Iconic Northern Lights Rail & Sail

Today, begin your journey to Finland, Europe. Please make your own way to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel, then the remaining day is spent at your leisure, exploring the many charms this cosmopolitan capital has to offer. Check-in is from 16:00 onwards, and luggage storage will be available for any travellers with an early arrival.

Helsinki is often dubbed one of the world’s most liveable cities due to its vibrant nature, historic architecture and contemporary living. Enjoy time to discover the many hidden gems, cafes and restaurants dotted around the city centre.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and guide for an included welcome dinner as you prepare to follow the northern lights through Finland and Norway.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

On your first full day, you'll embark on a coach tour of the city to learn about Helsinki’s past and present from your English-speaking guide. Highlights include the City Hall, the Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall, the Opera House and the popular Sibelius monument (weather permitting).

Afterwards, spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Enjoy time to uncover the many hidden gems of the city including a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés and more.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, set out from Helsinki to start your journey towards Finnish Lapland and the Arctic wilderness. Jump onboard the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the reputed home of Santa Claus. As the train winds its way north, gaze upon snow-capped forests of a true winter wonderland.

Arriving in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, you'll have the afternoon to explore this quaint town at your leisure. As night falls, keep your eyes on the skies. As you are above the Arctic circle, the chances of spotting the northern lights increases.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna, Rovaniemi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Wake up in the heart of Lapland and prepare for an authentic experience when you meet the cute furry locals at a husky kennel. Learn about how huskies are reared to become as fit and as hardy as the local Sami people who have worked with these iconic Arctic heroes for many years.

Enjoy lunch before joining a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness with your new furry friends. Afterwards, warm up with a hot drink at Lappish Kota, a traditional wooden hut dawned with reindeer hides and a roaring fire.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna, Rovaniemi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Feel like a child again as you spend the morning exploring the wondrous Santa Claus Village, and even get to meet the man himself!

In the afternoon continue your journey north making a short stop to see the Sodankylä Old Church before continuing to the Northern Lights Village of Saariselkä. You’ll be wowed by your accommodation for the night – your very own Aurora Cabin or Glass Igloo, perfect for seeing the Arctic starlit sky and colourful Northern Lights from your bed whenever they appear.

Following an included dinner at the hotel, you’ll be welcomed into the traditional tent of a local Sámi family to learn about their unique culture and lifestyle as traditional Scandinavian nomads and reindeer herders. Feed the family’s reindeer in the nearby paddock or practise your lasso skills under your host’s expert tutelage. Weather permitting, you will also enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride (December to March departures only). If you are really lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on this authentic Arctic experience.

Overnight: Northern lights Village – Aurora Cabin (glass igloo), Saariselka (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

As you continue North through Finnish Lapland, you’ll arrive in the small township of Inari, the Sami capital. On your stop in Inari, you will visit the newly renovated SIIDA museum - home to a collection featuring the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish Sami.
In the afternoon, cross into Norway and arrive at the iconic Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, where you have the opportunity to join an optional excursion, choosing from activities such as king crab or Northern Lights safaris. Spend the night inside a traditional ‘gamme’ cabin, inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing hut, typically found in the Lapland wilderness. Tonight’s included dinner is in the unique farmhouse restaurant, Låven.

Overnight: Snow Hotel Kirkenes - Gamme Cabin

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Your voyage aboard the Coastal Express begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes. The first port of call is Vardø and its iconic star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress. This northernmost fortress was built-in 1737 and is still in military service. Weather permitting, brave swimmers may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).

Continue to cruise Norway’s coastline to the small port of Båtsfjord and Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea. These two idyllic ports are home to Norway’s most famous male choir, comprising local fishermen.

Tonight, make a late-night stop at Mehamn, where you can join an optional snowmobile trip through the vast Arctic wilderness. A great opportunity to experience snowy plains and valleys, crisp winter air under the Northern Lights in the starry sky above.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today you’ll pass through various ports including Honningsvåg and Hammerfest where you can visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to honour the first precise geographic measurement of the globe.

