Iconic Northern Lights

Arrive in Bodø and settle into your stunning new hotel, almost crafted entirely from wood. This modern yet cozy retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. After check-in, take a leisurely stroll around the forest nearby or catch a cab into the charming centre of this small Arctic city, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. Once you've explored, head up to the hotel's rooftop for a relaxing session (small cost involved). Enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic fjords while unwinding in the outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness area — a serene way to take in the breathtaking landscape around you.

Later in the evening, your group leader will meet you in the hotel lobby for a warm welcome. You'll gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel. After dinner, look for Northern Lights through the 'ceiling to floor' windows in the sophisticated cocktail bar.

This morning, check out of your hotel and join a guided tour to Saltstraumen, home to the world's strongest maelstrom (a powerful whirlpool formed by strong opposing tidal currents). Every six hours, 400 million cubic meters of water rush through a 150-meter-wide, 3-kilometre-long strait, creating powerful whirlpools between Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden. Next, visit a nearby Stone Age site, where you'll step back in time to experience how early humans lived. Engage in hands-on activities like bow and arrow shooting, axe throwing, and learn about daily life from this ancient era.

Afterward, enjoy a small Stone Age-style tapas lunch, prepared using traditional cooking methods from the time, offering a unique culinary experience that connects you to the past. By 13:00, return to Bodø for a short time before boarding a Hurtigruten/Havila Coastal Ferry, traveling like a local across the stunning waters to the Lofoten Islands. You'll arrive in the evening at 21:20, where you'll transfer to your next hotel.

Sleep in this morning or head out on a walk around Svolvær before joining a food tour late morning. Stop to admire the fish racks, and sample your first taste of Lofoten. At the unique glass fish factory, the northern stories and delicacies continue. An optional Sea Eagle Safari can be booked for this morning. Your local guide will meet you at the Svolvær's market square.

En route to the glass fish factory, stop at traditional fish racks for your first taste of Lofoten. Set in what is often called “the world's largest dinner plate,” the region has been shaped by centuries of living off sea and land. At the venue, sample Arctic cod and salmon, Lofoten lamb, cloudberries, locally produced yoghurt, and roe from Arctic cod. The experience is brought to life through storytelling, artefacts, and imagery shared by local hosts, offering an authentic taste of Lofoten's culture and heritage.

Return to your fisherman's cabin where you can eat at the rorbu's seafood restaurant or wander into town to explore Svolvær. For an extra adventure, an optional Northern Lights photography tour is available, weather permitting, offering a chance to capture the magical aurora borealis in all its glory.

After breakfast, embark on a guided scenic tour of the Lofoten Islands, with stops at the stunning Lofotr Viking Museum and Henningsvær. Winter was a time of creativity and craftsmanship for the Vikings. Watch skilled facilitators and learn about ancient techniques in Norway's longest reconstructed longhouse. Your local guide will take you to the best photo spots, sharing captivating local stories along the way. You'll also have the chance to stroll along some of Lofoten's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Later, transfer to Narvik for a free evening in town. Perched amidst majestic fjords and rugged mountains, Narvik is a place where breathtaking natural beauty meets a rich and tumultuous history. For history enthusiasts visiting Northern Norway, the waters surrounding Narvik hold echoes of one of World War II's most dramatic naval confrontations: the Battles of Narvik. These pivotal clashes were part of the German invasion of Norway, codenamed Operation Weserübung, and played a crucial role in shaping the early stages of the war.

This morning, drive to the iconic and original ICEHOTEL, rebuilt each year, made entirely of ice and snow.

Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on an exciting activity. In the autumn tours you will try your skills at Ice Sculpting, where as in the winter tours you will experience the thrill of Snowmobiling under the winter skies, and hopefully Northern Lights in the evening! As evening falls, you'll settle into your unique ice room for the night. Sleep in cozy thermal sleeping bags, laid out on reindeer skins atop a bed crafted from snow and ice.

Inside the ICEHOTEL, the temperature remains a constant -5°C to -8°C, offering a cool, yet comfortable environment. Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat, and slip into your snug sleeping bag for the night. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by a relaxing morning sauna. Towels and a warm sauna are also included in your stay, ensuring you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

To keep you comfortable, the ICEHOTEL provides snow boots and, for those who feel a bit chilly, onesie snow suits – all free of charge. This experience promises to be a true winter adventure like no other. Please ask about upgrading your room to the Deluxe Suite with warm bathrooms

Today, for autumn tours, enjoy a gentle hike in the stunning Abisko mountains, with a scenic lunch along the way. For winter tours, try your hand at ice sculpting, guided by local artists who will immerse you in this magical world of art and design. Next, embark on a thrilling short dogsledding adventure.

In the evening, relax in a warm, comfortable hotel room for a restful sleep. A farewell dinner with the group will be served in the restaurant, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Today you will be guided through the historic Sami camp at Jukkasjärvi's old market site where they discover Sami culture firsthand. The guide introduces traditional kåtas, huts, and authentic Sami clothing while sharing stories and insights into this unique way of life. A visit to the reindeer farm follows where you can meet and feed the reindeer, which are central figures in Sami tradition.

The experience continues inside a warmly heated kåta, beautifully decorated with Sami colors, patterns, and reindeer horn details. As candles flicker and a fire crackles in the center, guests are served traditional Sami coffee along with a 2 course meal including traditional flatbread and souvas. Soft Sami music plays in the background, creating a cozy and atmospheric setting that completes this immersive cultural encounter.

After breakfast, transfer to Kiruna (20 - 30 mins) for your departure.