Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Small Group, Winter
Tour Overview
See the Northern Lights from Scandinavia's breathtaking mountaintops on this 10-day tour of Helsinki, Alta and Oslo. Journey through Finnish Lapland—250 km above the Arctic Circle to Ivalo, the Gateway to the North. From the comfort of your cozy cabin in Aurora Village, gaze out through the glass roof as the lights of the aurora borealis dance above. Cross the Finnish-Norwegian border to North Cape and sample caviar in Europe’s northernmost point, before a once-in-a-lifetime visit to a working husky farm. Here you will meet the Arctic dog-sled racing Alta huskies—a world-famous champion dog sledding team, before stopping in Tromsø, where the Indigenous Sámi community invites you to help feed their reindeer herd. The vacation draws to a close on the scenic, once-Viking, shores of the Oslofjord. ...more ...less
Top Rated Highlights
- Honningsvag: During your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the past and present of this small fishing community.
- Alta: Enjoy an orientation of Alta, where the world's first Northern Lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century. With increasing tourism the city is going through quick development offering a wide range of activities.
- Tromso: Enjoy your orientation of Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city located on the island of Tromsøya.
- Oslo: On your orientation of Oslo city, see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district.
Make Travel Matter
Tromso: Delve into the fascinating history of Scandinavia in Tromsø. Norway has recognized its Sami population as Indigenous and has special rules for the protection of Sami cultural heritage. A Sami family welcomes you into their reindeer camp to share their traditions, culture and history, and to enjoy an evening of dinner and games.The camp safeguards traditional practices that are significant to the Sami tribe. Visitors are educated about the sustainability and resiliency of their community. The Sami Camp advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Authentic Dining
Ivalo: Your delicious Welcome Dinner will be served at the boutique Aurora Village hotel.
North Cape: There is no better way to search for the Northern Lights than by toasting to your adventure with bubbles and caviar at North Cape, the most special place on earth.
Alta: Head for drinks at a local ice bar, where you'll get the chance to catch up with your fellow travelers.
Alta: Savor a delicious oven-baked lunch of local seasonal specialties of fresh salmon or the local's favorite, reindeer, served with fresh salads and wine.
Tromso: Dine on traditional food, served with hot drinks with the fascinating Sami people, as you hear tales of Scandinavia from its indigenous people.
Oslo: Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine during dinner at a local restaurant.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki.
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: GLO Art, Helsinki
Welcome to Helsinki, with its excellent museums and pretty seaside buildings. This beautiful city is set to be your home for the night. Our stay begins at the grand GLO Hotel Art. Decorated in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, this charming four-star hotel is the ideal place to sit backand relax before your Scandinavian adventure begins. Meet your Travel Director for a drink and mingle with your fellow traveling companions. ...more ...less
Day 2: The gateway to Lapland
Location: Ivalo
Accommodation Name: Aurora Village, Ivalo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll take a flight to Ivalo, a small yet important center in Finnish Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle. The Gateway to the North, Ivalo is set on the Ivalo River, where the first Lapland Goldrush took place in the 19th century. You’ll enjoy a dinner at your boutique hotel, Aurora Village, famed for its cabins with a glass roof, offering sweeping views of the night sky. Look out for the dancing northern lights, as you gaze through the glass ceiling from the comfort of your room. Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Day 3: Ivalo to Honningsvåg
Location: Ivalo, Porsangerfjord, Honningsvåg
Accommodation Name: Scandic Nordkapp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll be heading further north through the winter Lapland landscape. Cross the Finnish–Norwegian border as you make your way to Honningsvåg, the northernmost and smallest city in Norway. Your drive will take you along the mighty Porsangerfjord, the fourth largest fjord in Norway. You will take the subsea Nordkapp Tunnel to the island of Magerøya, to reach your hotel in this small fishing community. Explore the quaint city by taking a stroll along the waterfront before retiring to your hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Northern Lights in North Cape Relaxed Start
Location: Honningsvåg, North Cape
Accommodation Name: Scandic Nordkapp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely day to discover more of Honningsvåg. Take a walk to the 19th century church that survived the destruction of World War 2, a true rarity in Northern Norway. Perhaps take an Optional Experience to learn about king crabs and enjoy a fresh, sea-to-table lunch of this delicacy. Take your chance to visit the northernmost point of Europe, the famous North Cape and sip on bubbles and delight in exquisite caviar with your fellow travelers (weather permitting).
Day 5: North Cape to Alta
Location: North Cape, Alta
Accommodation Name: Scandic Alta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s journey will take you along an ever changing landscape from barren lands through highlands to the shores of the Altafjord. It was in Alta where the world’s first northern lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century. With increasing tourism the city is going through quick development offering a wide range of activities. Start your adventures with a visit to one of the first ice hotels in the world and enjoy a chilled beverage with your fellow travelers. Your comfortable hotel is located next to the modern and iconic Northern Lights Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Day 6: Alaskan Huskies in Alta Relaxed Start
Location: Alta
Accommodation Name: Scandic Alta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll enjoy a leisurely day in Alta to continue with your activities. Maybe you’ll choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum famous for its prehistoric rock carvings. Later, you’ll visit a working husky farm and get to know the Lyrek family and champion sled dogs. Learn about the Alaskan huskies and the challenges they face competing in the marathon long Arctic dog sled races. Indulge in a delectable oven-baked lunch before meeting the dogs themselves.