Continue cruising to Tromsø, for an optional magical evening Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, you’ll arrive at the Arctic town of Harsted, located on Norway's largest island Hinnøya, and gateway to the beautiful remote Lofoten Archipelago. Stay onboard to experience the passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel built for Hurtigruten in the 1920’s, or join the optional classic shore excursion - A Taste of Vesterålen to discover the history, beautiful scenery, landscapes and cultural heritage sites of this Viking town.

Prepare for some amazing scenery as you sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wilderness and picturesque fishing villages. After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, continue to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago.

Continuing south through the narrow Raftsund strait flanked by peaks rising 1000m out of the sea, to arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, you will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today, you’ll cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ cod liver oil!

Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you’ll see the strange Torghatten, a mountain famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. Sail past the Seven Sisters mountain where it is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legends of seven beautiful troll sisters who turned to stone when they were caught outside at sunrise, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.

You may still see the nighttime glow of Northern Lights, even though you’re now south of the Arctic Circle.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today you have the option to explore the historic wooden city of Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third-largest city.

As you sail along the coast, you will realise the importance of fishing to Norway’s coastal communities. Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Perhaps embark on an interesting optional excursion to the Bergtatt marble mine that takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, where you’ll experience fascinating scenery including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Further on, a few nautical miles south of Florø, you’ll cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb fjord views of the magnificent island-studded coastline.

In the early afternoon, it's time to disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen and join a private coach for a city tour, including a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen dock, St Mary’s Church, and Håkon’s Hall, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg.

The remaining afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy to explore this vibrant city, perhaps take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Fløyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.

Clarion Admiral Hotel, Bergen (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy an amazing journey by rail, coach and ferry on the famous ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route between Bergen and Oslo. Start with a rail journey from Bergen to Voss, from here you’ll travel by coach to Gudvangen, where waterfalls line the road as you weave your way through the valley.
Board a ferry to enjoy a fjord cruise along the narrow and dramatic UNESCO protected Nærøyfjord, ending at the quaint village of Flåm. As you climb three thousand feet onboard the Flåm Railway to the mountain train station of Myrdal, you will understand why this is considered one of the world’s most scenically beautiful rail journeys. Afterwards, continue south to Oslo.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before joining a coach tour to learn about this vibrant European city. Journey through the history of Oslo, from the world's largest sculpture park by a single artist - Vigeland Sculpture Park to the site of the 1952 Winter Olympics and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring before joining your fellow travellers and tour escort for a final farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Say goodbye to your Arctic adventure this morning, and your new travel friends, as you depart with lifelong memories under the dancing Northern Light skies in Norway and Finland.
Make your own way to the airport in time for your return flight check-in.

Please note: Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at the hotel (fees may apply).

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Welcome home!

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day due to flight schedules. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Bon Voyage!
Today you begin your journey to Norway to begin your 'Iconic Northern Lights Sail & Rail' tour!
Please make your own way to the airport for your departing flight.

Tour Only Package: Day 1 of this itinerary is not included.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Norway and thriving capital, Oslo. The city has a sheltered position deep inside Oslofjord and is surrounded by glistening lakes. Make your own way to the hotel, then the remaining day is spent at your leisure, exploring the many charms this cosmopolitan capital has to offer. Check-in is from 16:00 onwards, and luggage storage will be available for any travellers with an early arrival.

Perhaps stroll through the city centre, taking snaps of the architecturally distinct Rådhuset town hall, Royal Palace, and Oslo Cathedral. Along the waterfront, there’s Aker Brygge with its popular eateries, the imposing Akershus Fortress, and the gleaming new buildings around Bjørvika waterfront where you’ll find modern attractions such as the landmark Edvard Munch museum.

In the evening, meet the rest of your tour group and guide at a welcome dinner.

