Bentours 2006 has more for FIT market

Bentours’ Scandinavia & Russia brochure for 2006 has never been more comprehensive and diverse – it includes everything from traditional highlight tours for the time pressed to Viking quests and quirky Nordic Walking.  

Exciting new non-escorted tour options in the just released brochure include journeys by coach, train and ferry to famous Viking sites, all of Norway’s must-see fjords, along ‘The King’s Road’ from St Petersburg to Bergen and to the ‘Soul of Lapland’ in Sweden.  

Those seeking to discover Scandinavia at their own pace should consider the nine self-drive holiday itineraries.  These range from a new five-day drive around Denmark (A$590 share twin) to a 24-day circuit from Copenhagen through Sweden, Finland, northernmost Norway and south again via Bergen and Oslo.   

Each self-drive holiday includes pre-booked accommodation, including daily breakfast, car ferries and a detailed itinerary.  What is not included for 2006 is car rental, giving people the flexibility to bring a car in from mainland Europe or choose from Bentours car rental options. 

Other new options include themed cruises exploring Norwegian traditions and culture aboard the Hurtigruten or Norwegian Coastal Voyage with specialist onboard lecturers and, in the case of the ‘Edvard Grieg’ tour, an onboard musician.  There are also special ‘Christmas Voyages’ and one departure to the ‘Northern Lights Music Festival’ on 23 January 2006. 

The comprehensive range of scenic and expedition-style cruises is back, this year with new Viking River Cruises on the ‘Trail of the Cossacks’ from Kiev to Odessa and the Black Sea (from A$1567 for 15 days). 

There are a couple of new escorted tours too.  ‘Classical Baltics’ is a nine day coach journey through Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The two week ‘Heart of Scandinavia’ visits Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen, fjord Norway and the famous Flam Railway.                                  

Lead-in hotels in all capitals have dropped in price. Adina Apartments and the trendy Square Hotel are new for Copenhagen, and Nordic Hotels for Stockholm.

There are also new day tours to combine with city stays, including the Vikingland Tour to Roskilde ex Copenhagen and three new options in Helsinki – Nordic Walking, a day trip to Tallinn in Estonia and a flight to Finnish Lapland and Santa’s Village. 

For more information email [email protected] or visit www.bentours.com.au or call 02 9247 3381 or reservations 1800 221 712.