18 Day Scandinavian Winter Odyssey with Norway Cruise & Iceland

Welcome to Finland! Take this day at your leisure to discover the unique charm of this quirky city. In the evening, join the rest of the group and your English-speaking Tour Manager for a welcome dinner. Special Information 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. If you arrive before the standard check-in time of 3 PM local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with the hotel reception and explore the surroundings until your room is ready. Early check-in may be possible, but it is subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

This morning after breakfast, accompanied by our English-speaking Tour Manager, we will embark on a guided tour of the Temppeliaukio Church, locally known as the 'Rock Church.' This unique structure, completed in 1969, is one of Helsinki's most iconic attractions, carved directly into solid rock. Our local guide will lead us on a two-hour tour of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, often called the "Daughter of the Baltic Sea" or the "White City of the North." During this tour, you will gain insights into Finland's rich culture, history, and traditions. We will visit notable landmarks including Senate Square with its famous Cathedral, the Market Square, the orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament, Finlandia Hall, the Sibelius Monument, and the Temppeliaukio Church. Inspiring Highlights Temppeliaukio Church (NOTE: Closed for renovations 11 January 2027 to 31 May 2027) 2 hour City Tour Important InformationThe Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) in Helsinki is undergoing renovation works and will be closed to visitors from 11 January 2027 to 31 May 2027. Tour departures falling within this period will be affected, and the Helsinki city tour will proceed without this stop during this time, allowing a little more time to enjoy the other sights along the route.

Start your day early with a 7:30am departure from the hotel to transfer to Helsinki Railway Station, where you will board the iconic ‘Santa Claus Express'. This modern and comfortable train will take us from Helsinki to the heart of Lapland, the official home of Santa Claus. Onboard dining is available at your own cost, making it a pleasant journey to the pristine north. Upon our arrival in Rovaniemi, we will transfer from the railway station to the hotel for check-in. Inspiring Highlights Travel on the 'Santa Claus Express' Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.

Spend the day exploring Rovaniemi at your own pace. You might visit the Arctium Museum, browse local boutiques, or relax in one of the cozy cafés. In the evening, step outside the city lights and keep watch for the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

This morning, depart Rovaniemi and make your way to Santa Claus' Village, where a few hours of festive wonder await. Here, you'll cross the Arctic Circle and have time to immerse yourself in the village's unique charm. Wander among the reindeer, explore the charming souvenir shops, or visit the post office, staffed by Santa's elves, to send a postcard bearing the special Arctic Circle postmark—an experience found nowhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa himself, completing the quintessential Christmas experience. In the afternoon, continue your journey north to Pyhä for an unforgettable stay. Tonight, rest in a modern glass-roofed igloo, designed to provide comfort even in the coldest temperatures, while offering unobstructed views of the starry sky—and hopefully, the Northern Lights. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy one of the most memorable experiences in Finnish Lapland: an exhilarating husky safari through the pristine, snowy landscape. This evening offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and the quiet magic of the Arctic. Inspiring Highlights Santa Claus Village Husky Safari Experience a night under the stars in a glass-roofed Igloo Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Important Information - Husky SafariPlease note that the husky safari is dependent on weather conditions. If the temperature rises above 10°C, the huskies are unable to run, and the experience will be limited to a visit around the husky farm. For Autumn departures, the huskies will pull an ATV, while for Winter departures, they will pull a traditional sled. Either way, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet these incredible animals and learn about their life in the Arctic. The Aurora Cabin overnight might take place in Saariselkä or Pyhä

This morning after breakfast, depart Pyhä and continue your journey north to Saariselkä, travelling via Sodankylä. Here you will enjoy a short stop to view the outside of one of the oldest wooden churches in Finland, a charming reminder of Lapland's heritage. On arrival into Saariselkä, drop your luggage at the hotel and get ready for another exciting arctic adventure.This afternoon, head out for a reindeer experience in the surrounding wilderness. Depending on your departure date, you will either visit a local reindeer farm to learn about reindeer herding and the traditional Lappish way of life, including the chance to try lasso throwing and warm up with a hot drink and Finnish pastries in a traditional Kota, or you will set off on a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, gliding peacefully through the snowy landscape in the same way the people of Lapland have travelled for centuries.You will return to the hotel where dinner is included this evening. Inspiring Highlights Sodankylä – Wooden church photo stop Saariselkä – Reindeer farm visit or reindeer sleigh ride Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Please note, on autumn departures, the reindeer experience will be a reindeer farm visit rather than a reindeer sleigh safari, as snow conditions are not yet suitable for sleigh rides. Winter activities are weather dependent and subject to availability. Operators reserve the right to cancel or adjust activities if conditions make them unsafe.

