Oslo (Norway) 2 nights

Limited to 40 Delegates & Partners

Realm of the Polar Bear Cruise (M/S Expedition) 7 nights Reykjavik (Iceland) 6 nights Ilulissat (Greenland) 3 nights Copenhagen (Denmark) 3 nights

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Tour

3 1 J U LY T O 2 2 A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

100% Bear-antee Spitsbergen is the world’s best place to see polar bears. Owing to our Expedition Team’s extensive experience, your chances of seeing them are excellent. That’s why we extend a polar bear guarantee—a 100% Bear-antee. In the unlikely event that we are unable to locate a polar bear, every delegate will receive a credit for the value they spent on their cruise to use towards a future Arctic cruise aboard the M/S Expedition.

Tour Leaders Mike & Yvonne Lazarow, Dipak Sanghvi

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& Ice Tour

WHY THE ARCTIC?

ITINERARY

Realm of the Polar Bear, Oslo (Norway), Reykjavik(Iceland), Ilulissat (Greenland) and Copenhagen (Denmark)

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Arrival in Oslo and immediate transfer to your Hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

After the enthusiastic response to our Antarctic expeditions we were urged to turn our eyes north and explore the Arctic regions. Knowing our delegates’ passion for wild life as well as visiting new lands, we decided to combine the tours. Our 7 nights Realm of the Polar Bear cruise gives us the very best opportunity to view not only Polar Bear but also the unique wild life of this region.

Welcome Dinner that evening where you will receive your Orientation Briefing and meet your fellow travellers.

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Walk around the new Opera House, which was opened in April 2008. Enjoy the stunning views across the Oslo fjord from the spectacular outdoor terrace area. Among other highlights, you will visit the Viking Ship Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum which houses original boats and exhibits from Thor Heyerdahl’s world famous expeditions. The Vigeland’s Park, one of the major Scandinavian cultural treasures, will welcome you with the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, who dedicated his life to his artistic works. Pass by the Royal Palace. Lunch will be served in a traditional Norwegian restaurant high above the city—on Holmenkollen.

Iceland and Greenland are on many people’s bucket-list. Our visit to Reykjavik and our stay on the island will provide an ideal opportunity to soak up the life and culture of this most interesting country. We will delve into the history of Iceland, which, over hundreds of years, has often been determined by the volcanic nature of the island.

Finally we return home via a stopover in Copenhagen where we will see the sights and taste the cuisine of this Scandinavian beauty.

THURS 02 AUG OSLO

Half day panoramic sightseeing coach tour of Oslo.

Before flying in to Spitsbergin we will also spend a few days in Oslo, the capital of Norway.

Then it is a mere hop and a jump before we touch down in the delightful town of Ilulissat, Greenland. Amongst many other sights we will visit Eqi glacier, thrusting out in a fjord north of Ilulissat. Sail to the very edge of the glacier’s frontline rising 80–90 meters above the surface of the ocean.

WED 01 AUG OSLO

Afternoon at leisure. Dinner own arrangements. Strokkur Geysir

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FRI 03 AUG OSLO, LONGYEARBEN

Private Coach transfer from Hotel to airport for your flight to Spitsbergin. On arrival in Longyearben, embark the M/S Expedition in the afternoon and depart Longyearben in the evening.

SAT 04 to

4-9 THURS 09 AUG Spend the next few days exploring Svalbard’s (Spitsbergin) remote Polar Regions. Visit ice-covered fjords, historical mining towns and spectacular glaciers. See polar bears, reindeer, seals and some of the richest birdlife this side of the Arctic Circle. Your final itinerary will be determined by local ice and weather conditions, which are assessed continuously throughout the voyage. Early-season cruises offer more bird life and the chance to see large ice flows, while later tours travel further east and give you the chance to sail around Spitsbergen. From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of nonstop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and by Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a couple months of the year.

Oslo

Why M/S Expedition? Built for Adventure • Fast Spend less time in transit and more time exploring • Sturdy Excellent stability and performance in rough weather • Safe Designed with safety in mind • Responsible Environmental policies that meet and exceed industry regulations With a maximum of 126 passengers, the M/S Expedition provides an intimate small ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private ensuite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the most remote regions on earth. While many expedition cruise operators will promise you space, comfort or expertise—the M/S Expedition delivers it all.

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FRI 10 AUG LONGYEARBEN, OSLO, REYKJAVIK

This morning disembark from our cruise and transfer to the airport for our flight to Oslo and connecting to Iceland. The flying time from Longyearben to Oslo is 4 hours 15 minutes and the flying time to Reykjavik is a further 2 hours 40 minutes. There is a 2 hour time difference between Oslo and Reykjavik. We will be met at Keflavík Airport and transferred to our hotel in Reykjavik. As flights from Reykjavik to Ilulissat are limited to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays we will overnight in Reykjavik and fly to Ilulissat the next day.

