Best seat in the house: on board Bentours cruise led by expert astronomer
 

A recent revision of NASA’s ‘solar maximum’ forecast means that this coming European autumn/winter could be one of the best in a decade for viewing the Northern Lights. Northern Norway is directly under the zone of maximum activity making it an ideal destination to experience this spectacular natural light show. For those that have been dreaming of a Scandinavian holiday that takes in this incredible natural phenomenon, then this is the time to visit.
 

Bentours, Australia’s leading Scandinavian specialist, has a range of options that let travellers discover the Northern Lights, including the Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage which is led by expert astronomer, Dr John Mason, who has been leading overseas expeditions to observe and record natural phenomena for more than 30 years.
 

“The Northern Lights are a truly unique spectacle that has been fascinating people for centuries, with many myths and legends surrounding the mesmerizing light display. The Bentours’ Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage provides exceptional viewing opportunities and I can offer an expert insight into the mysterious aurora along the way. Even though I have had the privilege to see the Northern Lights countless times, each time is unique and I look forward to witnessing the best lights in a decade with Bentours’ guests,” said Dr John Mason. 
 

For the ultimate Northern Lights experience, the Bentours Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage will take passengers along Norway’s dramatic fjords on board a Hurtigruten vessel, offering the best seat in the house to search for the light display. Passengers will discover Norway’s quaint towns, visit the Arctic Capital of Tromso renowned for being one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, and pass through the LofotenIslands- Norway’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
 

The best time to witness the magic is under a dark and cloudless sky between late September and early April. Hurtigruten’s ships are the perfect viewing platform as they enable the lights to be seen against the dark night sky, away from the artificial light of towns and cities. Known as the aurora borealis, the dazzling lights of the aurora are the result of countless collisions between energetic particles originating in the Sun's outer atmosphere with particles in Earth's upper atmosphere. The intensity of the aurora borealis has been increasing over the past few years and is set to produce fine displays this European winter.
 

The Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage departing Bergen, Norway, starts from AUD$1830 or NZ$2047 per person twin share.
 

For further information on the Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage and Bentours’ other packages which take in the Northern Lights, contact Bentours on 1800 221 712, enquiry@bentours.com.au or visit www.bentours.com.au.
 

*Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person, based on twin share. Astronomy Voyage is valid for sale until 29 Oct 13 and travel 28 Sep & 01 Nov 13. The advertised price is based on an Inside Cabin and is valid for departure 01 Nov 13. 10% deposit is required within 7 days of confirmation. Full payment is required 70 days prior to departure date from Australia/New Zealand. Cancellations made 70 days or more prior to departure will be subject to loss of deposit. Cancellations made up to 69 days prior to departure will be subject to loss of up to 100% of total cost. Prices quoted are accurate as at 5 June 2013. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. International airfares are excluded. Single supplements apply. Tempo Holidays trading as Bentours International A.B.N. 51007331213 VIC License 31341.
 

About Dr John Mason
An Applied Physicist by profession, Dr John Mason has been leading overseas expeditions to observe and record natural phenomena for more than 30 years, with Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Technology as his main interests. Based in the United Kingdom, Dr Mason is currently Principal lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester, has been a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society since 1976, and is a full member of the International Astronomical Union. He lectures extensively in the UK and overseas on a wide range of scientific topics and is a sought-after speaker with an international reputation as an enthusiastic and entertaining communicator of science.
 

Dr Mason has extensive TV and radio experience, and has produced several award-winning TV documentaries that have aired on the BBC and Channel 4 in the UKas well as on the Discovery Channel. Dr Mason has also published various articles in journals, magazines and newspapers, and has authored/edited over 70 books.
 

Dr Mason has been showing Bentours’ guests the Northern Lights from Hurtigruten ships every autumn/winter for the past six years.
 

About Bentours
For over 30 years, Bentours has been proudly operating innovative tours and cruises to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. With a reputation as Australia’s Scandinavian travel specialists, Bentours also offers a huge range of touring options in Russia, the Baltic States, Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic, Antarctica and South America.
www.bentours.com.au

For further information, images, or to arrange an interview with Dr John Mason please contact:
GTI Tourism on behalf of Bentours
Anna Szulerecka or Katie Cuttriss
+ 61 (0) 2 9028 3578; + 61 (0) 2 9028 3597
anna.szulerecka@gtitourism.com.au; katie.cuttriss@gtitourism.com.au