Ultimate Norway

The Reinefjord in Lofoten. Image: Andrea Giubelli/www.visitnorway.com

Travel period: 7.1.2012-1.4.2012
5 nights/6 days

Cruise along Norway’s magnificent fjords; enjoy the beauty of northern lights, stay in an igloo hotel, and learn to drive a snowmobile. This is a winter holiday at its best. The beauty of Norway is breath-taking!

Your relaxing winter holiday begins in the Northern Norway’s capital, Tromsø. It is the home of the country’s northernmost university, and has the Arctic Sea as its closest neighbour. Tromsø is situated above the Arctic Circle, and right in the centre of the Northern Lights zone. After enjoying the pulsating cultural life of Tromsø, the Hurtigruten Cruise will take you for an unforgettable journey further up north along the Norwegian coast line. And when you thought your winter experience couldn’t get even more exciting you’ll check in at the Alta Igloo Hotel, built completely of snow and ice.

Day 1: Tromsø – the Arctic Capital of Northern Lights

Arrival in Tromsø according to your own itinerary. Tromsø is often referred to as the ‘Arctic Capital’, and is the largest Norwegian city above the Arctic circle. We suggest a visit to the famous Polaria, a very distinctive building that represents ice floes that have been pressed up on land by the rough Arctic seas. Polaria has an Arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits and a panoramic cinema.

Tromsø is known for having the most Northern Lights in the world! It’s located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone. Because of the planet’s rotation, Tromsø moves into the aurora zone around 6pm, and moves out again around midnight. The Northern lights don’t appear every night, but the chances to see them in Tromsø are definitely high! Overnight at Clarion Bryggen Hotel.

Day 2: Tromsø – Honnigsvåg fjord cruise

Breakfast at the hotel. Half day of leisure before boarding the Hurtigruten cruise ship in the afternoon. On board you have a unique opportunity to explore the wonderful arctic landscape from the sea. Glaciers, the colourful culture of the Inuit and wild animals make Hurtigruten one of the most exciting and beautiful voyages in the world. Overnight onboard in an outside cabin.

Day 3: North Cape – top of Europe

Breakfast onboard. Today you have reached your final port onboard, Honningsvåg. From here you will go for an excursion to the northernmost point of Norway – the North Cape. The tour goes by bus from Honnigsvåg through the sub-arctic landscape towards our destination. The plateau itself rises 307 meters up from the Arctic Ocean which gives you a Majestic view. Entrance to the North Cape Hall with viewing platform, souvenir shops, cinema, cafeteria and restaurant, is included in the excursion. Transfer back to Honningsvåg for overnight stay. Overnight at the Rica hotel Bryggen.

Day 4: Honnigsvåg -Alta

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is at your own leisure in Honningsvåg before your journey continues by a local bus to Alta in the afternoon. From Honningsvåg you will drive through the underwater tunnel to the mainland, along the Porsangen fjord and across the pristine Sennalandet plains of Finnmark country. Overnight at Rica Hotel Alta.

Day 5: Snowmobile Safari and Igloo Hotel

After having breakfast at the hotel start the day with a breathtaking Snowmobile Safari trough the beautiful landscape of Finnmark. You will follow the old trade route towards Karasjok which offer a great variety of nature – from forest and valleys to unending, snow-covered plains. You will also get a pre-view of the Igloo Hotel – your accommodation for the night.

The hotel measures approx 2,000 square metres and its 30 rooms are built completely of snow and ice. Before going to bed you will be served a two-course dinner in the beautiful wooden restaurant shaped like a Sami Lavvo, a traditional Lappish tent.

The temperatures inside the igloo remain constant between minus 4 and minus 7 degrees Centigrade. Thanks to natural reindeer hides, mattresses and sleeping-bags that keep you warm, you will have a comfortable night. We recommend wearing woollen underwear and a hat during the night. Overnight at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.

Day 6: Return to Alta and Farewell

Breakfast and morning sauna at the hotel before the bus takes you back to Alta. Departure according to your own itinerary.

Prices are valid from 07.01.2012 until 01.04.2012
Please note that this tour does not commence on Wednesdays.
This tour is subject to weather conditions.

Package prices:

from £1278 per person when 2 people sharing
from £1540 per person in single room

What is included in the price?

• 3 nights hotel accommodation

• 1 night accommodation onboard Hurtigruten in guaranteed outside cabin

• Half board onboard Hurtigruten

• 1 night cold accommodation at the Sorrisniva Igloo hotel

• 1 dinner at the Sorrisniva Igloo hotel

• Excursion to North Cape

• Transfers as described in the itinerary

• Snowmobile Safari (3 hrs) including warm clothing + safety equipment and Sami lunch

Flights: This package price doesn’t include flights but you can ask for a quote including flights as well. If you decide to book flights yourself, the airlines flying to Norway are Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Airlines.