EXPERIENCE THIS UNIQUE JOURNEY TO LAPLAND, NORTH CAPE & LOFOTEN ISLANDS. ENJOY THE MAGICAL AND IDYLLIC SETTINGS AMONGST BREATH TAKING SCENERY; FEATURING MOUNTAINS, FJORDS AND ISLANDS, PRESENTING YOU WITH A SURPRISE AROUND EVERY CORNER. FIRST STOP IS ROVANIEMI, THE HOME OF SANTA CLAUS, FOLLOWED BY SAARISELKA, A SMALL VILLAGE SURROUNDED BY UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS. BE AMAZED BY THE DANCE OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN HONNINGSVAAG AND THROUGH THE PICTURE-PERFECT LANDSCAPES OF NORTHERN NORWAY. EXPERIENCE THE DAY GOING BY, VISITING EXTRAORDINARY SITES, SUCH AS THE ALTA MUSEUM AND THE CHARM OF TROMSO, THE LARGEST CITY IN THE REGION. DISCOVER THE ENDLESS LINE OF HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGES OF THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS, SUCH AS HENNINGSVAER, AND TAKE YOUR TIME TO REFLECT AND FEEL THE LIGHT BREEZE OF THE CLEANEST AIR ON THE PLANET.
Arrival to Rovaniemi Airport and regular transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rovaniemi is the provincial center of Lapland, located right on the Arctic Circle. The town lies at the confluence of the rivers Ounas and Kemi, and is a historical meeting point for trade, people and cultures of the north. Today, Rovaniemi is a lively university town and a popular travel destination both in summerand winter where the famous Santa Claus Village receives thousands of visitors every day. The day is at leisure. Please consult the Borealis Destination Management welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director
Breakfast at the hotel. Departing in the morning for the next step on the tour, visiting Rovaniemi and its surroundings. The first stop will be the famous Santa Claus Village, followed by a visit to one of the most genuine Reindeer Farms in Lapland. The world famous Santa Claus Village is built right on the Arctic Circle and is home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa’s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the feelings raised by the fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. A must for any visit to Lapland. From Santa Claus Village the excursion continues to the Reindeer Farm, where you will meet a local farmer, who will tell you all about the reindeers, the Sami culture and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). Your guide will explain about the nature of the reindeer, a semi-wild animal with a great importance for theSami people throughout history. A typical three course Lappish lunch is served during the visit at the farm. Before leaving the farm, you will have a meeting with the shaman and experience the Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony. Early in the afternoon, departure to Saariselkä, a small village surrounded by untouched wilderness the centre of Finland’s winter sports
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Honningsvaag via Inari and Karasjok. Right after crossing the Norwegian boarder you will arrive to Karasjok for a visit to one of the most genuine local husky farms of the region. During the visit to this farm, you will have the opportunity to experience the enthusiasm of these amazing arctic dogs and understand the special relationship between the musher and the dogs. Visit the puppy-yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. It is not required to be a passionate dog-lover to gain respect and admiration for these dogs and their qualities. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. During the visit a traditional Norwegian snack consisting of smoked reindeer and dry fish followed by coffee and cake will be served. Continue further up north on the border of the Porsangerfjorden, before arriving to Honningsvaag, situated at a bay on the south eastern side of the island of Mageroya, just 35km from the famous North Cape and its visitor’s centre. Check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Late in the evening midnight sun excursion to the North Cape Plateau where you can enjoy different activities, like exhibitions & films. During the visit a glass of champagne and a certificate will be offered to celebrate your journey to the top of Europe 71°10’21
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel in Honningsvaag through one of the most beautiful routes in Northern Norway through Kaafjord and Skaidi to Alta, where you will visit The World Heritage Rock Art Centre– Alta Museum. This group of rock carvings bears the traces of a settlement dating from around 4200 to 500 BC. It constitutes the most important piece of evidence documenting the existence of human activity on the fringes of the Far North in prehistoric times - hence its status as a UNESCO world heritage site. Check-in at your hotel, located right in front of the Alta Cathedral (Nordlysketedralen), with its spectacular architecture created to look like northern lights. Dinner is served at the hotel
OPTIONAL: HELICOPTER TOUR IN ALTA (TO BE INFORMED ON SITE BY TOUR DIRECTOR) Helicopter ride over the Alta River – the best salmon fishing river (approx. 30 min. flight time).Your tour director will, on site, provide information on the possibility of enjoying an optional panoramic helicopter ride (30 min – weather permitting, subject to availability and to minimum participation). During this helicopter flight you will discover the well-known geological site where the Alta River flows, one among the World’s best salmon fishing rivers. The flight starts from Alta Airport and takes you to the river delta with fascinating bird life, passing several famous fishing spots like Raipas, Jøraholmen, Vina, Sandia and Sautso. The helicopter ride continues all the way up to Masi, a small village made up predominantly of Sami people. (Not included).
