Tour Experience The Northern Lights | Visit Norway, Finland

Meals

Daily breakfasts Welcome dinner Dinners at the Aurora Cabins Lunch at Sami Siida, Inari Full board during the Norwegian Coastal voyage Dinner at the Kirkenes Snowhotel Farewell dinner

Guide

English speaking Tour Escort, who is an expert in the destination English speaking local guide for city tours in Oslo & Bergen

Transport

Train from Oslo - Myrdal - Flåm, Cruise to Gudgvangen, Bus to Voss then train to Bergen Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, 6 nights Transfers: Kirkenes to Inari, Inari to Ivalo Airport

Accommodation

4 nights in 4* hotels in central locations 3 nights at Aurora Cabin (similar to a glass igloo with open glass roof) 1 nights at Gamme Cabins at the Kirkenes Snowhotel 6 nights cruise accommodation on the Norwegian coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes - unspecified outside cabin with window, TV, toilet & shower (Pre-booked cabin upgrades available on request subject to availability).

Others

Outdoor clothing for winter activities/safaris (winter boots, balaclavas, woolen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf) at the Aurora Cabins Free use of snowshoes, cross-country skis, toboggans, ice-skates and kick sledges at the Aurora Cabins Santa Visit Free aurora alert at the Aurora Cabins Sparkling piccolo bottle, water bottle, tea, coffee and sweets as complimentary arrival treats in your room at Aurora Cabins Norway in a Nutshell with fjord cruise Guided visit to cultural musuem Sami Siida, Inari Winter or Autumn activities depending on the season: King Crab Safari, WINTER ACTIVITIES: Reindeer Farm Visit, Snowmobile Safari and Husky Safari, AUTUMN ACTIVITIES: Husky wagon ride, Finnish Smoke sauna experience and Aurora hunting by car. (Please note that the coastal voyage optional activities are not included.) 24-hour emergency service Taxes and service fees

Not included:

Others

International flight tickets Norwegian coastal voyage optional excursions Any airport taxes Travel insurance Visas Gratitudes Any items of personal nature. Booking your flight from Ivalo to Helsinki with Finnair in combination with your international flight is a more affordable option. We can add a Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia independent extension after this tour finishes. Flights from Ivalo to Helsinki, 2 nights at the GLO Hotel in Helsinki and a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia from AUD 790, USD 550 and EU 470 per person. Other travellers will join at various points along the way as this tour can be done in shorter sections. The group size will never extend beyond it’s maximum numbers.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Oslo; Meet Your Escort & Group For The Welcome Dinner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Oslo; Meet Your Escort & Group For The Welcome Dinner

Arrive Oslo and make your own way to your central hotel in the heart of Oslo. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller. If you arrive early, we can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle & the Harbour area. Check in will be between 10am - 3pm. Close to the hotel, climb the new Opera House for a chance to orient yourself to this small capital. If you have a few hours, we suggest heading to close by beautiful peninsula of Bygdøy by ferry to visit the Fram Museum this afternoon.

Your escort will meet you this evening in the hotel lobby and have a welcome dinner at Engebret, a traditional Norwegian restaurant with an elegant, white table-clothed dining room in an 18th-century building.

ACCOMMODATION

The Hub or similar
Day 2 Day 2: Modern Oslo - Guided City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Modern Oslo - Guided City Tour

The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller, and you have a full day to discover the city with the help of an Oslo Pass. After breakfast, you will meet a specialist Oslo guide for a four hour city tour by minibus. Depending on your guide and time, you will visit some of the Oslo highlights, including the Kontiki & Fram museums, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Ekerbergeparken and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum.

Afterwards, you can walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, the Harbour area and the new Opera House.
Day 3 Day 3: Depart Oslo By Early Train And Enjoy The Spectacular Journey To Flåm
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Depart Oslo By Early Train And Enjoy The Spectacular Journey To Flåm

Catch an early morning train from Oslo to Myrdal. The train journey over Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau is spectacular. In the comfort of your train, watch fjord scenery with beautiful waterfalls, flowing rivers, deep valleys and mountains.

