winter brochure 2014 and 2015

TABER HOLIDAYS

NORWAY SWEDEN ICELAND

EST. 1973 CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS

Winter 2014/2015

Scandinavia and the Nordic countries

2 Talk to our specialists: 01274 875199

Welcome Why choose us? I have been travelling in Norway since I was a child and when I'm there I really do feel at home. I'm not, of course, but I feel comfortable, secure, welcome and happy and these are all the things I feel when I'm at home so that's close enough. We have much in common with the Scandinavian and Nordic people and I think this is one of the reasons why we feel so calm and relaxed when travelling to their countries – we are within our comfort zone. And when you're within your comfort zone you also tend to be happy to try something just outside it…….! Over the years we've helped clients achieve all sorts of experiences across Scandinavia. For some it starts out as "We'd like to do a little bit of walking" and for others it’s "We want to climb to the top of Pulpit Rock", the important thing is that we understand people often have very different aims and ambitions and like to enjoy doing things at their own pace. We never assume any of our clients, whatever their age or interest, will be entirely predictable with their choice of holidays and activities. In fact, we have learnt to be surprised by very little nowadays; we’ve had a 12 year old budding astronomer out searching for the Northern Lights with camera and tripod and an 80 year old lady mushing her own dog team across the Arctic tundra! In addition to nature and sightseeing requests we now have a demand for more adventurous experiences and activities. With this in mind we have created a selection of winter holidays combining comfort and a touch of indulgence with exciting outdoor Arctic activities. These holidays provide adventure, exhilaration and, best of all, memories which help you to relive those moments. Browsing through the pages of this brochure you will discover places you perhaps never thought about travelling to and activities you never thought about doing, but go on, surprise yourself.

Suzel Taber-Shaw

Managing Director

Front Cover photo: © Terje Rakke/Visit Norway, these pages: © Staffan Widstrand/imagebank.sweden.se

Why choose us? High quality service – We are a family owned business and take pride in making you feel as comfortable as possible. We have the attitude that no question is too big or too small, and we focus on delivering exactly what you want with the trust and commitment that comes naturally to us. Recognition – During 2009 our managing director, Suzel, was awarded Norway Travel Ambassador of the Year by Innovation Norway. The intention of the award is to honour those individuals among tour operators whose exceptional personal enthusiasm, drive, and love of Norway sets them apart from many other operators who also promote Norwegian products. Experience – Taber Holidays started life in 1973 when Roy Taber, Suzel’s father, had a dream of selling holidays to Norway after his first visit developed into a life-long love affair with the country. Since then Taber Holidays has grown to compass all the Scandinavian and Nordic countries and is now the longest serving tour operator to Scandinavia. Aftercare – Travelling with us doesn't just end when your holiday finishes. Your feedback is very important to us, and we value all comments to ensure our products are constantly the best they can possibly be. In fact, the favourite part of our job is when we receive emails from clients who want to share their holiday experience with us, through stories and photos – we love knowing you’ve had a great time! Interest-packed itineraries – Our holidays are meticulously designed so that you really get the chance to see, hear, smell, taste and touch the place you are visiting. Scandinavia is an extraordinary region with many extraordinary ways to experience it: our holidays are aimed at giving them to you. Financial Security – You have peace of mind knowing that your holiday arrangements are financially protected. We provide full protection for our flight inclusive package holidays by way of our Air Travel Organiser's Licence, number 1228. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), membership number V2005, with whom we provide full financial protection for our non-flight inclusive packages by way of a bond held by them.

For more information visit www.taberhols.co.uk 3

Contents


Meet the People - Taber Holidays 6 Map 7 NORWAY Northern Lights Lodge and Husky Safari 8 Aurora Lavvu and 2-day Husky Safari 10 Tromsø and Lofoten Aurora hunt 12 Tromsø & the Russian Borderlands 14 Land of the Northern Lights 16 Tromsø Whale Safari and Northern Lights 18 SWEDEN Family Adventures in Swedish Lapland 20 Sweden's ICEHOTEL 22 The Treehotel and the ICEHOTEL 24 Lapland Indulgence 26 ICELAND Northern Lights, Volcanoes and Glacial Lagoons 28 Northern Lights Exploration 30 Reykjavik and the Northern Lights 32 Icelandic Cuisine and Culture 34 Southern Nights and Northern Lights 36 General Information 38 Booking Conditions 40 How to Book, Flight and Airline information 43 Booking Form 44

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Three words: Sleeping. On. Ice.

Spectacular Whale safari in the Arctic capital

Our winter Highlights

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Enjoy gazing at the Northern lights from your very own cosy winter lodge

Exhilarating Lapland adventures designed for the whole family

A few things can compare to being face to face with one of the world’s most beautiful and largest glacial lagoons

Would you dare kiss a king crab on your safari?

Stay in two of the world’s most unique hotel accommodations, the

Treehotel and the ICEHOTEL



Suzel Taber-Shaw

Suzel is the MD and has worked for the company, in one way or another, pretty much all her life. She loves all the Nordic countries but it is fair to say that her first love must be Norway as this is where it all began when she was just 8 years old. In 2009 Suzel was awarded Norway Ambassador of the Year by Innovation Norway, an award she is extremely proud of. Suzel loves dogs (though it's a wolf in the photo above) and does much of her 'managerial thinking' whilst walking and talking to hers!

Email: [email protected]

Jo Chapman Jo has worked at Taber Holidays for over 20 years and has incredible knowledge of public transport timetables and motoring routes. She is responsible for reservations, travel itineraries and travel tickets and also ensures our IT booking system behaves itself and does as it's told! Suzel and Jo meet each day to discuss new systems and products whilst walking their dogs and in her spare time Jo is studying for her degree in Business Studies and Spanish!


Terry Shaw Terry has worked at Taber Holidays for over 23 years and, although his knowledge of Norway, Sweden and Finland is excellent, his chief speciality is Iceland, a country he absolutely loves! There is nothing Terry likes better than a juicy tailor-made itinerary for Iceland and his obvious enthusiasm for all things Icelandic is infectious! Terry handles reservations to all destinations and is a key contributor to the development of our Iceland tour programme - there isn't an inch of it he doesn't know!


Susan Gjerde Susan has worked and lived in Norway for many

years and is perhaps Norway’s finest Ambassador of Tourism; she has worked with Taber Holidays for over 30 years! She lives in Bergen where she checks all our public transport itineraries and often meets up with clients at their hotels advising them of things to see and do, recommending restaurants and generally ensuring they make the most of their time.

E-mail: [email protected]

Margaret Scowen

Margaret has been successfully running Specialised Tours for over 30 years, and in 2013 Taber Holidays and Specialised Tours merged operations. Margaret wanted more time to concentrate on product research and development and on tailor made itineraries and her exceptional knowledge of Scandinavia made her the perfect person to do this. Suzel is very happy about having Margaret on board - they have been colleagues and friends for over 25 years and are a formidable team!

Email:

[email protected]

Shing Lin Yoong A degree in creative writing and literature made Shing the perfect choice for researching and writing the content for our brochures and website. She also takes care of all the new 'stuff' such as blogging, Twittering and Facebooking! Shing loves to travel, and does so in abundance. She is a culture vulture, always heading to where the museums are; her aim is to rebuff the notion that museums are boring! Her camera is always poised and there is little she won't do for the perfect shot…. just ask Suzel.


Clara Patrick Clara is the newest member of our team and handles much of our day-to-day general admin; this makes her not only our newest member of staff but also our most popular! Clara studied music at university and is a keen enthusiast and promoter of Scandinavian arts. Trips to Copenhagen, Malmö, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Reykjavik and Oslo (this year alone!) have kept her topped up with inspiration and have proved invaluable when liaising with clients by telephone and email regarding their holiday enquiries.


Meet the people Taber Holidays

A company is only as good as the people

it employs…

Scattered throughout our website you will find more 'Meet the People' profiles for the quality suppliers we work with. Why not take a look?

Whatever you want, we can do it. Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights in Norway, husky sledding in Lapland or taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, we can bring together all your ideas, as well as making many helpful suggestions along the way. Whilst our tour programmes offer a large selection of tours, we appreciate that you may have ideas of your own and that is why our tailor-made service is perfect for you. Through our love for travel and expertise of Scandinavia, Taber Holidays are here to help you create the holiday of a lifetime. Collectively we have a wealth of experience and knowledge of Scandinavia and know it inside out!

Tried and Tested

Over the years our tailor-made service has provided a huge variety of alternatives, most often to centres not featured in our programme. And because our team knows Scandinavia like no one else, it means we have tried and tested most things and places, so all itineraries are effectively tried and tested beforehand! We also make suggestions that are practical and achieve your objective – whether you’re seeking culture, scenery or adventure we can make sure you get it - a lot of it! We are 100% positive that you'll have your ideal holiday because we would never suggest anywhere we haven’t been and seen for ourselves. To plan a tailor-made holiday takes a lot of time and effort, but for a non-refundable deposit of £30 we are able to make a holiday that adheres perfectly to your needs. If you love the itinerary and decide to go ahead, the £30 will be credited towards the final balance of your holiday. We make our itineraries as comprehensive as possible - so you just provide us with the sketch and we’ll fill in the colour.

For further details and/or to discuss your requirements please telephone on 01274 875199

or email [email protected]

Our Tailor-made service


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Northern Lights Lodge

& Husky Safari

A true winter wonderland, picture postcard holiday if ever there was one! This lovely little lodge nestles alongside the

banks of the frozen Alta River with a backdrop of Arctic forest and snow-capped mountain. Your closest neighbours live

at the nearby Northern Lights Husky kennel and are eagerly awaiting your arrival, tails already wagging!

Did you know the first ever Northern Lights observatory was built in Alta by scientist, Kristian Birkeland, in 1899? This little

known fact is just one more reason why Alta is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. And to

maximise your chances of seeing them we have carefully put together this 4-night holiday combining the essential

ingredients to ensure the ideal Northern Lights holiday: you'll be away from all light pollution to make spotting the Lights

easier and spend an evening of Aurora hunting with a local guide and expert Aurora hunter.

If this holiday wasn't exciting enough, you will also embark on a full day's husky safari, have the opportunity to sleep inside

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, explore the wilderness on snowshoes before trying a spot of ice-fishing and enjoy delicious,

expertly cooked dinners each evening whilst recounting the day's activities.

Imagine what it's like to go husky sledding, then curl up inside a cosy lodge with a view of the

Arctic woodland on one side, and the frozen Alta River on the other...


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Alternative departure airports available, please ask for schedules and prices

Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Arrival in Norwegian Lapland

Met on arrival at the airport for your transfer by Northern Lights Husky to their lodge in the mountain, overlooking the Alta River. Relaxing evening at the lodge, getting to know other guests before dinner. (Due to the late arrival time in January, dinner is not included for the first night and guests may prefer to go straight to bed unless the Northern Lights are dancing…..).

4 nights ALTA - Northern Lights Lodge

Day 2 - Dog sledding safari

Receive a briefing and instructions about how to harness your dogs and drive a dog sled. When your dog team is ready you pull up the snow hook and you're off, into the forest, and up into the mountains. Dinner is served at 1700 back in the lodge! In the evening you will set out by mini-bus to find clear skies with good views for watching and taking photos of the Northern Lights. The trip may take you along the coast, fjords or to inland Finnmark. Your guide will provide professional assistance to adjust the settings on your camera to enable you to capture the Aurora the best way possible so remember to bring your camera, preferably an SLR, and (if you have one) a tripod to enhance the quality of your photos. Your guide will also be taking photos during the evening and these will be supplied to you so don't worry if yours don’t come out as well!. Return to the lodge anytime between 2330 and 0100 depending on how far you have travelled!!

Day 3 - Arctic Adventures!

Morning and afternoon spent ice-fishing and snow-shoeing into Alta's forests. During the trip you will eat lunch prepared over an open fire. If you are lucky you will experience the animal life and eat fresh, self-caught Arctic char for lunch. At approximately 1700 you will be transferred to Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel for a guided tour of Northern Norway’s first ice hotel and its beautiful public rooms with ice sculptures, an ice-bar and an ice-chapel. Dinner is then served in Restaurant Laksestua, the beautiful wooden building shaped like a Sami lavvo (tent) with a huge open fireplace at its centre. Johnny Trasti is the Head Chef, and his achievements were recognised in 2009 when he won Norway's coveted Chef of the Year award. Return to the lodge after dinner (unless spending the night in the hotel).

Day 4 - Free day

You may decide to have a free day to relax, catch up on your reading, Facebook (don't forget to tell everyone what a wonderful time you're having!), sleep… however, if you still want to experience more, why not include an optional snowmobile safari from Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in your holiday? (ask a member of our team for more information). Dinner and final overnight at the lodge.

Day 5 - Bid farewell to Arctic Lapland

Breakfast at the lodge before transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Facts Departure Days: Thursday & Monday Dates: 8 Jan – 30 Mar 2015 Duration: 4 nights Prices: £1795 per person (8 - 22 Jan), no single supplement. £1895 per person (26 Jan - 30 Mar), no single supplement (based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin room) Price includes: Scheduled return flights with SAS from

Heathrow to Alta (via Oslo) including taxes. Return transfer from the airport to the

Northern Lights Lodge. 4 nights at the Northern Lights Lodge

based on two people sharing a twin bedroom with private shower and WC. Breakfast included each morning, dinner included for three evenings (2 evenings for January departures).

Full day husky dog safari with Northern Lights Husky including camp-fire lunch.

Evening of Hunting the Northern Lights with Glød including hot drinks and snacks.

Half-day snowshoe and ice-fishing excursion with Glød including lunch.

Evening excursion to visit the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel including dinner in Laksestua Restaurant including transfers.

Optional Excursions/Activities Overnight stay at the Igloo Hotel, price £140 per person (when exchanging one night at Northern Lights Lodge), £230 per person when adding an extra night to your overall stay. Snowmobile Safari from Igloo Hotel, price £142 per person (2 people per snowmobile), £163 per person for solo driver.

Trine Lyrek (pictured left) is one of the owners of Northern Lights Lodge and Northern Lights Husky, but she has another claim to fame which we find, dare was say, even more exciting. Trine is something of a dog-sledding celebrity in Norway having competed in Europe’s longest dog sledding race, Finnmarkslopet (1000 kms) and Iditarod (Alaska), the world’s longest (1900 kms). What an achievement!


