20 Day Follow The Northern Lights

• Return International flights ex SYD/MEL/*BNE

• 6 night 'Follow the Lights' Hurtigruten Cruise from Oslo to Kirkenes
• 'Northern Lights Promise' - One free Hurtigruten 6-7 Day Classic Voyage Cruise (if you miss out on seeing the Northern Lights on your voyage!)

• 11 nights 4 star accommodation in Scandinavia
• Includes 1 night in a glass igloo

• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 12 dinners
• Enjoy all meals while cruising

• English Speaking Tour guide
• Luggage service during Norway & Finland tour

• Air-conditioned Coach
• Return Ferry ticket to Tallinn
• Flåm Railway journey

• Pre & post cruise transfers

Today, depart from Sydney, Melbourne or *Brisbane to Oslo, Norway.
Fly with airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss International, Austrian Airlines, Finnair plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability).

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Oslo. Upon arrival, please make your own way from the airport to the hotel.
In the evening you will meet the rest of the group and your guide at the welcome dinner.

Overnight: Scandic St Olavs Pass, Oslo or similar
Meals included: Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, meet the group in the lobby of the hotel for an Oslo grand city tour including Vigeland Sculpture Park, Historical Museum, Oslo Opera house, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and more. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please note: luggage will be collected in the evening and transported to Bergen. It is recommended to bring an overnight bag for the 1 night trip via Flåm.

Overnight: Scandic St Olavs Pass, Oslo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, you will start the ‘Norway In a Nutshell’ tour. You will catch the morning train to Myrdal where you will change trains for the famous Flåm Railway, with spectacular fjord views all the way to the spectacular tiny village of Flåm.

Overnight: Flamsbrygga Hotel, Flam or similar
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner

The day starts with the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, passing through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. From Gudvangen the journey continues by bus. Waterfalls line the road as you weave your way through the valley to Voss. There you will board a train for the last leg of the “Norway in a Nutshell” journey, arriving in Bergen in the afternoon. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight: Clarion Admiral Hotel, Bergen or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

After a relaxing morning, you will take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour concludes at Bergen pier, where you will board the Hurtigruten ship for your voyage along Norway’s beautiful coastline.

Overnight: Hurtigruten MS Cruise Ship (see Important Information for ship details)
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner

Navigate skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Leaving Ålesund you will head north towards Trondheim.

Overnight: Hurtigruten MS Cruise Ship (see Important Information for ship details)
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner

Arrive early in the morning at the former Viking capital of Trondheim. With plenty of time to explore this captivating city, why not take in the sights? The Nidaros Cathedral is a breathtaking 11th century church that dominates the small historic city centre and is built over the burial site of King Olav II, who became the patron saint of the nation and is the traditional location for the consecration of new kings of Norway.

Overnight: Hurtigruten MS Cruise Ship (see Important Information for ship details)
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner

Today is a day to remember as you will cross the Arctic Circle in the morning and the hunt for the Aurora Borealis will begin. The coastline is made up of traditional fishing villages with majestic mountain backdrops. Sail into the Lofoten archipelago, with its impressive 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall on the horizon.

Overnight: Hurtigruten MS Cruise Ship (see Important Information for ship details)
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner

After a morning stop in Finnsnes, the ship continues to Tromsø, a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, and famed as a viewing point for the Northern Lights. The city’s historic centre is distinguished by its centuries old wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline.

Overnight: Hurtigruten MS Cruise Ship (see Important Information for ship details)
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner

Honningsvåg is 2000km from the geographical North Pole and one of the northernmost towns in Europe. The nearby North Cape Plateau is a must-visit 300m cliff that plunges into the sea where the only dry land between you and the North Pole is the rugged Svalbard Archipelago.

Overnight: Hurtigruten MS Polarlys or similar
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner

Admire the dramatic coastal vistas as the ship approaches Kirkenes, where you will disembark. Enjoy a short drive through Kirkenes, before arriving at Inari, the Sami capital (the traditional reindeer herding nomads of Scandinavia), where you will visit the newly renovated Siida Sami Museum (entrance included).

Overnight: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka or similar
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is at your leisure to explore the small village or choose to try the toboggan near the hotel or one of the many optional excursions (not included). This evening you will be transferred to a reindeer farm. Feed the family’s reindeer in the nearby paddock, maybe with the Northern Lights above, and practise your lasso skills under your host’s expert tutelage. Enjoy a 45 minute reindeer sleigh ride (weather permitting).

