodation. (B, L, D) Day 4 Lystvyanka and Wooden Architecture Museum tour; departure transfer to Irkutsk train station. (B)

DAY 7 IRKUTSK Transfer. 3 night train to Moscow. (B) DAYS 8-9 ON BOARD DAY 10 MOSCOW Arrival transfer to Peter 1 Hotel (4 star). DAY 11 MOSCOW Kremlin & Armoury Museum and Moscow Metro & Arbat Street Tour (B) DAY 12 MOSCOW – ST. PETERSBURG City tour with Novodevichy Convent. Transfer and high-speed train to St. Petersburg. Arrival transfer to Golden Triangle Hotel (4 star). (B) DAY 13 ST. PETERSBURG City tour with Peter & Paul Fortress Tour and Hermitage Museum Tour. (B) DAY 14 ST. PETERSBURG Peterhof Palace & Gardens Tour. (B) DAY 15 ST. PETERSBURG Departure transfer. (B) Note: Rail schedules are based on 2017 and are subject to change at any time.

Jan-Dec

2 day Tailor-Made Tour from $245* Departs Daily: Jan-Dec Yekaterinburg is associated with the execution site of Russia’s last czar and royal family, as well a being a unique location at the border between Asia and Europe. Day 1 Greeting on arrival and transfer to Hotel Onegin (4 star). City Walking Tour. Day 2 Romanovs in Yekaterinburg Tour and departure transfer to Yekaterinburg train station. (B)

2018 DAILY DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share from 5,975

SPOTLIGHT ON YEKATERINBURG

Single Supplement (Hotels Only) from 2,490

*From prices are per person, based on twin share. The above itineraries are designed to fit within train schedules along the Trans-Siberian Railway.


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TAILOR-MADE

BEST OF THE GOLDEN RING GOLDEN RING EXPLORER

1 Kostroma

Yaroslavl

Rostov Veliky 1 Suzdal 2 1

RUSSIA

Sergiev Posad

SERGIEV POSAD

Moscow

BEST OF THE GOLDEN RING

H

Bogolyubovo Vladimir

INCLUSIONS • Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY • 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified

TAILOR-MADE

4 day Tailor-Made Tour

• Sightseeing as per itinerary • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle

DAY 1 MOSCOW – BOGOLYUBOVO – VLADIMIR – SUZDAL Travel through the Russian countryside to the historic town of Vladimir, dating back to the 12th century and once the former capital of Russia. See Vladimir’s historical monuments including the Cathedral of the Assumption with its ornate frescoes and majestic St. Dimetrius Cathedral. Travel a short distance to the village of Bogolyubovo to see the famous Church of the Intercession-on-the-Nerl, and then continue to charming Suzdal, a picturesque ‘living museum.’ Overnight Best Western Art Hotel Nikolaevsky Posad (4 star). (L, D) DAY 2 SUZDAL – KOSTROMA Tour the ancient town of Suzdal including the 11th century Kremlin and visit the history museum in the Cross Chamber, followed by the Monastery of St. Eufimius and its beautiful Cathedral of the Transfiguration and the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or visit a local farmer and his family for a tour of their house and a typical Russian meal which they will prepare specially for you (visit to a local family depends on availability). Then continue to Kostroma, founded in 1152 on the banks of the Volga River. Here you will visit Ipatiev Monastery and Trinity Cathedral, from where the Romanov Dynasty began in 1613. Overnight at Hotel Snegurochka (3 star). (B, L, D) DAY 3 KOSTROMA – YAROSLAVL – ROSTOV VELIKY Drive to Yaroslavl for a tour of this 9th century town including a stroll along the riverfront and a visit to the impressive 16th century Monastery of the Saviour. Continue to Rostov Veliky and enjoy a tour of the Kremlin, a fortress complex with beautifully decorated churches and towers. Overnight at Hotel Selivanovo (3 star). (B, L, D) DAY 4 ROSTOV VELIKY – SERGIEV POSAD – MOSCOW Travel to the historic town of Sergiev Posad, home of the functioning Holy Trinity St. Sergius Monastery and ‘Vatican’ of the Russian Orthodox Church. Walk amongst the bearded monks attired in their traditional black gowns and experience prayers and singing as you visit the colourful churches with their splendid gilded domes. Return to Moscow arriving mid afternoon. (B, L)

• Services of a local representative

2018 DAILY DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share

Single Supplement

Best of the Golden Ring Jan – Dec

2,410

1,925

Golden Ring Explorer Jan – Dec

1,585

1,195

Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes

GOLDEN RING EXPLORER TAILOR-MADE


DAY 1 MOSCOW – SERGIEV POSAD – SUZDAL Travel through the Russian countryside to the historic town of Sergiev Posad, home of the functioning Holy Trinity St. Sergius Monastery and ‘Vatican’ of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the afternoon travel a short distance to charming Suzdal, a picturesque ‘living museum,’ where you will visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture to see traditional log houses and churches. Overnight at Hotel Pushkarskaya Sloboda (3 star). (L, D) DAY 2 SUZDAL / BOGOLYUBOVO – VLADIMIR Tour the ancient town of Suzdal including the 11th century Kremlin and the Cathedral of the Nativity with its beautiful frescoes. Continue to the 14th century Monastery of St. Eufimius with its sevendomed cathedral and then onto the village of Bogolyubovo to see the famous Church of the Intercession-on the-Nerl. In the afternoon drive to Vladimir, founded in the 12th century, and once the former capital of Russia. Your tour includes such historic landmarks as the Golden Gate, Assumption Cathedral and St. Dimetrius Cathedral. (B, L, D)

SUZDAL

34

DAY 3 SUZDAL – MOSCOW Your tour concludes on return to Moscow in the early afternoon. (B)


TAILOR-MADE

H St. Petersburg 4

Veliky Novgorod 1 ESTONIA

RUSSIA

1

LATVIA

MOSCOW

BELARUS

GRAND RUSSIA

2

Moscow

INCLUSIONS • Hotel accommodation in your preferred category

TAILOR-MADE

9 day Tailor-Made Rail Tour

• Early check-in at your hotel in Moscow • Meals as specified • Sightseeing as per itinerary

DAY 1 ST. PETERSBURG Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Angleterre Hotel (4 star) or Cronwell Inn Stremyannaya (3 star). The rest of the day is at leisure to begin exploring Russia’s elegant ‘Window to the West.’ DAY 2 ST. PETERSBURG This morning, enjoy a guided St. Petersburg City Tour which includes Peter and Paul Fortress. Experience the city’s imperial 18th century architecture of palaces, mansions and cathedrals as you drive along the city’s main boulevard, Nevsky Prospekt. Pass Kazan Cathedral, Winter Palace, Spilt Blood Cathedral and St. Isaac’s Cathedral as you make your way to Peter and Paul Fortress, foundation settlement of the city in 1703 and burial place of the Romanov Dynasty. This afternoon and evening are at leisure, why not take in a performance at one of St. Petersburg’s many theatres or a folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace. (B) DAY 3 ST. PETERSBURG After breakfast, visit the former Winter Palace of the Czars, which was stormed by the Bolshevik’s during the 1917 Revolution, on your Hermitage Museum Tour. Your guide will introduce you to its immense collection of over 2.7 million treasures from around the world including European, pre-historic, Egyptian and Oriental art works. After the completion of your tour you will have free time to wander the museum by yourself or enjoy the many other delights of St. Petersburg. (B) DAY 4 ST. PETERSBURG Today, take an excursion to Peterhof Palace and Gardens. This grand summer palace, built by Peter the Great, has a perfect location on the Gulf of Finland. See the many lavishly furnished staterooms and stroll through the beautiful gardens to see the wonderful fountains and gold statues of the Grand Cascade. Return to the city with your evening at leisure. (B) DAY 5 ST. PETERSBURG – VELIKY NOVGOROD Meet your guide and depart on a Pushkin and Catherine Palace Tour. This former aristocratic town is home to the baroque Catherine Palace with its ornate façade and famed Amber Room, lovingly restored for the 300th anniversary of the birth of St. Petersburg in 2003. You will then take a scenic 3 hour drive through the countryside to Veliky Novgorod and check-in at Park Inn Veliky Novgorod (4 star) or Hotel Volkhov (3 star). (B) DAY 6 VELIKY NOVGOROD – MOSCOW After breakfast embark on a Novgorod City Tour and discover this former capital of ‘Old Rus.’ See the ancient Kremlin, St. Sophia’s Cathedral, Yuriev Monastery and the Museum of Wooden Architecture. You have free time in the afternoon to further explore before an evening transfer to the railway station for your overnight train journey to Moscow. (B) DAY 7 MOSCOW On arrival in Moscow, transfer to Peter 1 Hotel (4 star) or Hotel Budapest (3 star) for an early check-in. After breakfast, explore the political and economic capital on a Moscow City Tour with Novodevichy Convent. See the major sights of Moscow including Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM shopping arcade, and Moscow State University sat atop Sparrow Hills where you will get a spectacular city view. Novodevichy Convent was founded in 1524 and was used as a prison for noble women. Its museum contains many art treasures, royal robes and religious vestments

• Private vehicle transfer: St. Petersburg to Novgorod • 1st class (2 berth) overnight sleeper: Novgorod to Moscow • Private transfers between airport, hotels and railway stations • Services a local representative

2018 DAILY DEPARTURES

Jan-Dec

4 Star Hotels 3 Star Hotels Per Person Single Per Person Single Twin Supplement Twin Supplement 3,595 2,690 2,886 2,010

Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes whilst its cemetery is the burial place of many famous Russians. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B) DAY 8 MOSCOW Today your guide will take you on a Kremlin and Armoury Museum Tour. Visit Russia’s great seat of power with its Russian Orthodox cathedrals, Ivan the Great’s Bell Tower and the famous Armoury Museum, treasury of Russian Czars. In the afternoon, explore Stalin’s grand underground rail system of marble, mosaics and sculptures, together with one of Moscow’s premier shopping districts, on a Moscow Metro & Arbat Street Tour. (B) DAY 9 MOSCOW Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

VELIKY NOVGOROD


35

TAILOR-MADE

Bergen 2

Q

Flam 1 Oslo

NORWAY

COPENHAGEN

2 Stockholm

BALTIC SEA

SWEDEN

1

NORTH SEA 1 Kalmar

DENMARK

SCENIC TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA

Frederiksborg Copenhagen 1 4 1 Malmo

H

TAILOR-MADE

14 day Tailor-Made Ferry & Rail Tour DAY 1 COPENHAGEN Welcome to Copenhagen! On arrival make your own way to Hotel Alexandra (4 star). DAY 2 COPENHAGEN Today, join a regular sightseeing tour which includes such landmarks as Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace to enjoy the changing of the guards. Continue with a cruise of the harbor passing Copenhagen’s beautiful churches, castles and many other sights. (B) DAY 3 COPENHAGEN This morning embark on a tour to Frederiksborg and Kronborg castles. At Frederiksborg visit the National History Museum’s royal art collection, the Chapel of Orders and the Knights Hall. Continue on to impressive Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ (B) DAY 4 COPENHAGEN Day at leisure in Copenhagen. Alternatively, take an optional private tour to Odense, on the island of Funen, home town of Hans Christian Andersen. (B)

INCLUSIONS • 12 nights 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • Guided tours: Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen and Stockholm, • Norway in a Nutshell (Oslo-Bergen) • Overnight ferry in a sea-view cabin: Copenhagen-Oslo • 2nd class rail: Stockholm-Kalmar, Malmo-Copenhagen • Services of local representatives


May-Sep

from



PRICE EXCLUDES: Bergen to Stockholm flights

DAY 5 COPENHAGEN – OSLO A free morning in Copenhagen before making your own way to the port for the overnight ferry to Oslo. This evening enjoy all the on board facilities. (B)


DAY 6 OSLO After breakfast your ferry docks in Oslo. On disembarkation join a half day sightseeing tour of Norway’s capital. Sights include Vigeland Sculpture Park, the ski jump at Holmenkollen and the Viking Ship Museum. Overnight at Comfort Hotel Børsparken (3 star). (B)

DAY 10 STOCKHOLM Embark on a regular Stockholm in a Nutshell sightseeing tour which combines a coach tour of the city with a cruise on the harbour. Pass all the city highlights such as Stockholm City Hall, Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the Royal Djurgården. Follow this with a cruise along the Djurgården canal and around the island of the same name. (B)

