Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Small Group, Winter
Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Small Group, Winter
Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Small Group, Winter
10 Days Starting in Helsinki and ending in Oslo
Visiting: Helsinki, Ivalo, Honningsvag, Alta, Tromso, Oslo
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
See the Northern Lights from Scandinavia's breathtaking mountain tops on this 10-day tour of Helsinki, Alta and Oslo. Journey through Finnish Lapland—250km above the Arctic Circle to Ivalo, the Gateway to the North. From the comfort of your cozy cabin in Aurora Village, gaze out through the glass roof as the lights of the aurora borealis dance above. Cross the Finnish-Norwegian border to North Cape and sample caviar in Europe’s northernmost point, before a once in lifetime visit to a working husky farm. Here you will meet the Arctic dog sled racing Alta huskies—a world famous champion dog sledding team, before a stop in Tromsø where the Indigenous Sámi community invite you to help feed their reindeer herd. The vacation draws to a close on the scenic, and once Viking, shores of the Oslofjord.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Helsinki.
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation: GLO Hotel Art, Helsinki.
Accommodation Name: GLO Art, Helsinki
Welcome to Helsinki, with its excellent museums and pretty seaside buildings. This beautiful city is set to be your home for the night. Our stay begins at the grand GLO Hotel Art. Decorated in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, this charming four-star hotel is the ideal place to sit backand relax before your Scandinavian adventure begins. Meet your Travel Director for a drink and mingle with your fellow travelling companions.
Day 2: The Gateway To Lapland
Location: Helsinki, Ivalo
Accommodation: Aurora Village, Ivalo.
Accommodation Name: Aurora Village, Ivalo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll take a flight to Ivalo, a small yet important centre in Finnish Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle. The Gateway to the North, Ivalo is set on the Ivalo River, where the first Lapland Goldrush took place in the 19th century. You’ll enjoy a dinner at your boutique hotel, Aurora Village, famed for its cabins with a glass roof, offering sweeping views of the night sky. Look out for the dancing northern lights, as you gaze through the glass ceiling from the comfort of your room. Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Day 3: Ivalo To Honningsvåg
Location: Ivalo, Honningsvag
Accommodation: Scandic Bryggen, Honnninsvag.
Accommodation Name: Scandic Nordkapp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll be heading further north through the winter Lapland landscape. Cross the Finnish–Norwegian border as you make your way to Honningsvåg, the northernmost and smallest city in Norway. Your drive will take you along the mighty Porsangerfjord, the fourth largest fjord in Norway. You will take the subsea Nordkapp Tunnel to the island of Magerøya, to reach your hotel in this small fishing community. Explore the quaint city by taking a stroll along the waterfront before retiring to your hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Northern Lights In North Cape Relaxed Start
Location: Honningsvag
Accommodation: Scandic Bryggen Honnninsvag.
Accommodation Name: Scandic Nordkapp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely day to discover more of Honningsvåg. Take a walk to the 19th century church that survived the destruction of World War 2, a true rarity in Northern Norway. Perhaps take an Optional Experience to learn about king crabs and enjoy a fresh, sea-to-table lunch of this delicacy. Take your chance to visit the northernmost point of Europe, the famous North Cape and sip on bubbles and delight in exquisite caviar with your fellow travellers (weather permitting).
Day 5: North Cape To Alta
Location: Honningsvag, Alta
Accommodation: Scandic Alta.
Accommodation Name: Scandic Alta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s journey will take you along an ever changing landscape from barren lands through highlands to the shores of the Altafjord. It was in Alta where the world’s first northern lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century. With increasing tourism the city is going through quick development offering a wide range of activities. Start your adventures with a visit to one of the first ice hotels in the world and enjoy a chilled beverage with your fellow travellers. Your comfortable hotel is located next to the modern and iconic Northern Lights Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Day 6: Alaskan Huskies In Alta Relaxed Start
Location: Alta
Accommodation: Scandic Alta.
