50 Degrees North

The vast majority of our small group and escorted tours are limited to 16 or 18 people. Some Iceland tours take 20, and some of our premium tours carry only 10-12. 

All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on our small group tours. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. Please consider carefully how much luggage you bring as you will be responsible for carrying all the luggage. There is limited portage service in Scandinavia and your tour escorts cannot help you, beyond reason.

You will need to be able to walk up to 2-4 hours daily at a group pace on uneven surfaces without using any walking aid. You will also be expected to get on and off various modes of transport, including small boats as well as walk up stairs.

Often the best way to experience a destination is to be travelling with an knowlegable tour leader. Certainly when it comes to off-road driving across Iceland or reaching the best spots in Norway, it is not straightforward to do this as an independent traveller. All our small group tour departures include unique activities that can only be experienced with a local guide. The Nordic region lends itself well for a coastal or river voyage. We offer a selection of new and classic small group tours on board new environmentally friendly ships.

This is the additional cost you need to add to the tour price if you are planning on travelling alone. This covers the cost of the single room which in Scandinavia, might very likely be a normal double room that you have to yourself.

Generally, tipping is not mandatory in Scandinavia. You may also consider tipping your tour escort for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline EUR5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Often in restaurants and cafes, if you are paying by card, you will be asked to manually add the amount which might make you feel pressured to add a tip. Don't feel like this is an obligation - locals sometimes do add a tip (5% - 10%) if the service was exceptional.

Every 50 Degrees North journey features handpicked accommodation that reflects the beauty and spirit of the region. From boutique hotels in the heart of Scandinavia’s cities to glass-roofed igloos beneath the Northern Lights, each stay is chosen for its comfort, character, and connection to place — ensuring your experience of the Nordic north is as memorable as the landscapes themselves.

Hotel rooms in Scandinavia often only have twin beds - often pushed together to make a double. Rooms are generally always smaller than you expect. Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms either. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home.

In Scandinavia you will find that a regular coffee is a filtered coffee that has been standing in it’s pot for a while and is very bitter, but the Scandinavians drink it in masses. Also note that Scandinavia doesn’t really have a tea culture so if you ask for an English breakfast tea you will probably end up with lukewarm water in a coffee cup and a tea bag on the side. Most hotels do not have a kettle in the room since it’s just not the norm but you can always ask for one from the reception. We also recommend bringing some tea bags with you to be on the safe side if you are a tea drinker.