North Cape and Arctic Circle Crystal cruise
including Fjords of Norway by rail

*Escorted from Australia
Guaranteed SINGLE room throughout

Departing Australia 30 June, 2012

A stunning journey of contrasts by land in Norway's idyllic south, locally known as the 'sunny side'.  
Travel through a glorious combination of high mountains, hundreds of islands and narrow sounds, and crossing fjords. 

                                Then cruise aboard magnificent Crystal Symphony for 15 days from Copenhagen to Stockholm and unpack only once
as you journey north to the North Cape and experience nature, breathtaking scenery and 
the stunning drama of Norway's fjords and glaciers.

Come and experience for yourself .



 Day 1    30 June, 2012    Australia - Hong Kong     Depart from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane today and arrive Hong Kong this evening .  Perth flight leaves just after midnight 30 Jun and arrives early morning of 30 June.    Accommodation:    Regal Airport Hotel (or similar) overnight    Our hotel is connected directly to the passenger terminal of Hong Kong International Airport by an enclosed air-conditioned link bridge.    Guest rooms with contemporary design that allows plenty of natural light, double glazed sound proof windows and comprehensive in-room facilities are available to ensure your comfort.

Day 2   01 July, 2012   Hong Kong - Oslo   Morning flight to Oslo via Helskinki.  We will arrive at our hotel in Oslo late afternoon today.   Accommodation:  Thon Hotel Opera (or similar)  2 nights) Overlooking the Oslo Opera House, this hotel is only 100 metres from Oslo Central Station. It offers a large breakfast buffet, a fjord-view restaurant and modern rooms with flat-screen TVs.  Each room at Thon Hotel Opera include armchairs, minibars and a variety of TV channels. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.      

Day 3    02 July, 2012    Oslo.  Full day at leisure.   Time to rearrange your luggage today and pack a small  bag with whatever you will need for the next 3 nights.   Our main suitcase will be transported to Bergen and we will only need to carry a small hand luggage bag on the train.

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 Day 4    03 July, 2012    Oslo- Myrdal - Flam - Balestrand  (B,D)   After breakfast we will walk  to the railway station (next door) in good time for our morning train departure from Oslo  to Myrdal .  Here you will change trains and board the famous Flam Railway, one of the worlds greatest rail journeys down the valley to the small idyllic village of Flam.     Some time at leisure to admire this quaint village before boarding your afternoon ferry.  Travel across the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway.  Disembark in Balestrand at 5pm, where your hotel is situated right on the fjord, next to your arrival point. Check-in at your hotel and free time until your buffet dinner is served in the hotel restaurant.   Accommodation:  Kviknes Hotel (or similar) 2 nights  Next to the Sognefjord lies Kviknes Hotel - one of the most distinctive hotels in Scandinavia.   At Kvikne's the best traditions of innkeeping go right back to 1752. The Kvikne family, who still own the hotel today, took over in 1877 and a continuous process of development has been going on from that day to this.  The hotel was built in the "Swiss" style. Much new building, reconstruction and extension has gone on since, but none of it has altered the special character of this place.  Kvikne's is a modern hotel with old world charm and atmosphere and with 200 guest rooms is one of the largest tourist hotels in Norway.  The hotel is graced with an extensive collection of artworks and antiques, which give it its special style.  The list of prominent guests is a long one. Keiser Wilhelm II of Germany was a frequent guest in Balestrand. Royalty, emperors, presidents, prime ministers, film stars and artists from many countries can be found on the guest list.

Day 5    04 July, 2012     Balestrand – Fjærland - Balestrand   (B, D)    After breakfast we  will enjoy a full day excursion to Fjærland. The excursion starts with a boat trip to Fjærland situated on the beautiful and majestic Fjærlandsfjord, surrounded by snow clad mountains.  The fjord has a special green colour due to the meltwater from the glacier that flows out into the fjord.  From the quay in Mundal, Fjærland, the glacier bus takes you to the foot of the glacier for a marvellous glacier experience.  Return by boat later this afternoon, arriving back in Balestrand just before 5pm. The rest of the day is at leisure until your dinner at the hotel (buffet).
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Day 6     05 July, 2012    Balestrand - Flam (B, D)    After breakfast we board the fast ferry and again travel across the Sognefjord, departing Balestrand just before midday disembarking in Flam (approx. 13:25), where your hotel is situated right on the fjord, next to your arrival point.   On arrival to Flam – a short walk to hotel for check-in. Afternoon is at leisure and why not enjoy the fantastic views from your private balcony room.  Dinner is served at the hotel (3 course dinner including coffee/tea).Accommodation:  Fretheim Hotel (Balcony rooms with view), overnight    With roots dating back to 1870 and traditional atmosphere intact, the Fretheim Hotel distinguishes itself today as a leading, modern tourist hotel. Its distinctive architecture and stunning fjord view, 118 comfortable rooms, several suites, large restaurant and modern conference facilities, make Fretheim Hotel one of Fjord Norway's most exciting hotel experiences. The restaurant offers first-class dining with fresh ingredients obtained from local producers and nature's own pantry.