Overnight: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading south towards Rovaniemi, a quaint town in northern Lapland known as the official home of Santa Claus. On the way make a short stop at the small town of Sodankyla, and the Sodankyla Old Church. Then visit the Santa Claus Village, where you will have free time to explore. Later, you will travel to Sinetta where you will spend the night in a glass igloo and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos: The glass-roofed igloos provide you with the opportunity to sleep beneath the starry skies and the Northern Lights. Even though you will be so far north, it can never be guaranteed to see the Northern Lights. However, sleeping under a 360º glass roof definitely multiplies your chances of seeing the renowned Aurora Borealis. Each igloo is extremely well heat insulated to ensure guests are not bothered by the cold on even the coldest of nights. The temperature is actually just the same as in a normal hotel room. The roof of the igloo is made from electrically heated glass, which means the glass will not cool the space; rather it maintains evenly distributed warmth while melting all the snow and ice off the roof to give you an excellent view of the sky. In addition, the igloo has underfloor heating. The beds in the igloo are motorised, which makes it possible for you to easily adjust the optimal position for sleeping and viewing the skies.

Overnight: Arctic Snow Hotel (Glass Igloo), Sinettä
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner

Today you will visit a husky farm and learn about the life and training of these unique Arctic dogs. Here you will join one of the highlights of the trip, a 45 minute Husky Safari or 45 minute reindeer sleigh tour. See the dogs up close and personal, visit the kennels to get a feel for how the dogs are prepared to be amazing athletes. The enthusiastic dogs will then happily transport you down a beautiful forest trail for an unforgettable experience.

Afterwards, there will be time to mingle with the dogs and have a snack by the fire (both dog sledding and reindeer sleigh ride are dependent on snow conditions).

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna, Rovaniemi or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Free day to explore Rovaniemi or participate in one of the many excursions payable on tour, including one last opportunity to experience the northern lights on an evening safari (not included).

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner

Today you will be transferred from the hotel to Rovaniemi train station and head into Helsinki, Finland’s capital.

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina, Helsinki or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

An early start with a full-day excursion to the medieval town of Tallinn in Estonia. Take the ferry followed by a combined bus and walking tour of the city. Stops will include the baroque Kadriorg Park and the seaside district of Pirita. Walk through the winding, cobblestoned streets of the old town continuing to Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian parliament. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church before enjoying some free time before boarding the ferry to return to Helsinki. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina, Helsinki or similar
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner

Today after breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travellers after a trip to remember!

Meals included: Breakfast

Once arrived, please make your own onward travel arrangements.

Please note:
Some flights may arrive on day 21.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase.
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead up to and immediately prior to travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Covid-19 Booking Policy
• TripADeal Tour packages are non-refundable. If your Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other package available via the TripADeal website. 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
Please note: all additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

Travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 20th of March 2023.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on twin shares. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, single occupancy cabins are available at checkout
 
Departure Dates
 
2023
September: 26, *29
October: 8, 10, 13, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30
November: 1, 7, 10, *12, *16, *20, *23, **26, **29
December: **2
 
2024
^January: **20, **23, **26, **28, **31
^February: 3, 5, 8, 11, 14, 16, 19, 23, 25, 28
^March 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, *20
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Surcharges
Please note:
• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season land surcharge of $800 per person.
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season flight surcharge of $200 per person
• Dates/months with a ** incur a high season flight surcharge of $600 per person
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne or *Brisbane
 
Departure City Surcharges
*Brisbane: $100

Full Service Airline(s) Used

Lufthansa, Swiss International, Austrian, Finnair plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability).

Please note: One way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

 

Arrive early in Oslo, Norway
$200 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
•  Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
•  Blackout Dates:
- 10 September 2023 - 10 October 2023
- 20 November 2023 - 10 February 2024
 
Stay behind in Helsinki, Finland
$200 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates:
20 November 2023 - 10 February 2024
 
Stopovers
Not offered
 
Flight Class Upgrades
• Business Class: Buy now for $7999
Please note:
• All Premium Economy and Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfil your business class request the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Premium or Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration.

For this itinerary, Hurtigruten operates 5 different ships; please see below the corresponding ship per departure date.
 
MS KONG HARALD
2023
September: 29
October: 10, 21
November: 1, 11, 23
 
2024
January: 28
February: 8, 19
March: 1, 12
 
MS RICHARD WITH
2023
September: 26
October: 18
November: 20
 
2024
February: 5, 16
March: 9, 20
 
MS NORDNORGE
2023
October: 8, 30
November: 10
December: 2
 
2024
January: 26
February: 28
 
MS POLARLYS
2023
October: 27
November: 7, 29
 
2024
January: 23
February: 3, 14, 25
 
MS NORDLYS
2023
October: 13, 24
November: 26
 
2024
January: 20, 31
February: 11
 
MS NORDKAPP
2023
November: 16
 
2024
February: 23
March: 5, 16
 
Please see the 'departure dates' section for any applicable high season surcharges.
 
