Northern Lights
Holiday Highlights
- Opportunity to see the amazing Northern Lights
- Leisure time in Oslo, Trondheim and Tromsø
- Spectacular rail journey across the Arctic Circle
- The Lofoten Islands
- Visit to the Viking Museum and guided tours of Svolvær and Henningsvær
- The Ofoten Railway – Narvik to Kiruna
- Visit to Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel
- 9 days From £3,700pp
Tour Dates:
Thursday 20 February to Friday 28 February 2025
A captivating tour of an ancient and enigmatic land where the wonders of nature and breathtaking scenery compliment centuries of culture and tradition. Travel through stunning scenery by train, including crossing the Arctic Circle.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – London to Oslo
Fly from London to Oslo for an overnight stay with a welcome dinner included this evening in the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2 – Heading North to Trondheim
Departing early morning, we take our first scenic rail journey and travel through the Gudbrandsdal Valley, crossing the stunning Dovrefjell mountain plateau and National Park to Trondheim for an overnight stay. A free afternoon and evening allow plenty of time to explore this picturesque and welcoming city. The main building in this historic town is the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral.
Day 3 – Across the Arctic Circle
As our journey by rail continues north, the scenery changes from breathtaking fjords to wondrous mountain passes – the photographic opportunities appear limitless from the comfort of the train. We experience the wonder of crossing the Arctic Circle late afternoon (the summit of the line) then drop down to the end of the line at the coastal port of Bodø.
Day 4 – Ferry to the Lofoten Islands
Morning at leisure before setting sail on a truly remarkable journey to Svolvær, capital of the Lofoten Islands, with an evening arrival into this lively harbour town. Dinner is included on board the ferry. This evening, we take a late-night guided walk to Kabelvågmarka – a viewpoint in Svolvær – with the hope of seeing the most awe-inspiring natural phenomenon – the Aurora Borealis.
Day 5 – Discover Lofoten & Henningsvaer
The Lofoten Islands provide many enchanting, fascinating and unique places to visit. Today we take a full day coach excursion to enjoy the beauty of the islands. Lunch is included at the Lofotr Viking Museum, an amazing insight into life during the Viking era with reconstructions of their lifestyle placed ingeniously alongside original archaeological artefacts. After lunch we continue to the charming coastal fishing port of Henningsvær, referred to as the Venice of the North where magical waterways criss-cross the town. Dinner is included at a nearby restaurant prior to boarding our comfortable ferry for an overnight sailing to Tromsø. We once again have a chance to view the magnificent Northern Lights. (Ferry subject to change).
Day 6 – Tromsø
Tromsø, surrounded by fjords and forests is our next fascinating insight into Norwegian culture and our home for the evening. Our mid-afternoon arrival allows time to explore this exciting university city and its many captivating museums such as the Polar Museum.
Day 7 – By Road to Narvik
This morning our tour continues by road to Narvik, giving you an opportunity to marvel at the unfolding scenery, with lunch included en route. An absorbing destination, Narvik has a vital role as the terminus of the iron ore rail route from Sweden. A visit to the port of Narvik to watch this enormous industrial machine at work is a unique experience, or you may wish to visit the War Museum for an insight into the inspirational and heroic actions of the Nordic people.
Day 8 – Train to Kiruna
After breakfast we depart by train for Kiruna. The Ofoten Railway runs between the port of Narvik and the iron ore mining town of Kiruna, a stupendous journey that winds its way through vivid and scenic landscapes. As our last night will be in Sweden, it is only fitting that our final excursion is to the famous Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel, where a farewell dinner and guided tour has been arranged before we return to our hotel in Kiruna.
Day 9 – Return to London
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to London, via Stockholm.
N.B. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Selected Hotels
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Olav, Trondheim
Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Bodø, Bodø
Thon Hotel Lofoten, Lofoten
Thon Hotel Tromsø, Tromsø
Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik
Scandic Hotel, Kiruna
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
- Return flights in Economy Class by scheduled airline
- Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- Standard Class rail travel as specified
- Private transfer by road from Tromsø to Narvik
- Ferry Bodø to Svolvær including dinner
- Standard Cabin accommodation onboard ferry Svolvær to Tromsø
- Excursions as detailed
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- All transfers as stated
- Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour
Price per person
Escorted holiday: | £3,700 |
Single room supplement: | £620 |
Deposit for this holiday: | £300 |