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    8 days - Escorted Northern Lights tour to Norway and Finland

    Experience the Aurora Highlights in some of the most magical destinations in Scandinavia and the Nordics. For 8 days experience untouched wilderness, the home of Santa Claus and take part in exciting autumn activities. There will be unforgettable experiences, from nights in a glass roofed cabin where you may be able to marvel at the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed to exhilarating husky experiences.

    We also have a independent version of this tour - Aurora Highlights which has dates extending out into March.

    Highlights include

    • 2-night Northbound voyage on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Kystruten) starting in Tromsø
    • Small group tour with only 18 passengers
    • 3 nights in a glass roofed cabin (similar to an igloo)
    • 1 night in a gamme (log) cabin
    • Opportunity for spotting the northern lights
    • Experienced English-speaking tour guide

    Day 1
    Arrive Tromsø - The Arctic Capital
    Day 2
    Guided city tour, embarkation and start of the coastal voyage
    Day 3
    Honningsvåg and the North Cape
    Day 4
    Arrive in Kirkenes and join a King Crab Safari adventure
    Day 5
    Transfer to Inari and check into your Glass Roofed Cabin
    Day 6
    Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari
    Day 7
    Husky Safari, Santa Visit and farewell dinner
    Day 8
    Transfer to Ivalo Airport
    Start Place
    Tromsø, Norway
    End Place
    Ivalo, Finland
    Destinations Visited
    Norway
    Finland
    Duration
    8 Days
    Group Size
    18
    Suitability
    Easy escorted voyage & tour suitable for singles and couples
    Carbon Footprint
    416Kg of CO₂e Average carbon footprint per person?
    Code
    50DN0065

    Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.

    Details

    Transportation

    Havila ship, bus, train and transfers.

    Included
    • 1 night in 4* hotel in Tromsø, 3 nights at Aurora Cabin / Glass Igloo, 1 night at Gamme Cabins and 2 nights voyage accommodation in an outside cabin
    • Daily breakfasts
    • English speaking experienced Tour Escort
    • Outdoor clothing for winter activities/safaris (winter boots, balaclavas, woolen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf) at the Aurora Cabins
    • Free use of snowshoes, cross-country skis, toboggans, ice-skates and kick sledges at the Aurora Cabins
    • Free aurora alert at the Aurora Cabins
    • Santa Visit
    • Dinners at the Aurora Cabins and a sparkling piccolo bottle, water bottle, tea, coffee and sweets as arrival complimentary treats in your room.
    • Lunch and a guided visit to cultural museum, Sami Siida in Inari
    • Overnight in a Gamme cabin at the Kirkenes Snowhotel including dinner
    • Three nights in Aurora cabins (similar to a glass igloo with open glass roof)
    • Farewell dinner
    • Voyage from Tromsø to Kirkenes, 2 nights in unspecified outside cabin with window, TV, toilet & shower (Pre-booked cabin upgrades available on request subject to availability).
    • All meals on the Norwegian Coastal voyage
    • Transfers: Kirkenes to Inari, Inari to Ivalo Airport
    • Winter or Autumn activities depending on the season: King Crab Safari, WINTER ACTIVITIES: Reindeer Farm Visit, Snowmobile Safari and Husky Safari, AUTUMN ACTIVITIES: Husky wagon ride, Finnish Smoke sauna experience and Aurora hunting by car.
    • 24-hour emergency service
    • Booking with Confidence- we want you to be confident in booking with 50 Degrees North, and we will always have your best interest and safety in mind. In these times of uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis, we have put in place further measures to make booking with us easier and more flexible.
    Not Included

    International flight tickets, optional excursions during Tromsø-Kirkenes voyage, any airport taxes, travel insurance, visas, gratitudes and any items of personal nature.

    Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage.

    Booking your flight from Ivalo to Helsinki with Finnair in combination with your international flight is a more affordable option.

    We can add a Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia independent extension after this tour finishes. Flights from Ivalo to Helsinki, 2 nights at the GLO Hotel in Helsinki and a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia from AUD 790, USD 550 and EU 470 per person.

    Other travellers will join at various points along the way as this tour is a shorter section of a longer small group journey. The group size will never extend beyond it's maximum numbers.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Arrive Tromsø - The Arctic Capital

    Arrive Tromsø, the Arctic Capital and starting point for your journey. Check in to your hotel and explore the city. Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point- the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and suppliers here. With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the Polar Capital of Norway.

    Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral is a unique landmark well worth visiting. Experience Tromsø's best views by taking the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of the mountain ledge Storsteinen and maybe enjoy a beer from the world's northernmost brewery.

    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel The Edge
    Restaurants
    Restaurant options in Tromsø
    Skarven
    Optional Add Ons
    Vulkana - Luxury Spa Boat

    Day 2 - Guided city tour, embarkation and start of the coastal voyage

    After breakfast, join a guided city tour of Tromsø. See the highlights of the city on this walking tour.

    In the mid afternoon you will transfer to the cruise terminal for check-in and meet your group escort. Settle into your cabin & enjoy your first meal on-board the ship with the rest of the group.

    Continue the northbound journey into the area along the coast where you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Gather on deck or under the glass roof to search for this breathtaking phenomenon.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 3 - Honningsvåg and the North Cape

    Today you sail through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg. This small port is the gateway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape, which rises 300m from the ocean, and at 71° 10' 21" north ocean puts you a mere 2,000 km from the Geographical North Pole. Standing atop the North Cape Plateau you will feel like you are at the end of the world.

    This area is also known for its birdlife, and Gjesværstappen, a bird sanctuary with up to 250,000 seabirds is home to some High Arctic species that can only be observed here on the Norwegian mainland, including the gorgeous puffins.

    In summer you might see herds of reindeer and campsites belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. In winter and spring, sometimes local fishermen from the village of Kjøllefjord visit us to share their catch of the day- Cod and King Crab. And make sure as you approach Kjøllefjord you take note of the prominent and sacred to indigenous Sámi people, Finnkirka rock formation.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner

    Day 4 - Arrive in Kirkenes and join a King Crab Safari adventure

    You will arrive in Vadsø early in the morning. Located in the Varanger region this is one of the most attractive and popular bird-watching areas in the Arctic due to it being directly in the path of the birds migrating from east to west.

    The last port on the voyage north is Kirkenes. The well policed Russian border and the Kola peninsula are close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.

    Disembark the coastal ship and get ready for a totally unforgettable experience on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to catch, learn how to cook, and most importantly eat the Arctic King Crab. If you enjoy eating crab, be sure to arrive HUNGRY!

    The Arctic King Crab is one of the most sought-after meals in top restaurants, and yet here, you get to eat the best and the freshest, pulled from the fjord in front of your eyes. You all take part in helping to saw the hole in the ice and bring up the catch. You will see how the crab is prepared by your master guide, and you will be taken by snowmobile sled (an experience in itself) to a beautiful farmhouse by the lake.

    It is here by a cosy log fire that your King Crab meal awaits. Although presentation is simple, the superb, white leg meat and claws with their particularly juicy and naturally sweet taste puts this meal in a league of its own.

    Warm clothing and a helmet is provided. Please note: This tour is done by snowmobile (the fisherman drives the snowmobile with you in a sled behind the snowmobile), and not by divers or in a boat.

    Today you will visit and see the snow rooms at the Snowhotel. Explore this hand-built snow hotel and perhaps enjoy a drink at the icebar before heading to your Gamme pine cabin, a short walk away in the same resort.

    Your evening will then progress to a delicious 3 course dinner. The food served is charmingly traditional and locally sourced. Your guide will be available to help you prepare for the evening ahead, making sure you are as comfortable as possible. After dinner you will have the opportunity to walk around the snowhotel and say hello to our resident reindeers, and with any luck, catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner

    Day 5 - Transfer to Inari and check into your Glass Roofed Cabin

    After breakfast, take a drive through wild forests and around pristine lakes to Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders).

    In Inari we will have lunch and a guided tour at Sami Siida Museum - the national museum of the Sámi and a national special museum in Finland. The guide will help you to have an in-depth view of Siida’s permanent exhibitions. Siida’s exhibition tours cover the permanent exhibitions of the house.

    From Inari we will continue to the Aurora Village, our home for the next 3 nights.

    The Aurora Village is located high above the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland. Surrounded by stunning scenery, we will enjoy this rustic wilderness experience in the remote forests of northern Finland, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Check in to your glass roofed Aurora Cabin where you will be spending three nights. You will also get your Winter clothing set (winter boots, balaclavas, woolen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf).

