Regent - Artic Winter

Arctic ArcticWinter Winter2018/1 2018/199

Contents 2 Trust Us

46 Finnish Lapland

4 Meet our Arctic Team

50 Lapland Winter Escape

6 The Northern Lights

52 Igloos & Auroras

8 Iceland

53 Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

16 Reykjavík City Breaks

54 Lakituvat Log Cabin Break

16 The Blue Lagoon

55 Arctic Light Winter Break

17 Boat Tours

56 Aurora Village Short Break

18 Coach Excursions

57 Northern Lights Village Short Break

19 Active Excursions

58 Nellim Arctic Explorer

20 Superjeep Excursions

59 Inari Arctic Highlights

21 Excursions by Air

60 Norway

22 South Iceland Winter Break

64 Tromsø Short Break

24 Superjeep Winter Break

66 Tromsø & Spitsbergen

26 Fly-Drives

67 Spitsbergen Polar Nights

28 Orcas & Auroras

68 Polar Nights in Svalbard

29 Northern Lights in Style

69 Images of Vesterålen

30 Essential South Iceland

70 Sweden

31 Hot Springs & Waterfalls

74 ICEHOTEL Short Break

32 Hotel Rangá Short Break

75 Lapland Guesthouse Break

33 Hotel Grímsborgir Short Break

76 Arthotel Country Escape

34 Group Tours

77 Brändön Lodge Break

36 Northern Lights Explorer

78 Booking Conditions

37 Land of the Northern Lights 38 Hidden Powers & Aurora 39 North Iceland Discovery

40 Greenland 44 East Greenland Husky Adventure 45 Northern Lights in Ilulissat

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Ask the Experts Welcome to our 2018/19 Arctic Winter brochure – a collection of Regent’s favourite hotels, in-depth group and tailor-made tours, and experiences designed with aurora hunting in mind. Whether you want to chase the mystical northern lights in a jeep designed for adventure, race across the icy wilderness on a sledge pulled by huskies, drift off to sleep in a cosy glass igloo under the stars or watch the northern lights from Iceland’s Secret Lagoon, our experienced team of Arctic Travel Specialists can craft the perfect winter holiday for you.

At Regent, we have been organising holidays to this incredible region for more than 40 years so there’s no one who knows Iceland and the Arctic like we do.

Call us on 020 7666 1291 and speak to an expert for travel advice.

40 Year History

Holidays Protected by ATOL

Regent Holidays were among the first UK tour operators to start sending travellers to Iceland back in 1975 and we celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2015. In a country as unspoilt as this, many of our much-loved natural highlights have remained unchanged, but with new restaurants and experiences being unveiled each year, there’s always something different to see and do on every visit.

Your financial protection is important to us, which is why we are fully bonded by ATOL. Our ATOL licence (2786) protects any Regent Holidays package that includes a flight, and ensures that your money would be refunded or that you would be repatriated in the unlikely event of our insolvency. We are also a member of ABTA (ABTA number V2359), which means we are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you.

Also, if your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday by ensuring you receive a refund or, if your arrangements include return travel to the UK (other than flights), you are returned to the UK in the event that your holiday cannot be provided as a result of our insolvency.

Experience is everything At Regent Holidays, we believe that experience is everything. From the personal service you receive from an expert Travel Specialist when planning your holiday, right through to the experience you have in destination.

We take great pride in taking the time to understand what you want from your holiday, before we take care of every detail.

Northern Lights, Finland © Jani Kärppä & Flatlight Films, VisitFinland

Talk to a Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Trust us It’s important to get the most out of your holiday, whether it’s a three-night city break or a two-week fly-drive. Our Travel Specialists travel frequently and extensively so that they can offer you expert advice on when to go, what to see and where to stay. It’s this knowledge and experience that allows us to craft personalised itineraries that perfectly suit you and your interests.

Don’t just take our word for it Visit www.trustpilot.com to read some of our five-star independent reviews.

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Iceland mini break Joanne organised our self-drive holiday for us in March and advised on hotels car hire etc. Everything went according to plan and we had one of our favourite holidays ever! We felt that the price of the package was very reasonable. Although we did not see the northern lights the wonderful scenery of Iceland more than made up for that. The aurora would have been the icing on an already wonderful cake. If you go, stay at the Hotel Ranga.

We highly recommend Regent Holidays.

Melissa Callaghan

A holiday with a difference If you want top class advice on a holiday in Iceland then Regent Holidays are the people for you. I found their advice invaluable. They asked about our requirements and came up with all the right answers. Their knowledge and experience on travel and hotels in Iceland will ensure your holiday will be an experience to remember.

Joseph Tishler

Fantastic holiday to Finnish Lapland I booked a short break to Finnish Lapland with Regent Holidays. I had the most amazing experience. The places we stayed were beautiful and the team at Regent were so helpful when it came to booking excursions. With so many options, it was great to speak with someone who could help us choose the right activities because they had experienced them.

I will definitely use Regent again for future trips.

Josie

Greenland - the remote becomes accessible Greenland. Wild, remote and inaccessible, but accessible with Regent Holidays. I had a magnificent time in South West Greenland thanks to Regent Holidays.

The scenery was magnificent and access to the Viking history around the coast was second to none. We even got to swim in a hot volcanic spring whilst overlooking a fjord full of icebergs. A highly recommended destination.

Garry

Great holiday & fantastic service The holiday was exactly what I was looking for, great in every sense. Fantastic customer service, everything went as planned. I would definitely recommend Regent Holidays.

Philippa Maynard

Share your stories with us #myregentmoment @regentholidays

@regent_holidays

@regentholidays

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Meet our Arctic Team Regent Holidays has been an Iceland specialist for more than 40 years.

Contact one of our country experts for more information on our full range of short breaks, family holidays, group tours and fly-drive packages.

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Joanne Wheeler

Emma Brown

Joanne joined the team after finishing school and has just celebrated her 30th anniversary at Regent. Having travelled each year, through every season, Joanne is a fountain of knowledge. Recently, she has explored the dramatic landscapes of South Iceland with her three children, and headed to the far northern reaches of Swedish Lapland in the winter, to spend time at the ICEHOTEL and experience the northern lights.

Emma’s passion for travel has always gone hand in hand with a love for all creatures great and small. She’s spotted humpback whales feeding off the coast of South Iceland and hand-fed a herd of reindeer alongside the indigenous Sámi people in Lapland, but Emma’s excitement is infectious when sharing her experiences in Svalbard, where she photographed a mother polar bear playing with her cubs in their natural environment.

Ella Stearns

Laura Dinham

Born and raised in Hong Kong, regularly visiting family in the UK, Ella caught the travel bug early. After spending her childhood exploring the exotic, far-flung corners of Asia, she traded it in for cooler climes, moving to the UK to study in Bristol. Ella now channels her passion for travel into getting to know Iceland’s hidden bathing spots and Finland’s most remote igloos for the best aurora borealis-spotting opportunities.

Laura joined the travel industry after school. A former regular Mediterranean cruise voyager, after experiencing the staggering fjord views and whale-watching opportunities around Tromsø, dashing across the frozen winter wilderness on a sledge pulled by husky dogs in Northern Norway, and stopping for a revitalising soak in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, she has now discovered a deep love for our snow-dusted Arctic destinations.

For every single Iceland booking, we’ll send out a complimentary pocket-sized guide to Iceland’s capital. This exclusive gift, created especially for Regent Holidays, contains 52 cards with information on the best brunch spots, cosy cafés, delicious dining options and tucked-away places for a tipple, as well as activities and excursions to enjoy in and around the city – all chosen by our team of Iceland experts.

Michael Voss

Robert Longstaff

Michael is a keen hiker and the rugged, untouched expanses of Greenland and Iceland are his paradise. Walking boots ever at the ready, since joining Regent he’s traded the Cotswold hills for Greenland’s Valley of Flowers and Iceland’s Hengill geothermal area.

Having watched the northern lights from the comfort of a hot tub in Iceland and toured the country in a campervan, he’s full of ideas for those keen to escape the capital.

This bearded Yorkshireman might be new to the Bristol office, but he’s no stranger to our Arctic destinations, and when it comes to facial hair he’s used to giving our bearded Nordic neighbours a run for their money. Rob’s visited Iceland several times, once intending only to stay for a week but instead spending a whole month exploring. He’s just returned from Finland and is excited to soon be kayaking around Greenland’s coast.

Paula Martin

Ida Marinova

Trading the sunny white-sand beaches of the Caribbean for the snowy white winters of the Arctic, Paula has dived head first into Regent’s team of Arctic Travel Specialists, getting to know Iceland and Finland inside out. She’s fallen head over snowbooted heel for Finnish Lapland after spending a week sleeping in glass igloos, watching the northern lights dance above her bed by night and snowmobiling across frozen lakes by day.

A native Bulgarian, Ida’s journey from Sofia to Bristol has taken her through the entirety of Eastern Europe, university in Italy, and employment in both Paris and Greece. If that wasn’t enough, she’s just returned from Iceland, road-tripping around the circular coast. From a young age Ida harboured a fascination with Scandinavia and Nordic mythology, even wanting to learn to speak Finnish, but opting instead for English (thankfully for us).

The Team

A gift for you

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Where & when to see the

Northern Lights

For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, travel between late September and early April, between the autumn and spring equinoxes, when long nights prevail in the northern skies. Renowned for their elusive character as much as their astounding beauty, sightings of the ethereal light show can never be guaranteed. However, Regent’s selection of winter tours and holidays have been carefully designed with aurora hunting in mind.

Iceland

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, City centre hotels & countryside retreats With the whole country located within the allimportant northern lights oval, Iceland comfortably boasts superb opportunities to witness the aurora. A land of volcanic and geothermal treasures, Iceland’s natural wonders have plenty to keep travellers entertained during daylight hours. Maximise chances of seeing the northern lights by heading into the countryside away from bright city lights.

Regent recommends a stay at one of South Iceland’s boutique retreats, where aurora hunters can relax in outdoor hot tubs as the northern lights dance overhead.

Finland

Best for: Adventure-seeking couples, Glass igloos, ice rooms & boutique stays In Finnish Lapland the northern lights are visible on around 200 nights of the year – almost every clear night between September and April. Never miss a chance to see them by staying in a glass-ceilinged igloo with uninterrupted skyward views. Ideal for families, Lapland’s resort towns offer countless opportunities to explore the Lappish landscape by husky sled or reindeer sleigh. For the ultimate Lapland experience, visit Santa’s official home in Rovaniemi before heading out on a northern lights snowmobile safari across the winter landscape.

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Ancient legend passed down by the Inuit people of Greenland says that the northern lights are the spirits of the dead playing football with a walrus skull. Whatever the reason, witness the astonishing spectacle in Greenland’s only inland town, Kangerlussuaq, which boasts 300 nights of clear sky a year, or travel to UNESCO-listed Ilulissat, where the northern lights swirl over icebergs as tall as skyscrapers. Located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the chances of seeing nature’s greatest light show in Ilulissat are extremely high.

Norway

Northern Lights

Greenland

Best for: Wilderness explorers, Modern hotels on the edge of the world

Best for: Arctic adventurers, Wilderness lodges & urban stays Travel into the Arctic Circle to the northern reaches of Norway, or even further to the Svalbard archipelago, for the best chance of seeing the northern lights. During the dark polar night period between late November and late January, the sun remains below the horizon and the aurora borealis can be seen both day and night. Take the opportunity in the Lofoten Islands to hike moonlit landscapes and snowmobile, husky sled, knit, horse ride or even play golf beneath the northern lights.

Sweden

Best for: Seclusion seekers, Woodland retreats & ice-sculpted suites Although sightings of the northern lights are impossible to guarantee, you’ll have the best chance in Abisko National Park at the world-famous Aurora Sky Station. Crowned by Lonely Planet in 2015 as the best place on Earth to see this natural phenomenon, Regent now offers tours which include evening visits to this exceptional viewing destination in the far north of the country. Jukkasjärvi, home to the spectacular ICEHOTEL, and the Torne Valley are also top of the list for aurora seekers. Regent recommends combining a night in an ice-sculpted suite with a stay at a boutique country retreat.

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Iceland

Teetering on the edge of the Arctic, only a three-hour flight from the UK, this staggeringly beautiful country is home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Feel the power of immense waterfalls tumbling into mighty rivers, travel through dramatic landscapes crafted by thousands of years of volcanic activity, admire the beauty of the biggest ice cap outside of the poles or journey into the remote countryside for a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to witness the incredible northern lights dancing across the night sky.

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Grundafjordur, West Iceland

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Iceland in Numbers Iceland

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months a year of northern lights activity

170 11% 130 20 9

geothermal swimming pools

covered by glaciers

active and extinct volcanoes

species of whale and dolphin

million litres of water in the Blue Lagoon

Travel Knowhow Flight time from UK: 3 hours Time zone: GMT Capital: ReykjavĂ­k Language: Icelandic Currency: Icelandic KrĂłna Population: 330,000 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Iceland

S

haped by towering volcanoes, immense glaciers and tectonic plates that slowly pull the rugged landscape apart, Iceland holidays are an opportunity to see Mother Nature at her most incredible.

This beautiful Arctic nation is home to a variety of landscapes like no other.

And the best thing about Iceland?

No matter which season you visit in, there’s always a huge array of adventures to be had and amazing natural environments to explore.

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall, North Iceland

The vast open skies over Iceland’s rural landscapes provide ample opportunities to view the northern lights. Sightings cannot be guaranteed but travelling between late September and early April will increase your chances of seeing them.

If you’re looking for rest and relaxation, Iceland holidays certainly don’t have to be hard work. You can just as easily sip local schnapps while sat in the bubbling waters of a geothermal pool, whether the famous Blue Lagoon or one of the secret natural lagoons that our Travel Specialists can plan into your perfect itinerary.

With an Iceland winter holiday you’ll find thundering waterfalls frozen still, endless snow-drifts awaiting snowmobile journeys and the northern lights dancing across the night sky.

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“You’ll find thundering waterfalls frozen still, endless snow-drifts awaiting snowmobile journeys and the northern lights dancing across the night sky”

Experience is everything

“Standing on the shore of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon in south Iceland and watching seals play amongst the icebergs in the turquoise waters is something I will never forget.”

“There is so much more to Iceland than just Reykjavík. Escape the crowds and head to the north of the island where natural wonders are in abundance. Explore the Lake Mývatn region and go whale watching from Húsavík.”

Regent Recommends Iceland

Stay

Hotel Rangá

Canopy by Hilton

Minniborgir Cottages

Set in perfect isolation with mountains, glaciers and volcanoes providing a distant backdrop, Hotel Rangá is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway.

Here couples can relax under the northern lights in hot tubs.

This new hotel overlooks Faxa Bay and spans six houses in the heart of Reykjavík. Greet the day with a local artisanal breakfast at the in-house Geiri Smart Restaurant and later relax with a drink in the courtyard.

This collection of 21 wooden chalets is located approximately a one-hour drive from Reykjavík. Situated within Iceland’s Golden Circle, it is a perfect base from which to explore many of the main highlights in the south-west.

Do

Superjeep

Northern Lights by Boat Into the Glacier

Discover the secrets of south Iceland from the comfort of an adventureready 4x4, designed to tackle mountainous terrain, gorges and glaciers. Head off-road to areas where the northern lights are most visible.

Set sail from Reykjavík in search of the aurora borealis over the North Atlantic Ocean. Just thirty minutes’ sailing time transports you to the perfect remote location to await nature’s light show, as the city lights twinkle in the distance.

Head to the edge of Langjökull glacier and climb aboard an eight-wheeled glacier terrain truck to explore the man-made ice cave carved beneath it.

Delve into a remote new world made of stunning blue ice.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Svarta Kaffið

Efstidalur

For those seeking a light bite, join the queue near the harbour, leading from a red and white caravan, for the best hot dog in town. Order ‘the works’ for a dog with onions, relish and all the delicious condiments.

This cosy, family-run café in bustling downtown Reykjavík is famous for its hearty soup, served in a bread bowl. With no fixed menus, there are different soups on offer every day, including vegetarian and vegan.

Offering spectacular views of Mount Hekla, this restaurant and ice cream bar is located on a working dairy farm.

Serving beef from the farm and trout from the lake, prepared by expert chefs, it’s a Regent favourite.

Taste

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Reykjavík City Breaks T

he world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík offers a thriving cultural scene with an abundance of first-class restaurants, stylish galleries and historic landmarks.

But it’s the incredible natural wonders that surround Reykjavík which make it more than your average city break destination. Take a winter whale watching cruise from the historic harbour, discover the Golden Circle with its icy waterfalls and bubbling geysers, relax in the healing waters of

the Blue Lagoon as day turns to night or perhaps even opt for an exhilarating snowmobile adventure on Langjökull glacier.

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Unlike your average European city break destination, the winter months

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bring an extra reason to visit – the colourful aurora borealis, which lights up the northern skies from late September to early April. With the capital surrounded by snow-covered mountains, a Superjeep or coach tour will whisk you away from the bright city lights on a magical northern lights hunt after a busy day of sightseeing.

Reykjavík

Experience is everything

“I love strolling down Laugavegur in November and December, pottering in and out of the pretty wooden shops and galleries, and stopping for a hot chocolate to keep the cold at bay.”

Regent’s dedicated Iceland Specialists can put together the perfect Reykjavík city break package for you. We’ll recommend a hotel to suit your needs, arrange your flights and airport transfers and book your excursions in advance to make sure that you experience the best of the incredible natural attractions during your stay.

“Reykjavík offers a thriving cultural scene with an abundance of first-class restaurants, stylish galleries and historic landmarks”

“Leaving London on a Friday lunchtime, I love the fact that I can be relaxing in the Blue Lagoon by late afternoon with a long weekend in Reykjavík ahead of me.”

Iceland

Visit With so many incredible natural wonders to explore, it would be easy to bypass the city streets of this compact capital. But to do so would be to miss out on the cultural and creative heart of the nation. Visit the National Heritage Centre for Cultural Heritage to discover some of the most important medieval manuscripts in the world, including many of the oldest Icelandic sagas, or to listen to a traditional recital by local musicians. The National Gallery of Iceland houses the country’s largest collection of works by major Icelandic artists of the 19th and 20th Centuries, whilst the Harpa concert hall enjoys performances from the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera.

Eat Surrounded by the pounding Atlantic Ocean, exceptional fresh fish dishes abound in Reykjavík’s top restaurants and hotels. Situated in the fashionable 101 area, Restaurant Fish Market is a Regent favourite. The restaurant buys directly from Iceland’s farmers and fishermen to guarantee sustainability and quality, and customers can watch the seasonal dishes being prepared in the open kitchen. For every Iceland booking, you will receive your very own handy pocket-sized deck of cards showcasing our Specialists’ top brunch, lunch and dinner spots along with some of our favourite excursions and activities in and around the capital.

Celebrate To keep their spirits high during the dark winter months, the people of Reykjavík look forward to a host of celebrations and festivals. Perhaps choose to travel in February when the capital welcomes the growing light with the Winter Lights Festival. Not to be missed are the New Year’s Eve celebrations where every family in the city comes out for an evening of music and dancing to watch one of the largest firework displays in the world. Travel on our three-night New Year’s Eve break and follow the fantastic end-of-year spectacle with a New Year’s Day visit to the Blue Lagoon for a rejuvenating soak in the healing geothermal waters.

Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Where to stay in Reykjavík Iceland

Our Travel Specialists have chosen their TOP 10 places to stay in Iceland’s capital.

4* Icelandair Reykjavík Marina “Just steps away from the bustling harbour side, this fun and funky hotel is home to Slippbariin - one of the hippest bars in the capital.”

4* Hotel Borg “Grand and elegant, this art deco establishment offers exceptional service.

Lavish bedrooms, immaculate bathrooms and high-end entertainment systems await those looking for luxury. Unwind in the recently added spa and relaxation centre, complete with sauna, steam bath and treatment rooms.”