DAY 7 OSLO – NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL – BERGEN An early start to the day as you take the train from Oslo to Myrdal. From here take the scenic Flåm Railway down to the fjord enjoying views of the most magnificent mountain scenery in Norway. Continue your journey by boat from Flåm along the Aurlandsfjord and into the Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Europe. Arrive in Bergen in the early evening and check-in at Augustin Hotel Bergen (4 star) or similar. (B) DAY 8 BERGEN Bergen has been a great centre of trade throughout the ages. The Hanseatic merchants operated in the Bryggen area, which is now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Join ‘The Bergen Express’, a sightseeing tour of the city, to see the Hanseatic Museum, Hansa Brewery, King Haakons Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower and finally the wooden buildings of Bryggen and the fish market. (B) DAY 9 BERGEN – STOCKHOLM Make your own way to the airport for your flight (own expense) to Stockholm. Stockholm, with 750 years of history, is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges. Make your own way to Comfort Hotel Stockholm (3 star). (B)

36

DAY 11 STOCKHOLM – KALMAR Take the train from Stockholm to Kalmar, which was once an important Swedish town. Its historical past is an integral part of the character of the city and Kalmar Castle, the Old Town and Kvarnholmen tell the tale of mighty Kings and Queens. Overnight at First Hotel Witt (4 star). (B) DAY 12 KALMAR – MALMÖ Another train journey today, this time to Malmo a charming city where a visit to Malmöhus Castle is recommended. In 1434 King Erik VII of Denmark had the castle of Myntergaarden built where the Malmöhus Castle stands today. Overnight at Comfort Hotel Malmö (3 star) or similar. (B) DAY 13 MALMÖ – COPENHAGEN Return to Copenhagen by train where you will make your own way to Hotel Alexandra (4 star). (B) DAY 14 COPENHAGEN Your tour ends after breakfast on check-out from your hotel. (B)


TAILOR-MADE

NORWAY Bergen

FINLAND

Flam

2

Helsinki

Myrdal 2 Oslo

SWEDEN

H 2

1 2 Stockholm

STOCKHOLM

BALTIC SEA

TAILOR-MADE

ROYAL KINGDOMS & MAJESTIC FJORDS 13 day Tailor-Made Ferry & Rail Tour DAY 1 HELSINKI Welcome to Helsinki! On arrival make your own way to Sokos Hotel Presidentti (4 star). DAY 2 HELSINKI Join the Panorama Sightseeing tour of Helsinki, showing you the most important sights and giving you an excellent view of the city’s past and present. The tour takes in the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. (B) DAY 3 HELSINKI – STOCKHOLM A free morning in Helsinki before making your own way to the port for the overnight ferry to Stockholm. This evening enjoy all the on board facilities. (B, D) DAY 4 STOCKHOLM Arrive this morning in the charming capital of Sweden. Please make you way to Clarion Hotel Amaranten (4 star) for check in, followed by the remainder of your day at leisure. (B) DAY 5 STOCKHOLM Enjoy a guided coach tour which takes you to the most famous buildings and views of Stockholm. See Stockholm City Hall, The Royal Palace, Östermalm, Gamla Stan (Old Town), Långholmen and The Royal Djurgården while you learn about Stockholm and its history. (B) DAY 6 STOCKHOLM – COPENHAGEN Make your own way to the train station and board your direct train to Copenhagen. Upon arrival in Copenhagen make your own way to First Hotel Kong Frederik for check in. (B) DAY 7 COPENHAGEN Enjoy a morning canal tour around the harbor and through the idyllic canals. As you cruise past the city sights your guide will tell you about Copenhagen's beautiful churches, castles, old listed houses, new buildings and all other sights of interest. DAY 8 COPENHAGEN – OSLO A free morning in Copenhagen before making your own way to the port for the overnight ferry to Oslo. Cruise along the Kattegat on your way to Norway whilst enjoying all the on board facilities. (B, D) DAY 9 OSLO After breakfast your ferry docks in Oslo. Upon disembarkation, make your way to Thon Hotel Opera. After check in at your hotel start your exploration of the Norwegian capital. (B) DAY 10 OSLO Start today with a sightseeing tour of Oslo’s main attractions which include Vigeland Sculpture Park, the ski jump at Holmenkollen and the Viking Ship Museum.

NORTH SEA

1

DENMARK Copenhagen 2

INCLUSIONS • 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • Guided tours: Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen including the Bergen Funicular to Mt. Fløien • Norway in a Nutshell (Oslo-Bergen) • Overnight ferry in a sea-view cabin: Helsinki-Stockholm, Copenhagen-Oslo • 2nd class rail: Stockholm-Copenhagen, Oslo-Myrdal, Voss-Bergen • Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): Myrdal – Flåm • Fjord Ferries: Flåm-Gudvangen • Coach: Gudvangen-Voss • Services of local representatives


Jan-Dec



Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes DAY 11 OSLO – NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL – BERGEN An early start to the day as you take the train from Oslo to Myrdal. From here take the scenic Flåm Railway down to the fjord enjoying views of the most magnificent mountain scenery in Norway. Continue your journey by boat from Flåm along the Aurlandsfjord and into the Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Europe. Arrive in Bergen in the early evening and check-in at Hotel Zander K (4 star) or similar. (B) DAY 12 BERGEN Embark on a privately guided walking tour of Bergen’s historic centre to see the busy Fish and Flower Market, Old Bryggen Harbour and ancient Maria Church. You will also take the funicular to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords. (B) DAY 13 BERGEN Your tour ends after breakfast and check-out from your hotel. (B)

Image: Werner Nystrand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se


37

TAILOR-MADE

Balestrand 1 NAEROYFJORD

S

O

G

N

E

F

D

J

R

O

NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL

NAEROY FJORD

Gudvangen

2 day Tailor-Made Ferry & Rail Tour

Myrdal

OSLO TO BERGEN or reverse

Visits: Myrdal, Flåm, Aurlandsfjord, Naeroyfjord, Gudvangen, Voss This legendary tour takes you through Norway’s breathtaking fjord and mountain scenery and includes one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys. The Flam Railway is regarded as one of the highlights of the Norway in a Nutshell tour and the 20 kilometre journey from the mountain station of Myrdal to Flåm, deep in the fjords, gives you views of the magnificent mountains and thundering waterfalls. After an overnight in Flåm continue with a cruise along the Aurlandsfjord and the Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Europe, to Gudvangen. The UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord is surrounded by tall mountains up to 1,800 metres high and along the way there are views of small traditional farms and villages. From Gudvangen take a drive up the steep and spectacular hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva (May-September only) for wonderful views of the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls.

1

Flåm

NORWAY

TAILOR-MADE

AURLANDSF J ORD

Oslo

Voss

Bergen

H

NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL SOGNEFJORD IN A NUTSHELL

INCLUSIONS • 4 star hotel accommodation in fjord view rooms Norway in a Nutshell: Fretheim Hotel, Flam; Sognefjord in a Nutshell: Kvikne’s Hotel, Balestrand • Breakfast daily • 2nd class rail: Norway in a Nutshell: Oslo-Myrdal, Voss-Bergen Sognefjord in a Nutshell: Myrdal-Oslo • Flåm Railway (flåmsbana): Myrdal-Flam

SOGNEFJORD IN A NUTSHELL 2 day Tailor-Made Ferry & Rail Tour TAILOR-MADE

• Bus tickets: Norway in a Nutshell: Gudvangen-Voss • Services of local representatives

2018 DAILY DEPARTURES Per Person Twin Share

Single Supplement

Norway in a Nutshell Jan-Dec

from 670

265

Sognefjord in a Nutshell Jun-Sep

from 640

55

BERGEN TO OSLO or reverse

Visits: Sognefjord, Balestrand, Aurlandsfjord, Flåm, Myrdal The Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, extends more than 200 kilometres inland from the coast to the foot of the Jotunheimen Mountains. The Sognefjord, often called the ‘King of the Fjords,’ is an area of exceptional natural beauty, tall mountains, waterfalls and scenic forests. Begin from Bergen with a journey by express boat along Norway’s west coast and the magnificent Sognefjord. Marvel at the incredible scenery of sheer snow-capped mountains, carved by ice, as you cruise to Balestrand. After an overnight stop, continue by ferry through the spectacular fjord land scenery of the Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord to Flåm. Here you ascend the many sharp curves of the famous Flåm Railway, known to be one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. Pass lofty, snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and peaceful green meadows on your way to the plateau above.

38

• Fjord cruise: Norway in a Nutshell: Flåm-Gudvangen; Sognefjord in a Nutshell: Bergen-Balestrand-Flam

Porterage Service: Oslo-Bergen or vice versa

70 per piece of luggage

Additional nights can be added in Flam and Balestrand or, in the case of Sognefjord in a Nutshell, both. At least one night pre the tour is required due to the early starting time of both packages. Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes


TAILOR-MADE

Balestrand 2 AURLANDSFJ ORD S

O

G

N

E

F

D

J

O

R

AURLANDSFJORD

Flåm

NORWAY

Myrdal

INTIMATE NORWAY HARDANGERF JO RD


EIDF JORD

1 Oslo H

Bergen

TAILOR-MADE

1

1 2 Lofthus

Norheimsund

DAY 1 OSLO Welcome to Oslo! On arrival make your own way to Saga Hotel Oslo (4 star). The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the Norwegian capital. DAY 2 OSLO – FLÅM – BALESTRAND This morning board the train to the mountain station of Myrdal, where you will join the Flåm Railway, a masterpiece of engineering descending 865 metres to the fjord. Cruise along the picturesque Sognfjord to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Overnight at Kvikne’s Hotel (4 star). (B, D) DAY 3 BALESTRAND Enjoy an entire day free in breathtaking Balestrand on the Sognfjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Soak up the grandeur, nature and spectacular scenery of this very special part of the world. (B, D)

1

Rosendal

INCLUSIONS

DAY 4 BALESTRAND – BERGEN After breakfast, make your way to the pier to board the ferry to Bergen, the capital of the fjords. After arrival and check in at Det Hanseatiske Hotel (4 star) the afternoon is yours to discover the highlights of this charming city. We recommend a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, Bryggen Harbour and the old Hanseatic Quarter. You may also like to take the funicular to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords. (B)

• Meals as specified

DAY 5 BERGEN – LOFTHUS Travel by bus to Norheimsund, situated in the heart of Hardanger – if time permits you may wish to spend the afternoon in this interesting village on the north side of the Hardangerfjord. From here, board a ferry to Lofthus and upon arrival check in at Hotel Ullensvang with a fjord view room (4 star). (B, D)

• Fjord ferries: Flåm – Balestrand, Balestrand – Bergen, Norheimsund – Eidfjord, Eidfjord – Lofthus, Rosendal – Bergen

DAY 6 LOTHUS Enjoy a full day at leisure in this peaceful village located on the shores of Sørfjorden. We recommend you visit the church, dating back to 1250, with its fine stained-glass windows and surrounding cemetery from the middle ages. The church is a great spot from which to view the magnificent Folgefonna glacier. Also worth a visit is Edvard Grieg's Composer Cabin in your hotel’s garden or take a wander in the fruit tree fields. The Ullensvang region is a known fruit farming area, and in spring thousands of fruit trees are breathtakingly white during blossom. (B) DAY 7 LOFTHUS – ROSENDAL Travel by bus to romantic Rosendal, especially known for the Barony Rosendal, a historic estate and manor house located in the village. On arrival, check in to your fjordview room at Rosendal Fjordhotel (4 star), followed by an afternoon free for exploring. You may wish see the Kvinnherad Church or the Barony Rosendal for a walk through different periods, shaped by the various owners throughout its 250 year history. Also see the Rosendal Gardens with over 60 acres of landscaped parklands consisting of the 300-year-old Renaissance garden with an abundance of roses and the Kitchen and Herb garden with herbs, flowers, vegetables, fruits and berries. (B)

• 4 star, central hotel accommodation • 2nd class rail: Oslo - Myrdal • Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): Myrdal - Flåm

• Coach: Bergen – Norheimsund, Lofthus - Rosendal


May – Sep




DAY 8 ROSENDAL – BERGEN Depart this morning for your return journey to Bergen by ferry where you can enjoy one last spectacular trip along the scenic Hardangerfjord. Overnight at Det Hanseatiske Hotel (4 star). (B) DAY 9 BERGEN Your tour concludes after breakfast and check out from your hotel. (B) LOFTHUS