Arrive in Flåm and have the afternoon to explore this small fjord side village. Optional walks and activities such as a fjord rib boat safari can be arranged.

ACCOMMODATION

Fretheim Hotel or similar
Day 4 Day 4: Start With A Spectacular 2 Hour Cruise From Flåm, Marvel At The Fjords And Villages Then Head To Bergen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Start With A Spectacular 2 Hour Cruise From Flåm, Marvel At The Fjords And Villages Then Head To Bergen

The day starts with a spectacular 2-hour fjord cruise from Flåm to the tiny fjord village of Gudvangen. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Aurlandsfjord & the Næroyfjord-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat docks in Gudvangen, and from there the journey continues by bus through Nærøydalen, with its charming villages and scenic winter landscape. The bus will arrive in Voss, where you continue the tour by train on the Bergen Railway.

On arrival into Bergen, settle into your hotel and perhaps head down to the fish market or fish restaurants by the wharf for dinner. Looking for something special? Consider a boat ride out to the Cornelius Fish Restaurant, on a private island outside of Bergen.

ACCOMMODATION

Admiral Hotel or similar
Day 5 Day 5: Explore Bergen - Head To The Hills Above Bergen, Museums Or Fine Dine By The Water Before Transferring To The Harbour.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Explore Bergen - Head To The Hills Above Bergen, Museums Or Fine Dine By The Water Before Transferring To The Harbour.

After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled pack-houses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter.

The afternoon is free in Bergen - be sure to enjoy the indoor & outdoor fish markets with their platters, sushi & paella options. Ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløien for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Keep an eye out for your coastal voyage vessel that arrives into Bergen during the afternoon.

In the mid afternoon you will transfer to the cruise terminal for check-in. Settle into your cabin & then meet your escort for your first meal on-board the ship.

Please note, you carry your own luggage onboard from the pier to check in/cabin.

An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and included details of safety onboard. There is an information folder in each cabin and safety procedures are illustrated on the back of your cabin door and in public areas. The cruise tour leader on board will assist with general information and optional excursions available.

TRANSPORTATION

Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Day 6 Day 6: Ålesund- Art Nouveau Architecture And Geirangerfjord
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ålesund- Art Nouveau Architecture And Geirangerfjord

A winter expedition along the coast of Norway is a beautiful experience. The landscape is covered in pure white snow; the air is fresh, pure and crisp. Clusters of cosy houses glow on the shores like embers, and the stunning backdrop of snow-clad mountains reflects the polar twilight.

Your ship continues north past skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund. Enjoy examples of Art Nouveau style in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct. Make sure you see Ålesund from above, taking 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla. The Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken)-one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Europe is also worth a visit.

Molde - known as the ’Town of Roses’ is another exceptional place to catch beautiful views of 222 mountain peaks at the Molde Panorama.

Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim. Overnight on board the ship.
Day 7 Day 7: Trondheim- Medieval City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Trondheim- Medieval City

When visiting the old royal city of Trondheim, be sure to get a good view from the Old Town Bridge. (Gamle Bybrua) Dating from 1861, this neo-gothic wooden bridge used to be the only way into the town centre. Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300 is Norway’s largest Gothic religious edifice. In the neighbouring Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are kept. In the city of Trondheim, the Hanseatic, waterside storehouses built on wooden stilts are just as charming as Stiftsgården- the largest wooden building in Norway and residence for the Royal Family when visiting Trondheim.

When leaving Trondheim, you set course for the beautiful Kjerungskjær lighthouse and thousands of little islands and picturesque rocky outcrops. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, the ship will arrive at the charismatic Rørvik.
Day 8 Day 8: Welcome To The Arctic Circle And Lofoten
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Welcome To The Arctic Circle And Lofoten

This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes you will pass a globe on a small islet, which heralds your crossing of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle marks the border to the Arctic region. In summer this means 24-hour daylight- often referred to as the Midnight Sun. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude give you the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights. Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time are given an Arctic Circle Babtism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas. This comes in the form of an ice cube down you front or back but is entirely optional and great fun to watch if you don’t want to participate.