3* Centerhotel Plaza “Situated in the heart of the city right on the main central square, this functional 3-star hotel offers comfortable modern rooms and good service. After a day of sightseeing relax with a glass of wine at the hotel’s Plaza Bar and watch the world go by.”

3* Centerhotel Arnarhvoll “Perfect for those looking for a comfortable 3-star hotel right on the harbour, opt for a room with views over the bay and mountains and the glitzy Harpa concert hall.”

3* Reykjavík 4you Apartments “Your first choice for a family holiday.

An excellent base to explore Reykjavík and beyond, these apartments have free parking and the staff cannot do enough for you!”

3* Hotel Leifur Eiriksson “You couldn’t ask for a better location with Hallgrimskirkja church on your doorstep.

The delicious waffles for breakfast and free hot drinks served all day add that little something extra.”

4* Hotel Reykjavík Centrum “Its name says it all. This beautiful halfwooden, half-glass hotel is centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from the Marina and main shopping area. Visit the neighbouring restaurant, the Fish Market for one of the best dining experiences in Iceland.”

3* Fosshotel Raudara “This comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel is a great place to explore Reykjavík, situated only 150m from Laugavegur shopping street. The hearty breakfasts served are great for fuelling your Icelandic adventures.”

4* Hotel Alda “Taking pride of place on Laugavegur, one of Reykjavík’s busiest shopping streets, Hotel Alda is simple and stylish. The hotel has its own garden, roof-top terrace and chocolate store. Why not book a room with a balcony and sea views?”

4* Reykjavík Residence “A home away from home. These comfortable apartments are stocked with complimentary milk, juice, cereal and freshly baked bread, and the washing machine and dryers are lifesavers in the winter months.”

Notable landmarks

Harpa

Hallgrimskirkja church

Laugavegur Street

Reykjavík harbour

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The Blue Lagoon Located only 20 minutes drive from Keflavík airport, and around 40 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s top attractions. Situated in the middle of a black lava field, the mineral-rich, geothermal seawater comes from holes as deep as 2,000 metres, filling the natural spa with its iconic bright blue water.

Known for its healing and well-being qualities, the 37-39°C water is rich in active ingredients, including algae, natural minerals and the Blue Lagoon’s signature ingredient – white silica mud. Said to have skin-repairing and anti-aging properties, do as the locals do and plaster it over your face and body for a rejuvenating skin tonic.

Holding more than nine million litres of water, there’s plenty of space in the natural spa for enjoying some quiet contemplation, relaxing with a Blue Lagoon cocktail or indulging in an optional in-water massage.

Our Iceland Specialists can arrange an excursion to the Blue Lagoon with either pick-up from your Reykjavík hotel or as part of your arrival or departure transfer from/to Keflavík airport. What better way to soothe and refresh body and soul after your flight?

Booking Information Blue Lagoon availability is limited and pre-booking is required. Ask your Regent Iceland Specialist to book your Blue Lagoon excursion from Reykjavík.

Prices may vary depending on time and date. Premium and Luxury bookings include a table reservation, but don’t include the cost of the meal.

Blue Lagoon Comfort

Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, use of a towel, drink from the Blue Café or in-water Lagoon Bar and Silica Mud Mask (self-applied).

Blue Lagoon Premium

Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica Mud Mask, use of a towel, bathrobe and slippers, drink from the Blue Café or in-water Lagoon Bar, algae mask (self-applied) and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine if eating at LAVA Restaurant (meal not included).

Blue Lagoon Luxury

Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica Mud Mask, use of a towel, bathrobe and slippers, drink from the Blue Café or in-water Lagoon Bar, algae mask (self-applied), a complimentary glass of sparkling wine if eating at LAVA Restaurant (meal not included), entrance to the Exclusive Lounge, spa journey product set, coffee/tea and fresh fruit.

Ask a Regent Iceland Specialist about transfers to and from your Reykjavík hotel. Please note that there are lockers at the Blue Lagoon to store personal items and a change of clothes etc. but storage for general luggage is not included in the excursion price.

Luggage can be stored at the service house near the car park and a fee of 500 ISK per bag is payable locally for this.

Please note: the packages listed above may be subject to change by the Blue Lagoon without prior notice.

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Iceland

Boat Tours

Humpback whale breaching

With more than 20 different types of cetacean recorded in the country’s surrounding waters, whale watching in Iceland is among the best in the world.

During the winter months, vast shoals of herring and capelin attract humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises to the waters of Faxaflói Bay. Depart Reykjavík Old Harbour on the Andrea, one of Iceland’s largest whale watching boats, for an educational and interactive whale watching tour.

Prices from Adult: £87 Child (7-15): £44 Child (0-6): FREE

Price includes pick-up and drop-off from most hotels and apartments in Reykjavik.

On clear winter evenings, sail away from the Reykjavík coastline in search of the aurora borealis over the North Atlantic Ocean. Unrestricted by roads, just fifteen to thirty minutes’ sailing time provides the perfect location to await the light show with the city lights as a glittering backdrop.

Whale Watching Classic

Sep - Apr, daily 3-3.5 hours departing at 1pm Set sail in search of humpbacks, orcas and white-beaked dolphins on this winter whale watching tour. The friendly crew will guide you to the best places to spot the whales and enhance the experience with interesting facts about Iceland’s marine life. Warm floatable overalls are provided for your comfort and safety and hot drinks are available from the on-board café.

Northern Lights By Boat

Sep - Mid-Apr, daily 2 - 2.5 hours departing at 9pm &10pm Wrap up in warm overalls for a northern lights hunt over the North Atlantic. Set sail from the downtown harbour and enjoy views back towards Reykjavík’s city lights and the surrounding mountains as you await the natural phenomenon. Knowledgeable guides provide an informative commentary as the lights dance overhead.

Our Promise

Weather and sea conditions can be unpredictable during the winter months. Boat captains will make their decision to sail based on many years of experience, always keeping in mind passenger safety and comfort. If the northern lights boat tour is cancelled, but aurora conditions are favourable, we offer a replacement northern lights tour by bus, plus a chance to join the boat tour the next available day. If the tour does not operate by boat or bus during your stay due to weather conditions, we offer the opportunity to exchange your ticket for a night of adventures at the Whales of Iceland exhibition or a whale watching adventure at sea.

If you join the tour (by boat or bus) and there are no northern lights sightings, you will be offered another ticket to join the northern lights tour on the next available day. Sightings cannot be guaranteed when it comes to wild animals. If your whale watching tour does not sight a whale, we offer you a free ticket to join the boat tour again on the next available day.

Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Coach Excursions With complimentary pick-up from your Reykjavík hotel, the world-famous features of Iceland’s spectacular landscape are just a day trip away. Enjoying plenty of stops en route, you’ll discover Iceland’s nature, history and geology on our popular coach excursions to some of the country’s most wonderful sights.

Admire the famous ‘Golden Falls’ of the Golden Circle, take a stroll along a striking black-sand beach on the dramatic south coast, embark on the excursion of a lifetime in search of the aurora borealis or feel the full force of nature at your feet with a walking tour on the incredible Sólheimajökull glacier.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Winter

Prices from Northern Lights Mystery £45 Reykjavík Sightseeing £41 Classic Golden Circle £66 Golden Circle Express £59 Secret Lagoon & Northern Lights £135 South Coast & Waterfalls £90 Prices are per adult. Children 11 and under travel FREE, children 12-17 travel HALF PRICE.

Speak to an Iceland Specialist to tailor-make the perfect excursion package to add to your Reykjavík city break.

Northern Lights Mystery

Reykjavík Sightseeing

Classic Golden Circle

Golden Circle Express

Secret Lagoon & Northern Lights

South Coast & Waterfalls

25 Aug - 15 Apr, daily 3-5 hours departing at 8pm & 9pm Head out into the night in search of the dancing neon lights of the aurora borealis. Leave the civilisation and light pollution of Reykjavík behind and wrap up warm for a northern lights mystery tour, travelling to the best spots identified each day for aurora sightings. Departure subject to weather conditions.

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Year-round, daily 6 hours departing at 1pm Spend the morning at leisure before this excursion which visits scenic and historic Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall – where glacial melt water cascades down into the deep canyon – and the Geysir hot spring area. Walk amid hissing steam vents, sulphurous mud pots and erupting geysers.

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Year-round, daily 3 hours departing at 9am & 2pm Discover all there is to see around greater Reykjavík on this comprehensive city tour. Discover Höfði House where the 1986 summit between Reagan and Gorbachev took place, see the famous Hallgrímskirkja church and tour the Old Town streets around the Parliament building.

15 Sep-15 Apr, daily 6-7 hours departing at 6pm Combine a northern lights hunt and a relaxing open-air bath experience.

Bathe in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and enjoy a buffet meal.

Search for the elusive northern lights on your way back to Reykjavik.

Year-round, daily 8 hours departing at 8.30am, 9.30am & 10.30am Join our most popular excursion to see where the North American and Eurasian continental plates drift apart.

Travel in Þingvellir National Park, get up close to powerful Gullfoss waterfall and watch Strokkur geyser erupt twenty metres into the air. Visit Skálholt church, seat of religious and political power for 800 years.

Year-round, daily 10 hours departing at 9am Discover the breathtaking sights of South Iceland on a journey to the south volcanic coast with a knowledgeable guide. Walk behind magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall, take a stroll along Reynisfjara famous blacksand beach, size yourself up next to Skógafoss waterfall and travel in the shadow of an active volcano.

Iceland

Active Excursions

Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier

Get up close and personal with some of Iceland’s most geologically important sights with an active excursion. Attempt an ice wall climb on a glacier, snorkel between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, walk and crawl through incredible tube caves created by molten lava or ride on a glacier by snowmobile. Riddled with lava caves, the Blue Mountains hide an underground world which illustrates the country’s active volcanic history, while the Silfra fissure is one of the most impressive freshwater dive sites in the world.

No previous experience is required to join an active excursion but a general fitness level is needed. All specialist equipment is provided.

Prices from Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing £199 Lava Caving & Snorkelling £201 Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure from Reykjavík £161 Glacier Snowmobile from Gullfoss £199 Minimum age for the Glacier Hike is 14 Minimum age for Lava Caving & Snorkelling is 12 Minimum age for the Glacier Snowmobile from Gullfoss is 8 Minimum age for Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure is 12 Prices are per person and include return hotel transfers, specialist guides and equipment.

Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure from Reykjavík

Year-round – daily 5.5 hours (45min snorkelling) departing at 9am Snorkel in Silfra which is located in the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park.

Silfra is a rift that opens between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe, so you will be snorkelling in between the continents. The water in Silfra is remarkably clear and has a visibility up to 80m.

Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing

Year-round, daily 10.5 hours departing at 9am Journey to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull – a rugged, ever-changing hub of ancient frozen water. Explore the crevasse-riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges and stop at an ice wall to try climbing with ice axes. An experienced glacier guide is on hand throughout and all equipment is provided.

Glacier Snowmobile from Gullfoss

Lava Caving & Snorkelling

Year-round, daily Up to 4 hours departing at 12.15pm Starting at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, proceed to Langjökull glacier and arrive at the base camp. Set out on a breathtaking snowmobile tour on the glacier for one hour. Enjoy views of Eiríksjökull glacier, the highest mountain in west Iceland, the dome-shaped Hofsjökull glacier, and Kerlingafjöll mountain range.

Year-round, daily 8 hours departing at 9am Start the day’s adventure by caving through the perfect lava tubes found in Leiðarendi Cave or Gjábakkahellir in the Blue Mountains, looking for the rock formations. Later, don a dry suit to snorkel the crystal clear waters of Silfra fissure, a rift between the North American and Eurasian plates, with visibility of around 80m.

Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Superjeep Excursions Some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery can be found only a short drive away from Reykjavík. Join a Superjeep full-day excursion and discover thundering waterfalls, powerful spouting geysers and vast, dramatic glaciers.

During the winter months, no Reykjavík city break would be complete without an evening excursion in search of the incredible northern lights; get off-thebeaten-track to search for the natural phenomenon in a jeep designed for adventure.

Off-roading in Superjeeps

2018/19 Prices from South Coast Adventure £272/£286 Northern Lights Hunt £170/£181 The Golden Circle £259/£272 Snowmobiling £203/£203

Modified with huge tyres to take on the mighty challenge of Icelandic terrain year-round, Superjeeps are all equipped with GPS and an experienced offroad driver behind the wheel to take you on an exhilarating journey into the heart of Iceland’s natural wonders.

South Coast Adventure

Year-round, daily 9-10 hours departing at 8.30am The south coast boasts some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery. On this full-day tour, discover Urridafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, see Eyjafjallajökull, Gigjokull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Stop to enjoy breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and admire vast panoramas of the ever-changing glacier flood plains and dramatic black-sand beaches.

Tailor-made Tours

Pick your personal highlights of Iceland to see on your own private Superjeep adventure with personal driver-guide.

Regent Holidays can tailor-make any type of private tour for your family or group, be it a full day excursion to the Golden Circle, or a five-day break exploring the natural highlights of South Iceland. Ask a Regent Iceland Specialist for a tailor-made quote.

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Northern Lights Hunt

15 Sep – 15 Apr, daily 3-4 hours departing at 8pm* Leave the bright lights of Reykjavík behind and head out into the surrounding mountains to search for the incredible aurora in the remote, lunar-like landscape, on this off-thebeaten-track adventure. Should you not see the northern lights on your first attempt, you will be offered the chance to join the excursion again for free on another evening during your stay.

The Golden Circle

Year-round, daily 8-9 hours departing at 8.30am Discover the most famous of South Iceland’s natural wonders on this full-day Golden Circle excursion.

Discover Þingvellir National Park, where the first Icelandic parliament was established over 1,000 years ago, see mighty Gullfoss waterfall plunge into a 32-metre crevasse and visit the Geysir geothermal field to watch Strokkur geyser erupting into the sky.

Snowmobiling

Golden Circle Optional Extra Experience the thrill of adventure by adding a one-hour snowmobiling tour to your Superjeep Golden Circle excursion. Warm, waterproof suits are provided for this exhilarating ride on Langjökull glacier under the low winter sun. Choose to ride alone or share the skidoo on this wilderness adventure.

*15 Sep-31 Sep & 15 Mar-15Apr departing at 9pm due to longer daylight

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Iceland

Excursions by Air

Helicopter flight over geothermal field

Iceland is home to a plethora of astounding natural landscapes. Scenery varies from vast ice caps and volcanic peaks to rugged lava flows and grassy countryside; whichever direction you set off in you’re always guaranteed an astonishing view. For the most spectacular sweeping vistas, add a dash of adrenaline to your holiday and take to the skies in a helicopter on an excursion by air.

There is no better way to realise the sheer size and scale of many of Iceland’s most-loved natural wonders. Watch as the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart in Þingvellir National Park and bathe in geothermal hot springs only reached by helicopter.

Volcanoes & Glaciers

Geothermal Tour

Fire & Ice Tour

Waterfalls & Valleys

2-2.5 hours Fly over Þórsmörk Nature Reserve and Fimmvörðuháls’s volcanic crater before circling the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, whose eruption in 2010 became global news. Follow its glacier tongue, Gígjökull, catch a glimpse of Iceland’s most active volcano, Hekla, fly along the black-sand beaches of the south and fly over the Westman Islands.

110-140 minutes This unique tour includes two landings, one on Þórisjökull glacier and one in Hengill geothermal area — a remote valley only accessible by helicopter.

Other highlights include flying over Glymur waterfall — Iceland’s highest waterfall, Þingvellir National Park within the Golden Circle and the chance to simply breathe in Iceland’s fresh air and views.

2018/19 Prices from Volcanoes & Glaciers £1150 Geothermal Tour £422 Fire & Ice Tour £1067 Waterfalls & Valleys £592 Reykjavik Summit £270 Prices are per adult. Children aged 2 -11 receive a 25% discount. Prices may vary so please contact us for details.

50-60 minutes Witness Iceland’s raw energy first-hand and land in Hengill geothermal area — named after Hengill volcano. Fly over one of the most active volcanic areas in Iceland, the Hellisheiði plateau, to see moss-covered lava, colourful basalt mountains and steaming hot springs.

Get up close to hot springs and boiling mud pools and enjoy aerial views of Reykjavík.

70-90 minutes Glide over Glymur for a spectacular view of one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls as you make your way to þingvellir National Park, where you’ll be able to grasp the vast scale of the tectonic plate movement. Land at Hengill volcano in the south-west of Iceland to take a dip in geothermal mud pots and natural hot springs that are only accessible by helicopter.

Reykjavík Summit

30-45 minutes This short trip introduces you to the bustling capital from a unique perspective, by lifting off from Reykjavík and touring the landscapes that surround the cityscape. Land on a nearby mountain summit to take in the outstanding panoramic views that span the ‘Smokey Bay’, steaming volcanic hillsides and the craggy coastline hugged by the Atlantic.

23 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

South Iceland Winter Break

Suggested Itinerary

From October to early April Iceland’s skies famously come alive with the incredible northern lights. Combine searching for this magical phenomenon with experiencing the best of South Iceland’s natural wonders on this short winter break. Spend four nights in vibrant Reykjavík and enjoy guided coach excursions to the surrounding countryside, discovering waterfalls, geysers and the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive at Keflavík airport and transfer to Reykjavík for four nights. Evenings on this short break are free to dine at leisure. Perhaps splash out on a gourmet experience at Kopar restaurant or grab a hotdog with sweet mustard and crunchy onions from the famous Bæjarins Beztu cabin.

Day 2 Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights | Spend the morning exploring the shops, galleries and cafés of Reykjavík at leisure before an afternoon excursion to the famous Blue Lagoon. Relax in the healing geothermal waters and apply the rejuvenating white silica mud to face and body. After dark, head out on a northern lights coach tour to search for the aurora away from the bright lights of the city. (B) Day 3 Reykjavík | Join a city sightseeing tour and discover the highlights of greater Reykjavík. See the famous Hallgrímskirkja church and tour the beautiful Harpa concert hall and conference centre. Spend the rest of the day free to explore at leisure.

Perhaps visit the Whales of Iceland museum at the historic harbour – the biggest whale exhibition in the world. (B)

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Day 4 Golden Circle | Take a coach excursion to Iceland’s most popular trio of natural wonders. Discover Þingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian continental plates drift apart, get up close to Gullfoss waterfall and see Strokkur geyser erupt twenty metres into the air. Visit Friðheimar

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greenhouse cultivation centre, one of Iceland’s biggest greenhouses, before returning to Reykjavík. (B) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

Gullfoss waterfall

Tour duration

5 days

Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided excursions

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£975 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, transfers, meals as specified and sightseeing tours.

Price based on accommodation at Hotel Storm. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Ideal for winter honeymooners and adventure-seeking families alike, Reykjavík has a range of accommodation to choose from.

Iceland

Choose your accommodation

4* Hotel Centrum Located on Adalstraeti, one of the city’s oldest streets, the Hotel Reykjavík Centrum comprises three colourful 18th-century-style buildings offering a traditional Icelandic feel. The hotel has 89 elegantly decorated rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi and satellite television. The hotel also has four bright and cosy Nordic-style studio apartments which can be rented for a weekend stay or longer.

Funky Fjalakötturinn restaurant serves gastro-style food in chic surroundings and, at Uppsalir bar and cafe, guests can enjoy light refreshments by a warming fire.

4* Fosshotel Reykjavík Centrally located in Reykjavík’s business district, you certainly won’t miss this hotel – Fosshotel is the largest in Iceland and it is strikingly designed with a sleek silver, cubic exterior. Opened in 2015, the hotel has 320 rooms spread over 16 floors, many of which offer magnificent views over the city and bay area. All guests benefit from gym access, free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. Guests of the hotel can choose to visit the Beer Garden to sample some of Iceland’s finest draught beers or the elegantly designed Haus restaurant.

3* Fosshotel Raudara This quiet, modern hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Laugavegur shopping street and it is locally known for its friendly, attentive service. The hotel has 79 spacious en-suite rooms equipped with satellite television and minibar.

