Northern Lights of Scandinavia (Small Group)
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Helsinki, with its excellent museums and pretty seaside buildings. This beautiful city is set to be your home for the night. Our stay begins at the grand Home Hotel Jugend. Decorated in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, this charming four-star hotel is the ideal place to sit backand relax before your Scandinavian adventure begins. Meet your Travel Director for a drink and mingle with your fellow travelling companions.
Today you'll take a flight to Ivalo, a small yet important centre in Finnish Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle. 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 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 that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Later, you'll visit a working husky farm and get to know the Lyrek family and champion sled dogs. Learn about the Alaskan huskies and the challenges they face competing in the marathon long Arctic dog sled races. Indulge in a delectable oven-baked lunch before meeting the dogs themselves.
Today you'll head to Tromsø, northern Norway's largest city, located on the island of Tromsøya. You'll be surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ethereal water views.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet members of the Indigenous Sámi community of Scandinavia. Delve into the history of Arctic Norway and join a Sámi guide for an immersive journey through their camp, with an invitation to help feed their reindeer herd. You are invited into a lavuu (a traditional Sámi tent) to hear stories of Sámi life and folk songs around the fire, after enjoying a traditional meal with hot drinks.
In the morning, take a flight from Tromsø to Oslo, a modern city located on the shores of the Oslofjord. Surrounded by forested mountains, city dwellers and visitors alike have easy access to nature all year round. On your orientation see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district. Join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant to make a toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, over a Celebration Dinner with wine.
It's time to say farewell to your fellow travellers. Your trip ends after breakfast.
Trip Inclusions
- Honningsvag: During your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the past and present of this small fishing community.
- Alta: Enjoy an orientation of 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.
- Tromso: Enjoy your orientation of Tromsø, Northern Norway's largest city located on the island of Tromsøya.
- Oslo: On your orientation of Oslo city, see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district.
- Tromso: Delve into the fascinating history of Scandinavia in Tromsø. Norway has recognized its Sami population as Indigenous and has special rules for the protection of Sami cultural heritage. A Sami family welcomes you into their reindeer camp to share their traditions, culture and history, and to enjoy an evening of dinner and games. The camp safeguards traditional practices that are significant to the Sami tribe. Visitors are educated about the sustainability and resiliency of their community. The Sami Camp advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
- Air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available
- Ivalo: Your delicious dinner will be served at the boutique Aurora Village hotel.
- North Cape: There is no better way to search for the Northern Lights than by toasting to your adventure with bubbles and caviar at North Cape, the most special place on earth.
- Alta: Head for drinks at a local ice bar, where you'll get the chance to catch up with your fellow travellers.
- Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies, and hear captivating tales of marathon Arctic dog sled races—told over a hearty, oven-baked seasonal lunch. Savour fresh Arctic fish or tender reindeer, served with crisp salads, local accompaniments, and a glass of wine. An authentic taste of Norway's wild and nourishing north.
- Alta: Savour a delicious oven-baked lunch of local seasonal specialities of fresh salmon or the locals' favourite, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine.
- Tromso: Dine on traditional food, served with hot drinks with the fascinating Sami people, as you hear tales of Scandinavia from its indigenous people.
- Oslo: Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine during dinner at a local restaurant.
- Dining Summary: 9 Breakfasts (B), 5 Dinners (D), 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2027-28)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