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Aurora Lavvus & 2-Day Husky Safari

This holiday is all about adventure! Sleep in your very own Aurora Lavvu on a husky ranch and hopefully your lavvu's transparent wall, over your bedhead, will enable you to watch the Northern Lights dance in the sky whilst slowly drifting off to sleep. Then, from hush to mush! Drive your own team of 4-6 exuberant husky dogs for a guided adventure that explores the breath-taking beauty of this area, a section of the great Finnmarksvidda National Park. Spend the night in a secluded mountain lodge with nature all around you and, just for a moment, imagine what it must have been like for those ancient Sami reindeer herders who braved the elements for weeks on end, sleeping in tents and with no contact with the outside world. Then back to civilisation, normality and familiar comforts with a final night in Alta before returning home. Alternatively you could always spend the night in an Igloo.......!

From hush to mush! An exhilarating adventure holiday featuring Aurora lavvus and an overnight

dog sledding safari.

10 Talk to our specialists: 01274 875199 Alternative departure airports available, please ask for schedules and prices

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Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Arrive Norwegian Lapland

Pick up from the airport and transferred to Holmen Husky Ranch. Check-in to your Aurora Lavvu. A delicious dinner is cooked in the open kitchen of the main building and served in the dining area. After dinner you may enjoy the sauna and hot tub and hopefully have a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 1 night HOLMEN – Aurora Lavvu at Holmen Husky Ranch

Day 2 - Meet the huskies and let the journey

begin! An early breakfast is served in the main building before you will be given your winter thermals, meet your dogs and enjoy learning about how to drive your own dog sled. Each participant will have a team of 4-6 dogs. The journey to the mountain cabin is a distance of approximately 30 kms with an outdoor lunch served half way. Dinner is served at the mountain lodge with the remainder of the evening spent relaxing, though we think you’ll be in bed sooner than you imagine... 1 night Mountain Lodge

Day 3 - Journey back to the Husky Ranch

First of all you need to help take care of your dog team, feeding them breakfast. After breakfast you will begin your return journey to Holmen and the husky ranch. A different route may be chosen and lunch will be served

outdoors again, half way. On arrival at the husky ranch you ensure the dogs are fed and settled for the night before relaxing in the sauna and hot tub, eating another delicious dinner before retiring to your Aurora Lavvu for the night. 1 night HOLMEN – Aurora Lavvu, Holmen Husky Ranch

Day 4 - Explore Alta & visit the Igloo Hotel

Breakfast is served in the main building followed by your transfer to Alta and downtown hotel for your final night. The day is free to explore Alta, we suggest visiting the newly built Northern Lights Cathedral, considered one of the most dramatic examples of contemporary architecture in Northern Norway, and a visit to the Alta Museum is a good place to start if you're keen to know more about the interesting history of Alta. Your evening is free to enjoy a leisurely dinner in Alta. Alternatively why not try one of our optional Excursions which include Northern Lights hunting, visiting the Igloo Hotel for dinner or how about adding an extra night to your holiday and stopping over in your very own igloo room? 1 night ALTA - Rica Alta Hotel

Day 5 - Bid farewell to Norwegian Lapland

Early morning transfer to Alta Airport for your return flight to the UK .

Facts Departure Day: Friday Departure Dates: 23 Jan - mid Apr 2015 Duration: 4 nights (2 x Aurora Lavvu, 1 x Mountain Lodge, 1 x Rica Alta Hotel) Price: £1835 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double room) , single supplement £60. Price includes: Scheduled return flight with SAS in

SAS Go class from Heathrow to Alta (via Oslo) including taxes.

Transfer from Alta Airport to Holmen Husky.

2 nights in an Aurora Lavvu tent including wood for the stove fire, use of the sauna and hot tub and dinner and breakfast.

2-day guided husky safari with each participant handling their own team of 4-6 dogs. Outdoor lunch is included for both days.

1 night in a mountain lodge based on a double room with shared shower and WC in the corridor including dinner and breakfast.

Transfer from Holmen Husky to Rica Alta Hotel.

1 night at the Rica Alta Hotel based on a double/twin room with shower and WC including breakfast.

Optional Excursions/Activities Hunting the Northern Lights with

Glød, price £153 per person. Visit and dinner at the Igloo Hotel,

£110 per person.

For extra excursions/activities and more information visit www.tablerhols.co.uk 11

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Tromsø & Lofoten Aurora Hunt

For many years Tromsø has been associated with Arctic

exploration. It was here that Roald Amundsen, Umberto Nobile

and Fridtjof Nansen learned about Arctic conditions and recruited

crew for their expeditions. But it is Tromsø's association with the

Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights which tends to have solidified

its place on the map for many travellers. Few places are now more

associated with the Northern Lights for travellers and scientists

alike.

A leisurely overnight journey by Hurtigruten ship carries you via

the Vesterålen Islands to the Lofoten Islands, commonly

recognised as one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos.

Their dramatic and hopelessly romantic landscape has enchanted

travellers for many years and is the perfect location to absorb the

very special atmosphere of the islands' vital fishing industry, their

magical panoramic views and a further opportunity to see the

Northern Lights dance.

This Northern Lights holiday features two of our favourite places; Tromsø, the gateway and 'capital' of the Arctic and

the Lofoten Islands, a mystical Arctic archipelago of outstanding beauty.


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Itinerary: 6 nights Day 1 - Arrive in Tromsø

Fly from the UK to Tromsø. Take the airport bus directly to your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon and evening is free. For those who would like a really special welcome to the Arctic we recommend the 5-course Arctic gourmet dinner at Emma's Drømmekjokken– out of this world (price £86 per person). 2 nights Tromsø - Rica Ishavshotel

Day 2 - Sightseeing and Northern Lights

Searching You then have the option to either spend the day exploring Tromsø city and its attractions or join one of our morning optional excursions: Whale Safari (Nov – Jan) or Dog sledding (Jan – Mar) and explore the city during the afternoon. At 18:30 you will depart with Tromsø Safari from the Radisson BLU Hotel for your included Northern Lights hunting excursion. For this trip four base stations are set up at different locations and every evening one of these is chosen as the best vantage point to watch the Aurora, depending on the latest weather conditions. If it is cloudy at one or all of the base stations then the tour will leave the stations and chase for clear skies. This tour offers a good chance of seeing the lights and a greater degree of comfort than some of the more 'relentless' chases; there are lavvo tents with open fires to keep you warm and a portable toilet if the wait is long! The trip includes transportation from your hotel, a qualified guide, hot chocolate/coffee/ tea and cake.

Day 3 - Exploring Tromsø

Another day to explore Tromsø. Although you will have checked out of the hotel you can leave your luggage at the hotel until departure on board Hurtigruten. We have a rather nice suggestion for those who would like to try a different 'dinner experience'! Why not take the Northern Lights Dinner Cruise with Sørøya Havfiske Cruise departing at 2000 and returning at 2300. The Hurtigruten ship arrives into Tromsø at 2345 in the evening and you are free to board from this time. We have reserved an outside 2-berth cabin with shower and WC for your journey southwards to the Lofoten Islands and the delicious Norwegian buffet breakfast is included. The ship departs from Tromsø at 0130. Overnight Hurtigruten

Day 4 - Sail on Hurtigruten

Enjoy the stunning views of sheltered bays and glorious mountain landscapes wrapped in the cloak of a polar winter. The ship calls at Stokmarknes on the Vesterålen Islands – home to the Hurtigruten Museum, before continuing through the Raftsund, a picturesque and narrow channel between the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands. As a tribute to the fishing history in Lofoten, Hurtigruten's chef provides a demonstration of how to fillet the catch of the day on deck. The ship arrives in Svolvær harbour at 1830 in the evening and you will be met on arrival by your hosts from Svinøya Rorbuer. As a welcome to the Lofoten Islands we have included dinner at Børsen Spiseri, Svinøya's wonderful atmospheric restaurant, for your first nights. 3 nights SVOLVÆR - Svinøya Rorbuer. Day 5 - Introduction to the Lofoten Islands

At 1000 embark on a memorable photo excursion by minibus introducing you to the Lofoten Islands. Your local guide will help you to explore the dramatic coastline, historical fishing villages and white sand beaches, surrounded by rugged mountains. There will be several photo stops along the way and lunch of Bacalao (a traditional fish casserole with tomatoes, onion and potatoes) will be served with bread at Præstengbrygga in the fishing village of Kabelvåg. The mini-bus returns to Svinøya at 1400 giving you the remainder of the afternoon to relax and enjoy local food. At 2000 you will depart on your Northern Lights Hunt with your local guide. The tour travels by mini-bus to an area with the best chances to see the lights during this particular night - away from artificial light pollution. Photo instructions will be provided and you will receive warm drinks during the trip.

Day 6 - Optional Excursions

Today we have two optional excursions to tempt you: a Lofoten Nature Safari by boat (£120 per person) or a Sea Eagle Safari by RIB boat (rigid inflatable boat) (£73 per person). In the evening you have another included hunt for the Aurora Borealis!

Day 7 - Say goodbye

Relaxing morning in Svolvær before your transfer to Svolvær Airport for return flights to the UK.

Facts Departure Days: Monday or Friday Dates: 26 Sept 2014 – 24 Mar 2015 Duration: 6 nights (2 in Tromsø, 1 on board Hurtigruten, 3 in Svolvær) Prices: £1750 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room), single supplement £384

Price includes: Scheduled flights with SAS in SAS Go class

from Heathrow to Tromsø (via Oslo) and from Bodø to Heathrow (via Oslo)

including taxes. Domestic flight with Widerøe from

Svolvær to Bodø including taxes. Airport bus transfer in Tromsø.

2 nights at the Rica Ishavshotell in a harbour view room with shower and WC including buffet breakfast.

Aurora Safari to Basestations excursion in

Tromsø. Overnight Hurtigruten journey from

Tromsø to Svolvær based on an outside cabin with shower and WC including buffet breakfast.

Transfer from the quay in Svolvær to Svinøya Rorbuer.

3-course dinner at Børsen Spiseri (Svinøya's restaurant) on your night of

arrival. 3 nights at Svinøya Rorbuer in a rorbu for

two people with living area, bedroom (twin beds), shower and WC and

kitchenette. Buffet breakfast or breakfast packet at/from Børsen Spiseri.

2 x Northern Lights Hunt excursions. Lofoten Panorama, half-day excursion

including lunch.

Transfer from Svinøya Rorbuer to Svolvær Airport.

Optional Extras

Whale Safari (Tromsø), price £126 per person including light lunch.

Dog Sledding (Tromsø), Price: £167 per person (till 21 Jan), £177 per person (22

Jan – 20 Mar), £156 per person (21 Mar – 30 Apr).

For extra excursions/activities and more information visit www.taberhols.co.uk 13

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Tromsø & the Russian Borderlands

Two exciting and contrasting destinations perfect for your special encounter with the Northern Lights,

huskies and king crabs!

Tromsø is Northern Norway's largest city with long traditions as a departure point for polar expeditions. Set on an island,

well within the Arctic Circle, the city offers spectacular views of the Arctic Ocean and is a popular destination for those

seeking an exciting winter city break combined with wilderness based activities.

By contrast, it is fair to say that Kirkenes is not the prettiest town you will ever visit, but there is an historical and

geographical explanation for this. Kirkenes is as far north-east in Norway as you can get and sits alongside the border with

Russia. During World War II the mining town and ice-free port suffered endless bombing attacks, more than any other

place in Europe after Malta, and what was left was burned by the German army as they left - only 13 houses survived. There

are strong cross-border cultural, educational and business relations between the Russians and the Norwegians and local

residents in both countries have relaxed visa restrictions in order that they may visit one another.

Today Kirkenes is almost entirely modern with rows of houses spread out alongside the Bøkfjord, an arm of the Barents

Sea, and is the last stop for Hurtigruten ships before they turn and begin their long journey southwards.


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Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Arrive in Tromsø

Fly from UK to Tromsø. Take the airport bus directly to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free. For those who would like a really special welcome to the Arctic we recommend the 5-course Arctic gourmet dinner at Emma's Drømmekjokken – out of this world! 2 nights TROMSØ - Rica Ishavshotel

Day 2 - Free day and evening Aurora hunting

You have the option to either spend the day exploring Tromsø and its attractions or join one of our morning optional excursions: Whale Safari with Tromsø Safari (Nov – Jan) or Dog sledding with Tromsø Villmarkssenter (Jan – Mar) and explore the city during the afternoon. In the evening you will depart for your Northern Lights hunting excursion. For this trip four base stations are set up at different locations and every evening one of these is chosen as the best vantage point to watch the Aurora, depending on the latest weather conditions. If it is cloudy at one or all of the base stations then the tour will leave the stations and chase for clear skies. This tour offers a good chance of seeing the lights and a greater degree of comfort than some of the more 'relentless' chases; there are lavvo tents with open fires to keep you warm and a portable toilet if the wait is long! The trip includes transportation from your hotel, a qualified guide, drink and cake.

Day 3 - Husky encounter and gourmet food

Transfer to Tromsø Airport for your flight to Kirkenes. Met on arrival at the airport for your transfer to Sollia Gjestegård at Storskog, beautifully situated overlooking the frozen lake, the middle of which marks the border between Norway and Russia. On arrival you will check-in to your apartment room before being served a delicious lunch. Following lunch you will walk the short distance to Sollia's Alaskan Husky kennels where the dogs are waiting eagerly to greet you! There will be two people per dog sled, one as musher and the other as passenger with the opportunity to swap around. The safari lasts for approximately 1½ hours before returning to Sollia. Time to relax before transferring to Gapahuken Restaurant with the most beautiful and unique location. The restaurant overlooks the frozen lake, literally split down the middle by the border with Russia. It is situated on the

Norwegian side, just metres from the mid-lake border and provides panoramic views of both. The restaurant has a veranda which is a popular spot for viewing the Northern Lights; people have even been known to leave their dinner waiting on the table, much to chef's frustration. 1 night STORSKOG - Sollia Gjestegård

Day 4 - Snowmobiling, king crabs and dinner

at Snowhotel Buffet breakfast is served in the main building before transfer to Kirkenes. Kirkenes is not the prettiest town you will ever visit but there is an historical and geographical explanation for this. Kirkenes is as far north-east in Norway as you can get and sits alongside the border with Russia. During World War II the mining town and ice-free port suffered endless bombing attacks, more than any other place in Europe after Malta, and what was left was burned by the German army as they left - only 13 houses survived. The town was liberated by the Russians in 1944 and strong cross-border relations remain with cultural, educational and business relations developing. At 1300 you will be picked up at your hotel and brought to the crab pots which pepper Kirkenes' quayside. Then you will be transferred to the snowmobile basecamp and from here set out by snowmobile for your guided tour on the frozen Langfjord towards the Siberian Taiga forest in Pasvik. Two people per snowmobile (sole driving available at a supplement of £35 pp). After the trip you return to a heated lavvo for your King Crab Feast served with a glass of white wine. Return to the hotel around 1700. At 1800 explore the wonderful Snowhotel with its numerous ice sculptures, unique bedrooms all with different wall carvings and say hello to the reindeer and huskies. Dinner is served in Gabba Restaurant, a unique building with glorious views, and begins with a smoked reindeer bratwurst followed by grilled salmon, finishing off with ice-cream and warm forest berries. Return to your hotel around 2130 or alternatively why not spend the night in your very own snow room. 1 night KIRKENES - Thon Hotel Kirkenes

Day 5 - Say goodbye to Norwegian Lapland

Transfer by airport bus to Kirkenes Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Facts Departure Days: Tuesday and Friday Departure Dates: 6 Jan - 27 Mar 2015 Duration: 4 nights (2 in Tromsø, 1 in Storskog and 1 in Kirkenes) Price per person: £1878 (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room), single supplement £217

Price includes: Scheduled flights with SAS in SAS

Go class from Heathrow to Tromsø (via Oslo) and from Kirkenes to Heathrow (via Oslo) including taxes.

