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Capitals of Northern Lights

7 Days / 3 locations in Norway and Finland

EXPERIENCE THIS UNIQUE JOURNEY TO LAPLAND AND BE AMAZED BY A BLEND OF FIRST-CLASS TRAVEL, WITH THE MOST FASCINATING AND INVIGORATING WINTER ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION. A 2-HOUR GUIDED TOUR WILL TAKE YOU AROUND THE CITY OF TROMSO. THE AWARD-WINNING ALTA MUSEUM IS ALSO ON THE LIST OF MEMORABLE VISITS. YOU WILL STAY IN ROVANIEMI WITH ITS DAZZLING WHITE LANDSCAPE AS WELL AS IN LEVI, WITH TWO NIGHTS IN THE EXTRAORDINARY AURORA CABIN. WEATHER PERMITTING, YOU WILL SEE THE BREATH-TAKING NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM YOUR BED.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Tromso
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Tromso

Arrival to Tromso airport. Upon exiting the airport, please proceed to the Flybussen bus stop (regular airport express bus) and present your voucher to the driver. Your voucher is valid for both the arrival and departure transfers so please be sure to keep it safe. The Flybussen will transfer you the 5 km distance to the center of Tromso and drop off is within walking distance of your hotel. Check-in at your hotel (guaranteed from 3:00pm). The rest of the day is at leisure. Please consult the welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director.

OPTIONAL: – Tromso Cable Car

DURATION: approximately 2 hours (8:00pm-10:00pm)

MEETING TIME: 7:45pm in the hotel reception

INCLUDES: Transportation, lift ride & guide

Min 2 persons

A short transfer will take you from the hotel to the Cable Car Station. Board a gondola, and in just four minutes you will be transported 421 m above sea level to experience Tromso’s best view. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. If we are lucky the northern lights will show up and top off this already impressive experience.

 
Day 2     Tromso
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Tromso
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour and perfect introduction to Tromso. Tromso enjoys a subarctic climate, its location corresponding to the northern coast of Alaska.Learn about the indigenous Sami people, their traditional culture and recent history. Following this, you will continue a tour around the island, passing Lake Prestvatn where the Meteorological Institute is situated. Travel across the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral for a visit to this masterpiece by Jan Inge Hovig. Built in 1965, the cathedral reflects north Norwegian nature, culture, and faith with a monumental stained-glass window. Afternoon at leisure

AFTERNOON OPTIONAL: POLARIA Museum & Tromsø University Museum

DURATION: With Tour Leader Coach at disposal for 2:30 hours

Entrance -Tromsø University Museum

Entrance -Polaria

Min 6 persons

Polariais the world’s most northerly aquarium and looks as though the world’s largest dominoes have been knocked over.This arctic aquarium which opened in 1998, focuses on educating visitors about the exotic, freezing waters of the Nordic North. The museum portions of the aquarium feature display on the Svalbard region as well as simulated permafrost, while the aquarium proper contains rare specimens of cold-water fish and other arctic marine life from the area. The main attraction is a large pool that houses several large-bearded seals that visitors can get remarkably close to thanks to viewing bubbles in the tank wall.Maybe the most remarkable aspect of the aquarium is the building itself. It was designed to evoke massive ice flows that have pushed up against one another, breaking and stacking into a slanted fringe. In effect, the structure looks almost as though a series of building toppled into each other like a dominoes cascade.The Arctic University Museum of Troms offers diverse and insightful exhibitions from northern culture, including everything from Norway’s oldest chewing gum to the northern lights and Vikings.Located in Tromsø, a city Nylunddescribes as The Port to the Arctic Ocean, the museum is a place for cutting-edge research in subjects ranging from mosquitos and Vikings to fossils, Polar exploration, and the indigenous Sami people.The museum offers three different attractions: Tromsø Museum, the Polar Museum and the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

OPTIONAL -AURORA HUSKY VISIT

DURATION: 4 hours (7.00pm-11.00pm)

MEETING TIME: 6:30pm at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: transportation, guide, warm overalls, traditional Norwegian dinner

Min 2 persons

Be ready for a pick-up right outside your hotel at 6:30pm where you will be met by a representative from Tromso Villmarkssenterand taken on a 25-minute bus ride to the Aurora Camp. At the camp you will be equipped with thermal overalls and boots to keep you nice and warm all evening. 300 friendly Alaskan huskies are waiting to greet you and enjoy some cuddles, followed by an affectionate and playful visit to the puppy enclosure. Once you have filled up on puppy love, it is time to enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner in our cozy Gamme-hut (turf home). You will be served Norwegian Bacalao, prepared with locally sourced cod and tomato sauce, and for dessert their savory signature chocolate cake. As it is impossible to predict when the Aurora will appear during the evening, your guide will keep a close eye on the sky for you and the program will be adjusted accordingly. For those of you who wish to sit outside and wait for it to appear, a bonfire will set the mood and keep you toasty.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

 
Day 3     Tromso - Alta
Accommodation: Thon Hotell Alta
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. The ride from Tromso to Alta is breath-taking regardless of the time of year. Stunning scenery and magnificent nature ensure that this trip will stay with you for a long time. The distance between Tromso and Alta is about 300 km, a route traveled in approximately 8 hours,and includes two ferry crossings. Lunch (included) en-route. Arrival and check in. Evening at leisure.

