Overview:
Your winter holiday begins in the Northern Norway Capital – Tromsø is the home of the northernmost university and has the Arctic Sea as its closest neighbour. Tromsø is situated above the Arctic Circle and right in the centre of the Northern Lights zone. After enjoying the pulsating cultural and urban life of Tromsø, the Hurtigruten cruise will take you for an unforgettable journey further up north along the Norwegian coast line. When you thought this winter experience couldn‘t be more maximized – check in at Alta Igloo Hotel – a hotel completely built by snow and ice, which will certainly make your Arctic holiday unforgettable!
Holiday price is from £2,445 per person, based on availability and two people sharing a standard twin/double room. Single supplement is £305.
Departure Dates:
| Departure dates | Departure | Arrival | Arrive |
15 Dec - 07 Apr
|
London |
Tromso |
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun
|
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tromso
Arrival in Tromsø according to your itinerary. Tromsø is often referred to as the Arctic Capital and is the largest Norwegian city above the Arctic city. In Tromsø we suggest a visit to the famous Polaria museum, housed in a very distinctive building that represents ice floes that have been pressed up on land by the rough seas of the Arctic. Polaria has an Arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits and a panoramic cinema. Tromsø is known for having the most Northern Lights in the world! It‘s located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis (northern lights) zone, and is in fact one of the best places in the world to observe this phenomenon. Because of the planet's rotation, Tromsø moves into the aurora zone around 6 pm, and moves out again around midnight. The Northern light does not appear every night but the chances to experience it in Tromsø are definitely big!
Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel With or similar.
Day 2: Tromsø – Honningsvag cruise
Breakfast at the hotel. Half day of leisure before boarding the Hurtigruten cruise ship in the afternoon on board one of the Hurtigruten cruise ships you have a unique opportunity to explore the wonderful arctic landscape from the sea. With the glaciers, the colourful culture of the Inuit and wild animals this makes Hurtigruten one of the most exciting and beautiful voyages in the world.
Overnight onboard Hurtigruten in an outside cabin incl. dinner.
Day 3: North Cape & Honningsvag
Breakfast on board. Today you have reached your final port onboard Hurtigruten, Honningsvåg. From here you will go for an excursion to the northernmost point of Norway – the North Cape. The tour goes by bus from Honningsvåg through the sub-arctic landscape towards our destination. The plateau itself rises 307 meters up from the Arctic Ocean which gives you a majestic view. Entrance to the North Cape Hall with viewing platform, souvenir shops, cinema, cafeteria and restaurant, is included in the excursion. Transfer back to Honningsvåg for overnight stay.
Overnight at the Scandic Hotel Bryggen or similar.
Day 4: Honningsvag – Alta
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will continue your journey by local bus to Alta. From Honningsvåg you will drive through the underwater tunnel to the mainland, along the Porsangen fjord and across the pristine Sennalandet plains of Finnmark country, Norway’s northernmost county. On arrival in Alta, check into the Thon hotel Alta.
Overnight at the Thon hotel Alta or similar
Day 5: Alta and the igloo hotel
After breakfast you will be transferred to the igloo hotel. Enjoy a breath-taking snowmobile safari through the beautiful landscape of Finnmark. You will follow the old trade route towards Karasjok which offer a great variety of nature – from forest and valley to unending, snow-covered plains. Your adventure does not stop, after your adventurous snowmobile safari get ready for a night in the igloo hotel. The Igloo hotel measures approx. 2000 square metres and the entire hotel with its 30 rooms are completely made of snow and ice. The temperatures inside the igloo remain constant between minus 4 and minus 7. Thanks to natural reindeer-hides, "mattresses" and sleeping-bags that keep you warm, you will have a comfortable night. We recommend wearing woollen underwear and a hat during the night.
Overnight at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel with dinner included
(Please note that the Ice hotel is closed on Sundays’).
Overnight at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel with dinner included
(Please note that the Ice hotel is closed on Sundays’).
Day 6: Alta – Tromso
After breakfast, you will leave the beautiful Igloo Hotel to head back to Tromsø by local bus.
Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel With incl. breakfast.
Day 7: Departure from Tromso
Breakfast at the. If time permits, explore more of Tromso before transfer back to Tromso airport.
Package Includes:
- Flights from London to Tromso and Alta to London via Oslo on SAS or Norwegian Air (flights can be arranged from other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler
- Transfer: Tromso airport – Clarion Collection Hotel With
- 1 night accommodation in Clarion Collection Hotel With, Tromso incl. breakfast
- 1 night accommodation onboard Hurtigruten in a cabin with an unspecified outside view incl. breakfast and dinner
- Excursion to North Cape
- 1 night accommodation in Scandic Hotel Bryggen, Honningsvag incl. breakfast
- Coach ticket: Honningsvag – Alta
- 1 night at the Thon Hotel Alta
- Snowmobile Safari (3 hrs) including warm clothing, safety equipment and coffee/tea
- 1 night cold accommodation at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel incl. 3-course dinner and breakfast
- Coach ticket: Alta – Tromso
- 1 night accommodation in Clarion Collection Hotel With, Tromso incl. breakfast
- Transfer: Clarion Collection Hotel With - Tromso airport
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
Enquire now »
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.
Transportation
Railway mostly serves domestic routes and is used as an easy and quick way to get from the capital to major cities of the country. There are some international routes, like to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but time spent on the way will be quite long.
Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltic States. Eurolines will get you between Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. One way tickets will cost £ 15 - £ 20 and approximate travel time is 5 hours between the cities. Ticket reservations in advance are recommended.
Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of travelling round the city. You'll find them located close to the main hotels. Usually it's quite easy to catch a taxi on the street, however, it's much better and safer to order one by phone. Taxi costs in all of the Baltic countries and Poland are approximately the same and a ride in the centre of the city will cost you approx £ 5 - £ 7. Taxis in Finland and Russia are considerably more expensive. It is always a good idea to get your hotel to book a taxi for you and ask approximately how much the trip will cost before you get in.
We would not recommend you to take public transportation within the city, as it's usually crowded and it may cause you unnecessary anxiety about where to stop.