Northern Highlights & the Arctic Circle

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND.

ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring Helsinki with the help of your CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 2 : HELSINKI–KUOPIO.

HELSINKI–KUOPIO. An included orientation drive this morning features the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, and the great Lutheran Cathedral. Then, head north through unspoiled forests and lakes for an overnight in Kuopio. Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)

Day 3 : KUOPIO–OULU–ROVANIEMI.

KUOPIO–OULU–ROVANIEMI. Stop in the picturesque university town of Oulu, situated on the Bothnian Bay. Then, follow the shoreline as far as Kemi before heading inland to Rovaniemi. Today’s Distance: 323 mi/ 520 km (B)

Day 4 : ROVANIEMI.

ROVANIEMI. A whole day to enjoy the capital of Finnish Lapland. For hundreds of years, it was famous for exporting furs and salmon to the world’s rich and powerful. Unfortunately, the town was destroyed during World War II. The new town, which you’ll visit during the orientation drive, was designed by Alvar Aalto in the shape of reindeer antlers. Sights include Lappia Hall, the Town Hall, the new modern church with its intriguing frescoes, and the Arctic Center. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to learn more about Lapland. (B)

Day 5 : ROVANIEMI–SODANKYLÄ–TANKAVA...

ROVANIEMI–SODANKYLÄ–TANKAVAARA–SAARISELKÄ. As you cross the Arctic Circle (66°31’N), you are in incomparable, unspoiled Lapland, land of reindeer and the midnight sun. Stop at the SANTA CLAUS WORKSHOP for a chance to meet Father Christmas himself. North to Sodankylä, where you see the charming Vanha Kirkko, Lapland’s oldest WOODEN CHURCH, dating back to the 17th century. At Tankavaara, visit the GOLD MUSEUM and try panning for gold if you wish. Overnight in Saariselkä, on the edge of the virgin wilderness and part of Finland’s major national park. It is the largest winter sport center in Finland, and a paradise for hikers and mountain-bike lovers in summer. Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B,D)

Day 6 : SAARISELKÄ–HONNINGSVÅG, NOR...

SAARISELKÄ–HONNINGSVÅG, NORWAY. Cross into Norway for a visit to the fascinating SAPMI PARK. Head farther into Norway and along the beautiful Porsangen Fjord to Honningsvåg on the island of Magerøya, home to 4,000 people and 5,000 reindeer. Tonight, one of the highlights of this tour is the included drive to the NORTH CAPE, Europe’s last northern outpost, on a sheer cliff rising 1,000 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. From May 11 to July 31, if the sky is clear, you’ll see the Midnight Sun rolling just above the horizon! Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B,D)

Day 7 : HONNINGSVÅG–ALTA.

HONNINGSVÅG–ALTA. Today, drive along the tip of Norway from Honningsvag to Alta, situated at the mouth of the world’s richest salmon river, for an overnight. An optional birdwatching experience is available to learn more about endemic species. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B,D)

Day 8 : ALTA–NARVIK.

ALTA–NARVIK.Continue your unforgettable journey south along the stunning shoreline of Norway. The road meanders along Kvaenangenfjord and Lyngenfjord. You are now in the Troms Province, still north of the Arctic Circle but with a climate mild enough to allow very successful farming. Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B,D)

Day 9 : NARVIK–TYSFJORD FERRY CROSS...

NARVIK–TYSFJORD FERRY CROSSING–MO I RANA. This morning, enter Nordland. Not far from Mo I Rana, re-cross the Arctic Circle and return to a world where the sun rises and sets every day of the year. Overnight in the little town of Mo I Rana. Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km (B)

Day 10 : MO I RANA–MOSJØEN–TRONDHEIM.

MO I RANA–MOSJØEN–TRONDHEIM. On the agenda today: picture stop in Mosjøen; spectacular LAKSFORSEN WATERFALL; the forests and rivers of the Namdalen Valley; and vistas of Trondheimsfjord, the World War II hideout of the German battleship Tirpitz. Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (B)

Day 11 : TRONDHEIM.

TRONDHEIM. Welcome to Norway’s third-largest city, where the whole day is available to do as you please! You could explore ancient Nidaros Cathedral, the 17th-century covered Old Town Bridge, and Kristiansten Fort, which stands guard over the city center; wander along the wharves lined with colorful warehouses; enjoy fantastic panoramic views from atop Tyholt Tower; check out one of the many museums dedicated to everything from chocolate and art to folk culture and the Norwegian Crown Regalia. Maybe just relax at the recreational area on nearby Munkholmen Island. (B)

Day 12 : TRONDHEIM–ATLANTIC ROAD–GEI...

TRONDHEIM–ATLANTIC ROAD–GEIRANGER AREA. Leave Trondheim, also known as the “Gateway to the North,” this morning. Travel via the spectacular Atlantic Road from Christiansund to Molde to reach the majestic Geiranger area. Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km (B,D)

Day 13 : GEIRANGER AREA.

GEIRANGER AREA. Enjoy this enchanting fjord area on your own or join the optional Geirangerfjord cruise. (B,D)

Day 14 : GEIRANGER AREA–LOM–LILLEHAM...

GEIRANGER AREA–LOM–LILLEHAMMER–HAMAR. Today, travel to Lom. Take pictures of the wooden stave church before heading toward the famous winter sport resort, Lillehammer, host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Overnight in lively Hamar, on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Today’s Distance: 211 mi/ 340 km (B)

Day 15 : HAMAR–OSLO

HAMAR–OSLO. In Oslo, enjoy vistas of Akerhus Castle, the 14th-century fortress guarding the harbor, a highlight on the guided included tour that features the VIKING SHIP MUSEUM, National Theater, Parliament, Royal Palace, Broadcasting House, and Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures of people and animals in FROGNER PARK. Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km (B)

Day 16 : OSLO.

OSLO. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)