Northern Highlights & the Arctic Circle

Midnight sun

Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery and awesome Arctic landscapes on this fascinating tour across the land of the midnight sun.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Helsinki.

Fly to Helsinki where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Helsinki - Kuopio.

This morning, enjoy the highlights of Helsinki on an included orientation drive and see sights such as the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace and the great Lutheran Cathedral. Later, drive north, through a pristine landscape of virgin forests and sparkling lakes, to Kuopio for one night. (B, D)

DAY 3: Kuopio - Oulu - Rovaniemi.

Head first to the picturesque university town of Oulu today, set on the shores of Bothnian Bay. Later, follow the shoreline as far as Kemi before heading to Rovaniemi for two nights. (B)

DAY 4: Rovaniemi.

Begin today with an orientation drive of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Famous for centuries for exporting furs and salmon to the world's rich and powerful, the city was destroyed in World War II and later re-designed by Alvar Aalto in the shape of reindeer antlers. This afternoon, why not join an optional excursion to find out more about Lapland? (B)

DAY 5: Rovaniemi - Lapland - Tankavaara - Saariselkä.

Journey across the outer reaches of the Arctic Circle to encounter the unique, unspoiled scenery of Lapland - land of reindeer and the midnight sun. Enjoy a stop at Santa Claus' Workshop, where you'll have the chance to meet the man himself and his little helpers. Later, head to Tankavaara for a visit to the Gold Museum and a chance to try panning for a few nuggets yourself. Tonight, stay in Saariselkä, set on the edge of Finland National Park. (B, D)

DAY 6: Saariselkä - Karasjok - Honningsvag.

Head to Karasjok for a visit to Sapmi Park, a theme park exploring Sami culture, history and tradition. Enjoy outdoor activities and tour the craft studios where silverware, woven fabrics and other goods are produced. Afterwards, continue to Honningsvag for one night. This evening, enjoy an included excursion to the North Cape, Europe's northernmost point at 71 degrees north, for spectacular views of the Midnight Sun (visible May-July). (B, D)

DAY 7: Honningsvag - Coastal Cruise - Alta.

Enjoy a highlight of your trip - a coastal cruise from Honningsvag to Hammerfest, offering amazing views of spectacular scenery. Disembark at Hammerfest and drive to Alta, set at the mouth of the world's richest salmon river, for one night. (B, D)

DAY 8: Alta - Narvik.

Journey along the stunning shoreline of Norway, where the road meanders along Kvaenangenfjord and Lyngenfjord, before heading to Narvik, rebuilt after near total destruction during fierce World War II battles. (B)

DAY 9: Narvik.

In the morning, visit Narvik's fascinating War Museum before a free afternoon to enjoy the town at leisure. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to explore this fascinating region further. (B)

DAY 10: Narvik - Mo I Rana.

Admire the fjord and forest scenery today as your journey across the Tjsfjord and away from the Arctic Circle to the picturesque little town of Mo I Rana for one night. (B)

DAY 11: Mo I Rana - Trondheim.

Begin today with a visit to the ancient octagonal church of Mosjöen before heading via the forests and rivers of Namdalen Valley to Trondheimsfjord, the World War II hideout of the German battleship Tirpitz. (B, D)

DAY 12: Trondheim - Geiranger area.

Depart early this morning and cross via ferry to Kanestraum for a scenic journey along the spectacular Atlantic Road. Enjoy panoramic views and pass picturesque towns such as Kristiansund and Molde before taking the ferry to Vestnes and driving via Sjoholt and Linge to the ferry crossing at Eidsdal. Continue to the Geiranger area for one night. (B, D)

DAY 13: Geiranger area.

Enjoy a day at leisure in the gorgeous Geiranger area and perhaps join the optional Geirangerfjord cruise to admire the spectacular fjord scenery. (B, D)

DAY 14: Geiranger area - Lom - Lillehammer.

Travel via Dalsnibba to the ancient town of Lom, home to one of the few remaining wooden stave churches in Norway. Next, head to Lillehammer, which boasts Europe's biggest open-air museum, dedicated to Norwegian art and architecture. (B)

DAY 15: Lillehammer - Oslo.

