Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords
Cruise from Bergen, Norway, to Glasgow, Scotland on a seven-night journey to Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland Islands and Norway’s majestic fjords. Experience two of world’s most scenic rail journeys— the Flåm Railway through Norway’s fjordlands and The Jacobite steam train through the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy a presentation by Nick Card, the Ness of Brodgar archaeological site director and head archaeologist in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Norway/Copenhagen pre-cruise and Edinburgh/Glasgow post-cruise options.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bergen, founded on an old Viking settlement in 1070 and the Norwegian capital during the 12th and 13th centuries. Transfer to the Five-Star LE BORÉAL. Le Boreal (D)
Norway’s fjords and islands offer some of Europe’s most phenomenal coastal scenery, where sea mist, shafts of sunlight and vivid rainbows congregate in a dazzling array of colors that seem to make the landscape greener and the fjords bluer. Be on deck early this morning while cruising the majestic Sognefjord and UNESCO World Heritage-designated Nærøyfjord (time and weather permitting), passing traditional farmsteads and villages flanked by soaring mountains. Later this morning, board the Flåm Railway, named one of the world’s most scenic train rides by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. This masterpiece of Norwegian engineering—the steepest standard-gauge railway track in Europe with an impressive elevation difference of 2835 feet— opened to the public in 1940 and travels 13 dramatic miles through 20 tunnels to the mountaintop train stop of Myrdal. Enjoy stunning views of snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls— including the awe-inspiring Kjofossen—and picturesque hamlets along this alpine branch of the world-renowned Bergen Line. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception on board the ship this evening. Le Boreal (B,L,R,D)
The city of Bergen has a proud history as an important part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to mid-16th centuries. Enjoy a walking tour of Bergen’s Bryggen (the old wharf), a UNESCO World Heritage site that proudly displays its characteristically colorful wooden houses. See Troldhaugen, the summer home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most famous composer, and walk the grounds of his estate. Then, visit the reconstructed Fantoft Stavkirke, a traditional 12th-century wooden stave church, named for its post and lintel construction. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Bergen. Le Boreal (B,L,D)
This morning, the director and head archaeologist of the Ness of Brodgar site will introduce and provide insights about this impressive ancient compound that lies outside of Kirkwall. Nearly 1000 years before the pharaohs built Giza’s pyramids and over 500 years before Neolithic man raised Stonehenge, ancient inhabitants of this archipelago employed technological prowess centuries ahead of their time to erect Ness of Brodgar, a mysterious compound rivaling the scale of the Athenian Acropolis. Nearby, walk around the stone monoliths of the Ring of Brodgar, which were raised more than 4000 years ago to chart the seasons. See the ceremonial Stones of Stenness en route to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated settlement of Skara Brae. Archaeologists suggest these sites, along with the Ness of Brodgar, were inhabited by an early Orcadian culture known for decorative arts and sophisticated craftsmanship. Thousands of years later, the Vikings established the port town of Kirkwall on Orkney’s main island, leaving behind the towering 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral, known as the “Light of the North.” Hear the classically haunting sounds of a traditional Scottish bagpiper as you reboard the ship. This evening, listen as a Scottish storyteller weaves the traditional tales that have been handed down by word of mouth for generations in these remote isles. Le Boreal (B,L,D)
Dock in Lerwick and explore the majestic Shetland Islands, declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO for their geologically diverse landscapes and seascapes carved and shaped by ice. Admire nature’s endlessly changing colors and textures, and listen for the clamor of gannets and puffi ns crowding the dramatic sheer rock cliffs. From Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, journey to the island’s southernmost point, scanning the verdant landscape for Shetland’s famous ponies grazing on the rolling, grass-covered knolls. Visit Jarlshof, a pending UNESCO World Heritage site and an extraordinary settlement revealing 5000 years of human history, including late Neolithic stone houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouse, Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead and a 16th-century laird’s house. Le Boreal (B,L,D)
Cruise the coastline of ethereal Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland’s most phenomenal geography. Visit Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the powerful Clan MacLeod since 1270 and built atop a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Tour its richly appointed public rooms and view the castle’s lush gardens, ablaze with azaleas and rhododendrons. From the port village of Kyle of Lochalsh travel across a starkly beautiful landscape of rolling green moors to visit the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, named for a sixth-century Irish saint and one of the most iconic castles in the world. Le Boreal (B,L,D)
Enjoy a full day’s journey experiencing the rich, resplendent beauty of the legendary Scottish Highlands. This morning, board The Jacobite steam train for one of the great railway journeys in the world through awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Immortalized as the Hogwarts™ Express in the Harry Potter film series, this vintage locomotive with its classic British Railway cars travels from Mallaig near Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe, past River and Loch Morar to the traditional port town of Fort William. Along the way, pause at the bucolic village of Glenfi nnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied Jacobite Highlanders against King George II in 1745. After lunch, travel along the picturesque, castle-dotted shores of Loch Linnhe to the splendor of majestic Glencoe—Scotland’s most scenic glen, much of which is owned and preserved by the National Trust for Scotland. Attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening. Le Boreal (B,L,R,D)
Disembark in Glasgow, a dynamic city where the indelible mark of Viking conquest still permeates the culture, and continue on the Glasgow and Edinburgh Post-Cruise Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. (B)
Immerse yourself in majestic Norwegian landscapes and traditional Scandinavian culture on this unique and exclusive five-night Pre-Cruise Option. Enjoy an exclusively chartered cruise along idyllic canals of Copenhagen and see Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces and the “Little Mermaid” statue. In the nearby town of Roskilde, visit its 12th-century, Gothic-style cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the fascinating Viking Ship Museum. Tour vibrant Oslo, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held in the stately City Hall, and walk through the unique Vigeland Sculpture Park. Ride through the stunning scenery of Europe’s highest mountain plateau on the Bergen Railway and experience the majesty of the Nærøy Fjordlands. Pre-Cruise accommodations are for four nights in comfortable hotels and one night aboard an award-winning SEAWAYS ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo.
