SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER - Two's A Crowd · the Scandinavian natural landscape, not to mention ... opportunities to enjoy another incredible natural phenomena- the Midnight Sun! Other

SCANDINAVIAN17 DAY SOLO TOUR: AUGUST 2020

§ Exclusively for Solo Travellers § Your Own Room Always § Visit Amazing Destinations

ITINERARY

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FINLANDNORWAYSWEDEN

SUMMER

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SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER 17 DAY SOLOS TOUR: 6TH - 22ND AUGUST 2020

Scandinavia is of the most beautiful areas in the world. Blessed with scenic fjords, ancient forests, mountains, glaciers, meadows, picturesque valleys and quaint villages are just some of the key highlights that Finland, Norway and Sweden have to offer.

Join Two’s a Crowd on this breathtakingly beautiful solos tour through Scandinavia during the Northern Hemisphere’s Summer- you will certainly get to experience the raw, untamed, and scenic beauty of the Scandinavian natural landscape, not to mention the endless art nouveau architecture and beautiful seaports you will also get to experience.

During this tour to the Arctic you will get plenty of opportunities to enjoy another incredible natural phenomena- the Midnight Sun!

Other than the overland travel through the dramatic regions, you will also get to enjoy the views from

onboard the MS Trollfjord as you cruise the Norweigan Coastline. From Arctic wilderness to UNESCO heritage city charm – think of your southbound Hurtigruten voyage as the ultimate journey! You begin in Kirkenes, gateway to the Barents region and close to the Russian border, where you will experience Finnmark’s wide plains and North Cape.

As we head westward and turn south, you see some of the world s most beautiful islands and coastal mountains travelling towards the milder fjord climate and cosy charm of Bergen. You see this jaw-dropping scenery in daytime, a one of a kind experience. Crossing the polar circle southbound, the climate become milder and the landscapes gentler. You’ll see small towns with fewer than 200 inhabitants, and big cities buzzing with life and full of architectually inspiring castles and buildings.

Enroute you will also experience the amazing Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The Norwegian coast is one of the most exciting and diverse adventure destinations in the world. Norways northern shores leave visitors speechless.

Will you join us?

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DAY 1: Thursday 6th August 2020 ARRIVE HELSINKI (D)Welcome to Finland! A group transfer will take you from the airport to your hotel. The day is yours to relax after your flight and enjoy a little exploration before meeting your fellow tour participants, Two’s a Crowd Host and the local guide for your welcome meeting and dinner.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Sokos Presidentti’ Helsinki (4 star)

DAY 2: Friday 7th August 2020 HELSINKI (B)After breakfast this morning we will take a ferry to visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. We will get to spend some time at the Suomenlina Museum and enjoy a wide-screen presentation, before returning via ferry to Helsinki. After lunch we will embark on our fully guided Helsinki sightseeing tour. Highlights will include going inside the Tempeliaukio Rock Church.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Sokos Presidentti’ Helsinki (4 star)

17 DAY SOLOS TOUR: 6TH - 22ND AUGUST 2020

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DAY 3: Saturday 8th August 2020 HELSINKI – IVALO – INARI (B,D)After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Ivalo, in Northern Finland. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred the short distance to our hotel in Inari. We will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful lake-side surrounds this afternoon, before meeting up in time for a group dinner

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Ivalo’ a traditional style hotel in Inari (3 star)

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DAY 4: Sunday 9th August 2020 INARI – KIRKENES (B,L) After breakfast at our hotel we will be transferred to the Siida Museum, where we will take a guided tour. Next we will visit a nearby Reindeer farm, where we can learn all about this fascinating creature and even get to feed some reindeer. You will also get to experience a little of the local Sami culture and learn about some of their traditions and folklore. A group lunch will be had in a local Sarrit Restaurant, before we head out on to Lake Inari for an afternoon cruise. Later we will continue our journey towards Kirkenes, where we will spend the night. Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents region and gateway to the east, and the Russian border is a just few miles away.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Thon Kirkenes’ in Kirkenes (3.5 star)

DAY 5: Monday 10th August 2020 KIRKENES-VARDO: NORWEIGAN COASTAL VOYAGE (B,L,D) After breakfast we will be transferred to the Kirkenes Pier in time to embark the wonderful MS Trollfjord- Hurtigruten boat. Watch as the local fishermen catch the giant king crab straight from the Barents Sea. We will leave the shore at approximately 12.30 noon. As the ship starts its voyage south, you can first enjoy lunch followed by views of the surrounding Arctic landscape on deck or from the panorama lounge. In the afternoon, the ship again docks at Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port. Try jumping in and experience ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean, or stay onboard and admire the shorebirds residing along the Nordic coastline. Heading south, we cruise along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. The latter town is home to one of Norway’s most famous male choirs, consisting mainly of local fishermen.

