Compare Arctic Circle Express by Great Rail Journeys vs Cinque Terre Magnifica Hiking Tour by Tourissimo
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,302 | $ 3,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 287 | $ 571 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included |
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6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Majestic mountains and heavenly fjords in Norway combine with the tranquil landscapes of Sweden on an epic journey that includes every great Scandinavian rail experience. On this exciting 15-day tour you'll visit the fascinating cities Oslo and Stockholm and travel beyond the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' |
The cluster of seaside villages known as Cinque Terre (Five Lands) burst onto the active travel scene no more than 15 years ago and has become one of the most visited destinations in Italy. All villages were built on the same principle, with a castle erected on top of the mountain by the feudal families who originally ruled over the Cinque Terre and which served to defend the village against the Saracen invaders and pirates coming from the sea. Lack of open space created the characteristic tall, narrow houses. This is a perfect setting for a Magnifica hiking tour! Cinque Terre has some of the best coastal hiking in all of Mediterranean and UNESCO recognized its beauty and uniqueness in 1997, listing it in the registry of World Heritage Sites. But don't expect large crowds and souvenir shops. Cinque Terre has managed to maintain its authenticity despite its popularity, and Beppe and Federica will take you behind the scenes and off the beaten path in many of the villages and places we visit. The tour also includes Portofino, which is not part of Cinque Terre but is worth the visit for its picturesque harbor and interesting history. Colorful, timeless fishing villages dot our hikes among olive trees, vineyards and fragrant flowers. Cinque Terre is also a great destination for lovers of food and wine, a place where farmers have been battling with the steep terrain for hundreds of years, creating small patches of cultivable land on terraces held up by dry stone walls. Down below, a deep blue sea and crashing waves will leave you in awe with each step. |
DAYS 1-2 - THE DELIGHTS OF STOCKHOLM
Arriving in Stockholm
We fly from London to Stockholm, for two nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, close to the historic Old Town. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern city and the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Day 2 is free to explore Stockholm, spread across fourteen islands. You may wish to visit the Drottningholm Palace, royal residence of the King and Queen of Sweden. The lavish building has some of the finest gardens of any Royal grounds. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skogskyrkogården is also worth a visit. Perhaps you may like to visit the world-famous Museum of Modern Art, which houses works by some of the most iconic artists throughout history, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. The open-air Skansen museum and the Vasa Museum, containing the remains of the culturally-significant 17th century Vasa warship, which sank off the coast of Stockholm, are both popular destinations.
DAY 3 - INLAND TO ÖSTERSUND
Ostersund
Departing Stockholm we head inland by InterCity train to Östersund, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden's fifth largest lake. Here we stay for one night at the Best Western Gamla Teatern.
DAY 4 - THE INLANDSBANAN, ARCTIC CIRCLE AND LAPLAND
The Inlandsbanan
We leave Östersund and head north, travelling through some of Sweden's most glorious scenery as we head to the untamed wilderness of Lapland, making several stops at beauty spots along the way. Our journey on the Inlandsbanan tourist train takes us through a landscape of crystal clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. We get a real taste of Lapland with a light dinner of local Sami specialities before transferring to our hotel.
DAY 5 - THE OFOTEN RAILWAY TO NARVIK
Norway's fjords
Today we enjoy a journey on one of the world's most northerly railway lines, the Ofoten Railway. We travel through Sweden's breathtaking mountains into Norway, traversing steep mountainsides, with sheer drops to the fjords below. We arrive in Narvik, where we stay at the Scandic Hotel Narvik.
DAY 6 - AT LEISURE IN NARVIK
Narvik
Today is free to spend as you choose. You could discover Narvik's cultural history at the Ofoten Museum, enjoy a cable car ride (seasonal) to experience breathtaking views or visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum.
DAY 7 - SOUTH TO TRONDHEIM
Trondheim
Today is spent admiring the rugged shores of Norway as we follow the coastline south to Trondheim. The first part of our journey is by coach to Fauske, including a scenic ferry crossing. In Fauske we board the train for a journey that delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way. We have a light dinner on board the train. Late this evening we arrive in Trondheim, Norway's religious capital. The centrally located Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is our home for two nights.
DAY 8 - TRONDHEIM
Trondheim
Today is free for you to explore the historic city of Trondheim, one of the most atmospheric cities in the country. As well as discovering the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, you could visit the Ringve Museum which features a collection of musical instruments from all over the world. Trondheim's association continues with the Rockheim Museum, exhibiting the historic of popular music. The pilgrimage site and stunning green-roofed cathedral of Nidarosdomen is a must-see.
DAY 9 - THE RAUMA RAILWAY
Raumabanen Railway
Today we join the 71 mile long Rauma Railway for a spectacular journey through magnificent, contrasting landscapes. We navigate the same course as the emerald waters of the River Rauma for much of the journey, the tracks following the river as it winds around the hillsides below jagged mountain peaks. As we climb over rounded mountain plateaus we are treated to awesome views across the expansive, unspoiled national parks that stretch into the distance. We transfer by coach to Geiranger for a two-night stay at the Union Hotel Geiranger. The hotel stands at the head of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most spectacular sites, more incredible at first hand than you could have imagined from any photograph.
DAY 10 - GEIRANGERFJORD BOAT CRUISE
Geiranger
Today we enjoy the beautiful scenery of the spectacular Geirangerfjord by boat. As we cruise along the serene, deep water, the steep sides of the fjord seem to tower over the boat. In sunshine, this UNESCO World Heritage site is alive with colour and contrasts - the lush greens of the trees clinging to the rock contrasting with the deep blue water and the brilliant white of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. When it rains, countless waterfalls appear from nowhere, flowing majestically over exposed rocky outcrops and crashing down into the water below.
