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SPLENDOR OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN
8 days / 7 nights, Stockholm - Baltic Sea Cruise - Helsinki - Ivalo - Arctic Circle -
Karasjok - Hammerfest - Honningsvåg - North Cape – Helsinki
Guaranteed departures: June 14 / July 12, 2005
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This enchanting journey through Europe's last wilderness features a combination of unspoiled nature, Sami culture and history, and city life. Experience the vast landscape of tundra and rolling hills, the cultural diversity of northern Lapland, where Sami people roam the pristine countryside, tending their reindeer herds. From Helsinki we fly above the Arctic Circle to Ivalo, in the heart of Lapland. By motor coach through tundra and fjells, past Lake Inari, the sacred lake of the Finnish Lapps. Cross the Norwegian border at Karigasniemi, and on to the Norwegian Sami capitol of Karasjok. Visit the North Cape and become a member of the Royal Polar Bear Society. Welcome to the heart of Lapland, one of the great natural reserves in the world. Welcome to the Land of the Midnight Sun!
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Day 1 STOCKHOLM (D)
Arrive in Stockholm. Transfer to the hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and overnight at the Hilton Stockholm Slussen, beautifully located in the Old Town.
Day 2 STOCKHOLM (B, D)
The day starts with a 4 hour guided tour of the city. Sights include the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, Cathedral, Royal Theatre and more! You will also visit Gamla Stan, Stockholm's famous Old Town. Afternoon free in Stockholm. Dinner and overnight at the Hilton Stockholm Slussen.
Day 3 STOCKHOLM - HELSINKI (B, D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free to explore the sights of Stockholm. Afternoon coach transfer to the pier. Depart Stockholm at 5:00 pm on board the Silja Line. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4 HELSINKI – IVALO (B, D)
Enjoy breakfast as you sail into Helsinki Harbor. Continue on a 3 hour guided tour of Helsinki. Sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Underground Temple and more! Afternoon transfer to Helsinki Airport for your 5:05 pm flight to Ivalo. Arrive in Ivalo at 6:45 pm, you are now in the Land of the Midnight Sun! Dinner and overnight at the Ivalo Hotel.
Day 5 IVALO – HAMMERFEST (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today's tour takes you across the beautiful wild landscape of Lapland. Drive past Lake Inari, the sacred lake of the Finnish Lapps, and cross the Norwegian border to the town of Karasjok, the cultural and social center of Norwegian Lapland. The tour continues across the barren tundra of the Finnmarksvidda to the Sami town of Kautokeino. Visit the Juhls Silver Gallery, and after lunch continue by following the Alta River through the mountainous landscape to the towns of Alta and Hammerfest. Dinner and overnight at the Rica Hotel Hammerfest
Day 6 HAMMERFEST – HONNINGSVAG – NORTH CAPE (B, L, D)
This morning enjoy a 2-hour Reindeer Spotting Safari with a local guide. Return to Hammerfest for a visit to the Polar Bear clubhouse, where you will be made a lifelong member of the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society. This is followed by A Sami Experience, a visit to a real Sami camp. Enjoy a traditional Sami Lunch, served in the local gammen. Afternoon drive to Honningsvag. This evening you visit the North Cape plateau, where the Midnight Sun illuminates the Arctic Ocean. Celebrate reaching the Northern most point in Europe with caviar and champagne. Dinner and overnight at the Rica Hotel Honningsvag.
Day 7 HONNINGSVAG – IVALO – HELSINKI (B, L, D)
After breakfast depart by coach for the return journey to Ivalo. Drive along the beautiful Porsanger Fjord. At midday arrive in the town of Karasjok. Enjoy lunch at the Rica Hotel Karasjok.Time to explore the town before continuing on to Ivalo. Evening flight from Ivalo to Helsinki at 7:10 pm. Arrive in Helsinki at 9:35 pm and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel.
Day 8 HELSINKI (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.
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Departure Dates
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June 14, 2005
July 12
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Prices in US Dollars
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Per person in double room
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2,595
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Single Supplement
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495
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Included
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Finnair flight, Helsinki - Ivalo, round trip
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6 nights in first class hotels
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Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily
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3 x Luncheons
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7 x Dinners
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Silja Line ferry, Stockholm to Helsinki / seaside cabin
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First class motor coach transportation
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Stockholm city tour, 3 hours
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Helsinki City Tour, 4 hours
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Membership to the Royal Polar Bear Society
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Reindeer spotting safari, 2 hours
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Visit to Sami camp with local guide
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Champagne and caviar at North Cape
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Tunnel fees for crossing the island of Magerøy
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North Cape certificate
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All transfers between Airports and hotels
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Luggage assistance at all hotels (1 piece per person)
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Tour escort throughout, Helsinki - Helsinki
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List of Hotels
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Night 1 & 2
Hilton Stockholm Slussen
Stockholm / Sweden
Night 3
On board Silja Line / seaside cabin
Stockholm / Sweden - Helsinki / Finland
Night 4
Ivalo Hotel
Ivalo / Finland
Night 5
Rica Hotel Hammerfest
Hammerfest / Norway
Night 6
Rica Hotel Honningsvag
Honningsvag / Norway
Night 7
SAS Royal Hotel
Helsinki / Finland
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