Accommodation Name: Scandic Alta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll enjoy a leisurely day in Alta to continue with your activities. Maybe you’ll choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum famous for its prehistoric rock carvings. Later, you’ll visit a working husky farm and get to know the Lyrek family and champion sled dogs. Learn about the Alaskan huskies and the challenges they face competing in the marathon long Arctic dog sled races. Indulge in a delectable oven-baked lunch before meeting the dogs themselves.
Day 7: Norway’S Gateway To The Artic
Location: Alta, Tromso
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromsø.
Accommodation Name: Clarion The Edge, Tromsø
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll head to Tromsø, northern Norway’s largest city, located on the island of Tromsøya. You’ll be surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ethereal water views. Just a short walk from your hotel, you’ll find a high concentration of old wooden houses and a great array of restaurants.
Day 8: Delve Into Scandinavian History
Location: Tromso
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromsø.
Accommodation Name: Clarion The Edge, Tromsø
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet members of the Indigenous Sámi community of Scandinavia. Delve into the history of Arctic Norway and join a Sámi guide for an immersive journey through their camp, with an invitation to help feed their reindeer herd. You are invited into a lavuu (a traditional Sámi tent) to hear stories of Sámi life and folk songs around the fire, after enjoying a traditional meal with hot drinks.
Day 9: A Merry Finale In Oslo
Location: Tromso, Oslo
Accommodation: Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo.
Accommodation Name: Thon Europa, Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, take a flight from Tromsø to Oslo, a modern city located on the shores of the Oslofjord. Surrounded by forested mountains, city dwellers and visitors alike have easy access to nature all year round. On your orientation see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district. Join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant to make a toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, over a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Day 10: Farewell Oslo
Location: Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers. Your trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner at Aurora Village
Enjoy a special welcome dinner at the boutique Aurora Village hotel, with a chance to see the Northern Lights.
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Visit to North Cape
Experience the thrill of toasting with bubbles and caviar at North Cape, under the aurora borealis.
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Ice Bar and Local Cuisine in Alta
Savor drinks at a local ice bar followed by an oven-baked lunch featuring local seasonal specialties in Alta.
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Sami Cultural Experience in Tromso
Dine on traditional food and hear tales from the indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia.
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Husky Farm Visit
Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies in Alta, learning about Arctic dog sled races.
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Reindeer Camp Visit
Explore the fascinating history of Scandinavia's Sami population with a visit to a reindeer camp.
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Celebration Dinner in Oslo
Conclude your journey with Scandinavian hospitality, fine food, and wine at a celebration dinner in Oslo.
What's Not Included
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Flights to Helsinki and from Oslo
International flights to the starting location and from the concluding location of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Experiences
Any optional experiences or excursions that are not listed in the tour highlights.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and additional food and drinks, are not covered.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies. Hear tales about their marathon Arctic dog sled races while enjoying a hearty lunch.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Northern Lights of Scandinavia tour visit?
The Northern Lights of Scandinavia tour visits Norway and Finland.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include a Welcome Dinner at Aurora Village in Ivalo with a chance to see the Northern Lights, toasting with bubbles and caviar at North Cape, drinks at a local ice bar and a lunch of local specialties in Alta, dining with the Sami people in Tromso, meeting the Lyrek family and their huskies in Alta, delving into the history of Scandinavia's Sami population, and a Celebration Dinner in Oslo.
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What is the primary tag of the tour?
The primary tag of the tour is Coach tours (worldwide).
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to the starting location and from the concluding location of the tour are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour includes a Welcome Dinner at Aurora Village, a visit to North Cape, drinks at a local ice bar and local cuisine in Alta, a Sami cultural experience in Tromso, a husky farm visit, a reindeer camp visit, and a Celebration Dinner in Oslo.
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What are the exclusions of the tour?
Exclusions include flights to Helsinki and from Oslo, travel insurance, any optional experiences or excursions not listed in the tour highlights, personal expenses, and tips and gratuities.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Helsinki and ends in Oslo.
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What is the pick-up location and time?
The pick-up location is GLO Hotel Art, with transfers departing Helsinki airport at 10:00, 14:00, and 16:00.
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What is the drop-off location and time?
The drop-off location is Thon Hotel Europa Oslo, with arrival at the airport at 07:15 and 10:15.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions