Northern Lights of Scandinavia

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 four-star hotel is the ideal place to sit back and get to know your fellow travellers, before your Scandinavian adventure begins.

Today you’ll take a flight to Ivalo, a small yet important centre in Finnish Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed as the Gateway to the North, Ivalo is set on the Ivalo River, where the first Lapland Goldrush took place in the 19th century.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. Please note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

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)

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 (weather permitting).(Breakfast / Dinner)

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 activities. 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 comfortable hotel is located next to the modern and iconic Northern Lights Cathedral in the heart of the city.(Breakfast)

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 Trine 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)

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)

Delve into the history of Artic Norway, as you meet the Sami indigenous community 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 a traditional Sami meal with hot drinks.(Breakfast / Dinner)

This morning take your flight from Tromsø to Oslo. This modern city is located on the shores of the Oslofjord, surrounded by forested mountains offering easy access to nature for the city dwellers all year around. On your orientation see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichmann Librabry in the contemporary Bjørvika district. You might want to delve into Norway’s early history at the Viking Ship Museum and take a walk through the impressive Frogner Park. At a local restaurant, join your fellow travellers to toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, as you enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

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