Triple and family rooms are also available, as well as upgrades to deluxe rooms or junior suites which are split over two levels. You can dine at one of the restaurants situated either side of the hotel – the cosy La Luna pizzeria housed in an old brewery or the intimate Harry’s Oriental restaurant and cafe.

3* Storm Hotel A modern hotel situated in Reykjavík city centre boasting Nordic functionality, quality and style. The hotel has 93 Scandinavian-styled rooms decorated with soothing colours, nature-inspired textiles and photographs. You can pick from three room types: double room, double room with a balcony or a superior room.

Every room has a sleek bathroom with walk-in shower, an ultra-comfortable luxury bed and complimentary Wi-Fi. A delicious buffet-style breakfast is served offering a wide selection.

25 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Superjeep Winter Break

Suggested Itinerary

Based in the bustling capital, Reykjavík, embark on a series of exhilarating 4x4 excursions designed to get you to the heart of South Iceland’s natural wonders.

Modified with huge tyres to take on Iceland’s challenging rugged terrain, Superjeeps are built for adventure. Get off-the-beaten-track and hunt for the mystical northern lights before discovering the waterfalls, geysers and black volcanic beaches of the spectacular south.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Iceland’s capital, take a private transfer to the hotel and check in for four nights. In the evening, head out on an exciting Northern Lights Superjeep hunt and travel into the mountains in search of the elusive aurora. Travelling by modified jeep allows you to get off-road and hunt for the phenomenon in the dark wilderness.

Day 2 Reykjavík | Enjoy a free day to explore the world’s most northerly capital at leisure. Perhaps stroll down Laugavegur and shop for Icelandic woollen wear, head to Laugardalslaug outdoor swimming pool for a revitalising dip in the geothermal waters or visit the Northern Lights Centre to learn about the ancient legends and myths which surround the natural phenomenon.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in central Reykjavík, why not treat yourself to a meal at Kopar restaurant located on the harbour or taste the famous hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu cabin. (B)

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Day 3 Golden Circle | Join a Superjeep excursion exploring the trio of natural wonders collectively known as the Golden Circle. Discover icy Gullfoss waterfall, which tumbles down a deep meandering gorge and the nearby Geysir geothermal field where mighty Strokkur erupts twenty metres into the air. Continue to Þingvellir National Park, site of the world’s oldest parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider booking an optional hour-long glacier snowmobiling adventure as part of this tour. (B)

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Day 4 South Coast | Embark on a full-day Superjeep tour to Iceland’s magnificent south coast. Visit some of the areas most affected by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption, follow the trail behind beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, walk on blacksand beaches pounded by the Atlantic surf and visit the town of Hveragerdi where local produce is grown in row upon row of geothermally-heated greenhouses. (B) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Take a private transfer to the airport via the famous Blue Lagoon, known for its silica, minerals and algae, which give the water its vibrant blue colour.

Enjoy a rejuvenating soak with the lagoon’s Experience Comfort package, which also includes a drink from the in-water bar, use of towel, a silica mud mask and an algae mask (self applied in the water). Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

Off-Road Adventure

Tour duration

5 days

Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided excursions

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£1785 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and Superjeep tours.

Price based on accommodation at the 4-star Radisson Blu 1919.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Ideal for winter honeymooners and adventure-seeking families alike, Reykjavík has a range of accommodation to choose from.

Iceland

Choose your accommodation

4* Apotek Hotel Reykjavík The Apotek Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located in the very heart of Reykjavík´s shopping, entertainment and cultural district. The historical building formerly housed the pharmacy, Reykjavikur Apotek, and is widely considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings in Reykjavík. The hotel has 45 luxurious rooms including Superior and Deluxe rooms as well as Junior suites and a Tower suite.

4* Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík This brand new contemporary hotel occupies six connected buildings overlooking Faxa Bay. The understated rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat screen television, minibar and Nespresso coffee machines. The rooms are styled in shades of ocean and volcanic rock and feature local art on the walls.

A complimentary gourmet breakfast is served and other amenities include an industrial-chic cafe and fitness centre.

4* Radisson Blu 1919 Voted Iceland’s leading hotel for seven years in a row, the 1919 combines historic charm with the style and service you would expect from a Radisson. Situated in the fashionable 101 district, Reykjavík’s central attractions are only a few minutes away. The modern studio-concept rooms all feature free Wi-Fi and television with video-on-demand technology. Choose from Standard, Deluxe or Business rooms, or upgrade to a loft-style suite and enjoy the added luxuries of a king-sized bed, open sitting area, private jacuzzi and Nespresso coffee machine.

4* Centerhotel Thingholt This centrally-located hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms, a restaurant a cosy atmosphere and quality service. The interior design is inspired by the Icelandic nature and is a great example of Icelandic contemporary design. The Thingholt has been nominated as the boutique hotel of the year by the World Travel Awards and voted as the best hotel in Reykjavík by the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, shower, safety deposit box, WiFi, flat screen TV and a minibar.

27 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Fly-Drives

I

f you enjoy independent travel, a fly-drive holiday will give you the opportunity to discover Iceland’s natural beauty at your own pace. Take the famous Route 1, which circles the country, skirting mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls, and allow ample time to stop for photographs at every new natural wonder.

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Base yourself at one of the fabulous four-star rural retreats an hour or so from Reykjavík and take day trips to the Golden Circle and the volcanic south coast, or choose an itinerary which involves moving on every day or two, discovering a new part of the country with every journey. Regent Iceland maps are provided with every fly-drive holiday, showing where to find the country’s natural highlights.

www.regentholidays.co.uk

Opt for a 4x4 like the Suzuki Vitara to best handle Iceland’s quiet winter roads. An SUV known for its offroad capabilities, the Vitara is well equipped for the rugged Icelandic terrain. Remember to pack sunglasses to avoid being dazzled as the low winter sun drops over the horizon.

The holidays featured on the following pages are an indicator of our most popular fly-drive packages. However, we can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your time frame, budget and interests.

Speak to an Iceland Specialist to put an itinerary together for you.

“Regent Iceland maps are provided with every fly-drive holiday, showing where to find the country’s natural highlights”

Experience is everything

“As the road weaves between volcanoes and glaciers, and around the edges of narrow fjords and peninsulas, having your own car allows you to stop wherever you want to enjoy the incredible scenery.”

“Being on a fly-drive means you can really get under the skin of this incredible country, having the freedom to explore and take up the suggestions of various people you will meet on the way. “

Iceland Fly-Drives

Iceland Bradt Guide For every single Iceland fly-drive booking, we’ll send out a free copy of Bradt’s Iceland Travel Guide Book.

Driving in Iceland

29 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Orcas & Auroras

Killer Whale in the Fjord

Suggested Itinerary

Explore the landscapes of South and West Iceland by 4WD on this winter flydrive adventure. Stay in remote countryside hotels and, as the evenings plunge the rugged landscapes into darkness, head out in search of the incredible aurora borealis. A holiday highlight is the opportunity to see beautiful yet deadly killer whales feeding on schools of herring in the fjords of West Iceland on a winter boat tour.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, pick up the 4WD hire car and drive to the Blue Lagoon (entrance not included) to refresh body and soul after the flight. The iconic bright blue waters which fill the natural spa contain algae and silica mud, which are said to have skin-repairing and anti-aging properties. Continue along the south coast of Reykjanes peninsula before turning off towards the natural wonders of the Golden Circle. Check in to the hotel near Þingvellir National Park for three nights.

Away from the bright lights of nearby towns and villages, head out to search for the magical northern lights. (115km) Days 2 & 3 South Iceland | Spend two free days exploring the surrounding area.

Regent recommends spending a full day discovering the Golden Circle. Start at nearby Þingvellir National Park, situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, before visiting dramatic Gullfoss waterfall and the bubbling hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area.

Perhaps spend the second free day driving to the south coast, where the Atlantic Ocean pounds the waters of the blacksand volcanic beaches, or choose a glacier hike to explore the crevasses, sinkholes and ice ridges of Sólheimajökull, an outlet of the larger Myrdalsjökull glacier. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend dark winter evenings searching for the aurora. (B) (500km)

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Day 4 South to West Iceland | Drive towards the west of Iceland, stopping

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to admire Hraunfossar, small waterfalls and rapids which run through the lava, and Barnafoss waterfall, steeped in local legend. Continue to Snæfellsnes peninsula with its towering stratovolcano dominating the landscape. Check in to the hotel for two nights and head outside as the night draws in if conditions are optimal for aurora hunting. (B) (400km) Day 5 Killer Whale Boat Tour | Herring have chosen the waters around Grundarfjörður as their winter home, and never far behind this plentiful food source are vast numbers of killer whales. Embark on a winter boat tour* of the fjord for the chance to get up close to the incredible orcas in their natural habitat and experience the frenzy of feeding time. (B) (0km) Day 6 West Iceland to Reykjavík | Drive to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital. Back in civilisation, be sure to head out to enjoy the chic restaurants and bars of this vibrant city. (B) (170km) Day 7 Fly to the UK | Return the hire car to the airport and fly back to the UK. (B) (50km) *Please note that the whale boat tour is not available between 7 Oct - 5 Dec 2018

Tour duration

7 days

Holiday type

Fly-Drive

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£1380 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified and car hire.

Regent recommends a 4WD vehicle for Iceland’s winter road conditions.

Upgrade to P-class Suzuki Vitara from £170pp.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Iceland Fly-Drives

Northern Lights in Style

Selfoss Waterfall

Suggested Itinerary

Discover the natural wonders of South and West Iceland on this deluxe winter mini-break. Staying in luxury countryside hotels, explore the other-worldly landscape of dramatic volcanoes, thundering waterfalls and creaking glaciers at your own pace. As night falls, lie back in the warm waters of a geothermal hot tub and keep watch over the winter skies for the flickering ribbons of the northern lights.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Reykjavík, collect the hire car and drive to the Blue Lagoon (entrance not included). Filled with nine million litres of geothermal seawater, it is the silica and minerals that provide the lagoon’s renowned healing properties.

Drive to Hotel Grímsborgir at the heart of the Golden Circle for a two-night stay in a Superior Room. After dark, retire to the outdoor hot tubs and watch the winter night sky for the magical aurora. (115km) Day 2 Golden Circle | Spend the day exploring the natural highlights of South Iceland, all within easy driving distance of the hotel. Just 15 kilometres to the south is Selfoss, a beautiful horseshoe waterfall on a powerful glacier river. To the north, the highlights of the Golden Circle await; visit the Geysir geothermal fields where lively Strokkur spouts water 100 feet into the air, and feel the power of Gullfoss waterfall where icy waters plummet into a deep canyon. After dark, search for the ethereal aurora away from any light pollution in this peaceful rural setting. (B) (200km) Day 3 Golden Circle to Húsafell | Head west and spend the day exploring, stopping at Þingvellir National Park to discover the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian plates.

Or depart early to make the two-hour journey in time to catch the 12.30pm Into The Glacier tour (optional). This incredible excursion by specially modified ice truck allows travellers the opportunity to walk through man-made ice tunnels and

caves in Europe’s second largest glacier.

Check in to Hotel Húsafell for a two-night stay in a Standard Room. (B) (180km)

Tour duration

6 days

Holiday type

Fly-Drive

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£1790 per person

Includes flights, luxury accommodation, meals as specified and car hire (VW Polo or similar).

Upgrade to a Suzuki Vitara from £140pp B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 4 Húsafell | Húsafell is an area rich in natural beauty. Choose to explore its nearby lava fields and glaciers or opt for a full-day trip to Snæfellsnes, a 90-kilometrelong peninsula crowned by Snæfellsjökull ice cap. Discover the dramatic volcanic peaks, traditional fishing villages, towering cliffs and beautiful fjords at your own pace, before returning to Húsafell for a dip in the hotel’s geothermal swimming pool. Make use of a final night in the countryside to hunt for the mystical northern lights. (B) (75km) Day 5 Húsafell to Reykjavík | Depart Húsafell, driving along the rugged west coast to Iceland’s vibrant capital. Enjoy free time in the city to explore the shops, galleries and museums, or perhaps head out on a winter whale watching safari in search of humpbacks and orcas.

Check in to an Executive Room at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica. (B) (125km) Day 6 Fly to the UK | Drive back to Keflavík airport for the return flight to the UK. (B) (50km)

31 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Essential South Iceland

Suggested Itinerary

This route hugs the south coast, making the most of the roads that remain open during winter and taking you through the stunning landscapes of Skaftafell National Park and Reykjanes Peninsula. Wander along black sand beaches, stand alongside roaring waterfalls, and visit the iconic Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

By night, head out into the countryside to search for the aurora borealis.

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Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Reykjavík, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in central Reykjavík. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the quirky shops, local galleries and trendy cafés of the Icelandic capital. In the evening, perhaps splash out on a gourmet dining experience at Kopar Restaurant or the Grill Market, or instead opt to grab a hotdog with sweet mustard and crunchy onions from the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur fast food stand. (50km) Day 2 Golden Circle & South Coast | Today drive to the Golden Circle and discover some of Iceland ‘s best known natural attractions at your own pace. Begin by visiting the famous Gullfoss waterfall; vast and thundering the falls throw a dense cloud of spray up into the air. Enjoy some time at the Geysir hot spring area, where the impressive and reliable Strokkur geyser erupts every 10-15 minutes. Continue to reach Þingvellir National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where two tectonic plates travel in opposite directions, pulling the landscape apart and creating dramatic craggy rifts which are incredible to wander through. Continue driving along the south coast, unearth Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the nearby Skógafoss waterfall - which drops a good 60m over the green cliff after tumbling all the way down from the glacier above — and take a stroll on the naturally-occurring black lava sand beach at Reynisfjara. (B) (285km)

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Day 3 Skaftafell National Park | Spend a day exploring the incredible landscapes and geological wonders of Skaftafell National Park. Discover the tall Svartifoss waterfall, instantly recognisable with its back wall formed of high black basalt columns.

This is the perfect place from which to embark upon an optional glacier walk all the way up to the ice at the impressive Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue, learning about the ice and the park’s geography from a knowledgeable guide. This afternoon, get back in the car and drive to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic naturally-occurring attractions, and admire the maze of icebergs of all shapes and sizes floating serenely in the blue glacier-fed lake. (B) (385km) Day 4 Reykjanes Peninsula | Today explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping to discover Krýsuvík geothermal area, Gunnuhver hot spring and Reykjanestá bird cliff — a hotspot for Arctic birdlife. Perhaps also choose to include a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon (entrance not included) for a dip in its mineral rich waters. (B) (265km) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Return the hire car to the airport and fly back to the UK. (B) (25km)

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Tour duration

5 days

Holiday type

Fly-Drive

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£1035 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified and car hire.

Regent recommends a 4WD vehicle for Iceland’s winter road conditions.

Upgrade to P-class Suzuki Vitara from £110pp B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Iceland Fly-Drives

Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Aerial view of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Suggested Itinerary

Experience winter in Iceland on this 5-day fly-drive tour. Visit incredible natural wonders in the south and search for the elusive northern lights at nightfall.

Discover waterfalls, black sand beaches, erupting geysers, and spend time exploring some of Iceland’s famous National Parks.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Reykjavík and pick up your hire car.

Drive to the Selfoss area and check in to your hotel for two nights. Selfoss is a town in southern Iceland on the banks of the Ölfusá river. (110km) Day 2 South Coast | Today, travel along the south coast and visit Seljalandsfoss and the nearby Skógafoss waterfall, which drops a good 60m over the green cliff after tumbling all the way down from the glacier above. Perhaps embark on an optional glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier to explore a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses, and learn more about these disappearing giants. Take a stroll along the world-famous black-sand lava beach at Reynisfjara and enjoy a great view from Cape Dyrholaey. Watch out for the northern lights in the evening. (B) (260km)

including the Silfra Hall and the Silfra Cathedral. Drive to Reykjavík and check in to your hotel for two nights. (B) (200km) Day 4 Reykjavík | Enjoy a free day in the capital. Perhaps choose to peruse the boutique shops of Laugavegur, visit the National Museum of Iceland, admire views over the city from the revolving Perlan, take a winter whale watching tour from the downtown harbour or drive to the Blue Lagoon to relax in its geothermal waters.

The Blue Lagoon is known for its healing and well-being qualities, the 37-39-degree water is rich in active ingredients including algae, natural minerals and the signature ingredient – white silica mud.

Tour duration

5 days

Holiday type

Fly-Drive

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£925 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified and car hire.

Regent recommends a 4WD vehicle for Iceland’s winter road conditions.

Upgrade to P-class Suzuki Vitara from £110pp B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

(B) (0Km; 100Km driving to the Blue Lagoon)

Day 5 Fly to the UK | Return the hire car to the airport and fly back to the UK. (B) (50km)

Day 3 Golden Circle | Today, discover some of Iceland‘s best known natural attractions in the Golden Circle. Discover the famous Gullfoss waterfall and explore the Geysir hot spring area, where Strokkur erupts every 10-15 minutes. In the afternoon, reach Þingvellir National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incredible site is famous for its geology and it was here the Vikings established their parliament in 930AD. Perhaps embark on an optional snorkelling experience in the Silfra fissure where you can float through Big Crack, Silfra’s narrowest section, where the continental plates are so close you can almost touch them. You can also snorkel through other sections

33 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

This itinerary can be combined with Reykjavík Contact a Specialist for more information.

Hotel Rangá Short Break Hotel Rangá is a 4-star countryside retreat in picturesque South Iceland. Just 80 minutes drive from Reykjavík, the remote location is ideal for exploring the natural wonders of the South or for simply relaxing in the serene surroundings.

The hotel’s cosy interior and secluded location make it perfect for a romantic winter honeymoon – here couples can experience the magic of the northern lights from the outdoor geothermal hot tubs.

Located on the banks of the famous salmon river, Eystri-Rangá, the hotel’s stunning setting affords incredible views of mountains and glaciers. Many of the country’s most extraordinary natural sights are within an hour’s drive: discover the active volcano Mt Hekla, explore the woodlands and glacial rivers of Þorsmörk nature reserve and tour the trio of Golden Circle wonders, including Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park and the bubbling hot springs at Geysir.

The hotel’s acclaimed gourmet restaurant has beautiful riverside views and serves high-quality seasonal dishes inspired by modern Nordic cuisine, and of course the menu features the freshest salmon from the Rangá river. After dinner, relax at the bar with a local beer or head outside to one of the hotel’s hot tubs overlooking the river.

34 www.regentholidays.co.uk

The hotel offers 52 well-appointed, cosy rooms. The 19 en-suite Standard rooms have views over the river or Mt Hekla and feature flat screen TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi, while the 25 Deluxe rooms have an added level of comfort with king-sized beds and Jacuzzi bathtub. Ask a Regent Iceland Specialist about upgrading to one of the uniquely-designed Junior or Master Suites, decorated with exclusive artworks and furnishings inspired by the continents of the world. The Royal Master Suite boasts spectacular views of the river and Mt Hekla.

The latest addition to the Rangá is a roll-off roof Astronomical Observatory, equipped with two high-quality 11-inch computerised telescopes which can be used to view amazing detail on Jupiter and see Cassini’s Division in the rings of Saturn.

Hotel Rangá

Tour duration

5 days

Holiday type Fly-Drive Unguided Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£1075 per person

Includes flights, accommodation and 4WD car hire Ask an Iceland Specialist about upgrading to Deluxe rooms from £160pp

Hotel Grímsborgir Short Break Located in Grímsnes next to Iceland’s largest freshwater river, the Grímsborgir is a collection of luxury country apartments at the heart of the Golden Circle route.

Delight in the combination of picturesque surroundings, beautifully decorated rooms and a warm welcoming reception from the hotel’s owners, Olafur and Kristin. Opt for a sumptuous weekend break or stay for four nights to explore the wonders of South Iceland.

