Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
14 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Bergen, Norway
Visiting: Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Karasjok, Honnigsvag, Alta, Tromsø, Bodo, Trondheim, Bergen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZKE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scandinavia with the "Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise" tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki with guided sightseeing, including the iconic cathedral and Sibelius Monument. Cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi and visit Santa Claus Village, then explore the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok. Experience the breathtaking North Cape and the ancient Rock Carvings Museum in Alta. Enjoy a scenic cruise towards the Lofoten Islands, passing through picturesque fishing villages and stunning fjords. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and awe-inspiring landscapes, all while staying in comfortable accommodations and enjoying guided sightseeing throughout Finland and Norway.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Helsinki,Finland
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aleksanteri
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND Welcome to Helsinki! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2: Helsinki,Oulu
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu.
HELSINKI–OULU Perfection on the Peninsula HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki is poised on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, where striking architecture and Nordic cuisine delight visitors. See the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument in this historic and picturesque setting.
Day 3: Oulu
Location: Oulu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast
OULU Orientation. Free time.
OULU The Creative Edge OULU Orientation. Free time. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME FREE TIME TIP Consider an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. The island started to rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland’s national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality.
Day 4: Oulu,Rovaniemi
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Original Sokos Vaakuna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and [LF] get the Arctic Circle Certificate. 127 mi / 205 km
OULU–ROVANIEMI Santa Claus is Coming to Town ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and [LF] get the Arctic Circle Certificate. (B,D) 127 mi / 205 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDS & LORE About a hundred years ago, a passer-by started spreading the word about the true location of Santa’s real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line.
Day 5: Rovaniemi,Luosto,Ivalo
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Ivalo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LUOSTO [LF] Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture. 196mi/ 315km
ROVANIEMI–LUOSTO–IVALO North to the Cape LUOSTO [LF] Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture. (B,D) 196mi/ 315kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with the sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you’re a passionate dog-lover, you’ll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers.
Day 6: Ivalo,Karasjok,Norway,Honnigsvag
Location: Karasjok
Accommodation Name: Scandic Honningsvag
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park. 242mi/ 390km
IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNIGSVAG Norwegian Good KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park. (B,D) 242mi/ 390kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Get a comprehensive insight into various aspects of Sami culture, history, and traditions when visiting the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok. Explore exhibitions that feature Sami art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts and learn about the history of the Sami people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition.
Day 7: Honnigsvag,Excursion To The North Cape,Alta
Location: Honnigsvag
Accommodation Name: Scandic Hotel Alta
Meals Included: Breakfast
HONNIGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center. 168mi/ 270km
HONNIGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTA The Old Men & The Sea HONNIGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center. (B) 168mi/ 270kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The North Cape cliff has long been a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor to find the North-East passage to China. They did not succeed, but the old sea charts after this expedition are the first to mention the name, North Cape. The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone. The globe at the top of the building has become the symbol of Nordkapp. It marks that you are at the end point of Europe - the northernmost of the continental mainland. This is a treasured place for photography and contemplation. This is the culmination of all journeys.
Day 8: Alta,Tromsø
Location: Alta
Accommodation Name: Thon Hotel Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast
ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum. 186mi/ 300km
ALTA–TROMSØ Written in Stone ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum. (B) 186mi/ 300kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT TREASURES Experience Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area. Fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. The rock carvings in Alta were made on the smooth rock surfaces at the water’s edge. As the land gradually rose, and new rock surfaces came to light, the artists made use of these for their carvings.
Day 9: Tromsø (Embarkation)
Location: Tromsø
Accommodation Name: Thon Hotel Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel. Later tonight, embark your ship.
TROMSØ (EMBARKATION) Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel. Later tonight, embark your ship. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.
Day 10: Tromsø
Location: Tromsø
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TROMSØ Cruise towards the Lofoten Islands.
TROMSØ High Peaks and Idyllic Islands TROMSØ Cruise towards the Lofoten Islands. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass with the cruise ship the Lofoten Wall, a giant granite cliff shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of bright fishing villages hug the shoreline where a majority of the inhabitants make their livelihood in the winter cod season.
Day 11: Cruising: Bodo,Rorvik
Location: Bodo
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail south as your ship calls at Bodo in the small hours of the morning and then Ornes at 7am.NESNA Short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. BRONNOYSUND: Walk along Havnegata to explore the bustling marina and see Brønnøy Church—a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. RORVIK Stop in the cozy fishing port in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.
CRUISING: BODO–RORVIK Mountain Maidens Sail south as your ship calls at Bodo in the small hours of the morning and then Ornes at 7am.NESNA Short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. BRONNOYSUND: Walk along Havnegata to explore the bustling marina and see Brønnøy Church—a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. RORVIK Stop in the cozy fishing port in the picturesque Vikna archipelago. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL LEGENDS While admiring the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, hear the story about seven beautiful troll princesses who, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, were turned to stone at sunrise to become the seven beautiful mountains of today.