    These glass cabins provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to admire the Northern Lights and millions of stars in the crystal clear sky with a comfortable room temperature. The glass thermal roof ensures that the window will stay clear even in the lowest temperatures, and the warmth and amenities of the cabin will ensure you the most comfortable aurora observing experience we can offer you. Each cabin offers a private bathroom. You will get a free Aurora Alert on arrival as well - which will buzz you if the chance of seeing the Northern Lights is high during your stay!

    Dinner is included at the restaurant.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 6 - Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari

    After breakfast, meet the reindeers. In the old days people used reindeer for transportation. Today you will meet the local reindeers at work, Manu, Pelokas and Papu. Papu will take you for a short reindeer sleigh ride. In a traditional Kota-tent you will have tea, coffee and a small snack by the open fire while our Sámi-reindeer herder tells you stories about reindeer. You can also try your skills at throwing lasso!

    In the afternoon, join an exciting snowmobile safari. You will be kitted out in warm clothing before leaving. Two persons share one snowmobile and there will be an opportunity to change drivers during the safari.

    Afterwards, if the skies are clear, head out for a walk to look for the northern lights! Dinner at the restaurant.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 7 - Husky Safari, Santa Visit and farewell dinner

    After breakfast, get ready for today's husky adventure - an unforgettable journey through wild forest scenery.

    Your husky musher will pick you up from the Aurora Village reception and take you to the husky farm nearby. You will get to greet the dogs and you’ll get to know details of the life of Alaskan Husky dogs. A team of huskies will take you on a 20-minute ride on a customized summer wagon. You’ll be served coffee in a traditional wooden Kota-building at the husky farm.

    In the afternoon, in small groups, you will have a special meeting with Santa! Take photos and chat to Santa before enjoying a hot berry juice in the yurt style (kota) building.

    In the evening we will enjoy a special farewell dinner. Toast your trip with your fellow group members!

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 8 - Transfer to Ivalo Airport

    After breakfast, transfer to Ivalo Airport. You can add an extra few days in Helsinki and a day tour to Tallinn as an extented package.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Dates & Prices

    Price per person, twin share. Costing is based on an outside cabin with window on your voyage and fee applies to upgrades.

    Dates
    Start Date
    End Date
    From Price
    Status
    Accommodation
    3 Oct 2023
    10 Oct 2023
    3 Oct 2023
    10 Oct 2023
    AUD 5,191
    Fully booked
    Standard
    3 Oct 2023
    10 Oct 2023
    3 Oct 2023
    10 Oct 2023
    AUD 2,432
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    31 Oct 2023
    7 Nov 2023
    31 Oct 2023
    7 Nov 2023
    AUD 5,106
    Fully booked
    Standard
    31 Oct 2023
    7 Nov 2023
    31 Oct 2023
    7 Nov 2023
    AUD 2,181
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    6 Dec 2023
    13 Dec 2023
    6 Dec 2023
    13 Dec 2023
    AUD 6,012
    Fully booked
    Standard
    6 Dec 2023
    13 Dec 2023
    6 Dec 2023
    13 Dec 2023
    AUD 2,235
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single

    Important Information

    PLEASE NOTE: Winter 2022/23 departures have unspecified outside cabins with windows on the Tromsø-Kirkenes voyage, we are able to upgrade cabins on request to superior or suites.

    Activities differ when travelling in Autumn (before the snow arrives). Autumn Activities in Ivalo will be a husky wagon ride, Finnish Smoke sauna experience and Aurora hunting by car.

    You can pre-book your optional Norwegian Coastal Voyage excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are on board and do it then - however, there is a maximum number and they can book out (unlimited numbers on the North Cape tour). It is not possible to pre-book within 2 weeks prior to departure. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and weather/local conditions.

    This tour joins together with our longer escorted tour, 'Experience the Northern Lights' from Tromsø.

    MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION:

    All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. During winter, roads and footpaths can be icey so please consider carefully how much luggage you bring as you will be responsible for carrying all the luggage on these outside paths. There is no portage service in Scandinavia and your tour escorts cannot help you, beyond reason.

    Scandinavia is a fairly accessible destination for people with restricted mobility and other disabilities and is actively working to be more accessible every day. However, please note that our group tours are often not suitable for persons with limited accessibility due to inclusions and pace. 50 Degrees North is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability and we can tailor-make independent itineraries for travellers when needed. Please contact us for further details.

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