Iconic Northern Lights Rail & Sail 26/27

Today, fly to Helsinki, Finland. Please make your own way to the airport for your flight.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Finland! Helsinki is often dubbed one of the world’s most liveable cities due to its vibrant nature and delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. Make your own way to the hotel and spend the afternoon at your own pace exploring the city and discovering 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 tour leader for an included welcome dinner as you prepare to follow the Northern Lights through Finland and Norway.

Please note:
• Some flights may arrive in Helsinki early in the morning. Luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is available for check in.

Optional Upgrade: Private Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel
Add a private vehicle transfer from the airport to your hotel. After clearing customs & collecting your luggage, meet your driver in the arrivals terminal and transfer to your hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel or similar, Helsinki

Meals included: Dinner

Today you'll embark on a coach tour of the city and learn more about Helsinki’s past and present from your guide. Highlights include the City Hall, the Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall, the Opera House and, weather permitting, the popular Sibelius monument. Another iconic stop on the tour is a visit to the Tempeliaukio Church, built into the bedrock of the city it has also become known as the ‘Church of Rock’ and a nod to the city's modern culture.

Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel or similar, Helsinki

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, set out from Helsinki and start your journey towards Finnish Lapland and the Arctic wilderness. After an early breakfast, a private coach will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the train station. Travelling by rail, you'll head to Rovaniemi - the reputed home of Santa Claus. Gaze upon snow-capped forests and a true winter wonderland as the train makes its way north.

Arriving in Rovaniemi, you are now in the capital of Finnish Lapland, where you will have the afternoon to explore this quaint town at your leisure. At night, keep your eyes on the skies as you are above the Arctic Circle, the chances of spotting the Northern Lights increase.

Please Note:
• Optional excursions and activities can be purchased from the suppliers on site at the hotel.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar, Rovaniemi

Meals included: Breakfast

Wake up in the heart of Lapland and prepare for your first authentic experience, a meeting with 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. After getting to know these animals, enjoy a light lunch before joining a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness with your new furry friends. After spending the day living like a local, 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 or similar, Rovaniemi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

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

In the afternoon continue your journey north making a short stop to see the Sodankyla Old Church before continuing to the Northern Lights Village of Saariselka. Upon arrival, be wowed at your accommodation for the night – your very own Aurora Cabin or Glass Igloo where you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed whenever they appear.

Following the included dinner at the hotel, you’ll be welcomed into the traditional tent of a local Sami family who’ll share their unique culture and lifestyle. Feed the family’s reindeer in the nearby paddock or practise your lasso skills under your host’s expert tutelage. Weather permitting, enjoy an enchanting reindeer sleigh ride. If you are really lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during this authentic Arctic experience.

Please note:
• Due to weather conditions, the reindeer sleigh ride is exclusively available from December through March.
• The sleigh ride experience lasts approximately 25-45 minutes.

Overnight: Northern Lights Village – Aurora Cabin (Glass Igloo), Saariselka

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

As you continue north through Finnish Lapland, arrive in the small township of Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders). While in Inari, visit the newly renovated SIIDA museum - home to a collection featuring the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish Sami through exhibitions and publications.

In the afternoon, cross into Norway and arrive at the iconic Snowhotel 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 known as ‘gamme’ which are typically found in the Lapland wilderness. Enjoy a unique dinner experience tonight in the farmhouse restaurant, Laven.

Please Note:
• Optional excursions and activities can be purchased on site at the hotel.

Snow Hotel Kirkenes - Gamme Cabin, Kirkenes

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Your voyage onboard the Coastal Express begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes. After breakfast at your hotel, a transfer will take you to the Kirkenes port to embark on your Hurtigruten ship. The first port of call is Vardo and its iconic star-shaped Vardohus Fortress, built-in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. Weather permitting, brave swimmers may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).

Cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Batsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevag. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjolnes 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. Through the night, your ship will stop at Mehamn, where there is the option to join 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.