Cruise  Cabins
Polar Outside - Lower Deck
These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the middle deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa.
Cabin Features:
• Size: 11-12sqm
• Window
• Bathroom
 
Arctic Superior - Middle Deck
These comfortable, outside cabins on the upper/middle decks have a double bed.
Cabin Features:
• Size: 8-12sqm
• Window
• Bathroom
• TV
• Double Bed
 
Arctic Superior - Upper Deck
These comfortable, outside, cabins for up to two people on the top/upper decks have double beds.
Cabin Features:
• Size: 11-12sqm
• Window
• Bathroom
• TV
• Double Bed
 
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.
All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views.
  
Expedition team on board
Hurigruten ships have their own onboard Expedition Team and serve as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside as well as out on the sun deck of the ship make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters you sail in. The Expedition Team will host a lecture and presentation programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck, you may participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´, and encourage you to take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey.
The dedicated Expedition Team has one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage.

Accommodation Used

4.5 Star (self-rated)

Oslo: Scandic St Olavs Pass or similar

Flåm: Flamsbrygga Hotel or similar

Bergen: Clarion Admiral Hotel or similar

Saariselkä: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or similar

Sinettä: Arctic Snow Hotel (Glass Igloo)

Rovaniemi: Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar

Rantasalmi: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän or similar

Helsinki: Scandic Grand Marina or similar

 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
No child discounts. The full price applies for all children travelling with their parents.
Valid for Children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Polar Outside: Twin
Arctic Superior: Double
 
Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms
Subject to availability and at the hotels discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option.

Maximum group size 24 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours / Activities
Please note:
• prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable direct to the tour operator in the currency specified
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
• Shore excursions can be booked/reserved directly with the cruise line prior to travel (subject to availability)
• Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability).

• Visa fees and requirements
• Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants on board)
• Optional gratuities/tipping
• Optional activities/tours
• Personal expenses
• Airport transfers
• Travel insurance (Mandatory)
Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.

Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Promise on Norway voyages

The beautiful Aurora Borealis is Mother Nature’s ultimate light show. We know that no trip to the Arctic Circle is quite complete without experiencing this highlight at least once on your journey. If the Northern Lights do not appear on your voyage to Norway, we will give you another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE. The promise is applicable on select voyages between 26 September 2023 and 31 March 2024.

 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides in each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge on art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
In winter, much of Norway usually transforms into a snow-clad paradise. This means ideal opportunities for exciting activities in the snowy landscape.
The weather and temperatures vary a lot in this long country. Along the coast temperatures usually stay around zero degrees Celsius. Inland, the temperatures are usually lower and might reach minus ten to minus twenty degrees. In a few places you can even experience a chilling minus forty degrees!
Winter nights are long in all of Norway, and from the middle of November until the end of January, the sun doesn’t rise at all in parts of Northern Norway. However, the northern lights might dance above your head. They are most commonly seen in the north, but can on rare occasions be spotted all over Norway. October to March are the best months if you want to see this magical light show. In southern Norway, you can expect between six and eight hours of daylight during the winter months.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
At TripADeal we do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the Airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
 
CRUISE
Embarkation -Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.
Disembarkation - Begins approximately 2 hours after docking.
• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.
 
Cruise Loyalty Discounts:
Please note: Travellers booked via TripADeal will not be entitled to receive any cruise line customer loyalty discounts. Similar to airline frequent flyer programs, this is outside of the TripADeal booking process. However, customers may contact the cruise line directly upon receiving their TripADeal travel documents to request any membership benefits they are entitled to. 
 
COACH TOUR
Meals:
34 meals are included in the tour, for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note; we will do our best to meet your requests/requirements, however, cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.
 
OTHER
Fitness Level Required / Mobility:
Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. 
Please note: A general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. Tipping is optional and at the customer's discretion.
Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however, please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Cruise
Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for the services of the cruise staff throughout the cruise component of this tour. Hurtigruten is an internationally registered company & operates to US & European standards, both of which have an economy driven by a gratuities culture. If you have any questions in regards to the gratuities on your cruise please speak to the guest services staff onboard the ship.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping:
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is generally not required in Europe for stays of up to 90 days when travelling on an Australian passport.
Important: 
Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event, TripADeal is unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.