Through the Seasons ICELAND | GREENLAND | LAPLAND | NORWAY | FAROE ISLANDS | AZORES
Come back with your own story to tell...
For over 40 years we’ve been crafting tailor-made trips and in depth group tours to Iceland. In fact, we love this Arctic nation so much that we’ve since sent our specialists to Greenland, Norway, Lapland, the Faroe Islands and the Azores. They’ve slept in glass-topped igloos, bathed in natural hot springs and sampled regional delicacies throughout the year to get to know these destinations inside out. We’ve selected some of our favourite trips through the seasons so no matter which month you decide to travel; our team of dedicated experts have got the perfect suggestion for you. Call 020 7666 1247 or visit regentholidays.co.uk
/regentholidays
@regent_holidays #myregentmoment
/regentholidays
January South Iceland Winter Break Iceland | 5 day Short Break With its unrivalled array of staggering natural wonders, Iceland deserves its reputation as a superb year-round destination. That being said, a winter trip offers visitors front-row seats to one of the world’s greatest natural phenomena; from late autumn to early spring the night skies come alive with the flickering neon lights of the aurora borealis. Combine evenings searching for Mother Nature’s light show with days spent getting to know South Iceland’s geological wonders. Using Reykjavík as your base, enjoy guided coach excursions to Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser and Pingvellir National Park, and relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. From £685pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
05
February Lapland Winter Escape Finland | 4 day Short Break Home to Lapland’s unique igloo village, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort lies high above the Arctic Circle in the heart of the Lappish wilderness. Spend your days exploring the frozen winter wonderland by snowmobile or husky sled, and after dark search for the northern lights on an exhilarating reindeer sled safari. With a range of accommodation options to choose from, opt to spend a night in a glass-domed igloo or book a log cabin complete with roaring log fire and private sauna. For those wanting to experience the best of both worlds try the Kelo-Glass igloos which combine the warmth of a wooden cabin and sensational skywards views of a glass igloo. From £985pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
07
March Vistas of Vesterålen & Lofoten Norway | 7 day Fly-drive Dotted off the edge of Norway’s west coast, the stunning Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos are one of the best-kept secrets in the Arctic region. Though located at a latitude of 68o (just above the Arctic Circle) the Gulf Stream breathes warm air over the islands year-round. As a result, the winter months are far milder here than this latitude would usually dictate, offering the rare opportunity for a winter fly-drive. Take to the National Tourist Routes, travelling scenic stretches of road that skirt craggy coastlines, where sea eagles soar over deep fjords and snow-covered mountains keep watch over colourful fishing villages. From £1,095pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
09
April Beyond the Volcano Azores | 10 day Fly-drive The tiny Portuguese islands scattered halfway across the Atlantic Ocean that make up the Azores prove that when it comes to picking a holiday destination with pristine environments and outdoor adventure, size definitely isn’t everything. The balmy April temperatures and traffic-free roads prime the Azores for a spring fly-drive holiday. Explore four of the beautiful Azorean islands at your own pace on a driving route designed to bring you the best of the volcanic landscapes. Combine stalagmite-filled caves, opalescent crater lakes and stretching lava fields with trips out to sea to spot the blue whales that migrate through the waters in April. From £1,159pp
www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
11
May Iceland Complete Iceland | 9 day Group Tour Designed for the first time visitor, this Iceland group tour provides the perfect opportunity to effortlessly immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and character of the country. Travel around the circumference of this Arctic nation in May, when the roads to more remote northern highlands and eastern coast re-open and the volcanic landscapes turn lush and green. Stop to feel the spray from thundering waterfalls and dare to bathe in steaming hot springs. With a friendly group and an expert guide, you’ll visit everywhere from coastlines covered in nesting sea birds to grandiose glaciers, iceberg-littered lagoons and traditional wooden villages. From £1,655pp
www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
13
