NCE Scandinavia Tour 2018August 3-12

Tour Director: Samantha Mandel

Contact:Samantha MandelNewton Global Programs Manager travel@newtoncommunityed.org (857) 636-0921

Trip Itinerary:Note that this itinerary is a general outline of what we will do. There is built-in flexibility to make modifications based on the group’s desires.

Part 1: Denmark

August 3: Copenhagen!Explore the city on your own or with a guide – museums, restaurants, cultural events and nightlife!

Arrive on your own according to your schedule. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and it is chock-full of museums, historic sites, gardens, eateries, and culture You can choose to explore the city on your own, or with Samantha as a guide. Samantha will be taking those who are interested on optional excursions such as:

City Walking Tour (private to our travelers) Roskilde Cathedral, which houses 39 tombs of Danish monarchs! Viking Ship Museum Tivoli Gardens Extra tours can be arranged to the:

- Stevns Klint geological site, which offers evidence of the impact of the Chicxulub meteorite that crashed into the planet at the end of the Cretaceous, about 65 million years ago. Researchers think that this caused the most remarkable mass extinction ever, responsible for the disappearance of over 50 per cent of all life on Earth.- Calsberg Brewery & Beer Tasting: Traditional beer-tasting at a world-famous local brewery. Learn drinking customs of the Vikings!

Spend the night at the luxurious Scandic Palace Hotel in Copenhagen.

August 4: The Hamlet CastleEveryone loves a good castle…. especially a Shakespearean one!

Today we will take a beautiful and relaxing day trip to gorgeous Kronborg Castle, the castle upon which Hamlet’s home was based! We will have time to explore the grounds, picnic, or enjoy lunch in one of the castle’s quaint cafes. We will also have a private guided tour of the castle with an expert guide.

Tonight we will travel in comfort via overnight ferry to Norway, in true Scandinavian style! We will arrive in Oslo well-rested in the morning.

Part 2: Norway

August 5 & 6: OsloExplore the city on your own or with a guide – museums, restaurants, galleries, bars, and nightlife!

We will enjoy a cultural song & dance event as a group on the night of August 5. Meanwhile, we have two days at leisure in Norway’s stunning capital. You can enjoy the sites with Samantha or on your own (we’ll give you plenty of recommendations, of course). A sampling of sights include:

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Viking Trail, just for our group!

Akershus Fortress Frogner (Vigeland) Sculpture Park

(the Central Park of Oslo!) Astrup Fearnley Museum of

Modern Art Viking Ship Museum

Kon-Tiki Museum Food tour of Oslo River bike tour of Oslo Fram Museum Munch Museum Oslo Opera House Tour the Royal Palace as a group National Museum

An extra fjord cruise from Oslo can also be arranged for those who are interested!

Spend two nights at the 4-star Clarion Collection Hotel right in the center of Oslo!

August 7: Oslo/Myrdal/Flåm RailwayThe most beautiful rail ride in Norway!

Today, we enjoy one of Norway’s most breathtaking attractions! After a leisurely breakfast, we board the railway for one of the most beautiful train rides you will ever take. Traveling across one of Europe’s highest mountain plateaus, we’ll experience sweeping scenery and jaw-dropping views.

Once we arrive to Flåm, relax on your own or enjoy a beer tasting with the group at Aegir Brewery & Pub!

Spend two nights at the cozy Flamsbrygga Hotel in Flåm. The views from the rooms are unmatchable!

August 8: A Day in FlåmA la carte day – pick your own adventure(s)!

Today, you pick your own adventure! From cycling at your own pace, to kayaking, to relaxing with some goat cheese on a fjord tour, we will make your arrangements a la carte!

Option #1: Old King Path Kayaking Tour Option #2: UNESCO Fjord Tour with Goat Cheese Tasting Option #3: Rallarvegen Cycling Tour Option #4: Viking Valley Gudvangen Tour (Living History Museum) Option #5: Explore Flåm at your leisure

August 9: Boat Ride to Bergen OR Natural Wonders Bus Tour to Bergen (the final group of travelers chooses!)

A Scenic Ride to Norway’s “Gateway to the Fjords”!

Gorgeous 5-hour cruise to Bergen Relax & enjoy Bergen, Norway’s cultural hub and the “gateway to the Fjords”!

OR

Natural Wonders Bus Tour to FlåmTravel to Flåm via bus with a private guide and driver, and see some of Norway’s most stunning

natural sights!

Kvamskogen mountain plateau

Maabodal Canyon – witness the dramatic drop! Voringfoss Waterfall – one of the most famous sights in Norway! Frequent stops in countryside villages and beautiful scenic overlooks

Spend two nights at the conveniently located Bergen Bors Hotel

August 10: A Day in BergenEnjoy the city with a guide or without one – at your own pace!

Explore the sights on your own, or enjoy some activities with Samantha! Private guided walking tour of the city at an easy pace Floibanen Funicular Ride with stunning panoramic views! A la carte afternoon – you choose your activity and we set it up!-Option #1: Fjord Cruise-Option #2: Make your Own Adventure:

➢ Sights include: Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Historic house, Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf & Museum, Fantoft Stavkirke, Bergen Fortress, many hiking or biking trails!

August 11: Natural Wonders Day Trip OR Island-Hopping from Bergen (the final group of travelers chooses!)

Explore some of Norway’s most stunning sights with a private guide and driver!

Kvamskogen mountain plateau Maabodal Canyon – witness the dramatic drop! Voringfoss Waterfall – one of the most famous sights in Norway! Frequent stops in countryside villages and beautiful scenic overlooks

OR

Island-Hopping from Bergen!Relax and explore some of the gorgeous & quaint islands around Bergen that form a scenic

archipelago!

Visit multiple small islands Explore local villages Spend the afternoon at leisure in Bergen

August 12: Departure DayEnjoy a last brunch in Bergen, and make your way home on your own schedule.

Other Highlights:

Avant-Garde Food: Norwegian food is known for its up-and-coming adventurous chefs, sophisticated palate, and innovative combinations. You won’t be disappointed!

Optional Cultural & History Overview Sessions: Learn about Norway before you go with Samantha, Newton’s Global Programs Manager!

A Continuing Community: Stay in touch with your travel group through alumni reunions and more!

Pricing

$3,975/person for double occupancy$789 additional cost for single room (we can pair you with roommates if desired!)

Note: For your convenience, we will not be booking flights as a group. This way, you may easily extend your trip if desired and book your travel around your own schedule. Samantha would be happy to advise you if you have questions! Samantha will also send out plenty of detailed travel information in advance, e.g. packing lists, and will hold a pre-trip travel logistics meeting over the summer.

The following is included in the price:

ØHotels ØBusØAll transportation

within ScandinaviaØBreakfast every day & some

group mealsØAll logistics handledØPre-trip cultural & history classØCommunity experience &

good company

ØCheery Newton Global Education Manager!

ØWalking tours guided by local experts in every city

ØEntrances to all tour activitiesØYour choice of all optional tours

listed on the itinerary in Bergen & Flåm

To register:Spots will be filled on a first-pay, first-serve basis. Please follow these three steps to register:

1) Call 617-559-6999 to register.2) Mail a check addressed to Newton Community Education for $1,500 (or ($1,989 for

a single room) to Newton Community Education, 457 Walnut Street, Newtonville MA 02460 to secure your spot.

3) Download the travel waiver and registration form from https://registration.xenegrade.com/nce/coursedisplay.cfm?schID=11103 and send the signed form in along with your check.

Payment Schedule:Payments should be made in the form of a check addressed to “Newton Community Education”

and mailed to “Newton Community Education, 100 Walnut Street, Newtonville MA 02460.”

1st Payment: $1,500 (add $489 for a single)– due immediately to secure your spot; spots will be filled on a first-pay, first-serve basis.

N. B.: If you would like our help to be matched with a roommate, you do not need to pay the single occupancy supplement with your deposit.

2nd Payment: $1,500 (add $300 for a single) – due by May 1.

3rd Payment: $975 - due by May 28.

Want a discount? Pay the entire trip cost up front and receive a discount of $50.

Refund PolicyWithdrawals before June 15 will incur a $250 cancelation fee, after which all monies will be

refunded that we are able to get back from vendors. No refunds will be possible after June 15, 2018.

FAQs

How much are flights to Norway?A quick glance at flights into Copenhagen and out of Bergen showed round-trip flight prices of as

low as $543 for our dates.

Since this is an NCE program, will there be an educational component?Yes! We are offering a pre-trip overview of Norwegian culture and history for all who are

interested.

How about the food?Norwegian food is delicious, and known for its up-and-coming adventurous chefs, sophisticated

palate, and innovative combinations. You won’t be disappointed!

I have friends/family who also want to come. Do they have to live in Newton?No! Our only requirement for travelers is that they be 18+ with a valid passport.

I definitely think I'm coming on this trip. What should I get started on now?Make sure you have a valid passport that is good through the end of January 2019.

Will Samantha give us information about what to pack and how to prepare?Yes she will, not to worry! She has taken many groups of students and adults abroad, and will

tell you everything you need to know - packing lists, using money in Norway, health and safety, insurance plans, phone plans, etc. etc.

What is the maximum number of travelers you can take?40, but the actual group will probably be more like 25-30 participants.

What is the minimum number of travelers you need to run the trip?10-15.

How does the number of participants affect the price?The price will drop if we get enough participants to lower the cost. Tell your friends to sign up :)

How many people will there be per hotel room?The prices in the PowerPoint assume double rooms. If you don't know anyone else on the trip, Samantha can create a roommate survey and pair you up accordingly. Many people have already inquired about that for this trip. For those of you who would prefer your own room, we would be happy to accommodate you, and there are many travelers looking for roommates on this trip. There is an extra cost of $789 associated with the extra room.

Is the trip geared towards a particular age range/fitness level?Not at all. Most of the physical activities on this trip will be geared to any physical fitness level. Additionally, the range of tourism options in Norway mean that for most physical activities (walks, bikes, etc) we will offer an à la carte non-physical (bus, boat) alternative. NCE strives to make all activities accessible to all!

Questions?Contact Samantha Mandel at samantha_mandel@newton.k12.ma.us or NCE at travel@newtoncommunityed.org.