39

TAILOR-MADE

2 Trondheim

THE ATLANTIC ROAD

Kristiansund Molde 1

TH

D ROA NTIC TLA EA

Vestnes

D OA LR OL TR

NORWEGIAN PANORAMA SELF-DRIVE

Stigfossen

Roros 1

Geiranger SWEDEN

Beitostolen 1 1 Lillehammer

TAILOR-MADE

8 day Tailor-Made Tour NORWAY

DAY 1 OSLO – LILLEHAMMER On arrival in Gardermoen Airport (Oslo) collect your rental car and begin your 2 hour journey north to Lillehammer, the host town of the 1994 Winter Olympics. We recommend a visit to the Olympic Museum and Olympic Area (Lysgårdsbakken). Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel Hammer (4 star). DAY 2 LILLEHAMMER – RØROS Drive through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley and along the Ronde Road with a beautiful view to The Ronde National Park. In Østerdalen Valley, where you will have the possibility to see foxes and elks, the route continues in northern direction along Norway’s longest river Glomma to the mining town of Røros. The town is one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe, and is one of the few mining towns in the world that has been found worthy of a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The town center boasts a rare collection of large and wellpreserved wooden buildings, made even more real and authentic by the fact that the people of today live and work in them. Overnight Røros Hotel (4 star). (B) DAY 3 RØROS – TRONDHEIM Travel Northwest to the coastal city of Trondheim, founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 BC. Explore the city which holds a special place in Norwegian culture and history as Norway’s first capital and, to this day, continues to be the coronation city where Norway's Kings have been crowned. Overnight Quality Hotel Augustin (4 star). (B) DAY 4 TRONDHEIM A full day in Trondheim to explore the photogenic capital with its wide streets, colourful warehouses and busy harbour. We recommend a visit to the Nidaros Cathedral, built over the grave of St. Olav, the Archbishop’s Palace, Kristiansten Fortress, the Monk’s Island, Trøndelag Open Air Museum and Stiftsgården – the Royal Residence in Trondheim. We also recommend a stroll in Bakklandet, where you will find old wooden buildings which were formerly worker’s dwellings but are now partly restored as homes or charming shops and restaurants. (B) DAY 5 TRONDHEIM – THE ATLANTIC ROAD – MOLDE Today the journey continues to Nordmøre - a region characterized by the amazingly short distances between high mountain ranges and the wild open sea, between sheltered rural communities in fjord country and island communities. A short ferry crossing from Halsa to Kanestraum (toll to be paid locally) will bring you towards the clip fish town of Kristiansund. From here there is a tunnel that will connect you to Bremsnes and the Atlantic Ocean Road. The scenic 8.3km long road is built on several small islands and skerries, and is spanned by eight bridges and several landfills. The Atlantic Ocean Road was voted "Norwegian Construction of the Century" in 2005 and is currently Norway's second most visited scenic road after the Troll Road. Continue the scenic road via Hustad and Bud to Molde, well known for the beautiful nature surrounding it, including the Molde Panorama with its 222 mountain peaks. Overnight Quality Hotel Alexandra (4 star). (B)

40

H Oslo

1

INCLUSIONS • 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • 7 day car hire (VW Polo or similar – B class) • Services of a local representative


May – Sep



Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes DAY 6 MOLDE – TROLL ROAD – GEIRANGERFJORD – BEITOSTØLEN Board a morning ferry across the Molde fjord to Vestnes (toll to be paid locally) and continue to Åndalsnes where you will ascend the famous Troll Road. Dramatic, exciting and the ultimate nature experience. One more ferry crossing from Linge to Eidsdal (toll to be paid locally) will bring you to the Eagle Road, with panoramic views of the Geirangerfjord, with its waterfalls and steep hills. Continue to the mountain village of Beitostølen, in view of the impressive Jotunheimen Mountain range with Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest mountain. Check in at Radisson Blu Hotel Beitostølen (4 star). (B) DAY 7 BEITOSTØLEN – OSLO Drive south via Fagernes and Hønefoss for your return to Oslo. On arrival check in at Thon Hotel Terminus (4 star) and spend the rest of your day exploring the many great sights of Oslo, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum or the Munch Museum. (B) DAY 8 OSLO Your tour concludes with return of your rental car at Gardermoen Airport. (B)


TAILOR-MADE

ARCTIC CIRCLE

Husavik

EYJAFJORDUR FJORD

Lake Myvatn Akureyri 1

2

Egilsstadir

AROUND ICELAND SELF-DRIVE

NAMASKARD MUD POOLS

ICELAND Borgarfjordur 1 Thingvellir

H

Reykjavik 1 TAILOR-MADE


1

VATNAJOKULL NP

Gullfoss Geysir


1

Hveragerdi

1 Hofn

1

Kirkjubaejarklaustur Dyrholaey

DAY 1 REYKJAVIK – HVERAGERDI On arrival at Keflavik Airport (Reykjavik) you will collect your rental car and begin your adventure around this magnificent volcanic island. You may wish to stop at the nearby Blue Lagoon for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters before driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for check-in at your accommodation. This village is one of the few communities in the world that has an active thermal site in the centre of town: bubbling, hissing, hot springs that are the catalysts for oceans of flowers.

Vik

INCLUSIONS • 3 star hotel accommodation in Reykjavik • Economy hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation in all other places

DAY 2 HVERAGERDI – BORGARFJORDUR Drive to the legendary Gullfoss Waterfall and the highly active Geysir hot spring area with boiling mud pits, exploding geysers and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 metres into the air every few minutes. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region. Overnight at a guesthouse in the Borgarfjordur area. (B)

• Meals as specified

DAY 3 BORGARFJORDUR – AKUREYRI Drive north through the Borgarfjordur region to the shores of Hunafloi Bay and the towering mountains and horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur. Known as the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship, Skagafjordur is one of the best places to see the Icelandic horse, a breed which is praised worldwide for its purity. Continue to Akureyri, Iceland’s colourful northern city with its charming buildings and beautiful views of the Eyjafjordur fjord. (B)


DAY 4 AKUREYRI – LAKE MYVATN Spend this morning exploring wonderful Akureyri before driving to Lake Myvatn. En-route stop to view the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall which is closely connected with one of the most important events in Icelandic history, the country’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1000. Overnight accommodation in the Lake Myvatn area. (B) DAY 5 LAKE MYVATN Enjoy a full day in the Lake Myvatn area, which is a microcosm of all of Iceland’s natural wonders: bubbling mud pools and geothermal caves, powerful waterfalls, craters and a diverse birdlife. A highlight of this area is the Namaskard Pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. (B) DAY 6 LAKE MYVATN – HUSAVIK – EGILSSTADIR Drive north to the fishing port of Husavik, a great spot where you may take in a whale watching cruise. Travel around the Tjornes Peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle for great views, high cliffs and green hills before arriving at Asbyrgi. Take in the magnificent site of the mighty Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful, before travelling to Egilsstadir in the east of Iceland. (B) DAY 7 EGILSSTADIR – HOFN Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, an area perfect for getting off the beaten track as it offers an authentic Icelandic experience, a chance to meet the locals and discover a less-visited side of the country. Enjoy a stop at the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, which is a short distance from the town of Hofn in Hornfjordur, also known as the lobster capital of Northern Europe. (B)

• 9 day car hire (compact manual) including GPS • Tablet including an Iceland travel companion app • Services of a local representative

May – Sep



Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes DAY 8 HOFN – KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR Today you will visit Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. See the shimmering icebergs and the still, milky waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before continuing to the Skaftafell area of the park, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers. Continue your journey around Iceland to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, one of the most tonguetwisting words to pronounce of any location in Iceland. (B) DAY 9 KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR – REYKJAVIK Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey where vast bird colonies may be seen, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also visit the mighty Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption, before returning to Reykjavík for check-in at your hotel in the late afternoon. (B) DAY 10 REYKJAVIK Your tour concludes with return of your rental car at Keflavik Airport (Reykjavik). (B)


41

TAILOR-MADE

Tromsø 2 RUSSIA Narvik 2 ARC

ICEHOTEL ENTRANCE – JUKKASJARVI

TIC

CIRC L

Kiruna

E

1

SW ED

EN

LAPLAND – ICE HOTEL & NORTHERN LIGHTS

FINLAND

NORWAY

7 day Tailor-Made Rail Tour TAILOR-MADE

DAY 1 STOCKHOLM Arrival in Stockholm and make your way to Clarion Hotel Amaranten (4 star). Enjoy your first look at Sweden’s charming capital city. DAY 2 STOCKHOLM – KIRUNA Stockholm is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by the Stockholm archipelago. Your day is at leisure to explore some of the city’s best highlights including the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings and the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobbled streets. Later this evening you will make your way to the railway station for your overnight train to Kiruna, northern Sweden. (B) DAY 3 KIRUNA Awake this morning to the magical winter landscape of Swedish Lapland as your train rolls towards Kiruna. On arrival, you will be met by your local driver for a transfer to the famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi (located 20 minutes from Kiruna). Enjoy the remainder of your day exploring the surrounds or you may take the opportunity to join one of the many exciting winter activities including a snowmobile safari. Tonight you will have the unique experience of sleeping in an ICE room at a balmy minus 5 degrees. Sleeping on a special bed made of snow and ice and covered by reindeer skin, you will be toasty warm with your purpose made thermal sleeping bag. DAY 4 KIRUNA This morning you are awakened with a cup of warm lingonberry juice at your bedside. After breakfast is further time to experience Lappish life and culture. You may choose to join a Husky safari, snow mobile safari or an evening Northern Lights adventure followed by a night cap in the ICEBAR. Tonight’s accommodation is in a warm Kaamos room. (B) DAY 5 KIRUNA – TROMSØ Meet your driver for your transfer back to Kiruna where you will board your train heading northwest to Narvik in Norway. Enjoy the scenery as your train passes the scenic Abisko National Park – the last wilderness of Europe. On arrival in Narvik you will then board a local bus for the remainder of the journey to Tromsø, the Paris of the North. (B)

1 Stockholm H

INCLUSIONS • 3 nights, 4 star hotel accommodation • 2 nights, Icehotel Jukkasjärvi • 1 night aboard 2nd class train (sleeper compartment): Stockholm - Kiruna • Meals as specified • 2nd class rail: Kiruna – Narvik • Coach: Narvik - Tromsø • Transfer Kiruna - Icehotel - Kiruna • Tromsø departure transfer • Services of a local representative

2018/19 DAILY DEPARTURES

Dec – Mar

from




DAY 6 TROMSØ Tromsø is the world’s most northerly university town and due to its location within the heart of the Northern Lights belt it is also one of the best places on earth to view the Aurora Borealis. With your day free there is the possibility to visit the Polar Museum, Northern Light Planetarium or simply wander around the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. This evening you may wish to experience the arctic terrain on an exhilarating snowmobile safari while chasing the famous Aurora Borealis. (B) DAY 7 TROMSØ Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

42


TAILOR-MADE

North Cape

TRØMSO

1

Honningsvag

Batsfjord Vardo

Hammerfest

HUNTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BY LAND & SEA 6 day Tailor-Made Cruise-Tour

1

2 H

Tromsø

Kirkenes

NORWAY

1

SWEDEN RUSSIA

INCLUSIONS • 2 nights 4 star hotel accommodation

TAILOR-MADE

DAY 1 TROMSØ Welcome to Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic! On arrival please make your own way to Clarion Hotel Hotel Aurora (4 star) and settle in for your Arctic adventure. Tromsø is the world’s most northerly university town and due to its location within the heart of the Northern Lights belt it is also one of the best places on earth to view the Northern Lights. DAY 2 TROMSØ During a free morning there is the possibility to visit the Polar Museum, Northern Light Planetarium or simply wander around the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. This afternoon you will be taken into the arctic terrain on an exhilarating snowmobile safari to Lake Tamok. Enjoy the serenity of the arctic landscape whilst sharing a warm meal with your adventurous companions and hunting the famous Aurora Borealis. (B) DAY 3 TROMSØ – HURTIGRUTEN Another day to explore Tromsø, optional tours include a guided city tour or even a husky safari, before making your own way to the sea terminal to board the Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage. You depart in the early evening and cruise north along the spectacular coastline towards Hammerfest. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, D) DAY 4 CRUISE: HURTIGRUTEN – HAMMERFEST – HONNINGSVAG (NORTH CAPE) Early this morning you arrive in Hammerfest, the first town in Norway to have electric street lighting. After a short stop your ship continues to Honningsvag from where you will disembark for an excursion to mainland Europe’s most northerly point, the North Cape. This wild and windswept headland of sheer cliffs, which rises some 300 metres above the freezing waters of the Norwegian Sea, is the last piece of land before the North Pole. Return to your vessel to continue your journey to Kirkenes, located just 10 kilometres from the Russian border. (B, D)

• 1 night Kirkenes Snow Hotel • 2 nights aboard the Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage in an un-specified outside cabin • Meals as specified • Guided excursions: Northern Lights snowmobile safari, North Cape and King Crab safari • Services of a local representativee

2018/19 DAILY DEPARTURES

20 Dec – 31 Mar



Price is a guide only and subject to change due to Hurtigruten’s flexible pricing structure. Please contact Beyond Travel for an up-to-date price. Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes

DAY 5 KIRKENES In the early hours of this morning your ship calmly cruises east along the Varanger Peninsula past Båtsfjord and Vardø. Mid morning you will disembark your Hurtigruten voyage in the port of Kirkenes, a fascinating little town in the remote regions of Norway. Enjoy free time to explore Kirkenes before you will be met by a local fisherman who will provide you with warm clothing and boots to become a king crab fisherman for the day! After your experience you will enjoy a meal of your catch, the delicious local king crab, shared in the home of the local fisherman. Overnight at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, for a unique experience in one of Norway’s most beautiful surroundings, on the outskirts of Kirkenes. (B, L, D) DAY 6 KIRKENES You will be transferred back to Kirkenes city centre where your tour will conclude. (B)

THE HURTIGRUTEN


43

TAILOR-MADE

2 Rovaniemi

SAMPO ICEBREAKER

Kemi 1

CHARMING FINLAND

SWEDEN

FINLAND

6 day Tailor-Made Rail-Tour 1 TAILOR-MADE

DAY 1 HELSINKI Welcome to Finland! On arrival make your own way to Hotel Haven (5 star) or Scandic Park Hotel (4 star). Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to begin your exploration of the Finnish capital, a vibrant, cultural and modern city surrounding the beautiful harbour. DAY 2 HELSINKI With a full day to discover Helsinki we recommend an optional Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing tour (see page 50) where you will have the opportunity to see the city’s most popular sights. Visit Temppeliaukio Church (The Rock Church), Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanade Park, The Sibelius monument, Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral, Finlandia Hall and much more. In the early evening, you will make your own way to the railway station to board your overnight train north to Kemi. (B) DAY 3 KEMI You will arrive early in Kemi, the heart of Finland, and make your own way to Seaside Glass Villas (Unique Hotel) or Hotel Merihovi (4 star). Take the morning to discover Kemi before a transfer to the famous Sampo Arctic Icebreaker, for a truly unique cruise. After boarding the Icebreaker you will have the opportunity to try a traditional lunch of salmon or reindeer as the majestic vessel cruises out to sea. The Sampo, operational since the early Sixties, ploughed open the frozen seas of Finland for trade vessels for 25 years before ending up as a tourist attraction in 1987. Today, this is a unique opportunity to witness the thundering sound of more than 3,500 tons of steel crushing the thick ice of the Gulf of Bothnia, and maybe even take a dip in Europe’s largest ice field! (B, L) DAY 4 KEMI – ROVANIEMI Enjoy the morning at leisure where you may wish to visit Kemi’s other famous attraction, the Snow Castle. The castle, which is the biggest in the world, is rebuilt every year (open January to April) and features a snow restaurant with ice tables and seats, a SnowChapel, a SnowHotel and ice art exhibitions. In the early afternoon, you will make your own way to Kemi railway station for the short train ride to nearby Rovaniemi. On arrival make your way to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel or Hotel Rantaisipi Pohjanhovi (4 star) for check in. (B) DAY 5 ROVANIEMI Spend the day at leisure in the capital of Lapland and well-known home of Santa Claus. There are many wonderful experiences to be had in this winter wonderland including an optional husky or reindeer farm visit, return to your childhood with a visit to Santa Claus Village or join a night-time snowmobile safari to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights (see page 51). (B)

Helsinki

RUSSIA

1 H

INCLUSIONS • 4 nights 4 star hotel accommodation • 1 night aboard 1st class overnight train (sleeper compartment): Helsinki-Kemi • Meals as specified • Sampo Icebreaker Excursion • 2nd class rail ticket: Kemi-Rovaniemi • Services of a local representative

2018/2019 DAILY DEPARTURES 5 Star/Unique Hotels 4 Star Hotels Per Person Single Per Person Single Twin Supplement Twin Supplement 27 Dec – 12 Apr

1,850

655

2,590


DAY 6 ROVANIEMI Your tour concludes with an optional transfer to the airport. (B) This tour is a spectacular journey that takes you to Rovaniemi, the heart of Lapland. Why not extend your stay to experience a Santa Clause Adventure (see page 51) or ask us about our Lapland Northern Lights Packages.

44

request

Seasonal adjustments apply during Christmas/New Year

SNOWMOBILE SAFARI


TAILOR-MADE

EXTE N ITINE DED RARY n

ow i Nuku ncluding s&M oyna q Moynaq

BUKHARA

KAZAKHSTAN

Q

PEARLS OF UZBEKISTAN TAILOR-MADE


Nukus 1

H 1

Khiva 2

1 Tashkent

UZBEKISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

2

Bukhara 2

Samarkand TAJIKISTAN

INCLUSIONS DAY 1 TASHKENT Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to Hotel Gloria (4 star). After check-in embark on a city tour of the Uzbek capital. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, with its exhibits of beautiful embroidery, local ceramics and wall hangings, and the Old Town with its narrow lanes, mud brick houses, mosques and madrasas. Next, explore the 16th century temples of Kukeldash and Abul Khassim Madrasa and the Chorsu Bazaar, a huge open market that draws people from the rural areas outside of the city. (D) DAY 2 TASHKENT – SAMARKAND Transfer to the railway station for your train to Samarkand, a journey time of just over 2 hours. On arrival transfer to Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior (4 star) followed by a tour of the city which was founded 2,500 years ago. Once called the “Pearl of the Muslim World,” Samarkand rose to great glory as a major trading port from the 2nd to the 16th century. (B, D) DAY 3 SAMARKAND Begin your city tour with a visit to the Ulughbek’s Observatory and the Shakhi-Zinda ensemble, a collection of tombs and mausoleums dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Visit the famous Registan Square, a vast open square flanked by three richly decorated madrasas and Bibi Khanum Mosque, one of the largest and most lavish ever built. (B, D) DAY 4 SAMARKAND – BUKHARA This morning drive to Bukhara, considered a ‘town museum’ this city has more than 140 architectural monuments with a history dating back over 2,300 years. Overnight at Hotel Asia (4 star). (B, D) DAY 5 BUKHARA Today, discover Bukhara, a city with the greatest concentration of historic monuments in Central Asia. Visit the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, 18th century Bolo-Hauz Mosque and ancient Ark Fortress, the palace of the Emirs of Bukhara. Also see the elegant blue-tiled Ulughbek Madrasa and the summer palace of Bukhara’s last Emir, the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa. You will also visit a local family to experience Uzbek lifestyle and hospitality; and participate in a master class of making plov – a national dish made from rice. (B, D) DAY 6 BUKHARA – KHIVA After breakfast, embark on a seven hour journey across the Kara-Kum (black sands) and Kyzyl-Kum (red sands) Deserts to Khiva. Check-in at Hotel Malika Khevak (3 star) before dinner and a folklore show at the Toza Bog Palace. (B, D) DAY 7 KHIVA Explore one of the most remote oasis cities of the Silk Road on a full day city tour. Khiva’s Old Town is preserved within 2,200 metres of unbroken fortified city wall protecting its many mosques, bazaars, madrasas and homes which are entirely constructed of mudbrick with delicate blue and white tiled decorations. (B, D)

• Fully escorted by English speaking guide • 9 nights 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation • Meals as specified • 1 litre of mineral water per day • Sightseeing as per itinerary • Master class in cooking the national dish (plov) • Business class rail tickets: Tashkent to Samarkand • Transportation by private vehicle: Samarkand to Nukus • Economy class flight including taxes: Nukus to Tashkent • Arrival and departure transfers

2018 DAILY DEPARTURES Departs Daily Jan-Dec



Tailor-made tours – freedom to amend itinerary to suit your individual wishes DAY 8 KHIVA – NUKUS Travel to the city of Nukus with a stop along the way to visit Ayaz Kala and Topraq Kala, the ruined mud brick citadels dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries. On arrival in Nukus, visit the city museum to see one of the most unique art collections in the world. Afterwards, tour the city’s main highlights before check in at Hotel Jipek Joli (3 star). (B, D) DAY 9 NUKUS – MOYNAQ – TASHKENT Visit the Karakalpakstan region in the far west reaches of Uzbekistan on a day trip to explore the once thriving fishing village of Moynaq. The hauntingly unique attraction of this desolate area is the rusting ship graveyard in the dried up seabed of the Aral Sea, once the 4th largest lake in the world. After your tour of Moynaq, return to Nukus for your flight to Tashkent. Overnight at Hotel Gloria (4 star). (B, D) DAY 8 TASHKENT Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)


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MOSCOW

TAILOR-MADE

FRE

RUSSIA

Visa S E docum upport ent with h ation o bookin tel gs.

SIGHTSEEING

SPOTLIGHT ON MOSCOW

PRIVATE TOURS These tours are privately guided. Departure times can be scheduled to suit your requirements. Prices are based on minimum 2 people.

4 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR Explore the political and economic capital of the Russian Federation on this 4 day package. See the major sights and monumental architecture that Moscow is famous for and experience life as a Muscovite as you travel the city’s metro system. Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: City Tour with St. Basil’s Cathedral. (B) Day 3: Kremlin & Armoury Tour and Metro & Arbat St. Tour. (B) Day 4: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Metropol (5 star): from $1,144* Hotel Peter 1 (4 star): from $979* Hotel Maxima Panorama (3 star): from $772*

City Tour with Novodevichy Convent Price: $193 per person A comprehensive tour of the Russian capital. Highlights include Red Square, Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, KGB Building, Bolshoi Theatre and a visit to historic Novodevichy Convent. Departs: Daily except Tue and first Mon of month at 09.30

Duration: 4 hours

City Tour with St. Basil’s Cathedral Price: $183 per person A complete city tour featuring all the major highlights plus a visit to Moscow’s most famous building, the ornately designed St. Basil’s Cathedral located right on Red Square. Departs: Daily except Tue and first Mon of month at 09.30

Duration: 4 hours

City Tour with Novodevichy Convent & St. Basil’s Cathedral

Inclusions: Return transfers, 3 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), privately guided sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative

Price: $252 per person Combine a comprehensive tour of the Russian capital, Red Square, the Kremlin and more, together with a visit to historic Novodevichy Convent and the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. Departs: Daily except Tue and the first Mon of month at 09.30Duration: 5 hours

GRAND MOSCOW TAILOR-MADE

5 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR

A longer stay in Moscow allows you to get a more in depth feel for this thriving metropolis and to experience the town of Sergiev Posad along the Golden Ring. Also included is an evening visit to the famous Nikulin Circus which has been entertaining people for over 120 years. Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: City Tour with Novodevichy Convent. Evening performance of the Moscow Circus. (B) Day 3: Kremlin & Armoury Tour. (B) Day 4: Full day excursion to Sergiev Posad. (B) Day 5: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Metropol (5 star): from $1,513* Hotel Peter 1 (4 star): from $1,293* Hotel Maxima Panorama (3 star): from $1,017*

City Tour with Novodevichy Convent, St. Basil’s Cathedral & Christ Our Saviour Cathedral Price: $296 per person Combine a full city tour with historic Novodevichy Convent, the iconic oniondomed St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square and the recently rebuilt Cathedral of Christ Our Saviour. Departs: Daily except Tue and first Mon of month at 09.30

Kremlin & Armoury Museum Price: $178 per person Take a tour inside the walls of the Kremlin, a potent symbol of Russian power. See the Assumption Cathedral and visit the Armoury Museum, the treasury of the Czars. Tour does not include hotel transfers. Departs: Daily except Thu at 10.00

BON US Inclu de

s Mos cow FREE Tick Circus ets


Duration: 7 hours

Duration: 4 hours

Kremlin, Armoury Museum & Diamond Fund Price: $209 per person A tour of the Kremlin grounds with more time spent in the Armoury Museum and the State Diamond Fund, which houses the most valuable jewels of Russia including the Orlov Diamond. Tour does not include hotel transfers. Departs: Daily except Thu at 10.00

Duration: 4 hours

Moscow Metro & Arbat Walking Tour

Price: $87 per person Discover the grandeur of the station of Moscow’s metro system before visiting the pedestrian Arbat St. renowned for its artistic atmosphere. Departs: Daily at 10.00

Duration: 4 hours

* From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season.