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SAT 11 AUG ILULISSAT

Transfer to Reykjavik domestic airport in the morning and then fly to Ilulissat, Greenland (3 hours flight and 2 hour time difference). Arrive around noon at the picturesque town of Ilulissat. It has a beautiful location at the mouth of a long ice fjord, filled with enormous icebergs from the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. After check-in at the hotel, depending on the size of our group, we will split into two groups. Group 1 will enjoy a Town Tour with a local guide. Learn about modern life close to the Arctic Circle and join in on feeding a sled-dog team, where the owner will demonstrate dog-sledding and explain the nature of sled-dogs in Greenland. This will be followed by dinner at a local restaurant after which there will be a midnight Sail amongst the Icebergs. Group 2 will head off for the Boat Tour to Rodebay. This is a 5 hour tour including a dinner at the very unusual H8 restaurant at the village of Rodebay (Pop 40).

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THURS 16 AUG GEYSERS

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the original Icelandic parliament and a geologically fascinating area. Walk down the rift valley caused by the separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Then head to the famous Geysir hot spring area and view one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, spouting hot water up to 30 metres. Continue to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe where we will have lunch. We also visit a horse breeding farm with a geothermally heated greenhouse growing tomatoes and learn about the Icelandic horse and its special qualities. Overnight in the Selfoss area the next night.

17 Thingvellir Park

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Copenhagen

SUN 12 AUG 12 ILULISSAT In the morning, the fitter delegates of Group 1 can take a leisurely walk to the remains of the old settlement Sermermiut, situated by the Icefjord. Listen to the story about life and customs of the Greenlanders before European arrival, whilst enjoying incredible views of the icebergs in the fjord. In the afternoon they will do the Boat Tour to Rodebay. Group 2 will do the Town Tour and sled-dog experience and in the afternoon take the walk to the old Sermermiut settlement. In the evening they will dine at the local restaurant and at midnight experience the Sail amongst the Icebergs.

MON 13 AUG EQI GLACIER

Very few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi glacier, thrusting out in a fjord north of Ilulissat. Sail to the very edge of the glacier’s frontline rising 80–90 metres above the surface of the ocean. While enjoying lunch on board the boat or at Eqi Camp, watch as big chunks of heavy ice break off the glacier and tumble intensely into the water. Collisions are enormous and the sight of icebergs clashing and shattering, not to mention the sound, is impressive. This is a full day tour for everyone.

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TUES 14 AUG ILULISSAT, REYKJAVIK

The morning is ours to explore the town at our leisure. Enjoy the vistas of the beautiful icebergs in the fjord or use the time to do any final handicraft and souvenir shopping. Transfer to the airport in Ilulissat and fly to Reykjavik, followed by a transfer to our hotel. Optional excursions are also available for a helicopter flight to the icefjord. This is highly recommended.

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WED 15 AUG REYKJAVIK

Morning sightseeing tour around Reykjavik City goes to the old town centre, the harbour and the Pearl. Next travel to the Reykjanes Peninsula, a geothermal field with hot springs, steaming vents and mud pots and visit and bathe in the famous Blue Lagoon, set in the middle of the black lava field. Dinner at a local Reykjavik restaurant in the evening.

FRI 17 AUG South Coast and the Thorsmork Nature Reserve

We drive the south coast with rolling farmland hills and a constant view of the volcanoes and mountains. Continue to Thorsmork Nature Reserve crossing several rivers in our specially designed and equipped vehicles. Thorsmork is one of Iceland’s most scenic spots, encircled by natural barriers such as mountains, glaciers and unbridged waters in all directions. The climate in Thorsmork is unique because it is an oasis surrounded on all sides with glaciers and mountains creating its own microclimate. Visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can actually walk behind the water . We continue to Thorvaldseyri and visit the Volcano Museum, a tribute to the volcano that erupted in 2010 and so disrupted air traffic all over Europe.

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SAT 18 AUG REYKJAVIK

Time to kick back, relax and stroll around the town centre of Reykjavik at your leisure. This is the time to purchase those presents to take home or invest in the spectacular knitwear that Iceland is famous for. Own arrangements for lunch but you would not want to miss our Iceland farewell Dinner. SUN 19 AUG

19 REYKJAVIK, COPENHAGEN After breakfast at our hotel, transfer to the Airport for our flight to Copenhagen. On arrival in Copenhagen transfer directly to our Hotel. Dinner venue to be advised.

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MON 20 AUG COPENHAGEN

Half day panoramic sightseeing tour of Copenhagen by coach and English speaking guide.

