10 Mar 2014
Discover the World has just launched its first full scale summer programme to Norway, Sweden and Finland following a surge of interest in summer holidays to the region. The UK market is showing a strong appetite for all things Scandinavian, thanks in part to the export of great Nordic fiction and gripping TV dramas. Options include idyllic island escapes, lakeside retreats, incredible train journeys and picturesque coastal drives with prices for a 5-night Island Escapade to Sweden starting from £650pp (two sharing) including flights and accommodation.
Flight accessibility to Scandinavia is now better than it has ever been with even more route options and good value flights. Accommodation is of a very high standard and you can also expect to dine well with the freshest seafood and organically grown produce playing an important part in Scandinavian cuisine. From the fells of Lapland in the far north to the laid back archipelagos further south, unspoiled Lakelands in the south east of Finland and the buzzing capital cities of the region, the programme offers a comprehensive range of cultural, relaxing and active holiday options for couples, families and friends.
5 ways to explore Scandinavia - NEW from Discover the World
Island Escapades (Sweden & Finland)
Possibly one of Scandinavia's best kept secrets, the beautiful island hideaways of Koster, Åland and the Stockholm Archipelago have become increasingly accessible with excellent sea and air connections, and a superb choice of accommodation. The Koster Islands in West Sweden's Kosterhavet Marine National Park offer the perfect maritime idyll. Try an underwater snorkelling nature trail, cycle between rural hamlets on the vehicle free roads, try your luck lobster fishing or simply enjoy the secluded bays and sandy beaches. 5 nights from £650pp (two sharing) including return flights from Heathrow to Gothenburg, 5 nights' accommodation (B&B) and return train and ferry tickets to Koster from Gothenburg. Consider also the Åland Islands with its numerous picture galleries, potteries and micro-brewery or the Stockholm Archipelago.
Countryside Escapes (Finland)
It is a tradition for Finns to escape city life whenever possible and as a result, Finland offers an extensive choice of traditional and contemporary holiday villas in stunning lakeside locations. Built to a very high standard with all modern creature comforts, most of the properties on a Countryside Escape offer that quintessential Finnish feature - a sauna - and are located within close proximity to water-based activities, hiking and cycling. Enjoy the 'everyman's right' to hike freely, swim or fish in the lakes and even forage for berries or mushrooms. Anttolanhovi is a collection of art & design villas located near the village of Anttola in Finland. The villas integrate art with everyday household items and natural materials resulting in a stunning contemporary look with minimal ecological footprint. The villas are self-catering, but breakfast is included in the price and there is a restaurant on-site. Wellbeing enthusiasts will also enjoy the Day Spa. 7 nights from £971pp (4 sharing) including return flights from London Gatwick to Helsinki, 8 days car rental and 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast in a Lakeside Villa. Shorter stays available outside peak summer. Consider also Lakeland & Eastern Finland for its unspoiled nature, wildlife-spotting (capercaillie, moose, bear, lynx and wolves roam freely here) and numerous water-based activities from white water rafting to wild swimming and kayaking.
Incredible Train Journeys (Norway)
With its striking mountain and fjord scenery, Norway is home to some of the most exciting train journeys in the world. This is the first time Discover the World has offered a dedicated programme of holidays employing Norway's excellent rail network and capitalising on regular flight options from Bergen, Alesund and Trondheim to offer three 6-night itineraries travelling by train from Oslo. Over the Roof of Norway strikes out from Oslo to Bergen, changing at Myrdal to experience the famous Corkscrew Railway. This 20km track twists and turns from 865m above sea level down to Flåm by the shores of Aurlandsfjord. 6 nights from £959pp (two sharing) including direct flights from the UK to Oslo returning from Bergen, return train journey from Myrdal to Flåm, 6 nights' B&B accommodation (2 nights in Oslo, 2 nights' half board in Hotel Flamsbrygga and 2 nights in Bergen). Also consider The Highland Express or Rail Explorer on the famous Rauma Railway, considered to be one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.
Midnight Sun (Lapland)
The midnight sun glows over Lapland during the Arctic summer and now you can experience the best of this Sami heartland on a 14-night self-drive itinerary. Great for walking, fishing, cycling and canoeing, Above the Arctic Circle is a comprehensive exploration of Lapland's lakes, fjords and national parks providing a lovely backdrop to the sweeping open roads. From the lakes and forests of Finland, venture north to the rugged mountains of northern Norway and marvel at the prehistoric rock carvings at Alta. Stand on the North Cape and look out to where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans meet and explore the beautiful island of Senja with its fine white beaches. 14 nights from £1,630pp (two sharing) including return flights from London Gatwick to Kiruna via Stockholm, 14 days' car hire and 14 nights' B&B accommodation with 3 nights' half board at Abisko. Consider also The Swedish Job a tailor made Lapland adventure enjoyed from behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper. Offering complete flexibility, the Minis can be easily fitted with a roof rack should you wish to rent bicycles, fishing equipment or even a canoe to get the most out of the great Scandinavian outdoors. 7 nights from £1,170pp (two sharing) including flights from the UK, rental of a Mini Cooper for 7 days, 3 nights' B&B in a chalet at Icehotel, 3 nights' B&B on the Lofoten Islands and 1 night (half board) at the Abisko Mountain Station.
Scandinavia Combinations
Scandinavian countries are closely linked with relaxed border controls and excellent air, road and rail links meaning multi-centre holidays are possible. Capitals of Scandinavia is a 10-night break taking in all four of the chic coastal cities - Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. Marvel at incredible architecture, delve into colourful history and maritime influences, and enjoy the many beautiful parks and waterways these cities offer in abundance. Take the scenic connections by boat and train and enjoy exploring by foot, boat and tram. 10 nights from £989pp (two sharing) including return flights flying from Gatwick into Helsinki and out of Copenhagen, 2 nights in each of the capitals, 1 night on Tallink Silja sailing between Helsinki and Stockholm and 1 night on DFDS sailing between Oslo and Copenhagen, breakfast throughout and dinner on board the Tallink Silja ship.
For information and bookings or to request a copy of the new Scandinavia Summer brochure, call 01737 214291 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/scandinavia
- ENDS-
Notes to Editors
Discover the World started life in the early 1980's when founders - Clive Stacey and Mark Leaney - created Arctic Experience. Within two years the company became market leader to Iceland. In 1988 the pair co-founded Discover the World, with zoologist and author Mark Carwardine. The company started off specialising in unique wildlife holidays around the world and pioneered many new holiday concepts such as operating the very first whale watching trip in Iceland in 1993. Later programmes to New Zealand, Antarctica and Lapland were added. Both Arctic Experience and Discover the World operated side by side as sister companies for many years, bringing many new travel experiences to the UK public. In 2001 both companies were amalgamated under the Discover the World name.
The travel specialist's portfolio of destinations includes the Nordic countries (Iceland, Finland, Norway & Sweden), the Polar Regions (Greenland, Spitsbergen, The North Pole, Canadian Arctic & Antarctic), Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Alaska. As well as offering a full tailor made service, Discover the World specialises in independent touring holidays, self-drives, small group tours and expedition cruises. Their specialist holidays range from northern lights, volcano hiking, whale watching and horse riding to honeymoons and family holidays.
Images available on request.
For media enquiries:
Lizzie Bourke at Discover the World
Tel: 01737 214 249
Email: lizzie@discover-the-world.co.uk
Follow us:
www.facebook.com/Discovertheworlduk
www.discover-the-world.co.uk/blog
www.youtube.com/DiscovertheWorldLtd