Heading towards Bodø the ship sails along the Helgeland coast where you will pass the unique Torghatten mountain with its 30-metre-high, 25-metre-wide and 160-metre-deep hole through the middle.

In the afternoon, your ship gradually closes in on the Lofoten wall mountains towering above the tiny and colourful fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. This is an extraordinary place to disembark and take a stroll.

These islands are renowned for their small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stockfish racks and ’rorbuer’, the traditional red fisherman’s residences.
Day 9 Day 9: Tromsø - The Arctic Capital
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tromsø - The Arctic Capital

During the night the ship navigates the narrow Raftsund strait. After a stop in Harstad situated on the largest island of Norway- Hinnøya, you continue via Finnsnes to Tromsø for a extended stay.

Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point- the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and suppliers here. With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the Polar Capital of Norway.

Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral is a unique landmark well worth visiting. Experience Tromsø’s best views by taking the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of the mountain ledge Storsteinen and maybe enjoy a beer from the worlds northernmost brewery.

After Tromsø we continue our northbound journey into the area along the coast where you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Gather on deck or under the glass roof to search for this breathtaking phenomenon.
Day 10 Day 10: Honningsvåg And The North Cape
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Honningsvåg And The North Cape

Today you sail through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg. This small port is the gateway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape, which rises 300m from the ocean, and at 71° 10’ 21" north ocean puts you a mere 2,000 km from the Geographical North Pole. Standing atop the North Cape Plateau you will feel like you are at the end of the world.

This area is also known for its birdlife, and Gjesværstappen, a bird sanctuary with up to 250,000 seabirds is home to some High Arctic species that can only be observed here on the Norwegian mainland, including the gorgeous puffins.

In summer you might see herds of reindeer and campsites belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. In winter and spring, sometimes local fishermen from the village of Kjøllefjord visit us to share their catch of the day- Cod and King Crab. And make sure as you approach Kjøllefjord you take note of the prominent and sacred to indigenous Sámi people, Finnkirka rock formation.
Day 11 Day 11: Arrive In Kirkenes And Join A King Crab Safari Adventure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Arrive In Kirkenes And Join A King Crab Safari Adventure

You will arrive in Vadsø early in the morning. Located in the Varanger region this is one of the most attractive and popular bird-watching areas in the Arctic due to it being directly in the path of the birds migrating from east to west.

The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes. The well policed Russian border and the Koala peninsula are close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.

Disembark the ship and get ready for a totally unforgettable experience on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to catch, learn how to cook, and most importantly eat the Arctic King Crab. If you enjoy eating crab, be sure to arrive HUNGRY!

The Arctic King Crab is one of the most sought-after meals in top restaurants, and yet here, you get to eat the best and the freshest, pulled from the fjord in front of your eyes. You all take part in helping to saw the hole in the ice and bring up the catch. You will see how the crab is prepared by your master guide, and you will be taken by snowmobile sled (an experience in itself) to a beautiful farmhouse by the lake.

It is here by a cosy log fire that your King Crab meal awaits. Although presentation is simple, the superb, white leg meat and claws with their particularly juicy and naturally sweet taste puts this meal in a league of its own.

Warm clothing and a helmet is provided. Please note: This tour is done by snowmobile (the fisherman drives the snowmobile with you in a sled behind the snowmobile), and not by divers or in a boat.

Today you will visit the snow rooms at the Snowhotel. Upon entering the gates of the Snowhotel, you will receive a welcome drink at the snowbar, made from berries collected from surrounding hills. It will then be time to explore the hotel. Then check into your Gamme cabin, a short walk away.

Your evening will then progress to a delicious 3 course dinner. The food served is charmingly traditional and locally sourced. Your guide will be available to help you prepare for the evening ahead, making sure you are as comfortable as possible. After dinner you will have the opportunity to walk around the snowhotel and say hello to our resident reindeers, and with any luck, catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
Day 12 Day 12: Transfer To Inari And Check Into Your Glass Roofed Cabin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Transfer To Inari And Check Into Your Glass Roofed Cabin

After breakfast, take a drive through wild forests and around pristine lakes to Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders).

