Norwegian guide to Scandinavia long haul by theateam

Guide to Scandinavia Long-haul Edition

How tour operators, travel agents and airport marketing teams can work with Norwegian Air Shuttle to package, sell and deliver holidays and short breaks in Scandinavia

Your new route to Scandinavia Build successful holiday packages to Scandinavia in partnership with Norwegian Air Shuttle and you’ll not only get stress-free flights to some of Europe’s most awesome destinations – you’ll also benefit from great savings, our experience in the leisure inbound marketplace and our fantastic relationships with a huge range of top hotels and service providers. We began life as a domestic regional airline, but made our name in the low-cost Scandinavian airline sector. Over the years, we’ve also built a dedicated group department for incoming tour operators that brings visitors to the best of Norway and Scandinavia.

exacting requirements – and make your travellers very happy! In this Guide, we’ve put together some popular tourism packages, incorporating the finest things to see and do in Norway and Scandinavia. Each package is designed to fit in well around our air services and features accommodation, dining options and, of course, unforgettable Take advantage of the choices experiences in Europe’s exotic available through Norwegian.com northern edges. and be sure that your packages live So, take a look through this up to your customers’ expectations, Guide and see how partnering with whether you’re running all-inclusive Norwegian is excellent business or FIT packages, winter or summer, for your business. Tell us what historic city breaks or adventure you want and together we’ll make safaris. Norwegian can meet your it happen!

Foreword

Last year, Norwegian Air Shuttle placed the largest single aircraft order that Europe has ever seen. We’re expanding operations across the board, offering more short-haul services, more charter availability for tour operator and travel agent customers and – for the very first time – low-cost long-haul services direct to Asia and America utilising the brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. It is an exciting time for Norwegian – and a great time for our customers and new businesses to check out the many excellent opportunities we’re opening up in the tour operator inbound sector. Norwegian is best known as a low-cost pointto-point airline. Our network encompasses a spectrum of scheduled routes that cater equally for inbound and outbound travellers, for independent travellers, business flyers and group bookings alike. This Guide explains why we are also the perfect airline choice for North American and Far Eastern group bookers interested in bringing leisure visitors into the Scandinavia market. This is a key market segment for Norwegian, which services the vast majority of our region’s popular leisure destinations on a year-round or seasonal basis. Our group bookings department combines competitive fares with a flexible approach to suit individual clients – seat bookings can be made (and amended) online. Our fleet is one of the most modern in the sector and offers in-flight entertainment and other comforts for a pleasant flight every time.

Our network offers easy access to our region’s abundant attractions and adventures, which means that long-haul visitors can travel into Scandinavia direct to one of our hub airports (Oslo Airport, for example) and then take a quick connecting flight direct to their destination or tour starting point of choice. So, when you design your new holidays to Scandinavia, please think of Norwegian as your air transport partner. You will find a range of sample tourism package products in this Guide. These products could be sold to your clients exactly as they are, utilising Norwegian’s Scandinavian route portfolio as your air transport platform. Or, you could take some ideas and build your own variants on these proven itineraries, in partnership with Norwegian! We don’t compromise on quality, but we are just as interested as you in keeping prices low. That’s why partnering with Norwegian can maximise your profits and give your customers the best possible time here. Several kinds of tourism experience are included here: city breaks, cruise trips, cultural excursions and wilderness breaks. Read this Guide and discover why Norwegian is right for your business.

Bjørn Kjos CEO, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA

Contents Guide to Scandinavia Scandinavia: grand panoramas immersed in magical light and full of adventures, ancient settlements, cultural attractions that are unlike anything else on Earth. Choose your perfect destination and Norwegian will get you there! This is TromsĂ¸, Norway.

06 Spreading the Network Norwegian’s first long-haul routes, direct to the best of Scandinavia

09 About this Guide What to expect and how to make the most out of your partnership with Norwegian Air Shuttle.

10 About Norwegian In case you aren’t familiar with the Norwegian story, here’s everything you need to know.

Sample Packages

20 Oslo & the Fjords

Scandinavian Delights A brief overview of popular leisure pull factors in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Starting in Norway’s elegant capital, this is one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys.

24 The Fjords of Western Norway

Tourism Seasons Choose the right destinations for your market, at the right time of year.

Spend a week on the West Coast and sample the very best Fjord attractions.

28 Arctic Cruise An exotic winter cruise from Tromsø to the Northern Cape and beyond.

30 Scandinavia’s Three Capitals The delights of Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen in one convenient experience.

36 Baltic Cruise Copenhagen is a fantastic city from which to start and conclude a voyage around the Baltic.

38 Stylish Sweden The culture tour that takes you from Stockholm to the gems of the far south.

Spreading the Network Scandinavia is blessed with an abundance of top quality tourism destinations that appeal to the long-haul market. Whether you are interested in our cultural cities, our unspoiled nature, the awesome Norwegian Fjords or the Swedish archipelago, mountains or the spectacular arctic, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got every base covered!

Long-haul Destinations

Tourism Products Key Alpine Skiing Arts & Museums Canoeing/Kayaking Castles City Break Climbing/Hill Walking Cross-country Skiing Cruise Port Cycling Family Destination Fishing

In the first phase of our long-haul business expansion, Norwegian is operating the following direct services to the United States and Far East in 2013. Additional services may follow:

Glacier Sports

From Denmark

From Norway

From Sweden

Ice-fishing

From Copenhagen Fort Lauderdale

From Oslo New York Bangkok Fort Lauderdale

From Stockholm New York Bangkok Fort Lauderdale

Hiking/Walking

King Crab Safari Lake & River Journeys Live Music Midnight Sun Mountain Railway Northern Lights Scuba Diving Ski Resort Snowboarding Snow Safari UNESCO World Heritage Site Viking Attraction Watersports Whale Watching Wildlife

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GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 07

About this Guide Scandinavia is a dream destination for the quality-focused international tour operator community – it’s all about epic landscapes and mythic adventures, active summer fun and full-on winter excitement, ancient cultures and chic modernist style. This Guide explains how to get the most out of what’s on offer.

The Norwegian Guide to Scandinavia is THE tool for anyone looking to work in the Scandinavian inbound tourism sector. It follows on from the success of 2010’s Norwegian Guide to Norway, in which we encouraged international tour operators to fly their customers on our services to and through Norway. Our objective was to showcase the most iconic of tourism destinations and the finest adventures, from the cosmopolitan south to the far arctic north. The first Guide was a practical reference manual – a flexible tool designed to help you plan a new package holiday to a destination in Norway. That first Guide was a big hit with our customers and inspired this second edition. This time around, we’re taking a second look at what’s on offer in Norway and we’ve spread the boundaries of our search to include the best of Scandinavia as well, with several key tourism hotspots in Denmark and Sweden highlighted for the first time. Needless to say, Norwegian offers highfrequency scheduled services to all of these holiday hotspots, plus all the high-quality charter options you’d expect from Scandinavia’s favourite low-cost airline.

Holiday options in this Guide include: • • •

City Breaks, Entertainment & Culture Fjord & Arctic Cruises Exotic Nature & Wildlife

The Guide incorporates essentials from which you can build short, weekend, week-long or longer packages, using our connections and our expertise in the Scandinavian travel trade sector. So, whether you’re looking to establish a city break, fjord exploration or adventure tourism product, this Guide gives you plenty of options. Inside this Guide, you will find: • • •

•

Our business model, airport locations and route portfolio A short introduction of Scandinavia’s best tourism regions and their pull factors Sample packages that showcase how you can make the most out of our region’s tourism potential and could be sold as they are, direct to your customers Vital information on Scandinavia’s inbound tourism sector

We’ve tried to keep everything simple. The package samples are clearly set out to showcase the best attractions and experiences on offer, together with suggested itineraries, accommodation and ground transport options. Of course, these packages represent just a small percentage of the opportunities on offer across Scandinavia for the long-haul market. We have had to leave out some very strong tourism package possibilities due to a lack of room! We can’t tell you the whole story, sadly, but we can show you a wide selection of functional ideas, each of which has a mass-market appeal in the international marketplace. The pricing and scheduling information contained on the right of each package is not intended to be definitive, although many of the costings were taken direct from Norwegian.com in July 2013. Flight timings and hotel accommodation options may vary depending on what time of year you book. Timetables are updated. This information is included simply to give you an idea of what’s on offer. For real-time price information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Let’s explore together!

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 09

About Norwegian Introducing the second largest carrier in Scandinavia and the third largest European low fares airline. Our route portfolio stretches across Scandinavia and Europe into North Africa, the Middle East, Thailand and the US. Our focus is on competitive prices and customer friendly solutions.

30 May 2013 was a milestone date in the history of Norwegian Air Shuttle, as our first long-haul flight took off from Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, bound for New York-JFK. So began our new long-haul business. The vision that more people should benefit from affordable, high-quality air transport between Scandinavia and a variety of international destinations has been a key part of our strategic developments for many years. Until 2013, that vision was achieved almost solely through intra-European flights. Norwegian Air Shuttle has moved on. We call this exciting phase in our development the ‘longhaul revolution’. For many years, Scandinavia has been a tricky destination for tour operators and travel planners who need to book seats on long-haul flights. They have been faced with a market characterised by artificially high fares and limited flexibility. Norwegian takes the opposite view and offers inexpensive fares combined with sectorleading comfort and a brand-new fleet. We aim to change the way long-haul travel bookers think about the Scandinavia market, and help larger numbers of visitors from the Americas and the Far East to enjoy time here.

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We’ve chosen to use the comfortable and fuel-efficient Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on all long-haul services, with flights initially taking place between our capital cities – Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen – and New York City, Fort Lauderdale and Bangkok. This is just the beginning. In the first phase, we’re operating several flights per week between these key destinations (three to four per week between Oslo and New York alone). Next, the plan is to add further long-haul airport connections; more airports and more frequencies. Expect some more exciting news in the future! Whether passengers book short-haul with us or choose our new intercontinental long-haul services, the vision is the same: nobody should have to choose between cheap flights and nice flights. So, if you are booking leisure visitor trips to Scandinavia, we really are your natural choice.

Our Business ‘Everyone should afford to fly.’ This simple business idea inspired our transformation from a small regional carrier into a high-quality low-cost airline in 2002. Since then, we’ve grown beyond recognition. Norwegian Air Shuttle is Scandinavia’s second largest airline and Europe’s third largest low-cost airline We operate on over 350 routes to 121 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. In 2012, we flew 17.7 million passengers. As Scandinavia’s favourite low-cost airline, Norwegian specialises in high-frequency point-topoint services to and from the premier tourism and business destinations in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The busiest route is OsloBergen, with 13 daily round-trips followed by Oslo-Trondheim, with 12 daily round-trips. Our largest non-Scandinavian operation is to London

Whether passengers book short-haul with us or choose our new intercontinental long-haul services, the vision is the same: nobody should have to choose between cheap flights and nice flights. So, we really are your natural choice.