Just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík, the Grímsborgir is a haven of tranquillity set against a stunning South Icelandic backdrop. Travel just ten minutes to the 6,000-year-old volcanic crater,Kerið, take a 20-minute drive to Þingvellir National Park or journey for around an hour to reach mighty Gullfoss waterfall and lively Strokkur geyser.

Housed in six stylish holiday homes, the hotel’s ten luxury apartments accommodate between four and nine people each and are therefore ideal for families and groups, as well as couples seeking a secluded romantic break. Depending on the room grade chosen, guests can expect a spacious, well-appointed apartment with kitchen, living room and dining area, as well as barbecue and private outdoor hot tub on the terrace, which overlooks the beautiful mountainous landscape. Ask a Regent Iceland Specialist about the different Studio and Deluxe apartments available.

Seating up to 60 diners, the elegant Grímsborgir restaurant offers gourmet food and typical Icelandic dishes all prepared with fresh, local produce. With tasty traditional soups, delicious locallysourced fish, meat and vegetarian options, plus indulgent cakes and desserts on the menu, booking a three-course meal during your stay is a must. All breads and pastries are freshly baked every day onsite, and the delicious hot or cold breakfast is the ideal way to start the day.

Iceland Fly-Drives

This itinerary can be combined with Reykjavík Contact a Specialist for more information.

Hotel Grímsborgir

Tour duration

5 days

Holiday type Fly-Drive Unguided Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Prices from

£1645 per person

Includes flights, accommodation and 4WD car hire Ask an Iceland Specialist about upgrading to a two-bedroom apartment from £405pp

Situated far from the light pollution of Iceland’s major towns, the Grímsborgir provides a wonderful winter setting to await a performance of the elusive aurora borealis; sit back in your hot tub under a clear night sky as the incredible celestial lights dance overhead.

35 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Group Tours

F

or those who like holidays without hassle, our group tours are designed to take all the stress out of your journey. With someone else at the wheel, you can sit back and watch the incredible winter scenery go by, knowing that your trip has been designed by an Iceland expert to include all the highlights along the way.

With frequent stops en route, you’ll discover the fascinating history and geology of the ever-changing landscape with the help of your local guide and share wonderful experiences along the way with a group of like-minded people.

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The northern lights draw visitors to the Arctic Circle every year and, no matter whether you’ve seen them www.regentholidays.co.uk

before or you’re experiencing them for the first time, the aurora borealis never fails to impress. All of our winter tours are designed with aurora hunting in mind, and many include talks or presentations to help you understand the natural phenomenon and learn of the myths and legends surrounding it. Pack plenty of warm layers, including hats and gloves for rural walks after dark. A DSLR camera using a long shutter speed and tripod are recommended for capturing the best shots.

“All of our winter tours are designed with aurora hunting in mind, and many include talks or presentations to help you understand the natural phenomenon...”

Experience is everything

“Travelling on a guided tour in Iceland is a bit like watching the best movie you’ll ever see.

Around each turn, the widescreen windows reveal an epic panorama of wild landscapes behind which rise immense glaciers and mighty volcanoes.”

“Regular stops allow you to get to the heart of the action, whilst at the end of the day you can look forward to great food, convivial company and a comfortable bed.”

Iceland Group Tours Jรถkulsรกrlรณn Glacier Lagoon

37 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Aurora Borealis over Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

Northern Lights Explorer

Itinerary

Dive head-first into a journey that uncovers Iceland’s greatest winter wonders, on a group tour specially designed to discover the natural highlights of the South West whilst also maximising your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis. By day, discover the sights of the Golden Circle route and by night, head out into the remote countryside for the best spots to watch the northern lights flicker.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive at Keflavík airport and transfer to Reykjavík. Enjoy some free time to explore Iceland’s capital.

Day 2 Reykjavík to Borgarnes | Head west and take a stroll on the Grábrók volcano crater. Feel the heat at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and discover the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Later, attend a lecture about the northern lights and take a guided walk after dinner in search of the aurora. (B) Day 3 Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Travel to Snæfellsnes peninsula and discover the fishing town of Stykkishólmur before a cruise in the Breiðafjörður fjord. Sample freshly caught scallops whilst sailing around this unique archipelago and visit Bjarnarhöfn, the region’s leading producer of hákarl (shark meat). In the afternoon, stop (weather conditions permitting) at the fishing village of Grundarfjordur. En route back to Borgarnes, learn some tips on how to photograph the northern lights from your guide. Head outside to await nature’s light show from the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs. (B,L)

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Day 4 Golden Circle | Explore historic Þingvellir National Park. Visit the Geysir area, where powerful Strokkur geyser erupts, and discover hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Travel to thundering Gullfoss waterfall before visiting a geothermal greenhouse and an Icelandic horse stable. Finally, step into the darkness to chase the northern lights or enjoy the scene from a relaxing hot tub. (B)

www.regentholidays.co.uk

Day 5 South Iceland | Travel along the south coast and learn about geology and active volcanoes visiting the Lava Exhibition Center in Hvolsvollur. Discover 60-metrewide Skógafoss waterfall, visit a fascinating folk museum and take a stroll on the beach at Reynisfjara where white snow contrasts dramatically with volcanic black sand. Check in to the hotel in Vatnajökull National Park for two nights. (B) Day 6 Skaftafell National Park | Explore Skaftafell National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a highlight – see huge icebergs floating on the ice-cold waters and look out for playful seals*. In the evening enjoy a video presentation about the northern lights before heading outside where, if the skies are clear, the aurora may be visible dancing across the night sky. (B) *Optional Ice cave tour offered between 15 Nov to 15 Mar

Day 7 Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon | Discover the impressive Eldhraun lava field and visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall. In the afternoon, return to Reykjavík before an evening visit to the Blue Lagoon to relax in its mineral-rich waters. Enjoy a farewell dinner followed by one last nocturnal tour in search of the aurora borealis. (B,D) Day 8 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

2018 Departure Dates Fridays

Sundays

14, 21, 28 Sep

16, 23, 30 Sep

5, 12, 19, 26 Oct

7, 14, 21, 28 Oct

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov

4, 11, 18, 25 Nov 2, 9 Dec

2019 Departure Dates Fridays

Sundays

4, 11, 18, 25 Jan

6, 13, 20, 27 Jan

1, 8, 15, 22 Feb

3, 10, 17, 24 Feb

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mar

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Mar

5 Apr

7 Apr

Holiday duration 8 days Holiday type

Group Tour Fully Guided

Seasonality

Sep-Apr

Group size Max 45. Please note

we also operate this

tour with smaller groups

(max 16). Please contact

us for details.

Prices from

£2265 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers, travel by coach and sightseeing tours B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Iceland IcelandGroup Fly-Drives Tours

Land of the Northern Lights

Northern Lights over Þingvellir National Park

Itinerary

Experience Iceland at its most spectacular, both during the day and after dark.

Travel by coach to visit dazzling glaciers, bathe in the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, pass the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, see Strokkur geyser erupt twenty metres into the air and, on a clear night, set off in search of the incredible northern lights. Speak to an Iceland Specialist about optional accommodation upgrades in Reykjavík and Hella.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive at Keflavík airport and transfer to the hotel in Reykjavík for an overnight stay. Make use of a free evening in the capital to dine at one of the many restaurants, or eat like a local and try a hotdog from the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu.

Day 2 Reykjavík to Reykjanes Peninsula Explore the highlights of Iceland’s quirky capital on a city tour before travelling to Reykjanes peninsula, the island’s southwesterly extremity. Discover a landscape of hot springs, rugged mountains, colourful fishing villages and isolated lighthouses, and at the end of the day enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Famed for the rejuvenating qualities of its white silica mud, no Iceland holiday is complete without a visit to this natural geothermal spa. Check in for two nights at a South Iceland countryside accommodation. In the evening, learn about the northern lights, and once darkness falls head outside in search of nature’s light show.

(B)

Day 3 South Iceland | Travel along the south coast, stopping en route at the infamous active volcano that lies beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Unearth Seljalandsfoss waterfall, visit one of Iceland’s finest folk museums to discover an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts typical of Iceland’s past and uncover the

nearby Skogafoss waterfall. In the afternoon, perhaps embark on an optional easy glacier hike on the Solheimajokull glacier or take a stroll on the black lava beach at Reynisfjara, where cliffs have been carved by the Atlantic.

In the evening enjoy a presentation about the northern lights and keep a lookout overhead as they may be visible in the night sky. (B) Day 4 The Golden Circle | Visit an Icelandic horse stable to learn about the Icelandic horse, a pure breed whose origins can be traced back to the settlement of the country in the 9th century. Continue to a geothermal greenhouse and discover one of the ways in which Icelanders harness the country’s geothermal energy. Before the tour comes to an end, visit the trio of natural wonders collectively known as the Golden Circle – see the hot springs and bubbling pools at Geysir where mighty Strokkur erupts every few minutes, admire the force of Gullfoss waterfall as it tumbles into the Hvítá river and travel inland to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian plates can be seen. Return to Reykjavík for an overnight stay. If conditions are optimal, consider booking an optional northern lights tour. (B)

2018 Departure Dates Tuesdays

Thursdays

18, 25 Sep

13, 20, 27 Sep

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct

4, 11, 18, 25 Oct

6, 13, 20, 27 Nov

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov

4, 11, 18, 29 Dec

6, 13 Dec

2019 Departure Dates Tuesdays

Thursdays

8, 15, 22, 29 Jan

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Jan

5, 12, 19, 26 Feb

7, 14, 21, 28 Feb

5, 12, 19, 26 Mar

7, 14, 21, 28 Mar

2, 9 Apr

4, 11 Apr

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Group Tour Fully Guided

Seasonality

Sep-Apr

Group size

Max 40

Prices from

£1175 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers, travel by coach and sightseeing tours B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

39 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Hidden Powers & Aurora

Itinerary

Discover the natural wonders of South Iceland in winter on this six-day coach tour. Feel the power of three of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, marvel at Europe’s largest ice cap, walk on volcanic black beaches pounded by the Atlantic and relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. After dark, venture into the still remote reaches of the Icelandic countryside to search for the ethereal northern lights.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Iceland and transfer to the hotel. Make use of a free evening in the world’s northernmost capital.

Perhaps choose to dine at one of the many restaurants in the fashionable 101 district.

Day 2 Golden Circle | Visit the Northern Lights Centre in Reykjavík before travelling to Þingvellir National Park. Continue to the Geysir geothermal fields, complete with steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts into the air every few minutes. Travel to thundering Gullfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country, before continuing to Skalholt. During the day also visit Laugarvatnshellir cave, where two Icelandic families built a cosy homestead and farm during the early 20th century. Check in at the countryside hotel in the south coast area. After dark, head outside in search of the celestial northern lights in the winter sky. (B, D)

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Day 3 Kirkjubæjarklaustur Area | Explore the region surrounding the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Visit the new Lava Centre and learn more about volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. Travel along the south shore to the spectacular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Stroll on the volcanic black sands of Reynisfjara beach and see the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Check in to the remote countryside hotel in South Iceland for two nights, and at nightfall head outside for another opportunity to search for the aurora borealis. (B,D)

www.regentholidays.co.uk

Day 4 Skaftafell National Park | Explore Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty dominated

by Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the peaks and glaciers before visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where giant icebergs calve from the glacier and crash into the lagoon before slowly drifting towards the Atlantic. View the photogenic ice sculptures from the shore and look out for seals in the bright blue waters. A final night in the countryside offers another opportunity to search for the aurora away from the light pollution of the city. (B, D) Day 5 Kirkjubæjarklaustur Area to Reykjavík | Travel to the geothermal village of Hveragerði where greenhouses are heated by hot water from nearby springs. Continue along the coast to Reykjanes peninsula for a rejuvenating soak in the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Renowned for their healing qualities, the mineral-rich waters are said to have antiaging properties. Continue back to Reykjavík for a final night in the capital. (B) Day 6 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

2018 Departure Dates Tuesdays

Thursdays

9, 23 Oct

4, 11, 18, 25 Oct

6, 13, 20 Nov

1, 8, 22, 29 Nov

11 Dec

6, 13 Dec

2019 Departure Dates Tuesdays

Thursdays

8, 22 Jan

10, 17, 24, 31 Jan

5, 12, 19 Feb

7, 14, 21, 28 Feb

5, 12, 19 Mar

7, 14, 21, 28 Mar

2 Apr

4 Apr

Holiday duration 6 days Holiday type

Group Tour Fully Guided

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Group size

Max 36

Prices from

£1495 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers, travel by coach and sightseeing tours B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Iceland IcelandGroup Fly-Drives Tours

North Iceland Discovery

Aurora over Goðafoss Waterfall

Itinerary

The vast area of North Iceland has some of the country’s most majestic wilderness and intriguing natural wonders. Many important historical events have happened here as well, now preserved in Sagas and folklore.

Enjoy thundering glacial waterfalls, bizarre volcanic landscapes and snowcapped lava formations and travel through some of Iceland’s most dramatic and beautiful fjords.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Arrive in Reykjavík and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital. Perhaps choose to dine at one of the many restaurants in the fashionable 101 district or grab a hotdog with sweet mushrooms and crunchy onions from the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

Day 2 Reykjavík to Akureyri | Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Akureyri, the capital of the north. This flight is extremely scenic so try to secure a window seat as you fly over central Iceland. Arrive in the north and drive through beautiful alpine scenery to discover the thundering Goðafoss waterfall, the Waterfall of the Gods.

Continue to reach Lake Mývatn area where you will see the otherworldly lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir and Laxa Salmon River. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing soak at the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths before returning to your hotel. After dinner, step into the darkness to search for the northern lights.

Day 4 Akureyri to Reykjavík | This morning, explore the ‘capital of North Iceland’ at your own pace exploring its museums, galleries and cafés. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching excursion or horseback ride.

Speak to a Regent Iceland Specialist for more information on optional excursions in Akureyri. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Reykjavík. (B) Day 5 Fly to the UK | This morning, bathe in the waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Situated in the middle of a black lava field, the mineral-rich, geothermal seawater comes from holes as deep as 2,000 metres, filling the natural spa with its iconic bright blue water.

Transfer to airport for the flight back to UK. (B)

2018 Departure Dates Mondays 8, 29 Oct 19 Nov

2019 Departure Dates Mondays 18, 25 Feb 11, 25 Mar 1 Apr

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Group Tour Fully Guided

Seasonality

Oct-Apr

Group size

Max 36

Prices from

£1655 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers, travel by coach and sightseeing tours B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

(B, D)

Day 3 Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve | After breakfast, travel along the scenic roads to reach beautiful Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, and then onto the Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula). Discover colourful fishing villages and arrive in Siglufjörður, a picturesque town with beautifully-preserved historical buildings set in a scenic fjord, to visit the Herring-Era Maritime Museum and sample traditional rye bread, local herring and Icelandic schnapps.

Return to Akureyri for an overnight stay. (B)

41 Talk to an Iceland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Greenland Straddling the Arctic Circle, Greenland is the world’s largest island, with inland ice covering 85 percent of the country.

Starkly beautiful, with magnificent glaciers and an undulating icy expanse as far as the eye can see, this vast island is the homeland of the largest Inuit population in the world. With their fantastic ability to adapt to the severe climatic conditions and wild nature, they have survived where others found it impossible to live.

Regent’s Greenland Travel Specialists can tailor-make your very own Arctic adventure, including ice fjord cruising, scenic flights, whale watching, dog sledding and even visiting a local home to gain an insight into life at the top of the world.

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Northern lights Š Mads Pihl

www.regentholidays.co.uk

85% 3,500 0.01% 20 covered by an ice cap

Greenland

Greenland in Numbers

sled dogs in Ilulissat

inhabited

billion tonnes of ice calved from Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier annually

0 5,000

roads linking settlements

years of Inuit settlement

Travel Knowhow Flight time from UK: 5 hours (+1 stop) Time zone: GMT -3 Capital: Nuuk Language: Greenlandic Currency: Danish Krone Population: Approx 57,600 Talk to a Greenland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Greenland

T

he least densely populated country in the world, Greenland is one of the last true wilderness destinations.

The scale of nature here is almost incomprehensible, with 100-metre icebergs rising from the sea, an enormous ice cap containing ten per cent of the world’s fresh water and groaning glaciers moving as quickly as forty metres per day.

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Towns and villages are linked only by sea or air, so travel like a local and take a dog sled journey through the Kangerlussuaq wilderness, or embark on a boat trip into the Arctic waters around Illulisat and cruise between deep fjords and towering icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales and seals. Scenic flights over the incredible inland ice cap provide an insight into the scale of this colossal force of nature. www.regentholidays.co.uk

Ilulissat ©Stian Klo, Visit Greenland

Experience is everything

While Greenland’s polar bears are hibernating in the winter months, it’s the magical northern lights that instead come out to play. With minimal ambient light from the island’s tiny towns and settlements, searching for the northern lights often means just stepping outside the door.

Kangerlussuaq boasts more than 300 nights of clear sky a year, and a drive to the edge of the nearby ice cap provides the perfect setting and conditions for aurora hunting.

“With minimal ambient light from the island’s tiny towns and settlements, searching for the northern lights often means just stepping outside the door”

“From Ilulissat, travel by boat to the edge of the spectacular Eqi glacier and if you are fortunate you may see and hear the immense crashing sound as icebergs are calved from the glacier.”

“Husky sledding in Greenland isn’t just a tourist trip, it is the way the locals travel between settlements. Your musher is likely to be a local hunter taking the day off for a chance to show off this remote wilderness. ”

Regent Recommends Greenland

Stay

Hotel Arctic

Hotel Hans Egede

Hotel Angmagssalik

The world’s northernmost 4-star hotel is located on the edge of the UNESCOlisted Ilulissat ice fjord. Wake to the sound of icebergs crashing together in the bay before heading out to see nature’s impressive ice display in action.

Just a short walk from the harbour and centre, the hotel offers views of the stunning Greenlandic scenery from your room, and is the place to choose for a nice stay in Nuuk. Upgrade to a Polar Class room for the best views!

Set in the rugged countryside above the village of Tasillaq in East Greenland, enjoying sweeping panoramas of the sea, icebergs and mountains, this hotel is the perfect base from which to explore.

Dog Sledding

Snowshoeing

Northern Lights

Dog sledding in Greenland is the main mode of transport during the winter months. Join a local hunter for an exhilarating dog sled experience and watch the majestic landscapes pass you by as you dash over the snow.

Explore Greenland’s snowy backyard the slow way on a guided snowshoe adventure. Head off from Ilullissat to reach Sermermiut valley where you can enjoy panoramic views over Disko Bay and the Icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord.

Greenland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.

The town of Ilulissat is located 200km north of the Arctic Circle, which means the chances of catching the aurora borealis are extremely high.

Restaurant Ulo

Restaurant Marmartut

Meet the Locals

This gourmet eatery in Hotel Arctic offers superb views of the Ilulissat Icefjord from the dining room. Watch the icebergs calve off into Disko Bay and let the northern lights dance above your dinner.

Serving Musk ox, reindeer, lamb and fresh fish, the sumptuous homecooked meals at Marmatut feature only the best local ingredients. Dine in this cosy eatery for an authentic Greenlandic experience.

Greenlanders are well known for their hospitality and for welcoming visitors into their homes, so join a local family for coffee and cake and learn what it is like to live in such an isolated part of the world.

Do

Taste

Talk to a Greenland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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East Greenland Husky Adventure

Itinerary

East Greenland is truly remote, frontier country. On this group tour, travel by dog sled through the interior of Ammassalik Island and be prepared for incredible landscapes, remote adventure and relatively basic accommodation – a true Greenlandic experience. Your experienced guides and mushers will also be able to talk with you about Greenlandic culture and traditions.

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavík | Fly to Reykjavík and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to explore this cosmopolitan city.