June Greenland Coastal Voyage Greenland | 10 day Tailor-made Greenlanders depend on the coastal ferry, the MV Sarfaq Ittuk, to travel between towns and settlements from the rugged Arctic landscape of the west coast to the green and fertile south. This unique trip includes three nights aboard the coastal ferry, travelling with the locals for part of the journey around some of South Greenland’s most scenic coastal regions. Depart Ilulissat to gently slip past immense glaciers, towering a hundred feet from the water and watch out for migrating humpback whales as you make your way to the fjordlands at Narsaq. Experience Greenland at night, illuminated by the enchanting midnight sun during June. From £3,235pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
15
July Iceland on the Road Iceland | 10 day Fly-drive Tackle Iceland’s most spectacular natural sights on a fly-drive that circles the island, using scenic routes that are closed during the winter season. Begin by exploring South Iceland before driving along the east coast where narrow fjords and natural harbours sit, carved by Ice Age glaciers. You’ll also visit more remote regions, crossing the Mörðrudalsöræfi highland pass en route to the volcanic Lake Mývatn region before reaching Húsavík – Iceland’s whale watching capital – and the picturesque farmlands of Akureyri. Opt to extend your stay; this tailor-made itinerary can be adjusted, allowing you the freedom to travel at your own pace. From £1,320pp
www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
17
August Spitsbergen Summer Break Norway | 6 day Short Break Head high above the Arctic Circle to the world’s northernmost capital city, Longyearbyen. Nestled within rugged mountains and icy plains, on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, colourful buildings stand in stark contrast to the surrounding snowcapped peaks. During the summer months the sun never sets, allowing endless hours of Arctic wilderness exploration. This stunning environment - as far north as most people will ever travel - is easily accessible. Comfortable hotels replace the need for hardy expeditions. Take a boat trip to Pyramiden where you may catch a glimpse of a polar bear, spot Arctic foxes and visit the majestic Nordenskjold Glacier. From £1,299pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
19
September Faroe Islands in Depth Faroe Islands | 8 day Group Tour Flung far from the Scottish coast and hidden halfway between Iceland and Norway, dramatic cliffs topped with grassy green pastures and tiny clusters of colourful houses rise from North Atlantic. The Faroe Islands, home to more sheep than people, is often forgotten by travellers but is packed full of architectural heritage descending from Viking times. On this Regentexclusive group tour, spend time in the harbourside capital, Tórshavn, visit remote villages and dine in one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses in the world. Take boat trips out to Suðuroy and Vestmanna, who’s cliffs offer some of the world’s best birdwatching opportunities. From £2,270pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
21
October Northern Lights Explorer Iceland | 8 day Group Tour Dive into Iceland’s greatest winter wonders on a group tour specially designed to uncover the geological highlights of the South West whilst maximising the chances of witnessing the elusive aurora borealis. By day, discover the volcanic craters, bubbling hot springs and gushing waterfalls of Borgarfjordur Valley, reach the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to explore charming fishing villages and explore the vast Skaftafell National Park. By night, journey out into the Icelandic countryside in search of the best viewing spots to catch a glimpse of the northern lights – the light show begins during October, before the weather drops to mid-winter temperatures. From £1,450pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
23
November Tromsø Short Break Norway | 5 day Short Break Gateway to the Arctic, Norway’s northernmost hub is a lively, cultural city surrounded by glistening mountains, deep fjords and pretty clusters of islands. Crowned one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, embark on an unforgettable evening Aurora Safari, travelling through the Arctic wilderness to reach a basecamp for dinner around a camp fire. Enjoy a four-night stay at the Radisson Blu Tromsø and tailor your winter holiday, choosing from a range of optional excursions in order to explore the surrounding Arctic wonderland. Opt for a whale watching tour, try cross-country skiing or visit a husky centre. From £685pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
25
December Christmas in Lapland Finland | Short Break Sitting directly on the Arctic Circle at 66.5o north, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland where every one of the 200 days of winter feels as festive as the last. Perfect for creating festive family memories that last a lifetime, Santa Claus Village – official residence of the man in red – is a must for kids and is located just a fifteenminute transfer from the city. Amenities are close to hand, from the bars and restaurants of the compact centre to the countless winter activities in the frozen, glistening wilderness that surrounds. Try your hand at mushing a husky sled or visit a reindeer farm and enjoy a sleigh ride through the snowy fells. Lapland Short Breaks from £579pp www.regentholidays.co.uk | 020 7666 1247
27
Regent Holidays is part of ITC Luxury Travel Group Limited