Itinerary

Nordic Europe Journey May 2023
Date:
May 28, 2023 - June 20, 2023
Meeting point:
Quebec City, Canada
Length:
24 days / 23 nights
Mileage:
7,850 NM
Day 1 - Sunday, May 28: Home → Quebec City, Canada (CYQB)

Welcome to Quebec City! Air Journey staff will greet you at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Situated in the heart of historic Old Quebec, the hotel sits high on a bluff overlooking St. Lawrence River.

All participants will meet for introductions and attend an extensive briefing covering the general procedures of our journey as well as details for tomorrow's departure.

Afterwards, we will gather for a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Hotel : Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Monday, May 29: Quebec City (CYQB) → Kuujjuaq, Canada (CYVP) → Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF) (690 + 725 NM)

We will fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Canada on our way to Kuujjuaq for a technical stop.

Then continue over southern Greenland’s beautiful scenery before landing at Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland. The airport's Kangerlussuaq Museum illustrates the town's past as a U.S. airbase during WWII.

Because we will be approaching the Arctic Circle and the "land of the midnight sun," we will have an astonishing 20 hours of daylight!

Hotel : Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 3 - Tuesday, May 30: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF) → Akureyri, Iceland (BIAR)

Fly over ice-covered Greenland and then before landing in Akureyri, Iceland. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the Hotel Kea.

Set in the heart of Iceland’s second city, Hotel Kea is an Akureyri landmark. Overlooking a stunning fjord, it exudes a classic ambience and offers outstanding service in an unbeatable location.

Hotel : KEA Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Wednesday, May 31: Akureyri, Iceland

Our today’s tour takes us to the Diamond Circle, where we will discover Akureyri’s most exciting natural attractions. We will experience the power of nature by exploring waterfalls and lava formations, while we visit the main highlights of the Diamond Circle, including Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, and Ásbyrgi.

This day will end with an exploration of the city of Akureyri, and then we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel : KEA Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5 - Thursday, June 01: Akureyri, Iceland

Today, we will head out to the Forest Lagoon: the new geothermal spa located in Vaðlaskógur forest. Once there, we will enjoy the spa's pools, which are heated up with all natural geothermal water that is sourced from the mountain behind the Forest lagoon location, Vaðlaheiði.

Hotel : KEA Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 6 - Friday, June 02: Akureyri, Iceland (BIAR) → Oslo, Norway (ENGM) (855 NM)

Our Journey continues to Oslo, Norway where we will transfer to The Thief.

Set on a peninsula in west Oslo, The Thief is a luxury boutique hotel in the city's trendy and artsy Tjuvholmen District. The hotel is one of Norway's most chic due to its collection of original modern art by heavy-hitters like Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. The 118 rooms have bespoke elements, like furniture created by world-class designers, and thoughtful touches, like turn-down service that comes with a flask of hot water, a bag of herbal tea, and freshly-made brownies. There are also renowned dining and drinking options on site, including Michelin-recommended Fru K and the Thief Roof, plus a spa and modern fitness center.

Hotel : The Thief
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Saturday, June 03: Oslo, Norway

On this day, we’ll witness Oslo's top sights on a full-day combo experience in the Norwegian capital. With pur guide, we will take a sightseeing tour by coach, visiting Vigeland Park and stopping at the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump for photos. Then, we will explore the FRAM Museum, which talks about Norway's polar exploration, and the Viking Ship Museum. Afterwards, we’ll head out into the Oslo Fjord to enjoy a cruise around the idyllic coastal region.

Hotel : The Thief
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 8 - Sunday, June 04: Oslo, Norway → Longyearbyen, Norway (Commercial Flight Not Included)

Today we will take a commercial flight (not included) to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost settlement and the largest inhabited area of Svalbard, Norway.

Upon arrival we will transfer to Funken Lodge. Funken Lodge is a boutique hotel on Svalbard, with unique views over Longyearbyen and the nearby glaciers. Here you can unwind after thrilling nature
experiences, and enjoy exclusive food and drinks from an international cuisine in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere.

Hotel : Funken Lodge
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 9 - Monday, June 05: Longyearbyen, Norway

This morning is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a unique boat tour experience aboard MS Bard. On this trip we’ll get to experience the very best of Svalbard's spectacular coastal landscapes. The trip ahead of us has no fixed route or destination; We sail where the conditions are most favourable, based on weather conditions, waves, and recent observations of wildlife. In other words, the goal of the trip is to capture the best experiences the day has to offer.