Day 2 Reykjavík to Tasiilaq | Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kulusuk. Arrive and transfer by helicopter (*please note that this is weather-dependent and you may travel by boat) for the short flight to Tasiilaq on the island of Ammassalik, in remote east Greenland. Transfer to your guesthouse and if the conditions are right, search for the northern lights outside. (B,D) Day 3 Dog Sledding | After breakfast, meet your dog team and musher and head to King Oscars fjord, via the Qordlortoq lake. Head through the mountain valleys and relax at a remote mountain hut, Kaffebaren. Climb to reach views across the Sermilik Ice Fjord, before descending and spending the night in a hut close to the shores of the fjord. (B,L,D) Day 4 Sermilik Ice Fjord | Today is free to explore at leisure. From the edge of the fjord you can sit and watch the icebergs float past and simply sit whilst blanketed by the silence of a true wilderness. If you are feeling energetic the experienced guide can lead you on a snow-shoeing expedition through the area’s local fells and lower mountains. In the evening, search for the aurora. (B,L,D)

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Day 5 Dog Sledding to Tiniteqilaq | Head to the settlement of Tiniteqilaq. En-route be rewarded with views across the iceberg filled fjord. On arrival, depending on the weather conditions, there may be an opportunity to

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join one of the locals for a boat ride in the fjord and a dinner. (B, L, D) Day 6 Dog Sledding to Qernetivartivit Leave Tititeqilaq and travel up the 10 kilometres of the Kugarmit valley, passing large glaciers, crossing lakes and descending the steep slope to the Imaila fjord. Reach the settlement of Qernetivartivit where you will spend the night, if time allows you can fish for Greenlandic halibut and redfish. (B,L,D) Day 7 Qernetivartivit to Tasiilaq | Today, return to Tasiilaq and check in to your guesthouse. Enjoy a hearty dinner with your travelling companions whilst reflecting on your adventure. (B,L,D) Day 8 Tasiilaq | Enjoy a day free to explore Tasiilaq. There are walking trails leading from the settlement and you can visit the town museum to learn about local culture, as well as a craft workshop and church. (B, D) Day 9 Fly to Reykjavík | Transfer to the heliport for the short trip to Kulusuk where you will meet the flight to Reykjavík. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. If you would like to book optional excursions in Iceland, please contact one of our specialists. (B) Day 10 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B) Please note: The transfer from your hotel in Reykjavík to the airport isn’t included for your onward flight to Greenland.

Greenlandic Husky Dogs © Mads Pihl, Visit Greenland

Holiday duration 10 days Holiday type

Group Tour

Departs

26 Feb, 5 Mar, 12 Mar, 19 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr

Group size

Main 2 Max 8

Prices from

£3595 per person

Includes flights from the UK, transfers, accommodation, meals as specified and excursions B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Greenland

Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Iceberg in Ilulissat © Paul Zizka, Visit Greenland

Suggested Itinerary

A UNESCO-protected site in Greenland, Ilulissat boasts one of the world’s most productive glaciers: Sermeq Kujalleq calves around 46 cubic kilometres of ice every year, decorating the seas around the town with gigantic icebergs as tall as skyscrapers. Located 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the town’s northerly position also means that chances of seeing the northern lights are extremely high.

Day 1 Reykjavík to Ilulissat | Fly from Reykjavík airport to Ilulissat. On arrival, meet a local guide and transfer to Hotel Arctic for three nights. Situated right on the edge of the Ilulissat ice fjord with stunning panoramic views, Hotel Arctic is the world’s most northerly 4-star hotel.

and travel by dogsled – this is a traditional Greenlandic experience and there are around 3,500 working sled dogs in Illulissat, which transport locals and tourists alike in the winter months. Speak to a Regent Greenland Specialist about alternative excursions such as snowshoeing or snowmobiling. (B,L)

Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland and is an iceberg paradise. Ilulissat means ‘icebergs’ in Kalaallisut and when you are in the town you can close your eyes and hear the sound of the icebergs crunching and cracking. The icebergs in Disko Bay come from the Ilulissat glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq, the world’s fastest glacier. It advances up to 40 metres daily and creates 46 cubic kilometres of icebergs annually.

Day 3 Ilulissat | Ask your Regent Greenland Specialist about optional excursions on this free day. Perhaps join a cruise between the enormous icebergs that tower 100 metres above sea level. It is also possible to explore the icy wilderness by snowmobile, discovering the scale of the backcountry as the low sun illuminates the landscape. After dinner, head out on snowshoes to scour the night sky for the northern lights. (B,D)

Attend a welcome meeting before enjoying a walking tour, visiting the historic part of the town, including the buildings from the original Danish trading station. In the evening, the hotel’s Restaurant Ulo offers a gastronomic dining experience where fresh, contemporary dishes can be enjoyed whilst icebergs drift past. After dinner, be sure to wrap up warm to head outside in search of the northern lights. Right in the middle of the auroral footprint, with very little ambient light, chances of seeing the northern lights in West Greenland are high. (D)

Day 4 Ilulissat to Reykjavík | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Reykjavík.

Continue onwards to the UK or ask your Regent Greenland Specialist about combining this holiday with a stay in Iceland.

Holiday duration 4 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Saturdays from 16 Feb to 6 Apr

Prices from

£2445 per person

Includes flights from Reykjavík, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

(B)

Day 2 Ilulissat | Today put on your polar suit and enter into the Arctic wonderland with its ice-covered fjords, low mountain passes and where icebergs rise like sculptures.

Travel like the polar explorers of the past

47 Talk to a Greenland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Finland Finland’s northernmost province of Lapland is an Arctic playground where the resident reindeer outnumber the people. Family memories are made here – visiting Santa Claus at his official home in Rovaniemi, staying in an ice hotel, mushing through the snow on a traditional dog sled or dashing through the glittering landscape on an adrenaline-packed snowmobile safari.

With a winter that lasts around 200 days, the northern lights can be seen painting ribbons of colour across the sky from late August until mid-April. Wrap up warm and hunt for them on an evening reindeer sled safari or lie back in your glass-domed igloo and watch the starry night sky from the comfort of your own bed.

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Northern Lights village, Ivalo

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Finland in Numbers

aurora nights a year

Finland

200 -5°C

in the Arctic Snow Hotel, Rovaniemi

140

miles of cross-country ski routes in Levi

86% 2 40

covered by forests

million saunas

national parks

Travel Knowhow Flight time from UK: 3 hours Time zone: GMT +2 Capital: Helsinki Language: Finnish, Swedish Currency: Euro Population: Approx 5,454,000 Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Finland

S

itting directly on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland where every one of the 200 days of winter feels as festive as the last. Ideal for families, amenities are close to hand, from the bars and restaurants of the compact centre to the countless winter activities in the surrounding wilderness. Try your hand at mushing a husky sled or visit a reindeer farm and enjoy a sleigh ride through the snowy fells. Just a fifteenminute transfer from the city, Santa Claus Village – official residence of the man in red – is a must for kids at any time of the year.

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For those looking for a more remote experience, fly further north to Ivalo or Kittilä where a short drive from the airport delivers unending Lappish wilderness. Here, isolation plays a part www.regentholidays.co.uk

Aurora Village, Ivalo

in providing the ideal conditions for aurora viewing, and the endless snowcovered landscapes are best explored by snowmobile or dog sled.

Finnish Lapland has a wealth of unique accommodation, from glass igloos and thermally-heated tents to ice hotels and traditional log cabins. Regent recommends mixing and matching to make the most of your holiday. Perhaps follow a night in an ice room with a cosy hotel stay, or split your time between a glass igloo and log cabin.

“Finnish Lapland has a wealth of unique accommodation, from glass igloos and thermally-heated tents to ice hotels and traditional log cabins”

Experience is everything

“Travelling through snow-bound forests in Finnish Lapland on a sled pulled by husky dogs was unforgettable. The sound of their paws crunching on the snow was all I could hear as I sped across the Arctic landscape.”

“Drifting off to sleep in a cosy glass igloo as the northern lights dance above you is a once in a lifetime experience. The view the morning after is also spectacular – a snowy wilderness!”

Regent Recommends Finland

Stay

Arctic TreeHouse

Snow Hotel

Aurora Village

Set into the hillside of the snowy forest, the Arctic TreeHouse suites boast endless views over the countryside and northern skies through an elevated glass wall. Enjoy delicious meals served with a Lappish twist at Rakas Restaurant.

Built from scratch each winter, these impressive rooms are carved solely out of ice. Beds are covered with fur throws and include a fleece-lined sleeping bag, temperatures hover between 0 and -5 degrees.

The 25 cabins at Aurora Village are tucked away in the remote forests of Inari county and boast a section of glass roofing above the cosy beds, so the northern lights can be spotted whilst tucked up under the covers.

Aurora Floating

Ice fishing

Reindeer Safari

Suit up in a warm rescue suit and take a dip into an ice hole in a frozen lake to lie back and float under the Aurora Borealis for a truly surreal, but magical Arctic Experience. The rescue suits keep you surprisingly toasty!

Ice fishing in Finland is winter fishing at its most traditional. Join a local guide and drill a hole in the thick ice of a frozen lake to learn how to lure fish from under the ice. You can even cook your catch over an open camp fire.

Meet some of Lapland’s most famous inhabitants on a visit to a reindeer farm where you can learn about Sámi culture and enjoy a safari through the snowy wilderness on a sled pulled by reindeer.

Ice Restaurant

Reindeer

Pure pizza Rovaniemi

Located in the Arctic SnowHotel, the Ice Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other – the entire restaurant is made of ice. Enjoy tasty meals prepared from local ingredients served on ice plates.

Don’t be alarmed if you see reindeer on the menu in Finnish Lapland – in these barren winter landscapes it’s a traditional local staple. Reindeer meat is lean, with a rich, gamey flavour, similar to venison.

Known to be the best stoned baked pizzas in Rovaniemi, Restaurant Kauppayhtiö offers a casual dining experience in a very central location. Their sister restaurant, Pure Burger, also offers tasty burgers.

Gluten free options are available.

Do

Taste

Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Lapland Winter Escape

Suggested Itinerary

Home to Finnish Lapland’s unique igloo village, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort lies high above the Arctic Circle in the heart of the Lappish wilderness.

Spend three nights in this winter wonderland, exploring the glistening white landscapes by snowmobile or husky sled. After dark, search for the magical northern lights on a thrilling reindeer sled safari or from the comfort of your very own glass-domed igloo.

Day 1 Fly to Ivalo | Arrive in Ivalo and transfer to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

Check in to a private log cabin and spend the evening relaxing by the roaring fire or dining at one of the resort’s two Lappish restaurants. For those bold enough to brave the elements, head to one of Kakslauttanen’s five smoke saunas before jumping into the frozen river for a truly energising Finnish experience. (D) Day 2 Kakslauttanen | Kakslauttannen Arctic Resort offers a fantastic range of thrilling winter excursions to help guests make the most of the Lappish winter. Be sure to pre-book optional activities to explore the wilderness in true Lapland style. Perhaps opt to embark on a snowmobile or a snow tank adventure through the white forest, or choose instead for a more traditional method of transport with a thrilling ride on a husky or reindeer sled. After dark, maybe hire either skis or snowshoes and head out into the Arctic wilderness in search of the incredible aurora borealis. (B,D)

52 www.regentholidays.co.uk

Day 3 Kakslauttanen | Today, check in to your cosy glass igloo before trying your hand at another winter adventure activity. Why not embark on an ice fishing safari on the nearby lake Inarinjärvi with a local guide. Drill a hole in the thick ice and learn how to lure fish from under the ice. Enjoy a lunch prepared over an open fire and ride snowmobiles to a nearby church and Sámi museum.

Return to your glass igloo and watch the northern lights dance above you. (B,D) Day 4 Fly to the UK | Transfer back to Ivalo airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Glass Igloos, Kakslauttanen

Tour duration

4 days

Holiday type

Tailor-made Optional Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Apr

Prices from

£1320 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified and transfers B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Finland

Choose your accommodation Ideal for winter honeymooners and adventure-seeking families alike, Kakslauttanen has a range of accommodation to choose from.

Glass Igloos Nestled between the snow-draped trees of the forest, these enchanting thermal-glass domes feature in almost every guide to the world’s best unique accommodation. Providing all the magic of sleeping under the night sky without braving the elements, each igloo is a cosy, private stargazing capsule with its own reclining bed, toilet and hand basin. Only available during the aurora season, these all-glass pods are ideal for a romantic northern lights break. Hotel facilities including showers are just a short walk away. An extra children’s bed can be added to the dome on request.

Kelo-Glass Igloos Offering the best of both worlds, Kakslauttanen’s 68 Kelo-Glass Igloos combine the comforting warmth of a wooden cabin and the sensational skyward views of a glass igloo. Ideal for families, each cosy cabin sleeps up to six people and provides a winter home-away-from-home with its own private sauna, bathroom and kitchenette. Attached to each kelo-wood cabin is a glass igloo – take it in turns to sleep under the stars and keep watch for the northern lights flickering overhead. After a magical day exploring the surrounding winter wonderland, warm up in front of the cabin’s roaring log fire.

Log Cabins Built from the huge kelo pines native to Finnish Lapland, each rustic wooden cabin can sleep up to four people, with one double bed and one set of bunk beds.

Hidden amongst the Lappish trees, these snug little chalets are ideal for a digital detox, with a roaring log fire and private sauna taking the place of television and Wi-Fi. Each cabin is fully equipped with kitchenette and bathroom, making them the perfect retreat for families after a busy day on the snow. Upgrade to a larger cabin for an extra sofa bed and bathroom, or request the Queen Suite or Wedding Chamber for a special occasion.

Restaurant Aurora Restaurant Aurora is a lively hang-out centred around a mesmerising salmon tank. This atmospheric dining space, crafted from colossal Finnish tree trunks, serves a wonderful selection of local Lappish cuisine as well as Asian specialities.

Arctic-themed artworks and installations – many of which are created during the Arctic Art Week hosted by Kakslauttanen in the summer months – add to the restaurant’s quirky interior design. When it’s time to kick back with a cocktail or two, the glass igloo bar has views like no other place on Earth.

53 Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Igloos & Auroras

Arctic Snow Hotel Glass Igloos

Suggested Itinerary

Located on the Arctic Circle, the Snow Hotel and glass igloos are far enough from the light pollution of nearby Rovaniemi for optimum northern lights viewing. Your stay in the heated, glass-roofed igloos will provide you with the perfect opportunity to see the northern lights from the comfort of your own bed. Embark on various winter activities including snowmobiling, ice fishing, and a snowshoe hike and relax in your private snow sauna.

Day 1 Fly to Rovaniemi | Arrive in Rovaniemi and transfer to the Snow Hotel. Collect your warm weather clothing and enjoy a welcome drink and a tour of the hotel amenities.

Check-in to your glass-igloo where perhaps you can see the greatest light show on Earth — the aurora borealis. You won’t miss an opportunity with the Aurora alarm, a night watchperson searches the skies as you sleep, and wakes you once any activity is detected.

Speak to a Specialist about staying in an ice-suite. Newly built from snow and ice every winter, each room is carved with a unique design and every ice bed is covered with fur throws and warm, fleece-lined sleeping bags.

This evening, a unique evening experience awaits in the form of a private snow sauna session, where once fully steamed you will not be able to see your hands in front of your face. Also included in this experience is a traditional, Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot-tub under the stars. (D) Day 2 Ice-fishing | After breakfast, transfer to a nearby frozen lake where you learn

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how to drill a hole through the thick ice and experience some ice fishing (duration 1-1.30hrs). In the afternoon, embark on a snow shoe experience through the picturesque snow-covered forest where you will enjoy a hot drink and the opportunity to roast sausages by the fire (duration 2hrs).

Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Kota. (B,L,D) Day 3 Snowmobile Safari | Today, embark on an exhilarating 3-hour snowmobile through the snow-capped forests and along frozen waters and get closer to nature than ever before riding the silent/zero emissions snowmobiles. Warm drinks and food are served by a campfire. Return to the hotel and relax before enjoying dinner in the Ice Restaurant where you sit at ice tables and chairs and the food is served on ice plates.

Why not chill out with a drink in an ice glass at the Ice Bar first. (B,D) Day 4 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

Holiday duration 4 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Optional excursions

Seasonality

Dec-Mar

Prices from

£1650 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Finland

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Suggested Itinerary

The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is the Grand Designs of Lapland holiday accommodation. Each private pod-suite, with its warm wooden interior and exclusive Scandinavian design, includes a glass feature-wall providing unlimited views of the glittering forest and winter skies. Enjoy a thoroughly Lappish experience with snowmobiling, husky mushing and a sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness with Santa’s reindeer all included.

Day 1 Fly to Rovaniemi | Arrive in Rovaniemi and transfer to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel.

Set into the hillside of the snowy forest, the hotel’s über-cool pod-suites provide unending views of the landscape and northern skies through an elevated glass wall.

Each suite features double or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, flat screen TV and Nespresso coffee machine.

Ask a Regent Lapland Explorer about interconnecting family suites. A delicious dinner of continental and local cuisine is served at the hotel’s panoramic restaurant. (D) Day 2 Snowmobile & Reindeer Farm | In the afternoon transfer to our local partner’s office to get kitted out in your winter clothing before embarking on an adrenalinepumping snowmobile safari through the Lappish countryside, travelling through crisp white snow and over ice-covered lakes and rivers. Drive deep into the arctic forest to a Sami reindeer farm. Meet and feed the animals before wrapping up in blankets for a reindeer sleigh ride through the

wintry landscape. After dinner at the hotel restaurant, cosy up in your Arctic TreeHouse suite and watch the night sky for the magical aurora borealis. (B,D)

Holiday duration 4 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Dec-Mar

Prices from

£1825 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 3 Husky Safari | Today meet some of Lapland’s liveliest residents: huskies!

Meet your guide and learn about the art of traditional husky mushing. If you’re confident, take the reins and drive your own team of dogs through the Arctic wilderness, or choose to sit back and enjoy the ride with an experienced musher at the helm. After dinner, perhaps rent skis or snowshoes and explore the pristine white landscapes, searching for a silent spot to look out for the northern lights — hopefully they’ll dance overhead. (B,D) Day 4 Fly to UK | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to the UK. (B)

55 Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Lakituvat Log Cabin Break

Suggested Itinerary

Based in a cosy wooden chalet atop the snowy Ounasvaara Fell overlooking Lapland’s capital, Rovaniemi, this short winter break is perfect for a family holiday. Search for the northern lights on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, dash through the snow-covered Lappish wilderness on a husky safari, try snowmobiling and visit the man in red at Santa’s Village.

Day 1 Fly to Rovaniemi | Arrive in Rovaniemi, transfer to your cosy log cabin and check in for a four-night stay.

Day 2 Husky Safari & Northern Lights | Today learn about the traditional husky lifestyle and how these beautiful animals are cared for at a local husky farm before enjoying a one-hour exhilarating husky safari through the Arctic wilderness.

In the evening, transfer to a local reindeer farm, and once you’re sitting comfortably in the reindeer sleigh head off through the snowy forests for an hour’s ride. A hot drink and a bun is served around the campfire.

Hopefully the northern lights will make an appearance in the night sky above you. (B) Day 3 Santa Claus Village & Snowmobile Safari | No visit to Finnish Lapland is complete without a visit to see Santa Claus and his trusted helpers. Head to beautifullypresented Santa Claus Village to meet Father Christmas, visit Santa’s Official Post Office, enjoy some festive shopping and why not

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stop here for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the landscape on an exhilarating snowmobile ride. Travel to a reindeer farm to meet a local reindeer herd. Here settle back into a sleigh and experience a short reindeer sleigh ride, and take part in a “Crossing of the Arctic Circle” ceremony before snowmobiling back to Rovaniemi. This excursion is around 6.5 hours.

Why not speak to a Finland Specialist about visiting the Arctic Snow Village, just 26 kilometres from Rovaniemi. Here you can tour ice-sculpted rooms at the Snow Hotel, enjoy a drink in the Ice Bar and watch the northern lights from an outdoor Jacuzzi by booking a hot tub and sauna experience. Choose to eat a three-course meal in one of two restaurants: the cosy Log Restaurant or the extraordinary Ice Restaurant. (B) Day 4 Fly to the UK | After breakfast, transfer to Rovaniemi airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Lakituvat Log Cabin

Holiday duration 4 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Mar

Prices from

£1545 per adult £880 per child (age 2-12)

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions. (Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing).