Breakfast buffet at the hotel before departure to Tromso. The journey is long, but compensated by its beauty. Travelling through the coastal area of the region, with the beautiful scenery of small fjords and islands of all sizes. Crossing the fjords around Lyngen Alps by regular ferries (Olderdalen – Lyngseidet and Svensby – Breivikseidet), before arrival to Tromso, the largest city in Northern Norway. Tromso is a surprise to most visitors: Here you find art, history, sophistication, good food and an infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city. All of it, though, is surrounded by spectacular scenery that is visible from everywhere in town. The city is home to the world's northernmost university, as well as research institutes and satellite based industry. Check-in to your hotel, and the rest of your evening is at leisure.
OPTIONAL: EXPERIENCE TROMSO’S BEST VIEW! Visit to the Funicular Fjelheisen (aprox 1.5hs - 2hs)The cable car runs from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen (421 m above sea level) in just four minutes. The two gondolas, known as Seal and Polar bear, each have a capacity of 28 passengers. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. At the fully licensed Fjellstua restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious dinner based on local produce or select light meals from the café menu, while you take pleasure in the view. (Not included). PRICE PER PERSON: EUR 45.00 The price includes transport to/from funicular and return ticket.
Breakfast at the hotel. The day starts with a 4 hours city sightseeing, including visit to the Arctic Cathedral, a landmark of the city and a masterpiece of architecture. The 11 aluminum-coated concrete panels on each side of the roof provide the cathedral’s form and the main entrance is surrounded by a large glass façade with a pronounced cross. The glasswork contains many symbols and generates considerable attention among our visitors. The cathedral’s organ, built in 2005, is adapted to the cathedral’s architecture in a masterly fashion. During this tour, you will also visit Polaria Museum, housed in a very distinctive building that represents icefloes that have been pressed up on land by the rough seas of the Arctic. Polaria has an Arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits, a panoramic cinema, and a gift and souvenir shop. End of the tour at the hotel. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
OPTIONAL: TROMSO SAFARI * Midnight RIB boat Adventure (regular service)DURATION: approx. 2.5hs (23:00 – 01:30) In the late evening, you will have the opportunity to join anunforgettable experience under the midnight sun. We recommend you to be present at the Harbour latest at 22:40. The adventure starts from Tromso Harbour at 23:00 and will set for Gåsvær, a small island sitting just in the open Norwegian Sea. While enjoying the midnight sun, travelling along Kvaløya with a little bit of luck you will be able to see some porpoise, seals and sea eagles. The adventure goes ashore on the beautiful, white, coral sand beaches of Gåsvær, where you will have some time to explore the uninhabited island on your own. Enjoy the fresh sea air, midnight sun and bird song, return to the Harbour in Tromso at approximately 01:30. (Not included). PRICE PER PERSON: EUR 140.00.The price includes guiding in English, RIB BOAT TOUR, thermal suit/ flotation device.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Tromso to Harstad travelling through the coastal area of the Tromso region with its endless historic fishing villages and breathtaking landscape. You will be reminded of the Norwegian culture heritage and natural scenery, crossing the bridge to Andørja Island, before crossing a tunnel to the island of Rolla. Continuing with a short ferry crossing between Sørrollnes and Harstad, reaching the island of Hinnøya, Norway’s largest coastal island and where the city of Harstad is situated. Upon arrival, an orientation tour will give you an insight into the Northern Norwegian culture. Check-in to your hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Late in the evening, you will leave the hotel in your private bus to experience the midnight sun phenomenon once again at the Nupen Viewpoint, located 20 minutes from the hotel, where you will be able to reflect and relax under a stunning view of the Andfjord. The view point has been voted Norway’s most romantic spot.
