Great Rail Journeys’ New Scandinavian Adventures For 2009

Discover the superb sights, fascinating history and rich culture of Scandinavia on a choice of three - new for 2009 - 11-day tours to these northern lands courtesy of Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail.

Norwegian Discovery, for example, is a scenic tour – taking in mountains, gorges and fjords – which starts and finishes in Oslo, visits the cities of Ålesund, Bergen and Stavanger and includes journeys on the Raumabanen and Sørlandsbanen Railways.

Other highlights include a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord, relaxing coastal cruises past mouths of fjords, islands and skerries, plus an excursion along the Lysefjord to the dramatic Pulpit Rock.

Available with selected departures in June, July and August 2009, the cost is from £1695 per person, twin-share, inclusive of return scheduled flights, rail, coach and ship travel, 10 nights’ accommodation (nine hotel, one ship), some meals, all excursions as per the itinerary and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

Or, on the Norwegian Coastal Adventure, enjoy a six-night cruise on board MS Polarys as it journeys into the Arctic Circle to North Cape – mainland Europe’s most northerly point – whilst taking in Alesund, the Geirangerfjord, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø and Honningsvåg.

Also included is a remarkable journey on the Bergen Railway across the ‘roof of Norway’, plus overnight stays in Oslo, Bergen and Kirkenes - located just a few miles from the Russian border. Additionally, on the 14 May, 5 June and 8 July departures guests will experience the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun.

Alternatively, cruise the Swedish waterways – sailing through two seas, three canals, eight lakes and 66 locks – as well as enjoying overnight stays in Cologne, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg on the Scandinavian Explorer & The Göta Canal itinerary.

Other highlights include sightseeing tours of Copenhagen – taking in the Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue – and Stockholm with its Royal Palace and cathedral, plus the three-night cruise - on board MS Juno - also visits Trosa, Vreta, Karlsborg Fortress and the Sjötorp and Trollhättan Canal Museums.

Reservations: 01904 527 224, www.GreatRail.com

• Great Rail Journeys is a leading operator of rail-inclusive, escorted group tours to Europe and throughout the rest of the world.

• Passengers travel in groups of 30-40 people, accompanied throughout by an experienced Tour Manager.

• Travel commences by rail from St Pancras International (except for long haul holidays).

• Customers normally stay in hotels en route and at their destination, although on some ‘Cruise Trains’ they sleep on board the train.

• Signature Great Rail Journeys tours include: The Trans-Siberian Express; the Glacier Express; USA Coast to Coast; India’s Place on Wheels, The Marrakech Express and The Arctic Circle Express.

• Great Rail Journeys can also arrange

• rail travel from a local station to London
• overnight hotel accommodation in London
• holiday insurance
• pre or post tour holiday extensions

Great Rail Journeys is ABTA and ATOL-bonded and a member of AITO, which has awarded the company two-star status within its Responsible Tourism programme.

As part of the company’s commitment to reducing the effect of rail travel on our environment, it has pledged £10,000 to Climate Care, its chosen Carbon Offset Partner. These funds will directly support one of Climate Care’s projects.