Explore two of Scotland’s great cities and their histories of fascinating clans, medieval knights and royal and religious intrigue on this enchanting Post-Cruise Option. During a tour of Glasgow, visit the 12th-century Cathedral, the only surviving medieval church in mainland Scotland, and the captivating St. Mungo Museum. In Edinburgh, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town and New Town and explore the renowned Museum of Scotland. Post-Cruise accommodations for two nights are in the ideally located, deluxe SHERATON GRAND HOTEL & SPA EDINBURGH.
Cost and Details
Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)
8 - $4,995 Ocean-view, one large window, shower. Deck 3, Champollion, forward.
7 - $6,495 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 3, Champollion, aft.
6 - $6,695 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 3, Champollion, midship.
5 - $7,095 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 4, Lafayette, forward.
4 - $7,895 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower. Deck 4, Lafayette, midship.
3 - $8,095 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower. Deck 5, Normandie, forward.
2 - $8,495 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower or tub/shower. Deck 5, Normandie, midship.
1 - $8,995 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower or tub/shower. Deck 6, France deck.
Deluxe Suite - $9,595 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, tub/shower and sitting area with sofa. Deck 6, France. (limited availability)
Prestige Suite II - $10,795 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms: tub/shower and shower, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 5, Normandie.
Prestige Suite I - $11,795 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms: tub/shower and shower, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 6, France.
Owner’s Suite - $12,795 Two rooms, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors onto two private balconies, one and a half bathrooms, separate tub and shower, sitting room with sofa, table and four chairs and writing desk. Deck 6, France.
Singles are available in category 6 at $12,095 and in category 4 at $14,095 on or before October 16, 2017. (Assistance with finding a roommate can be provided.)
Prices above reflect the Early Booking Discount. Add $1,000 for reservations made after October 16, 2017. Taxes are an additional $440 per person and are subject to change.
Included
Seven nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star LE BORÉAL; Cruise from Bergen, Norway, to Glasgow, Scotland, featuring a cruise of Norway’s fjords, and port calls at Flåm for the Flåm Railway, Norway; Kirkwall, Orkney Islands; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Portree, Isle of Skye; Kyle of Lochalsh; and Mallaig for The Jacobite steam train through the Scottish Highlands, Scotland; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available throughout the cruise; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre-departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.
Not Included
International airfare; Taxes of $440 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($105 per person); Hotel staff gratuities (Pre-/Post-Cruise Options) ($2 per person per day) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section.
Optional Pre-Tour: Wonders of Norway
$985 per person, double occupancy
$1385 single occupancy room
Optional Post-Tour: Scotland’s Cultural Capitals
$2,565 per person, double occupancy
$3,525 single occupancy room
Moderately Active. Many of the cities and towns being visited were founded centuries ago, and the terrain is rugged. Therefore, a fair amount of walking along narrow cobblestone streets, stone floors or uneven and/or slippery terrain and climbing several flights of stairs (some without railings) is to be expected. Walking excursions often cover distances of at least one mile and are approximately three hurs in length.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellations
Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:
From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s))
From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 70% of the published full regular tariffs
59 days or less prior to departure: No refund
A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs. In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply.
Discounted Reservations
Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by October 16, 2017. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Airfare
Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.
Luggage
Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.
Physical Accessibility
All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.
Rates
Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.
Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility
The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.
Binding Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.
Acceptance of Contract
By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.
Registration
Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.
