Savour the Northern Lights – North

Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.

Stavanger is a city in southwestern Norway. In the center of town, Stavanger Cathedral dates back to the city’s 12th-century founding. Stavanger Museum chronicles the city’s history and displays preserved wildlife. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum illuminates the oil industry with submersibles, a large drill bit and an escape chute. The shopping street Øvre Holmegate is known for its colorful houses.

Ålesund is mostly known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture, which was in fact the result of a disaster. In 1904, the larger part of Ålesund was destroyed in a devastating fire. In an act of excellent foresight, it was decided to rebuild the town entirely in Art Nouveau, the fashionable style of the time. Most of this beauty has been preserved. If you look up as you explore the town, you will be enchanted by the rounded towers, sinuous lines and foliate forms typical of Art Nouveau.

Rørvik is a port village in the municipality of Nærøysund in Trøndelag county, Norway. It is on the eastern side of the Vikna archipelago on the island of Inner-Vikna. The 1.82-square-kilometre village has a population of 3,129 and a population density of 1,719 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden

Tromsø’s numerous attractions include wildlife and impressive vistas, as well as history, culture and daring architecture. Often described as the Paris of the north, Tromsø offers a lively nightlife, friendly locals and a range of restaurants specializing in the fresh produce of the region. The city centre offers great shopping – from locally made specialties to Nordic and international brands.

After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour winter safari by snow sleigh or snowmobile across frozen lakes and snowy birch forests to Koltavuoma, where the yellow border cairn marks the peaceful meeting point of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Covering about 19 miles (30 km), this unique journey lets you cross three countries in under a minute. The tour includes expert guidance, thermal gear, professional photos, and a pastry with a warm drink back at the hotel.

The afternoon is free for personal exploration. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by a guided Northern Lights hunt with your tour managers, weather permitting.

Today, travel by private coach along the scenic Sweden–Finland border to the charming resort town of Levi. You’ll spend two nights in a private Aurora Cabin, also known as a glass igloo. Located away from light pollution, these unique accommodations provide clear views of the night sky, with the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights right from your bed. After arrival and check-in, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.

After a cosy night’s sleep, you’ll swap the snowmobiles from the night before for husky sleds. The energetic team of dogs will take you on a 5-kilometre sleigh ride through Lapland’s pristine forests. This unforgettable trip promises a fast-paced, memorable journey through the winter wonderland.

After breakfast, we’ll board a private coach for a scenic journey from Levi to Kemi. Arrive at the Experience 365 winter resort and check into the unique Glass Villas, where you’ll spend the night enjoying panoramic views of the landscape.

In the afternoon, head to Ajos pier on Bothnian Bay and board Sampo, an icebreaker ship. It’s a thrilling experience as the icebreaker ploughs powerfully through the frozen sea. If you’re brave and bold, take a refreshing dip in the icy waters while wearing a full-body waterproof survival suit. Return to the resort for a delicious dinner to complete your day.

Today we’ll travel by train from Kemi to Helsinki, where we’ll spend two nights. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best cities to live in, Helsinki is vibrant and colourful, offering a balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. With many trails nearby, the city is also known for its incredible natural scenery.

A two-hour city tour will take you to explore key landmarks including City Hall, the Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall, the Opera House and, weather permitting, the famous Sibelius Monument. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church). As its name implies, this wonderful building is carved into solid rock.

In the evening we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel with your fellow travellers.

Sadly, today marks the end of our adventure. After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to your guides and fellow travellers.

From the far south of Norway up along its coast, then down through Finnish Lapland – you’ve been on quite the journey. You’ve travelled across two Scandinavian countries, with the Northern Lights hopefully making a pleasant appearance, not just one but a few times.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.