Northern Lights Escorted Short Break

DAY 1 (THURSDAY): ARRIVAL TROMSO

Arrival to Tromso airport. Travel from the airport to the city centre using the Flybussen service which stops within walking distance of your hotel (pre-paid voucher is included) or for an extra charge we can arrange for a private car transfer to your hotel. Check in at your 4* hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and a meeting with your tour leader will be detailed in your welcome pack.
 

OPTIONAL: Tromso Cable Car

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. Departs at 19.45, is 90 EUR per adult and must be booked in advance. For full details please ask us.

DAY 2 (FRIDAY): TROMSO

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by coach for a 3 hour city sightseeing tour - the perfect introduction to Tromso. Tromso has a subarctic climate, its location corresponding to the northern coast of Alaska. Learn about the indigenous Sami people, their traditional culture and recent history, our tour continues past Lake Prestvatn where the Meteorological Institute is located and includes a visit to the iconic Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965, the cathedral reflects north Norwegian nature, culture, and faith with a monumental stained glass window. The afternoon is at leisure.
 

OPTIONAL: Polaria & Tromso University Museum

Polaria is the world’s most northerly aquarium.This unique arctic aquarium opened in 1998 and focuses on educating visitors about the exotic, freezing waters of the Nordic North. Learn about the Svalbard region, permafrost and see rare specimens of cold water fish and other arctic marine life from the area. The large bearded seals are a top attraction. But the architecture of the aquarium is impressive alone. The Arctic University Museum of Tromso offers diverse and insightful exhibitions from northern culture and is a place of cutting edge research in subjects ranging from mosquitos, Vikings, 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

Be ready for a pick up right outside your hotel at 18:30 where you will meet your guide for 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 cosy Gamme hut (turf home). You will be served Norwegian Bacalao, prepared with locally sourced cod and tomato sauce, and for dessert their savoury 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. PRE BOOKING REQUIRED.

DAY 3 (SATURDAY): TROMSO - ALTA

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The ride from Tromso to Alta is breath-taking any 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 travelled in approximately 8 hours, and includes two ferry crossings. Lunch is included en route. Arrival in Alta and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure.
 

OPTIONAL: Sleigh Ride under the Northern Lights

This tour offers you an evening of cosy adventure. You will be picked up in Alta at 19.45 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 capture some beautiful images of the Northern Lights. PRE BOOKING REQUIRED.

DAY 4 (SUNDAY): ALTA

After breakfast at the hotel we depart for the prestigious EMYA award-winning Alta museum. The museum is situated at the site of early settlement of Finnmark dating from around 11,000 years ago and presents exhibitions on local culture and historic industries. A must-see for anyone visiting the area. Afterwards we will pay a visit to the modern Northern Lights Cathedral located in the central part of town.
 

OPTIONAL: Northern Lights Tour & Sorrisniva Ice Hotel

Meet your Tour Director in the lobby of your hotel at approx 19.00 for a 20 minute bus ride into the countryside to the family owned Sorrisniva adventure facility. Experience the Igloo Hotel - the World's most northern ice hotel, built 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 experience a 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. PRE BOOKING REQUIRED.

DAY 5 (MONDAY): ALTA - KIRKENES

Breakfast at the hotel followed by an early departure. You will travel the 465 km east to Kirkenes by coach, an approximately 9-hour journey taking you through the beautiful northern Lapland. There will be no shortage of breathtaking nature as you sit back and watch the landscape unfold. You will make a stop along the way in Karasjok for a 3-course lunch (included). Arrive in Kirkenes and check-in at your hotel before dinner (not included).

DAY 6 (TUESDAY): KIRKENES

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure. We highly recommend that you join the highly acclaimed King Crab Safari.

OPTIONAL: King Crab Safari

“Rated one of the best 25 excursions in the World by National Geographic” One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out (approximately 8am) on the Kirkenes Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab found in the Barents Sea can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weigh 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. Must be booked in advance.

DAY 7 (WEDNESDAY): END OF TOUR

Breakfast. Regular transfer to Kirkenes Airport. End of the tour.