Head via Eidsvoll to Norway's cosmopolitan capital, Oslo. Today's included sightseeing takes in the imposing 14th century Akershus Fortress, the City Hall, National Theatre, Parliament, Royal Palace and Broadcasting House before heading to the beautiful expanse of Frogner Park to admire Vigeland's stark and unusual sculptures. (B)

DAY 16: Oslo - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Helsinki: Sokos Hotel Alexanteri (4*); Kuopio: Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi (4*); Rovaniemi: Scandic (4*); Saariselka: Holiday Club (4*); Honningsvag: Rica Honningsvag or Rica Nnordkapp (4*); Alta: Rica (4*); Narvik: Quality Grand Royal (4*); Mo I Rana: Fjordgarden (3*); Trondheim: Quality St Augustin (4*); Geiranger: Geiranger (4*); Lillehammer: Clarion Hammer or Rica Victoria (4*); Oslo: Comfort Borsparken (3*).

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

TRADITIONAL LAPP DINNER

An unusual dining experience inside a "kota hut" restaurant (a large wooden hut with a central open fireplace) in a unique atmosphere. The traditional Lappish music will be your background with staff dressed in typical costumes "samidress".

€38 (Euro)

SAMI EXPERIENCE

A river cruise in wooden riverboats will take you to a reindeer farm, where you will be shown around by Lapp ladies followed by a fun Arctic Circle ceremony. Finish off the excursion in a big log house with coffee or tea and traditional Lapp pastry and learn something about the Sami culture

€55 (Euro)

MUSEUM & ROCK CARVINGS

Don't miss the opportunity for a guided tour of the museum and rock art park which is the largest area of rock carvings in northern Europe made by prehistoric hunters.

€25 (Euro)

CITY SIGHTSEEING

Learn something about Norway's third largest city as the tour takes you to see some of its oldest monuments - the 1778 Royal Residence and the 1861 City Bridge. Passing wooden houses and small lanes you go uphill for a view over the entire city. Finally to the Nidaros Cathedral, the most famous in Norway, where you will have time for an inside visit.

€25 (Euro)

THE OLD TOWN & DINNER

A local guide will accompany you on foot to see the best parts of the old city in the evening. At the end of the walking tour you will have a tasty dinner in one of the oldest restaurants in Stockholm, which hides in a 14th century cellar.

€55 (Euro)

VASA MUSEUM

On August 10, 1628, the pride of the Swedish fleet, "The Warship Vasa" sank in the Stockholm harbour on her maiden voyage. After 333 years she was rediscovered and raised in 1961. The Vasa is one of the world's oldest identified and fully preserved ships and one of the leading sights in the world. You will have a tour of the Museum with local expert, see a film about the salvaging of the Vasa and have time to explore on your own.

€25 (Euro)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

Northern Highlights & the Arctic Circle 15 nights

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Birmingham

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London Heathrow

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Manchester

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Northern Highlights & the Arctic Circle 15 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

Date Depart From Price from PP  
7 May 2012 Make your own way

Make your own way

This is the price of the holiday without flights

SAVE: £50

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7 May 2012 Birmingham

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  • 10:35

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7 May 2012 London Heathrow

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  • 12:05

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7 May 2012 Manchester

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  • 10:15

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14 May 2012 Make your own way

Make your own way

This is the price of the holiday without flights

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14 May 2012 Birmingham

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  • 10:35

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14 May 2012 London Heathrow

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  • 12:05

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14 May 2012 Manchester

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21 May 2012 Make your own way

Make your own way

This is the price of the holiday without flights

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21 May 2012 Birmingham

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  • 10:35

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21 May 2012 London Heathrow

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21 May 2012 Manchester

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28 May 2012 Make your own way

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28 May 2012 Birmingham

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  • 10:35

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28 May 2012 London Heathrow

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28 May 2012 Manchester

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Northern Highlights & the Arctic Circle

Price from £2035.00

What's Included

  • Flights UK - Helsinki; Oslo - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
  • Meals on tour 15 breakfasts (B) and 7 dinners (D)
  • Services of a tour director on tour
  • Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
  • Individual Audio System You will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guide during your visits.
  • Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
  • All local and airport taxes/service charges
  • Single share option no supplement to pay

All this included

  • Helsinki Orientation
  • Rovaniemi Orientation drive
  • Arctic Circle Crossing
  • Lapland Scenic drive and Santa Claus workshop
  • Tankavaara Gold museum visit
  • Karasjok Sami Park visit
  • Honningsvag North Cape excursion
  • Coastal Cruise
  • Narvik War museum
  • Tysfjord Ferry crossing
  • Mosjoen Octagonal church visit
  • Atlantic Road Scenic Drive
  • Lom Stave Church
  • Oslo City sightseeing including Frogner Park

Departures from

  • Birmingham
  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester

Departures between

07 May 2012 to 20 Aug 2012

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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