SHORTLIST

Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter

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See the Northern Lights from Scandinavia's breathtaking mountaintops on this 10-day tour of Helsinki, Alta and Oslo. Journey through Finnish Lapland—250 km above the Arctic Circle to Ivalo, the Gateway to the North. From the comfort of your cosy cabin in Aurora Village, gaze out through the glass roof as the lights of the aurora borealis dance above. Cross the Finnish-Norwegian border to North Cape and sample caviar in Europe’s northernmost point, before a once-in-a-lifetime visit to a working husky farm. Here you will meet the Arctic dog-sled racing Alta huskies—a world-famous champion dog sledding team, before stopping in Tromsø, where the Indigenous Sámi community invites you to help feed their reindeer herd. The vacation draws to a close on the scenic, once-Viking, shores of the Oslofjord.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Insight Vacations
Price From	$8,095
Number of Days	10
Start Location	Helsinki, Finland
End Location	Oslo, Norway
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	30 to 40
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	Virtuoso
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Welcome to Helsinki.

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 GLO Hotel Art. 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.

The gateway to Lapland

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.

Ivalo to Honningsvåg

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.

Northern Lights in North Cape Relaxed Start

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).

North Cape to Alta

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.

Alaskan Huskies in Alta Relaxed Start

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.

Norway’s gateway to the Artic

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. Just a short walk from your hotel, you’ll find a high concentration of old wooden houses and a great array of restaurants.

Delve into Scandinavian history

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.

A merry finale in Oslo

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.

Farewell Oslo

It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers. Your trip ends after breakfast.

Inclusions

9 Breakfast (B)
5 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch (L)