After breakfast, we will travel to Kirkenes, with a stop in Inari to visit the SIIDA Museum, which offers an insightful look into Sami culture and the natural environment of northern Finland. After exploring the museum, we will continue our journey, crossing the border into breathtaking Norway and eventually arriving in Kirkenes. Upon arrival, you will also have the opportunity to visit the SnowHotel Kirkenes, where you can enjoy an included ice drink. Inspiring Highlights SIIDA Museum Snow Hotel 365 Experience Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, make your own way to the Havila cruise terminal in time for your coastal voyage to Bergen. In the port of Vardø, you'll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. We cruise Norway's coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to 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. Special InformationApproximate times in Port: Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30 Vardø: 16:05 - 17:00 Båtsfjord: 20:00 - 20:30 Berlevåg: 22:25 - 22:35

Overnight, the ship makes brief calls at several small coastal towns before arriving in the morning at Hammerfest, one of the northernmost settlements in the world. Here, you may wish to visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, browse the Polar Bear Society for unique souvenirs, or follow the scenic trail up Mount Salen for sweeping views over the town and surrounding fjords. Continuing south along Norway's striking coastline, the voyage includes a call at Øksfjord before reaching Skjervøy, a historic fishing port long connected with Arctic trade and exploration. Framed by dramatic mountain peaks, the surrounding waters are also known for seasonal gatherings of orcas and humpback whales feeding on herring. As the journey continues toward Tromsø, enjoy the striking scenery of the Lyngen Alps, a spectacular mountain range featuring some of Norway's highest and most dramatic summits. Special Information Approximate times in Port: Mehamn: 01:20 - 01:30 Kjøllefjord: 03:25 - 03:35 Honningsvåg: 05:45 - 06:00 Havøysund: 08:00 - 08:15 Hammerfest: 11:00 - 12:45 Øksfjord: 15:50 - 16:05 Skjervøy: 19:30 - 19:45 Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30

Today, the voyage takes you through the spectacular archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, two of the most iconic highlights of Norway's coastal route. After an early morning stop in Finnsnes, the ship calls at Harstad, home to the striking whitewashed Trondenes Church—the northernmost medieval stone church in the world, set on a scenic peninsula. From here, continue to Risøyhamn, the smallest port of call, before reaching Sortland, where the landscape shifts from gentle rolling hills to dramatic mountains rising over 1,000 meters. Cruising along Raftsund, the Captain may navigate into the narrow Trollfjord, weather permitting. Here, the sheer mountain walls seem close enough to touch, and the ship performs a remarkable 180-degree turn within the fjord before sailing back out. Keep watch for majestic sea eagles that often soar overhead in this area. In the evening, arrive in Svolvær, where the famous “Svolvær Goat,” a jagged peak resembling a goat's horns, dominates the skyline—see if you can spot the resemblance. As the journey continues toward Stamsund, the ship glides past the dramatic granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall, a breathtaking natural backdrop that provides a fitting finale to a day rich in scenery and seafaring tradition. Special InformationApproximate times in port: Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30 Finnsnes: 04:20 - 04:40 Harstad: 08:00 - 08:30 Risøyhamn: 10:45 - 11:00 Sortland: 12:30 - 13:00 Stokmarknes: 14:15 - 15:15 Svolvær: 18:30 - 20:30 Stamsund: 22:15 - 22:30

In the early morning, the ship calls at Bodø before continuing south to Ørnes. Shortly after breakfast, you will cross the Arctic Circle, a memorable milestone in your journey along Norway's coast. After a brief stop at Nesna, the voyage continues to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the spectacular Helgeland Coast. Here you can admire the famous Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks rising up to 1,100 meters. Local folklore tells that these striking mountains were once seven troll princesses, turned to stone at sunrise as they fled an unwanted suitor. As you sail on, look out for Torghatten Mountain, renowned for the natural hole that runs straight through its summit. The story behind this unique landmark is steeped in legend—ask the onboard team for the full tale. In the afternoon, the ship docks in Brønnøysund, a vibrant town where you may wish to stroll along Havnegata by the lively marina or visit the Neo-Gothic Brønnøy Church, dating back to 1870. The day concludes with a call at the fishing port of Rørvik, nestled within the Vikna archipelago—a fitting end to a day filled with dramatic landscapes, folklore, and coastal charm. Special InformationApproximate times in port: Bodø: 02:30 - 03:30 Ørnes: 06:25 - 06:35 Nesna: 10:25 - 10:35 Sandnessjøen: 11:45 - 12:15 Brønnøysund: 15:00 - 17:25 Rørvik: 21:00 - 21:30