Downtown Alta is located just below the 70th latitude and is closer to the North Pole than it is to Central Europe.In spite of its high latitude the local climate is seldom severely cold thanks to Gulf Stream moderation in the prevailing wind. Due to Norway curving above its Nordic neighbors, Alta is located further east than almost all of Sweden and much of southern Finland. Being at a very high latitude,midnight sun and polar night are present for sizeable parts of the year

OPTIONAL: SLEIGH RIDE UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

DURATION: 4 hours (8:00pm-12.00am)

Min 6 persons

MEETING TIME: 7:45pm at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: Transportation, Norwegian traditional dinner

This tour offers you an evening of cozy adventure. You will be picked up in Alta and driven to a farm in the nearby countryside where you will climb aboard a sleigh and get bundled up in warm blankets. Your sleigh is then pulled by a Norwegian Fjord Horse through the forest and along the Alta River, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty all around you. Near the end of the ride, you will stop at a wilderness shelter where a light dinner will be served around a warm fire. Under the right conditions you might also be able to captures some beautiful images of the Northern Lights.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

 
Day 4     Alta
Meals: Breakfast

Experience the Northern Europe’s largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area while enjoying a fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. You will have a guided tour at the museum with some free time afterwards to walk around at your own pace.

OPTIONAL:

This morning you will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable King Crab Safari, rated as one of the best experiences in the World.

King Crab Safari

DURATION: approximately 5 hours (09:00am-2:00pm)

MEETING TIME: 08:15am at the hotel reception

Lunch included

Min 2persons

One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out on the Alta Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weighs up to 15 kilos. Depending on the weather and ice the trip might be by boat or snowmobile drawn sleigh. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to a remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch. All equipment and clothing will be provided.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKINGAND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

OPTIONAL: NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR & SORRISNIVA ICE HOTEL

DURATION: approximately 4 –5 hours (7.00pm-11pm/12.00am)

MEETING TIME: 6:30pm at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: transportation, guide, sweet snacks and soft drink, entrance to Sorrisniva.

Min 6 persons

Meet your Tour Director in the lobby of your hotel for a 20 minute bus ride into the countryside. The family owned Sorrisniva adventure facility is perfectly located to maximize your chances of seeing the magnificent Aurora Borealis in the time between September and March. Experience the Igloo Hotel -the worlds northernmost ice hotel, built from ground every year with different themes. Get a break from your daily life and feel the serenity and silence the Igloo Hotel gives you. Wander among handcrafted ice sculptures or take an ice drink in our bar. Everything is made from pure snow and ice.After the visit to the Ice Hotel you will take on the Northern Lights chase in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Along the way you will have an excellent opportunity to learn more about the natural phenomenon as well as the local history of Alta. Your guide will also be very happy to help you catch some beautiful images with your own camera.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKINGAND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

 
Day 5     Alta - Levi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel followed by an early departure. You will travel the 340km south to Levi by coach, an approximately 5-hour journey taking you through the beautiful northern Lapland. Your eyes will feast on breathtaking nature as you sit back and watch the landscape unfold. On the way, you will visit the Finnmarks first silverwork shop (est.1959) Juhls Silver Museum -offers traditional and exclusive modern jewelry manufactured on the premises. The Tundra collection designed by Regine Juhls is recognized as modern classics within Scandinavian jewelry design. International art and handicrafts are also presented in a beautiful, special, and unique setting. Welcome to Finland and to Levi a winter paradise like no other. Nestled in the heart of Lapland, Levi offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in in Sirkka Village approximately 170 north of the Arctic Circle its natural surroundings are guaranteed to impress. During the next two night your accommodation will be The Aurora Igloo Cabin half igloo half cabin at the Northern Lights Village Resort -a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and some with luck the dance of the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in the warm bed. Enjoy a local dinner at the restaurant and enjoy this evening’s optional experience. Remember to set your watch one hour forward.

