20 Day Norway Winter & Southern Fjords Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to Scandinavia! Today is at your leisure to explore this quirky city.

Tonight you will enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner to get to know our fellow travellers a little better. This meeting commences at approximatively 7pm.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

It's an early start today for an adventure to the Baltics and back. You will be transferred to a ferry and enjoy breakfast onboard as we cruise through a small stretch of the Baltic Sea, before arriving in the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia. We will then enjoy a guided tour of Tallinn's magical Old Town. An exceptionally well-preserved district that dates back to the 13th century, the old town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Later, we return to Helsinki by ferry, where we’ll be transferred to the hotel.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Temppeliaukio Church, known locally as the 'Rock Church'. Excavated directly into solid rock and completed in 1969, this is one of Helsinki's star attractions.

This afternoon, get ready to board the ‘Santa Claus Express’. This iconic overnight sleeper train will take us from Helsinki into the heart of Lapland and the ‘official’ home of Santa Claus. The modern train has private twin-share cabins, onboard dining and is the perfect way to travel up to the untouched north.

Early morning arrival to Kemi, where a morning visit and breakfast is served at the SnowCastle Resort. You will then have free time to explore the resort.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the Ajos Pier located by the Bothnian Bay, where the sea freezes over during winter. It’s time to board a real life Icebreaker for an incredible adventure. Ploughing through the thick ice is not the only attraction for passengers onboard this powerful vessel: guests also have the unique opportunity to swim among the ice (in a full-body waterproof 'survival suit', of course).

After an unforgettable day, we continue the journey north to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.

Today, visit Santa Claus’ Village for a couple of hours of Christmas magic. Here, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate to commemorate this. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the village’s many charms and fun activities, like meeting Santa’s reindeer, perusing the souvenirs or exploring Snowman World. You can even send a postcard home from the post office, staffed by Santa’s postal elves – it will have a special Arctic Circle postmark not available anywhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa.

Optional Tour - Snowmobile Safari
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling. The best way to get to the heart of nature – and back. During this fun safari, you’ll learn how to ride a snowmobile along frozen rivers and through snow covered forests. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river valley from the hilltops. A break with hot beverages will keep your motor running.

Duration: approx. 2 hours (14:30 – 16:30).

Snowmobile Safari:

This is a self drive activity. Each snowmobile is shared by two guests taking turns in driving. The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age.

You will require to have your internationally recognised driver's license on tour to participate as the police may check the validity of the license during the safari.

It is minimum 2 people per snowmobile. Supplement for solo driving is EUR 50 p.p. collected locally.

Suitability: Children over 2 years. Child price entitles children to a seat in a sled pulled by a snowmobile driven by the guide. Children over 140 cm in height are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, when paying the adult price.

Note the speed driving is depending the condition of the snow and ice on the road and the area regulated by the laws of Finland.

Driving a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs is prohibited by the laws of Finland.

This safari is CO2 compensated from the snowmobile fuel emission. Self liability can be reduced to €150 by paying waiver supplement € 20 per safari driver.

Clothing: included outer layer wind and water resistant one piece thermal suit (you will need to wear the appropriate winter clothing underneath the suit to keep you warm.)

NOTE: This is a self drive activity you will require to have your internationally recognised driver's license on tour to participate. (Min 2 people per snowmobile) Supplement for solo driving: EUR 45,00 p.p. collected locally. 

This morning we travel further north through the winter landscape, stopping at Sodankyla, where a quick outside visit to the old church is included.

Later, you’ll arrive at a husky farm to take part in your Inspiring Sight, a Husky Safari, where these friendly dogs will bark an enthusiastic welcome for you. Before departing on the safari, you will be given instruction on how to control the sleds. Upon your return to the farm, enjoy some hot berry juice by an open fire and chat away with the head musher about these amazing animals.

Later in the afternoon, we leave Rovaniemi and continue our journey into Saariselkä for an Inspiring Stay. Tonight we are bedding down in a glass-roof cabin. The glass-roofed structures let you sleep right beneath the starry skies, and hopefully the Northern Lights. Each Aurora cabin is extremely well-insulated to ensure guests are not bothered by the cold in even the coolest of temperatures.

Note : on some departure dates, passengers might stay at Northern Lights Village Pyha, located further south of Saariselka.

Breakfast, Dinner

Today, continue North, stopping in Inari, where a visit to the SIIDA Museum is included before crossing the border to breathtaking Norway, and a little later arrival to Karasjok.

Note: on some departure dates, passengers might stay at Lakselv Hotel 3* - located in Lakselv, a little futher north of Karasjok.

Leaving Karasjok we continue our Arctic adventures to Norway's northern tip – the vast North Cape/Nordkapp.

Upon arrival you’ll be presented with a certificate to prove you've been to Europe's most northerly point. Here, you’ll also enjoy an Inspiring Taste of sparkling wine and caviar.

Leaving the North Cape region today we begin our journey south, down the coast of Norway to Alta. Here we'll explore the Alta Museum and its World Heritage Rock Art Centre.

Tonight we go on an evening drive around Alta to hunt for the Northern Lights again from a different perspective.

Breakfast

Today we leave Alta and continue south to Tromsø. Located 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway. The city is known for its lively nightlife, with many local pubs and a wide range of restaurants specialising in the fresh ingredients of the Arctic. En route, we travel via the Lyngen Alps. This mountain range dominates the landscape, bordered by the Lyngen Fjord to the east, and Ullsfjorden to the west.

On arrival, enjoy some time at leisure in this so-called Gateway to the Arctic.