Scheduled flight with Widerøe in Economy class from Tromsø to Kirkenes including taxes.

Return airport bus transfer in Tromsø.

2 nights at the Rica Ishavshotell in Tromsø based on harbour view room including breakfast.

Aurora Safari to Base Stations on Day 2.

Transfer from Kirkenes Airport to Sollia Gjestegård.

Lunch on Sollia Gjestegård on arrival.

Dog sledding trip with Sollia based on two people sharing a dog sled.

3-course dinner at Gapahuken Restaurant.

1 night at Sollia Gjestegård based on an apartment room with kitchenette, living room and bathroom.

Transfer to the Thon Hotel Kirkenes from Sollia Gjestegård.

Snowmobile King Crab Safari including late King Crab lunch. 2 people per snowmobile.

Dinner and guided tour at the Snowhotel including transfers.

1 night at the Thon Hotel Kirkenes based on harbour view room including breakfast.

Airport bus transfer in Kirkenes. Optional Extras Whale Safari (Tromsø), price £126

per person including light lunch. Dog Sledding (Tromsø), Price:

£167 per person (till 21 Jan), £177 per person (22 Jan – 20 Mar), £156 per person (21 Mar – 30 Apr).


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Land of the

Northern Lights

Now you too can follow in her footsteps for this truly momentous holiday. Your journey

begins in Trondheim, Norway's former ancient capital, before journeying by rail across the

Arctic Circle to the little port of Bodø. A short flight takes you across the great Vestfjord to

the magical Lofoten Islands. In our humble opinion there are few more beautiful places on

earth than these mystical islands. During your stay we have included a half-day sightseeing

trip highlighting the beautiful scenery of the islands and an evening of aurora hunting to

increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Your journey then continues with an overnight mini-cruise on-board Hurtigruten to Tromsø,

the great Arctic capital, where you spend the final two nights of your adventure.

The Northern Lights have been at the top of everyone's ‘wish-list' ever since the BBC

featured Joanna Lumley's hunt for them in ‘ 'The Land of the Northern Lights'


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Itinerary: 8 nights Day 1 - Welcome to Norway

Fly from the UK to Trondheim (via Oslo) and transfer to the city centre. The evening is at leisure to stroll along the riverside and try one of Trondheim's wonderful restaurants. 2 nights TRONDHEIM - Rica Bakklandet Hotel

Day 2 - Explore Trondheim

Trondheim is the former ancient capital city of Norway and home to the beautiful gothic Nidaros Cathedral. The city creates a sense of travelling through an architectural landscape of Eastern Europe but turn the corner and you are greeted with pastels of coloured houses, cobbled streets and quaint cafes to rival a traditionally English town. The city's unique array of contrasts make Trondheim a fascinating city to explore; enjoy its cosy cafe culture, its numerous quality restaurants and museums.

Day 3 - Rail journey across the Arctic Circle

It's an early morning start northwards by rail passing Stiklestad, famous for its viking heritage, travelling alongside narrow fjords, rivers and wild mountain scenery. The train arrives into Bodø during the early evening. It is a short distance from the train station to your hotel. Your hotel includes a free light evening meal, however, if you prefer to dine out the hotel we will be able to help you with suggestions. 1 night BODØ - Clarion Collection Hotel Grand

Day 4 - From Bodø to the Lofoten Islands

Morning at leisure in Bodø - noted for its white-tailed sea-eagles, and Aviation Museum. A half-hour flight in the afternoon takes you from Bodø to Svolvær where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your authentic fisherman's rorbu. Time to settle in and perhaps enjoy dinner at Børsen Spiseri before your included evening excursion. At 2000 you will depart on a Northern Lights Hunt with your local guide. The tour travels by mini-bus to an area with the best chances to see the lights during this particular night - away from artificial light pollution. Photo instructions will be provided and you will receive warm drinks during the trip. Return to Svinøya around midnight. 2 nights SVOLVÆR - Svinøya Rorbuer

Day 5 - Explore Svolvær

At 1000 after breakfast you will be picked up for a memorable photo excursion by minibus introducing you to the Lofoten Islands. Your local guide will help you to explore the dramatic coastline, historical fishing villages and white sand beaches, surrounded by rugged mountains. There will be several photo stops along the way and lunch of Bacalao (a traditional fish casserole with tomatoes, onion and potatoes) will be served with bread at Præstengbrygga in the fishing village of Kabelvåg. A lovely introduction to the islands and their inhabitants. The mini-bus returns to Svinøya at 1400 giving you the remainder of the afternoon to relax in your rorbu or take a walk around the centre of Svolvær. During the

evening you are free to choose your own dining experience, your rorbu has a kitchenette in case you would like to prepare your own evening meal from local produce, alternatively Børsen Spiseri is open and there is a small selection of restaurants (mostly based around the hotels) in Svolvær. Those of you who would like another opportunity to hunt for the Northern Lights may do so by adding an extra evening's excursion, price £90 per person.

Day 6 - Explore the Lofoten Islands

Day free to relax or explore independently or join an optional excursion from Svolvær. We recommend you have dinner in Svolvær prior to boarding Hurtigruten for your overnight sailing as the ship arrives into Svolvær at 2100 and departs at 2200. 1 night Hurtigruten (Coastal Voyage)

Day 7 - Arrive Tromsø

During the early hours the ship calls at Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risøyhamn, all on the Vesterålen Islands before arriving in Harstad in time for breakfast. One last stop at Finnsnes, mid-morning, before arriving in Tromsø at 1430 in the afternoon. The ship has a restaurant and cafeteria on board should you choose to have lunch on the ship prior to arrival. Your hotel is situated literally a minute's walk across the quayside from where the ship docks. 2 nights Tromsø - Rica Ishavshotel

Day 8 - Explore Tromsø

Breakfast at the hotel. You then have the option to either spend the day exploring Tromsø and its attractions or join one of our morning optional excursions: Whale safari (Nov – Jan), or dog sledding (Jan – Mar) and explore the city during the afternoon.

Day 9 - Farewell to Norway

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Facts Departure Day: Tuesday Departure Dates: 1 Oct 2014 - 31 Mar 2015 Duration: 8 nights Prices: £1795 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room), single supplement £345 (includes solo rorbu and single cabin on ship) Price includes: Scheduled flights in SAS Go class from

Heathrow Airport to Trondheim (via Oslo) and from Tromsø Airport to Heathrow (via Oslo) including taxes.

Airport bus from Trondheim Airport to Trondheim centre.

2 nights at the Rica Bakklandet Hotel in Trondheim including breakfast.

Rail journey from Trondheim to Bodø including reserved Komfort class seats and lunch.

1 night at the Clarion Collection Hotel Grand in Bodø including breakfast and free evening meal.

Scheduled flight with Widerøe from Bodø to Svolvær.

Transfer from Svolvær Airport to Svinøya Rorbuer.

2 nights at Svinøya Rorbuer based on a rorbu for two people with living room, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom including breakfast

Lofoten Panorama half-day guided tour including lunch.

Aurora Hunting evening including hot drink.

Transfer from Svinøya Rorbuer to the Hurtigruten Quay.

Overnight Hurtigruten journey from Svolvær to Tromsø based on an unspecified outside cabin with shower and WC including breakfast.

2 nights at the Rica Ishavshotell in a harbour view room including breakfast.

Airport bus to Tromsø Airport. Optional Extras Whale Safari (Tromsø), price £126 per

person including light lunch. Dog Sledding (Tromsø), price: £167

per person (till 21 Jan), £177 per person (22 Jan – 20 Mar), £156 per person (21 Mar – 30 Apr).

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Tromsø Whale Safari & Northern Lights

Tromsø is the largest city in the Scandinavian Arctic, and is seen as a popular and logical place to start Polar expeditions

due to its accessibility by the coastline, as well as being a mere 2,000 km from the North Pole! It gained a reputation in

the early twentieth century as being the 'Paris of the North', at the time tourists expected the people in Tromsø to wear

very primitive and plain clothing, so it came as a shock to them to see people dressed in the latest fashion from Paris.

Today, if you walk down the highstreet you will discover several very high quality clothing and design shops, as well as

small cafes and excellent restaurants.

This holiday enables time to explore the many interests of Tromsø, but the main attraction is to enjoy being at sea. On

the first night you will have a fish dinner (vegetarian option available) on a boat whilst there is a chance of seeing the

Northern Lights, and the following day, you will embark on a whale safari, so make sure you pack your camera!

An incredible 4-day Arctic adventure to Tromsø, where you will go on a Northern Lights cruise and get up

close to nature on a fabulous whale safari.


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Itinerary: 3 nights Day 1 – Northern Lights Cruise

Fly from UK. Take the airport bus directly from the airport to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore Tromsø. In the evening depart for the Northern Lights cruise. Gradually the city lights fade and you are shrouded in darkness out at sea. There is a cosy heated lounge where you can relax in between trips to the viewing deck to look for the lights. A delicious homemade fish dinner is served though vegetarian and other special diets are catered for if we know in advance. 3 nights TROMSØ – Rica Ishavshotel **** or Thon Polar Hotel **plus

Day 2 – Whale Safari

At 0900 you will be picked up from the Radisson BLU Hotel for your included whale safari excursion. The chances of seeing humpbacks and orcas are very good as they come close to the coastline to feed during the winter season and are often very curious to investigate the boat. Of course sightings cannot be guaranteed, these are whales living in their natural habitat – the wild – but the chances are very good. Other forms of wildlife such as seals and sea eagles are also regularly spotted. During the trip you will be served a meal of Arctic Tapas along with tea/coffee. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free. For those who would like a really special welcome to the Arctic we recommend the 5-course Arctic gourmet dinner at Emma's Drømmekjokken– out of this world!

Day 3 – Explore Tromsø

You have the option to either join our optional excursion Reindeer Sledding and Sami Culture or explore Tromsø city. For those who choose to spend the whole day exploring Tromsø you will not be disappointed. Tromsø is Northern Norway's largest city with long traditions as a departure point for polar expeditions. Set on an island, well within the Arctic Circle, the city is a popular destination for those seeking an exciting city stay offering a wonderful selection

of outdoor activities and excursions. Luckily much of the city's old wooden architecture is preserved, and contrasts well with the modern Arctic Cathedral, and you will find a bustling centre of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Well worth a visit is to Polaria, an arctic themed experience centre with the fascinating Ivo Caprino film ' Svalbard – Arctic Wilderness' and an arctic aquarium with bearded seals. The Polar Museum provides a fabulous insight into how polar explorers of yesterday and today really were and are amongst the most daring and adventurous men and women on the planet. Evening free to try one of Tromsø’s many, fabulous restaurants. We can certainly recommend Fiskekrogen, one of Norway’s finest fish and seafood restaurants, or Aunegården, based on North Norwegian ingredients including fish, reindeer and local berries.

Day 4 - Farewell to Arctic Norway

Morning free in Tromsø before your midday airport bus transfer to Tromsø Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Facts Departure Day: Daily Departure Dates: 2 Nov 2014 - 29 Jan 2015 Duration: 3 nights Price: (based on two people sharing a double/twin room with shower and WC). Rica Ishavshotell **** £1059 per person, single supp. £159 Thon Hotel Polar **plus £940 per person, single supp. £102 Extra nights Rica Ishavshotell £98 per person, single supplement £53 Thon Hotel Polar £62 per person, single supplement £34 Price includes: Scheduled return flights with SAS

in SAS Go class from Heathrow to Tromsø (via Oslo) including taxes.

Airport bus transfer on arrival and departure.

3 nights hotel accommodation as detailed based on a standard room at the Thon Polar Hotel or a harbour view room at the Rica Ishavshotell including buffet breakfast.

Whale safari excursion including lunch.

Northern Lights Dinner Cruise. Optional Excursions/Activities Dog sledding with

Villmarkssenter Price £167 per person (until 21

Jan), £177 per person (22 Jan - 20 Mar), £156 per person (21 Mar - 30 Apr)

5-course Gourmet Arctic Menu at Emma's Drømmekjøkken, price £86 per person, wine menu per person £60


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Family Adventures in Swedish Lapland

This holiday is perfect for families who want to spend time together enjoying the magnificent nature of Swedish Lapland

with an exciting selection of hand-picked winter activities. It caters for everyone individually and yet everyone

collectively. Adults will love the magnificent scenery, the hands-on activities such as driving their own snowmobile,

mushing their own team of huskies and building a fire in the snow in order to cook lunch. Children will just love everything,

including snowman building, snowball fighting and, most especially, reminding the adults how to get straight back up

when they fall over, how to laugh at how they look in their 'Michelin Man' winter overalls, how to leave their electronic

gadgets behind and enjoy the great outdoors and, above all, how to play nicely!