Day 7    06 July, 2012     Balestrand - Bergen (B,L)  06 July, 2012 Flam – Gudvangen – Voss - Bergen (B)    Breakfast at hotel and later this morning we have a guided tour of the AEGIR Brewery which is in the Viking inspired building and serves fantastic local produce to guests. A guided tour of the brewery, including beer tasting and lunch.    In the afternoon, departure (approx. 15:10) on the ferry and travel along another arm of the Sognefjord but this time the Naeroyfjord which is one of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords.  In 2005 it became a part of the UNESCO Heritage List and a major highlight of this region.  Disembark in the village of Gudvangen (approx. 17:20) from where a local coach takes guests through the Stalheim Gorge, with its two superb waterfalls and the steep mountain roads, before ending in the mountain village of Voss (approx. 18:20). Finally board the local train from Voss (approx. 19:20) to Bergen, with evening arrival (approx. 20:34). We then transfer by coach to our hotel where our main luggage will be available.       Accommodation:  Clarion Admrial Hotel (or similar) 2 nights   The Clarion Hotel Admiral is housed in a magnificent old packhouse building that dates back to 1906. The hotel opened its doors to guests for the first time in 1987. Clarion Hotel Admiral is the only waterside hotel in Bergen with the best view to Bryggen, Vågen and Fløien.   Your room will have a balcony with a view to three sides.

Day 8    07 July, 2012     Bergen (B)  At leisure      Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is a beautiful, charming city. With the Unesco World Heritage–listed Bryggen and buzzing Vågen harbour as its centrepiece, Bergen climbs the hillsides with hundreds of timber-clad houses, while cable cars offer stunning views from above.

Day 9     08 July, 2012     Bergen - Copenhagen (B)  After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Copenhagen and boarding of Crystal Symphony.

                                                                                                    Tour cost : $AU7850 includes

Tour cost does not include:

                                                                                            

                                                                                           Cruise only cost:  *$US9100 includes:

 

Cruise cost does not include:

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Day 9    08 July, 2012    Copenhagen, Denmark   (B,L,D)   Board Crystal Symphony in time for lunch and have remainder of day at leisure.  Denmark, the world's oldest kingdom, awaits your discovery on this visit to its lively capital, Copenhagen. Immerse yourself in the vitality of this delightful city as you explore its expansive parks and plazas, as well as its treasure trove of historic galleries and buildings. Discover its exquisite combination of Scandinavian elegance and European joie de vivre. Visitors traveling outside the city enter an altogether different world; one where stately castles are found nestled in the gentle, emerald-green Danish countryside

Day 10   09 July, 2012    Copenhagen, Denmark  (B,L,D)  Day is at leisure.  Ship sails at 6pm tonight.

Day 11  10 July, 2012    Cruising the North Sea  (B,L,D)   Your Day at Sea    -   Enrich. Entertain. Escape.   Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging lecture series; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theatre, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.

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 Day 12    11 July, 2012  Molde, Norway   (B,L,D)   7 am   -  2 pm  & Andalsnes, Norway  5pm - 7pm   Anyone who has surveyed a map of Scandinavia will know that water plays a staring role in the region's industry, history and general appeal. Molde, located between Trondheim and Bergen on the western shores of Norway, is no exception. Like many of Norway's towns, Molde is on a fjord. It is also located near the river Moldeelva, one of the area's more important resources: In the 16th and 17th centuries, the river was home to the buzzing activity of sawmills; in the early 20th century, the river provided the city's first hydroelectric power plant; to this day, the river's pristine upper reaches provide drinking water for most of the city.    Exploring Molde and its environs, you will appreciate the stunning beauty of the fjord, river and surrounding peaks. Fish such as salmon and sea trout are in ample supply in the rivers, while cod and mackerel swim in the Romsdalsfjord. Thirty minutes outside of town is a marble grotto which leads to an underground waterfall. Another waterfall is Mardalsfossen, the highest in Northern Europe and the fourth highest in the world.

Day 12    11 July, 2012     Åndalsnes, Norway  (B,L,D)    5 pm   -   7 pm    Located on the shores of the Romsdalsfjord at the mouth of the Rauma River, the small city of Åndalsnes could not want for a more picturesque setting. Looking out over the fjord, you’ll find blue waters that warrant many clicks of your camera.


Day 13    12 July, 2012    Trondheim,  Norway (B,L,D)    8 am  -  5 pm  A millennium of history and culture is the palette for the diversity and richness of the fair city of Trondheim. Originally named Nidaros, home to Kings and Saints, Trondheim boasts the largest Cathedral, the oldest theatre, and one of the most unique museums, all in Norway. The streets echo with the long-silent sounds of Vikings, vast armies and the seafaring spirit of the West Coast.
Day 14   13 July, 2012    Cruising Svartisen Glacier  (B,L,D)   Svartisen is Norway’s second to highest glacier and has an area of 370 squarekilometers. It is the lowest positioned glacier on the european mainland, just about 20m above the ocean.  The highest point on the glacier is 1594 meters above the sea and the Engen-glacier has got a thickness of up until 450 meters.  The glacierarm ‘Engenbreen’ curves toward the Hordlandsfjord.   The name ‘Svartisen’ comes from ’svartis’, an old word which denotes the deep colour of blue in this ice and the contrast to the white snow and newer ice on the iceplateau itself. The icemasses offer a range of different colournuances from blank crystal clear ice, to a turqouise-white bright and dark blue colours.