§ Accommodation: Your own cabin on board the MS Trollfjord

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Day 6 - Tuesday 11th August 2020 MEHAMN - TROMSØ: NORWEIGAN COASTAL VOYAGE (B,L,D)In the middle of the night, we dock at Mehamn. All around you there is only fresh Arctic air, beatuiful valleys and exciting views. At Honningsvåg you can join an excursion that features breakfast at North Cape and the discovery of hidden parts of Finnmark along the way. Before stopping in Hammerfest, you can enjoy an ‘energy coffee’ and can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise geographic measurement of the globe. Hammerfest is a small, extrmely pretty seaside town in Finmark, reknown for its reindeer migrations. We continue south to Øksfjord. After crossing open water, we make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy. We sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps: Here, you might get a taste of fresh locally-caught prawns. We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a magical midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also join a midnight excursion, under the Midnight Sun, to explore Tromsø by sea in a rigid-inflatable boat (RIB). This is a lightweight but high-performance and high-capacity boat. The design is stable and seaworthy. Alternatively, a walk around the town provides you the chance to enjoy a local brew at one of the city´s many friendly pubs.


Day 7 - Wednesday 12th August 2020 TROMSØ - STAMSUND: NORWEIGAN COASTAL VOYAGE (B,L,D) We arrive at Harstad this morning, where you have the opportunity to participate in one of the classic Hurtigruten excursion programmes: A taste of Vesterålen. Experience history, beautiful scenery and a selection of breathtaking sites that include a visit to Trondenes Church, one of Norway’s premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages. The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning scenery on offer during this coastal voyage. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature and small, picturesque fishing villages. The daylight sailing route through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many of our guests. Risøyhamn is a small village with only 200 inhabitants, and we make a short stop here to deliver passengers, groceries and mail. Continuing southwards, it looks like we are sailing straight into the mountain wall, but we inevitably slip through an opening leading to the narrow Raftsund. This 20-km passage between Lofoten and Vesterålen takes you through mountains soaring 1,000 metres directly out of the sea. Next we reach the spectacular Trollfjord, only 2 km long and 100 metres wide, surrounded by majestic mountains. The captain often makes a detour into the fjord. Steep cliffs hug the ship´s sides and the dramatic landscape conjures fairy-tale images of an imaginary land of trolls. Trollfjord is also the realm of the sea eagle. Reaching Svolvær, you can choose from several excursion options. Join our Lofoten Islands tour to learn more about the fishing communities, beautiful scenery and art from this area. If you prefer dry land, a guided fishing village walk provides in-depth insights into the history and culture. From Svolvær, we continue on to Stamsund, where we see the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten wall.




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Day 8 - Thursday 13th August 2020 BODØ - RØRVIK: NORWEIGAN COASTAL VOYAGE (B,L,D)Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the event out on deck with a taste´ of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil. As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls rich in local lore. On deck you can see the strange mountain Torghatten (rising 258 m above sea level), famous for its distinctive hole right through the middle. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was created during the ice age. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven mountains are between 900 and 1,100 m high, and it is easy to understand how these ‘ladies’ influenced ancient myths. The story goes that there were seven troll sisters, the daughters of King Sulis, who kept them under strict control. One night, when the king fell into a deep sleep, the seven maidens sneaked out. Vågekallen, who was eager for a wife, was lying in wait. He pursued the sisters, who fled southwards down the coast. Several other trolls joined the chase to either capture or rescue them. When night turned to morning, the troll sisters and their pursuers were petrified as the sun turns all trolls to stone. They all became the rocks and mountains that today make the Helgeland coastline one of the most beautiful places on earth. Next we make a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post before moving on to Sandnessjøen. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vega Islands is close to Sandnessjøen and can be visited on an optional excursion during the summer. This unique cultural landscape consists of dozens of islands, which foster the unique interaction between the eider duck and island population. Learn how the fishermen and farmers have cultivated a centuries-old symbiotic relationship with the ducks, and how it continues to contribute to a livelihood of eiderdown harvesting and making down-filled duvets.As we arrive in Brønnøysund, you can join the excursion to visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and to taste the fresh local salmon.


Day 9 - Friday 14th August 2020 TRONDHEIM - ÅLESUND: NORWEIGAN COASTAL VOYAGE (B,L,D) This morning we have the opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Back on board, the ship heads out into the majestic Trondheimsfjord, which is 170 km long and up to 25 km wide. Like all other Norwegian fjords, it is deep, plunging to 577 m. As we sail along the coast, you realise the importance of fish to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Kristiansund is today regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion to the renowned Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most visited tourist destinations. It is 8.2 km long, built on a total of eight bridges and surrounded by picturesque landscapes and open sea.