A family holiday in Swedish Lapland featuring snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice-fishing and

Northern Lights hunting. A snowbound wilderness retreat for all the family


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Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Arrive Swedish Lapland

Met on arrival and transferred to Brändon Lodge (duration approximately 1 hour). A 2-course buffet dinner is served at the lodge shortly after arrival. 4 nights BRÄNDON LODGE - Cabin accommodation

Day 2 - Nordic Winter Adventure skills

The activity starts off with a short briefing about how to dress and behave in the cold Arctic climate. After that you will change into warm clothes and snowshoes. Together with your guides you go out on a 3-hour trip into the nearby forests of Camp Brändön. Your experienced wilderness guide will lead you through an adventurous and educational excursion; you will learn how to make a fire in the snow, how to make tea and coffee over your open fire and also learn about the wildlife of the north. At lunchtime you will be taken to a wilderness Lappish-tent, where together you will make a typical outdoor lunch. Here, on the reindeer-rides, you will enjoy your meal around the fire and then relax for a while before returning to Brändön Lodge. No equipment of your own is needed. Return to Brändön Lodge for a relaxing afternoon before dinner which is served in the main building. 2-course buffet dinner in the lodge's main building during the evening.

Day 3 - Pack-Ice Snowmobile Adventure

This wonderful tour spends 4 hours on the glistening ice and islands of the Luleå archipelago on a snowmobile! Along the way the guide will tell you about the surroundings and about life in the northern wilderness. The participants are offered hot beverages and a chance to try ice-fishing. The destination of the tour is the island Brändöskär in the outermost archipelago, an idyllic fishing village dating

from the 17th century. The chapel dates from 1774 and one of the fishing-huts will be visited. Outside the island is the frozen Bothnian bay with its seemingly endless fields of pack ice and snow. Some years the blue ice of the sea piles up into formations about 10 metres high - a mighty experience! The lunch for the day is cooked over an open fire. The children will enjoy a 2-course buffet dinner followed by fun snow-activities with the guides. This leaves the adults free to enjoy a relaxing 3-course served dinner in relative peace and quiet.....bliss!

Day 4 - Husky Dog Sledding Adventure

Dogsledding is a fantastic activity and at Brändön Lodge there is a nearby Husky kennel that will take you on a fantastic adventure. You will learn how to take control of a husky team and drive them on a forest and lake trail. The experience is 2 hours long in total (including transfer and preparation for the dog sledding) and is sure to leave you with some fantastic memories. Lunch is served in the lodge's restaurant. The afternoon is free to spend time enjoying snow activities with your children. Why not see who can build the biggest snowman, have a snowball fight or race one another down the tobogganing slope? 2-course dinner buffet served in the lodge's restaurant. Afterwards embark on a snowshoe walk in the wilderness, away from light pollution hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Warm drink served during the trip.

Day 5 - Homeward Bound

Say your goodbyes during a leisurely breakfast and let the children have one last chance to play in the snow before your transfer to Luleå Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Facts Departure Days: Wednesday Departure Dates: 7 Jan - 25 Mar 2015 Duration: 4 nights Price: £1670 per adult (based on two adults travelling together with children) £799 per child aged 6 - 11 £870 per child aged 12 - 15 Price includes: Scheduled return flights with SAS

in SAS Go class from Heathrow to Luleå (via Stockholm) including taxes.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure.

4 nights at Brändön Lodge based on a cabin with two bedrooms, living room, kitchenette and shower and WC including breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout and as described (starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 5).

Thermal winter clothing for each person for the duration of the stay.

Nordic Winter Outdoor Adventures Activity.

Snowmobile Pack-Ice Activity. Husky Sledding Activity. Northern Lights Snowshoe

Activity.


Sweden's ICEHOTEL

Imagine being one of the lucky few who stay in the world famous Icehotel, located in Swedish Lapland.

Once here, you are also in the perfect location to hunt for the sensational Northern Lights

Every year the world’s largest igloo, ICEHOTEL, is built by the

side of the Torneälven river during mid November where it

stands throughout the winter until temperatures rise above

zero and it melts away back into the river.

The Icehotel is not only an hotel built of ice and snow but is, in

itself, an art project; inspired by the river and built by

experienced ice artists who create new and unique art and

design each year.

The tiny village of Jukkasjärvi (known locally as Jukkas) lies 17

kms east of Kiruna and 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in

Swedish Lapland. A wide range of outdoor activities make the

most of the great outdoors and offer a multitude of

experiences.


http://www.icehotel.com/


Fly from the UK to Kiruna. Transfer to Jukkasjärvi (duration approximately 30 minutes). Sleep in your very own ice room on a surprisingly comfortable bed, covered with reindeer skin and a cosy thermal sleeping bag to keep you warm. Make sure you take lots of photos of the ice sculptures, you’ll be amazed at how detailed they are! 1 night JUKKASJÄRVI - Ice Room at the Icehotel

Days 2 & 3 - Optional Excursions and Activities

We have deliberately left two days free for optional activities and excursions. The Icehotel offer a wide range of tours, for all ages and abilities, including snowmobiling, dog-sledding, reindeer sledding, Northern Light hunting, Sami culture. We strongly recommend you book your excursions at the same time as you book your holiday to avoid any disappointment due to lack of availability. 2 nights JUKKASJÄRVI - Kaamos Hotel Room, Icehotel

Day 4 - Homeward Bound

Leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your midday transfer to Kiruna Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Facts Departure Day: Daily Departure Dates: Mid Dec 2014 - end Mar 2015 (please note, the Icehotel is due to open 12 Dec 2014) Duration: 3 nights Prices: (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room) Departure Days:

Price includes: Scheduled return flights with SAS in SAS Go class

between Heathrow and Kiruna (via Stockholm) including taxes.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure. 1 night at the Icehotel based on an Iceroom including

warm drink, morning sauna and breakfast. 2 nights in the Kaamos Hotel Rooms including breakfast. Thermal suit, boots, hat and gloves for the duration of

your stay.

Optional Excursions Northern Lights Tour (snowmobile) Daily, 1900 - 2300, until 28 Mar, 2000 - Midnight between 29 Mar and

20 Apr. In co-operation with the Swedish Institute of Space Physics is a snowmobile excursion in search of the magical Northern Lights. Trained guides will tell you about the mythical celestial phenomenon. 3-course dinner with local ingredients served in a wilderness camp. Price: £180 per person/2 persons per snowmobile Arctic Wildlife Safari (snowmobile) Daily, 0900 - 1500 An extra long snowmobile tour that will take you into the wilderness through magnificent mountain sceneries. You learn about animals living in this area like moose, reindeer and grouse and have a chance to encounter them. A traditional wilderness lunch is also included. 45 kms of driving. Price: £255 per person/2 persons per snowmobile Sled Dog Ride in Winter Wonderland (dog sledding) Daily, 0930 - 1100 & 1300 - 1430 Take a seat in the sled, experience the howling dogs, and then the silence when the journey begins. Coffee and cake over a camp fire is included. Price: £145 per person Ráidu - Encounter with the Reindeer Daily, 1400 - 1700 Join Sámi guides to the reindeer camp for an encounter with the reindeer and Sámi culture. Short reindeer sled ride around a track. Transfer, coffee and a sandwich served in a Sámi tent included. Price: £175 per person.

Wilderness Dinner Daily, 1900 - 2300 (until 31 Mar) Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner served in a wilderness camp along the water's edge in the forest. Listen to the guide's stories about the Aurora Borealis and the wild animals of this Arctic region. Transfer, pre-dinner drink and 3-course dinner included. Price: £227 per person. Lunch excursion with Huskies Daily, 1115 - 1515 Get an insight in a musher’s exciting everyday life with this exclusive excursion into the isolated wilderness. You can choose to drive your own team of dogs, or join as a passenger and assist with unharnessing the dogs after the tour. Transfers and traditional lunch at a wilderness camp included. Drive your own sled or ride as a passenger! Price: £277 per person (as a passenger) or £365 per person (as a musher!).

Monday £1145, single supp £197

Tuesday £1192, single supp.£215

Wednesday £1221, single supp £226

Thursday £1303, single supp £247

Fri & Sat £1323, single supp £247

Sunday £1245, single supp £225


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The Treehotel & the ICEHOTEL


Stay in two of the world's most unique hotels!

Treehouses usually come hand in hand with dodgy DIY and get left behind as the descent from childhood begins. But you'll find a new range of treehouses that have been designed to let you step back into the footprints of youth and explore the DIY of world-class Scandinavian architects. Set inside undisturbed nature, you go to sleep and wake up as though you were one of the forest’s wild inhabitants. You will have the option to choose from five different designs, these include - The Bird's Nest, The Mirrocube, The Cabin, The Bluecube and The UFO. After exploring the Arctic wilderness that surrounds the Treehotel, your next adventure brings you to the famous Icehotel - the world's largest igloo. Every year it is built during mid November where it stands throughout the winter until temperatures rise above zero and it melts away back into the river. As well as being a hotel it is also regarded as an art project; inspired by the river Torneälven and built by experienced ice artists who create new and innovative art and design each year.


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Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Sweden, Gammelstad and

the Treehotel Fly from UK to Luleå. Met on arrival for your guided transfer to the magnificent Treehotel which is located at the small village of Harads. Your journey travels via Gammelstad, which is the old town of Luleå and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival in Harads you will first check-in at Britta's Pensjonat for your two night stay. Britta and Kent are the owners of the Treehotel and the pensjonat is where you will have breakfast and dinner and leave any bulky items of luggage for ease (climbing into the Bird's Nest is no fun with a heavy suitcase!!). After checking in you will be shown to your tree room. Make yourself comfortable, why not have a sauna in the Tree Sauna, followed by an icy shower or a roll in the snow (or not!) - basically settle in and enjoy the uniqueness of these magnificent feats of architecture. A delicious 3-course dinner is served at Britta's before retiring for the evening. 2 nights HARADS - Treehotel

Day 2 - Snowshoes in the forest

Awake to the sound of silence. The temptation will be to stay in bed and revel in the complete peace and quiet surrounding you, however, breakfast is being served at Britta's and your snowshoes are ready and waiting… Get up close to the beautiful wilderness with a snowshoe tour. At the Treehotel, your guide will equip you with warm clothes, boots, snowshoes and poles. During the tour we’ll share our knowledge of animals and nature, and the art of surviving in the wild – including how to start a fire in the winter. The hike will go up to a mountain peak where you’ll have a magnificent view of the river valley’s winter landscape. We’ll take a break at

the campfire and enjoy an outdoor lunch. And since we’re trekking silently over the terrain, there is a good possibility of seeing elk and forest birds. Return to the Treehotel for a lovely hot sauna and shower before dinner at Britta's.

Day 3 - Train across the Arctic Circle

to the Icehotel After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Boden where you will board the train to Kiruna. The train departs at 1100 and crosses the Arctic Circle, heading further into the wilderness of Swedish Lapland. Arrive in Kiruna at approximately 1400 where you are met and transferred to the Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the Icehotel, admiring the ice sculptures and taking photos. And now for another unique overnight experience! This time you will sleep in your very own Ice Room on a surprisingly comfortable bed covered with reindeer skins, and a cosy thermal sleeping bag to keep you warm. 1 night JUKKASJÄRVI - Icehotel, Ice Room

Day 4 - Optional Excursions

Awake to a warm drink, followed by a hot sauna, shower and hearty breakfast. The remainder of the day is free. We would recommend you pre-book one of the optional activities listed on the previous page. 1 nights JUKKASJÄRVI - Kaamos Hotel Room

Day 5 - Farewell to Swedish Lapland

A leisurely breakfast is followed by your transfer to Kiruna Airport for your return flight home.

Facts Departure Day: Daily Departure Dates: 5 Jan 2014 - 31 Mar 2015 Duration: 4 nights Price: £1995 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room) Price includes: Scheduled flights with SAS in SAS Go class from

Heathrow to Luleå (via Stockholm) and from Kiruna to Heathrow (via Stockholm) including taxes.

Guided transfer from Luleå Airport to the Treehotel.

2 nights at the Treehotel in your choice of Tree Room (subject to availability) including 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast at Britta's Pensjonat.

Guided snowshoe walk with campfire lunch. Transfer from the Treehotel to Boden Railway

Station. Train from Boden to Kiruna based on second

class reserved seats. Transfer from the railway station to the Icehotel. 1 night in an ice room including hot drink,

morning sauna and breakfast (sleeping equipment included).

1 night in a Kaamos Hotel Room including breakfast.

Transfer from the Icehotel to Kiruna Airport. Optional Excursions/Activities For optional activities from the ICEHOTEL see page 23.


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Lapland Indulgence

This holiday is all about pampering yourself with Arctic experiences that are comfortable and relaxing; it's more about meandering than racing, indulging than enduring,

savouring instead of merely tasting

Not everyone wants to race across the Arctic tundra on a

snowmobile or dog sled so this holiday is all about experience

rather than exhilaration. Featuring an afternoon of reindeer

sledding and activities with the Sami people, an evening of

Northern Lights hunting plus gourmet dining at Abisko Sky

Station, a morning visit to the famous ICEHOTEL for a guided

tour and lunch and an afternoon of relaxation for the body and

mind in fabulous Ripan Spa, you are sure to return home having

enjoyed your holiday and not feeling as though you now need

one!



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Fly from UK to Kiruna (via Stockholm). Met on arrival at the airport and transferred to Ripan Lodge. Why not spend the remainder of the afternoon introducing yourself to Kiruna? The centre of this northern town is only a short walk from your hotel. It's worth bearing in mind that the town is slowly being moved two miles to the east due to the existing location being swallowed up by the former mines! Over the next 20 years 20,000 people will relocate to new homes surrounding a brand new town centre - wow! A 3-course dinner is served in Ripan Restaurant. You will spend the next 4 nights at Ripan Lodge

Day 2 - Sami Experience and Reindeer

Sleigh Ride Leisurely breakfast in the main restaurant building. At 1300 you will depart on your afternoon excursion. This trip will teach you a lot about the indigenous Sámi culture by introducing you to a Sámi reindeer herder and his reindeer. Pet and hand feed your new furry friend. Lasso a reindeer and make an exciting reindeer sled ride around a trail. Sit around the open fire in a Sámi tent and learn from a herdsman about his livelihood and Sámi lifestyle. Return to the hotel by 1730.

Day 3 - Visit to Jukkasjärvi and the

Icehotel Follow the guide on an exciting trip to Jukkasjärvi and the ICEHOTEL. Our first stop will be Jukkasjärvi church. It is the oldest preserved church in Swedish Lapland, known for its altar painting inspired by the Sami culture. We continue to the ICEHOTEL where you get to choose if you want to follow on a guided tour or if you want to walk around and enjoy the surroundings by yourself. Before we head back to Kiruna and Ripan Lodge you will enjoy a lunch buffet with local specialties in the ICEHOTEL Restaurant. The trip departs at 1030 and returns at 1430.