Optional Activity: Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night
Join an unforgettable snowmobile trip in one of Europe’s most pristine natural areas. For a safe and enjoyable ride, listen closely to your expert instructors as they give you snowmobile training before you begin. Tavel from Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town, over the mountains and halfway to the old trading post and fishing village of Kjollefjord. A short bus ride will take you down to the port, where you’ll rejoin the ship. Along the way, your guides will tell you about the local lifestyle and customs. Learn about the geographic and climatic conditions of the area, and find out more about the indigenous Sami people. Experience the snow-clad valleys and the fresh winter air, perhaps under the mesmerising northern lights should they occur in the skies above. During springtime, you might still see the aurora borealis, and possibly the soft glow of the sun towards the end of your ride, along with a milder climate.

• Available period: 15 Dec - 30 Apr (excluding 25 Dec and 1 Jan)
• Transportation: Bus and snowmobile
• Duration: 2 hours 15m minutes
• Fitness level: Active - good mobility needed
• Meals: Warm drink
• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Thermal clothing is provided
• Subject to weather and snow conditions
• Minimum age: 6 years old when accompanied by an adult
• Valid driving license required
• Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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

Late in the evening, arrive at Tromsø, in time to enjoy a magical northern lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter (optional).

Optional Activity: Midnight Concert in the Wooden Cathedral
Step inside Tromso’s splendid wooden cathedral for an unforgettable musical performance. Hear traditional Norwegian folk songs and hymns performed by professional musicians and experience the cathedral's breathtaking acoustics and enchanting ambience.

• Transportation: On foot
• The concert is approximately 45 minutes long
• No filming or photography is permitted during the concert
• Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, arrive at Harstad, where you can join the optional excursion - A Taste of Vesteralen. Discover the history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites of this iconic and breathtaking landscape. Those who stay on the ship experience the passage through the Risoyrenna, a shallow channel built for Hurtigruten in the 1920s. Prepare for some amazing scenery as you sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesteralen.

Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wilderness and picturesque fishing villages. After a short stop at the tiny village of Risoyhamn, you'll continue to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten began in 1893. Continuing south, it will look like you're headed straight into a mountain, you are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1000 metres out of the sea. Arrive at amazing Trollfjord, where if conditions allow, you will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Optional Activity: A Taste of Vesteralen
Begin your excursion with a short sightseeing tour of the streets of Harstad. This is the third largest community in Northern Norway with a history connected to herring fishing, the military, and in more recent times, offshore oil. On a clear day, you should be able to spot Trondenes peninsula to the north of the town. Visit a white 13th century medieval stone church, the northernmost of its kind in the world. Drop in at the Trondenes Historical Centre, displaying objects discovered in the region throughout history, from the early Stone Age through to Viking times, the Middle Ages, and the present day. The museum also has a reconstructed farmstead dating from around 1200 with a granary, forge and stave church. From Trondenes, the bus will take us for a scenic drive across Hinnoya Island to meet a ferry at Gullesfjord. On board, savour a hot drink and freshly made waffles and lefse, along with the views. Continues by bus along Sigerfjord to Sortland to rejoin the ship.

• Available: 2 January - 31 December (except 25 December)
• Duration: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Transportation: Bus/ferry
• Meals: Coffee or tea and cakes
• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
• Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, cross over the Arctic Circle as your journey continues south. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ cod liver oil! Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten, famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Expert about it! Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legends. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops. Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there may still be good opportunities to see the northern lights.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: 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 cafes 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. Through the night, the ship calls at Alesund, Torvik and Maloy, as our voyage draws to a close.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to experience, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. A few nautical miles south of Floro, cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. In the early afternoon, arrive in the Hanseatic city of Bergen, and after disembarkation, join the private coach for a city tour including a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, St Mary’s Church, and Hakon’s Hall, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg.

After arrival at the hotel the evening is yours to enjoy and explore this vibrant city. One recommendation is to take the Floibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Floyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight: Clarion Admiral Hotel or similar, Bergen

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, then travel by coach to Gudvangen - where waterfalls line the road as you weave your way through the valley. In Gudvangen, board a ferry and enjoy a fjord cruise along the narrow and dramatic UNESCO protected Naeroyfjord, ending in the quaint village of Flam. As you ascend three thousand feet to the mountain train station of Myrdal, you will understand why this is considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Continue south to your final stop in Oslo.