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Finland

Arctic Light Winter Break

Magic Room, Arctic Light Hotel

Suggested Itinerary

Designed with couples in mind, this short break based at the luxurious Arctic Light Hotel in central Rovaniemi discovers the picturesque Arctic landscapes with exhilarating day and evening excursions. By day, dash through the snowy trails on a sled pulled by huskies and snowshoe to serene forest spots, and in the evenings, head out into the Lappish wilderness that surrounds Rovaniemi to seek out the northern lights.

Day 1 Fly to Rovaniemi | Arrive in Rovaniemi and transfer to the Arctic Light Hotel. Check in for a four-night stay. The Arctic Light Hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi offers a luxurious combination of Lappish heritage and contemporary style. Speak to a Specialist to upgrade to a Polar room with your own private sauna. The afternoon is free to explore Rovaniemi, perhaps visit the Artikum, a fascinating museum depicting life in the Arctic Circle. In the evening, maybe try out one of the local restaurants in the city for a traditional dinner.

landscape around you before enjoying coffee and a cinnamon bun around a campfire. (B)

Day 2 Snowmobile Safari & Northern Lights | In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating snowmobile safari adventure into the Lappish nature. Master the art of driving a snowmobile and stop in the snowy surroundings to enjoy hot drinks and biscuits.

Back at the hotel, perhaps spend some time exploring Rovaniemi or simply relax in the hotel. In the evening, head back out by snowmobile into surrounding snowy nature in search of the northern lights, away from the light pollution. Your guide will seek out the perfect spot to watch them. Enjoy a tasty Lappish picnic as the skies hopefully paint shades of green above you. (B, D)

Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Mar

Prices from

ÂŁ1595 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 4 Aurora Ice Floating | The day is free to relax and explore the town of Rovaniemi before heading out in the evening for a truly Arctic experience. Suit up into a warm rescue suit and dip into an ice hole in a frozen lake to float under the northern lights.

The suit protects you from the cold and you wear your own clothes underneath the suit to keep you warm, even in the zero degree water. (B)

Day 3 Husky Safari & Reindeer Ride | After breakfast, head out into the Lappish wilderness on a two-hour husky safari.

Wrap up warm to dash through snowy trails, watching the Arctic nature rush by between stopping for breaks to soak in the views and take photos. In the afternoon, sit comfortably in a sled and take photos of the Arctic

57 Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Aurora Village Short Break

Suggested Itinerary

The cabins at Aurora Village are tucked away in a remote part of the forests of Inari county, and boast a section of glass roofing above the cosy beds, so the northern lights can be spotted whilst tucked up under the covers. The ‘village’ entertains guests with husky sledging, snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking and ice fishing.

Day 1 Fly to Ivalo | Arrive in Ivalo, in the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland. Transfer to Aurora Village and check in to your private double room cabin for four nights and enjoy a VIP Welcome Basket containing sparkling water and sweets on arrival.

The adventures begin this evening, with an Aurora Sleigh excursion. Get comfortable in the back of a cosy sledge, and gaze upwards at the skies to (hopefully) watch the northern lights dance, as you’re pulled gently across the snowy region by a snowmobile. Here in the Finnish far north, you can experience the majesty of the aurora borealis almost every clear evening during winter, as colourful lights dance across the sky, so if the weather isn’t cloudy you stand an excellent chance of enjoying a display. Sledges are enclosed with a glass roof, and are lined with blankets. This evening excursion also includes a stop for hot drinks and snacks, and photographs will be taken and emailed to you as the perfect souvenir. (D)

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Day 2 Husky Safari | The snow-drenched landscapes around Ivalo are the perfect setting for winter adventures. Today transfer to a nearby husky farm to spend the day getting to know the dogs and trying your hand at husky mushing. Sledges are shared between two people, so alternate between driving the dogs and sitting back to enjoy the ride in the sledge. The route travels through the snowy forests of the region and you’ll stop halfway for lunch and to learn from your guide and professional musher. (B,L,D)

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Day 3 Snowmobile Safari & Ice Fishing | Take a short snowmobile drive out onto the local frozen river to try your hand at ice fishing, one of the locals’ favourite winter pastimes. In these remote parts of Lapland, ice fishing is as much a relaxing recreational activity as it is a means of sourcing food for the family. Learn to drill a hole in the thick ice and try to bait a fish — if you catch one, you’re able to take it back to the hotel chef to prepare for lunch or dinner. (B,D) Day 4 Snowshoe Hiking | One of the best ways to get up close to the pristine natural environment in Lapland is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out for a hike. Today follow your guide through the wintry forest paths, spotting animal tracks and perhaps even some arctic animals, as you learn about the local wildlife and nature. (B,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)

Aurora Village

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made

Seasonality

Dec-Apr

Prices from

£1995 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, transfers, meals as specified and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Finland

Northern Lights Village Short Break

Northern Lights Village

Suggested Itinerary

Fly to Ivalo where the dark night skies are painted bright with the ethereal lights of the aurora borealis almost every clear evening during the winter months, and where the snow-drenched landscapes offer the perfect setting for adventure.

Stay in a glass roofed cabin where the northern lights can be spotted whilst tucked up under the covers.

Day 1 Fly to Ivalo | Arrive in Ivalo, in the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland, transfer to the Northern Lights Village and check in to your double room cabin for four nights.

The 25 Aurora Wood Cabins have heated windows above the beds, which hopefully will offer you a glorious display of the northern lights. Just in case you sleep through, sign up for an Aurora alert from the reception (small charge payable locally) and be notified when the green lights start to dance across the sky.

The excursion order will be confirmed locally and there are plenty of other excursions to pre-book as well. The adventures begin this evening with an Aurora Camp excursion by bus. Stop by Lake Inari for some night time photographs of the frozen waters before warming up by a fire with Lappish midnight snacks and a warming drink. Grab a reindeer rug and lie down in the snow as you watch the northern lights dance above your head. (D)

along snowy fells and fir trees laden with snow. Return to the northern lights village and relax before dinner. (B,D)

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Oct-Mar

Prices from

£1930 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, transfers, meals as specified and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 4 Aurora Snowshoe Hiking | Enjoy breakfast and spend the day at leisure, talk to a Regent Specialist for more information about optional excursions. One of the best ways to get up close to the pristine natural environment in Lapland is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out for a hike. This evening, follow your guide along the wintry forest paths to a cosy hut and enjoy some warm drinks and snacks, keeping an eye out for the elusive lights to appear. Spot animal tracks and perhaps even some arctic animals, as you learn about the local wildlife and nature. (B,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Day 2 Husky Safari | After breakfast, try your hand at mushing your own sled of huskies.

Sleds are shared between two people, so you will be able to alternate between driving the dogs and sitting back to enjoy the ride in the sled. The route takes around 30 minutes through the snowy forests of the region.

Enjoy the rest of the day to relax at leisure before dinner in the cosy restaurant. Speak to a Regent Specialist about booking an excursion. (B,D) Day 3 Snowmobile Safari | Today, embark on a short snowmobile journey away from the bustle of the village of Saariselkä and travel

59 Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Nellim Arctic Explorer

Suggested Itinerary

In the far north of Finnish Lapland, on the edge of beautiful Lake Inari, Nellim Wilderness Hotel is a remote retreat where snow-covered forests and frozen lakes provide the backdrop to the day’s adventures. Learn how to drive your own husky sled through the Lappish wilderness, snowshoe through glittering forest trails and search for the northern lights on a starlit snowmobile safari on this fully-inclusive short break.

Day 1 Fly to Ivalo | Arrive at Ivalo airport in Northern Lapland and transfer to Nellim Wilderness Hotel, located in the heart of the forest just a few kilometres from the Russian border. Enjoy a Lappish buffet dinner in the cosy wood-cabin restaurant before checking in to a Wilderness Room. Ask a Regent Finland Explorer about upgrading to a private Log Cabin with its own living space, kitchenette and sauna. (D) Day 2 Wilderness Excursions | Husky Safari & Snowmobile: Learn how to handle your own husky sled before heading out for the husky safari, where the huskies will pull your sled through the beautiful winter scenery, passing through frozen Lake Inari. The dogs’ excitement is infectious and as the animals fall silent on the trail, you will realise that this is the only way to see Lapland. All our husky safaris include full instruction and are based on two people sharing a sled unless otherwise stated.

Aurora Camp: This excursion takes you Aurora hunting on Lake Inari. Sit comfortably in a sled that is pulled by the guide’s snowmobile to reach the camp. While observing the night sky, warm up around a blazing campfire sipping hot drinks and enjoying each other’s company. The atmosphere by the campfire is an experience in itself. Inari is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights as there is no light pollution at all. (B,L,D)

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Day 3 Wilderness Excursions | Reindeer Visit

by Snowmobile: Travel by snowmobile to a reindeer farm, where you will have the chance to meet an authentic reindeer herder and

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the reindeer herd and learn about life up in the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride, learn how to lasso a reindeer and have lunch cooked by an open fire.

Aurora Hunt by Car: In the evening, try to hunt down the aurora borealis by car. When the weather is clear, head for one of the specific camp spots to try to photograph this phenomenon. If the weather doesn’t look promising, head further out in search of clearer skies. During the trip, your guide will serve some warm drinks and snacks. (B,L,D) Day 4 Wilderness Excursions | Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is the best way to experience the beauty and calmness of Nordic forests.

Perhaps spot animal tracks on snow, see the snow-covered forests and if lucky, meet some wildlife during your trek and enjoy lunch by an open fire.

Aurora Snowmobiling: Night time snowmobiling is an even more exhilarating experience than taking the snowmobiles out during the day. Join your aurora guide and head out in search of a good location to try and spot the aurora borealis. If the northern lights appear, you’ll stop, turn off your head torches and shut down the snowmobiles to admire nature’s light show. There will be warm drinks to keep you warm and comfortable during this wintry excursion. (B,L,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer back to Ivalo airport for the return flight to the UK. (B) Please note: The order of the excursions will be confirmed on arrival.

Nellim Wilderness Hotel

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Mar

Prices from

£1695 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Finland

Inari Arctic Highlights

Log Cabin, Wilderness Hotel Inari

Suggested Itinerary

The new Wilderness Hotel Inari is a fully-inclusive remote retreat where snowcovered forests and frozen lakes provide a glistening backdrop to the day’s adventures. Far from civilisation, this is an excellent location from which to search for the northern lights; by car, snowmobile and even at an Aurora Camp. Learn to drive a husky-sled and snowmobile through forest trails and try ice fishing.

Day 1 Fly to Ivalo | Arrive in Ivalo and transfer to the Wilderness Hotel Inari. Upon arrival, receive your programme schedule and cold weather gear before dinner. (D) Day 2 Wilderness Excursions | Reindeer & Ice fishing with Snowmobile: Travel by snowmobile to a reindeer farm, where you will have a chance to meet an authentic reindeer herder and his herd. Here, learn some interesting facts about these semiwild animals and life up above the Arctic Circle. There is also the possibility for a short reindeer sleigh ride, as well as an ice fishing experience. The excursion includes lunch (soup by the open fire).

Aurora Snowmobiling: Night time snowmobiling is an even more exhilarating experience than taking the snowmobiles out during the day. Join your aurora guide and head out in search of a good location to try to spot the aurora borealis. If the northern lights appear, you’ll stop, turn off your head torches and shut down the snowmobiles to admire nature’s light show. There will be warm drinks to keep you warm and comfortable during this wintry excursion. (B,L,D) Day 3 Wilderness Excursions | Snowshoeing: The best way to experience the beauty and calmness of Nordic forests is by snowshoe. Perhaps spot animal tracks on snow, see the snow-covered forests and if lucky, meet some wildlife during your trek and enjoy lunch by an open fire.

Sit comfortably on a sled that is pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Enjoy the northern sky all the way to the camp place. While observing the night sky, warm up around a blazing campfire sipping hot drinks and enjoying each other’s company. The atmosphere by the campfire is an experience in itself. Lake Inari is a superb place for aurora viewing since there is no light pollution at all.

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made

Seasonality

Dec-Apr

Prices from

£1695 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, transfers, meals as specified and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

(B,L,D)

Day 4 Wilderness Excursions | Husky Safari: You will be taught how to handle the sled before heading out on the husky safari, where the huskies will pull you through the beautiful winter scenery, passing along frozen Lake Inari. The dogs’ excitement is infectious but they fall silent on the trail, this is the only way to see Lapland. All our husky safaris include full instructions and are based on two people sharing a sled unless otherwise stated.

Aurora Hunt by Car: Try to hunt down the aurora by car. During good weather head for one of the specific camp spots, to try to photograph this phenomenon. If the weather doesn’t look promising, head further out in search of clearer skies. During the trip, your guide will serve some warm drinks and snacks. (B,L,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | After breakfast transfer to airport for the flight to the UK. (B) Please note: The order of the excursions will be confirmed on arrival.

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Aurora Camp: This excursion takes you Aurora hunting on the stunning Lake Inari.

Talk to a Finland Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Norway

With a population of just five million inhabiting this vast landscape of fjords and mountains, Norway is the ideal location for a wilderness break. Choose to explore the snowy landscape around Tromsø – Northern Norway’s Arctic capital – or travel to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, situated midway between continental Norway and the North Pole, for a northern lights expedition unlike any other.

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Aurora Snowmobile, Spitsbergen

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Norway in Numbers

polar nights in Tromsø

Norway

62 8 1,190 78˚ 4

UNESCO-listed sites

fjords

north - Svalbard’s location

minutes to ride to the top of Tromsø’s Cable Car

12

months a year whale watching is possible around Vesterålen

Travel Knowhow Flight time from UK: 2 hours Time zone: GMT +1 Capital: Oslo Language: Norwegian Currency: Norwegian Krone Population: Approx 5,048,000 Talk to a Norway Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Norway

F

or the best chance of catching a display of the magical aurora borealis, head to Northern Norway, the region north of the Arctic Circle, or further north still to the remote Svalbard archipelago just 814 miles from the North Pole.

Northern Norway’s Arctic capital, Tromsø, is a great place to start – a winter break in this vibrant city provides countless opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness by husky sled, snowmobile or reindeer sleigh. It’s also one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, boasting sightings on more than 90 percent of winter aurora safaris.

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For intrepid travellers, the remote island of Spitsbergen provides winter adventures of epic proportion. Travel in www.regentholidays.co.uk

Svalbard

December and January to experience the incredible polar night when the sun never rises above the horizon and the aurora borealis can be seen day or night.

Independent travellers will love the Lofoten Islands and neighbouring archipelago of Vesterålen, where steep, snow-covered mountains plunge into icy fjords, and traditional fishing villages paint splashes of red onto nature’s canvas. During the winter months, humpback whales and orcas are common sightings on boat safaris, whilst land-based explorers can experience the dramatic scenery on horseback or by snowshoe.

“Steep, snow-covered mountains plunge into icy fjords, and traditional fishing villages paint splashes of red onto nature’s canvas”

Experience is everything

“Exploring the stunning Vesterålen archipelago was my personal highlight and I will never forget watching the northern lights dance above the breathtaking mountains. The scenery here is simply out of this world.”

“A whale watching trip from Northern Norway’s Arctic Capital, Tromsø, cannot be beaten. Cruise the open sea and spot humpback whales, orcas and harbour porpoises.”

Regent Recommends Norway

Stay

Lyngen Lodge

Ringstad Sjøhus

Funken Lodge

Tucked away in the remote Norwegian wilderness, on the edge of Lyngen fjord, the luxurious Lyngen Lodge is the ultimate winter escape. Relax and let the delicious food and drink fuel your daily excursions through the Lyngen Alps.

This idyllic guesthouse is perched on the edge of a glassy fjord in between steep mountains. Join guesthouse host and nature photographer, Ian Robins, on a wildlife discovery on the edge of the Atlantic.

Nestled on a hillside, this lodge-style hotel offers an impressive panorama of Longyearbyen town, with the arctic wilderness as a backdrop. This hotel is one of the few luxury accommodations in Spitsbergen.

Cross-country skiing

Snowmobiling

Whale watching

Cross country skiing is Norway’s national sport, and being outdoors is a natural part of Norwegian life. During winter, you will find groomed trails for cross-country skiing crisscrossing the entire country.

In Spitsbergen, while the winter sun is below the horizon, embark on a snowmobile journey lit only by the polar night. Look out for the reindeer and polar foxes who call this snowy landscape home.

In winter, the icy waters around Northern Norway play host to some very special visitors — killer whales, humpbacks and pilot whales. An exhilarating RIB boat excursion from Tromsø is the best way to get close to the whales.

Camp Barentz

Brown cheese - Brunost

Svalbard Brewery

Just 10 kilometres out of Longyearbyen, Camp Barentz offers a fantastic chance to experience Svalbard’s incredible wilderness. Enjoy a hearty dinner in a cosy wooden hut and watch for the northern lights.

Brunost is one of Norway’s best-loved culinary treats. Normally eaten for breakfast with bread, this tan-coloured whey cheese has a distinct caramel flavour and is served with a unique cheese slicer.

Taste some of the world’s most northerly brewed beer, made using 2,000-year-old glacial water from Boge glacier. Learn how the founder, Robert Johansen, battled to get a 1928 law changed to manufacture beer on Svalbard.

Do

Taste

Talk to a Norway Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Tromsø Short Break

Suggested Itinerary

Gateway to the Arctic, Norway’s northernmost hub is a lively, cultural city surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands. Enjoy a short break in Tromsø staying at the Clarion Edge, Clarion With, Thon Polar or Thon Tromsø and choose from a range of optional excursions in order to explore the surrounding Arctic wonderland. An evening Aurora Safari is one of the best experiences to see the northern lights.

Day 1 Fly to Tromsø | Arrive in northern Norway and check in to your choice of comfortable central hotel for three nights.

Offering views of the majestic mountains and boasting a pretty waterfront, Tromsø is an ideal base for an Arctic adventure. Speak to a Regent Norway Specialist about booking your optional activities. After a day spent husky sledging or cross-country skiing, head to one of the town’s many pubs – Tromsø prides itself on having more pubs per capita than any other Norwegian town. Far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is also an excellent place from which to set off in search of the northern lights.

Day 2 Tromsø Aurora Safari | Spend a free day discovering Tromsø’s natural wonders on an optional excursion. Perhaps marvel at the icy wilderness whilst being pulled through fields by a herd of reindeer or join a whale watching boat tour to search for humpbacks and orcas, which come close to the coastline to feed during the winter season. Crosscountry skiing excursions are also available for both novice and intermediate skiers.

66 www.regentholidays.co.uk

In the evening, embark on an Aurora Safari and travel through the Arctic wilderness to basecamp to enjoy a hot meal and campfire. Northern lights sightings here are exceptionally high, with a success rate of 93%. (B,D) Day 3 Tromsø | Make use of free time to take part in optional winter activities.

Perhaps spend the morning at a husky farm to learn about how the working dogs are cared for, then embark on a husky safari and enjoy the thrill of riding through the snow-covered wilderness by sledge. Or opt to travel across the Arctic landscape by snowmobile, stopping to take photographs of the incredible winter scenery. Ask a Regent Norway Specialist about pre-booking optional excursions. (B) Day 4 Fly to the UK | Travel to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)

Holiday duration 4 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Optional Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Mar

Prices from

£785 per person*

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and Aurora Safari. * Based on Thon Hotel Tromsø B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Norway Tromsø

Regent Recommends Surrounded by nature, Tromsø is the stepping-off point for unending Arctic adventure. Your Regent Norway Specialist can advise on the full range of optional activities, including our four favourites below. Winter is a busy time in Northern Norway and pre-booking is essential to guarantee a place on your chosen activities.

