Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter
Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter
$5475
Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter
10 Days Starting in Helsinki and ending in Oslo
Visiting: Helsinki, Ivalo, Honningsvag, Alta, Tromso, Oslo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W800N20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
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.
Top Rated Highlights
- Honningsvag: During your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the past and present of this small fishing community.
- Alta: Enjoy an orientation of 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.
- Tromso: Enjoy your orientation of Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city located on the island of Tromsøya.
- Oslo: On your orientation of Oslo city, see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district.
Make Travel Matter
Tromso: Delve into the fascinating history of Scandinavia in Tromsø. Norway has recognized its Sami population as Indigenous and has special rules for the protection of Sami cultural heritage. A Sami family welcomes you into their reindeer camp to share their traditions, culture and history, and to enjoy an evening of dinner and games.The camp safeguards traditional practices that are significant to the Sami tribe. Visitors are educated about the sustainability and resiliency of their community. The Sami Camp advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Authentic Dining
Ivalo: Your delicious Welcome Dinner will be served at the boutique Aurora Village hotel.
North Cape: There is no better way to search for the Northern Lights than by toasting to your adventure with bubbles and caviar at North Cape, the most special place on earth.
Alta: Head for drinks at a local ice bar, where you'll get the chance to catch up with your fellow travelers.
Alta: Savor a delicious oven-baked lunch of local seasonal specialties of fresh salmon or the local's favorite, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine.
Tromso: Dine on traditional food, served with hot drinks with the fascinating Sami people, as you hear tales of Scandinavia from its indigenous people.
Oslo: Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine during dinner at a local restaurant.
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 traveling 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 center 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 Nordkapp
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 Nordkapp
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 travelers (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 travelers. 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: Moxy Tromso
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.
Day 8: Delve Into Scandinavian History
Location: Tromso
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromsø.
Accommodation Name: Moxy Tromso
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 Europa, Oslo.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, 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 travelers 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 travelers. Your trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners with wine, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Porterage
Porterage charges at hotels are included, and your bags will be carried and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Flights Outside Scheduled Times
If your flights are outside the scheduled times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences, such as learning about king crabs and enjoying a fresh, sea-to-table lunch, are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Northern Lights Sightings
Sightings of the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, and scheduled airport transfers if your flights align with the itinerary start and end dates.
Accommodation
Stay in charming and comfortable accommodations including the grand GLO Hotel Art in Helsinki, the boutique Aurora Village in Ivalo with glass-roofed cabins, the Scandic Nordkapp in Honningsvåg, the Scandic Alta in Alta, and the Moxy Tromso in Tromsø, ending at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia in Oslo.
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 kind of unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as toasting with bubbles and caviar at North Cape, visiting a local ice bar in Alta, and dining with the Sami people while learning about their culture and traditions. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet the Lyrek family and their huskies, and hear tales about their marathon Arctic dog sled races.
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Will I have the chance to see the Northern Lights during this tour?
Yes, there are multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights during the tour, especially in Ivalo where you can gaze through the glass ceiling of your cabin at Aurora Village. However, please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners with wine, and 3 additional dinners. Meals feature local specialties such as fresh salmon, reindeer, and traditional Sami food.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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What kind of accommodations will I be staying in during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations including the GLO Hotel Art in Helsinki, Aurora Village in Ivalo, Scandic Nordkapp in Honningsvåg, Scandic Alta in Alta, Moxy Tromso in Tromsø, and Radisson Blu Scandinavia in Oslo.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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What activities are available in Alta?
In Alta, you can visit one of the first ice hotels in the world, enjoy a chilled beverage, and visit a working husky farm to meet the Lyrek family and their champion sled dogs. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum, famous for its prehistoric rock carvings.
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What cultural experiences are included in Tromsø?
In Tromsø, you will have a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you meet members of the Indigenous Sámi community. You will delve into the history of Arctic Norway, help feed their reindeer herd, and hear stories of Sámi life and folk songs around the fire in a traditional lavuu (Sámi tent).
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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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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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