Please Note:
• Your large luggage will be transferred for you to your hotel in Oslo.
• Please be sure to keep all valuables and important items in hand luggage that you take with you during the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route.
• Lunch and snacks are available for purchase on the train.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel or similar, Oslo

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, then join a coach tour to learn more about this vibrant European city, as you 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 your to continue exploring before joining your fellow travellers and tour leader for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel or similar, 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

Optional Activity: Private Departure Transfer - Hotel to Airport
Add a private vehicle transfer from your hotel to the airport. Meet your driver at your hotel and be transferred to the airport, ready to check in for your flight. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Today, fly to Oslo, Norway. Please make your own way to the airport for your flight.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Norway! First stop: Norway’s thriving capital, Oslo. The city has a sheltered position deep inside Oslofjord and is surrounded by glistening lakes. Upon arrival in Oslo, make your own way to your hotel, then enjoy the rest of your day at leisure exploring the many charms the cosmopolitan capital has to offer.

Why not make your way to the city centre, taking snaps of the architecturally distinct Radhuset town hall, Royal Palace, and Oslo Cathedral. Along the waterfront, there’s Aker Brygge, a popular area to eat out at, the imposing Akershus Fortress, and the gleaming new buildings around Bjorvika waterfront. The latter is where you’ll find modern attractions such as the landmark new Edvard Munch museum.

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

Optional Upgrade: Private Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel
Add a private vehicle transfer from the airport to your hotel. After clearing customs & collecting your luggage, meet your driver in the arrivals terminal and transfer to your hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel or similar, Oslo

Meals included: Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy an Oslo grand city tour that may include some of the attractions you might have had time to see yourself on your first day, and a few sights located further away. The Oslo Opera House is perhaps the capital’s most iconic building, resembling a gleaming glacier floating in the water. Wander along its clean lines, admire the dramatic angles, and marvel at the white marble that covers its exterior. Vigeland Sculpture Park is located at the centre of splendid Frogner Park. There, you’ll find more than 200 visually striking sculptures in bronze, granite, and cast iron by prolific Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. The highlight of the sculptures is the monolith that rises several metres high.

Further north from Vigeland, just outside of Oslo, is Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You won’t be doing any jumping yourself, but the impressive building enjoys panoramic views over the city, lakes, and fjord. Beneath the ski jump is also the world’s oldest ski museum featuring 2,500 pairs of skis and 4,000 years of skiing history.

After the tour, return to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel or similar, Oslo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, be transferred to the train station to take the train from Oslo to Myrdal station over 850 metres high in the mountains. This is the boarding point for the Flam Mountain Railway. The vintage train will weave its way down from the mountains and into the valley towards the village of Flam. The scenic journey takes about an hour and includes a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall for you to take photos. The small power station on the waterfall is actually what powers the Flam Mountain Railway.

Arrive in the village of Flam where you’ll spend the night at a hotel. You can visit Flam Railway Museum to learn more about the history and the engineering that brought about the railway with time at leisure. Enjoy your included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Overnight: Flamsbrygga Hotel or similar, Flam

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Following breakfast and checking out of your hotel, it’s time to enjoy a two-hour boat cruise of Aurlandsfjord and narrow UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, ending at Gudvangen. A short bus ride through Naeroydalen valley, usually fringed by waterfalls, leads you to the village of Voss where you will catch the train to Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway. Check in to your hotel in Bergen before heading out to explore Norway’s third largest city at your leisure. One recommendation is to take the Floibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Floyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight: Clarion Admiral Hotel or similar, Bergen

Meals included: Breakfast

After a relaxing morning, take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Hakon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district. Bryggen is made up of a colourful age-old wooden wharves which now house boutique shops selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs. Across the cobblestone street from Bryggen is the Fish Market, a place of sights, sounds, and smells. Freshly caught seafood is cooked on the spot here and served to salivating visitors. You'll then head to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg.

The tour ends at Bergen pier, where you can relax in Hurtigruten's exclusive guest lounge before boarding our Coastal Express ship for your voyage along Norway’s beautiful coast.