The afternoon is all about indulging your senses! Your Aurora Spa bucket is full of wonderful treatment products which you apply (following your instruction card) at your own pace. Gently massage your face and hands with the aromatic coffee scrub, treat your feet to a foot bath of juniper salt and lemon while massaging them with iron pellets. Exfoliate with a body scrub of newly-sprouted birch leaves and finish off with a soothing body oil of pine-scented canola oil. Weave these in at your own pace whilst relaxing in the temperate pools, unwind with a sauna bath and enjoy a glass of wine or a cool smoothie in the relaxation area. The sauna bucket contains products based on ancient Swedish, Sami and Torne Valley Finnish medicinal knowledge. All products are made from natural raw ingredients and are completely free of preservatives. A 3-course dinner is served in Ripan Restaurant.

Day 4 - Abisko Sky Station for Dinner and

the Northern Lights The morning and afternoon are free for you to enjoy a variety of optional activities/excursions. Aurora Sky Station Join in on an evening of gourmet food and Aurora Borealis hunting. Starting in Kiruna, this tour takes you west along the scenic route of the E 10 to Abisko National Park, one of the best places on earth to witness the Aurora Borealis according to NASA. The tour includes a 4 course Exclusive Dinner at the Aurora Sky Station, warm aurora watchers overalls, return ticket to Aurora Sky Station, a guided tour to the Aurora Exhibition and return transfer Kiruna to Abisko. Departure at 1630 returning around midnight.

Day 5 - Homeward bound

Leisurely breakfast and morning to relax before your midday transfer to Kiruna Airport for your flight home.

Facts Departure Dates: Daily, 5 Jan - 31 Mar 2015 Duration: 4 nights Prices: Jan £1685 per person, single supp £236 Feb £1733 per person, single supp £248 Price includes: Scheduled return flights with SAS in SAS

Go class from Heathrow to Kiruna (via Stockholm) including taxes.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure. 4 nights at Ripan Lodge based on a

cabin room for two people with shower and WC including breakfast

3 x 3-course dinners at Ripan Lodge Ráidu - Encounter the reindeer activity

including sandwich and drink Visit to Jukkasjärvi and the Icehotel

including lunch Aurora Spa Bucket activity Aurora Sky Station excursion including

4-course dinner

Pamper yourself with your included luxury sauna bucket


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Northern Lights, Volcanoes & Glacial Lagoons

What do you think of when you hear the word 'Iceland?' Is it the Northern Lights, volcanoes,

perhaps a glacial lagoon?

Iceland is the perfect place to enjoy a winter trip full of

adventure, icy landscapes and the chance to see the elusive

Northern Lights. This unique island in the North Atlantic is

one of the world's most sparsely populated countries and

has extensive volcanic and geothermal activity. Geologically

speaking, Iceland is one of the youngest countries in the

world since it only began to rise from the North Atlantic

seabed about 25 million years ago. It is the product of

volcanic eruptions that are still ongoing.

During this tour you visit Iceland's most popular sites such

as the Golden Circle route, the South coast and Vatnajökull

National Park. On route you will see some of Europe's most

powerful waterfalls, smoking geysers, colourful volcano

craters, a spectacular ice lagoon with floating icebergs and

black lava beaches, all set against a backdrop of glistening

glaciers and restless geology.

Finally, cross your fingers for clear skies, wrap up warm, and

don't forget your camera and tripod when you try to catch

sight of the Northern Lights.


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Northern Lights, Volcanoes & Glacial Lagoons

Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland!

Fly from UK to Keflavik Airport. The Flybus shuttle brings you from Keflavík International Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík. We provide you with ideas of how to explore Iceland's capital on your own, dinner suggestions too! Food lovers will be pleased and perhaps even impressed by the number of diverse restaurants in Reykjavík. Many award winning chefs create delicious Icelandic cuisine that is characterized by an imaginative use of local ingredients such as fresh seafood, organic lamb and wild game; but be sure to try the fabulous Icelandic hotdog and pizza too! 1 night REYKJAVIK - Fosshotel Baron

Day 2 - The Golden Circle Route

At 0830 meet your tour guide and start with a short introduction to Icelandic geology while watching a striking film at Reykjavik Volcano House documenting the eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull and Fimmvörðulháls in 2010, which caused millions of people to be stranded worldwide as thousands of flights were cancelled. These films give a good insight into the general geology and volcanology of Iceland. At the Volcano House you can experience a hands-on geological exhibition where you can examine various pieces of pumice, ash and lava from Icelandic volcanoes. Later on you depart Reykjavik with your group for Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Thingvellir is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, and is situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The faults and fissures of the area make evident the rifting of the earth's crust! Exploring the hot springs at Geysir is truly exciting: natural springs bubbling away in the ground until the pressure becomes too much – and they explode in spectacular style. Geysir and Strokkur are the two biggest of the geysers there. While Geysir no longer is active, Strokkur still spouts every 5 to 10 minutes to the delight of visitors. Next you travel to Gullfoss, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river. Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most beautiful as well as powerful waterfalls. In the evening, you are out in the garden waiting for the Northern Lights to reveal herself. 1 night HELLA - Árhús Cottages

Day 3 - Discover Europe's Largest Glacier

Travel to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with

floating icebergs - a sight not to be missed! Explore this extraordinary site and perhaps see some seals swimming in the arctic waters. You can walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded. The Vatnajökull National Park is about 12,000 square kilometers and is the largest National Park in Europe. In this area you find Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment and Europe's largest glacier. Tonight you can enjoy a movie presentation about Northern Lights as a part of the Northern Lights educational program. Be careful not to go to bed too soon in this remote and quiet location, or you may just miss out one more chance of seeing the Northern Lights shimmering and dancing across the night sky! 1 night KIRKJUBÆJARLAUSTUR - Fosshótel Núpar

Day 4 - Explore the South Coast

Today, you head across the Laki lava field to the village of Vík where you make a photo stop. Take a stroll on the black lava beach and along the bird cliffs at Reynisfjara beach in South Iceland. You pass the glacier Mýrdalsjökull and the infamous volcano Eyjafjallajökull and continue to Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and belongs to the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Further west, reach the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges over the mountain. There's a trail that goes behind the falls which is interesting – if you are prepared to get wet! In the evening you return to Reykjavik for one last night. An optional Northern Lights bus tour or fjord cruise can be booked on the spot if the weather conditions are ideal. 1 night REYKJAVIK - Fosshotel Baron

Day 5 - Homebound

Individual transfer by Flybus airport shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport for your flight home.

Facts Departure Day: Sunday Departure Dates: 28 September 2014 12 & 26 October 2014 9 & 23 November 2014 7 December 2014 11 & 25 January 2015 8 & 22 February 2015 8 & 22 March 2015 5 April 2015 Duration: 4 nights Price: £890 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room), single supplement £85. Price includes: Return flights with WOW Air

from Gatwick to Keflavik including taxes.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure.

Fully escorted 3-day bus tour with English speaking guide.

4-nights accommodation in simple tourist-class hotels and cottages including breakfast.

2x 2-course dinner and 2x midnight refreshment on day 2 and 3.

Entrance to Kerið volcano crater. Visit to a multi media

presentation at the Volcano House in Reykjavík

Northern Lights program during 2 evenings with a combination of lectures, presentations, film and guided searches for the Northern Lights.

Use of winter & Northern Lights explorer equipment: simple non-slip snow & ice grippers spikes for shoes and a flash light that is helpful when walking in the dark and operating your photo camera at night.


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Northern Lights Exploration

Experience the best of Iceland's winter under the Northern Lights - the world's

most sought after natural phenomenon!

This tour is designed to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Iceland is situated under the Auroral Zone, commonly known as the Northern Lights belt which makes it one of the best locations for you to view these ethereal displays.

But this tour doesn't just stop at the Northern Lights, in fact they're just one facet of a myriad of incredible encounters you'll experience. From relaxing in the Blue Lagoon to climbing a volcano crater, and from tasting local cuisine to walking between tectonic plates - this holiday explores Nature's most powerful and striking creations.


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Itinerary: 7 nights Day 1 - Arrive in Iceland’s capital city Take the airport bus to your hotel. You then have the rest of the day to explore this small yet strikingly quirky capital city. 1 night REYKJAVIK - Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron (BB)

Day 2 - City tour, Saga Valley & Northern

Lights Meet with your tour guide for a Reykjavik city tour. Then head west to an Icelandic wool outlet store before heading to the Borgarfjörður valley known as the Saga valley due to its many important historical events which took place there. Short climb up the Grábrók crater (173 m a.s.l.) – don't worry it's not a difficult and the view is fantastic! From there, head to Europe’s most powerful hot spring, then go to nearby Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls pouring from beneath a 1 km wide lava field. After dinner, enjoy a guided walk in Reykholt in search of the Northern Lights. 2 nights REYKHOLT – Fosshotel Reykholt (BB)

Day 3 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula & fjord cruise

Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a rugged mountain chain jutting out into the Atlantic with the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier at its westernmost point. Visit a charming fishing town for a lunch cruise on the fjord. A uniquely Icelandic ‘treat’ awaits you at Bjarnarhöfn - Hakarl or fermented shark! Returning to Reykholt there'll be a stop at Borgarnes to either visit the excellent Settlement Centre Museum or bathe in the town's geothermal swimming pool. Once darkness falls you’ll be chasing the Northern Lights with your guide on hand to offer tips on photographing the Aurora.

Day 4 - The famous Golden Circle tour!

Travel along scenic shores before turning inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you will continue to Gullfoss, the queen of Iceland's waterfalls which is just 10 kms from the world-famous Geysir geothermal area where hot springs are in abundance and Strokkur geyser erupts to a height of around 20m about every 5-10 mins. The chef of the Restaurant Geysir will take you to the geothermal areas where you can taste freshly baked hot spring bread, served with Icelandic butter, geothermally boiled eggs, and herring. It

is best served with a small glass of Geysir Schnapps. In the afternoon you learn about the Icelandic horse and their special qualities and visit a geothermal greenhouse, before reaching your accommodation and searching for the elusive Northern Lights. 1 night near SELFOSS - Hotel Hekla or Hotel Eldhestar or Árhús Cottages (BB)

Day 5 - Waterfalls & volcanoes

Head along the south coast to Eyjafjallajökull Information Centre and learn about living next to a glacier and active volcano. Then to Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. This is near one of Iceland's finest folk museums which contains an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts typical of Iceland’s past. Spend two nights in Vatnajökull National Park, next to Europe’s largest glacier. Evening bus tour to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. If the Northern Lights are visible it will be picture perfect! 2 nights KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR – Hotel Laki (BB)

Day 6 - Glaciers & icebergs

Visit the extraordinary Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs and perhaps see seals swimming in the arctic waters. You‘ll have the afternoon at Vatnajökull National Park which is the largest National Park in Europe. Tonight enjoy a video presentation about the Northern Lights, and be careful not to go to bed too soon in this remote and quiet location or you may miss out one more chance of seeing the Northern Lights shimmer and dance across the night sky.

Day 7 - Lava beaches & Blue Lagoon

Heading west you pass across the Laki lava field to the village of Vik and make a photo stop. Return to Reykjavik during the afternoon and in the evening you get to soak in the famous Blue Lagoon, followed by a traditional Icelandic dinner at the Northern Light Inn Hotel and one last nocturnal tour to seek more Northern Lights. 1 night REYKJAVIK - Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron (BB)

Day 8 - Say goodbye

Transfer by airport bus to Keflavik Airport for your return flight home.

Facts Departure Days: Sunday & Friday Departure Dates: 28 Sep 2014 3, 10, 12, 24, 26 & 31 Oct 2014 7, 9, 14, 21, 23, 28 & 30 Nov 2014 5 Dec 2014 11, 16, 23, 25 & 30 Jan 2015 6, 8, 13, 20, 22 & 27 Feb 2015 6, 8, 13, 20, 22 & 27 Mar 2015 3 & 5 Apr 2015 Duration: 7 nights Prices: £1190 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room), single supplement £170. Price includes: Return flight in Economy class

(lowest available fare) with WOW Air from Gatwick to Keflavik including taxes.

Arrival & departure airport transfer by FLYBUS (no guide).

Fully escorted 6-day bus tour with an English speaking guide.

7-nights accommodation in simple 3-star tourist-class hotels including breakfast.

Fjord Cruise on Breiðafjörður fjord including lunch.

Visit to traditional shark curing farm.

Hot spring tasting with geothermally cooked bread and eggs.Visit to Icelandic horse stables and geothermal greenhouse.

Visit to multi media presentation at Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Information Centre.

Entrance fee to Skógar folk museum and turf houses.

Entrance with towel at Blue Lagoon. Traditional Icelandic dinner at Northern Light Inn Hotel.

Northern Lights Academy program during 6 evenings with a combination of lectures, presentations, film, guided Northern Lights searches and midnight refreshments.

Use of winter and Northern Lights explorer equipment: simple non-slip snow & ice grippers spikes for shoes and a flash light that is helpful when walking in the dark and operating your photo camera at night.


Reykjavik & the Northern Lights

Reykjavik, the worlds most northerly capital, with a population of only 120,000, is beautifully positioned

amidst fjords and mountain ranges

It acquired its name, meaning ‘Smoky Bay’, after one of the first settlers, Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking,

saw plumes of steam rising from the geothermal springs in AD 874.

In actual fact, Reykjavik is a completely smoke-free city heated almost exclusively by geothermal and hydro

power. Icelanders are proud of having the cleanest, freshest air on the planet. Given the country’s latitude of

64ºN, the temperature is warmer than one might expect, courtesy of the Gulf Stream. There are excellent shops,

great cafes selling homemade food and superb restaurants. Reykjavik is especially suitable for those seeking the

bustling energy and nightlife of a cosmopolitan city along with a selection of adrenaline packed outdoor activities.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for some of you, Reykjavik is a great place for Northern Lights excursions,

as well as a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon - see our excursion tab for more possibilities.


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Itinerary: 3 nights Day 1 - Arrive Reykjavik, Northern Lights

Hunt From UK to Keflavik Airport. Transfer by airport bus to your hotel in the centre of Reykjavik. At 1930 you will be picked up from hotel for your included Northern Lights excursion. This is a guided excursion by coach and the locations chosen to hunt for the lights vary on a day to day basis dependent upon weather conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed (we wish!), however if you do not see the lights during this tour you are welcome to join an extra tour during your stay free of charge. Return to your hotel around 2230. 3 nights REYKJAVIK - Hotel Björk *** OR Hotel Reykjavik Centrum ****

Day 2 - The famous Golden Circle tour

Your included Golden Circle excursion visits some of Iceland’s most stunning sights, starting with the Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur geyser shoots a column of water up to 30 metres (98 ft.) into the air every 5-10 minutes in a thrilling display of Nature’s forces. The visit continues with Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created by the river Hvítá, which tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m (105 ft.) deep. The Golden Circle tour also includes the historical and geological wonder that is Thingvellir National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year. Additionally, the tour includes a visit to the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where you can learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of the geothermal heat that Iceland has in abundance. Pickup from your hotel is at 0830 and you return to your hotel at approximately 1700. The trip is by coach and includes a guide, admission to the Geysir multimedia show and admission to Friðheimar cultivation centre. Lunch is not included but you will be able to purchase a meal during the trip. The remainder of the afternoon and

evening you are free to explore the lively bars and restaurants of Reykjavik.

Day 3 - Optional excursions/activities

Today you are completely free to do as you will! Why not pre-book one of our exciting excursions or activities, alternatively why not spend the day exploring Reykjavik’s quirky street art? Or for those who want to pamper themselves, spend the day at the Blue Lagoon and have a massage and delicious lunch in their restaurant? The choice is yours.......

Day 4 - Homeward bound

Transfer from your hotel by airport bus to Keflavik Airport for your return flight to the UK. Depending on your departure time home you may be able to spend a few relaxing hours in the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t manage to before.

Facts Departure Day: Daily Departure Dates: 1 Nov 2014 - 29 Mar 2015 Duration: 3 nights Prices: (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room) NB: Stay 3 nights and receive 4th night FREE at both hotels!

Hotel Björk *** £599 per person, single supplement £57. Extra night price £33 per person, single supplement £19. Hotel Reykjavik Centrum **** £699 per person, single supplement £117. Extra night price £77 per person, single supplement £39 Price includes: Return flights with WOW Air from

Gatwick to Keflavik including taxes. Airport bus transfer on arrival and

departure. 3 or 4 nights at the hotels detailed

including breakfast. Northern Lights Hunt excursion.

The Golden Circle excursion. Optional Excursions/Activities The Blue Lagoon on Departure, stop-

off at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport, price £38 per person.

Blue Lagoon as a Day Trip, spend an indulgent day pampering yourself, price £55 per person.

Reykjavik Whale Watching, whale watching boat trip from Reykjavik harbour, price £49

Northern Lights by Super-Jeep, a hunt for the Northern Lights, price £99 per person

The Golden Circle and Northern Lights Adventure by Super-Jeep, including Lobster Dinner, price £235 per person (minimum 4 persons).


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Icelandic Cuisine & Culture

This tour manages to be both informative and delicious at the same time! It is packed full of local delicacies; those you

will taste and those you will experience. We suggest you savour them all!

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s great displays: a mysterious, multi-coloured show in which the night sky is suddenly lit up with a wondrous glow that twists and swirls like a heavenly lava lamp. Elusive and ethereal, it is one of the great, timeless thrills of travel; a beautiful, shifting dance of nocturnal rainbows that many viewers find a humbling and spiritually uplifting experience. The Northern Lights can only be seen at night but there is no need to worry about finding things to do during the day. With the Icelandic Cuisine & Culture we offer you an exclusive escorted bus tour. You experience unspoiled nature, geological wonders, cultural and culinary treats and a variety of soft adventures and activities during the day before going to hunt for the Northern Lights in Iceland at night. The tour features first class hotels and transportation is by bus with each participant having a double seat all to themselves. The tour is available as a 5 nights or 7 nights program, both escorted whilst touring the countryside with your expert guide providing lots of additional information along the way plus hosting your Northern Lights presentations and helping capture the phenomena with your camera.


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Itinerary: 5 nights Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland!

Individual transfer by shuttle bus from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík where you spend the night. 1 night REYKJAVIK - Radisson Blu 1919

Day 2 - Reykjavik, Icelandic cheeses,

Thingvellir & Fontana baths Enjoy a two-hour city tour of the world's northernmost capital. Visit the exceptional observation tower of the Hallgrímskirkja church offering incredible panoramic views across the city. You then learn about the history and culture of Icelandic cheese and the unique dairy product skyr. You are able to taste a range of Icelandic cheeses and learn about the special qualities of the Icelandic dairy cow, followed by a lovely lunch in a fabulous cheese school buttery. Depart Reykjavik for Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The last stop today is at the new thermal baths FONTANA in Laugarvatn. You continue to the luxury country hotel Grímsborgir located in South Iceland. After a gourmet dinner, you are provided with a fact seminar about the Northern Lights including how to shoot them. After that you have the opportunity to soak in the hotel's outdoor hot tubs. 3 nights SOUTH ICELAND - Hotel Grímsborgir.

Day 3 - Waterfall, locals & feast

Depart for Gullfoss, a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river. Nearby are the Geysir geothermal fields, witness the power of Strokkur which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. The next stop is at the nearly 3000 years old and 55 m deep explosion crater called Kerið. In the greenhouse village of Hveragerði you meet a local man who will tell you all about living at an earthquake active place. Afterwards you get the opportunity to boil egg in a hot spring and taste hot steam baked bread - one of the region's culinary specialties. Next, travel to the seashore villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki with many old and colourful houses and stroll along the black sands at one of the local beaches. If you like "local" then you get the opportunity to taste shark meat, dried fish and Black Death schnapps.

After a nice langoustine dinner you can go outside to watch out for the magical Northern Lights.

Day 4 - Journey along the South coast

Further east, stop at the Eyjafjallajökull Information Center and learn about living next to a glacier and an active volcano. In the small village of Skógar visit one of Iceland's finest folk museums. Nearby is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Choose between a guided walk that is especially organized for beginners on a nearby glacier, or continue the bus tour to explore a black lava beach with bird cliffs. After a gourmet dinner enjoy a video presentation about Northern Lights. Be careful not to go to bed too soon in this location, or you may just miss out one more chance of seeing the Northern Lights shimmering and dancing across the night sky.

Day 5 - Crab feast & Blue Lagoon

The last full day of travel takes us to Reykjanes peninsula where you take the less travelled route and see the region’s many unusual geological features, hot springs, moon landscapes, bird cliffs, light houses and fishing villages. Included is a visit to the Viking ship and history museum that tells the story about the Viking expansion across the North Atlantic. It will be topped off with a unique seafood & crab feast. One of the highlights of this exclusive tour program is the visit to the famous Blue Lagoon for a soak in its warm geothermal water. The whole group is invited to a farewell dinner at Hotel Northern Light Inn, an excellent location for a Northern Lights hunt. 1 night GRINDAVIK - Northern Light Inn.

Day 6 - Farewell to Iceland

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to visit the Blue Lagoon again before taking the airport shuttle to Keflavík Airport. N.B You can extend your stay by an extra two nights, this includes more activities, please call a member of our reservations team for more information 01274 875199 or visit our website www.taberhols.co.uk

Facts Departure Day: Sunday Departure Dates (both durations): 5 & 19 October 2014 2 & 16 November 2014 18 January 2015 1, 8, 15 & 22 February 2015 1, 15 & 29 March 2015 Duration: 5 nights Prices: £1711 per person (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room), single supplement £186. Price includes: Scheduled return flights with WOW

from Gatwick to Keflavik including taxes.

Arrival and departure airport transfer by FLYBUS.

Fully escorted 4-day bus tour with an English-speaking guide and 2 seats per person on the bus.

5-nights accommodation in first-class hotels including breakfast.

2 x lunch + 4 x 3-course dinner including langoustine dinner and seafood & crab feast.

Welcome cocktail at Hotel Grímsborgir and Northern Lights Cocktail at the Northern Light Inn.

Entrance to observation tower at Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík

Visit and seminar at cheese & Skyr school in Reykjavík.

Entrance with towel at Fontana steam baths.

Entrance to Kerið volcano crater. Meet the locals and guided tour in

Hveragerði including egg boiling and hot steam bread tasting.

Meet the locals and private tour at folk museum and historic church in South Iceland.

Shark meat, dried fish and Brennivin (Black death) schnapps tasting.

Visit to multi media presentation at Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Information Centre.

Entrance fee to Skógar folk museum and turf houses.

Especially designed glacier hike for beginners.

Entrance to Viking Ship and History Museum.

Experience package at Blue Lagoon that includes entrance fee, towel, bathrobe, a drink of your choice and a volcano scrub or an algae mask.

Northern Lights program during 4 evenings with a combination of lectures, presentations, film and guided searches for the Northern Lights and midnight refreshments.

Use of winter & Northern Lights explorer equipment: simple non-slip snow and ice grippers spikes for shoes and a flash light that is helpful when walking in the dark and operating your photo camera at night.


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Southern Nights & Northern Lights

Away from light pollution, literally in the middle of nowhere, there are two very special hotels that will be

your winter haven for the Northern Lights

This area of South Iceland's remote, beautiful wilderness

has much to offer those seeking an away from it all

destination - amazing glaciers, gushing waterfalls and

several volcanoes, including mighty Hekla and one other

notorious and almost unpronounceable one,

Eyjafjallajökull or 'The Big E' - but not only that, should

'the lights' make a middle of the night appearance, your

friendly hotel receptionist will give you a quick wakeup

call to let you know it's time to throw your coat on over

your pyjamas and hot tail it outside (only if you want her

to of course!)


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Itinerary: 4 nights Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland Arrive Keflavik Airport with Icelandair and collect your Avis hire car (VW Golf or similar) for 3 days car hire. Your journey begins by driving via Reykjavik with ocean views to your left and mountains to your right. You then have the lovely drive through lava fields before taking the mountain road, via the geothermal town of Hveragerði and Selfoss, to your hotel a short distance from Hella (approx. 90 miles). 3 nights HELLA - Hotel Rangá **** or Hotel Lækur *** (HB)

Day 2-3 - Driving explorations Two full days at leisure in South-West Iceland with the opportunity for a number of exciting excursions.

Day 4 - Explore Reykjavik Retrace your route to Reykjavik and drop off your hire car near the city centre (approx. 59 miles). 1 night REYKJAVÍK – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum**** (BB) or Hotel Björk *** (BB)

Day 5 - Farewell to Iceland Take the airport bus transfer from your hotel to Keflavik Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Facts Departure Day: Daily from Gatwick Airport (alternative departure airports available, please ask for schedules and prices). Departure Dates: 1 November 2014 - 29 March 2015 (excluding Christmas & New Year). Duration: 4 nights Prices: (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room Hotel Lækur & Björk £865 per person, single supplement £120 Hotel Rangá & Reykjavik Centrum £1075 per person, single supplement £255 Please note: there is a Keflavik Airport Service Charge for the hire car of ISK5,400 per rental and an Environmental Fee of ISK650 per rental which are payable locally. Upgrades: Deluxe room, Hotel Rangá £36 per person per night Junior Suites, Hotel Rangá (Australia, Asia, North America, South America) £91 per person per night Suites, Hotel Rangá (Africa, Antarctic, Master Royal) £192 per person per night Superior double, Björk £4 per person per night Double deluxe, Reykjavik Centrum £40 per person per night Junior Suite, Reykjavik Centrum £40 per person per night

Accommodation choice Hotel Rangá**** The Times Travel magazine said Hotel Rangá is ‘simply the most reliable place on earth from which to see the Northern Lights’. That’s a big statement for a hotel that opened as a small log cabin in 1999 but has grown to establish itself as the place that offers a renowned gourmet restaurant, relaxation and gateway to Iceland’s most notorious and fascinating landscapes: volcanoes and glaciers. The hotels 51 luxurious and cosy rooms including its famous continental suites, named after the continents (prices on request).

Hotel Lækur*** A lovely family-owned converted barn (2012) with gorgeous interior and views of Mount Hekla, one of the world’s most famous volcanoes. The hotel has 13 en-suite rooms on two levels with breathtaking views of at least five mountains/glaciers from the lounge area. All rooms have a shower/WC, TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. Horse rental is possible depending on weather conditions. The vast area of unbuilt land around the hotel means, like Hotel Rangá, it is the ideal place to watch and enjoy the Northern Lights.

Things to do on free days using your hire car Cover the Golden Circle route, which includes

Thingvellir National Park, Geysir area, and Gullfoss.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfall

Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town famous for its black sand beaches and the impressive Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Amazing Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon where you can see icebergs floating on the lake.


Accommodation Many Scandinavian establishments are personally managed by their owners and have been handed down within the family for generations. There is no official graded list of hotels but to give some idea of standards that can be expected we have used our own one to five star system (*/*****). The gradings are only given for hotels where the stay is for several nights. We must emphasise that there is a wide variation in styles between hotels of the same category. The atmosphere of both hotels and guesthouses is very informal. All our featured accommodation includes en suite bedrooms unless otherwise stated. Children You will note that, with the exception of one or two holidays, we do not automatically feature child prices. This is because we have found that there can be so much variation on how parents would like to stay with their children, i.e. family room, inter-connecting rooms, double room with extra bed, holiday home, that our price panels simply aren’t big enough to detail all the options. We therefore ask that you let us know which holiday you are interested in and what sort of accommodation you would like along with the number and ages of your children and we will happily supply a quotation. Climate and Clothing What everyone wants to know is ‘How cold is it going to be?’ and this is a good question but difficult to provide a definite answer to! Temperatures in the Arctic regions have, as elsewhere, been warmer over recent winters than usual, however, still very cold by our standards. Expect anything from -4ºC to -30ºC and you’ll be ready for anything! We strongly recommend the use of a good oil based moisturiser, for both men and women, whilst on outdoor activities to avoid cold and sunburn. For all outdoor activities such as husky dog, snowmobile and whale safaris, specialist outdoor arctic clothing is provided i.e. thermal overalls, mittens, hat/helmet, socks and boots. This does not mean, however, that you do not need your own warm winter clothing for those times when you will not be joining an activity but will still be outside. Our advice is layering, no cotton for any layer expected to provide warmth, just synthetic fibres or wool only. A base layer would consist of thermal underwear or synthetic T-shirt with long sleeves and socks; a mid layer, fine wool jumper or fleece with trousers, a third layer of outer lines trousers (preferably water and windproof) and thick jumper or fleece with woollen or thermal socks and an outer layer of warm, winter jacket, gloves, scarf and winter boots (hiking or walking boots are fine). We strongly recommend you carry a back pack at all times to carry such items as clothing, camera, binoculars, sunglasses, additional refreshments and sandals. These are much more practical than handbags or shoulder bags and allow body movement where you are still able to use both hands! We would also stress that our suppliers in the arctic are all experts on these types of conditions - TAKE THEIR ADVICE! Excursions Most of our holidays offer the opportunity to pre-book optional excursions/activities. Suppliers have been chosen due to their level of experience, qualifications and that they meet the high standard of local regulations to operate as an excursion/activity provider. Brochure space prevents us from detailing every little piece of information regarding these trips so we recommend you discuss them with a member of our helpful staff beforehand to ensure they are perfectly suited to you. As with all arrangements for a holiday in the Arctic, during the winter, they are subject to weather conditions and therefore adjustments/alternatives may need to be offered locally at the time. Any excursion/activity that has to be cancelled will be refunded in full unless an alternative is offered and accepted. We cannot guarantee that an excursion will operate, however, historically, we have received very few cancellations. We strongly recommend and request that any excursions you would like to pre-book and pre-pay for should be requested at the same time as your holiday booking. This means we do not have to make amendments to your booking at a later stage and thus avoids producing a new confirmation invoice. Of course this does not mean you are prevented from adding excursions at a later stage - it just avoids disappointment due to possible lack of availability and helps us to keep our administration costs down!!


General Information


Dress Code There are no specific dress codes in the arctic, however, it is commonplace, and, in some places, a requirement, to remove boots or outdoor shoes once inside. If you have a pair of thick wool or thermal socks it is fine to walk around in these inside, however, in a hotel you may prefer to pop on a pair of light footwear e.g. walking sandals, flip flops which are easily shoved in a back pack.

Flight Upgrades Both SAS and Icelandair offer flight upgrades. Each applicable price panel indicates the supplement should you choose to upgrade. Details are as follows: SAS Plus Class All SAS flights included in our holidays are based on SAS Go class. The following table indicates the differences which would be applicable to your journey should you wish us to quote for an SAS Plus Class Upgrade for your chosen travel dates.

Icelandair Economy Comfort Class All Icelandair flights included in our holidays are based on Economy class. The following table indicates the difference which would be applicable to your holiday:

Food You will find a staple diet of meat and fish in these regions, particularly reindeer, however, this does not mean that people with specific dietary requirements e.g. vegetarians, diabetics etc cannot be catered for as long as we have been informed in advance. Reindeer stew is a popular dish and it is common for the stew pot to be put on the table for you to keep helping yourself. Water or berry juice is often

served with this type of meal although it is possible to purchase wine and beer. Do remember that Scandinavia's strict drink/driving rules apply to snowmobiles too though!! The day generally commences with a substantial help yourself buffet breakfast offering everything from toast and cereal to cheese, ham, boiled eggs, pickled herrings and reindeer pate. Dinner at larger hotels may be the traditional

Smörgåsbord or 'cold table' consisting of fish, cold meat and salad selection plus a choice of four or five hot dishes followed by a selection of desserts. At smaller hotels dinner could be a served 3-course dinner with a selection for each course. Light The Arctic Circle marks the border for the Midnight Sun and the Polar Night. The further north you go, the longer these periods last. From November to January, the sun is below the horizon all day. But even in the darkest period when the sun never rises in the sky, there are a few hours of dawn in the middle of the day when the light can be unbelievably beautiful. November and December are the darkest months. Luggage Remember there will be occasions when you will have to handle your own luggage

so do not take more than you can comfortably manage (20-23kg luggage allowance by air). We recommend a trolley suitcase for ease of transportation. Few hotels automatically provide porterage these days but most will arrange it for guests who are elderly or disabled if notified in advance. Motoring Throughout Scandinavia you can drive for miles through mountain passes, towering peaks and forests and only infrequently see another car, even at peak periods the roads are seldom jammed. This makes Scandinavia a dream destination for those who have never driven abroad before with Scandinavian drivers being amongst the most courteous and patient. All rental cars supplied by Taber Holidays for winter driving will be fitted with studded/winter tyres which make it possible to drive on snow covered roads with relative ease, however, caution should always be taken to

stick to local speed limits, perhaps even lower them. Driving is on the right. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) The Northern Lights are particularly associated with the Polar Regions. Broadly speaking, there is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights any evening when it is dark and clear, with the period from October to mid-April being the best time. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee you will see the Northern Lights, however, all our tours are to destinations where, geographically, you are more likely to see them. Transfers Wherever possible we include airport transfers by airport bus or ‘flybussen’. In some instances the transfer will take you directly to your hotel, however, in some cases it will take you to the city centre and a short walk or taxi journey may be necessary to reach your hotel. Unless otherwise stated, transfers are not included from arrival

points to accommodation for other modes of transportation i.e. bus, ferry and express boat (and clients would be expected to walk or, with heavy luggage, take a taxi the short distance. Transport For information regarding flights and flight carriers please see page 43.

SAS GO SAS PLUS

Mobile check-in Changeable tickets

Mobile boarding card Assisted premium check-in Advanced seat reservation Fast track security

Lounge access

1 x 23 kg checked baggage 2 x 23 kg checked baggage

Free coffee/tea Newspapers

Free meals and drinks Free WiFi

ECONOMY ECONOMY COMFORT CLASS

6 abreast seating 4 abreast seating More leg room

Personal seat back screens and all new inflight entertainment

Personal seat back screens and all new inflight entertainment

Complimentary soft drinks Complimentary meal, soft drinks, wine and beer

Use of business class check-in desk and lounge


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This holiday programme is operated by Roy Taber Ltd, company number 1138491, whose registerd office address is Tofts House, Tofts Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 3BB. Taber Holidays is a trading name for Roy Taber Ltd. Roy Taber Ltd is a member of ABTA with membership number V2005. These Booking Conditions, together with any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Taber Holidays (“we” or “us”). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. In these Booking Conditions references to "you" and "your" include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred. By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:- a. He/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them; b. He/she consents to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy Policy; c. He/she is over 18 years of age and resident in the United Kingdom and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services. 1 Booking and Paying For Your Arrangements A booking is made with us when a) you tell us that you would like to accept our written or verbal quotation; and b) you pay us a deposit. Deposits will be £150.00 per person if you make an individual or group booking, although we reserve the right to apply a deposit of 25% of the whole holiday cost in some tailor made packages and for holidays which include a substantial amount of travel by Hurtigruten, but we will inform you of this prior to booking. (Sometimes you may be required to make an interim payment at the time of booking. If you are booking within 60 days of departure, full payment is due at the time of booking); and c) we issue you with a booking confirmation. We reserve the right to return your deposit and decline to issue a confirmation at our absolute discretion. A binding contract will come into existence between you and us as soon as we have issued you with a booking confirmation that will confirm the details of

your booking and will be sent to you or your travel agent. If your confirmed arrangements include a flight, we (or if you booked via an authorised agent of ours, that agent) will issue you with an ATOL Certificate and a confirmation. Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on the ATOL Certificate, confirmation (or any other document) are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes can not be made later and it may harm your rights if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any document within ten days of our sending it out (five days for tickets). The balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 60 days prior to scheduled departure. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges set out in clause 8 below will become payable. In the case of all our bookings, all monies that you pay to one of our authorised travel agents for your arrangements with us will be held by that agent on our behalf until they are paid to us or refunded to you. In the case of international payments you must ensure that the full GBP Sterling amount is received by us after all bank charges have been levied. Any money paid to an authorised agent of ours in respect of a booking covered by our ATOL is held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times, but subject to the

agent's obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail financially. If we do fail financially, any money held at that time by the agent or subsequently accepted from the consumer by the agent, is and continues to be held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.

2 Accuracy

We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices both on our website and in our brochures are accurate, however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before your booking is

confirmed. 3 Insurance Taber Holidays no longer provide Travel Insurance. It is now a requirement that tour operators selling travel insurance are registered with the FSA and are fully qualified to recommend and sell insurance. Although we completely agree with these requirements, we at Taber Holidays are specialist tour operators and we believe our qualifications and ongoing training should be concentrated on our own industry and our own area of expertise. We have therefore decided to leave insurance to the experts in this field. Please do note that adequate travel insurance is vital. The Nordic destinations we offer can present certain risks, particularly those associated with cold weather, and you must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including medical expenses, repatriation, helicopter rescue and air ambulance in the event of accident or illness. The insurance cover should extend for the planned duration of the tour and at least an additional day. Please remember to advise your insurers of any activities which you may be taking as part of an excursion, particularly in the case of snowmobile safaris, to make sure that you are fully covered. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.

Under certain circumstances Taber Holidays may ask you to provide evidence that you have purchased travel insurance for your holiday.

4 Pricing

Prices are based on exchange rates quoted by Travelex; please ask a member of our reservations team to confirm the exchange rate applicable to a particular product as there may be a variation between seasonal brochures. Details of what your holiday price includes are detailed in the heading of the relevant price panel for your chosen holiday. Prices include all appropriate local taxes and mandatory charges. We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays. The price of your confirmed holiday is subject at all times to changes in transport costs such as fuel, and any other airline cost changes which are part of our contracts with airlines (and their agents), cruise ship operators and any other transport provider; to cost changes arising from government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed changes; and to changes in the currency exchange used to calculate your arrangements and to rates, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports any or all of which may result in a variation of your holiday price. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase

equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your confirmed travel arrangements (excluding any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us, except for any insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. There will be no change made to the price of your confirmed holiday within 30 days of your departure nor will refunds be paid during this period. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your confirmed 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.

5 Jurisdiction and applicable law

These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live in those places and if you wish to do so.

6 Cutting your holiday short

If you are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any services you have not used. If you cut short your holiday and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, we will not offer you any refund for that part of your holiday not completed, or be liable for any associated costs you may incur. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for curtailment and we suggest that any claim is made directly with them.

7 Changes by You

If you wish to change any part of your booking arrangements after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you must inform us in writing as soon as possible. This should be done by the first named person on the booking. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. Where we can meet a request, all changes will be subject to payment of an administration fee of £25.00 per person per change as well as any applicable rate changes or extra costs incurred as well as any costs incurred by ourselves and any costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable. If you are prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer your booking to another suitable person provided that written notice is given.

An administration fee will be charged, details available upon request. Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements. Please note that a booking cannot be amended within the 8 weeks prior to departure and any amendment during this time will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and therefore be subject to cancellation charges as set out under ‘Cancelling your booking’.

8 If you Cancel

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices. We recommend that you use recorded delivery. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below (The cancellation

charge detailed is calculated on the basis of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges which are not refundable in the event of the person(s) to whom they apply cancelling):- Up until 43 days prior to departure,

deposit only • 42-28 days 50%; • 27 to 14 days 70%; • Within 13-8 days 90%; • 7 days or less 100% of the total holiday cost. The above percentages include the deposit. Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us. If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you and satisfying all the conditions applicable to the arrangements) providing we are notified not less than 28 days before departure and you pay an amendment fee of £50.00 per person transferring, meet all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers

and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out will apply in order to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.

9 If We Change or Cancel

It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel arrangements, but we do plan the arrangements many months in advance. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you or your travel agent of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However, we will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 60 days before your departure date, except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance. Examples of “major changes” include the following when made before departure; a change of accommodation area for the whole or a significant part of your time away, a change of accommodation to that of a lower standard or classification for the whole or a significant part of your time away, a change of outward departure time or overall length of your arrangements of


BOOKING CONDITIONS


twelve or more hours, a significant change to your itinerary, missing out one or more destination entirely. Examples of “minor changes” include the following when made before departure: any change in the advertised identity of the carrier(s), flight timings, and/or aircraft type; a change of outward departure time or overall length of your holiday of twelve hours or less, or a change of accommodation to another of the same standard or classification. If we have to make a major change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of i) (for major changes) accepting the changed arrangements ii) having a refund of all monies paid or iii) accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If you fail to do so we will assume that you have chosen to accept the change or alternative booking arrangements. If we make a major change or cancel, less than 60 days before departure, we will also pay compensation as detailed below: • 57 days or more before departure £NIL, • 43-56 days £5.00 per person, • 29 to 42 days £10.00 per person, • 15-28 days £15.00 per person, • 8 to 14 days £20.00 per person, • less than 7 days £25.00 per person. The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so. We will not pay you compensation where we make a major change or cancel more than 60 days before departure or in the event that we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or if we cancel your arrangements because the minimum number of participants to run the arrangements has not been reached. (We will tell you if we have to cancel for this reason not less than 45 days before departure). The above sets out the maximum extent of our liability for changes and cancellations and we regret we cannot meet any expenses or losses you may incur as a result of change or cancellation. Please note: where accommodation with a higher price than the original accommodation is offered by us and accepted by you, the difference in price will be deducted from any compensation

payable. In no case will we pay compensation if accommodation is offered by us and accepted by you with a higher price than that originally booked in the same location where no additional payment is made by you. We will not pay you compensation and the above options will not be available if we make a minor change or cancel as a result of your failure to make full payment on time or where the change(s) or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you. Very rarely, we may be forced by "force majeure" (see clause 10) to change or terminate your arrangements after departure. If this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any from our suppliers), pay you compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result. If we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services that you have booked with us after you have departed, we will make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge and, if appropriate in all the circumstances, will pay you reasonable compensation.

10 Force Majeure

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by any event which we or the supplier(s) of the service(s) in question could not, even

with all due care, foresee or avoid. These events can include, but are not limited to war, threat of war, civil strife terrorist activity and its consequences or the threat of such activity, riot, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster and adverse weather, sea, ice and river conditions and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned’s control. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure.

11 Special Requests

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking e.g. diet, room location, a particular facility at a hotel etc. You should then confirm your requests in writing. Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. The fact that a special request has been noted on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed. We do not accept bookings that are conditional upon any special request being met.

12 Disabilities and Medical Problems

We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details.

13 Complaints

We make every effort to ensure that your holiday arrangements run smoothly but if you do have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. your hotelier) immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please contact your tour

guide or in the case of a tailor-made tour our local agent or our Cleckheaton office as soon as possible. Failure to do so will affect ours and the applicable supplier’s ability to investigate your complaint, and will affect your rights under this contract. If the problem cannot be resolved and you wish to complain further, you must send formal written notice of your complaint to us at our Cleckheaton office within 28 days of the end of your stay, giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you.