OPTIONAL: Finnish Sauna & jacuzzi

DURATION: 1 hour (time to be pre-booked)

INCLUDES: introduction from guide

Min 2 persons

A beautiful setting to enjoy Finnish sauna and possibly Northern Lights. Built in the same style as our Aurora Cabins with a large sky window, the Igloo Sauna offers a perfect combination of viewing the night sky while warming up in the Sauna and relaxing in a hot tub.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

OPTIONAL:

Aurora Hunting by heated sleigh

DURATION: approximately 3 hours (8:30pm-11.30pm)

MEETING TIME: 8:15pm at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: guiding, warm berry juice, cookies and marshmellows, thermal clothes

Min 2 persons

The silent, snow-covered forest, and the magical Northern Lights above you.Take a seat in the heated aurora sleigh! This is the best option if you do not wish to ride a snowmobile and rather sit in the comfort of a heated sleigh pulled by the guide. Your guide tows the sleigh with a snowmobile through the snowy, moon and starlit landscape, all the way into the forest, far away from the residential areas and their light pollution. After arriving, we prepare our cameras and take photographs of the northern night sky.If the luck is with us the Northern Lights will appear. Sit comfortably by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and listening to tales until someone spots the first flare. Now your imagination is the only limit: The Northern Lights waving across the sky, the constellations, and the glittering snow-covered trees... How will you compose your photos?

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

 
Day 6     Levi
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Breakfast at the Hotel. The natural beauty, diverse wildlife, varying terrain and, of course, the Northern Lights make Lapland and Levi very special places. From its river valleys and frozen lakes up to the fells with their spectacular views over the arctic landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. Today you will have opportunity to get familiar with Lappish animals and the life of the locals. Enjoy the magical tranquility in Arctic nature.

REINDEER FARM & SLEIGH RIDE INCLUDED

DURATION: approximately 3hours (10:00am-1:00pm)

INCLUDED: guiding in English, thermal equipment, transfers, farm visit, 1 km sleigh ride, 3 course meal

Meet the Reindeer farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, and its importance to the Sami culture. Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. Sami and his family have been living in the farm more than 300 years. Visit the café, the museum and enjoy a typical three-course home made lunch.Afternoon free at leisure.Enjoy dinner at your Hotel.

The following optional activities are the ones we recommend for an authentic Finnish experience.

OPTIONAL: Finnish Sauna & jacuzzi

DURATION: 1 hour (time to be pre-booked)

INCLUDES: introduction from guide

MIN 2 PERSONS

A beautiful setting to enjoy Finnish sauna and possibly Northern Lights. Built in the same style as our Aurora Cabins with a large sky window, the Igloo Sauna offers a perfect combination of viewing the night sky while warming up in the Sauna and relaxing in a hot tub.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

OPTIONAL:

Aurora photography Workshop

DURATION: approximately 1 hour (5:00pm-6:00pm)

MEETING TIME: 4.45pm at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: introduction from guide, thermal clothes

Min 2 persons

Make the most out of the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights. During the photography workshop, you will learn all the tricks you need to capture the Northern Lights and the night sky in such a way that your photos are an accurate representation of reality.Your instructor has vast knowledge and experience of photographing the Northern Lights. The workshop provides you with just the right tips on how to handle your camera and set the exposure and shutter to be able to share the magic of the Northern Lights with your friends with the best possible photos.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKINGAND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

OPTIONAL:

Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes

DURATION: approximately 2 hours (8.30pm-10.30pm)

MEETING TIME: 8:15pm at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: guiding, hot berry juice, cookies, marshmallows, snowshoes, thermal clothes

Min 2 persons

The Laplanders hung the wings of a willow grouse over the crib of a baby girl so that the girl would grow up to be as pure as the white willow grouse on top of the snow.Snowshoeing is the closest way to experience the nature of Lapland. The deep snow crunching under the shoes, the snow-hooded trees, and the pearly-white willow grouse watching you from afar –the winter nature is a magical world of its own.We hike through the forest in snowshoes to a nearby fell where we will build a fire, enjoy a delicious meal outdoors, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. The guide will provide information on the nature and animals of Lapland, and with any luck we may see a Siberian jay, a willow grouse, or a herd of reindeer wandering by. This trip is especially suitable for nature-lovers, who wish to take great photographs and enjoy the natural scenery in an ecological way.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

 
Day 7     Levi
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Levi Kittilaairport in good time for your departure flight.

 

Notes

Please note! Arrival transfer in Tromso is by a regular (public) airport bus service Flybussen. Departure Regular Transfer Service included in the program is only available for transfers to Rovaniemi Airport and only on the published official date of end of the tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking representative and is shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time at the airport may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers –for a supplement, private transfers can be reserved

Price Includes
2 Lunches & 2 Dinners
Accommations in 1st Class Hotels
Luggage Allowance Is 1 Suitcase & 1 Piece of Hand Luggage Per Person
Outdoor Clothing for Winter Activities/Safaris As Mentioned in the Program.
Visits, Excursions and Entrances As Mentioned in the Program
All Tours and Transportation, As Mentioned in the Program
The Long-Distance Coach from Day 2-9 Offers Wifi
Regular Departure Transfer to Kittila Airport
Arrival Transfer in Tromso by Public Service Flybussen
2-Hours Guided City Tour of Tromso
Bi-Lingual Tour Escort (english & Spanish or Portuguese) from Day 2-5
Daily Breakfast
Price Does Not Include
 Transatlantic Air
 Optional Excursions
BOR-1269
1.28.15.WP26