DAY 11 - THROUGH THE FJORDS TO FLÅM
Flåm
We leave Geiranger by coach this morning, continuing our scenic voyage through Norway's incredible fjord country. We travel through valleys hemmed in by lofty mountains and along steep-sided fjords, every bend in the road offering a new and interesting perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
DAY 12 - THE FLÅM RAILWAY TO BERGEN
Flåm Railway
Today we enjoy a superb excursion on the Flåm Railway. Our rail journey takes us up into the mountains along one of the steepest lines in the world, twisting and turning regularly as the railway line does its best to accommodate the extreme terrain. We reach the end at Myrdal and return to Flåm, to board the express boat for an afternoon journey along Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Navigating coastal islets and skerries, we end the day in Bergen, where we spend two nights at the Clarion Hotel Admiral.
DAY 13 - AT LEISURE IN BERGEN
Bergen
Today you are free to explore Bergen at leisure. The town is nestled beneath seven hills and is surrounded by fjords. Bryggen, the old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Fløibanen funicular railway affords great views of the city and its harbours from the top of Mount Fløien.
DAY 14 - THE BERGEN RAILWAY TO OSLO
The Bergen Railway
We leave Bergen by train for a magnificent journey on Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. The train climbs high above the tree line across some of the most remote areas of western Norway before descending through pastures to the elegant city of Oslo. We stay at the Thon Hotel Opera.
DAY 15 - OSLO TO LONDON
Flying home
This morning is free to spend at leisure in Oslo, before we transfer to the airport for our flight to London.
Day 1: Santa Margherita
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Laurin (alternative Hotel Metropole)
Terrain: Rolling
Hike: 1 Hr
Your guide will meet you at the Malpensa Airport (Milan) for a transfer to Santa Margherita Ligure. After checking in at our hotel we will make our way to Portofino's picturesque waterfront, home of the rich and famous, where you can do some shopping or enjoy a gelato with a view. We will gather just before dinner for an overview of the tour while holding a glass of local white wine to welcome the week ahead. The dining room at our restaurant will afford a characteristic view of the gulf of Santa Margherita.
Day 2: Santa Margherita
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Laurin (alternative Hotel Metropole)
Terrain: Rolling
Hike: 3 Hrs
Today’s hike through the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino is not technically part of Cinque Terre but offers equally spectacular coastal hiking with views of quaint fishing harbors on quiet trails with few people. We’ll visit the San Fruttuoso Abbey, located on the shores of a deep-set cove and only reachable by boat or on foot. After lunch we’ll take a boat to Camogli, a quiet, colorful fishing village. Along the way we will introduce you to a local specialty: the focaccia Ligure, the often imitated local flatbread that is one of the signature dishes of the region, and perhaps, the best trail food you’ll ever come across! And, don’t forget to have a cappuccino in each village you are hiking. You deserve it!
Day 3: Levanto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Terrain: Rolling
Hike:3 Hrs
We will start our hike this morning in Levanto, the gateway to Cinque Terre and an interesting town with many delightful painted villas. We will follow the trail to Monterosso, the first village of the Cinque Terre. Along the way, we’ll stop at Punta Mesco to enjoy the stunning view. Our lunch spot is by the beach where there will be plenty of time to relax. After a short ride back to Levanto by private boat, you can spend some time strolling around the interesting historical center. A glass of Cinque Terre DOC wine is part of the protocol before a typical Ligurian dinner at one of our favorite trattorias.
Day 4: Levanto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Park Hotel Argento
Terrain: Hilly
Hike:3 Hrs
Monterosso is the largest of the 5 villages, and is the starting point of today’s beautiful hike that is filled with stunning scenery, including lemon orchards and lush vegetation. Monterosso is also known for its anchovies (Slow Food presidia) and for its tasty lemons and the two combined make one of the local mouthwatering delicacies. We’ll take advantage of the beautiful view by stopping for lunch and wine tasting on the hills, just before descending to charming and colorful harbor in the cliffside town of Vernazza. From Vernazza we'll make our way back to Levanto by private boat where you'll be able to look back on the shore and see the morning’s hike from a new perspective.
Day 5: Portovenere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Terrain: Hilly
Hike: 3 Hrs
Tourissimo takes you off of the beaten path today with a hike that affords breathtaking views. Starting in Riomaggiore, we’ll make our way up to the Santuario di Montenero where you can take in all five villages at once! From there we’ll keep climbing (up a stairway of about 2000 steps!) to Campiglia. Campiglia is nestled across the Cinque Terre sea and the Gulf of La Spezia and on a clear day you can see the island of Corsica and the Ligurian Alps. Back in Portovenere, we’ll have a wine tasting with an explanation of the unique local production by a local winemaker. Afterwards, you will be free to spend some time discovering this vibrant village where its narrow streets often lead to fantastic views of vineyards, on one side, and of the sea, on the other.
Hotel: Relais Le Ville
Day 6: Portovenere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Terrain: Hilly
Hike: 3 Hrs
Our last hike starts in Campiglia and reaches Portovenere, the southernmost village on the peninsula. Portovenere is a beautiful and lively village with an impressive fortress that faces out to sea. We’ll discover its port and the Church of St. Peter during a stunning descent before reaching our hotel again. Our celebration dinner is at the hotel’s restaurant with a fantastic, open view of the Gulf of La Spezia. The perfect ending of Cinque Terre Magnifica Tour!
Hotel: Relais Le Ville
Day 7:: Portovenere
Meals: Breakfast
Terrain: Departure
Hike: None
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport or to La Spezia Train Station. Guides can help you with your travel plans to make sure you will have a safe trip home.