Tour Only Package: If purchasing the Tour Only option, you are required to make your own way to the accommodation for check-in. Details will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 2-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

After breakfast, join a grand tour of Oslo to immerse yourself in this vibrant city. Wander along the clean lines of the Oslo Opera House, perhaps the capital’s most iconic building, it resembles a gleaming glacier floating in the water. Admire the dramatic angles and marvel at its white marble exterior before moving on to visit Vigeland Sculpture Park at the centre of splendid Frogner Park with more than 200 striking sculptures in bronze, granite, and cast iron by prolific Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland.
Further north just outside of Oslo, is Holmenkollen Ski Jump with impressive panoramic views over the city, lakes, and fjord. Beneath the ski jump is the world’s oldest ski museum, uniquely featuring 2,500 pairs of skis and 4,000 years of skiing history.
After the tour, you have time at leisure to enjoy Oslo’s exciting nightlife.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, take the train from Oslo to Myrdal station over 850 metres high in the mountains to board the Flåm Mountain Railway for the world’s most scenic train journey. The vintage train will weave its way down from the mountains and into the valley towards the village of Flåm. The scenic journey takes about an hour and includes a brief photo stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall. Interestingly, the small power station on the waterfall is actually what powers the Flåm Mountain Railway.
Arrive in the village of Flåm with free time to visit Flåm Railway Museum to learn more about the history and its intricate engineering. Enjoy an included dinner with your new-found travel buddies.

Overnight: Flamsbrygga Hotel, Flam (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Following breakfast, it’s time to enjoy a two-hour boat cruise of Aurlandsfjord and stunning UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. After a short bus ride through the waterfall-fringed valley of Nærøydalen to the village of Voss, you’ll catch the train to Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway.
The remainder of your day is yours to explore Bergen, Norway’s third largest city

Overnight: Clarion Admiral Hotel, Bergen (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After a relaxing breakfast before a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen dock district. Bryggen is made up of colourful age-old wooden wharves, now housing boutique shops selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs.

Across the cobblestone street from Bryggen is the lively Fish Market. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of freshly caught seafood, cooked on the spot and served to eagerly waiting diners.

Finally, arrive at Bergen pier, to relax in the exclusive guest lounge before boarding Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express ship to voyage along Norway’s beautiful coast.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Awake to the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik, before sailing past West Cape on your approach to Ålesund to spend most of the day exploring this picturesque town. Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and you’ll enjoy wandering past pastel-coloured buildings, their semi-circular windows and charming rounded fairy-tale-like towers.

For a lovely panorama over the town, head up to Mount Askla or visit the marvellous Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums.

Cruise on to the last port of the day, Molde for an amazing panorama of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive early at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital either on your own or on an optional excursion. Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in AD 997 and is Norway’s third largest city. A must-see site is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over the Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves by the river’s edge, are propped up on stilts and now house trendy eateries. East of the city, visit Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort that affords a beautiful view of the city.

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse towards charming Rørvik.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today, cross the Arctic Circle, truly beginning your Arctic tour of Norway and greatly improves the chance of seeing the magnificent Northern Lights. You’ll mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!

Call into Ørnes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen, before sailing to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. That afternoon, the ship will enter the Lofoten archipelago, where the 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon. Next is Stamsund, home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, busy catching Arctic cod called skrei which swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to nearby Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, you’ll see rows of ‘rorbuer’, traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts as you arrive in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Dock in Harstad, with time to take a peaceful early morning stroll around town before cruising on to Finnsnes that connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

You’ll then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. Discover Polaria, the world’s northernmost waterfront aquarium, or take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. Looking across the fjord you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, the ship will head north to the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On the way, pass by the majestic Lyngen Alps rising from the sea.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The ship makes early morning stops in the town of Hammerfest and at Havøysund before arriving at Honningsvåg by mid-morning. This is the gateway to North Cape where a globe monument marks the very top of continental Europe, with an optional excursion to the dramatic promontory available - make sure to pre-book early as this is an extremely popular excursion.

The ship will continue north, near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village to view the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi people.

You’ll reach Meham in the evening, where if you’re visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on ‘hjell’, outdoor wooden racks destined for export.