Day 12: Cruising: Trondheim,Alesund
Location: Trondheim
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TRONDHEIM Take a stroll around the city early in the morning and see the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.KRISTIANSUND Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port.MOLDE Spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps.
CRUISING: TRONDHEIM–ALESUND Capital of the Viking Age TRONDHEIM Take a stroll around the city early in the morning and see the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.KRISTIANSUND Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port.MOLDE Spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The city of Kristiansund sits on four islands and is founded on bacalao (dried salted cod) known locally as "klippfisk." Discover its distinctive architecture, decorated in shades of red, yellow. and green, giving it the nickname the polychrome city. Head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.
Day 13: Cruising: Alesund Bergen
Location: Bergen
Accommodation Name: Clarion Bergen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Glimpse Nordfjord, under the giant Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest glacier.FLORO Morning stop to take in the harbor and the marina.BERGEN Disembarkation and transfer to your hotel.
CRUISING: ALESUND BERGEN Fjord Every Scene Glimpse Nordfjord, under the giant Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest glacier.FLORO Morning stop to take in the harbor and the marina.BERGEN Disembarkation and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Depart Floro with a perfect photo opportunity of the Stabben Lighthouse. Enjoy stunning views as your ship crosses the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. Reaching your final port this afternoon, you’ll navigate through the last islands and skerries of the Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.
Day 14: Bergen
Location: Bergen
Accommodation Name: Clarion Bergen
Meals Included: Breakfast
BERGEN Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
BERGEN Safe travels until we meet again! BERGEN Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Radisson Blu Aleksanteri in Helsinki, Radisson Blu in Oulu, Original Sokos Vaakuna in Rovaniemi, Ivalo in Ivalo, Scandic Honningsvag in Honningsvag, Scandic Hotel Alta in Alta, Thon Hotel Tromso in Tromso, and Clarion Bergen in Bergen.
-
Meals
Daily breakfast, several dinners, and some lunches are included throughout the tour.
-
Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Luosto, Karasjok, Honnigsvag, Alta, Tromsø, and other locations.
-
Cultural Experiences
Visits to Santa Claus Village, a husky farm, the Sami Cultural Park, North Cape Hall, the Rock Carvings Museum, and more.
-
Cruise
Cruise towards the Lofoten Islands and along the Norwegian coast, including stops at Bodo, Rorvik, Trondheim, Alesund, and Bergen.
-
Local Favorites
Special experiences such as receiving the Arctic Circle Certificate and enjoying traditional snacks of the Sámi culture.
-
Transport
Travel conveniently with guided sightseeing in Helsinki, a flight to Oulu, and a cruise towards the Lofoten Islands, with various stops including Bodo, Trondheim, and Bergen.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the trip to Hailuoto are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Bryggen|Rock Art of Alta
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Radisson Blu Aleksanteri in Helsinki, Radisson Blu in Oulu, Original Sokos Vaakuna in Rovaniemi, Ivalo in Ivalo, Scandic Honningsvag in Honningsvag, Scandic Hotel Alta in Alta, Thon Hotel Tromso in Tromso, and Clarion Bergen in Bergen.
Notes
Services of the Tour Director end on day 10.The cruise portion of your vacation, from Tromso to Bergen, is operated by Hurtigruten. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details; there are various ships operating this itinerary, so the ship name varies by departure date.
Meals
13 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will visit Santa Claus Village, a husky farm, the Sami Cultural Park, North Cape Hall, and the Rock Carvings Museum. These experiences will give you insights into local traditions, history, and culture.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, daily breakfast, several dinners, and some lunches are included throughout the tour.
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay in various hotels including Radisson Blu Aleksanteri in Helsinki, Radisson Blu in Oulu, Original Sokos Vaakuna in Rovaniemi, Ivalo in Ivalo, Scandic Honningsvag in Honningsvag, Scandic Hotel Alta in Alta, Thon Hotel Tromso in Tromso, and Clarion Bergen in Bergen.
-
Is there any special certification or souvenir provided during the tour?
Yes, you will receive the Arctic Circle Certificate when you cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes guided sightseeing in Helsinki, a flight to Oulu, and a cruise towards the Lofoten Islands with various stops including Bodo, Trondheim, and Bergen.
-
Are there any optional excursions available?
Yes, there are optional excursions such as a trip to Hailuoto, which is not included in the tour package.
-
What is the group size for this tour?
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
-
What are some of the highlights of the cruise portion of the tour?
During the cruise, you will pass the Lofoten Wall, visit the picturesque Vikna archipelago, see the sacred Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, and enjoy stunning views of the Sognefjord and Jostedal Glacier.
-
What kind of activities are included in the free time during the tour?
During your free time in Oulu, you can consider an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay, known for its unique natural features and well-preserved traditional buildings.
-
What is the significance of the North Cape Hall visit?
The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone and features a globe at the top, marking the northernmost point of the continental mainland of Europe. It is a popular spot for photography and contemplation.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Monday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Aug 19, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.