In Inari we will have lunch and a guided tour at Sami Siida Museum - the national museum of the Sámi and a national special museum in Finland. The guide will help you to have an in-depth view of Siida’s permanent exhibitions. Siida’s exhibition tours cover the permanent exhibitions of the house.

From Inari we will continue to the Aurora Village, our home for the next 3 nights.

The Aurora Village is located high above the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland. Surrounded by stunning scenery, we will enjoy this rustic wilderness experience in the remote forests of northern Finland, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Check in to your glass roofed Aurora Cabin where you will be spending three nights. You will also get your Winter clothing set (winter boots, balaclavas, woolen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf).

These glass cabins provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to admire the Northern Lights and millions of stars in the crystal clear sky with a comfortable room temperature. The glass thermal roof ensures that the window will stay clear even in the lowest temperatures, and the warmth and amenities of the cabin will ensure you the most comfortable aurora observing experience we can offer you. Each cabin offers a private bathroom. You will get a free Aurora Alert on arrival as well - which will buzz you if the chance of seeing the Northern Lights is high during your stay!

Dinner is included at the restaurant.
Day 13 Day 13: Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari

After breakfast, meet the reindeers. In the old days people used reindeer for transportation. Today you will meet the local reindeers at work, Manu, Pelokas and Papu. Papu will take you for a short reindeer sleigh ride. In a traditional Kota-tent you will have tea, coffee and a small snack by the open fire while our Sámi-reindeer herder tells you stories about reindeer. You can also try your skills at throwing lasso!

In the afternoon, join an exciting snowmobile safari. You will be kitted out in warm clothing before leaving. Two persons share one snowmobile and there will be an opportunity to change drivers during the safari.

Afterwards, if the skies are clear, head out for a walk to look for the northern lights! Dinner at the restaurant.
Day 14 Day 14: Husky Safari, Santa Visit And Farewell Dinner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Husky Safari, Santa Visit And Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, get ready for today’s husky safari - an unforgettable journey through breathtaking winter scenery.

On arrival at the husky farm, dressed in your warm outer thermal suit, gloves and hat, you will be presented with your very own husky team. You will be given a lesson on how to drive the sledge and how to observe important hand signals given by your leader.

Each team consists of about six dogs, you, the driver, and your passenger who is comfortably seated in the wooden sledge. The driver and the passenger can change places during the safari.

In the afternoon, in small groups, you will have a special meeting with Santa! Take photos and chat to Santa before enjoying a hot berry juice in the yurt style (kota) building.

In the evening we will enjoy a special farewell dinner. Toast your trip with your fellow group members!
Day 15 Day 15: Transfer To Ivalo Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Transfer To Ivalo Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Ivalo Airport. You can add an extra few days in Helsinki and a day tour to Tallinn as an extented package.

+12

15 days tour

Experience The Northern Lights

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Experience The Northern Lights

Day 1: Arrive Oslo; Meet Your Escort & Group For The Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Modern Oslo - Guided City Tour

Day 3: Depart Oslo By Early Train And Enjoy The Spectacular Journey To Flåm

Day 4: Start With A Spectacular 2 Hour Cruise From Flåm, Marvel At The Fjords And Villages Then Head To Bergen

Day 5: Explore Bergen - Head To The Hills Above Bergen, Museums Or Fine Dine By The Water Before Transferring To The Harbour.

Day 6: Ålesund- Art Nouveau Architecture And Geirangerfjord

Day 7: Trondheim- Medieval City

Day 8: Welcome To The Arctic Circle And Lofoten

Day 9: Tromsø - The Arctic Capital

Day 10: Honningsvåg And The North Cape

Day 11: Arrive In Kirkenes And Join A King Crab Safari Adventure

Day 12: Transfer To Inari And Check Into Your Glass Roofed Cabin

Day 13: Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari

Day 14: Husky Safari, Santa Visit And Farewell Dinner

Day 15: Transfer To Ivalo Airport

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