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sp ek t

Yaroslavl Station

Belorussia Station

Leningrad Station

HIGHLIGHTS

“Garden Ring”

a ay sk

• Discover a city where ancient and modern history sit side by side

Kazan Station

er Tv

Sheremetevo 1 & 2 Airports 40km

Bauman Park

“Boulev ard Rin g”

4 8

er Tv

Former KGB Headquarters

Bolshoi 2 Theatre

a ay sk

• The grand scale of Red Square, the iconic ‘heart’ of Moscow

1

• The Kremlin, all powerful seat of Russia’s rulers over the centuries • Stalin’s grand Metro system with its lavishly decorated stations

White House

GUM

ba Ar

5 Foreign Ministry

• A cornucopia of museums to suit all, from fine arts to the recent history of the Cold War

Kremlin

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Red Square St. Basil’s Yauza R

Pushkin Fine Arts Museum

iver

Kotelnicheskaya Apartments

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Tretyakov Gallery Peter The Great Monument

6

Domodedovo Airport 40km

9

r Rive

Gorky Park

7

cow Mos

Novodevichy Monastery

Kursk Station

3

US Embassy

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS Metro & Bunker 42 Tour

Price: $219 per person Combine a tour of the grand stations of the Moscow Metro with a chance to step back in time to the height of the Cold War on a visit to Bunker 42, a former nuclear bunker 65 metres below the streets of Moscow. Departs: Daily at 10.00

Duration: 4 hours

Tretyakov Gallery

Price: $110 per person An outstanding art museum which houses the world’s finest collection of Russian art including icons and pre-revolutionary paintings. Also see the restored church of St. Nicholas. Tour does not include hotel transfers. Departs: Daily except Mon at 10.00

Duration: 4 hours

Sergiev Posad Monastery

Price: $251 per person Visit the historic monastery town of Sergiev Posad, the “Vatican” of the Russian Orthodox Church, founded in 1340, and one of the most important spiritual centres of Russia. Departs: Daily at 09.00

Duration: 7 hours

Moscow Nikulin Circus

Price: from $42 - $150 per person Spend an enjoyable evening at one of Russia’s oldest circuses, established in 1880, and be entertained by the clowns, acrobats and other amazing performers. Departs: Select days at 19.00

Duration: approx. 2 hours

TRANSFERS Private Vehicle SVO 1 & 2 Airport to Hotel or vice versa DME Airport to Hotel or vice versa Railway Station to Hotel or vice versa River Cruise Terminal to Hotel or vice versa

Per vehicle (1-2 pax) $110 $111 $77 $82

Sightseeing and transfer prices based on 2017 – prices for 2018 will be available January 2018

1 HOTEL METROPOL HHHHH from $195* One of the oldest and most refined hotels in Moscow, ideally located opposite the Bolshoi Theatre and steps away from Red Square. Rooms feature Art Nouveau styling and large windows. 2 MARRIOTT ROYAL AURORA HOTEL HHHHH from $193* A grand international hotel with elegant interiors and featuring a butler service to every room. Located in the heart of Moscow, walking distance to Red Square and the Kremlin. 3 HOTEL NATIONAL, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL HHHHH from $191* This hotel is located at the very heart of Moscow’s historical, cultural and business centre, the hotel opens spectacular vistas of the Kremlin and the Red Square. 4 HOTEL PETER 1 HHHH from $140* Housed in a renovated 19th century mansion this first class property offers classically furnished interiors and a central location within walking distance to Red Square. 5 MERCURE ARBAT HHHH from $96* The hotel has an ideal location in the historical city centre, with 2 metro stations nearby. All rooms have a contemporary décor and are fully equipped with modern amenities. 6 APARTHOTEL ADAGIO HHHH from $92* Spacious, contemporary studios and apartments just 2 metro stops from Red Square. All modern conveniences are provided including kitchen facilities. 7 AQUAMARINE HOTEL HHHH from $72* A modern design hotel with spacious, light-filled rooms. Situated in a prestigious and historical area of Moscow, 20 minutes walk from Red Square. 8 HOTEL BUDAPEST HHH from $77* A traditional hotel with tastefully decorated rooms. Ideally located a short walk to Red Square, Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. 9 HOTEL MAXIMA PANORAMA HHH (Superior Room) from $71* Brand new, quality tourist class option centrally located above a metro station just 3 stops (7-8 minutes) from Red Square. All rooms feature modern décor and conveniences. From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.

Many more hotels available, many with instant confirmation. Contact Beyond Travel for details and prices. RED SQUARE


47

ST. PETERSBURG

RUSSIA

FREE

TAILOR-MADE

SIGHTSEEING

SPOTLIGHT ON ST. PETERSBURG

Visa Su pport docum entatio n with ho tel bookin gs.

PRIVATE TOURS These tours are privately guided. Departure times can be scheduled to suit your requirements. Prices are based on minimum 2 people.

4 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR A comprehensive 4 day package to explore Peter the Great’s imperial city in depth. See the ‘must-see’ highlights of Spilt Blood Cathedral, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Nevsky Prospekt and the world famous Hermitage Museum, home to over 3 million works of art! Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: City Tour with Peter & Paul Fortress and Spilt Blood Cathedral. (B) Day 3: Hermitage Museum Tour and Russian Folklore Show. (B) Day 4: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Astoria (5 star): from $1,072* Hotel Golden Triangle (4 star): from $826* Cronwell Inn Stremyannya (3 star): from $646*

City Tour With Peter & Paul Fortress Price: $142 per person A comprehensive tour of Peter the Great’s imperial city. See the Nevsky Prospekt, Hermitage, Kazan Cathedral, St Isaac’s Cathedral and Peter & Paul Fortress, site of the city’s first settlement. Departs: Daily except Wed and last Tue of month at 09.30 Duration: 4 hours

City Tour with Peter & Paul Fortress and Spilt Blood Cathedral

Price: $183 per person Combine a comprehensive tour of St. Petersburg with Peter & Paul Fortress, the site of the city’s first settlement and the impressive Spilt Blood Cathedral. Departs: Daily except Wed and last Tue of month at 9.30

Duration: 5 hours

City Tour with Peter & Paul Fortress, Spilt Blood Cathedral & Price: $280 per person St. Isaac’s Cathedral


A complete city tour covering all the major highlights including Peter & Paul Fortress, Spilt Blood Cathedral with its 7,000sqm of mosaics and the gold-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Departs: Daily except Wed and last Tue of month at 9.30

Duration: 8 hours

Hermitage Museum

TAILOR-MADE

Price: $92 per person Tour the renowned Hermitage Museum, located in the former Winter Palace, with its astonishing collection of pre-historic, Egyptian, Oriental and European art. Tour does not include hotel transfers.

IMPERIAL ST. PETERSBURG

Departs: Daily except Mon at 10.30

5 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR A longer stay allows you not just to soak in the atmosphere of this magical city and all its well-known highlights, but also to venture out of the city to discover the summer palaces that surround St. Petersburg such as Catherine Palace and Peterhof Palace. Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: City Tour with Peter & Paul Fortress and Hermitage Museum Tour. (B) Day 3: Excursion to Catherine Palace and Gardens and Russian Folklore Show. (B) Day 4: Excursion to Peterhof Palace. (B) Inclu Rus des FR Day 5: Transfer to the airport. (B) sia EE Perf n Folklo Hotel Astoria (5 star): from $1,415* orm r ance e Hotel Golden Triangle (4 star): from $1,292* Cronwell Inn Stremyannya (3 star): from $1,052* Inclusions: Return transfers, 4 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), privately guided sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative

BON US

*From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season.

48

Duration: 4 hours

Hermitage Museum & Treasure Gallery Price: $220 per person Extend your tour of the Hermitage Museum to include one of two special exhibits: The Gold Room with its magnificent collection of golden artefacts or The Diamond Room showing the development of the diamond craft over the centuries. Tour does not include hotel transfers. Departs: Daily except Mon at 10.30

Duration: 5 hours

Yusupov Palace & Rasputin Exhibition Price: $115 per person An extensive tour of this 18th century mansion, with its world renowned art collection, and its Rasputin Exhibition detailing the monk’s life and infamous murder. Tour does not include hotel transfers. Departs: Daily at 12.00

Duration: 4 hours

St. Petersburg Canal Cruise

Price: $93 per person St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North.” View the city’s stunning architecture from a different perspective, on its major canals and Neva River. Tour does not include hotel transfers. Departs: Daily at 10.00 (May-Sep)

Duration: 2 hours

Sightseeing and transfer prices based on 2017 – prices for 2018 will be available January 2018


Finland Railway Station

HIGHLIGHTS Peter & Paul Fortress

• The impressive cathedrals of St. Isaac’s and Spilt Blood

t. Petersburg Museum Mariinsky Theatre

7

3

Kazan Cathedral

2

Pushkin Theatre

ect ky Prosp

• Lavish gardens and summer palaces of Peterhof and Catherine’s Palace

5

1

Prosp ek

6

t

9

State Russian Museum

8

Moscow Station

pekt

a ay St Isaac’s lsh Cathedral

ge ita

H 4 Nevsk y

Moskovs

• Discovery of the ‘Venice of the North’ on a canal cruise

m er

Neva River

Admiralty The Bronze Horseman va Ne

Our Saviour on the Blood Cathedral

Pros

va

Prospekt

• Renowned Hermitage Museum with its incredible collection of art treasures

Ne

Liteiny

• Magnificent European-inspired architecture, boulevards and tree-lined canals

Ligo vsky

aya

Alexander Nevsky Monastery Polkovo 1&2 Airports 17 km

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS Peterhof Palace and Gardens

Price: $240 per person Visit Peter the Great’s grand summer palace on the Gulf of Finland. Discover its lavishly furnished staterooms and take a walk through the gardens to the gold fountains of the Grand Cascade. Departs: Daily except Mon and last Tue of the month at 09.30 Duration: 5 hours

Catherine Palace and Gardens

Price: $225 per person Catherine Palace, a massive, baroque palace set in vast European-style gardens, with an ornate façade nearly 300 metres long, the palace contains the stunning Amber Room, now fully restored. Departs: Daily except Tue and last Mon of the month at 09.30 Duration: 5 hours

Catherine & Pavlovsk Palaces

Price: $284 per person Combine Catherine Palace with Pavlosk Palace, the smallest of the summer palaces built by Catherine the Great, set in English-inspired gardens and still retaining its original grandeur. Departs: Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun at 09.30

Duration: 7 hours

Folklore Show at Nikolaevsky Palace

Price: $81 per person Enjoy a folklore show in the spectacular setting of the Nikolaevsky Palace. A varied itinerary includes classical folk songs, a Russian folk trio and an acrobatic Cossack song-and-dance group. Hotel transfers not included. Departs: Daily at 17.30

Duration: approx. 2 hours

TRANSFERS Private transfer Per vehicle (1-2 pax) Airport to Hotel or vice versa $101 Railway / Coach / River Station to Hotel or vice versa $78 St. Petersburg to Novgorod $420

PRIVATELY GUIDED SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS Beyond Travel offers passengers arriving by cruise liner the opportunity to explore St. Petersburg with a private guide. Below are three FULL DAY tour options on offer, however all day tours can be tailored to suit your requirements:

1 GRAND HOTEL EUROPE HHHHH from $215* Iconic Orient Express hotel on the Nevsky Prospekt renowned for its impressive facade. Rooms combine 19th century charm with modern luxury. Stay 4 / Pay 3 (1-30 Apr / 1–31 Aug / 1-15 Oct) Stay 3 / Pay 2 (16 Oct-31 Mar 19) 2 HOTEL ASTORIA HHHHH from $205* Sophisticated Rocco Forte hotel overlooking St. Isaac’s Cathedral, combining traditional Russian character and modern luxury. Modern styled rooms with traditional features and oak flooring. Stay 4 / Pay 3 (1-30 Apr / 1 Nov-29 Dec 18 / 03 Jan-31 Mar 19) 3 ANGLETERRE HOTEL HHHH from $168* A Rocco Forte property with a long tradition of offering quality and service in the heart of the city. The hotel features elegantly styled, spacious rooms with parquet floors and soft colour schemes. Stay 4 / Pay 3 (1-30 Apr / 1 Nov-29 Dec 18 / 03 Jan-31 Mar 19) 4 HOTEL GOLDEN TRIANGLE HHHH (Superior Room) from $123* Boutique property situated in the very centre of St.Petersburg. The hotel’s traditional architecture is complemented by its elegant interiors and individually designed, classically furnished rooms. 5 PETRO PALACE HOTEL HHHH from $95* A great value first class hotel featuring tastefully furnished rooms with modern amenities. Ideally located close to St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Hermitage Museum. 6 ROSSI BOUTIQUE HOTEL HHHH from $80* Situated on the Fontanka Embankment, this charming hotel offers well-appointed rooms with exposed wooden beams and brickwork for added character. 7 M HOTEL HHH (Superior Room) from $99* A basic, clean and comfortable hotel offering an inexpensive stay in the heart of St. Petersburg, very well located just behind Kazan Cathedral. 8 CRONWELL INN STREMYANNAYA HHH (Comfort Room) from $63* A renovated hotel located just off the Nevsky Prospekt. This budget property emphasises the classic style and atmosphere of historic St. Petersburg.