Aurora Basecamp Safari

Nov – Mar, daily 5-7 hours departing at 6.30pm More than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the remote mountains and snowy plains surrounding Tromsø are some of the best places on Earth to see the mystical northern lights.

Depending on weather conditions, head away from the bright lights of the city by comfortable coach to one of four basecamp locations best suited to catching a display of the ethereal light show. Each aurora basecamp has access to a warm shelter, campfire and toilet facilities, and experienced guides are on hand to offer photography tips on how to capture the moving ribbons of light – there are even tripods available for those long exposures.

Husky Safari

Nov – Mar, daily 4-5 hours departing at 8.45am & 11.30am Try your hand as a musher and enjoy the ride of a lifetime, dashing through the snow-covered mountains pulled by a team of working huskies. Choose to take in the Arctic sunrise on a morning adventure or chase the northern lights, gliding through remote landscapes as day becomes night. After getting kitted out in specialist winter gear, your guide will provide a lesson in driving the sled dog team, before quite literally handing you the reins. After a breathtaking winter wonderland journey of around fifteen kilometres, swap tales from the trails back at the kennels over a hot drink and a piece of home-made chocolate cake.

Reindeer & Sámi Culture

Nov – Mar, daily 4-5 hours departing at 10am Get to know the local Sámi culture through several different activities.

The Sámi people of northern Europe have travelled by reindeer sled for many centuries. This half-day cultural encounter, with members of a herding family provides an insight into their traditional way of life: visit a Sámi camp, home to around 200 reindeer, and enjoy a very special 30-minute sled ride through the snow, pulled by one of the family’s working reindeer. Afterwards, join your Sámi guide in a lavvu (traditional herdsmen tent) to listen to folk tales and Joik singing around the campfire with a bowl of hot bidos soup.

Whale Watching by RIB

Oct – Feb, daily 3-6 hours departing at 8.45am In the winter months, the icy waters around Northern Norway play host to some very special visitors, including killer whales, humpbacks and pilot whales. For those who like to be at the heart of the action, a whale watching safari by RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is the best way to get up close and personal with the giants of the sea.

Seating just ten passengers each, these small vessels provide an unbeatable viewing point at sea level, and often pique the interest of curious cetaceans, proving the closest of encounters.

Wrap up warm and make sure your camera battery is fully charged for this incredible wildlife safari.

Talk to a Norway Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Tromsø & Spitsbergen

Suggested Itinerary

Combine the highlights of Tromsø with Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, on this polar night adventure. Embark on an amazing northern lights safari, mush a team of huskies under the moonlight and cross the icy winter landscape by snowmobile. Evenings in Svalbard are spent swapping stories of Arctic adventure in the lively Barentz Pub & Spiseri.

Day 1 Fly to Tromsø | Arrive in Norway and check in to the Radisson Blu Tromsø for three nights. Offering views of the majestic mountains and the waterfront, the hotel provides the ideal base for Arctic adventure.

Perhaps enjoy a Mack beer from the brewery’s own Ølhallen pub.

Day 2 Tromsø Aurora Safari | Spend the day exploring Tromsø at leisure, perhaps visiting the Art Museum of Northern Norway or the Arctic cathedral. After dark, embark on an aurora adventure and head into the wilderness to search for the northern lights with a local guide. Aurora sightings at this remote location are as high as 93 percent. (B,D) Day 3 Tromsø | Make use of a free day to take part in optional winter activities. Perhaps enjoy a husky safari through the Norwegian wilderness or marvel at the glittering white scenery whilst being pulled across snowy fields on a reindeer sleigh. Ask a Regent Norway Specialist to pre-book optional activities. (B) Day 4 Fly to Spitsbergen | Fly to Svalbard Airport, transfer to Longyearbyen – the world’s most northerly town – and check in to the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for four nights.

Relax at the end of the day in the hotel’s sauna, enjoy Arctic fare in front of a roaring fire or head out to search for the northern lights painting ribbons of colour across the night sky. (B)

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Day 5 Husky Safari | Mushing a team of dogs under the polar night is a unique and special experience. Embark on an exhilarating husky

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sledging adventure beneath the glittering moonlight, travelling across icy plains and past towering mountains. Keep an eye out for the incredible northern lights, which can be seen day or night at this magical time of year. (B) Day 6 Polar Night Snowmobile Safari | While the sun is hidden below the horizon, embark on an atmospheric snowmobile journey through the wilderness lit only by the polar night. Look out for reindeer and polar foxes, who call the snowy landscape home, and watch overhead for the ethereal aurora borealis flickering across the night sky. (B) Day 7 Northern Lights Safari | Take an exciting trip by snowcat and hunt for the aurora in the Spitsbergen wilderness. Drive through the frozen Advent valley and enjoy incredible views back towards the glittering lights of Longyearbyen. (B) Day 8 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK via Oslo. Ask a Regent Specialist about adding a city break in Norway’s capital. (B)

Tromsø Winter Panorama

Holiday duration 8 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Feb

Prices from

£2545 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Norway

Spitsbergen Polar Nights

Svalbard Northern Lights

Suggested Itinerary

Located high in the Arctic Ocean, Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago in Northern Norway. Stay in the world’s most northerly town, Longyearbyen, and experience the incredible period of darkness when the sun remains at more than six degrees below the horizon. In this polar night period, aurora appearances are possible not just in the evening but throughout the day.

Day 1 Fly to Spitsbergen | Arrive at Longyearbyen airport, transfer to Longyearbyen and check in to your hotel for a four-night stay. Choose to stay in one of three hotels in Longyerbyen; the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, the Funken Lodge or the Coal Miners’ Cabins. Speak to a Specialist for more information.

Day 2 Husky Safari | Embark on a breathtaking dog sledging adventure: though you set off during the daytime, thanks to the polar night phenomenon you’ll be dashing across the snow beneath the starry skies and glittering moonlight. Travel over snowcovered landscapes and across icy plains, and enjoy the thrill of being pulled by husky dogs. As you pull away from the town the nearby mountain ranges come into view, look out for the northern lights dancing in the sky above. (B) Day 3 Snowmobile Polar Night Safari | While the sun is hidden beneath the horizon,

embark on an atmospheric snowmobile journey through the wilderness, lit only by the polar night. Look out for reindeer and polar foxes as they search for food in the snow, and warm up with hot drinks along the way.

Chances of seeing the northern lights are heightened during the polar night period, so be sure to keep an eye out for the elusive aurora in the night sky. (B)

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Feb

Prices from

£1765* per person

Includes flights, accommodation, transfers, meals as specified and excursions. *Based on the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 4 Snowcat Safari | Embark on an exciting trip by snowcat, a fully-tracked, enclosed vehicle designed for tackling the icy conditions. Hunt for the aurora away from the lights of Longyearbyen. Drive through the frozen Advent valley, making several stops en route to Hiorthhamn, an abandoned settlement on the northern bank of Adventfjord with spectacular views back towards Longyearbyen. (B) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

69 Talk to a Norway Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Polar Nights in Svalbard

Itinerary

For the most striking northern lights displays, travelling north is essential, and you can’t get much further north than Svalbard. Experience a winter dominated by the polar nights and the northern lights, which flicker all day (and night) long.

From Longyearbyen, take Snow Cat excursions, a dog sled safari and watch the lights from around the fire at Camp Barentz.

Day 1 Fly to Longyearbyen | Arrive at Longyearbyen Airport, transfer and check in to the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for a 4-night stay. This tour is based in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago and one of the world’s northernmost cities. In the evening, head out into the Polar Night on a huge Snow Cat designed for tackling the icy conditions and hunt for the aurora away from the lights of Longyearbyen. Drive through Advent Valley, making several stops en-route to reach Hiorthhamn, an abandoned settlement on the northern bank of Adventfjord.

Day 2 Longyearbyen & Beer Tasting |This morning, meet your local guide and tour the fascinating Svalbard Museum, which has displays on the discovery of Spitsbergen, wildlife, mining an hunting. Enjoy a delicious two-course lunch and enjoy some free time to explore Longyearbyen further or relax back at the hotel.

In the evening, sample some of the world’s most northerly brewed beer at the Svalbard Brewery, made with 2000-year-old glacial water from the Boge glacier on Svalbard. (B,L)

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Day 3 Northern Lights Safari by Dog Sled & Taste of Svalbard Tour | Embark on a dog sledding adventure beneath the starry skies in the early morning. Help harness the dogs before alternating between trying your hand at driving and sitting back and enjoying the view from the sledge. Travel through snowcovered landscapes and icy plains, as the mountain ranges come into view, look for the

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northern lights dancing in the sky above.

After lunch at the Nansen Restaurant, take the Taste of Svalbard Bus Tour. Sample 3 local tapas dishes, enjoy a glass of champagne at the Art Gallery, explore the Polar Permaculture and learn about Svalbard’s drinking culture before ending with a hot drink and chocolate sampling at the Fruene Café. (B,L) Day 4 Coal Mine & Northern Lights Evening | This morning, take an optional 3-hour excursion of Northern Lights snowmobiling (£199 pp). While the sun is hidden beneath the horizon, this atmospheric journey travels through the wilderness, lit only by the Polar Night. Look out for reindeer and polar foxes as they search for food in the snow, and warm up with hot drinks along the way. Chances of seeing the northern lights are heightened during the Polar Night period, so keep an eye out for the elusive aurora.

In the afternoon, travel out of Longyearbyen and pass by the Global Seed Vault to reach Mine Number 3, and learn all about a miner’s life in Svalbard. Don a mining helmet and walk into the mountain, experiencing the pitch black of a coal mine. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner around a fire in the cosy wooden hut of Camp Barentz – if the northern lights make a showing, simply dash outside and enjoy. (B,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Snow Cat Safari, Longyearbyen

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Group Tour Fully Guided

Departure

25 Jan 2019

Prices from

£1695 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Norway

Images of Vesterålen

View from Ringstad terrace

Suggested Itinerary

The mountains and fjords of the Vesterålen archipelago in Northern Norway are a nature lovers’ paradise; by day, white-tailed eagles and seals compete for herring in the frozen waters and, by night, the northern lights swirl over towering snow-capped peaks and islets. On this tour designed with photography in mind, join guesthouse host and nature photographer, Ian Robins, on a wildlife discovery on the edge of the Atlantic.

Day 1 Fly to Evenes | Arrive in Northern Norway. Transfer to Ringstad and check in to the Ringstad Sjøhus – a warm and welcoming traditional wooden guesthouse on the edge of the fjord, surrounded by islets and mountains. After dinner, meet the photographer for tips and hints on capturing the aurora before heading out on a northern lights hunt. (D)

Day 3 Snowshoe Panorama | Before sunrise is the best time to search for Norway’s elusive moose. Join the photographer and guide on an early-morning safari to search for the giant beasts before donning snowshoes for a trek to Vetten. Here, snow-covered panoramas from the top of the mountain are pictureperfect. After dinner, await the northern lights around an open fire. (B,L,D)

Day 2 Eagle Boat Safari | Enjoy a nature photography workshop, learning skills to capture wildlife and landscapes in the Arctic light, before joining the photographer in search of white-tailed eagles. Travel by boat through the fjords to an area where the giant birds swoop for herring in the icy waters.

Whales, seals and sea otters are also regularly sighted. Venture out after dinner for another attempt to capture the flickering ribbons of the northern lights. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Vesterålen | Join a local guide on a half-day minibus tour of the archipelago, learning about life in this isolated part of Northern Norway. The sightseeing tour is specially designed to visit top viewpoints and photogenic locations. (B,L,D)

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Guided Excursions

Seasonality

Nov-Mar

Prices from

£1655 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, transfers, meals as specified and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer back to Harstad/Narvik airport for the flight to Oslo, and onwards to the UK. (B)

71 Talk to a Norway Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Sweden

The landscapes of Sweden’s Arctic reaches change entirely with the seasons; temperatures settle at around -15°C during the dark, snowy winter while a sun that never sets in the summer months heats the days to balmy temperatures in the mid-twenties. Holidays to Swedish Lapland vary immensely too, and northern lights holidays dominate the winter months. New for this winter, we’ve introduced a selection of wholesome secluded escapes in the remote Swedish wilderness, as well as stays in the famous ICEHOTEL.

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ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi

www.regentholidays.co.uk

Sweden in Numbers

blocks of ice harvested from Torne River each year to create the world-famous ICEHOTEL

Norway Sweden

2,500 413

years of Jokkmokk Winter Market (2018)

97,500 1909 lakes

year Abisko National Park was established

40,000 7 resident Sรกmi (approx)

unique rooms in the trees at the Treehotel

Travel Knowhow Flight time from UK to Swedish Lapland: Approx 5 hours (+1 stop) Time zone: GMT +1 Capital: Stockholm Language: Swedish Currency: Swedish Krona Population: 9.6 million Talk to a Sweden Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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Sweden

S

andwiched between Norway and Finland and covering an enormous 110,000 square kilometres, Swedish Lapland is characterised by endless forests of pine, snow covered fells and peaceful lakeside villages. Here the seasons, distances and climate have dictated a special way of life in which nature plays an important part for those who reside here.

Reindeer, Swedish Lapland

can organise trips for those wanting to gain an insight into reindeer herding and the Sami way of life.

Swedish Lapland has some exceptional accommodation options; the worldrenowned ICEHOTEL and Treehotel offer travellers the opportunity to spend nights in ice-sculpted rooms or eco-friendly treehouses, and isolated villages lend themselves to boutique retreats in the heart of the Lappish wilderness.

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The original inhabitants of the north ­– the indigenous Sami people – who have their own language, culture and customs have lived in the Arctic region for thousands of years. Today the Sami population is estimated to be around 100,000 with up to around 40,000 residing in Sweden. Reindeer have been at the centre of Sami culture for thousands of years and at Regent, we www.regentholidays.co.uk

Choose to combine your Swedish Lapland break with a stay in the country’s capital, Stockholm. Speak to a Regent Sweden Specialist for more information.

“Swedish Lapland is characterised by endless forests of pine, snow covered fells and peaceful lakeside villages”

Experience is everything

“From beautiful Swedish country houses and luxury guesthouses to traditional Sámi tents, treehouses and ice-sculpted rooms at the worldfamous ICEHOTEL, Sweden offers so many unique accommodation options.”

“Each year the ICEHOTEL is created from huge blocks of ice harvested from the River Torne and a team of artists from around the world who come to turn their ideas into reality.”

Regent Recommends Sweden

Stay

ICEHOTEL

Treehotel

Camp Ripan

Jukkasjärvi is home to the world famous ICEHOTEL. Carved from huge blocks of natural river ice each year, spectacular rooms are designed by international artists. Choose to stay in an ice room or a bespoke Art Suite.

This is treehouse-living like you’ve never experienced before. Perched in amongst the tall pine trees, each of the TreeHotel`s elevated accommodations is totally unique; impressive and unusual in equal measure.

Located in the heart of Kiruna, modern and stylish Camp Ripan is a great base from which to explore the snowy mountains and to search for the northern lights, with all the amenities and dining options of the local town.

Abisko

Icebreaker

Sámi Culture

You’ll have the best chance of seeing the northern lights in Abisko National Park at the world-famous Aurora Sky Station, crowned by Lonely Planet in 2015 as the best place on Earth to see this natural phenomenon.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard an icebreaker cruise ship from Kemi. Tour the vessel, go for a swim in the icy waters of the Bothnian sea wearing a watertight flotation suit and enjoy warming hot drinks on board.

The Sámi are the northernmost indigenous people of Europe with a population of 100,000. Visit a Swedish Sámi family to learn about their way of life and the unique flavours of traditional Sámi food.

Cloudberries

Swedish Meatballs

ICEBAR

Cloudberries are the most soughtafter berries in Sweden. They grow wild and the golden yellow colour makes them very distinctive. They are often used in desserts but are just as delicious (but sour) freshly picked!

No dish is more typically Swedish than Swedish meatballs. They are made of ground pork and beef, cream, egg and onion and are served with creamy mashed potatoes, a thick, brown gravy and lingonberry jam.

ICEBAR by ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi is the original icebar and it is a once in a lifetime experience. Sip on cocktails from a glass made entirely of ice before throwing some cool moves on the ice dancefloor.

Do

Taste

Talk to a Sweden Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

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ICEHOTEL Short Break

Suggested Itinerary

The small, remote village of Jukkasjärvi is home to one of Sweden’s most famous attractions: the ICEHOTEL. The spectacular hotel is created from huge blocks of ice harvested from the River Torne, carved and designed by international artists. Take a husky safari, watch for the northern lights and spend two-nights in a warm room and one night in an ICEHOTEL Ice Room.

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Day 1 Fly to Kiruna | On arrival in Kiruna take a private transfer to the ICEHOTEL and check in for a three-night stay. Your first and second night will be in a warm hotel room and your final night will be in an Ice Room in the ICEHOTEL.

Speak to a Regent Sweden Specialist about upgrading to an individually-designed Art Suite, featuring intricate carved ice interiors, or for those not wanting to sleep in the ICEHOTEL’s ice rooms, opt to spend three nights in the warm room instead. (B,L)

Day 2 ICEHOTEL tour | After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the impressive ICEHOTEL. You’ll also visit ICEHOTEL 365, a permanent refrigerated structure which opened in 2016 to sustain a collection of the ice rooms year-round. Marvel at the spectacular icesculpted suites, each individually designed and created by artists from all over the world, unique from each other and varying year on year. This afternoon, enjoy free time for optional excursions. Perhaps choose to take a snowmobile tour through the local countryside, try your hand at carving a block of ice with a sculpting class, meet a herd of friendly reindeer or learn wilderness survival skills like using a flint to make fire. (B)

Day 4 Fly to the UK | You will be woken this morning with a hot cup of lingonberry juice at your bedside. Begin your final day with a relaxing traditional sauna session and take a shower before breakfast. Spend the morning at leisure or choose to include an optional excursion before making your way to the airport for the flight back to the UK via Stockholm. To extend your holiday, perhaps speak to a Regent Sweden Specialist about spending a night in Sweden’s capital. (B)

Day 3 Husky safari & Ice room | Enjoy breakfast and check out of your warm room, before embarking on a husky safari.

Dash through the remote frozen landscape surrounding Jukkasjärvi, pulled by a team of energetic husky dogs, and stop for lunch.

Tonight you will spend a night in an Ice Room.

Your luggage is stored safely for you in the Riverside Lobby, the warm building close to the ICEHOTEL. Your bed will have a thick mattress that rests on a wooden base on the ice. The bed is covered with cosy reindeer hides and you will sleep in a thermal sleeping bag provided for you by the ICEHOTEL.

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ICEHOTEL

Holiday duration 4 days Holiday type

Tailor-made

Seasonality

Dec - Apr

Prices from

£1395 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Norway Sweden

Lapland Guesthouse Break

Northern Lights over Lapland Guesthouse

Suggested Itinerary

Sitting 150 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, in the small village of Kangos, Lapland Guesthouse offers guests charming accommodation, exceptional service and thrilling winter activities. Enjoy a truly authentic Lappish experience with included snowmobile, husky and northern lights excursions, delicious home-cooked meals and a guided tour of the spectacular ice-sculpted suites at the world-famous ICEHOTEL. Day 1 Fly to Kiruna | On arrival in Kiruna transfer to Lapland Guesthouse and check in for a four-night stay.

Day 2 Snowshoe Trek & Northern Lights | Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a twohour snowshoe trekking experience through the surrounding forest. Stop for a hot drink before making your way back to Lapland Guesthouse for lunch. In the evening, take part in a two-hour northern lights excursion.