The 787 Dreamliner Revolution How will the 787 Dreamliner revolutionise long haul flights? From a manufacturing point of view, the Dreamliner is a revolutionary leap in aircraft design. The use of composite materials not only contributes greater comfort, a reduction in cabin pressure, better air and less turbulence, but it also reduces fuel consumption by 20% per passenger, enabling us to offer you comfortable and state-of-theart long distance flights at our low prices.

Features of the 787 Dreamliner • 20 percent lower fuel consumption per passenger compared to similar sized aircraft • More environmentally friendly, with 25-30 percent reduction in NOx-gasses • Significant reduction in cabin noise • Improved air quality in the cabin • Dreamliner can fly more than 1,000 km longer than any similar sized aircraft

Everything we do is inspired by the vision of competitive low fares, operational excellence and a high-quality travel experience. Across the board, the focus is on the lowest possible prices, business flexibility and customer-friendly solutions. Booking made Easy Norwegian is a ticketless airline. All of our agents (except those using other Global Distribution Systems (GDS) than Amadeus) make reservations through Amadeus. Our procedures on this GDS are available in Amadeus GG-pages: GGAIRDY. Our code is DY. Booking DY is a straightforward process. Once you have given us your relevant details (these should be sent to the agentkontakt@norwegian.no email address) there is a three-step reservation process (PNR) to complete, after which you will be sent all relevant price details. Once you have agreed to the cost, your travel documents will automatically be sent to your email address. Otherwise, you can book direct via our Agent Portal (http://ap.norwegian.no) or through our website, www.norwegian.no. And, of course, our Group department is on hand to answer questions relating to particular tour requests and to make group bookings as appropriate.

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Gatwick Airport, with up to 14 daily round-trips. Our portfolio is continually adapting to ensure we meet the needs of modern-day tourism and business travellers in the best way possible. Everything we do is inspired by the vision of competitive low fares, operational excellence and a high-quality travel experience. Across the board, the focus is on the lowest possible prices, business flexibility and customer-friendly solutions. Norwegian is low cost, but does not compromise in any way on service levels. To achieve this level of service, we have invested in one of the most modern and environmentally friendly airline fleets in commercial operation anywhere in the world.

Our fleet currently comprises 74 aircraft, including 64 Boeing 737-800s. Another 245 aircraft are on order and Norwegian has options over a further 152. The new orders include the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320neo. And, of course, we also have eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, with more on order. Norwegian’s ‘freedom to choose’ strategy is integral to everything we do. Passengers can choose to purchase a simple low-cost product or they can opt for a more comprehensive package that features additional facilities and services. At Norwegian, every cost is transparent and all tickets can be tailored to fit exacting customer requirements.

Awards Norwegian is widely recognised for the quality and efficiency of its services. The combination of safety, efficiency, technology and customer-focus inspired Air Transport World (ATW) to give Norwegian the prestigious title of ‘Market Leader of the Year’ in 2009. In 2012, Skytrax named Norwegian the ‘Second Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe’ at the World Airline Awards. As the first airline in Europe to offer in-flight WiFi, Norwegian has also won the Passenger Choice Awards 2012 in the ‘Best Inflight Connectivity and Communications’ category. The provision of high quality and flexible air travel remains a key objective as we continue to diversify and develop our business.

Chartering with Norwegian

No other airline in Scandinavia can offer this combination. You will find the constructive and positive logistics partnerships you need at Norwegian Air Shuttle.

If you need your own flight to transport customers into Norway, either on an ad hoc or regular seasonal basis, Norwegian is your natural partner. We are more than happy to utilise aircraft in this capacity, adding to our comprehensive year-round programme of scheduled flights. Tour operator customers will discover that our flexible, low-cost approach makes the vast majority of charter requests possible. Norwegian can help you at the earliest stage of the charter process – deciding exactly where you want to go – and works continually to ensure you get the best possible service levels at a good price. Choose to charter a Norwegian aircraft and you are also able to access to our modern, well-maintained fleet and professional cabin crews. The result is a prompt, safe, friendly and expert service that meets your most stringent air transportation requirements and satisfies your customers.

To discover our potential, call the Norwegian Group department on +47 815 11 560

For more information contact our Group department. Call +47 815 11 560

Norwegian for tour operators Norwegian offers the whole package for tour operators: a straightforward and adaptable approach, whether you call us direct or book online. Travel agents can log on to Amadeus or Galileo to purchase allocations with Norwegian via the GDS. We’ve done everything we can to make the process as simple as possible. Why partner with Norwegian? • Norwegian understands Scandinavia: our team has the expertise to ‘cherry pick’ the right packages for your group needs • Our high frequency services to main airports – Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim,

•

Tromsø, Stockholm, Copenhagen and many more – provides direct access to the best inbound attractions that Norway and Scandinavia have to offer We know how to build partnerships with international tour operators – we’ve done it successfully for years!

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Scandinavian Delights Magnificent views, sparkling lakes, fascinating fjords, arctic wilds and warm, welcoming cites brimming with impressive and unique attractions – visitors come to Norway, Denmark and Sweden for exotic adventures, spectacular and unspoiled natural landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

Norway At Europe’s northern tip lies the land of fjords, glaciers, the northern lights and the midnight sun. Norway makes a dramatic impression. It’s a place of ancient myths and legends, and nature at its absolute grandest. The iconic coastline, snow-clad mountains, emerald meadows and exotic arctic north shimmer with unrivalled beauty and the promise of adventure. City breaks focus on cool Oslo and ancient fjord-side Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheima and Tromsø. Norway’s magic is an all-season affair. One of Europe’s last great frontiers, Norway has been attracting visitors for centuries. The immense fjords and inlets that punctuate the west coast and sheltered bays of the south, the mountainous interior with their waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and forests, and the vast arctic make for a unique European holiday destination. A Norwegian summer tour can take visitors to old waterfront towns – like Bergen and the southern resort town of Kristiansand – on fjord cruises or to special adventure sites for hiking, biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and glacier skiing. In winter, skiers abound – downhill, crosscountry and snowboarders – alongside dog-sledding, ice-fishing and evening saunas.

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Norway offers some of the most dependable snow conditions and resort facilities for winter sports anywhere in the world. Ski trips here are exhilarating, high quality and there are no queues at the ski lifts! City breakers are well catered for too, whether the main attraction is cool, sleek Oslo – the nation’s capital with its glistening new Opera House, historic and art museums and heatherstrewn islands – Bergen’s bright wood panelled harbour, the maritime bustle of Stavanger, Haugesund and Trondheim, or the northern city of Tromsø, the arctic hub surrounded by dramatic snow-clad mountains that gets the Midnight Sun through the summer months and the incredible Northern Lights in its perpetual dark winter shroud. Day cruise trips and longer voyages around the coast are available from all these destinations.

Norway is a blend of the historic and the modern – delicate stave churches and the northern Samí culture, which tends the famous reindeer herds, and the cosmopolitan fashion and city culture of the urban areas. There’s something for every taste. Norway is unique in so many ways. Whether your customers want to catch king crab or go whale watching on the arctic coast, take a cruise along the awesome fjord coast, ski on some of Europe’s most dramatic mountains or unwind on a 1,000-year-old timber waterfront, watching life go by in a sea-facing fish restaurant, this is the only destination to choose. It’s also a tour operator’s dream destination, offering lakes & mountains, fjord cruises; alpine, glacier and cross-country skiing; cycling and hiking; arctic adventures; bird and whale watching; city breaks and much, much more.

The iconic coastline, snow-clad mountains, emerald meadows and exotic north shimmer with unrivalled scenic beauty and the promise of adventure. City breaks focus on cool Oslo and ancient fjord-side Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Tromsø.

When you want nature to wow you with its sheer magnificence and refusal to bow to man’s control, you feel the lure of Norway. The fjords (pictured) are truly exhilarating. The goat is optional.

Why Norway? •

•

Overview: the world-famous home of Vikings, Fjords, Midnight Sun and Northern Lights is an awesome natural beauty that specialises in unique once-ina-lifetime travel experiences Year-round demand: in summer, fjord cruises and active fun in the mountains and national parks, and the Midnight Sun in the arctic north; in winter, ski and winter sports, dog-sledding, reindeer safaris and the Northern Lights north of the arctic circle Culture: welcoming cities with top-quality museums and lifestyle. Norway’s big cities blend modern style with Viking heritage, great museums and fine diniing Nothing you’ve seen before: whether it’s the mighty fjords, the windswept tundra of the far north or a night in an ice hotel, Norway’s magic is totally unique

Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district: the 17th century waterfront and entertainment area is famous for it’s brightly coloured houses, bars, cafés and restaurants

Why choose Denmark? •

•

Copenhagen: A fantastic blend of the old and the new, historic cobbled streets and water-front shopping areas, plus great culture and water-based activities. Copenhagen is chic, stylish and fun viking heritage: Denmark is one of the lands of the Vikings – treasures can be found in the National Museum, Copenhagen, the old Viking city of Roskilde and at other cities, like Aalborg Lifestyle: Danes love ‘hygge’, the cosy feeling you get during candle-lit meals with friends and loved ones. This bicycleloving country is officially one of the happiest around! Staging point for cruises: fly your customers into Copenhagen with Norwegian and you have a wide range of cruise opportunities at your disposal – choose the fjords or the Baltic Sea

Norway is a big country. The mix of size, latitude and unique terrain can make ground transport between the regions expensive and time-consuming. That’s why Norwegians love to fly so much – and why Norwegian has such as comprehensive service network to the capital, far north and all points in between. Travellers can access every major tourism destination in Norway by flying with us. Get the most out of Norway with Norwegian.