Then set off for Berlevåg, passing the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, world’s northernmost mainland lighthouse along the way.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

You’ll arrive at Vardø before the final port of Kirkenes. You’ll be treated to dramatic coastal vistas as you approach the shore, ready to disembark and continue the journey south into Lapland and the wilds of Finland.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the town of Kirkenes, and after crossing the border into Finland, you’ll stop at the village of Inari. The area is famous for its large Sámi population and is seen as the centre of Finnish Sámi culture. At the newly renovated Siida Sámi museum, you can see exhibits and artefacts that document the rich culture of the Finnish Sámi’s nomadic lifestyle.
Have lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Saariselkä, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness.

Overnight: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Wake up to Finland’s winter wonderland in Saariselkä, where your day is at leisure to explore this small village, or perhaps try the toboggan near the hotel, or one of the many optional excursions available.

This evening enjoy a Reindeer Safari, with a chance to view the Northern Lights. Get to know a local Sami family during your visit, feed the reindeers, practice the Lappish lasso and have a peek into a traditional Lappish home. Weather permitting you will also enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride (December to March departures only) before returning to Saariselkä.

Overnight: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you’ll journey towards Rovaniemi and the exciting ‘official’ home to Santa Claus, with a visit to Sodankylä Old Church along the way.

Experience Santa Claus Village, where you can see herds of reindeer and even meet the jolly, bearded man himself. This Christmas-themed village will surely bring out your inner child, and if you’re lucky to see the Northern Lights dancing above, it will make your visit even more magical.

Enjoy the Arctic snowhotel in Sinettä, where you can relax and unwind in the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities. After dinner, spend the night in a toasty glass igloo, looking out for the glowing Aurora through a 360° glass roof before sleeping beneath the starry Arctic skies.

Each igloo is extremely well insulated to ensure guests are cosy and warm, even on the coldest of nights. In addition, the igloo has underfloor heating and the beds are motorised to easily adjust to the optimal position for sleeping and viewing the skies. While it can never be guaranteed to see the Northern Lights, the clear open views of the sky will multiply your chances.

Overnight: Arctic Snow Hotel (Glass Igloo), Sinettä

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, discover the city of Rovaniemi, which grew to prominence during the Lapland gold rush of the 19th century. After extensive destruction during World War II, this northern city was rebuilt with the unique footprint in the shape of a reindeer’s head, symbolising its nomadic Sami heritage and dependance on reindeer herds.
In the afternoon, meet another iconic Lapland animal, the husky. Enjoy cuddles from friendly, furry pups before learning about the local peoples' long relationship with the dogs, and how they’ve been reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are.
Later, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness, then share stories with your travel buddies as you relax with a hot drink around a roaring fire.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna, Rovaniemi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast the day is yours to explore more of Rovaniemi. Your tour guide can recommend a range of exciting additional excursions or things to see and do in the area, like Jätkänkynttilä bridge for a photo of Finland’s first suspension bridge. Discover the Aalto Centre, a complex of public buildings designed by famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, where each of the three buildings is inspired by Finnish culture and nature. Even the five arterial roads are arranged in the shape of a reindeer’s antlers!

There’s also the forest-themed Pilke Science Centre and Korundi House of Culture to lose yourself in, or Ranua Zoo, home to various Arctic fauna, including polar bears and Finnish brown bears.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna, Rovaniemi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Leave Rovaniemi to travel by train to Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best cities to live in, Helsinki is vibrant and colourful, offering a delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. The city is also known for its incredible natural scenery, with countless nature trails nearby.
After a late afternoon arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring the city and discovering its many hidden gems. Plus, with a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés, Helsinki has something to satisfy every taste.
Enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour guide and fellow travellers, as you share stories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today marks the end of your journey, from the far south of Norway up to the northernmost point, then down through Finnish Lapland through the Polar Night over sea and land, seeking out the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of the Northern Lights. You'll have quite a few experiences, stories and many iconic photos, to share with family and friends.

After breakfast its time to say a final goodbye to your fellow travellers and make your own way to the airport in time for your flight.

Please note: Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at the hotel (fees may apply).

Tour Only Package: Your adventure concludes at the end of the tour. Please make your own arrangements for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Welcome home!

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day due to flight schedules. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Tour Only Package: Day 19 of this itinerary is not included.

Meals included: In-Flight