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Early in the morning, continuation of the journey to Henningsvaer, through the Coastal Heritage Road, which is an experience in itself. Entering the famous region of Lofoten, with its majestic landscapes, abundance of fjords and islands, you will experience a land for sailors, artists and also for climbers, due to the traditional fishing and the beautiful mountain scenery. Once in Lofoten Archipelago, reaching the strand flat fishing villages, you will discover the exotic Morfjorden and Grunnforfjorden, where hundreds of sandpipers feed very often at the sandy dunes and beaches. Lunch at a local restaurant will be served (included). Following lunch, you will have a stop at Kabelvåg, another important fishing village of this region. Here you will visit the Museum Nord, where you will experience the history of the Lofoten Fishery at one of the best preserved squire’s mansions in Lofoten. On the site of the medieval town you’ll find the stately 1815 main building, authentic fishermen’s cabins, and boathouses featuring Nordland boats. The museum also offers picture-games and exhibitions on the Lofoten fisheries, ports and coastal lighthouses, traditional crafts and a beautiful garden with historic perennials.Arrival and check-in at your hotel in Henningsvaer at the end of the day. Henningsvaer is one of the most famous fishing villages of Lofoten, with its 1300 habitants. Upon arrival, free time to explore the beauty of this idyllic spot and why not take the opportunity to reflect and contemplate life in one of the most beautiful spots of this side of the World? Dinner is served at your hotel
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, departure to Svolvaer, located 20km from Henningsvaer. Svolvaer is the administrative centre of Lofoten with almost half of the entire population of Lofoten, 5.000 habitants, concentrated here and the point of start for those who wants to explore Lofoten.Many artists have settled in Svolvaer, so you will see the presence of many small art galleries while exploring the city. Here a great experience awaits. Departure by RIB boat to the Trollfjord Safari (aprox 2hrs) in the famous and breathtaking Trollfjorden, with its narrow sea flanked by a chain of rugged mountains. You will have an experience close to nature, with birds circulating the boat as they dive to catch fish. It is all so close, so wild and so rare that some visitor forget to take pictures, but with a little bit of luck, you will be able to see several majestic birds and maybe even the King of the birds, Eagles, come for a visit. This safari will present you with memories that will stay with you forever.After the safari, you will have some free time in Svolvaer before returning to Henningsvaer for dinner.
Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure to the south of beautiful Lofoten, passing bridges and small fishing villages. You will visit the Lofot Viking Museum,where you can visit the excavation of the largest house in the Viking world. There are several foundation walls in the vicinity that indicates habitation before the chieftain ́s hall was raised andafter it was demolished. The 83-metre house had been divided into 5 main rooms, as shown in the reconstructed building today. In the museum you will also see reconstructed houses, exhibitions and a Viking or two. Following this visit, continuation through the idyllic villages of Eggum and Leknes before reaching Moskenes, for ferry departure to Bodoe (Moskenes – Bodoe)*, a 3,5 hours crossing through the wide Nordfjord. In the early evening*arrival to Bodoe, check-in to your hotel, and the rest of your evening is at leisure. We suggest you to take a walk in the inner harbor area of the town which is lively in the summer, when it is full of fishing and leisure boats, and both visitors and locals enjoy fresh prawns by the quayside. Wander along the harbor promenade to feel the bustle of Bodoe life.
Due to schedule of departures of ferry, the group on (27 May-06June will be arriving in Bodoe at approximately midnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at leisure until your regular transfer to Bodoe Airport in good time for your departure flight.
Notes
Please note! Regular Transfer Service included in the program are only available for transfers from Rovaniemi Airport and to Tromso Airport and only on the published official end date of the tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking representative from Borealis Destination Management and are 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
Hotels in Standard Double/Twin Rooms Daily Breakfast 4 Dinners, 2 Lunches & 1 Typical Snack, As Per Program Bi-Lingual Tour Escort from Day 1 to Day 11 All Touring by Private Coach, With Air-Condition, Including a Free Wifi Onboard Bus Visits, Excursions and Entrances As Per Program Transfer Airport - Hotel- Airport Ferry Crossings and Cruises As Per Program
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