Denmark From the chic and welcoming charms of Copenhagen – the ‘city of beautiful spires’ - and the awesome Legoland to Renaissance castles, Viking ruins and preserved 2000-year-old ‘bog people’, more than 400 wind-swept offshore islands and tiny fishing villages, stylish Denmark gives visitors a number of great tourism selections. This land inspired Hans Christian Andersen to tell his fairy stories and helped to define sleek, modernist design. No wonder Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth! Copenhagen is known for its intimate scale, canals and scenic streets. Founded in 1167, the city mixes ornate heritage and bold modern lines, and offers such delights as the famous Tivoli Gardens and soaring Ferris wheel. Cobbled streets lead to through-the-night pulsating nightclubs. The centuries old Royal Palaces are across the water from a bold new Opera House. 16 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

One of Scandinavia’s Viking centres, the National Museum in Copenhagen is a trove of Viking art and lore. The old Viking city of Roskilde is a thriving regional hub, where generations of royalty lie entombed in the cathedral and modern boat builders use centuries old techniques to reconstruct the sailing ships of Viking times. The city is a cyclist's paradise, too, with cycle paths set out neatly alongside almost every street, as well as free city bikes available to borrow from stands from spring to autumn. For fine dining, Copenhagen is a fish lover’s delight – specialising in traditional herring, steak and potato dishes.

The Little Mermaid, one of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions, straight out of a fairy tale!

Danes have style and sites devoted to their modernist pioneers draw large numbers of visitors every year. From blonde wood furniture and hip design to iconic Scandinavian fashion, Denmark is the place to be for the styleconscious traveller. Its deep sense of well-designed beauty extends into all public and private spaces. Bordered on three sides by the Baltic and North Sea, Denmark is a real maritime nation. Nowhere in the country is more than 35 miles away from the coast, which is dotted with white sandy beaches and overlooks hundreds of small islands. The best beaches are located on the north coast of Zealand and the southern tip of Bornholm Island. If you’re looking to establish perfect family holiday packages to Scandinavia, Legoland should certainly feature on the itinerary. Denmark’s premier theme park is ideal for all ages. Danish roads are perfect for cycling and leisurely touring. Visitors roll past scenic windmills and half-timbered houses. Typical activities to enjoy in the rural areas include fishing, canoeing and trekking. Denmark is also a dream destination for food-lovers and the capital city has more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere else in Scandinavia. Fine dining is the order of the day across the nation and there are some fantastic eateries in such cities as Aalborg and Århus.

Stockholm, Sweden’s stylish capital, occupies 14 islands on Lake Mälaren

Why choose Sweden? •

•

Sweden Sweden's speciality tourism products are very different from those of Norway or of Denmark. There are no grand fjords to meander around and fewer high craggy peaks (although not in the central regions, where such ski resorts as Åre – accessible with Norwegian via Trondheim Airport – do excellent winter business), and perhaps a little less cruise potential. Instead, the Swedish leisure offer centres on its fantastic cultural cities – led by buzzing Stockholm; honourable mentions go to Gothenburg and Malmö – a glorious archipelago, with thousands of islands big and small to explore at your leisure, the calm, southern grasslands, the central lakes and forests region, and the arctic wilds of the far north. Time in Sweden is all about the scenery and history, the weather and the lifestyle that's uniquely Swedish. Rural areas specialise in hearty meals and larch wood saunas, wide-open spaces, fresh air and beautiful, pristine nature. Sweden's uncluttered landscapes cater equally well for adventure travel and leisurely group tours, whether you create a package to explore the verdant southern counties and the unspoiled islands of the east coast by bike or to spend exotic winter days amongst the Sami people of the windswept far north, eating caribou and trying out Swedish snow sports in the dusky half-light.

Sweden’s archipelagoladen coast invites exploration, whether on a cruise vessel or intimately, in a hired kayak or boat

City breaks start with the capital, which sits proudly astride 14 islands on Lake Mälaren (see the main photo, above). Highlights of the city include time in the Old Town’s cobbled streets and chic café scene, a sailing trip around some of the archipelago’s 24,000 isles, the fabled 17th-century Vasa warship at the Vasa Museum (amid the woods of Djurgården), the free-toexplore Museum of Modern Art and the glorious Royal Palace. In winter, ice-skating is fantastic on Kungsträdgården; in summer, ocean swimming off the Fredhäll cliffs is not to be missed. Gothenburg also makes for a memorable city break, with its magnificent archipelago, historic town centre that buzzes with life on the seafront

Overview: Sweden is great for outdoor life - skiing, skating and dog-sledding in winter, hiking, canoeing, cycling and berry-picking in summer. The nation’s geography suits touring by coach or car and the major cities are cultural gems Nature: untainted natural lanscapes with Scandinavian grandeur, from the soft, southern counties to the wild arctic Culture: Royal palaces, castles and country estates, excellent art and history museums in Stockholm, Sami culture in the north and the emigration/glassmaking traditions in the south Weather: forget what you’ve heard about the Scandinavian climate! Sweden has distinct seasons a relatively few days of rain in the summer months. Predictable snow and ice in winter is perfect for sport loving winter tourists

and roller coaster rides at Liseberg, where you’ll find families and thrill-seekers in large numbers. Outside of the main towns, Sweden is ripe for tours and leisurely exploration, whether by coach, train, car or bicycle. The idyllic southern areas around Kalmar combine history, famous culture (such as Sweden’s epicentre of glass art, Glasriket, where visitors can see hand-blown glass sculptures in their creation process and emigration museums, which showcase the era when Swedes left the motherland en masse for the United States) and historic old towns that recall the olden days with immense charm. Up north, Sweden has more to offer than may at first meet the eye. In Jokkmokk, for example, you can experience the lifestyle and culture of the indigenous Sami people. Spend time in the arctic north in winter and you can sample dog-sledding, cross-country and downhill skiing, and plenty of other winter sports to your heart’s content! Because Sweden stretches out for over 1,570 kilometres north–south, fantastic road trips can be made through all the different landscapes, traditional villages and modern cities. Outdoor life awaits the leisure visitor, with temptations varying from hiking, canoeing, cycling and berrypicking in summer to the full range of winter sports (see above). And all of the major destinations are easily accessible by choosing to fly your customers here with Norwegian! GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 17

Tourism Seasons When is the best time of year to operate your new holiday package to Norway and Scandinavia? It depends on what kind of product you’d like to sell and which destinations you feature. This basic overview of Scandinavia’s tourism seasons should help you make the right decision.

January/February

March/April

May/June

Ski Scandinavia on a budget. The resorts offer particularly competitive prices in January and there are fewer crowds than pre-Christmas. This is the perfect time of year to sample all types of winter sport – skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snow safaris. Norway and parts of Sweden are a real ski-lover’s paradise. Countless ski resorts, like Lillehammer, Kvitfjell, Hemsedal and Geilo, offer everything you can think of for your winter sports holiday in the snow. Visit arctic Scandinavia in January and experience the ‘Polar Night’, when the sun does not rise above the horizon for weeks at a time (Scandinavia as a whole averages 6-7 hours of daylight). On many of these long, wintry nights, the incredible Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights illuminate the skies. Timings vary depending on your location. In Tromsø and Finnmark, for example, the Northern Lights can be seen on most clear nights. In southern Norway and Sweden, you’ll see them a few times each month. February is Scandinavia’s coldest month. Visitors to the Arctic Circle should pack sturdy boots for walking on the snow and ice, a waterproof outfit, hat, gloves, scarf and insulated skiing gear!

While the ski season has almost finished across mainland Europe, Scandinavia remains a dependable venue for late-season snow lovers. Many of the mountain resorts remain open for business throughout March and into April. This is the off-season, so travellers can usually benefit from good deals. Daylight hours increase and the temperatures begin to climb in March. In southern Scandinavia, flowers begin to bloom and spring begins in earnest. By April, mild spring weather is the norm and summer activities are opening. A few ski resorts remain open; in the urban areas, Easter celebrations attract large numbers of visitors. Events include the Bergen Music Fest (Bergen), Walpurgis Night (Sweden) and Queen’s Birthday Procession (Copenhagen).

For the best in Scandinavian beauty, May is a great month to visit. Bathed in warmer spring temperatures (but will off-season travel pricing), summer attractions are now fully open to visitors. Whilst viewings of the Northern Lights are all but impossible, the very far northern regions begin to experience the Midnight Sun. Visitors to Stavanger in western Norway should take in the International Jazz Festival. June brings warmth, but prices increase. Now, visitors can swim in the sea at the southern Scandinavian beaches, or enjoy the Midnight Sun in all of its glory in the arctic lowlands. Meanwhile, all along the Norwegian coast, fjord cruises are in full swing. Bird and wildlife watchers converge along the coast and in the National Parks, on the look out for Musk Ox, Moose or perhaps the golden eagle.

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July/August

September/October

November/December

One of the most popular months to visit Scandinavia, July is peak season with some of the best weather for summer cruises and trips around the great outdoors. Regular open-air festivals take place in the cities; the warm days attract large-numbers of visitors to all tourism hotspots and wilderness safaris take place in the great open spaces. The mild weather continues into August, a great month for trips, tours, and Scandinavian sightseeing, with long, warm days with countless outdoor events. Temperatures in the central regions reach 25°C and occasionally rise as high as 30°C. The Midnight Sun continues to illuminate the arctic 24 hours a day and even the Oslo region gets 19 hours of sunlight each day. Events include Oslo Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Fashion Week and the Norwegian Food Festival (Ålesund).

Autumn takes over and although temperatures begin to fall it’s usually still mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities. Indeed, the beauty spots of Norway, Sweden and Denmark are arguably at their most beautiful at this tie of years. The coastal areas remain comparatively mild, thanks to the Gulf Stream, and there are plenty of excellent fjord cruises available throughout the month. Prices are often lower than those offered in high summer. The warm summer weather has gone by October and it can be cool during the day and chilly at night – visitors are invited to layer outfits, with long-sleeve shirts and a warm fleece. Lower hotel and attraction prices mean that visitors can enjoy the beauties of Scandinavia before the snow comes, at a substantial discount to mid-year. Autumn foliage can be truly beautiful and the evergreen forests provide a spectacular backdrop to many mighty vistas.

November heralds the rapid approach of winter and the beginning of the new winter sports season in central, northern and mountainous areas. Tourism traffic is typically lower than during summer/peak winter, so there are some great bargain deals to be had. Although most of the cruises have finished, the winter wonderland panoramas appear in force. Ski resorts begin their consistent and dependable season. December is a great month for a winter vacation in Scandinavia, with seasonal celebrations across the region, evocative Christmases a real highlight and the return of the Northern Lights wowing visitors to the north. Events, celebrations and countless festivals are commonplace in December. Away from the cities, main activities include skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, ice-skating and snowmobiling.