Longyearben S PI T S B E R G E N

The perfect introduction to “Wonderful Copenhagen”. We start with a drive towards the City Hall Square where the famous pedestrian street “Stroget” begins. We pass Tivoli Gardens, dating back to 1843 and onwards past the New Carlsberg Glyptotheque and the National Museum. Kings New Square is the home of the Royal Danish Theatre with the world famous ballet. We drive through the old canal Nyhavn with its picturesque houses and vessels and continue on to see the impressive Gefion Fountain. We will make a photo stop at the Little Mermaid statue, the main character of the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Another photo stop is made at the Royal residence Amalienborg Palace. During the tour we shall go to the Christiansborg Palace housing the Danish Parliament, for an inside visit to the magnificent Royal Reception Rooms, still in use by the Danish Queen.

G R E E N L AN D

Ilulissat

Lunch served en route at a Waterfront restaurant. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Reykjavik I CE L AN D

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TUE 21 AUG COPENHAGEN

Day at leisure. Farewell Gala Dinner at a sensational venue high above the city. Optional Tour this day is The Castles of North Zealand – 7 Hours.

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COPENHAGEN

Coach transfer to the airport for our flight back to Australia or onward journey.

Business Program There will be 6 hours of conference program. The program content will be assessed and the appropriate Group 1 CPD points allocated. An attendance register will be maintained and all delegates will receive a certificate of attendance. The nature of the program is yet to be finalised but it will be of a relevant and topical nature. Hotels & Restaurants Blue Lagoon

Only 4-5 star hotels have been selected in Oslo, Reykjavik, Ilulissat and Copenhagen. The following hotels have been selected: Oslo Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Reykjavik Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel Ilulissat Arctic Hotel Copenhagen Scandic Hotel A feature of all Pharmacy Small Group Tours is the exposure to fine dining and traditional cuisine experiences. All restaurants have been carefully selected and will be a feature of this tour.

TOUR PACKAGE $TBA Double/Twin (per person ex Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) Single Supplement $TBA • Hotel Room Upgrade package available at some hotels and on request • Package price is based on CAT 3 cabins. Upgrades to CAT 4 & 5 are available on request. As these cabins are limited, reservation will be on a first served basis Tour Package includes • Return economy class airfare from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Oslo and return to Australia from Copenhagen • Economy class flights to and from Longyearben, Reykjavik and Ilulissat • Airport departure taxes

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• 8 day/7 night Realm of the Polar Bear Cruise on M/S Expedition • Superior accommodation as follows: - 2 nights in Oslo - 7 night cruise on M/S Expedition - 6 nights in Iceland - 3 nights in Greenland - 3 nights in Copenhagen • Daily buffet breakfasts • Dinner and lunches on most days • Beer, wine and refreshments included with most meals • Transfers from airport/hotel/airport • All tours and entry fees as per itinerary • All advertised tours both on the cruise and land-based are included in the package

31 JULY TO 22 AU G U S T 2 012

• All tips and gratuities • Air conditioned first class coaches

Pharmacy Small Group Tours

• Experienced Englishspeaking guides

Mike Lazarow and Dipak Sanghvi, well known industry identities are the principals of Pharmacy Small Group Tours along with Yvonne Lazarow, Managing Director of Impact Organisation P/L (Travel).

Not included • Passport and visa costs and associated courier costs • Travel insurance • Expenses of a personal nature such as personal telephone calls, laundry, room service • Alcohol and refreshments not included in the program • Single supplement for all hotels and the ship where applicable • Any increase in airport taxes and fuel surcharges post 1/ 8/11 • Recommended optional tours

After a numbers of highly successful tours over the past 7 years, this tour to the Arctic Region will build on the experience and reputation of leading Small Group Tours. A feature of our tours is the all-inclusive nature of our package plus all the little extras built into the program that ensures extraordinary value for money. Impact Organisation (Travel) Impact organisation P/L (Travel) is an accredited travel company well versed in handling large and small travel groups. A principal of the company always accompanies all tours. A member of the Travel Compensation Fund ensures that all monies are safeguarded in an appropriate trust account. Deposits Please submit your completed and signed Registration Form together with $1500 per person deposit before 30 November 2011. As no more than 40 registrations will be accepted, we strongly advise that you register as soon as possible. The balance of the package (including any upgrade choices) is payable in full, no later than 28 February 2012. Please note the Booking Terms and Conditions and Cancellation Policy on the Registration Form.

All Enquiries IMPACT ORGANISATION (TRAVEL)

ABN 70 582 951 461

Suite 22, 799 Springvale Rd, Mulgrave Vic 3170 Ph: 03 9545 0825 Fax: 03 9561 9803 Email contacts: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]