The day begins in Trondheim, a historic city with deep cultural and religious significance. You may wish to start with a visit to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, the final resting place of St. Olav, and one of Scandinavia's most striking examples of Gothic architecture. A stroll across the Gamle Bybro bridge offers postcard-worthy views of the Nid River, while the cobbled lanes of Bakklandet invite you to pause for a coffee and pastry in one of its cosy cafés. For sweeping views across the city, head up to Kristiansten Fort, a reminder of Trondheim's long history. As the voyage continues, the ship sails past scenic islands and some of Norway's smallest coastal communities before reaching Kristiansund in the late afternoon. Spread across three islands, this charming town is celebrated as Norway's “Bacalao Capital,” renowned for its centuries-old tradition of producing salted and dried cod. Take time to explore the cobblestone streets, stroll along the lively harbourfront, or climb to the Varden viewpoint for panoramic vistas. The day draws to a close in Molde, known as the “Town of Roses” and surrounded by the majestic Romsdal Alps. Here, the jagged peaks form a dramatic backdrop to the town and mark a fitting finale to a day rich in culture, scenery, and coastal heritage. Special Information Approximate times in port: Trondheim: 06:30 - 09:30 Kristiansund: 16:30 - 17:30 Molde: 21:15 - 21:45

Your Norwegian coastal voyage concludes today. Overnight, the ship will make brief calls at Ålesund and Torvik before arriving in Måløy early in the morning, where early risers may spot the northbound Coastal Express. Take in the dramatic scenery of Nordfjord, framed by the magnificent Jostedal Glacier, the largest glacier on mainland Europe. In the morning, the ship docks at Florø, a charming town with a picturesque harbour and marina. As you continue, keep an eye out for Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite among photographers, and enjoy the striking views as the ship crosses the mouth of Sognefjord, Norway's longest and widest fjord. In the afternoon, the voyage passes through the final stretch of islands and skerries along Hjeltefjord before arriving in Bergen, your final destination. As the journey comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the coastal landscapes, fjords, and communities you've encountered along the way. Bid farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow travellers before making your own way to your hotel in Bergen and enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Special Information Approximate times in port: Ålesund: 00:30 - 01:20 Torvik: 02:35 - 02:45 Måløy: 05:45 - 06:00 Florø: 08:15 - 08:30 Bergen: 14:45

Following breakfast, please proceed independently to the airport to board your included flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival in the land of fire and ice, transportation will be provided to take you to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the heart of this quaint town, positioned as the northernmost capital in the world. Feel free to enquire at the hotel reception about arranging a wake-up call for a glimpse of the mesmerising Northern Lights. Special Information The departure transfer in Bergen is not included. You will receive a voucher with your final documentation for the FlyBus service to use upon arrival in Reykjavik to take you to your hotel. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (50 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the Golden Circle tour, a spectacular journey that highlights some of Iceland's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Begin with a visit to the geothermal area of Geysir, home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, sending water soaring up to 30 meters into the air. Next, marvel at the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, cascading into a dramatic 62-meter-deep canyon, and learn about its fascinating history and cultural significance. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, where you can witness the geological wonder of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, return to Reykjavik to unwind. Inspiring Highlights Strokkur Geyser Gullfoss Waterfall Þingvellir National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, you'll journey towards the captivating south shore of Iceland. Along the way, marvel at the stunning waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, where cascading water creates mesmerising natural spectacles. Continuing your adventure, you'll make your way to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland. En route, you'll encounter Reynisfjara beach, renowned for its unique black sand and striking cliffs. Keep an eye out for the charming puffins, often spotted in this area—affectionately regarded as the unofficial national bird of Iceland. Inspiring Highlights Seljalandsfos Waterfall Skogafoss Waterfall Vik Reynisfjara Beach Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 10.5 hours.

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to relax and explore at your leisure. This afternoon, you'll be treated to a Comfort Entrance experience at the Blue Lagoon. This includes access to the soothing geothermal waters for bathing, a comfortable towel, a refreshing drink, and convenient transfers to and from the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a day of relaxation and rejuvenation in this iconic Icelandic oasis. The milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon are naturally heated by underground geothermal activity, making it comfortably warm for bathing year-round, even during Iceland's cold winters. In addition to the natural beauty of the lagoon, the Blue Lagoon complex offers modern facilities, including changing rooms, showers, a sauna, a steam bath, a relaxation area, and a café where visitors can enjoy refreshments with views of the lagoon. Inspiring Highlights Blue Lagoon Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. If the Blue Lagoon is not accessible we will offer an alternative experience at the Sky Lagoon, or provide a full refund for the activity.

As your unforgettable adventure through Scandinavia draws to a close, it's time to bid farewell to this enchanting region. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.