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 19

Oslo to the Fjords… in a nutshell! Join the most popular travel experience in Norway – Norway in a nutshell®. Travel from Oslo through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery to the majesty of the awesome fjords

Duration: 9 days, 8 nights Group size: FITs and Groups Season: June to August Attractions: Oslo, Norway in a nutshell®, Geilo, Flåm, Bergen, fjords

The Norway in a nutshell® experience is a must for all those who want to get the most out of a Norwegian holiday. Beginning in Oslo, the nation’s sleek capital city, the journey takes you by train through the mountains of central Norway to the elegant resort town of Geilo, then on to the incredible Flåm Railway, one of the icons of Scandinavian tourism, and the Norwegian fjords. A leisurely cruise will take you up close and personal with the mighty fjord coast, concentrating on the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord. Some of the most dramatic coastal destinations in the world lie in wait before you return to Oslo the fast and stress-free way – with Norwegian, from Bergen Airport.

Day 1: Wednesday Arrival in Oslo, you take the express train into the city centre of Oslo, Norway’s sleek and spacious capital city. The city is a sightseer’s dream destination, with everything from Viking offerings to long hikes in the idyllic greenbelt and boat trips around the islands. Since you’re arriving in the evening, we recommend a fine Norwegian fish meal and some relaxation time in your hotel, before a sunset stroll along the famous city waterfront. Accommodation in Oslo.

Day 2: Thursday A day to enjoy Oslo, which nestles into the banks of the mighty Oslo Fjord. The city is a culture lover’s dream destination, Famous sights include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and Oslo Opera House. With the hop-on/hop-off Oslo cruise you can easily go from Oslo to the Bygdøy , where the Kon-tiki and Fram Polar museums are located. Or Get the Oslo Pass, which grants you 20 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

Sample Package

1 Flights Your Travel Selections Outbound New York-Oslo Wednesday 17 July 2013 Adult

Child (2-11)

Currency GBP

Infants Departs: 21.30

Arrives: 18.30

Cost £379.80 Domestic free access to more than 30 museums and attractions, plus unlimited public transport in the central areas. Accommodation in Oslo.

Day 3: Friday After breakfast at your hotel, you take the scenic Bergensbanen train ride through southern Norway, from Oslo to the mountainous resort town of Geilo. This superb four-hour train journey is part of the Bergen Railway, which Lonely Planet lists as one of the world’s best train rides – a beautiful journey through dramatic, unspoiled scenery! Scenic Geilo is the entry point to the mountainous Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks. If you are feeling active, there are several activities on offer, including hiking, cycling and fishing in the wild Norwegian interior. Accommodation in Geilo.

Day 4: Saturday After the beauty of the Bergen Railway, you’re about to experience a rail journey that arguably is even more special! You depart by train from Geilo to Myrdal, where you board the Flåm Railway. The Flåm Railway passes through wild and beautiful mountain scenery – waterfalls and steep mountainsides – reaching a height of up to 900 metres and down to the Sognefjord. There is no other rail journey quite like it! From Flåm, you continue by cruise boat along the glorious UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. The Nærøyfjord is Europe’s narrowest fjord and a natural wonder of the world. Sit back, let the world pass you by and take in the views! Disembarking at Gudvangen, you take the winding Stalheimskleiva Road (13 steep hairpin bends) to the lakeside resort town of Voss, where cosy Norwegian hospitality awaits you. Accommodation in Voss.

Day 5: Sunday After breakfast, you can explore the delights of Voss before heading on to Bergen, the so-called

‘Gateway to the Fjords’. Seven mountains and seven fjords surround Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, where the star attraction is a lovely historic wooden waterfront, packed with cafés, restaurants and shops. Accommodation in Bergen.

Day 6: Monday A free day in Bergen – a big town with a ‘small’, intimate feel. You can walk to almost every destination in 20 minutes, along narrow streets lined with ancient wooden houses. Attractions include the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city, Edvard Grieg's home Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and the open-air museum, Gamle Bergen. Accommodation in Bergen.

Day 7: Tuesday A cruise ship will take you along the fjord coast to the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, a picturepostcard settlement with plenty to see and do, and on to Geirangerfjord, one of the most spectacular fjords in the whole of Norway. The trip takes you past the majestic Seven Sisters waterfall. You spend time in Geiranger before your return trip to Bergen. Accommodation in Bergen.

Bergen-Oslo Wednesday 24 July 2013 Departs: 09.20

Arrives: 10.15

Cost £58.00 Return Oslo-New York Thursday 25 July 2013 Departs: 17.45

Arrives: 20.00

Cost £255.80

2 Hotels A wide selection of hotel accommodation can be booked directly via Norwegian’s website, www.norwegian.com, from budget options to luxury hotel suites. Norwegian operates a Low Price Guarantee on the accommodation choices featured on the website, all of which are hand picked for cost, convenience, quality and service levels. Find your hotel and book nights in Bergen with Norwegian’s online hotel service, using our flight and hotel combination booking service.

Day 8: Wednesday After breakfast, you head to Bergen Airport for a morning flight back to Oslo (a quick 55-minute trip) and return directly to your Oslo hotel. You have a second chance to take in the sights, experiences and life of the capital city and any attractions you might have missed at the beginning of your Norwegian odyssey. Accommodation in Bergen.

Day 9: Thursday Breakfast in the hotel. After some retail therapy to buy those last-minute gifts and a lovely lunch on the waterfront, you depart from Oslo on the Flytoget express train to Oslo Airport and your trip home

Gaustad Hotel. Oslo*** From £140 per night P-Hotels Bergen*** From £82 per night Incity Hotel and Apartments*** From £119 per night

3 Car Rental Yes

Book Now

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 21

Access: Norway Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL), Norway’s main hub airport, is synonymous with high service levels, excellent operational efficiency around the clock and a great passenger experience. Companies bringing tourists into Norway and Scandinavia can rely on OSL to provide a quality airport experience.

As the destination for all long-haul flights into Norway, OSL’s regular domestic services to all major leisure destinations takes the hassle out of flight connections. 22 million passengers travelled through Oslo Airport in 2012. Scandinavia’s second busiest major airport has been named Europe’s most punctual airport four times by the Association of European Airlines (AEA) and is known across the continent and beyond for its sector-leading punctuality and efficiency levels. Today, more people than ever are using OSL – 60,000 people a day arrive and depart on around 700 flights – which serves more than 100 international routes and 27 domestic destinations. The combination of excellent infrastructure and service levels, a competitive operational cost base, an unparalleled domestic route network and fast ground transport (the Flytoget express train to Oslo being a notable example) gave Norwegian Air Shuttle the confidence to establish its primary hub at OSL. The Norwegian-OSL partnership has gone from strength to strength ever since. Today, Norwegian Air Shuttle is one of OSL’s most important airline partners. With more than 60 direct services – domestic, European and long-haul, year-round and seasonal – the airline

22 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

accounted for more than 35% of Oslo’s total handled volume in 2012. And, now that Norwegian also operates long-haul routes to the United States and Asia, OSL is rolling out its around-the-clock flexibility, turnaround times and modern, cost-efficient services to a new demographic of long-haul, low-cost passengers. Book customer flights with Norwegian through Oslo Airport for the highest levels of Norwegian service and hospitality, and the network you need to access Norway’s very best tourism destinations.

The OSL Experience If you are considering package tours to Norway, you need to be sure that the infrastructure you use is of the highest quality and will make your customers happy. There is no need to have any concerns about OSL, where the customer

experience for airline, charter business, tour operator and passenger is the uppermost priority. Oslo Airport’s seamlessly modern design is a passenger’s dream. It is simple to navigate, clean and fresh, with international language signage throughout. Everything travellers need is on hand in the split-level central hall, from cafés, bars and restaurants to Europe’s largest duty free outlet, ATMs and car rental outlets. Behind the scenes, an advanced baggage handling system and a comprehensive ground handling process ensure great comfort, efficiency and punctuality throughout the day. The terminal itself features swathes of beautiful Nordic timber and highenergy glass, reinforcing the feeling of Norway, of space and airy usability. The combination of sector-leading efficiency, a strong design aesthetic and ease-of-use makes

The combination of excellent infrastructure and service levels, a competitive operational cost base, an unparalleled domestic route network and fast ground transport gave Norwegian Air Shuttle the confidence to establish its primary hub at OSL.

Why OSL? •

•

OSL is closer to the US than any other Scandinavian capital, with a 1 hour shorter flying time. So, OSL is the ideal starting point for round trips in Scandinavia OSL provides the best access and is an ideal starting point for trips to Scandinavia's prime attractions – the Fjords, Hurtigruten (Coastal Express), the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, skiing and mountaineering, and the Viking Experience OSL has the largest seat capacity within Scandinavia

of central and southern Norway, OSL’s domestic route network includes services to 27 destinations – 16 with Norwegian Air Shuttle. The OSL-Norwegian partnership takes visitors from the Oslo hub to the fjords (Ålesund, Bergen, Bodø, Haugesund, Kristiansand, Molde, Stavanger), the delights of central Norway (Trondheim) and far into the arctic north (Alta, Harstad/Narvik-Evenes, Kirkenes and Tromsø).

the OSL Experience superior to that found at most other airports, in Europe and around the world. Furthermore, Oslo has worked consistently throughout its 15-year history to add infrastructure capacity and services whenever required. One of the largest construction projects is currently underway at the airport, in fact, but every effort has been made to ensure that passengers do not experience any inconvenience.

OSL for Tour Operators Expanding Infrastructure Oslo Airport is already well appointed in infrastructure terms, with two parallel runways (3,600 metres and 2,950 metres) capable of handling even the largest jet aircraft, 52 aircraft stands (34 with air-bridges) and a 144,000square metre passenger terminal with 64 check-in desks, 50 escalators, 70 lifts and six baggage carousels. 75,000 people use the airport every day in the peak months. Still, with passenger numbers growing every year and Norway’s popularity with the international market at an all-time-high, OSL decided in 2011 to approve plans to add 117,000 square metres of extra capacity to the terminal (the ‘T2 project’), to upgrade the rail station and construct a new pier to the north. When complete in 2017, this upgrade will increase annual capacity to more than 28 million passengers. In the meantime, OSL operates as normal, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Passengers may

notice construction work in places, but the majority of works is shielded from the public areas and OSL has invested in a range of temporary measures to ensure that efficiency levels are never compromised. All aspects of the airport operation are 100% unaffected and will remain so for the entire build period.

The tour operator, charter and travel agency business is very important for Oslo Airport. Not only does the airport ensure that passengers get the best possible experience, but other modes of assistance are also available. OSL works with VisitOSLO and the Oslo Region to promote Oslo and Norway to foreign holiday-makers, and can help tour operators on a practical level to help to iron out any difficulties that may arise. Inbound tour operators and group bookers can form successful long-term partnerships with Oslo Airport and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

Tourism Connections Oslo Airport scores highly in terms of convenience and onward domestic connections, which are particularly important for the long-haul inbound market looking for fast access to Norway’s best tourism attractions. Besides being within 20 minutes of Oslo on the express train and offering fast ground transport to the cities and attractions

Let’s do business To find out how Oslo Airport can help your business, call +47 64 81 20 00, email more.traffic@osl.no or visit www.osl.no

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 23

The Fjords of Western Norway An unforgettable week amidst the splendour of the Norwegian fjords, taking in many of Fjord Norway’s natural treasures at an enjoyable, relaxing pace.

