Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Winter 2020 2021

Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki.

Welcome to Helsinki. With its excellent museums and pretty seaside buildings, this beautiful city is set to be your home for the night. At Helsinki airport, transfers depart at 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00 for the grand GLO Hotel Art. Meet your Travel Director at 18:00 for a drinks reception. Decorated in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, this charming 4-star hotel is the ideal place to sit back and get to know your fellow travellers before your Scandinavian adventure begins.

Day 2: The gateway to Saariselkä.

Today you’ll take a scenic flight to Ivalo. Known as the gateway to Saariselkä, Ivalo is a picturesque village set on the Ivalo River. Situated close to Urho Kekkonen National Park you’ll find views of the Aurora Borealis and the striking mountain Korvatunturi, also known as the home of Santa.You’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your boutique hotel, Aurora Village, famed for its cabins with a glass roof, offering sweeping views of the night sky. Look out for the dancing northern lights as you gaze through the glass ceiling from the comfort of your room. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 3: Ivalo to Honningsvåg.

Today you’ll be heading further North through the winter Lapland landscape. Cross the Finnish–Norwegian border as you make your way to Honningsvåg, the northernmost and smallest city in Norway. Your drive will take you along the mighty Porsangerfjord, the fourth largest fjord in Norway. You will take the subsea Nordkapp Tunnel to the island of Magerøya to reach your hotel in this small fishing community. Explore the quaint city by taking a stroll along the waterfront before retiring to your hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 4: Northern Lights in North Cape.

Enjoy a leisurely day to discover more of Honningsvåg. Take a walk to the 19th century church that survived the destruction of World War 2, a true rarity in Northern Norway. Perhaps take an Optional Experience to learn about king crabs and enjoy a fresh, sea-to-table lunch of this delicacy. Take your chance to visit the northernmost point of Europe, the famous North Cape and sip on bubbles and delight in exquisite caviar with your fellow travellers. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5: North Cape to Alta.

Today’s journey will take you along an ever changing landscape from barren lands through highlands to the shores of the Altafjord. It was in Alta where the world’s first Northern Lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century. With increasing tourism the city is going through quick development offering a wide range of activites. Start your adventures with a visit to one of the first ice hotels in the world and enjoy a chilled beverage with your fellow travellers. Your comforatble hotel is located next to the modern and iconic Northern Lights Cathedral in the heart of the city. (Breakfast)

Day 6: Alaskan Huskies in Alta.

You’ll enjoy a leisurely day in Alta to continue with your activities. Maybe you’ll choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum famous for its prehistoric rock carvings. This evening you’ll visit a working husky farm and get to know Team Lyrek, a champion dog sledding team. Learn about the Alaskan huskies and the challenges they are facing competing in marathon Arctic dog sled races. Indulge on a delectable oven-baked Highlight Dinner before meeting the dogs themselves. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 7: Norway’s gateway to the Artic.

Today you’ll head to Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city located on the island of Tromsøya. You’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and ethereal water views. Just a short walk from your hotel you’ll find a high concentration of old wooden houses as well as a great array of restaurants. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Delve into Scandinavian history.

Delve into the history of Arctic Norway with a meeting with the Sami people, the indigenous people of Scandinavia. You will be led around the Sami camp with a knowledgeable, English-speaking Sami guide and invited to feed the reindeer herd (extra blankets are provided if necessary). You are invited into a lavuu (a traditional Sami tent) to hear stories of Sami life and Sami folk songs around the fire after enjoying your Celebration Dinner, a hot traditional Sami meal with hot drinks. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9: A merry finale in Oslo.

On your final day, you’ll fly from Tromsø to Oslo, for a merry finale in Norway’s capital. This modern city is surrounded by magnificent mountains offering panoramic views of the city beneath. On your orientation, see the medieval Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. History enthusiasts can delve further into Norway’s impressive heritage at the Viking Ship Museum or for outdoorsy types, take a pretty walk through Frogner Park. Your hotel for the evening is the contemporary Thon Hotel Opera which offers delicious dining options in its modern Scala Restaurant. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Farewell Oslo.

It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers as a transfer arrives at Oslo airport at 07:15 or 10:15. (Breakfast)