Hotel : Funken Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 10 - Tuesday, June 06: Longyearbyen, Norway → Oslo, Norway (Commercial Flight Not Included)

This morning we will enjoy a tour to see the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This building safeguards duplicates of 1,145,693 seed varieties from almost every country in the world, with room for millions more. It's purpose is to backup genebank collections to secure the foundation of our future food supply.

This evening, we will take a commercial flight (not included) back to Oslo, where we’ll enjoy an overnight stay at Radisson Blu Aiport Hotel to prepare ourselves for our tomorrow’s flight.

Hotel : Radisson Blue Airport Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 11 - Wednesday, June 07: Oslo, Norway (ENGM) → Stockholm, Sweden (ESSB) (215 NM)

Today we will fly our airplanes to Stockholm.

Rich in history and tradition, the more than 130 year old Grand Hotel Stockholm occupies a prime position on the city's waterfront overlooking the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, a timeless classic that has played a pivotal role in shaping Stockholm as the cosmopolitan city that it is today. The hotel has borne witness to some of the world's greatest achievements. Since 1901, the Nobel Prize laureates and their families have all been guests of the Grand Hotel Stockholm and the list of royalty, heads of state and artists who have stayed is impressive.

Hotel : Grand Hotel Stockholm
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12 - Thursday, June 08: Stockholm, Sweden

Enjoy a city tour with our local guide to visit the wealthy Ostermalm District with the central city areas of Hotorget and Sergel Plaza and the Renaissance‐styled Royal Palace. Next we’ll explore the 18th to 20th century buildings in the Kungsholmen district including City Hall (this is where the Nobel Prize Award dinners are held every year).

Our drive continues to the southern shore of Saltsjon island for an amazing view of the city from the top of picturesque Fjallgatan Street. Continue to Stockholm’s charming Old Town, “Gamla Stan,” with time to stroll along the charming cobblestoned streets.

Hotel : Grand Hotel Stockholm
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 13 - Friday, June 09: Stockholm, Sweden

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Grand Hotel Stockholm
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 14 - Saturday, June 10: Stockholm, Sweden (ESSB) → Helsinki, Finland (EFHK) (220 NM)

Our journey continues to beautiful Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Upon arrival we will transfer to Hotel St. George. Housed in a meticulously restored landmark structure directly across from beautiful Old Church Park in the very heart of Helsinki, Hotel St. George not only offers guests a stunningly contemporary property set within an historically rich stage, but a total revamp on the concept of what a hotel should be. Just one soaring pillar of inspiration comes from the hotel’s boldly realized art collection.
Run in collaboration with such renowned institutions as the Helsinki Art Museum and the National Gallery, the program
showcases a rare work by celebrated Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, whose large-scale sculpture of a dragon is one of many stirring pieces in the seven-floor property.

Hotel : Hotel St. George
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 15 - Sunday, June 11: Helsinki, Finland

Today we will enjoy a full-day tour to visit Suomenlinna: a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands. We will board the ferry from Kauppatori and in a few minutes we’ll be in one of the most amazing man-made places in Scandinavia.

This fascinating complex was built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time.

After our tour we will have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Hotel : Hotel St. George
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 16 - Monday, June 12: Helsinki, Finland (EFHK) → Kirkenes, Norway (ENKR) (580 NM)

Our today’s flight takes us to Kirkenes, Norway.

Upon arrival we will transfer to Snowhotel Kirkenes for an ultimate arctic experience. This very unique accommodation is the
only hotel in the world made completely of snow and ice. In summer season, the Snowhotel 365 is preserved with innovative
cooling technology, allowing you to experience a winter wonderland in July, which is just as magical as the one you see in December.

Hotel : Snowhotel Kirkeness
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 17 - Tuesday, June 13: Kirkenes, Norway

Today we will venture in a King Crab Safari. On this ultimate arctic summer boat excursion we will experience an authentic King crab fishing. We will head out from Kirkenes harbor, and out the fjord toward the Barents sea. With seagulls gawking above, our fisherman guides will take us for a marine sightseeing outside Kirkenes. Sometimes porpoises (arctic dolphins) pops up around the boat, and stick around for a while.