Sample Package

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights Group size: FITs and small groups Season: June to August Attractions: Bergen, Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord

Stay in the ancient Hanseatic City of Bergen and explore the breath-taking fjords by boat and on foot. Discover gorgeous inlets, fruit orchards in blossom, magnificent lakes and snow-clad mountain peaks, all from the splendour of your base in Norway’s ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. Some of the best fjord experiences are included in this package, so if you want to have it all in one week this is the tour to choose!

Day 1: Tuesday Arriving at Bergen Airport at 15.10, the transfer bus will take you to the town centre and your hotel in around 25 minutes. After check-in, we recommend a short stroll around the historic waterfront, taking in Bryggen Wharf, the Fish and Flower market and a trip on the Fløibanen funicular to the peak of Mount Fløien. Guided tours of the city are available, or you can discover the city in your own, individual way. A traditional buffet is available in your hotel and delicious local fish dish courses are specialities in the nearby restaurants. Before bed, check out the waterfront one last time and take in the incredible sunset. Few cities anywhere in the world are more beautiful than Bergen at this time of day.

Day 2: Wednesday Bergen to Ulvik You leave the hotel for the central train station, ready for a scenic train journey to the lakeside resort town of Voss. After lunch, you continue by bus to the small village of Ulvik on the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest fjord. Enjoy a long afternoon on the banks of Hardanger: relax by the fjord, swim in the clear 24 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

1 Flights Your Travel Selections Outbound New York-Bergen via Oslo Tuesday 20 August 2013 Adult

Child (2-11)

Currency GBP

Infants Departs: 21.30

Arrives: 15.10

Cost £383.30 Return blue water or rent a boat or bike for an up-closeand-personal trip. Hiking is another great way to appreciate the incredible beauty that surrounds you, but you get some excellent views by the water too! Your accommodation for the night is a cosy Ulvik hotel.

Day 3: Thursday Hardangerfjord – a taste of fruit and fjord! Hardangerfjord, the ‘Queen of Fjords’, stretches 179 km through some of the most spellbinding scenery in Norway. After breakfast, you will depart on a cruise across the fjord to Eidfjord, enjoying a panorama of small mountain farms clinging to steep mountainsides. Explore Eidfjord or take the sightseeing tour to Hardangervidda Nature Centre and the spectacular beauty of Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Norway’s highest waterfall. Board the cruise ship in the afternoon for a three-hour trip along the Hardangerfjord to Norheimsund, from where a coach will take you back to Bergen and your hotel. On the way, you pass the awesome Steindalsfossen waterfall. Accommodation in Bergen.

Day 4: Friday Free Day: Bergen You’re in one of Europe’s most lovely cities – and the world’s only city to be surrounded by seven mountains and seven fjords. So, on this suggested free day, why not take advantage of the many local attractions and experiences? There’s the Hanseatic harbour, the Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg’s former home), Bergen Aquarium and Open Air Museum) to choose from. Wilderness lovers could head out of the city to the glacier at Folgefonna National Park. Walks and hiking trails suit all abilities. Accommodation in Bergen.

Day 5: Saturday The Sognefjord Weekend I After breakfast, you depart by train to Myrdal and take the iconic Flåm Railway, which passes

through wild and breathtakingly steep mountains and past epic waterfalls 900 metres above sea level before descending back to Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. You continue on your journey and explore this wonderful scenery by cruise boat as you voyage to scenic Balestrand and overnight in the heart of the fjords. Accommodation in Balestrand.

Day 6: Sunday The Sognefjord Weekend II From Balestrand, the half-day excursion from Balestrand to Fjærland takes you past beautiful forest-clad mountains, ancient hamlets and farmsteads to the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier. A bus trip from Fjærland village ends at the Bøya glaciers, a part of Jostedalsbreen. The views are magnificent! Return to Balestrand in the afternoon and continue by boat along the fjord and then south along Norway’s West Coast until you arrive back to Bergen in the evening. Return to your hotel for the night. Accommodation in Bergen.

Bergen-New York via Oslo Thursday 27 August 2013 Departs: 17.45

Arrives: 20.00

Cost £345.50

Day 7: Monday Free Day: Bergen On your last full day in the fjords, why not take advantage of one of the many short excursion packages that are available? You could explore the UNESCO listed Næroyfjord or browse for stylish clothing at the world-famous Dale knitwear shop. No visit to Norway is complete without purchasing some authentic Norwegian knitwear! After your busy week, perhaps you could pamper yourself at one of Bergen’s hotel spas with a massage or a facial treatment. Accommodation in Bergen.

Incity Hotel and Apartments*** From £119 per night Sandviken Brygge Hotel*** From £125 per night

3 Car Rental Yes

Day 8: Tuesday Final Day Breakfast at the hotel. Take a final stroll around the majestic surroundings of Fjord Norway and travel to Bergen Airport in the early afternoon for the flight home, via Oslo.

Book Now

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 25

Gateway to the Fjords Founded in 1070AD, the City of Bergen is the ‘Gateway to the Fjords of Norway’, an established cruise port and one of Scandinavia’s premier tourism attractions. There is no better base for fjord tourism, with such iconic fjord destinations as Sogne, Hardanger, Geiranger and Nærøy all located close by.

Bergen has strong international appeal. Visitors come to soak in the small-town charm and historic maritime atmosphere. Using Bergen as their welcoming base, they venture out into the majesty of Fjord Norway, which is just a short boat ride away from Bergen harbour. Visitors often get that ‘fairy tale’ feeling when they stroll around Bergen’s old streets and alleyways, past small wooden houses and abundant flower displays. The UNESCO listed timber waterfront district of Bryggen is enduringly popular and leads to the bustling Fish Market and old fortress at Bergenhus. Culture lovers can spend hours exploring the city’s museums and galleries (including Edvard Grieg’s birthplace, Troldhaugen). And it’s not far from downtown Bergen to Mount Fløyen, Mount Ulriken and the other five peaks that form the backdrop to the city. The views from up high over city, fjord and ocean are spectacular. However long visitors spend in the city, they leave with indelible memories of one of Norway’s most famous cities, where a warm Nordic welcome amongst centuries old architecture and ancient culture is guaranteed! And, for those using Bergen as a base from which to explore the delights of Fjord Norway, many other unforgettable adventures await on the region’s world-famous coastline.

Adventures beyond the City Cruise trips up and down the coast are a key element in the Bergen experience. The city, in fact, is the perfect base from which to explore Norway’s most popular natural tourist attractions, which National Geographic Traveler magazine has voted the world’s most unspoiled sustainable tourist destination. ‘Awesome’, ‘epic’ and ‘incredible’ are often used to describe the fjord experience. For centuries, visitors have come to Bergen to travel through these narrow inlets, surrounded by high mountains with snow-covered peaks and punctuated by waterfalls and fruit orchards. Few have left without a sense of wonder. 26 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

•

Treasures on the must-see list include Sognefjord, the longest fjord of them all, and the beautiful Hardangerfjord, which meanders its way to the coast south of Bergen. The narrowest fjords are the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, both of which feature on the UNESCO World Heritage List. All kinds of cruises are available, from short organised sightseeing trips of a few hours to extended voyages to almost any destination on the Norwegian coast, with one or several nights away from base. The most popular trips include: •

Norway in a Nutshell® – the most famous of Norway’s fjord tours takes visitors through some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Europe on a classic, one-day tour.

Highlights include the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway, year-round Sognefjord in a nutshell – a round trip combining a voyage on the Sognefjord with the spectacular train journey on the Flåm Railway, May to September Fjord tour with the White Lady – a fourhour cruise from Bergen harbour that offers a great short experience of the seaside and the west coast scenery. May to October

And then there’s the mountainous interior, which can be accessed quickly by car, coach or train from Bergen. Summer activities include hiking, glacier climbing, white water rafting and fishing. In winter, ski resorts like Voss cater for growing numbers of quality-orientated downhill, cross-country and snowboard enthusiasts. This is one of Europe’s best adventure playgrounds. As you would expect, Bergen offers a large selection of accommodation in all categories. Stay in the city centre, near the Airport, along the beautiful coast or in the famous fjords. Choose from a broad selection of hotels, guesthouse, apartments, hostels or log cabins, depending on your budget. To find the best option, contact us at Bergen Tourist Office.

Bergen for Group Bookers Getting the most out of a new package to Bergen and the Fjords requires knowledge, enthusiasm and partnerships. Bergen Tourist Board can help you make the right decisions every step of the way. We give high priority to visiting tour

For centuries, visitors have come to Bergen to travel through these narrow inlets, surrounded ny high mountains with snow-covered peaks and punctuated by waterfalls and fruit orchards. Few have left without a sense of wonder.

operators, travel agents, the media and the press. Those who market Bergen really should see the city and region for themselves, so do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to visit Bergen, the city of culture. As the official body for promoting the City of Bergen in Norway and abroad, Bergen Tourist Board has the resources and contacts you’ll need. Our activities range from PR information and media services to targeted marketing, product co-ordination and technical/familiarisation visits. Information is available in a broad spectrum of formats. Our website www.visitBergen.com is a great starting point, brochures are available in nine languages and we have a selection of maps and day excursion recommendations ready and waiting! You’ll also find that Bergen Tourist Board is the right place to come for free high-resolution photos, detailed product manuals, posters and newsletters, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in our beautiful tourist region. We invite you to contact us for more information, whether you need facts about our travel experiences and accommodation offer or help finding local destination management partners, guides and itinerary professionals. We’re waiting for your business!

Let’s do business Get in Touch with Bergen Tourist Board for all the knowledge and assistance you need when creating a fjord itinerary. Visit www.visitbergen.com

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 27

Arctic Cruise and the Northern Lights Tromsø is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Arctic Norway. It’s also the starting point for winter adventures on the arctic and into into the wilds of Troms.

Duration: 9 days, 8 nights Group size: FITs and Groups Season: October to March Attractions: Tromsø, Northern Lights, Lyngen Alps, Cable Car, Oslo, dog-sledding, Kirkenes

Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to view the magical Northern Lights and to take part in a number of fantastic winter activities that you’ll remember all your life! The magnificence of the Lyngen Alps and the exotic lifestyle of the far north provide the backdrop to this tour. An arctic cruise to the North Cape and to the coastal settlement of Kirkenes in Finnmark is an additional delight in this tour of Arctic Norway.