ST. PETERSBURG CITY TOUR & HERMITAGE from $360 per person* ST. PETERSBURG CANAL CRUISE & PETERHOF PALACE from $347 per person* PUSHKIN & CATHERINE PALACE from $240 per person* *Tour prices based on minimum 2 passengers Please contact Beyond Travel for more details.

9 HOTEL ARBAT NORD HHH from $55* Small, tourist class hotel offering comfortable, well appointed rooms and a cosy atmosphere. Located 15 minutes walk to the city’s main attractions. * From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.

Many more hotels available, many with instant confirmation. Contact Beyond Travel for details and prices.


49

nn erh

Helsinki Airport 18 km

FINLAND

Ma

HELSINKI

eim

Finlandia Hall

int

em enl e

Arkad ianka tu

i an ais

6 5

Un ion ink atu

National Theatre 2

4

Railway Station

atu

ie

Temppeliaukio “Church of the Rock”

SENATE SQUARE

K Ateneum

City Tourist Office 3

Pohjio sespla nadi

F re dri kin ka tu

F

Museum Foreign Art

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Panorama Sightseeing Tour. (B) Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B)

• Walking this modern city with its Swedish and Russian influences

Hotel Kämp (5 star): from $664* Hotel Seurahuone (4 star): from $458* Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (3 star): from $458*

• The thriving harbour and its impressive sea fortress, Suomenlinna

Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative *From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season.

Departs: Daily 10.00 - 16.00 (May-Sep)

Duration: 1 day ticket

Panorama Sightseeing Tour

Price: $68 per person A fantastic orientation to the city and its highlights by coach, including the historical centre with Senate Square, the Lutheran Cathedral, Presidential Palace, the Opera House, Finlandia Hall and the Temppeliaukio Church – the “Church in the Rock”. Departs: Daily at 11.00 (Jan-Jun/Sep-Dec) Daily at 10.30 (Jun-Aug) Fri, Sat at 13.00 (Jan-Dec)

Duration: 1.5 hours

The Beautiful Canal Route

Price: $53 per person A different view of Helsinki - from the water! Cruise this historic city seeing sights such as Suomenlinna Fortress, Helsinki Zoo, impressive icebreakers and Degerö Canal. Departs: Daily at 10.30, 12.30 & 14.30 (May-Sep)

• Senate Square and its Lutheran Cathedral which dominates the city skyline • Temppeliaukio Church, carved straight out of the rock

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Helsinki Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Price: $59 per person Hop-on and off as much as you like to explore this nordic capital. 14 stops including Senate Square, Finlandia Hall, Church in the Rock and much more.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Medieval Tallinn Excursion

Price: from $167 per person Journey across the Gulf of Finland by ferry to visit Tallinn, Estonia’s charming capital city. Explore the Old Town and see Toompea Castle, Dome Cathedral, the gothic 14th century Town Hall and Alexander Nevsky Church on a 3 hour walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time for your own exploration before returning to Helsinki. Tour does not include transfers in Helsinki. Duration: 12 hours

Schedule and prices are based on 2017 – prices for 2018 will be available January 2018.

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nn

Etelae splana di

HIGHLIGHTS

TAILOR-MADE

SIGHTSEEING

Departs: Daily at 07.30

atu

Discover Helsinki, a modern city with world-renowned architecture, beautiful parklands and a laid-back atmosphere. See the sights along the harbour, central city and entertainment district while enjoying the Nordic culture.

Lo

sg ro t

ina

3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR

o Tallink Ferries

k

ert

SPOTLIGHT ON HELSINKI

den

Alb

Ru

ah hol

1

1 HOTEL KÄMP HHHHH from $238* Helsinki’s top hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the city, exhibits luxury sophistication and European glamour. Spacious guest rooms combine elegant decor with top class amenities. 2 RADISSON BLU PLAZA HOTEL HHHH from $172* A charming historic exterior houses this stylish hotel featuring a mix of design styles from Nordic through to Classic. Situated in the city centre. 3 GLO HOTEL KLUUVI HHHH from $133* A stylish and modern hotel located in the heart of Helsinki, surrounded by cafés, bars and shopping. 4 HOLIDAY INN HELSINKI CITY CENTRE HHHH from $151* A first-class modern hotel featuring Scandinavian style décor, located in the city centre next to Helsinki Central Station. 5 HOTEL SEURAHUONE HHHH from $135* An elegant Art Nouveau building with rich tradition, ideally located opposite the Helsinki Central Station. Charming interiors create the perfect ambiance. 6 SOKOS HOTEL VAAKUNA HHH from $135* A modern Helsinki-style building, with direct access to the Sokos Department Store, offers comfortable rooms in the heart of Helsinki. * From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.

TRANSFERS Private transfer Airport to Hotel or vice versa Railway or Ferry Terminal to Hotel or vice versa

Per vehicle (1-3 pax) 120 98


FINLAND

Aa llo nk at u

Rov aka tu

3

Valta katu

Kork alon katu

Kem

1

Pekan katu

HIGHLIGHTS

ljoki

Har rika tu

Poh jan pui stik ko Kosk enra nta

2

Korka lonkatu

Kosk ikatu

Val tak atu

Toripuistikko Jaa kon kat u

ROVANIEMI


• An urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, that brings Santa Claus to life • Explore the Lapland landscape by snowmobile, reindeer or husky • Visit a reindeer farm, try traditional Sami delicacies or revisit your childhood at the nearby Santa Claus Village

1 ARCTIC LIGHT HOTEL HHHH from $130* A family-owned hotel housed in the former city hall offers a stylish urban hideaway in the heart of Lappish Rovaniemi. Stay in modern cosy rooms reflecting the Lappish nature with its wooden floors and impressive design. 2 SANTA’S HOTEL SANTA CLAUS HHHH from $121* A modern hotel with a warm atmosphere and classic décor. Located in central Rovaniemi this is a great base for exploring Lapland. 3 ORIGINAL SOKOS HOTEL VAAKUNA HHHH from $118* A first-class international hotel offering modern décor and facilities combined with the Lappish hospitality. Located in the heart of Rovaniemi a stone’s throw from Kemijoki River. *From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.

SIGHTSEEING SANTA CLAUS ADVENTURE WINTER TOURS Northern Lights Safari by Snowmobile Price: from $230 per person Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you’ll travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars and perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Departs: Mon, Wed, Sun 18.00 (Jan-Feb) Mon, Wed, Sun 19.00 (Mar)

Price: from $292 per person A wintertime safari with a local husky team to experience the daily life of these amazing northern animals. Enjoy husky sleigh ride followed by a drink of hot berry juice by an open fire and chat with the head musher. Duration: 2.5 hours (1.15 hour ride)

SUMMER TOUR Reindeer Safari

Price: from $279 per person Your adventure begins with a cruise on a traditional riverboat along the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. You will arrive at a local reindeer farm where you can learn about Lappish culture and reindeer rearing followed by a delicious Lappish lunch and a ceremonial crossing of the Arctic Circle. Your tour continues by car to the Santa Claus Village for a meeting with Mr Claus himself. Departs: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 11.00 (Jun-Aug)

Duration: 6 hours `

TRANSFERS Private transfer Airport to Hotel or vice versa

TAILOR-MADE

DEPARTS DAILY: DEC – MAR

Duration: 3 hours

Husky Safari (10km)

Departs: Daily 09.00 (Jan-Mar)

4 day Tailor-Made Tour from $1,220*

Per vehicle (1-3 pax) 222

Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation including daily breakfast, meals as indicated, sightseeing as per itinerary, Certificate of crossing the Arctic Circle, Reindeer Driving Licence, arrival and departure transfers and services of a local representative DAY 1 ROVANIEMI Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (4 star). After check-in begin your discovery of this modern oasis in the heart of the Lappish wilderness. DAY 2 ROVANIEMI / SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE Your Arctic adventure begins with a snowmobile safari along the trails of Rovaniemi to a nearby Reindeer Farm. On arrival you will experience a Lappish Shaman ceremony around the open fire in a teepee to celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle. Visit the farm followed by a sleigh ride pulled by the magnificent Lappish reindeer. Continue your journey to the Santa Claus Village for lunch, and afterwards you will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Return to Rovaniemi with the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L) DAY 3 ROVANIEMI Today you will have the opportunity to go deep into the magical forests of the Lappish wilderness on a husky safari. There is something special about the sound of racing huskies and the snow underneath your sled as you glide your way through beautiful untouched nature. Enjoy a light snack and stories of the huskies and their day to day lives before returning to your hotel. (B) DAY 4 ROVANIEMI Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

Image: Visit Rovaniemi


51

tan ga arls

STOCKHOLM

rJ ge Bir

5

SWEDEN

ÖSTERMALM Kungsgaten

1

r ge Bir

3

NORRMALM

Ja

alsg St . al lg at en

Hamngatan

n Arse

4

BLASIE HOLMEN

Strombr on

sle de n

Stadshuset City Hall

Parliament Royal Palace

ts jö

2

al

GAMLA STAN

S

n ro lb tra en C

Riddarfjärden

National Museum

n bro ps ep Sk

a ar Kl

st ra nd

n

n ata

6

Central Rail Station

ta ga rls

n ate

gg tnin

sg ng

Dro

Ku

SPOTLIGHT ON STOCKHOLM 3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR A great introduction to the fascinating capital of Sweden. Over 3 days uncover a city with over 750 years of history and a rich cultural life. Explore the Old Town of Gamla Stan and see the Royal Palace and Parliament and also cruise the harbour and canals for a different view of the city.

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Stockholm Grand Tour. (B) Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B) Clarion Hotel Sign (4 star): from $701* Comfort Hotel Stockholm (3 star): from $651* Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative *From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season.

SIGHTSEEING Old Town Walking Tour Price: $44 per person A guided walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's historic Old Town. Departs: Daily at 13.30 (Jul-Aug) Duration: 1.25 hours Stockholm in a Nutshell Price: $99 per person A sightseeing tour by bus, passing all the must-see attractions of Stockholm, followed by a canal cruise to travel along the Djurgården canal for a unique view of the city skyline. Departs: Daily at 10.30 & 13.00 (Apr-Dec) Duration: 2.5 hours Stockholm Grand Tour Price: $110 per person Comprehensive sightseeing of Stockholm, by bus and by boat cruise, including such landmarks as the City Hall, Royal Djurgården Island and the Old Town. Departs: Daily at 10.30 & 13.00 (Apr-Oct) Duration: 3.5 hours Cruise to Sigtuna

Price: $83 per person* Visit the heart of the Swedish Empire with a guided boat tour through beautiful Lake Mälaren to Sigtuna. This quaint village is the oldest surviving town in Sweden with ancient ruins scattered throughout the winding streets. Departs: Daily (Jul-Aug) Duration: 8 hours Schedule and prices are based on 2017 – prices for 2018 will be available January 2018.

TRANSFERS Private transfer Arlanda Airport to Hotel or vice versa Railway or Ferry Terminal to Hotel or vice versa

HIGHLIGHTS • Gamla Stan, discover charming cobblestone streets, the Royal Palace and Parliament • Cruising on the harbour with its myriad of islands • Drottningholm Palace & Gardens, a scenic cruise away from the city centre • World class museums abound including the Vasa, ABBA and Nobel Museums


COACH TOURS

52

TAILOR-MADE

n

RIDDARHOLMEN


1 CLARION HOTEL WELLINGTON HHHH from $225* Located in the fashionable Östermalm neighbourhood, but close to Djurgården and the Gamla Stan, the hotel offers tastefully decorated, cosy guest rooms with modern furnishings. 2 FIRST REISEN HOTEL HHHHH from $198* First class property located in Gamla Stan. The hotel is well known for its high service standards, waterfront location and mix of classical maritime features and modern design. 3 CLARION HOTEL SIGN HHHH from $168* Located right in the heart of the city, this modern hotel combines the best of Scandinavian architecture and interior design featuring well planned rooms designed to ensure a comfortable stay. 4 NORDIC C HOTEL HHHH from $159* Modern design hotel situated next to the railway station and featuring the world’s only permanent icebar! Stylishly decorated rooms features images of Stockholm cityscapes by famous Swedish photographers. 5 BEST WESTERN KOM HOTEL HHH from $188* This central yet quiet hotel offers good-value accommodation and a welcoming and homely atmosphere. Spacious rooms are bright, comfortable and tastefully furnished. 6 COMFORT HOTEL STOCKHOLM HHH from $143* A budget hotel option directly in the city centre. Simple, yet stylish guest rooms feature modern decor and all the amenities required for a pleasant stay. *From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.