Optional Activity: Shore Excursion Bundle
Enhance your voyage with a shore excursion bundle including three unique experiences during your voyage:
• Day 8: Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
• Day 9: Meet the Vikings
• Day 11: The North Cape
• Bonus: Receive 500 NOK Onboard Credit per person when you pre-book the Shore Excursion Bundle
Please see further details of each activity on the relevant itinerary days.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Alesund. You’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town. Alesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy wandering around pastel-coloured buildings, picking up details such as semi-circular windows and charming rounded fairy-tale-like towers. For a lovely panorama over the town, head up to Mount Askla. There’s also Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. The last port of the day is Molde which has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital either on your own or on an optional excursion.

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population. A must-see site of the city 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 Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which offers beautiful views. In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjaer Lighthouse towards charming Rorvik.

Optional Activity: Shore Excursion Bundle
Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral:
Welcome to the original capital of Norway! Founded as early as 997, Trondheim has been marked by a variety of eras. As you explore the city, look out for well-preserved colourful wharves and a 19th century wooden bridge with distinctive red archways in the Bakklandet district. Your guide will tell you more about the city’s history as the bus takes us through Trondheim’s streets and boroughs. You’ll make a short stop at Utsikten to admire the city from above. A trip to Trondheim wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the construction of this enormous building began back in 1070. After a guided tour around the cathedral, you’ll likely understand why many describe it as the most beautiful religious building in Norway. You’ll receive your own copy of a book about the cathedral to take home as a souvenir.

• Transportation: Bus
• Duration: 2 hours
• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing
• Guiding will take place outside the cathedral and in the museum on Sundays and bank holidays due to the church service
• Photography is not permitted inside Nidaros Cathedral
• Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today you'll cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. Mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up! Above the Arctic Circle in autumn, winter, and spring, your chances of seeing the northern lights greatly improve. At 10:00, call into Ornes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. Then sail to Bodo, the second-largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Borvass peaks.

This afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight stretching for miles on the horizon. Stamsund is 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, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvaer, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Optional Activity: Shore Excursion Bundle
Meet the Vikings:
Today, you will be visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you can visit a reconstruction of the longest longhouse ever found from the Viking Age. The first longhouse was built around 500 AD. The chieftain’s home at Borg was inhabited until around 1000 AD. The smell of tar and bonfire greet you as you step over the threshold. Flickering light from oil lamps illuminates the beautiful craftsmanship, ornamentation and architecture of the chieftain’s home. The chieftain and his wife invite your group to an authentic Viking meal. Watch as the Vikings make a sacrifice to the Old Norse gods, pray for good health, prosperity and for the sun to return to avoid Ragnarok, or Armageddon. After enjoying the Viking meal, which is served with mead – the drink of the gods – you’ll be able to look around the longhouse before the tour continues by bus to Svolvaer and you return to the ship.

• Starting port: Stamsund
• End port: Svolvaer
• Transportation: Bus
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Meals: Dinner, mead
• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing
• The visit at Lofotr Viking Museum is approximately one hour
• Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Dock into Harstad just after 07:00. Here you can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Then, sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromso where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Olhallen pub. There are also cafes offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving Tromso in the early evening, you head north for the trading post of Skjervoy, founded in 1622. On the way, pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The ship makes early morning stops in the town of Hammerfest and at Havoysund before arriving at Honningsvag mid-morning. This is the portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvag by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season. The ship continues north. Near the entrance of Kjollefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You reach Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevag. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

Optional Activity: Shore Excursion Bundle
The North Cape:
Travel by bus above the 71st parallel to North Cape that rises 307 metres from the ocean, right at the top of Europe. Gaze in awe at the stark yet beautiful scenery as you stand at continental Europe’s most northerly point, casting your eyes over the sea towards the North Pole. In wintertime, the unspoilt white plains and snow-capped mountains will reflect the soft Arctic light. Don’t forget the obligatory photo or that all-important selfie with the iconic globe sculpture that commemorates North Cape’s significance. Making a stop at the visitor centre at North Cape Hall, you’ll get to watch an impressive 180° panoramic film about the region through four seasons, learn more about the area’s long history through exhibitions in the underground tunnel, and pop into the world's northernmost chapel. There’s even a small museum and a souvenir shop.