Day 1: Friday You arrive in the polar city of Tromsø via Oslo in the late afternoon. Because you’re so far north, it’s already dark! In fact, the sun doesn’t rise over the horizon for weeks at a time in winter. After getting to know your surroundings, it’s time for a gourmet Norwegian meal. Take in the ocean and the city’s immense mountainous backdrop – it looks magical in the half-light! Accommodation in Tromsø.

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Sample Package

1 Flights Your Travel Selections Outbound Fort Lauderdale-Oslo Friday 29 November 2013 Adult

Child (2-11)

Currency GBP

Infants Departs: 21.30

Arrives: 12.35

Cost £188.40 Domestic flight #1

Day 2: Saturday You have the day to explore Tromsø, either individually or as part of a guided group. The highlight is a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car to the peaks that surround the city, where you get panoramic views over snow-clad mountains and fjords. Added attractions include the Polar Museum, Arctic Cathedral, Polaria Arctic Aquarium, Mack brewery and more. Accommodation in Tromsø.

Day 3: Sunday Active adventures! You leave Tromsø and head out into the spectacular Arctic wilds. The journey includes a two/three-hour dog-sledding trip and a warm meal served in an authentic Samí tent (lavvu), surrounded by the pristine landscapes of the Troms Region. We can’t promise that you’ll see the Northern Lights today, but your guides know where and when to get the best chance of a magical aurora borealis experience, so the chances are high! You then return to Tromsø in the afternoon and board your Hurtigruten cruise liner. Accommodation in Tromsø.

excursion, visit the Russian border and see Kirkenes’ magnificient king crab catch! Dinner and accommodation onboard.

Day 6: Wednesday Early next day you arrive in the town of Hammerfest, the world’s northernmost large town, where, besides the scenery and the hospitality, one of the best things to do is to join the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society! The joining fee goes to protect Arctic animals through effective conservation measures. The society’s building is well worth exploring, filled with stuffed specimens of exotic Arctic beasts! The cruise continues south-west towards Tromsø. Dinner onboard Hurtigruten before arriving in Tromsø just before midnight. Accommodation in Tromsø.

Day 5: Tuesday By night, your ship sails east, past Båtsfjord and Vardø and around the coast of Finnmark. The last stop on your northern voyage is Kirkenes. The stopover time is around three hours, so you have enough time to join a dog-sledding

Friday 29 November 2013 Departs: 14.00

Arrives: 15.55

Cost £69.70 Domestic flight #2 Tromsø-Oslo Friday 6 December 2013 Departs: 16.30

Arrives: 18.25

Cost £69.70 Return Oslo- Fort Lauderdale

Day 7: Thursday

Saturday 7 December 2013

You spend the day in Tromsø specifically to view the Northern Lights, in case you haven’t seen them so far on your Arctic adventure. This is your last full day in the Arctic Circle, so it might be a good idea to go on a reindeer safari! Accommodation in Tromsø.

Departs: 15.00 Arrives: 20.00

Day 4: Monday You have a delicious breakfast onboard the vessel and spend the morning at sea, arriving at the arctic settlement of Honningsvåg at Midday. Here, you can take an excursion to the North Cape Plateau and admire the views from the very far north of Europe, out into the Arctic Ocean. North Cape Hall has a viewing platform, souvenir shops, cinema, cafeteria and restaurant. Returning to Honningsvåg harbour and your cruise, you sail to Kirkenes. Dinner and accommodation onboard.

Oslo-Tromsø

Day 8: Friday Breakfast in your hotel and choose whichever activities grab you (a short trip on the water, perhaps, a visit to the art museum, or some retail therapy). After lunch, you travel to Tromsø Airport for your domestic flight back to Oslo. Accommodation in Oslo

Day 9: Saturday You have almost a full day in Oslo before it’s time to return to the airport for your flight home. We recommend a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in such attractions as the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the famous Holmenkollen sporting arena and the Viking Ship Museum. After lunch, the time has come to take the express train to Oslo Airport, in good time for your flight home.

Cost £314.00

3 Car Rental Yes

Book Now

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 29

Scandinavia’s Three Capitals Spend time in Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen for the very best in Scandinavian city culture, served up on a plate! Cultural delights abound in these serene historic capitals.

Sample Package

Duration: 9 days, 8 nights Group size: Groups Season: June to August Attractions: Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen

Three great Scandinavian cities and some of Europe’s best cultural and scenic offerings in one competitively priced package, with intraScandinavian flights offering optimal flexibility, comfort and use of time. Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen are made accessible and travel is stress-free. Enjoy these exciting, fun and cosmopolitan cities brimming with history, style and active offerings. This package is aimed at group travellers who want the best of Scandinavian city breaks and the flexibility to choose either independent sightseeing or guided tour options. This is a tried-and-tested product with proven international appeal.

Day 1: Tuesday Your Norwegian aircraft touches down at Oslo Airport at 11.05. You take the express train into central Oslo and are transported to your hotel. After lunch, Norway’s Viking Capital is ready to be explored!

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Oslo is majestically situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord and surrounded by unspoiled green spaces, forests and tiny islands. A short tour of the city should take in such unique attractions as the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Viking Ship Museum, Munch Museum and Oslo Opera House. Accommodation in Oslo.

1 Flights Your Travel Selections Outbound New York-Oslo Tuesday 20 August 2013

Day 2: Wednesday After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy. A fairly small capital city with a fantastic public transport city leading between all top destinations and into the greenbelt, Oslo makes for a wonderful city break. We recommend a visit to the peninsula of Bygdøy, where some of the city’s best museums are located, as well as some excellent beaches. The active visitor should try out some of the many adventure pursuits on offer, such as kayaking on the fjord or hiking/biking in the verdant greenbelt, with great views over the city. Accommodation in Oslo.

Day 3: Thursday The main highlight of the day is a fjord cruise, with a seafood buffet for lunch! You explore the waterfront on board an authentic cruise boat and get a better understanding of the city and its many charms. Feel like a Viking and enjoy a delicious Nordic meal! For your evening meal, we recommend a visit to the swanky leisure district of Aker Brygge, which at this time of day especially is the place to see and be seen! Built on the site of the old Akers Mekaniske Verksted shipyard, Aker Brygge is a hip location and offers a huge range of shops, cafés and waterfront restaurants, with something for every taste and budget. Accommodation in Oslo.

Day 4: Friday After breakfast, you take the express train to Oslo Airport for an hour-long flight to the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands, you are never far from the water. Well-preserved medieval buildings give the city a delightful charm; sleek modern architecture showcases the new Scandinavia. The archipelago of 24,000 islands will also need to be explored! Accommodation in Stockholm.

Day 5: Saturday Breakfast at your hotel and spend the day enjoying the city. A tour of historic Gamle Stan (the old town) is recommended, with its maze of winding medieval alleyways, squares and ancient churches. You could also experience the Skansen Open Air Museum, which has 150-plus traditional buildings, transported to Stockholm from all over Sweden. Watch bakers, glass blowers and potters at work, then buy their wares.

Adult

Child (2-11)

Currency GBP

Infants Departs: 21.30

Arrives: 11.05

Cost £293.10 Intra Scandinavia flight #1 Other sights of interest include the Vasa Museum and City Hall. Nearby, the royal residence of Drottningholm is well worth a visit. Accommodation in Stockholm.

Oslo-Stockholm Friday 23 August 2013 Departs: 11.30

Day 6: Sunday

Cost £58.00

Leave the city and experience another side of Sweden. You will find historical sites, quaint towns, lakes, forests and the archipelago lying in wait. Travel to Lake Mälaren, with its wooded coves, parks, beautiful castles, mansions and world heritage sites for a day in the idyllic Swedish wilderness, including an unforgettable boat ride on the crystal clear waters. Accommodation in Stockholm.

Cost £42.70

Day 7: Monday

Return

Take a last look around Stockholm in the morning, before heading to the airport, where your flight to the Danish capital of Copenhagen touches down in the early afternoon. Attractions of Copenhagen include the Little Mermaid statue, evening illuminations in the romantic Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum, Danish Design Centre and sculpture centre Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Copenhagen is small enough to discover on foot, but a canal ride and bike ride (bikes can be hired from outlets across the central city) are both highly recommended. Accommodation in Copenhagen.

Day 8: Tuesday Head out of Copenhagen on a tour of magical South Sealand, the wonderful region to the east of the capital. Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde where you can enjoy life as a Viking at sea and try to sail like a Viking. Visit the Medieval Centre and the medieval town of Sundkøbing. There’s still great magic in these ancient lands! Accommodation in Copenhagen.

Day 9: Wednesday Enjoy your final morning in Scandinavia and then travel to Copenhagen Airport for your direct flight home.

Arrives: 12.30

Intra Scandinavia flight #2 Stockholm-Copenhagen Monday 26 August 2013 Departs: 13.20

Arrives: 14.30

Copenhagen-New York via Oslo Wednesday 28 August 2013 Departs: 11.40

Arrives: 20.00

Cost £330.20

3 Car Rental Yes

Book Now

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 31

Copenhagen Calling Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is Denmark’s hub airport and the premier aviation gateway of Northern Europe. In 2012, more than 23.3 million people used the airport, of which 21.5 million arrived or departed on international flights – making Copenhagen Airport the busiest air transport facility in the Nordic countries.

Copenhagen Airport is one of the primary gateways to Northern Europe and with 23.3 million passengers in 2012 it is also the largest airport in the region. To secure the position as the main hub of northern Europe and Denmark's gateway to growth, the Airport initiated a new strategy two years ago called World Class Hub. Under the World Class Hub strategy Copenhagen Airport is putting customers first: passengers, airlines, concessionaires and cargo operators, because good conditions for airlines and satisfied passengers mean more routes and thus growth and jobs in the whole CopenhagenMalmö region. The airport’s roots go all the way back to 1925. As one of the first civilian airports in the world, Copenhagen Airport opened for service on 20 April with a grass runway. From those humble origins has grown a premier Scandinavian air hub that serves around 60 scheduled airlines and almost 65,000 travellers every day. One of those airlines, of course, is Norwegian Air Shuttle. Copenhagen Airport has an excellent relationship with Norwegian Air Shuttle, which has become one of CPH’s most important customers. In addition to the new direct service to Fort Lauderdale, Norwegian operates two

domestic services (Aalborg and Karup) and almost 60 international services (29 year-round and 28 seasonal). Critically for long-haul tour operators looking for great onward Scandinavian connections, the Copenhagen AirportNorwegian Air Shuttle partnership offers regular services to and from such important leisure destinations as Bergen, Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm and Trondheim. So, if your business requires fast, hassle-free access to some of Scandinavia’s best-loved tourism destinations, fly Norwegian and benefit from the excellent service levels and customer relationships for which CPH is justly famous. 32 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

High Service Levels Copenhagen Airport has three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is used for all domestic flights. Terminals 2 and 3 handle international services (Schengen and non-Schengen) and use the same airside passenger concourse and the arrivals section, including customs and baggage claim, located in Terminal 3. All intercontinental traffic flows through Terminals 2 and 3, which offer easy access to the domestic services passing through Terminal 1 via the domestic pier. Passengers arriving at Copenhagen Airport will be impressed by the quality and quantity of services and amenities – including one of the best airport shopping centres in the world.