So rte da m

Sø

COPENHAGEN

KON G

GOT HER SGA DE

AD E VE SG A

ENS G

Rosenborg Have

E

NO RR EV OLD G

GY LD EN LO

ADE

Rosenborg Slot

STR

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Kongens Nytorv

DE

DE SGA JUEL

Skt. Jørgens Sø

ST

STE VE

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Central Rail Station

6

5

T GE RØ

Christianborg Palace

4 T OR RP STE VE

1 Nyh avn Nyh avn

ET ØG STR

2

Amalienborg Palace

BRE DGA DE

Botanic Gardens RIK SB OR GG AD

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ge Sø

3

FR ED E

STO RE

DENMARK

OS TE R

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Tivoli Gardens

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Concert Hall

NS BO UL

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NS

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CHRISTIANSHAVN

EV AR DE

TO R

VE GA DE

VESTERBRO

SPOTLIGHT ON COPENHAGEN 3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR 3 days to immerse yourself in this progressive, environmentally friendly city. Being a royal capital there is plenty to discover: Amelienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the world famous Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid, the old harbour of Nyhavn and more. And the best way to explore is to walk!

TAILOR-MADE

HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Panorama Sightseeing & Canal Tour (B) Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B)

• Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal family and Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government

Admiral Hotel (4 star): from $720* Comfort Hotel Vesterbro (3 star): from $600*

• A cruise around the harbour and along the city canals

Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative

• The Nyhavn waterfront with its famous 17th and 18th century colourful townhouses

*From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season.

SIGHTSEEING


COACH TOURS

1 ADMIRAL HOTEL HHHH from $201* First class property in a heritage-listed 1780s harbour side warehouse. Spacious rooms feature exposed wooden beams, brickwork and stylish Danish furnishings. Great location!

Mermaid Tour - Hop On Hop Off

Price: $53 per person Enjoy the sights of Copenhagen with the freedom of this Hop On Hop Off tour. Admire the must-see sights such as the Little Mermaid Statue and Amalienborg Palace and hop off to explore on foot top attractions like Tivoli Gardens and much more. Ticket valid for 2 consecutive days. Departs: Daily between 9.30 & 17.00

Panorama Sightseeing & Canal Tour Price: $109 per person Comprehensive tour of Copenhagen’s major sights including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, the Opera and Little Mermaid followed by a cruise along the city’s canals. Departs: Daily at 11.00 (May-Sep)

Duration: 3 hours

Castle Tour

Price: $201 per person An excursion to the spectacular castles north of Copenhagen including Kronborg Castle, setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and Frederiksborg Castle. Departs: Daily at 10.30 (May-Sep)

Duration: 6.5 hours


TRANSFERS Private transfer Airport to Hotel or vice versa Railway Station to Hotel or vice versa Ferry Terminal to Hotel or vice versa

Per vehicle (1-3 pax) 209 162 219

2 HOTEL SP34 HHHH from $190* Boutique hotel close to Town Hall Square and the Strøget features a rooftop terrace and laid back atmosphere. All rooms have designer wooden furnishings and quality amenities. 3 HOTEL KONG ARTHUR HHHH from $183* Dating back to 1882, Hotel Kong Arthur now offers stylish, modern rooms with wooden floors. The hotel offers a cosy, informal atmosphere in the heart of central Copenhagen. 4 THE SQUARE HHHH from $157* A stylish hotel located in downtown Copenhagen, just 5 minutes from the railway station. The property offers sleek well designed rooms and a stunning breakfast room with views across the city skyline. 5 COPENHAGEN STRAND HOTEL HHH from $176* Cosy three-star hotel located in a beautifully restored, historic warehouse on Copenhagen’s harbour front. The hotel’s interior design welcomes visitors with a rustic style and maritime touches. 6 COMFORT HOTEL VESTERBRO HHH from $141* This newly renovated hotel offers great value accommodation close to the railway station. Comfortable guest rooms feature wooden floors and contemporary design. *From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.



53

OSLO

NORWAY

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGHTSEEING

• A wander along Karl Johan’s Gat to the Royal Palace and its extensive gardens

COACH TOURS

• The Viking, Fram and Kon-tiki Museums, showcasing Norway’s explorer traditions • Holmenkollen ski jump, winter wonderland and fantastic views of the city • Medieval Akershus Fortress and the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest! • The islands of the harbour and 100 kilometre long Oslo fjord

Oslo Panorama

Price: $50 per person A comprehensive panoramic tour of the Norwegian capital including a short walk through the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Departs: Daily at 10.30

Oslo Fjord Cruise

Price: $60 per person Cruise Oslo’s beautiful archipelago through narrow sounds, idyllic bays and maze of islands. A stop is made on the island of Bygdoy home to many of the city’s museums. Departs: Mon, Sat & Sun at 10.30 & 13.00 (Jan-Mar / Nov-Dec) Daily at 10.30, 13.00 & 15.30 (Apr-Oct) Duration: 2 hours

Oslo All Inclusive

Price: $88 per person Enjoy Oslo by bus with this all inclusive tour which includes Vigeland Sculpture Park, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Viking Ship Museum. Departs: Daily at 10.30

TAILOR-MADE

SPOTLIGHT ON OSLO 3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Oslo All Inclusive Sightseeing Tour (B)

Duration: 5 hours

Oslo Grand Tour Price: $130 per person Extended ‘All Inclusive’ tour which includes a cruise through the narrow sounds and maze of islands that surround the Norwegian capital. Departs: Daily at 10.30 (Apr-Sep)

Duration: 7 hours

Norway in a Nutshell: Oslo to Bergen Price from: $425 per person One of the most beautiful trips in Europe! This unique and popular excursion takes you through Norway’s incredible fjords and includes the famous Flam Railway. Departs: Daily at 08.45

Oslo is the hidden gem of Scandinavia’s capital cities. Often seen as the gateway to the fjords or scenic Norwegian coast a 3 day stay will reward and delight. Set at the head of the Oslo fjord the city offers many museums and attractions to explore during your stay.

Duration: 2 hours

Duration: 11 hours

TRANSFERS Private transfer Gardermoen Airport to Hotel or vice versa Railway or Ferry Terminal to Hotel or vice versa



Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Continental (5 star): from $830* Thon Hotel Opera (4 star): from $642* Comfort Hotel Borsparken (3 star): from $594* Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative *From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season VIGELAND SCULPTURE PARK

54


SV EIM ND H TRO

OLSENS GATE ST. OLAVS GATE

6 GA TE

City Hall

AT A RS G AK E

TZ

AM

JOH AN SG ATE

RO SEN KR AN

D KE UN

GR

UG ATE KON GEN SGA TE

1

Pipervika

TA GA RG TO

EN SEN

Akershus Castle

GAT A

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BISKOP Central Rail Station

SCH WE

5 3

7

4

IGA AR D

HIGHLIGHTS BIS

GLAC ISGA TA

PEG ATA

Bjøvika KONGENS GAT

NORWAY

GU NN ERU SG ATE

• Harbour city, gateway to the fjords and starting point of the Hurtigruten coastal ferry

E

USKAIA AKERSH

MY NTG ATA

BRU

TA RGA STO

Oslo Cathedral TOL LB

BERGEN NO

M

S

VN

2

KIR KEG ATA

National Theatre

CA

E AT SG ER

NDS VEIE N

STI A

NI Oslo V’S GA TE University

EY LM

NYL A

US TS

SKIP PER

KRI

AU G

GA TA

KR

GR UB BE

Royal Palace

Forsvars Museum

B

ik ev isp

a

SORENGA Fiskehallen

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront of Bryggen



1 THE THIEF HHHHH from $279* A modern, luxurious design hotel situated at the water’s edge affording most rooms a superb view. Room décor is of timeless elegance with clear references to contemporary art and design.

CLARION HOTEL ADMIRAL HHHH from $197* Overlooking Vagan Habour and Bryggen this first class hotel offers quality and personal service. Rooms have a classic design and offer comfort and style.

HHHHH

2 HOTEL CONTINENTAL from $231* An elegant member of ‘Leading Hotels of the World,’ opposite the National Theatre. First opened in 1900 the hotel contains the legendary, Theatercafé. All rooms are individually designed in a classic contemporary style. 3 THON HOTEL TERMINUS HHHH from $154* A perfectly located hotel, just steps away from the central shopping area and the railway station for those travellers looking to do Norway in a Nutshell. Recently renovated, the rooms offer chic styling and modern comforts. 4 RADISSON BLU PLAZA HOTEL HHHH from $149* Upscale, modern high-rise hotel in the heart of Oslo. The hotel’s rooms are decorated in a sleek, contemporary style, and offer spectacular views of the city and fjords. 5 HOTEL THON OPERA HHHH from $137* Large, comfortable hotel with magnificent views of the Opera House and Oslo fjord. Guest rooms are pleasantly decorated with furnishings and amenities in line with expectations of a first class hotel. 6 THON HOTEL MUNCH HHH from $137* Newly renovated hotel in a quiet street in the middle of Oslo. Good value property providing a comfortable stay in contemporary guest rooms. 7 COMFORT HOTEL BORSPARKEN HHH from $113* This unfussy hotel offers great-value accommodation in the heart of the city. Rooms feature fresh, modern décor with a splash of colour everywhere. * From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.

THON HOTEL ROSENKRANTZ HHHH from $175* This newly renovated hotel in the heart of Bergen offers thoughtfully designed and well styled rooms. Located within walking distance to popular sights of Bergen. THON HOTEL ORION HHH from $151* Well located budget hotel on the historic Bryggen waterfront providing smart, simple and functional accommodation. AUGUSTIN HOTEL HHH from $129* Set in an Art Nouveau building, this is Bergen’s oldest family-run hotel and is known for its warm welcome and ecological awareness. Rooms are light, airy and elegantly furnished. *From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.

TRANSFERS Private transfer Airport to Hotel or vice versa Port or Railway Station to Hotel or vice versa


SIGHTSEEING Norway in a Nutshell: Bergen to Bergen Price from: $320 per person One of the most beautiful trips in Europe! This unique and popular excursion takes you through Norway’s incredible fjords and includes the famous Flam Railway. Departs: Daily at 08.45


Duration: 9 hours

Sognefjord in a Nutshell: Bergen to Bergen Price from: $375 per person Explore the heart of the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord with its stunning scenery and high mountains. Also includes the Flam Railway. Departs: Daily at 08.00 (May-Sep)

Duration: 10 hours

Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell: Bergen to Bergen Price from: $335 per person Experience a journey by road, rail and boat through a landscape of majestic mountains, roaring waterfalls and idyllic orchards, on your way to the beautiful Queen of fjords. ROYAL PALACE

Departs: Daily at 08.45 (May-Sep)


Duration: 10 hours

55

REYKJAVIK

ICELAND

Reykjavik harbour

Viking Maritime Museum

Reykjavik Art Museum

Frikirkju vegur

t au br ing Hr

Su du rga ta

Settlement TungMuseum ata a DOWNTOWN at Cathedral ag l l va City Hall

Skothusv egur

Concert Hall

Ge irsg ata

La ek jar ga ta

AEg isga ta

4

1

Ba nka stra eti

Sk ula Sae ga bra ta ut Hve rfis gat a

Lau gav egu r

A

National Gallery of Iceland

B

6

2

Hallgrimskirkja

Sno rrab rau t

5 National Museum of Iceland

Art Gallery

SPOTLIGHT ON REYKJAVIK 4 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR This 4 day package introduces you to the exciting destination, incredible landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland. Your city tour will showcase the highlights of cosmopolitan Reykjavik, whilst your Golden Circle day trip will take you to some of the bestknown natural phenomena on this volcanic island.

TAILOR-MADE

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: City Tour and Blue Lagoon entrance with return transport from Reykjavik. (B) Day 3: Golden Circle Classic Tour. (B) Day 4: Transfer to the airport. (B)

A Hotel Klettur (3 star): from $1,120* B Hotel Skuggi (3 star): from $932* Inclusions: Return transfers, 3 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative *From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season.

SIGHTSEEING

3

Floka gata

HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the rich cultural scene and inexhaustible energy of this remote city • Wander the downtown precinct to find a wonderful collection of museums, galleries, theatres, cafes and shopping • Taste local delicacies such as rúgbrauð (geothermally baked rye bread) and hákarl (fermented shark) at the Kolaportið Market


Reykjavik Sightseeing Tour Price: $95 per person Reykjavik is affectionately called the Biggest Little City in the World. Enjoy a detailed and comprehensive introduction of Iceland's capital by visiting its main attractions. Departs: Daily at 09.00 & 14.00 Duration: 2.5 hours

1 APOTEK HOTEL HHHH from $270* A stylish boutique hotel located in the very heart of the city’s prestigious shopping, entertainment and cultural district. The historical building is considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings in Reykjavik.

