Compare Country Roads of Scandinavia - Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Frozen Svalbard Photo Tour - 23rd - 30th April 2023 by Secret Atlas
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 5,650 | $ 8,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 435 | $ 967 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Treat your senses to a tour of Scandinavia’s towering mountains, crystalline fjords and Viking history. This immersive itinerary showcases the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle in Oslo, the humming seaside economy of the Bergen Fish Markets and Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. The delights of the Fjords are front and center on the Lysefjord Cruise, with panoramic views and a close encounter with the iconic, 2000-foot tall, Pulpit Rock. In Denmark, pause for a little local dining in Aarhus where a farm-to-table feast of Danish delicacies is whipped up from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Across the Jutland Peninsula on the island of Fyn, the Hans Christian Andersen House tells the story of the famous fairytale writer—charting his life, loves and travels. |
Join pro photographer Roger Brendhagen on a Svalbard photo expedition onboard an expedition vessel with just 12 guests. The journey will take us up the north coast of Spitsbergen with the view to opening up as many photo opportunities as possible. We will explore frozen shores and photograph the Arctic wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard. This unique voyage takes place early in the season as Svalbard emerges from the winter. The mountains are snow-covered and the shores still frozen, offering some great photo opportunities. This tour takes place on a warm and comfortable expedition vessel with just 12 guests. The exact route will be determined by the sea ice conditions which is all part of the spirit of adventure of exploration. |
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo
On arrival at Oslo airport, your transfer will leave for the hotel at 09:30, 12:00 or 14:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 17:30, to enjoy a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start
Sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the stricking contemporary architecture of the new Bjorvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world? Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held, or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Oslo City to Coastal Bergen
Journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's greatest mountain plateau and the largest national park in the Nordic countries, before arriving at your hotel in the historic port of Bergen. Join your Travel Director for a city orientation and hear about the seafaring traditions of this beautiful harbourside town. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at local restaurant.
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Ancient Hanseatic Port of Bergen Relaxed Start
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen with a visit to Bryggen, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre. Explore its beautiful wooden houses, see the 14th century Haakon's Hall and stroll through the lively fish market with its many stalls. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon on the traditional train of the Flåm Railway?
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen.
Breakfast
Day 5: A Coastline Like No Other Relaxed Start
Enjoy the morning at leisure to ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia or alternatively visit the home of composer Edward Grieg, located alongside the beautiful lake Nordås. Afterwards, travel along this incredible coastline and sail across fjords passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest cities founded almost 900 years ago. The city has continued to evolve with changing times and now the headquarters of the Norwegian oil industry, Stavanger is a fusion of old world charm and cosmopolitan flair.
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger.
Breakfast
Day 6: The Wonders of Lysefjord Relaxed Start
Cruise through Lysefjord, one of Norway's most breathtaking fjords and be charmed by its stunning natural beauty. See the Preikestolen plateau and Pulpit Rock, a plunging cliff face and one of the most iconic places in Norway. You will also see the mysterious Vagabond's Cave and enjoy the fjord landscape through panoramic windows or from the sundeck. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or continue exploring Stavanger.
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger.
Breakfast
Day 7: Lyngdal and Kristiansand
In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide, learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Observe the majestic fish in their own environment, via a unique indoor 'staircase' and viewing area. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive around the southern cape of Norway. Upon arrival in Kristiansand, your orientation walk of the city centre will show you the Dom Kirke and the Nupen Fountain. Savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Thon Hotel Parken, Kristiansand.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Kristiansand to Aarhus
Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues to Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and one of Europe's cultural treasures with world-class museums and modern art. Explore Aarhus with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert and visit Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum, offering a trip through 300 years of Danish culture. Walk among historic houses relocated from all over the country and see traditional workshops. Alternatively, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens with your Local Expert and learn about Danish nature and flora, as well as international plants in the Tropical Houses. Join your fellow travellers for a Farm-to-Table dinner of delicious regional specialties, made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Comwell Hotel Aarhus.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Historic Aarhus Relaxed Start
A vibrant mix of youthful energy and a blast from the past makes Aarhus a city with an energetic beat of the pulse. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. See the City Hall, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum — topped with an immense and interactive artwork — and Dokk1, the largest public library in Scandinavia. Walk through the cathedral neighbourhood and visit the new township for splendid views of Aarhus Bay. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Comwell Hotel Aarhus.
Breakfast
Day 10: Odense and the Fairytales of Fyn Relaxed Start
Cross the Jutland Peninsula to the town of Odense, on the island of Fyn.Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House and explore the author's creative universe. The newly opened, innovative exhibition is a remarkable homage to one of the most famous Danes. In the evening, visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast
Day 11: Wonderful Copenhagen Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert and pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's iconic Little Mermaid statue. Later, see Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, the unusual Round Tower and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. The afternoon is at your leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cofoco restaurant and enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Depart Copenhagen
Departure transfers arrive at Copenhagen airport at 06:30, 09:00 and 12:00.
Breakfast