Day 7: Norway’s gateway to the Artic
Location: Alta, Tromsø
Accommodation Name: Moxy Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll head to Tromsø, northern Norway’s largest city, located on the island of Tromsøya. You’ll be surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ethereal water views.
Day 8: Delve into Scandinavian history
Location: Tromso
Accommodation Name: Moxy Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet members of the Indigenous Sámi community of Scandinavia. Delve into the history of Arctic Norway and join a Sámi guide for an immersive journey through their camp, with an invitation to help feed their reindeer herd. You are invited into a lavuu (a traditional Sámi tent) to hear stories of Sámi life and folk songs around the fire, after enjoying a traditional meal with hot drinks.
Day 9: A merry finale in Oslo
Location: Tromsø, Oslo, Oslo Opera House, Deichman Library
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, take a flight from Tromsø to Oslo, a modern city located on the shores of the Oslofjord. Surrounded by forested mountains, city dwellers and visitors alike have easy access to nature all year round. On your orientation see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district. Join your fellow travelers at a local restaurant to make a toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, over a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Day 10: Farewell Oslo
Location: Oslo
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travelers. Your trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Orientation in Honningsvag
During your orientation with your Travel Director, hear about the past and present of this small fishing community.
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Orientation in Alta
Enjoy an orientation of Alta, where the world's first Northern Lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century.
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Orientation in Tromso
Enjoy your orientation of Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city located on the island of Tromsøya.
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Orientation in Oslo
On your orientation of Oslo city, see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district.
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Sami Cultural Experience
A Sami family welcomes you into their reindeer camp to share their traditions, culture, and history.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as learning about king crabs and enjoying a fresh, sea-to-table lunch are not included.
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Northern Lights Sightings
Sightings of the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Scandinavia with flights from Helsinki to Ivalo and Tromsø to Oslo. Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom for journeys between destinations, ensuring a relaxing and scenic travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of Scandinavian hospitality with stays at the grand GLO Hotel Art in Helsinki, the boutique Aurora Village in Ivalo, and the comfortable Scandic Nordkapp in Honningsvåg. Enjoy the modern amenities of Scandic Alta and Moxy Tromso, and conclude your journey at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia in Oslo. ...more ...less
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Alta: Meet the Lyrek family and their huskies. Hear tales about their marathon Arctic dog sled races while enjoying a hearty lunch.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Summary
- Visit North Cape and search for the Northern Lights.
- See the Opera House and the new Deichmann Library in Oslo.
- Visit a working Husky Farm and meet the huskies
- Welcome Drink in Helsinki • Welcome Dinner at the Aurora Village hotel • Drinks at an Ice Bar in Alta • Celebration Dinner in Oslo.
- Enjoy the scenery as you travel through Scandinavia. Catch glimpses of shimmering winter wonderland forests and snow covered mountains, as you cross the border between Finland and Norway, chasing the northern lights. Watch dramatic coastlines rise from the seas by Alta, tracing your way past the Lyngen Alps down the coast to Tromsø.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience can I expect in Tromsø?
In Tromsø, you will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of Scandinavia with the Indigenous Sámi community. A Sámi family will welcome you into their reindeer camp to share their traditions, culture, and history. You will enjoy an evening of dinner and games, learning about the sustainability and resiliency of their community. ...more ...less
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What is special about the accommodation in Ivalo?
In Ivalo, you will stay at the boutique Aurora Village hotel, which is famed for its cabins with a glass roof. This unique feature offers sweeping views of the night sky, allowing you to look out for the northern lights from the comfort of your room.
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What activities are available in Alta?
In Alta, you can visit one of the first ice hotels in the world and enjoy a chilled beverage. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum, famous for its prehistoric rock carvings, and a working husky farm where you can learn about Alaskan huskies and the challenges they face in Arctic dog sled races. ...more ...less
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What can I expect during the visit to the North Cape?
At the North Cape, you will have the chance to visit the northernmost point of Europe. You can sip on bubbles and delight in exquisite caviar with your fellow travelers, weather permitting.
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What cultural experience is included in the tour?
The tour includes a cultural experience with the Indigenous Sámi community in Tromsø. You will meet members of the Sámi community, join a Sámi guide for an immersive journey through their camp, help feed their reindeer herd, and hear stories of Sámi life and folk songs around the fire. ...more ...less
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions
Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Small Group, Winter
10 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Oslo, Norway
Visiting: Helsinki, Ivalo, Porsangerfjord, Honningsvåg, North Cape, Alta, Tromsø, Tromso, Oslo, Oslo Opera House, Deichman Library ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW800N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Northern Lights, Polar, Wildlife Tours
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