14 Your Behaviour

All guests staying with us are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests. If in our opinion or in the opinion of any hotel manager or any other person in authority, your behaviour or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any of our other guests or any third party or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, we reserve the right to terminate your booking arrangements with us immediately. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party. No refunds for lost accommodation or any other service will be made and we will not

pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of termination. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel manager or other supplier prior to departure from the hotel. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you. We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behaviour of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.

15 Our Responsibilities

1) We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide or arrange for you as an “organiser” under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 as set out below. Subject to these booking conditions, if we or our suppliers perform or arrange your contracted holiday arrangements negligently, taking into consideration all relevant factors (for example following the complaints procedure as described in these conditions and the extent to which ours or our employees’ or suppliers’ negligence affected the overall enjoyment of your holiday), we will pay you reasonable compensation. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us. (2) We will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description if it results from:- (a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; (b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond ours or our supplier(s) control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or (d) an event which either ourselves or suppliers could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled. (3) We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause: (a) loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is £25.00 per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Claims not falling under (a) above or involving injury, illness or death The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is twice the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking. (c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel i) The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. Please contact us. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company's own 'Conditions of Carriage' will apply to you on that journey. When arranging

transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those 'Conditions of Carriage'. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those 'Conditions of Carriage' form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those 'Conditions of Carriage' shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii) In any circumstances in which a carrier is liable to you by virtue of the Denied Boarding Regulation 2004, any liability we may have to you under our contract with you, arising out of the same facts, is limited to the remedies provided under the Regulation as if (for this purpose only) we were a carrier. iii) When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (4) It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to ourselves and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these conditions. (5) Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. (6) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or (b) any business losses. (7) We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised in our brochure. For example any excursion you book whilst away, or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.

16 Prompt assistance in resort

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.

17 Excursions

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

18 Financial security

We provide full financial protection for our package holidays. 1. For flight-based holidays this is through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 1228. 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 to 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 non-provision 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. 2. When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, protection is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA: For further information please see www.abta.com. 19 Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements and Health Formalities The standard of healthcare in Scandinavia is high. Form E111 is no longer valid and it is advisable to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Nordic nationals. An increasing number of insurance companies also now require that you obtain one in order to receive their full insurance cover. It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We can only provide general information about this. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates and your own doctor as applicable. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you

should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit www.passport.gov.uk. Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit www.fco.gov.uk Non British passport holders, including other EU nationals, should obtain up to date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your destination or country(ies) through which you are travelling. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. 20 Conditions of Suppliers. Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier's liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from ourselves or the supplier concerned. 21 Delays, Missed Transport Arrangements and other Travel Information If you or any member of your party miss your flight or other transport arrangement, it is cancelled or you are subject to a delay of over 3 hours for any reason, you must contact us and the airline or other transport supplier concerned immediately. The Package Travel etc Regulations 1992 provide that in the event that you experience difficulty on the occurrence of circumstances described in clauses 15 (2) (b) (c) or (d) of these booking conditions, we will provide you with prompt assistance. Where you experience a delay which is not owing to any failure by us, our employees or sub-contractors, this prompt assistance is likely to extend to providing help in locating refreshments, accommodation and communications but not paying for them. Any airline or other transport supplier may however pay for or provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them.

Subject to the other terms of these conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 10 of these booking conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on any flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time). The carrier(s), flight timings and types of aircraft shown in our brochures or on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. We shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of it. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been dispatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know. Please note the existence of a “Community list” (available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm) detailing air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. If the airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the air transport users council on 0207 2406061 www.auc.org.uk. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us. If, for any reason, you do not claim against the airline and make a claim for compensation from us, you must, at the time of payment of any compensation to you, make a complete assignment to us of the rights you have against the airline in relation to the claim that gives rise to that compensation payment. A delay or cancellation to your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. This brochure is our responsibility, as your tour operator. It is not issued on behalf of, and does not commit the airlines mentioned

herein or any airline whose services are used in the course of your travel arrangements.

22 Advance Passenger Information.

A number of Governments are introducing new requirements for air carriers to provide personal information about all travellers on their aircraft to the Authorities before the aircraft leaves the UK. The data will be collected either at the airport when you check in or in some circumstances when, or after you make your booking. Accordingly, you are advised to allow extra time to check in for your flight. Where we collect this data, we will treat it in accordance with our privacy policy.

23 Foreign Office Advice

You are responsible for making yourself aware of Foreign Office advice and warnings in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. (See clause 10).

24 ABTA

We are a Member of ABTA, membership number V2005. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for costs. The upper limit on claims is £5,000 per person and £25,000 per booking form. The scheme doesn’t apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. It can however deal with claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.


AITO Quality Charter AITO is the Association for independent

and specialist holiday companies. Our

member companies, usually owner-

managed, strive to create overseas

holidays with high levels of professionalism

and a shared concern for quality and

personal service. The Association

encourages the highest standards in all

aspects of tour operating. Exclusive Membership

AITO sets criteria regarding ownership,

finance and quality which must be satisfied

before new companies are admitted to

membership. All members are required to

adhere to a Code of Business Practice

which encourages high operational

standards and conduct. Financial Security

An AITO member is required to arrange

financial protection for all holidays and

other arrangements (including

accommodation only) booked by

customers with the member under the

AITO logo. This financial protection applies

to customers who are resident in the UK at

the time of booking and to most overseas

customers who have booked directly with

the member. In doing so, the member

must comply with UK government

regulations. Members are required to

submit details of their financial protection

arrangements to AITO on a regular basis. Accurate Brochures and Websites

All members do their utmost to ensure that

all their brochures and other publications,

print or electronic, clearly and accurately

describe the holidays and services offered. Professional Service and Continual

Improvements

All members are committed to high

standards of service and believe in regular

and thorough training of employees.

Members continually seek to review and

improve their holidays. They listen to their

customers and always welcome

suggestions for improving standards. Monitoring Standards

AITO endeavours to monitor quality

standards regularly. All customers should

receive a post-holiday questionnaire the

results of which are scrutinised by the

Association. Sustainable Tourism

All members acknowledge the importance

of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines,

which recognise the social, economic and

environmental responsibilities of tour

operating. Customer Relations

All members endeavour to deal swiftly and

fairly with any issues their customers may

raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute

between an AITO member and a customer

cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost

Independent Dispute Settlement Service

may be called upon by either side to bring

the matter to a speedy and acceptable

conclusion.

Roy Taber Ltd is a member of the

Association of Independent Tour

Operators. To contact the Association, visit

www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280.


Possible Alternative Departure Airports

ABERDEEN

Please note: schedules are constantly being updated and added to therefore flight times and supplements will be quoted and

confirmed at time of booking. Please ask a member of our Reservations Team for further information.

BIRMINGHAM

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

LONDON GATWICK

MANCHESTER

Travel Insurance It is a requirement that all clients travelling with Taber

Holidays carry travel insurance which provides full cover for

their holiday arrangements. Please remember to advise

your insurers of any activities which you may be taking part

in, such as a snowmobile or husky dog safari, to make sure

that you are fully covered. Under certain circumstances

Taber Holidays may ask you to provide evidence that you

have purchased travel insurance for your holiday.

Taber Holidays no longer sell travel insurance, however our

partners, Holiday Extras, provide a variety of travel

insurance policies. To view details of these policies, which

may be purchased online, please visit our website at

www.taberhols.co.uk/holidays-extras.

Flight and Airline Information

All our holidays are based on scheduled flights in Economy

class with scheduled flight carriers using special IT fares. We

do not hold allocations on flights as we prefer to provide

our clients with as much flexibility over their chosen depar-

ture date and time as possible and this means that these

flights are subject to availability at the time of booking. In

most cases we are able to confirm flights at the brochure

price, however, should your chosen flight not be available in

our included booking class we may be able to offer you the

same flight in an alternative economy booking class but at a

supplement. This supplement will be quoted at the time of

booking.

On the rare occasion that we are unable to secure availabil-

ity in one of our IT booking classes we may be able to quote

the airline's published fare for a flight. These fares are what

we term 'Best Buy' prices which means that they are only

valid if the flight is bought and paid for at the same time

and are completely non-refundable or changeable. This

means that these flights must be paid for in addition to our

standard holiday deposit and are non-refundable in the

event of cancellation.

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) was founded in 1946

and is the multi-national airline of Denmark, Norway and

Sweden and is the leading carrier in these Scandinavian

countries. SAS operates out of three primary hubs, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo with Copenhagen being

the chief focus for European services. SAS is a Star Alliance

member. Norway’s regional airline, Widerøe, has been a

member of the SAS Group since 2002, and primarily

features in our programme to service the more remote parts of Norway.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded ‘Norwegian’, is a public low-cost airline noted on the Oslo

Stock Exchange. The company is the second largest airline

in Scandinavia, and has a route portfolio that stretches

across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East.

Norwegian is the 4th largest low-cost airline in Europe operating over 40 aircraft on 170 routes to 87 destinations.

In January 2009, Air Transport World (ATW) named

Norwegian ‘Market Leader of the Year’.

WOW air is an Icelandic low-cost airline that flies to Iceland

from a number of European cities the whole year round. The airline was founded in November 2011 and in October

2012 took over the flight operations of Iceland Express. The

airline operates Airbus A320 aircraft that have been the

choice of many of the world's leading airlines. and is

committed to providing the cheapest flights to and from

Iceland, but doing so with a smile and providing a memorable service.

Icelandair was founded in 1939 and is the flag carrier airline

of Iceland, based in Reykjavik. It is part of the Icelandair

Group and operates services to 25 cities in 12 countries on both sides of the Atlantic. They operate scheduled flights

from London Heathrow, Manchester and Glasgow to

Keflavik Airport and their fleet consists of Boeing 757

aircraft. An in-flight seat-back entertainment system offers

movies, TV programmes, music and documentaries.


HOW TO BOOK

Once you have decided which of our exciting holidays you would like to book

the next step is to call us on 01274 875199. We will be happy to answer any

questions you may have and confirm that the choice you have made is exactly

right for you. Alternatively, you can always send us a quick email to

[email protected] and we will get on with it for you straight away.

What we need from you

Your chosen holiday, departure date, departure airport, number of

passengers, type of room required and any special requests you may have i.e.

vegetarian, allergies, special occasion, assistance. We also need a contact

telephone number so we can call you if we have a quick question.

What we do next

We will then contact all our suppliers to confirm your booking and provide

them with your details. As many of our suppliers are small, independent

companies they are not always able to answer straight away as they may be

with clients, so be prepared to wait for up to 48 hours for us to come back to

you with confirmation of your whole holiday and provide you with a booking

reference.

When your holiday is booked

Once this is all complete you will be asked to complete our Booking Form (we

have a digital or paper version, whichever you prefer) and return this to us at

the same time as you pay your deposit payment. Your Confirmation Invoice

and ATOL Certificate (if you are booking a flight inclusive package) will be

emailed or posted to you as soon as this deposit payment is received.

Final payment and tickets

The balance payment for your holiday is due 8 weeks prior to departure or at

the time of booking if within this period. The due date is detailed on your

Confirmation Invoice, however, don't worry if you forget, we NEVER

automatically cancel any holiday and one of our friendly staff (usually Clara!)

will give you a quick call or email to remind you. Your travel documents will

be send to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure. These can be sent

by surface mail, or, if you prefer, in pdf format via email.*

* Please note, if receiving travel documents via email the resort guides you

receive will be links to destination websites rather than paper booklets.

BOOKING REF. DEPARTURE AIRPORT HOLIDAY NAME DEPARTURE DATE NO. NIGHTS

* AS PER YOUR PASSPORT

LEAD NAME 2ND PERSON 3RD PERSON 4TH PERSON

TITLE (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms. Other)

SURNAME*

FIRST NAME*

DATE OF BIRTH

HOME ADDRESS

ROOM TYPE

DAYTIME TEL. NO.

MOBILE NO.

EMAIL ADDRESS (Please tick the box if you would NOT like to be

added to our E-mailing list)

SPECIAL REQUESTS (eg. Vegetarian, diabetic, low floor room etc)

HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT TABER HOLIDAYS?

INSURANCE It is a requirement that all passengers travelling with Taber Holidays have travel insurance (either independently or through their Travel Agent) to cover their holiday arrangements. Please complete the following: I have taken out Travel Insurance to cover my holiday arrangements and personal possessions. Details are as follows: MY INSURERS ARE:___________________________________________________________________________

24 EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER:_________________________________________________________

SIGNED:_______________________________________________________________________________________

AGENT NAME & ADDRESS

AGENT’S REFERENCE:

ABTA No:

PAYMENT AUTHORITY

I enclose - Cheque Credit Card Authority for:

Deposit/s (£150 per person) £

Balance (within 8 weeks of departure) £

Note: Cheques made payable to Roy Taber Ltd.

Total Enclosed

£

BANK TRANSFER: For convenience, payment may be made directly into our account by bank transfer. Our account details are: Account Name: Roy Taber Ltd. Account Number: 11051550. Sort Code: 05-03-03. Please inform our Accounts Department that you have transferred payment in this way by sending an email to [email protected] stating your name, booking reference and amount transferred.

I certify that I am authorised to make this booking on behalf of the persons named above and that I am responsible for ensuring due payment of all monies payable in respect of this booking and I have read and agree to accept the Booking Conditions and, if applicable, the details of insurance. SIGNATURE _____________________________________________ DATE ________________________

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT

I wish to pay by

MASTERCARD VISA

Debit Card Deposit Only

CARD NUMBER

(NB. We do not store credit/debit card details in our system therefore you will need to supply this information again in order to settle your balance.)

Booking Form TABER HOLIDAYS Address: Taber Holidays, PO Box 176,Tofts House, Tofts

Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 3WX.

Tel: 01274 875199 Email: [email protected]

Cardholder Name:_________________________________________________

Start Date:__________________ Expiry Date:____________________ Issue No:_________________

Security Code:_________Signature:_________________________________________________________

Cardholder Address:______________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Credit Card Charges: In line with most operators, we will make a charge of 2% for balances paid by credit card.

winter brochure 2014 and 2015

Documents

love of norway

experience taber holidays

innovation norway

choice of holidays

selection of winter

terje rakkevisit norway

norway travel ambassador

roy taber