Then we head out for the cages, which are sunk deep to catch the biggest king crabs. We will be hands on deck, and help pull the cages from the depths of the Varanger fjord.

After the catch is secured, the journey will continue to a rustic restaurant by the fjord. Here, the King of crabs is served the classic northern Norwegian way. Pure, fresh and heavenly tasty! The portions are generous, so no one will leave the table hungry.

Hotel : Snowhotel Kirkeness
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 18 - Wednesday, June 14: Kirkenes, Norway (ENKR) → Alesund, Finland (ENAL) (715 NM)

Today we will take our airplanes to the beautiful Alesund, Norway.

Perched at the top of Norway’s Western Fjord country, picture-perfect Alesund is spread over several islands stretching into the Atlantic, with the spectacular Sunnmøre Mountains as a backdrop. If its natural beauty doesn’t grab you, its architecture surely will: After an early 20th-century fire destroyed much of the town, Alesund was rebuilt in absolute Art Nouveau (Jugendstil)

Hotel : Storfjord Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 19 - Thursday, June 15: Alesund, Norway

Today we will enjoy an Electric Porsche Day Trip to explore the region of Sunnmøre in style.

The Sunnmore Alps are home to some of Scandinavia´s finest driving roads. There’s a vast amount of scenic viewpoints, made even more relevant by the signature world-class architecture applied to their public spaces, and most drives may involve a ferry across some fjord, or sub ocean tunnels, which makes our journey in the Porsche Taycan an unforgettable experience.

Hotel : Storfjord Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 20 - Friday, June 16: Alesund, Norway

Today we will explore Alesund and its surroundings by air. We will enjoy amazing views of the city, glaciers, fjords, mountains and landmarks from the cockpit of an helicopter! During our 30 minutes ride we will see the rooftop of the planet in a very unique way.

Hotel : Storfjord Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 21 - Saturday, June 17: Alesund, Norway (ENAL) → Reykjavik, Iceland (BIRK) (760 NM)
TBM Journey to Europe | Air Journey

After breakfast and an in-depth briefing, we will launch for our over-water crossing to Iceland and spend the night at Hotel Borg.

Hotel : Hotel Borg
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 22 - Sunday, June 18: Reykjavik, Iceland (BIRK) → Ilulissat, Greenland (BGJN) (750 NM)

Our today’s flight take us to Ilulissat.

Note: The runway at Ilulissat is 2,800’. For aircraft needing a longer runway, you have the option to take a commercial flight (airfare not included) to Ilulissat.

Located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat is the most accessible place to see both massive icebergs and the polar icecap. The town has a beautiful location at the mouth of the 35 mile long ice fjord that is filled with enormous icebergs from the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, Sermeq Kujalleq. The Ice Fjord surrounds Ilulissat with gigantic formations of icebergs, calving glaciers, and isolated settlements. It offers
breathtaking Arctic experiences all year round.

Experience the Midnight Sun illuminating the ice until late into the night.

Hotel : Hotel Arctic
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 23 - Monday, June 19: Ilulissat, Greenland

Today we will enjoy a Glacier & Iceberg Cruise, sailing past a fascinating variety of floes and icebergs.

On a clear day, the landscape is truly surreal. Hundreds of icebergs surround Ilulissat. They vary in shape from flat- topped hunks to jagged mountain peaks, and vary in size from small doghouses to mega-cruise ships and larger. And that's just the part above the surface! The Ice Fjord, which is close to Hotel Arctic, was included on UNESCO's World
Heritage List at the 28th of The World Heritage Committee in the summer of 2004.

The Ice Fjord contains one of the biggest and most active glaciers in the world. Its 3,000 square kilometre area advances at a rate of 20 metres per day. The glacier "calves" about 10 % of the inland ice that is pressed out into the sea from Greenland, and there is nothing in the whole world that resembles it.

Hotel : Hotel Arctic
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 24 - Tuesday, June 20: Ilulissat, Greenland (BGJN) → Iqaluit, Canada (CYFB) → Quebec City, Canada (CYQB) → Home (530 + 1,025 NM)

After breakfast, continue heading west for our return home. For those requiring, we have a technical stop in Iqualuit, Canada to refuel, before touching down in Quebec City, Canada.

Afterwards, we will take our separate ways home.

Breakfast included