• Transportation: Bus
• Duration: 3 hours
• Meals: Not included
• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
• Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ship

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive at Vardo in the morning, then continue south towards your next port, Kirkenes. You’ll be treated to dramatic coastal vistas as we approach the shore. Here, you'll leave our ship behind as you continue your journey south toward Finland on land. Board a coach and enjoy a scenic drive through the town of Kirkenes, and after crossing the border into Finland, you'll begin heading south through Lapland. Stop at Inari, a village in Finland’s largest municipality. The area is famous for its large Sami population and is seen as the centre of Finnish Sami culture. At the newly renovated SIIDA Sami Museum, see exhibits and artefacts that document the rich culture of the Finnish Sami. You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Saariselka, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness.

After a day of travelling, learning, and exploring, you’ll spend your first night in Finland. Enjoy the included dinner at your hotel.

Please Note:
• Optional excursions and activities can be purchased from the suppliers on site at the hotel.

Overnight: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Waking up in Saariselka, you have another day in Finland’s winter wonderland to look forward to. Today you have a day at leisure to explore the small village, or why not try the toboggan near the hotel, or one of the many optional excursions available from the hotel.

This evening enjoy a Reindeer Safari, with the chance of experiencing the northern lights. A short transfer to a local reindeer farm and here you have the opportunity to get to know a local Sami family. During your visit, you will feed the reindeers in the paddock and learn about reindeer husbandry. Then it´s time to take the Lappish lasso and practice, with the guidance of the host, throwing the lasso. You will also have a peek into the dim Lappish hut. In the idyllic old cottage, you can enjoy some coffee and chat more about reindeers and Sami. Weather permitting, enjoy an enchanting reindeer sleigh ride.

Return to your hotel in the evening, where you’ll spend your second night in Saariselka.

Please note:
• Due to weather conditions, the reindeer sleigh ride is exclusively available from December through March
• The sleigh ride experience lasts approximately 25-45 minutes

Overnight: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, journey towards the commercial centre of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Along the way you will make a short stop to visit the Sodankyla Old Church. Experience Santa Claus Village, where you can see herds of reindeer and might even meet the jolly bearded man himself. This Christmas-themed park will surely bring out your inner child, and if you’re lucky, seeing the northern lights dancing above will make your visit even more special.

In the evening, you’ll check into an Arctic snowhotel in Sinetta, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel before you spend the night in a toasty glass igloo, looking out for the Aurora through the 360 degree glass roof.

Overnight: Arctic Snow Hotel (Glass Igloo), Sinetta

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today you will be transferred to your hotel in Rovaniemi. This Arctic city has an intriguing history, having grown to prominence in the 19th century due to the Lapland gold rush. The city was rebuilt after World War II, and its footprint was redesigned in the shape of a reindeer’s head. Besides reindeer, another iconic Lapland animal is the husky. In the afternoon, take a tour of a husky dog kennel and meet the friendly, furry residents. Enjoy lunch at the kennel. Learn about the long relationship these dogs have with the local people, and find out how they’re reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are. After spending some time with the dogs, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness. Once it’s over, you can enjoy a snack and a hot drink around the roaring fire.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar, Rovaniemi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast enjoy a day to yourself to explore more of Rovaniemi. Your tour leader can recommend a range of exciting additional excursions or things to see and do in the area. Why not make a visit to Jatkankynttila bridge to take photos of Finland’s first suspension bridge. It stands prominently over Kemijoki river with the lamps at the top of its two pillars resembling glowing braziers. You’ll also not want to miss the Aalto Centre, a complex of public buildings designed by famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. 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. Similarly, Ranua Zoo is home to various Arctic fauna, but all bow in respect to the resident polar bears and Finnish brown bears.

Overnight: Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar, Rovaniemi

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, leave Rovaniemi and 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, and offers 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 the many hidden gems dotted around the centre. 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 or similar, Helsinki

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.

Optional Activity: Private Departure Transfer - Hotel to Airport
Add a private vehicle transfer from your hotel to the airport. Meet your driver at your hotel and be transferred to the airport, ready to check in for your flight. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight