Sunvil Discovery launches new 2015 Scandinavia brochure

New programme delves deep into the heart of Scandinavia, adding the glorious wilderness of Svalbard and the beautiful Stockholm archipelago, plus innovative new itineraries and hand-picked properties

Independent tour operator Sunvil Discovery has launched its 2015 real Scandinavia brochure, containing a scrupulously-researched selection of wonderful accommodation and hand-crafted itineraries in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and The Faroe Islands. For the first time, the programme also includes the epic Arctic islands of Svalbard, and the pastoral paradise of the immense Stockholm archipelago.

Sunvil’s specialist team has also added 15 eclectic new itineraries for 2015, each designed by experts to offer an in-depth perspective on a particular region. In addition, 14 new properties feature, each selected for its superlative quality, location and charm.

There are trips suitable for all times of the year, from intrepid adventures to the snow-covered wildernesses of Swedish Lapland and Northern Norway in the depths of winter, to blissful summer sojourns – packed with outdoorsy pursuits – to West Sweden’s coastal resorts. Gourmet travellers also have plenty to tempt them, including city breaks to the Michelin-star-spangled capital cities of Copenhagen and Stockholm.

NEW DESTINATIONS:

The high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is a dream for adventurous travellers. Despite its immense size, only a tiny fraction of the archipelago is inhabited; the rest of the vast wilderness is untamed and unquestionably unspoilt, making it a haven for rare wildlife. Some 3,000 polar bears roam through the snow, and the seas are home to whales, seals and walruses. The capital of Longyearbyen, home to just 2,000 residents, is the world’s northernmost year-round settlement. From here, thrill-seekers can enjoy RIB safaris, ice caving and snowmobile excursions; Northern Lights hunters are often rewarded with a bright display of the Aurora’s sweeping curtains of light, and hikers can head into the remote mountains with a guide during the long summer daylight hours. A three-night stay at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel in Longyearbyen costs from £794 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow via Oslo) and B&B.

A collection of around 30,000 islands, varying from miniature skerries to large, pine-clad masses, Stockholm’s archipelago is an island-hopper’s haven, conveniently close to the buzzing capital. Utö is one of the largest islands, and offers the ideal environment for kayaking, walking, cycling and swimming. There are delightful hamlets through which to wander, little shingle beaches buffed by the Baltic and craggy promontories jutting out into the water. A seven-night stay at Utö Värdshus (page 13) costs from £1,077 pp (two sharing) including direct flights (Heathrow) and B&B.

NEW ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

• A seven-night trip to Sweden’s West Coast by Public Transport.

Take in the vibrant city of Gothenburg, with its grand Neoclassical architecture and fantastic foodie spots, as well as the Koster Islands, Sweden’s first Marine National Park and home to pretty primary-coloured houses and splendid scenery, travelling by train. The price of £1,108 pp (two sharing) includes direct flights (Heathrow), B&B, all train travel and a 48-hour Gothenburg card (page 34).

• The seven-night From Coast to Mountains itinerary.

The trip focuses on the region of Jokkmokk, deep in the heart of Swedish Lapland. The journey begins in the coastal town of Luleå, before striking out north to Jokkmokk, home to a 400 year-old Sámi winter market (held every February), and where winter activities include dog sled tours and snowmobile rides. The price of £1,944 pp (two sharing) includes flights (Heathrow via Stockholm), transfers, B&B and activities (page 47).

• The seven-night Stavanger and Oslo tour.

This trip combines two glorious Norwegian cities, connected by the Sørland Railway. Start by exploring little-known Stavanger’s charming harbour front and historic wooden houses before embarking on the eight-hour train journey to Oslo, passing wild mountains, twisting fjords and white-washed coastal towns en route. The price of £1,083 pp (two sharing) includes flights (Heathrow via Stockholm), B&B, first-class train transfer and 48-hour Oslo pass (page 52).

• Summer in Svalbard and Tromsø.

This seven-night trip explores Svalbard’s awe-inspiring landscapes after the snows have melted, revealing wide open tundra and fossil-rich shores, combined with a stay in the lively university town of Tromsø. The price of £1,548 pp (two sharing) includes flights (Heathrow via Oslo), transfers, B&B and excursions (page 112).

NEW PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Angvik Gamle Handelssted, Angvik, Norway: this elegant classical hotel is located right on the banks of the Tingvollfjord in a beautifully secluded spot. The building is a remodelled 16th century wharf, backed by pine-blanketed hills and with a knot of fjords unravelling in front. A seven-night stay costs from £1,097 pp (two sharing) including flights (Gatwick via Oslo), B&B and car hire (page 76).
• Koster Hotel, Koster Islands, Sweden: this recently-renovated property sits on the waterfront of Sydkoster Island, part of Sweden’s first Marine National Park, looking out over the handsome fishermen’s huts and the sparkling sea beyond. Furnishings are traditional and charming, with a nautical theme throughout. Countless enjoyable out-of-doors pursuits are available right on the doorstep. A seven-night stay costs from £967 pp (two sharing) including direct flights (Heathrow), B&B and car hire (page 32).
• Hamn I Senja, Hamn, Northern Norway: this property is made up a group of sea houses split into apartments, located in the utterly idyllic village of Hamn. Floor to ceiling windows look out over the bay and the surrounding mountains, and there is an excellent selection of activities nearby, including Aurora spotting and wildlife boat excursions. A seven-night stay costs from £1,408 pp (two sharing) including flights (Gatwick via Oslo), B&B and car hire (page 92).

For a copy of Sunvil Discovery’s brand-new 2015 real Scandinavia brochure call 020 8758 4747. To speak to an expert or to book, call 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk)

Ends   13 NOVEMBER 2014

Press:   For further information and photography, please contact Sarah Belcher or Matilda Long at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk / m.long@travelpr.co.uk.

Note to editors: Sunvil has pioneered many specialist destinations in its 45-year history and has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives and Sustainable Tourism for well over 25 years. Sunvil consistently promotes owner-managed hotels and local tourism enterprises across all destinations in which it operates. Sunvil also uses local suppliers and representatives wherever possible and encourages its suppliers, through many initiatives, to protect and treasure their local environment.