Note: on the following departure dates (12/02/25 , 19/02/2025 and 09/03/2025), passengers will stay at Enter Amalie Hotel, a high quality 3-star hotel.

Optional Tour - Night reindeer sledding with camp dinner and chance of Northern Lights

Venture into the wilderness and walk amidst a herd of 300 reindeer, with the opportunity to feed them. Following this enchanting encounter, enjoy a 15-20 minute sleigh ride. Then, step into a cozy candlelit gamme for a serene three-course feast, followed by joiking, traditional Sami tales, and insights into Sami history. If the skies are clear, you might be lucky to see the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights. Ensure to dress appropriately with warm clothes.

Duration: 4,5 hours

Start: 6pm

Pick up/meeting point: At the corner of Bankgata and Fredrik Langes Gate

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You'll have the opportunity to visit one of the many museums within walking distance of your hotel.

Note: on the following departure dates (12/02/25 , 19/02/2025 and 09/03/2025), passengers will stay at Enter Amalie Hotel, a high quality 3-star hotel.

Optional Tour - Long Reindeer sledding, feeding and Sami culture
Enjoy a 25-30 minute sleigh ride as the reindeer guide you around the valley and along the coast. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to feed 300 of these magnificent animals before entering the gamme for a traditional meal cooked over the fire. Finish the day by gathering around the fire to listen to Sami history, stories and joiking (songs). Ensure to dress appropriately with warm clothes.

Duration: 4 hours
Start: 10am
Pick up/meeting point: At the corner of Bankgata and Fredrik Langes Gate

Optional Tour - Reindeer camp dinner and chance of Northern Lights
Travel out into the wilderness and walk among 300 reindeer (with the opportunity to feed them too). Afterwards, enter a candlelit gamme to enjoy a relaxed thee-course meal followed by joiking (traditional Sami songs), Sami history and stories. On a clear night, you might be lucky enough to catch the majestic Northern lights. Ensure to dress appropriately with warm clothes.

Duration: 4.5 hours
Start: 6pm
Pick up/meeting point: At the corner of Bankgata and Fredrik Langes Gate

After breakfast we leave Tromsø and make our way to Narvik, which sits on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands. On arrival, we visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum. In the spring of 1940 Nazi Germany suffered its first defeat in Narvik at the hands of Norwegian, British, French and Polish forces. The Red Cross War Memorial Museum tells the full story of the epic Battles of Narvik.

Leaving Narvik, we make our way to the town of Svolvær, within the famous Lofoten archipelago. The setting surrounding the town is sublime with a backdrop of high mountains and iconic red wooden houses. Svolvær is the perfect base to explore the magical Lofoten Islands.

Today, we explore the stunning Lofoten Islands and their natural beauty, including a stop in the small village of Henningsvær. Set among a group of tiny islands seemingly dropped into the ocean at the foot of the imposing Vågakallen mountain, Henningsvær is one of Lofoten‘s best-known fishing villages. The stunning setting and mix of traditional wooden architecture and modern art galleries make this island village one of a kind.

After checking out of the hotel we head by bus to Evenes, where we'll board a flight to the captivating Norwegian capital of Oslo. After a short flight we arrive in Oslo where we'll be transferred to our central hotel. Oslo is known for its green open spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of your day or evening at leisure, exploring this pedestrian-friendly city.

Today we enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, enjoy a scenic drive through Oslo, passing such national landmarks as the Parliament building, with its two imposing lion statues at the main entrance, the National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch. Next stop is the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval fortress built by King Håkon V, in the 14th century, which is a today seen as a national symbol for Norwegians and today a popular place for

recreation.

Today, make the short walk from the hotel to the train station, located next door, for the start of the “Norway In a Nutshell” tour. Experience the essence of Norway on Norway’s most popular and sustainable tour. Travel through stunning Norwegian fjords, mountains, valleys and cities on 1 green ticket. On the first day of your Norway adventure you travel from Oslo to Flåm. You start with the Bergen railway to Myrdal enjoying the change of scenery and landscape from busy city life up to the quiet high mountains. In Myrdal you change to the famous Flam railway, one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. After a breathtaking train ride to Flåm, you check in at your hotel and free time to explore the small village, visit the Ægir Microbrewery or perhaps the Flåm Railway Museum.

Note: Guide services finish after breakfast. Day 17 - 20 are unguided. The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route from Day 17-20 is Norway’s most famous independent trip. The entire journey connects seamlessly and well signed in English. Transport service times are made to connect together making the whole trip effortless.

Baggage: To make the journey easier, your luggage will be transferred to Bergen ahead of you. Please make sure to take an overnight bag for your stay in Flam. Your luggage (max. 1 bag per person) must be given to the reception at your hotel (Thon Hotel Opera) by 6:30AM. Luggage is picked up from reception and will be available in your hotel in Bergen, the following evening.

After enjoying a nice breakfast you take the morning departure from Flåm, starting with one of the many highlights on the tour, the fjordcruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. In Gudvangen a scenic bus ride to Voss awaits you. You pass by roaring waterfalls and small farms. In Voss you change to the Bergen railway and go on a relaxing train ride to Bergen. After a day with loads of impressions you arrive Bergen in early afternoon and check in at your hotel.

Today is at leisure to further explore Bergen, also known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, situated on the West coast of Norway, surrounded by mountains. We recommend visiting the old Hanseatic part of town, known as Bryggen, where you can step back in time and wonder between the old buildings. A highlight of any visit to Bergen is the stunning views from the top of Mt Fløien, and you can reach this by taken a journey on the funicular railway – Fløibanen. The local fish market is also a must when visiting Bergen, and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants located in the harbour area.

Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring winter experience.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.