Ground Transport Copenhagen Airport is located only five miles south of Copenhagen. Getting into the city centre could not be simpler: •

•

If your business requires fast, hassle-free access to Scandinavia’s best-loved tourism destinations, fly Norwegian and benefit from the excellent service levels and customer relationships for which Copenhagen Airport is justly famous. Needless to say, everything you expect to find at a major hub airport is on hand at Copenhagen Airport, including meeting facilities, children’s areas and a selection of comfortable and well-positioned lounges, within touching distance of the required airside connections. There are several large car parks, including a low-cost parking lot east of the Cirklen shopping area, served by free shuttle buses. Above all, Copenhagen Airport has adopted a holistic view on the passenger process, offering passengers a wide range of self-service solutions to ease the way through the airport. The solutions benefits both passengers and airlines, and span from common use self-service check-in kiosks and bag-drops to intelligent wayfinding and e-solutions such as a popular app downloaded by half a million passengers. CPH continues to implement the next generation of solutions like self-service bagdrops, self-service kiosks for re-booking, self-service e-gates before the security checkpoint and at the gates, improved intelligent

way-finding and not at least automated boarder control. Each and every solution will give the passengers the required increased control over their journey and it will decrease operational costs for both the airport and the airlines.

A Bespoke Service Despite its size and popularity, CPH works with customers on an individual and customised basis. Tour operators with large group bookings moving through the airport can contact the airport in advance to ensure that their passengers have the correct designated areas and that their onward connections, whether by air, rail or road, are convenient and well signed. Copenhagen Airport is proud to be a vital partner of Norwegian Air Shuttle and to have such an important role to play in the airline’s long-haul expansion strategy. By working together, Norwegian and CPH are working to bring more international travellers and groups into Scandinavia and to ensure that they have the best possible travel experience.

•

The train platform located at the end of Terminal 3 is less than 100 metres from the check-in/security areas. The train to Copenhagen Central Station runs every 10 minutes on average and takes 13 minutes The new light-rail Metro train station (integrated into the Terminal 3 complex) takes passengers to the centre of Copenhagen in 15 minutes. The service operates every four to six minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night Express buses run from the airport to various locations in Copenhagen and to other major destinations in the region Taxis are located outside of Terminal 3 (international) and Terminal 1 (domestic). Travel time to Copenhagen is 20 minutes.

For travellers and tour operators looking to access other destinations than Copenhagen, the airport has an excellent ground transport infrastructure, including a new motorway and railway connection to the Swedish market. Malmö in southern Sweden is only 20 minutes away, across the Øresund Bridge. Aarhus (Denmark) and Gothenburg (Sweden) can be reached in 2.5 hours and Stockholm is four hours away. So, if you prefer not to take advantage of the intra-Denmark and intraScandinavian flights from Copenhagen, you have a choice of ground transport options on offer.

Let’s do business Contact the team at Copenhagen Airport on +45 3231 3231, email your enquiry to kundeservice@cph.dk or visit the airport’s website: www.cph.dk

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 33

Wonderful Copenhagen The chic Scandinavian capital by the sea, where culture thrives besides ancient canals, world-famous attractions are within walking distance and practically everybody rides a bike, Copenhagen is a booming tourism destination that combines a rich heritage with a distinctive eco-friendly lifestyle vision.

One of the most happening places on the planet still centres on the beautiful little harbour and waterways, but there is a lot more to the Danish capital than that. Copenhagen truly has something for all tastes. Attractions range from the grandeur of the city’s royal castles to the iconic Little Mermaid and Tivoli amusement park, and some of the best shopping possibilities anywhere in Europe. After dark, innovative restaurants like Noma, jazz and world music clubs give city streets a cool buzz and the sleet 24-hour Metro system gets visitors wherever they need to go in effortless style. Copenhagen has always been a fantastic city break and a superb and dependable product in tour operators’ brochures. In recent times, the success of Noma (voted the world’s best restaurant three times), TV shows ‘The Killing’ , ‘Borgen’ and ‘The Bridge’, and a new wave of high-profile fashion designers has given the city an extra edge. Now, there are more reasons than ever before to bring your customers here! And, when you decide to do just that you may well need an able, proactive and wellconnected partner to provide additional support and local knowledge. That’s where Wonderful Copenhagen comes in.

34 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

Wonderful Copenhagen is the official agency that works to put Copenhagen on the world map by developing business and leisure tourism in the Capital Region. Our business is managing the Copenhagen Visitor Centre and online portal on www.visitcopenhagen.com, and providing bespoke services that meet the requirements of the Conference (MeetinCopenhagen) and Cruise (CruiseCopenhagen) sectors. So, whatever you need to know or however you would like to use Copenhagen as a base for cultural, cruise or adventure itineraries, Wonderful Copenhagen should be your first port of call! Our website www.visitcopenhagen.com showcases the full potential of Copenhagen as a dynamic and unique European leisure destination. Here are just some selected highlights to give you an idea of the fabulous ‘Copenhagen Experience’.

Attractions From world-renowned art museums, history museums, castles and palaces to parks, statues and adventures for kids, Copenhagen has attractions and sights to suit every taste and interest – and most of them are within walking distance. The most famous attractions in the city are the more than 100-year old amusement park Tivoli Gardens, the statue of The Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle and the free town of Christiania. But Copenhagen has a lot more to offer. Be sure to visit Amalienborg Palace – home to the royal family - and walk down the shopping street Strøget, which is lined with great boutiques and two busy department stores.

Neighbourhoods Time in Copenhagen starts with the colourful Nyhavn district, where you can stroll along the

Copenhagen truly has something for all tastes. Attractions range from the grandeur of the city’s royal castles to the iconic Little Mermaid and Tivoli amusement park, and some of the best shopping possibilities anywhere in Europe.

cobbled harbour lined with quaint old houses and restaurants and take cruise trips along famous canals. Increasingly, visitors are exploring lesser-known areas, such as the hip district of Vesterbro and futuristic Orestad, home to the glowing blue Copenhagen Concert Hall.

On the Water Get an up-close impression of inner Copenhagen from a canal boat. Tours leave every hour from Nyhavn and provide an iconic Copenhagen Experience: options include dinner cruises, jazz cruises and hop-on, hop-off services. Just

outside the city centre is the beach of Amager Strand, with views of Sweden and the Øresund Bridge, a large pier and several eateries.

Tickled Taste Buds Young chefs championing Nordic ingredients are pushing Copenhagen to the forefront of European gastronomy. Noma may be booked solid, but there are other places to sample the delights of the city’s cuisine – super fresh Scandinavian produce, inventively prepared, or traditional fare such as ‘smorresbrod’ sandwiches and crisp buttery pastries.

Cool Design Danish design is world-famous, led by such names as Arne Jacobsen, Bodum and Bang & Olufsen – and the city is not short of spectacular buildings to wow the imagination. Fashion-lovers will love the city’s shopping potential and complete their Copenhagen Experience with some unique designs.

Pedal Power Visit Copenhagen and you’ll understand why nine out of 10 Danish adults own a bike – Copenhagen is amongst the most bicycle-crazy cities in the world and a cycling trip is a wonderful way to connect to the city and see its sights and sounds. Copenhagen rewards the curious and the styleconscious traveller. To discover more about the city and to tailor the right products for your market, please get in touch with us!

Let’s do business Wonderful Copenhagen is ready for your business. Call +45 3325 7400, email touristinfo@woco.dk or visit our portal website: www.woco.dk

GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 35

Copenhagen and the Baltic Take a leisurely cruise from the Danish capital city to the major cultural attractions located around the glittering Baltic Sea. Premier attractions on this all-inclusive voyage include historic cities and spectacular nature, something for every taste!

Duration: 14 days, 13 nights Group size: Any Season: May to August Attractions: Copenhagen, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Warnemunde, Kiel

Day 1: Wednesday Arriving at Copenhagen Airport, a coach awaits to take you to your hotel. After check-in, you can explore Denmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural capital. Attractions include the Little Mermaid statue, evening illuminations in the Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum and Danish Design Centre. Copenhagen is small enough to explore on foot, but a canal trip or bike ride are heartily recommended. Your cruise voyage departs in the evening, so make sure you arrive at the port in plenty of time.

Day 2: Thursday You spend the day on the Baltic. Get to know the amenities on your cruise vessel, take time out to sea-watch on deck and take advantage of your shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainments and attractions.

Day 3: Friday At 8.00, your vessel arrives at the lovely Estonian Capital city of Tallinn. Your departure is

36 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

Sample Package

1 Flights Your Travel Selections Outbound Fort Lauderdale-Copenhagen Wednesday 13 August 2014 Adult

Child (2-11)

Currency GBP

Infants Departs: 21.30

Arrives: 11.15

Cost £297.10

scheduled for 16.00, so you have plenty of time to explore this 800-year-old city. Guided tours are available of the Old Town and the Kadriorg district, where the historic rule of the Russian Tsars remains clear to see. Enjoy the warm Estonian welcome, before returning to your ship in the afternoon.

Days 4 & 5: Saturday/Sunday A weekend in the glorious Baltic city of St. Petersburg awaits you. One of the world's most beautiful cities, St. Petersburg has all the ingredients for an unforgettable travel experience: high art, lavish architecture, a lively nightlife, an extraordinary history and rich cultural traditions that have inspired and nurtured some of the modern world's greatest literature, music, and visual art. From the mysterious twilight of the White Nights to world-beating opera and ballet productions on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg is a jewel of the Baltic. At 18.00 Sunday, you departs St. Petersburg, bound for the Finnish capital of Helsinki.