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Day 10 - Saturday 15th August 2020 NORWEIGAN COASTAL VOYAGE (ARRIVAL AT BERGEN) (B) During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our stunning voyage draws to a close. Before we dock in Bergen, there are some nautical miles of fascinating scenery ahead of us, including the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland to Loen and Olden. The rugged coastal areas are a striking contrast to the inner fjord regions where the wind is gentler and less rain falls. Fertile fruit orchards and glacial fingers stretch towards glistening lakes and gushing rapids. This landscape has its own distinctive charm and you are encouraged to experience it. In the morning, we call at Florø, a modern coastal seaport that is also the Sogn og Fjordane region´s oldest town and Norway’s westernmost community. Next we navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, and enjoy superb views of this magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, we disembark in Bergen, taking with us memories of a unique journey filled with unforgettable experiences and meetings with local people, wildlife and stunning nature. In the early afternoon we will arrive at the Bergen Pier, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is your own to relax and explore at leisure

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Comfort Holberg’ in Bergen (3.5 star)

Day 11 - Sunday 16th August 2020 BERGEN (B,D) After breakfast we will set-off on our morning sightseeing tour of Bergen. Highlights include entrance to the Edvard Grieg Museum.This afternoon we will enjoy the Fløibanen funicular railway to Mount Fløyen to see the stunning views of Bergen. The funicular railway is one of Norway’s most famous attractions. The trip starts from the city centre, just 150 metres from the Fish Market and Bryggen. The exciting trip up to the mountain is a magnificent experience in itself. This evening the group will enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Comfort Holberg’ in Bergen (3.5 star)

Day 12 - Monday 17th August 2020 BERGEN – SOGNEFJORD – GOL (B,D) Today we will experience the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour en route to Gol. This is a thrilling journey through some seriously spectacular scenery! The Naeroyfjord cruise and world famous Flamsbana train journey are both included in our day’s adventures. Tonight the group will enjoy dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Kamben Geilo’ in Gol (3 star)



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Day 13 - Tuesday 18th August 2020 GOL – OSLO (B)This morning we will begin our drive towards Oslo, arriving in the early afternoon. We will visit the famous Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower. Next we set off on our fully-guided afternoon sightseeing tour of Oslo, which also includes entrance to the Viking Ship Museum.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Scandic Helsfyr’ in Oslo (3.5 star)

Day 14 - Wednesday 19th August 2020 OSLO – KARLSTAD (B,D) Today we depart Oslo and head east to the stunning Swedish Lakes in Värmland county. There are many outdoor activities to be enjoyed on the beautiful shores of lake Vänern (Sweden and the EU’s largest lake) such as boating, fishing, hiking and kayaking. We will spend the afternoon touring and exploring some of the quaint villages and beautiful vistas before arriving at our hotel, where we will enjoy a group dinner this evening.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Clarion Hotel’ in Örebro (3.5 star)

Day 15 - Thursday 20th August 2020 KARLSTAD – OREBRO – STOCKHOLM (B)Today we continue our incredibly scenic journey through the beautiful Swedish lakes. We will stop for a guided visit of either Orebro Castle or Gripsholm Castle, before venturing on to Stockholm. The evening is your own to enjoy at leisure.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Clarion’ in Stockholm (4 star)



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Day 16 - Friday 21st August 2020 STOCKHOLM (B,D)After breakfast we will embark on our full day guided sightseeing tour around Stockholm. Our city tour will include entrance to City Hall & the Vasa Museum. We will also get the opportunity to see the city and the incredible Stockholm Archipelago from the Globe Sky View- this is a glass gondola ride along the outside of the Ericsson Globe; the world’s largest spherical building.This evening the group will meet up and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Clarion’ in Stockholm (4 star)

Day 17 - Saturday 22nd August 2020 STOCKHOLM DEPARTURE (B)Our Scandinavian journey comes to an end today with a group transfer to Stockholm Airport. Or why not stay a little longer? Two’s a Crowd has also chartered the fabulous MS AMADEUS QUEEN to cruise the European waterways from Budapest to Amsterdam. We are offering our travellers the chance to experience this magical journey with like-minded solos as their companions. The cruise follows on after this Scandinavian Summer tour; starting in Budapest on the 23rd August and finishing in Amsterdam on the 6th September, 2020.


MS Trollfjord is named after the stunning Trollfjord, situated on the Southern route between Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands. This ship was built in 2002 and combines comfort and practicality with a large dash of luxury.Ship facilities:

ABOUT THE MS TROLLFJORD

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• Restaurant• Separate á la carte dining room• Sauna• Hot tub• Shop• Fitness room

• Expedition Team• Two-storey panorama lounge• Bars• Café• Library• Wi-Fi


Modern ComfortsThe interior of the ship is fitted out extensively with Norwegian wood and stone, creating a relaxed ambience and reflecting the environment outside. There are many cabin options as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi deck on top of the ship. On board, there are original artworks by Lofoten artist Kaare Espolin Johnsen which were originally on board the old Hurtigruten ship, MS Harald Jarl.Unmatched ViewsThe stand-out feature of MS Trollfjord’s design is the spacious two storey panoramic lounge above the bow. With huge expanses of glass, guests can marvel at extraordinary views in natural light filled surrounds. This abundance of natural light is just one aspect of the ship that makes up its strong environmental profile. On Board Expedition TeamMS Trollfjord has her own on-board Expedition Team which serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside the ship, as well as out on the sun deck, make this an exciting and educational journey. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ walks and activities during the journey. Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage.

ABOUT THE MS TROLLFJORD

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POLAR INSIDE CABIN I2-Deck 4, 6 or 7- for solo useThese comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people located mid-ship have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa.The Polar Inside cabins all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Total tour cost $11,899 AUD

ARCTIC SUPERIOR CABIN P2- Deck 6 - for solo useThese standard outside cabins for up to two people on the middle decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. There is a large picture window. P2 cabins are located towards the front and rear of the ship. Total tour cost $13,555 AUD

POLAR OUTSIDE CABINN2 & O2- Deck 4 - for solo useThese standard Polar Outside cabins are mostly on the middle or lower decks. They sleep up to two people on the middle decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. There are separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. There is a large picture window. N2 cabins are located mid-ship. Total tour cost $12,837 AUDO2 cabins are located more to the fornt of the ship. Some O2 cabins are also located on Deck 6. Total tour cost $13,420 AUD


MS TROLLFJORD CABINS

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MS TROLLFJORD CABINS

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ARCTIC SUPERIOR CABIN U2- Deck 7 & 8 - for solo useRelaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic superior cabins. Situated on both the upper and middle decks, they all have bathrooms with shower/WC. The cabins also have a TV and kettle with complimentary teas and coffees. Most of the cabins have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa. A very limited number have double beds. There is a large picture window. U2 cabins can be located towards the front, mid and rear of the ship. Total tour cost $14,378 AUD


AMAZON AND INCA ADVENTURE 16 DAY SOLOS TOUR – MARCH/APRIL 2017

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NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: (Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: We are an award winning tour company exclusively dedicated to the needs of solo travellers. At Two’s a Crowd, single and solo travellers have access to fantastic itineraries at great prices without ever feeling like a third wheel to someone else’s

private getaway. Our travellers enjoy the best of both worlds: private time, personalised attention, low single supplements, as well as thecamaraderie of like-minded travellers. For your peace of mind we are ATAS accredited (No A13850).

Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable.Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Pricing correct at July 2019 and is subject to change until paid in full. • Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©2019 Travel Passion Pty Ltd | ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two’s a Crowd.

Two’s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd.Issued: 06/05/19

Tour Inclusions: § Two’s a Crowd Tour Host from Australia.

§ 16 nights accommodation in solo occupancy rooms at the hotels listed - no sharing!

§ 5 nights on board MS TROLLFJORD in solo cabin of your choice (choice dictates the price of your total tour cost)

§ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L=lunches, D=dinners).

§ Group airport transfers (arrivals and departures).

§ All sightseeing, guided tours and entrace fees as detailed in the itinerary.

§ Flight from Helsinki to Inari (economy class including taxes) when you book your international airfares with us.

§ Professional guide from start to finish - additional local English speaking guides for specialised city sightseeing tours.

§ Comprehensive Travel Insurance with CHI Travel Insurance (Underwritten by Allianz) . Additional premium may be payable if over 69 years, have an existing medical condition or wish to extend

your travel dates. Refer to the CHI PDS for more information on policy terms and conditions.

Tour Exclusions: § International airfares and taxes (we can assist).

§ Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs and phone calls.

§ Meals and drinks not specified as included in the itinerary.

§ Porterage at hotels.

§ Pre and post tour accommodation (we can assist).

§ Visa costs (if applicable).

§ Any tours listed as ‘Optional Tours’ (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes).

§ Gratuities (optional).

§ If you organise your own International airfares, then the flight from Helsinki to Inari (Day 3) is not included in the tour price - budget $500 AUD for economy class airfare, incl. taxes.

TOUR DATES: 6TH - 22ND AUGUST 2020 TOUR PRICING: From A$11,899 (Polar Inside/ Category I cabin) Category N2 (Polar outside cabin): A$12,837 Category O2 (Polar outside cabin): A$13,420 Category P2 (Arctic Superior cabin): A$13,555 Category U2 (Arctic Superior cabin): A$14,378

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17 DAY SOLOS TOUR: 6TH - 22ND AUGUST 2020

SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER

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SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER - Two's A Crowd · the Scandinavian natural landscape, not to mention ... opportunities to enjoy another incredible natural phenomena- the Midnight Sun! Other