Day 15   14 July, 2012   Cruising the North Cape   (B,L,D)

Day 16   15 July, 2012    Tromsø, Norway   (B,L,D)   8 am   -   5 pm   Tromso, the capital of Troms province is known as "the capital of the Arctic." It lies on a forest-covered island in a narrow waterway, hemmed in by steep mountains and connected to the mainland by a bridge. This city has long been renowned as an important center of science and exploration. The imaginative Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria Centre and a scenic cable car ride are among the varied attractions Tromso offers to its visitors.


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Day 17   16 July, 2012    Leknes/Lofoten, Norway   (B,L,D)    8 am  -   5 pm   Leknes is a town and administrative centre of municipality Vestvågøy, in the county of Nordland in northern Norway. The town is situated in the geographical middle of Lofoten..  Leknes is the trading and shopping centre of Lofoten, however its town centre is not by the sea and many regard it to be less picturesque than its neighbouring  fishing villages. However its natural surroundings are regarded to be among the most stunning in Norway, with mountains, peaks, cliffs and white sandy beaches.   In Leknes, the sun (midnight sun) is above the horizon from May 26 to July 17, and in winter the sun does not rise from December 9 to  January 4.  
Day 18   17 July, 2012    Cruising the Baltic Sea   (B,L,D)  

Day 19  18 July, 2012    Hellesylt/Geiranger, Norway  (B,L,D)   8 am  -  6pm   Geiranger village is located along the picturesque snow-covered Geirangerfjord in central Norway. One of the most dazzling of all Norwegian fjords, the Geiranger has been visited by touring ships for more than 100 years.  Impressive mountains, numerous waterfalls and farms clinging precipitously to steep hillsides combine to give this area its unique character.  One of the highlights of the fjordland, tiny Hellesylt lies at the head of Sunnylvenfjord. Near the village, a glacier-fed stream plunges over the sheer granite face of the fjord, cascading in thousands of feet of rainbows and foam. This majestic area, with its breathtaking glaciers and mountain lakes, inspired Henrik Ibsen's immortal drama Brand.
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 Day 20    19 July, 2012   Bergen, Norway  (B,L,D)    8 am   -  6 pm Bergen, "Capital of the Fjordland" and Norway's second-largest city, was founded in 1070 AD. In its heyday, Norwegian Kings resided here. It was the largest city in Norway and there were no less than 27 churches and abbeys.  Bergen is an immaculate city, set between the mountains and the sea, where traditional values hold firm over transitory ways. The local people take great pride in the rich heritage of this, one of Norway's premier cities


Day 21    20 July, 2012  Cruising the Baltic Sea   (B,L,D)
and
Day 22    21 July, 2012  Cruising the Baltic Sea   (B,L,D)

Day 23    22 July, 2012   Stockholm, Sweden (overnight)   (B,L,D) Sweden's capital, Stockholm, which sprawls over 14 islands, is often called the "Beauty on Water." Resting amid wooded hills, it is a city surrounded by water, firmly linked by over 50 bridges. Originally founded as a fortress in the 12th century, the earliest mention of Stockholm as a city was in the year 1252. By 1850, the city had less than 100,000 inhabitants. Today it is one of Europe's most prosperous cities with a population of over a million.

Day 24    23 July, 2012   Stockholm, Sweden.  (B)   Cruise ends this morning.   You may either extend your stay in Stockholm or transfer to the airport for onward flights. We depart from Stockholm this evening for overnight flight via Hong Kong to Australia

Day 25  24 July, 2012   En-route to Australia   (Perth passengers will require an overnight in Hong Kong at additional expense)

Day 26  25 July, 2012  Arrive Australia

                       All beverages including fine wines, premium spirits and all
non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees
are included while you are onboard Crystal Symphony for 15 days. 
Also included on board are pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff;
specialty dining; 24-hour room service;  enrichment workshop classes and much more.

**N.B. AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.  EARLY RESERVATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Late bookings and/or unavailability of this airfare may result in extra cost for a higher airfare

 

Please note:   This tour involves services which are settled in a number of currencies and the exchange rate has been calculated on

rates current at the time of uploading this tour onto our website.    

Should there be a fluctuation of exchange rates of more than 3% from this time to the time we receive payment,

we reserve the right to pass on an exchange rate surcharge.

 

These prices are subject to increase and/or currency surcharge

 

To contact us
Destination World Travel
P O Box 2040
South Plympton   South Australia  5038
Australia

Phone: 08-8293-6988  Outside of Australia telephone 61 8 8293 6988
Fax:      08-8293-5988  Outside of Australia fax   61 8 8293 5988

Email:  destinationworld@internode.on.net

Lic. TTA 156054