The Golden Circle Classic

2 ALDA HOTEL HHHH from $236* Centrally located, this hotel offers a trendy Nordic design style balanced with all the facilities expected in a first class property.

Price: $154 per person Explore Reykjavik’s surrounding natural highlights including Thingvellir National Park, where the beautiful canyon marks the meeting point of two of the earth's tectonic plates. Also visit Gullfoss waterfalls and the bubbling hot springs and geysers of the Geysir geothermal area. Departs: Daily at 08.30, 09.30 & 10.30 Duration: 8.5 hours

Game of Thrones Revisited

Price: $162 per person Walk in beautiful Icelandic nature and in the footsteps of your favourite “Game of Thrones” characters. Travel to Thingvellir National Park, the stomping ground of the White Walkers and Wildlings from “north of the Wall.” Also explore Thjorsardalur Valley – location of the program’s greatest massacre. Departs: Daily at 10.00 Duration: 8 hours

Into the Glacier – Ice Cave Tour

Price: $532 per person* Explore the Langjokull Ice Tunnel, the world’s first, and biggest, man-made Ice Gap Glacier tunnel. Also see the natural phenomena of Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring area in Europe and Hraunfossar Waterfalls. Departs: Daily at 09.00 & 12.00 Duration: 9 hours

3 HILTON NORDICA HHHH from $212* A great hotel located a short bus ride away from the downtown area. Enjoy wonderfully appointed light filled rooms and great facilities. 4 ICELANDAIR MARINA HOTEL HHHH from $132* This creatively designed hotel offers a unique stay by the Old Harbour, a lively district and a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Just a short 10 minute walk to downtown Reykjavik. 5 CENTERHOTEL MIDGARDUR HHH from $132* A medium sized property featuring simple but classic styled rooms and located close to the downtown district. 6 STORM HOTEL HHH from $115* A comfortable and contemporary hotel with Nordic inspired design and functionality. Situated near the trendy Laugavegur shopping street and a 15 minute walk to downtown.

TRANSFERS Private transfer Per vehicle (1-3 pax) Airport to Hotel or vice versa 405 Coach transfer Per Person Airport to Hotel or vice versa (via the Blue Lagoon*) 72 *Blue Lagoon entrance not included

56

*From prices are per person per night in AUD, based on twin share in low season, and include breakfast and taxes.



UKRAINE

KYIV

SPOTLIGHT ON KYIV TAILOR-MADE

4 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR A wonderful 4-day stay in Kyiv will introduce to you the country’s vibrant capital city. Learn of the city’s rich history, see Kyiv’s top museums and beautiful cathedrals and stroll along the famous Khreshchatyk Street. *From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season

LVIV

Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4:

Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Kyiv City Walking Tour. (B) Pechersk Lavra Monastery. (B) Transfer to the airport. (B)

Hotel Premier Palace (5 star): from $840* Hotel Ukraine (4 star): from $480* Inclusions: Return transfers, 3 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative

SPOTLIGHT ON LVIV TAILOR-MADE

3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR Uncover the splendor of Lviv, Ukraine’s western gateway and one of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities. Visit Castle Hill, stroll through the historic centre and see the wonderful architecture, a legacy from the city’s many different rulers including Poland, Austria and Russia.

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Lviv City Walking Tour. (B) Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Panorama (4 star): from $542* Hotel George (3 star): from $235* Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative

*From prices are per person in AUD, based on twin share in low season

ODESSA

SPOTLIGHT ON ODESSA TAILOR-MADE

3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR The popular Ukrainian Black Sea resort town of Odessa is a wonderful blend of culture and history waiting to be discovered. Enjoy this 3 day stay exploring the tree-lined boulevards, French and Italian inspired palaces and the Black Sea beaches.

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Odessa City Walking Tour. (B) Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Mozart (4 star): from $345* Hotel Chorne More (3 star): from $240* Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative


BELARUS

MINSK

SPOTLIGHT ON MINSK TAILOR-MADE

3 day TAILOR-MADE TOUR Explore the interesting capital of Belarus on this 3 day package. A city that was all but destroyed during WWII, today boasts an eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture and a thriving cultural scene dominated by the famous Belarusian ballet.

Day 1: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Day 2: Minsk City Walking Tour. (B) Day 3: Transfer to the airport. (B) Hotel Minsk (4 star): from $575* Hotel Sputnik (3 star): from $415* Inclusions: Return transfers, 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast (B), sightseeing as indicated, services of a local representative



57

GETTING AROUND BEYOND TRAVEL IS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR HOLIDAYING IN EUROPE! HIGH SPEED RAIL SECTORS

COACH SERVICES

SAPSAN HIGH-SPEED TRAIN

From

Price Per Person 1st Class 2nd Class

From

To (vv)

Approx. Duration

St. Petersburg

Helsinki

3.5 hours

288

176

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg

Moscow

4 hours

248

175

Tallinn

Up to 7 services a day. For further details please contact Beyond Travel.

To (vv)

Daily Services

Approx. Duration

Price Per Person

Tallinn

8

7 hours

100

St. Petersburg

7

7 hours

100

Coach tickets are booked and delivered locally and must be purchased in conjunction with accommodation in the city of departure.

TRANS-SIBERIAN & TRANS-MONGOLIAN RAIL SECTORS

FERRY SERVICES FINLAND

NORWAY

Helsinki SWEDEN F OF GUL

Oslo

AND FINL

St. Petersburg

Tallinn

Stockholm

ESTONIA RUSSIA BALTIC SEA

LAKE BAIKAL

From Moscow St. Petersburg Moscow Kazan Moscow Yekaterinburg Moscow Irkutsk Irkutsk Vladivostok Irkutsk Ulaan Baatar Ulaan Baatar Beijing

58

To

Depart

St. Petersburg 23:55 - Daily Moscow 23:55 - Daily Kazan 13:08 – Daily Moscow 19:45 – Daily Yekaterinburg 16:50 – Daily Moscow 10:12 – Daily Irkutsk 13:20 – Daily Moscow 18:22 – Daily Vladivostok 21:22 – Daily Irkutsk 22:30 – Daily Ulaan Baatar 08:14 – Sat, Sun & Mon Irkutsk 13:50 – Tue & Fri Beijing 07:30 – Thu & Sat (Jan -Dec) 11:22 – Tue (Jun-Oct) Ulaan Baatar & Sat (Jun -Dec) & Wed (Jan – Dec)

Arrive 07:55+1 07:55+1 01:45 +1 07:10 +1 20:09 +1 09:23 +1 20:57 +3 17:43 +3 20:30 +3 18:12 +3 06:50 +1 14:38+1 14:04+1 14:20 +1

LATVIA Riga

From

To (vv)

BELARUS

LITHUANIA

DENMARK Copenhagen Approx. Duration

Price Per Person (pp) Per Cabin (pc)

Helsinki

Tallinn

2 hours

60pp

Helsinki

Stockholm

overnight

273pc

Tallinn

Stockholm

overnight

264pc

Stockholm

Riga

overnight

192pc

Copenhagen

Oslo

overnight

145pc

St. Petersburg

Helsinki

overnight

267pc

Fares are per person or per cabin (as marked) one way. Overnight cabins are equipped with shower, private facilities and air-conditioning. At the time of brochure printing 2018 schedules and prices were unavailable. We have included 2017 schedules and prices as a guide to planning your journey From prices are based on lowest category in low season. All transport tickets must be purchased in conjunction with accommodation in the city of departure.


Terms & Conditions BROCHURE VALIDITY, PRICES & GST This brochure is valid from 1 January – 31 December 2018, unless withdrawn or substituted earlier.

on our behalf. All claims for refunds or reimbursements must be received in writing within 3 weeks from the date the service was provided.

All prices stated in this brochure are in AUD and based on tariffs and exchange rates as at 31 October 2017. Prices are dynamic and subject to change without notice in the event of fluctuations in exchange rates or increases in airfares or supplier costs outside the control of Beyond Travel. However, no surcharges will apply once final payment has been received except in the case of government charges or taxes. Most overseas products featured in this brochure are exempt from a Goods and Services Tax. However, due to legislation, GST is applicable on all domestic services provided, such as cancellations, amendments, visa processing, etc.

Special Itineraries: the territory we cover is vast, and we often receive requests for special itineraries requiring extensive research which may require a non-refundable service fee of $220 to cover time and communication costs. Should our quote be accepted, this fee will then be credited towards the cost of the tour or other services booked with Beyond Travel. Above payment, service and cancellation fees are inclusive of GST.

HOW TO BOOK To book any service in this brochure, please contact Beyond Travel or your preferred travel agent DEPOSITS & BALANCE DUE To secure a booking, the following non-refundable deposits will be required for all services within 7 days upon receipt of a confirmation invoice: The Land of Ice & Fire Cruise: 25% Rail Journeys, all Iceland services and all cruises (other than mentioned above): 20% All other tours and services: 10%* *Minimum deposit is $100 per booking. Final payment is due 90 before the commencement of your travel arrangements. PAYMENT Payments may be made by cheque, direct deposit or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express. A merchant fee of 1.4% for Visa and MasterCard and 2% for American Express. For direct deposits, please transfer payment to the following bank accounts and scan and email the transaction record along with your booking reference number to [email protected]:

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS Discounts apply to bookings either deposited or paid in full by the dates indicated. Savings amounts can vary by cabin type and season. Featured savings are total per couple; great value early bird discounts are also available for solo travellers. Early bird special on page 11 require deposit by 29 Dec 17 and full payment by 28 Feb 18. Please contact Beyond Travel for further details. DISCOVER MORE TRAVEL VOUCHERS Travel Vouchers can be applied to any additional Beyond Travel services featured in any of our 2018 brochures. Voucher amounts vary by tour, and solo travellers receive 50% of the per couple amount. Vouchers expire 31 December 2018; services must be booked and outstanding payments made by this date. Discover More Travel Vouchers are not combinable with any other offer, are invalid if the tour for which it was issued is cancelled, and have no cash value. Refunds can not be issued on unused amounts.

Australia CBA - Clarence & King Street Branch, Sydney BSB: 062-032 Account: 1016 8338 Account Name: Beyond Travel Group Pty Ltd Client Account

SPECIAL JOURNEY SOLO TRAVELLER CLUB Our Solo Traveller Club is a Beyond Travel initiative designed to match solo travellers on our 2018 Special Journey tour series who are willing to share twin accommodation, saving on single supplements and offering an opportunity for companionship whilst travelling. Only travellers of the same gender will be matched and there are no guarantees that a match will be suitable or possible; if we are unable to find a match, single supplements will apply. To join, please complete the registration form available from our office or website and return it to Beyond Travel or your preferred travel agent.

New Zealand ANZ - 15 Mercari Way, Auckland BSB: 010-277 Account: 0157342-00 Account Name: Beyond Travel Group Pty Ltd

Special booking and payment conditions apply. Detailed conditions are outlined on the registration, and submission of the form is deemed consent to these terms.

Travel agents: Smartmoney (code: RBSYD) – Australia Only Paymentgate (code: AARU) – Australia & New Zealand Enett (code: 200262) – Australia Enett (code: 300478) – New Zealand

TOUR / CRUISE CANCELLATION Beyond Travel and its principals reserve the right to cancel any tour up to 4 weeks before departure. Should a tour be cancelled, alternative arrangements of as close a standard as practicable will be recommended:- however if a suitable alternative is not found, a full refund will be offered. Should you accept an alternative that is at a cheaper price, we will refund the difference. Once a suitable alternative has been offered or the fare has been refunded, Beyond Travel accept no further liability.

SERVICE FEES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Minimum booking fee: $55 will be charged for bookings valued at less than $500. Amendments: one amendment will be provided free of charge; further amendments may incur a service fee of $55. Cancellations: prior to commencement of the cancelled service, the following cancellation fees will apply, unless otherwise advised: Rail Journeys, cruises & Selected tours* 91+ days Loss of deposit 90-42 days 50% fee 41-0 days 100% fee

All other services 61+ days Loss of deposit 60–40 days 50% fee 39–30 days 75% fee 29–0 days 100% fee

* Complete Iceland Note: free cancellation (within 7 days) does not apply on tours or cruises with last seat availability. Visa support documentation, and rail, coach and theatre tickets are non-refundable once issued or purchased. Airline tickets and rail passes which have been issued are subject to cancellation fees imposed by the airline or rail company. Refunds: no refund is available for cancellations once travel arrangements have commenced, or “no-shows” due to personal negligence or choice. Beyond Travel does not authorise any overseas supplier or hotel to promise refunds

1a: GUARANTEED DEPARTURE TOUR/CRUISE – In the unlikely event that a >>Guaranteed Departures