Day 6: Monday The archipelago that surrounds Helsinki with hundreds of tiny islands creates an idyllic environment for sailing – be sure to be on deck early in the morning to take in the glorious approach to the city. Helsinki itself, formed by cultural influences from both the East and West, is famous for its history, beautiful parks and chic Finnish design. The city is easy to explore on foot. Guided tours are also available.

Days 7 & 8: Tuesday/Wednesday Two days in Stockholm, Sweden’s stylish capital, which is built on 14 islands. Well preserved medieval buildings give the city a delightful charm. A tour of historic Gamle Stan (the old town) is recommended, with its maze of winding alleyways, squares and churches. Other highlights include the royal residence of Drottningholm and lunch on a sailboat out in the archipelago.

Day 9: Thursday

Return Copenhagen-Fort Lauderdale

You spend the day on the Baltic, cruising to the German port of Warnemunde.

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Day 10: Friday

Departs: 17.35

Warnemünde is a seaside resort with medieval connections to the Hanseatic League. From here, a coach awaits to take you to Berlin in time for lunch. The German capital’s highlights include the restored Reichstag Building with its magnificent glass dome and the stunning Pergamon Museum. In the evening, you return to your vessel.

Day 11: Saturday A city of flair and maritime charm, Hamburg (accessed through Kiel) is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This seaport on the Elbe River offers pure city life blends a spectacular shopping, historical and rich culture, and a lively natural landscape, with a gorgeous old town. A boat trip around one of Europe’s biggest ports is essential; sightseeing boats weave past huge container vessels, ocean-liners and elegant yachts.

Days 12 & 13: Sunday/Monday At 10.oo, you return to the delightful city of Copenhagen, and have enough time to enjoy the city properly over two days. Northern Europe’s cosiest capital is packed with cafés, shops and the best restaurants. From the winding streets of the beautiful old town and grand royal palaces to the city’s cutting-edge buildings and attractions, Copenhagen is the perfect blend of old world and new. Hop on a bike or stroll the city on foot and take in its laid-back atmosphere and effortless sense of style. Don’t forget to visit Tivoli and the canal district of Nyhavn to see one of northern Europe’s most iconic picturepostcards for yourself!

Arrives: 20.00

Cost £288.80

3 Car Rental Yes

NOTE: details of this recently announced route are not yet available. Therefore, the pricing and scheduling information provided above is speculative in nature and will be confirmed closer to the date of service commencement.

Day 14: Tuesday After breakfast, your coach awaits to transport you to the airport and your flight home.

Book Now GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 37

Stylish Sweden Centring on Stockholm and the delights of the southern counties, which blend historic cities and authentic Swedish culture with some truly wonderful nature and unspoiled islands.

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights Group size: FITs and small groups Season: May to September Attractions: Stockholm, Kingdom of Crystal, Castles, archipelago

Spend privileged time in Sweden’s delightful capital city of Stockholm, before taking off on a gentle tour of the southern counties. Highlights include the idyllic towns of Söderköping and Kalmar, some truly spectacular castles (Kalmar, Vadstena, Gripsholm and Drottningholm) and the wondrous Kingdom of Crystal, where some of the world’s finest art class is made. Unforgettable Sweden rewards you in so many ways.

Day 1: Monday Stockholm You touch town at Stockholm Arlanda Airport and take the 20-minute Arlanda Express train journey to Stockholm’s Central Station. Stockholm is built on 14 islands, so you are never very far from the water. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy the city’s mix of medieval grandeur and sleek modern lines as you lunch on the waterfront. An afternoon boat trip is a great way to get to grips with Stockholm and its 24,000 islands.

Day 2: Tuesday Stockholm & Söderköping The morning is yours! Sightseeing is the order of the day and you have a wealth of attractions at your fingertips: the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open Air Museum, Old Town (Gamla Stan) and Drottningholm Palace, to name just a few. After lunch, it’s time to explore the wonderful Swedish interior, taking the roads from Stockholm via Norrköping to the charming canal-side town of Söderköping. The journey takes around two hours. Söderköping is a true treasure, with picturesque old streets and medieval churches, idyllic nature at the Ramunder Mountain and a bustling canal 38 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

Sample Package

1 Flights Your Travel Selections Outbound New York-Stockholm Monday 2 September 2013 Adult

Child (2-11)

Currency GBP

Infants Departs: 21.30

Arrives: 11.15

Cost £297.10

harbour, ideal for boating and kayak trips, and for swimming. This is Sweden at its most appealing! Accommodation in Söderköping.

Day 3: Wednesday Söderköping to Kalmar After breakfast you leave Söderköping behind and take a leisurely tour to Kalmar, via the towns of Vimmerby and Växjö. Vimmerby is home to the fairy tale park Astrid Lindgren’s World, where you can meet Pippi Longstocking and other Astrid Lindgren characters in person! To the southwest, the historic town of Växjö is most famous for its striking twin-towered cathedral. Another highlight of Växjö is the Emigrant Museum (Utvandrarnas Hus), which remembers the Great Emigration of Swedes to the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As well as permanent exhibitions on various aspects of the migration, the museum contains a library, archives and genealogical research facilities. In the late afternoon you reach the Baltic coast and Kalmar, one of the oldest cities in Sweden. Walk along the scenic cobbled streets in the Old Town and visit the cathedral and the sumptuous palace that is Kalmar Castle, with its moat, dungeons and secret passageways. Accommodation in Kalmar.

Day 4: Thursday Kalmar & the Kingdom of Crystal You spend the day in Kalmar. Swedish glass is world-famous for its design and production, and we recommend a trip to the Crystal Kingdom (Glasriket) in the heavily forested region between Kalmar and Växjö, where beautiful hand-blown glass has been made in skilled workshops since 1742. You can watch glass craftsmen transforming molten glass into beautiful works of art at the 13 local glassworks. Some world-famous names are here, including Kosta Boda, Orrefors, Nybro and Åfors. Buy beautiful glass in the crystal shop at factory prices. Accommodation in Kalmar.

Day 5: Friday Öland & västervik Breakfast in Kalmar and then drive over the Öland Bridge to the spectacular island of Öland, which has over 400 windmills and an array of ancient Iron Age remains and Viking graves. Öland’s shallow sandy beaches are perfect sites for swimming in summer and the interior landscapes of forests and meadows is simply beautiful. We return to the mainland and follow the E22 northwards to the small settlement of Västervik, whose untouched archipelago is a lesser-known gem of Scandinavia. There’s plenty to see and do here, particularly along the coast. Shopping, spas, candle making, the narrowgauge railway, the Moose Park, kayaking, swimming and much more. Choose the activity that suits you before turning in at your hotel. Accommodation in Västervik.

Day 6: Saturday västervik & Stockholm A free day in Västervik gives you time to renew your love affair with rural Sweden, before you return to Stockholm in the afternoon.

Day 7: Sunday Stockholm & Mariefred Drive east from Stockholm to Mariefred to the 16th-century Gripsholm Castle, a lavishly built fortress located on an island. The beautifully renovated former royal barn houses the Swedish state collection of portraits and here you can find portraits from the time of King Gustav Vasa to the present day. The charismatic town of Mariefred itself is well worth a visit with its narrow streets, colourful, low wooden houses and boatmen’s cottages. You will find many local specialties and handicrafts on offer. Accommodation in Stockholm.

Return Stockholm-New York Monday 9 September 2013 Departs: 17.35

Arrives: 20.00

Cost £288.80

3 Car Rental Yes

Day 8: Monday Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning touring Stockholm and then leave after lunch for the airport and your flight home.

Book Now GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA | 39

Contact We hope that you now feel inspired to add some Scandinavian packages to your portfolio! Doing business with Norwegian Air Shuttle is a straightforward process. Just contact us and we’ll do our very best to meet your needs.

Group department: +47 815 11 560 Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09.00 to 16.00

Corporate address: Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA Oksenøyvein 3 PO Box 115 1330 Fornebu Norway

Agent Support: +47 21 49 22 50 E: agentsupport@norwegian.no Opening hours (Norway): Monday to Friday: 09.00 to 16.00

Organisation number: NO 965 920 358 MVA UK contact centre: +44 20 809 972 54 Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 08.30 to 17.00 (local time); Saturday to Sunday: 08.30 to 16.00 (local time)

Internet support: +47 815 11 540 Opening hours Monday to Friday: 08.00 to 16.00

Websites Direct telephone numbers

International website: www.norwegian.com

Corporate headquarters: +47 67 59 30 00 Reservations & customer care: +47 21 49 00 15 (international markets) 815 21 815 (within Norway) Opening hours (Norway): Monday to Friday: 06.00 to 22.00; Saturday: 08.30 to 19:30; Sunday: 08.30 to 22.00

Created by

brand:aviation Office 2, The Portal Port of Liverpool Building Liverpool L3 1BY United Kingdom www.brandconsult.co.uk Writer Iestyn Adams Packages Iestyn Adams and André Morrall Project Director/Managing Director André Morrall Graphic Design Andrew Cothliff Marketing Peter Stewart Administration Catherine Thornton-Smith

40 | GUIDE TO SCANDINAvIA

Corporate website: www.norwegian.com/corporate Agent website: www.norwegian.com/en/customer-services/travel-agents

Photography All photographs are credited to the relevant photographers and photographic agencies apart from those that appear on the front and back covers of this publication.

Acknowledgements Norwegian Air Shuttle and Brand Aviation would like to thank the many people, companies and organisations that provided material in support of this publication.

Front cover: Main photo: Lofoten © Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/ Nordland Reiseliv. Thumbnail photos (left to right): Aker Brygge and Oslo City Hall © Terje Bakke Pettersen/VisitOSLO; Geirangerfjord © Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS/Fjord Norway; Namsen River, Trøndelag; Tromsø and the Northern Lights © Visit Tromsø

The sample packages presented in this publication are intended for guidance purposes only. Norwegian Air Shuttle is not acting as a tour operator. The packages are designed for third party sales guidance only.

Back cover: Main photo: Bodø © Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/ Nordland Reiseliv. Thumbnail photos (left to right): Cruise ship at Søndre Akershus, Oslo © Nancy Bundt/VisitOSLO; Flåm Railway © Morten Rakke/Flåm Utvikling as; The Femundløpet sled-dog race, between Røros and Trondheim © Kjell O Brun; Snowmobiles in Finnmark © Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Finnmark Reiseliv

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microfilming or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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Calling international travel agents and group bookers! If you want to get the most out of the Scandinavia inbound market, you really need to partner with Norwegian! Whether your customers want awesome scenery, unique culture and historical attractions, or a close-up experience of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugged arctic north, Scandinavia is the place to be! Read this Guide to find out how Norwegian can meet your travel requirements - and even help you build the right packages for your market. www.norwegian.com