Travel in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile from Lapland Guesthouse. All warm clothing is supplied. Stop to enjoy a hot drink and a piece of home-made cake as you search remote viewing spots for the northern lights dancing overhead. (B,L,D) Day 3 Snowmobile Safari | Today enjoy a four-hour snowmobile excursion, stopping to visit a local reindeer farm. Hand-feed the animals before enjoying lunch, which will be prepared on an open fire. In the afternoon, why not opt for some time in the woodheated sauna and Jacuzzi, which is open for guests to use between 4 and 7pm daily. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Husky Safari | After breakfast, take a short transfer to a local husky farm. You will be given a warm snowsuit to wear. Meet your team of huskies and embark upon a four-hour husky safari including lunch. You can drive your own team of dogs across the Arctic tundra or sit back in the sled and let an experienced guide take the reins. Return to Lapland Guesthouse in the afternoon and relax at leisure before dinner. (B,L,D)

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Optional Excursions

Seasonality

Dec - Mar

Prices from

£1995 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 5 ICEHOTEL & Fly to the UK | After breakfast, check out of Lapland Guesthouse and transfer to the world-famous ICEHOTEL in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi. Enjoy a guided tour of the hotel where artists from around the world have designed spectacular ice-sculpted bedrooms and suites. After lunch transfer to Kiruna airport for your flight back to the UK via Stockholm. Speak to a Regent Specialist about spending a night in Sweden’s capital. (B,L,D)

77 Talk to a Sweden Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Arthotel Country Escape

Suggested Itinerary

Located close to the River Torne at the border between Sweden and Finland, Arthotel is a collection of Swedish country houses that have been beautifully renovated to create scandic-chic accommodation in an area of stunning natural beauty. Stay at Wennberg House, where walking and ski trails lead from the door to the secluded forest and a private chef prepares home-cooked meals daily.

Day 1 Fly to Rovaniemi | On arrival, transfer to the beautiful Arthotel Tornedalen in Swedish Lapland. Choose from staying in the Villa Tolonen, the main house Wennberg Villa or the remote Anundi Villa. Check in for a four-night stay. (L,D) Day 2 Day Tour to the Lookout Tower | After breakfast, embark on a cross-country ski excursion to a lookout tower located deep within the forest. A professional guide will be on hand to teach novice skiers and answer any questions about the nature and wild animals that you may come across. Stop for lunch, which will be cooked on an open fire, and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness before returning to Wennberg House for a delicious home-cooked meal.

(B,L,D)

Day 3 Ice-fishing & Sámi Culture Excursion | This morning, learn the art of ice-fishing at a nearby lake. If you’re lucky enough to catch a fish, you can cook it on an open fire.

In the afternoon, visit a Sámi family to learn

78 www.regentholidays.co.uk

about the unique flavours of traditional Sami food where wild berries and herbs have been used for centuries in culinary preparation.

(B,L,D)

Day 4 Dogsled Tour | This morning, experience a dogsled tour in the small village of Storträsk, 25 kilometres from Arthotel Tornedalen. Over many years, the host, Helénè, has welcomed guests from all over the world and offers tailored personal service for small groups. Take the reins and drive your own team of dogs through the Arctic wilderness or sit back and enjoy the ride with an experienced musher at the helm. Enjoy hot coffee, cooked over an open fire, before returning to your accommodation for lunch.

In the afternoon, why not relax in the private wood-heated sauna. (B,L,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | Transfer to Rovaniemi for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Snowy Arthotel

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Optional Excursions

Seasonality

Dec - Mar

Prices from

£2300 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Sweden

Brändön Lodge Retreat

Brändön Lodge

Suggested Itinerary

Superbly located on Swedish Lapland’s north-east coast and enjoying views of the Luleå Archipelago, the 15 wooden cabins that make up Brändön Lodge are a great place to escape modern life and enjoy the frozen arctic. Explore the snowy wilderness that leads out from your door with a variety of excursions and learn about the traditional way of life in the far north.

Day 1 Fly to Luleå | Arrive in Luleå in Swedish Lapland and transfer to Brändön Lodge.

Check in to your hotel cabin for four nights and collect your winter clothing for the rest of your stay. The hotel cabins overlook the frozen sea and islands of the Luleå archipelago which is made up of 1,300 islands and only 100 residents. In the evening, enjoy a two-course welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 2 Nordic Winter Skills | After breakfast, step into your snowshoes and head outside to experience winter life in Swedish Lapland.

Join a guide for a three-hour journey into the nearby forests where you will learn how to use snowshoes, make a fire in the snow and how to make your own tea and coffee over the open fire. During this excursion, your guide will recount stories about life up in the Arctic and will educate you on the forest, sea and wildlife in the area. Take a break from the cold in a traditional tepee with a hearty wilderness lunch around a fire. Return to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps meet and feed the friendly reindeer at the lodge. In the evening, enjoy a two-course buffet dinner. (B,L,D)

village of Brändöskär, dating back to the 17th Century. In the evening, enjoy a two-course dinner in the lodge. (B,L,D)

Holiday duration 5 days Holiday type

Tailor-made Optional Excursions

Seasonality

Dec - Apr

Prices from

£1895 per person

Includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and excursions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 4 Dogsledding & Northern Lights Snowshoeing | After breakfast, drive to the nearby kennel to meet the team of energetic husky dogs that will take you on an exhilarating dogsledding adventure. After instructions from your guide of how to mush your dogs, take control of your husky team and drive them along a forest and lake trail watching the snowy scenery pass you by. Stop to learn about the life of a husky musher in the frozen north from your guide. Return to the lodge for lunch in the restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a two-course dinner before heading out on a northern lights snowshoe walk. Learn how to photograph the northern lights and how to track wildlife tracks in the snow, and relax by an open fire with local cake and coffee. (B,L,D) Day 5 Fly to the UK | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK via Stockholm. (B)

Day 3 Pack Ice & Snowmobile Adventure | Today, explore the islands of the beautiful Luleå archipelago. Do as the locals do and travel across the pack ice on snowmobile trails and learn about the nature and local history. Your guide will make regular stops for photos and hot drinks and you will enjoy lunch cooked over an open fire. If conditions are right, it is possible to reach the idyllic fishing

79 Talk to a Sweden Travel Specialist on 020 7666 1291

Booking Conditions

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Booking Conditions Regent specialises in holidays to unusual destinations, many of which remain relatively underdeveloped and without the facilities and services found in western European countries. We do our best to match expectations but we ask that clients accept that changes may occur which are outside of our control and that standards may differ to those that you are used to. We must point out that this kind of holiday carries a risk that accommodation, transportation schedules and other parts of the holiday may be subject to alterations beyond our control at short notice. Accommodation and transport may also be of a standard lower than you expect, despite our best efforts to promote them correctly. We regard this as part of the off-the-beaten-track travel experience, however we recognise that some holiday-makers would prefer a more conventional package holiday and we therefore ask that you consider this before booking a Regent holiday.

Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully. They contain important information about your holiday contract.

1. CONTRACT Your contract is with ITC Travel Group Limited trading as Regent Holidays of 6th Floor, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE, referred to as “we” or “us” in this contract. A binding contract is only entered into when we issue a confirmation invoice.

By contacting us or your travel agent to make a booking you accept that you have the authority to bind all members of your party to these terms and conditions. It is essential that you check the travel details on the confirmation invoice and inform us immediately of any errors. Your booking is also subject to the conditions of carriage of your chosen airline.

2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION We provide full financial protection for our package holidays, by way of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 2786. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the nonprovision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

3. ABTA We are a Member of ABTA, membership number V2359. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute (ODR) Resolution platform at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of registering your complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved.

4. PAYMENT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY Your deposit is considered part payment towards your holiday. The exact deposit required shall be made clear at time of quotation/ booking. On occasion, full payment may be required to secure certain elements of your trip; if this does arise we shall inform you of this at time of booking. Deposits are non-refundable and as such are a security towards confirming your holiday.

Normally the balance and final payment should be made no less than eight weeks prior to departure. However, on occasion some components and/or destinations may require final payment no less than 90 days prior to departure, in which case you shall be informed of this at time of booking. If any balance remains unpaid, travel documentation will not be issued and we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled and apply the cancellation charges set out below. Final travel documents will normally be sent out approximately two weeks before departure.

All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by them on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.

Payment must be in the currency of the invoice and you are responsible for bank charges. If you choose to pay the balance of your holiday by credit card, including Amex, a 1.5% levy will be charged. No charge is levied for payment by debit card. In some cases, quotations will be based on instant purchase, limited availability non-refundable airfares and full payment of the total holiday cost must be made at the time of booking. Full details will be given at the time of enquiry.

5. INFORMATION Whilst we make every effort to ensure that the information in our brochure is as accurate as possible, it is published many months before your holiday takes place. We reserve the right to make changes to the brochure and any information it contains. You will be informed of any material changes before booking. Regent Holidays are only responsible for information contained within our own publications and websites. We are specifically not responsible for third party information (from tourist boards and hotels, for example) contained in any other brochures or websites.

6. AMENDMENT AND CANCELLATION BY YOU (A) AMENDMENT We will do our best to assist you in altering your arrangements after booking but cannot guarantee that this will be possible. If alterations can be made you will be responsible for all extra charges and costs and we reserve the right to charge an administration fee per person plus any applicable charges levied by our suppliers. In some cases, flights cannot be changed after booking and the full cost of a new air ticket will be payable. We also reserve the right to treat any amendment less than eight weeks prior to departure as a cancellation and apply the cancellation charges set out below.

(B) CANCELLATION All cancellations must be made in writing by the person who made the booking and are effective on the day we receive it. As we incur substantial costs and losses on a cancellation, we will apply the following cancellation charges based on payment/balance date of eight weeks prior to departure. For those bookings where additional amounts were paid in excess of the standard deposit at the time of booking or before the standard balance due date, these shall be considered non-refundable. Number of days prior to departure cancellation charge as percentage of total holiday price when cancellation notice received Up to 56 days Forfeit deposit: 55-43 days 50% 42-31 days 75% 30 days or less 100% Agents or third party organisations acting on our behalf are unable to amend or change the contract or terms and conditions within it.

7. AMENDMENT AND CANCELLATION BY US (A) AMENDMENT It is occasionally necessary for us to make changes to advertised products and services and we reserve the right to make such changes. In exceptional circumstances we may have to modify your holiday after booking. If the change is minor we will do our best to notify you or your travel agent in advance but are not obliged to do so and no compensation is payable. If the change is major (for example, a change of flight time by more than twelve hours, change of destination or to a lower standard of accommodation), we will notify you as soon as practically possible and offer you the choice of (i) accepting the alternative arrangements or (ii) arranging an alternative holiday with us or (iii) cancelling your holiday. Whichever option you choose, we will pay you compensation unless the change has been caused by force majeure or low bookings, as defined below.

Days before departure compensation per person: 57 or more Nil 56-29 £40 28-15 £50 14-0 £70 (B) CHANGES DURING THE HOLIDAY If we are unable to provide a significant proportion of your holiday whilst you are away, suitable alternative arrangements will be made for you at no extra cost or, if we are unable to do so, you will be returned to your point of departure and given a pro-rata refund for any part of the holiday not received. In some cases we will also pay compensation (see above). This does not apply to minor changes in your accommodation, itinerary or transportation.

(C) CANCELLATION BY US Whilst we hope we will never have to cancel your holiday, this does very occasionally happen and we reserve the right to do so.

Should it be necessary to cancel your holiday, we will endeavour to offer alternative travel arrangements of equivalent or similar standard, together with a price refund if appropriate. Alternatively we will provide a full and prompt refund. In some cases we will

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also pay compensation (see above).

(D) FORCE MAJEURE Compensation will not be payable in any cases where an amendment, change or cancellation is due to “force majeure”, defined as unusual or unforeseeable events or circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which neither we nor our suppliers could avoid. These include, but are not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil disturbance or strife, terrorist activity (actual or threatened), industrial disputes, unavoidable technical problems with transport, machinery or equipment, power failure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, drought, adverse weather conditions, levels of water in rivers, acts of God, closure of airports, changes of schedules or operational decisions of transport providers.

(E) LOW BOOKINGS Compensation is not payable if a holiday or tour does not take place because a required minimum number of passengers to enable the holiday or tour to take place has not been reached and you were informed of that requirement at the time of booking.

We will notify you at least eight weeks before departure if your holiday has not reached the minimum number and is therefore cancelled and where possible we will offer a similar holiday on a different date or an alternative holiday departing at or around the original date.

8. PRICES All prices advertised or quoted are per person based on sharing a twin/double room and are in pounds sterling unless otherwise shown and are subject to change, up or down, until the booking is concluded. After that, we will only increase the price in limited circumstances to reflect increases in transportation costs (including fuel and airfares), dues, government approved taxes (including VAT), both in the UK and overseas, fees chargeable for services (including landing taxes and embarkation and disembarkation and security fees at airports), Government action or exchange rate variation. If the surcharge would increase the cost of your holiday by 10% or more, you may cancel your holiday and receive a full refund. We will absorb the cost, and you will not be charged, for any increase equivalent to or up to 2% of the original price of your holiday (excluding amendment fees). No surcharges will be made within 30 days of departure. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. No surcharges will be made within 30 days of departure.

Prices in our brochures were calculated at the exchange rate of £1 = ISK135, £1 = €1.11, £1 = USD1.3, £1 = RUB76 on 4th June 2018.

9. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOU We take care to ensure that all those involved in the preparation and supply of your holiday maintain the highest standards.

Please remember that the appropriate standards will be those prevalent in your destination, which may not be the same as developed international standards.

We will pay reasonable compensation if the product supplied to you is not of the standard described or contracted for by you.

This compensation will be limited (except in the case of death or injury) to no more than twice the holiday price of the person affected.

Should you suffer injury, illness or death as a result of the proven fault of ourselves, our suppliers or their employees acting in the course of their employment, we will offer you compensation as would be paid in an English Court. If the incident relating to you or any member of your party being killed, injured or becoming ill during or as a result of, carriage by aircraft, ship, train or coach as part of the holiday arrangements organised by us, our liability to pay compensation is limited in accordance with the liability of the carrier/service provider under any international convention which governs such services. Copies of these Conventions are available upon request.

Our liability to you does not apply if: you or any member of your group is at fault: if the failure is the fault of someone else not connected with providing the services which form part of our holiday contract with you; the failure is due to any unusual or unexpected circumstances beyond our control, which we could not have avoided even if we had used all care possible; or the failure is due to any event which we or the supplier of any service could not help, expect or prevent.

Any acceptance of liability is subject to you agreeing to assign to us your rights against any third party responsible for the events leading to your claim and to you affording us all necessary assistance in pursuing that claim.

10. COMPLAINTS If you have any complaint or problem whilst on holiday you must inform us, our ground agents or the supplier (i.e. the hotel) as soon as possible to give us the maximum opportunity to rectify it. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home in writing. It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the services locally. If you fail to follow this simple procedure, we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you are in the destination and this may affect your rights under this contract.

11. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTATION It is your responsibility to ensure that all necessary passports are machine readable. You should also ensure that all necessary visas, international driving licences, vaccinations and other health documents are in order. All passports must have a validity of at least six months from your scheduled return date to the UK. You will generally need clear/clean pages for visas, as required, to be inserted. You must read all documentation that is supplied to you and ensure that all information contained within is correct.

Failure to do so may incur amendment charges which are your responsibility. Some countries and airlines now require additional passenger information (API). We will inform you which countries require this information. This information is compulsory and is required by authorities. It is essential that all clients provide the API prior to travelling. Failure to provide this information may result in you being denied boarding for your flight. No refund will be permitted and any additional costs will be borne by the named clients.

12. TRAVEL INSURANCE Your holiday package with us does NOT include travel insurance and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover. In accordance with normal industry practice, we will require you to have adequate travel insurance to provide accident and medical cover before your holiday departs. Such insurance should ideally be valid from the date of booking, be valid throughout the holiday duration and financially cover any probable loss through cancellation, amendment, accident or healthrelated problems. You should ensure you are covered for all activities you are planning on your trip. It is your responsibility to take out adequate cover for all excursions and activities booked through us. This includes, but is not limited to, sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sleigh riding with reindeer/huskies, etc.

13. MEALS All pre-booked meals will be on a table d’hôte basis. Supplements can apply for à la carte items or restaurants.

14. SPECIAL REQUESTS Whilst we will endeavour to comply with any special requests such as airline seating, diets and room requirements, we can only do so on a “goodwill” basis. As these are usually only provided at the discretion of the relevant supplier, we cannot guarantee availability and cannot be held responsible if they are not provided.

15. EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES We are only responsible for excursions and activities sold by us prior to departure and which form part of your holiday contract.

Should you purchase excursions in resort, your contract and any liability arising from it will be with the supplier directly. In all cases it is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers you for all activities you book through us or third parties.

16. JURISDICTION This contract is governed by English law and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live there and wish to do so.

17. DATA PROTECTION POLICY In order for us to process your booking, we need to store and record your information, including data as supplied. This may include transfer of such information outside of the European Economic Area to parties involved in the arrangements of your holiday. Equally, we use such information for updating our mailing lists, for fraud prevention, market research and analysis and from time to time you may receive travel-related information from us or from another company from within the ITC Travel Group.

Should you not wish to receive such literature please advise us in writing.

18. UK FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE ON OVERSEAS TRAVEL Whilst we will do our best to inform you of any relevant changes to the FCO Travel Advice (www.fco.gov.uk), it is up to you, and not the Company, to know what the FCO travel advice to a certain country, or region of a country, is and to be adequately insured to travel there. The Company accepts no liability if a) you decide to cancel a booking because of FCO advice or b) you are not adequately insured to travel. The Company will not normally cancel a trip simply because the FCO advise against travel.

You are responsible for checking the Foreign Office advice, and any other sources available to you in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly.

19. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In addition to these general booking conditions, specific relevant destination information may be contained within the individual brochures and website.

Registered in England © ITC Travel Group Limited. All rights reserved.

Date of issue June 2018.

DRIVE ICELAND WITH AVIS Wide selection of cars Friendly and experienced staff Key locations throughout the country Environmental awareness We care for your safety

The powerful Suzuki Vitara is the ideal SUV for tackling Iceland’s rugged terrain. Contact your Regent Iceland Specialist for our full range of 2WD and 4WD vehicles.

The Regent Collection

Nordic Summer & Volcanic Islands Iceland Greenland Faroe Islands Azores Finland

Russia & Europe Russia | Trans-Siberian | Ukraine | Moldova Belarus | Estonia | Latvia | Lithuania | Poland Albania | Bosnia-Herzegovina | Croatia | Kosovo Macedonia | Montenegro | Serbia Slovenia | Romania

Norway

Asia

Small Group Tours

Uzbekistan | Turkmenistan | Kazakhstan | Kyrgyzstan

Azores | Faroe Islands | Lapland | Russia | Ukraine

Armenia | Georgia | Iran | Jordan | Palestine

Moldova | Belarus | Estonia | Latvia | Lithuania | Albania

Mongolia | China | Taiwan | Bhutan | Vietnam | Cambodia

Bosnia-Herzegovina | Croatia | Kosovo | Macedonia

Laos | Burma | North Korea | South Korea | Borneo

Montenegro | Serbia | Slovenia | Romania | Abkhazia

Indonesia | Papua New Guinea | Soloman Islands

Nagorno Karabakh | Uzbekistan | Kazakhstan | Tajikistan Iran | Bhutan | Burma | North Korea | Papua New Guinea

ICELANDAIR

ENJOY THE JOURNEY AS MUCH AS THE DESTINATION

Reykjavik I Anchorage I Boston I Chicago I Denver I Edmonton I Halifax I Minneapolis I Montreal I New York (JFK & Newark) Seattle I Tampa Bay I Toronto I Orlando I Philadelphia I Portland I Vancouver I Washington D.C. NEW GATEWAY 2018: Dublin NEW DESTINATIONS 2018: Baltimore I Cleveland I Dallas I Kansas City I San Francisco Icelandair serves the UK and Ireland with direct flights to Iceland from 5 gateways: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, with easy onwards connections to 23 North American destinations.

Enjoy our unique brand of Icelandic hospitality and comfort from the latest Icelandic music to cosy leather seating, interactive in-flight entertainment systems, generous legroom and complimentary baggage allowances.

We look forward to welcoming you on board.

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Experience is everything

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