Northern Highlights & the Arctic Circle

Itinerary
Optional Excursions
Gallery
Prices & Dates

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 you 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.

Today, head 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 two nights. (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 unforgettable 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: Holiday Inn Ruohalati or similar (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 or Rica (4*); Geiranger: Geiranger (4*); Lillehammer: Clarion Hammer or Rica Victoria (4*); Oslo: Comfort Borsparken (3*).

Midnight sun
Norwegian fjord
Saariselkä
Entrance to the War Museum, Narvik
Along the waterfront, Trondheim
Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim
Bridge in Gamle Brybo, Trondheim
Trondheim
Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland

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 in a unique atmosphere. The traditional Lappish music will be your background whilst sampling local specialities, with staff dressed in typical costumes "samidress".

€40 (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.

€28 (Euro)

SIGHTSEEING & NARVIKFJELLET

Discover the city of Narvik and hear about its unique industrial and World War II history. Then go up to Narvikjellet and experience a breathtaking view.

€35 (Euro)

FJORD CRUISE

Enjoy a cruise on the world famous Geirangefjord and explore this part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in comfort on board a local sightseeing boat.

€30 (Euro)