We’re on the top of the world on this 14-day escorted tour of Scandinavia—the Arctic Circle to be exact. Explore the Land of the Midnight Sun as you travel into the exquisite beauty from Finland to Norway. Along the way, you’ll be warmed by the traditions, tastes, and legends. Begin in Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki poised on the country’s gulf peninsula, where Nordic cuisine is as hearty as the generations of tradition here. Visit Santa at the village of Rovaniemi, just across the Arctic Circle, once you’re sure to be on the “good list,” head through Lapland to the North Cape of Norway to discover the Sámi culture alive today in Karasjok. Call at a husky farm to learn about the life of mushers and sled dogs. Continue to Tromsø where the glow from the Arctic Cathedral adds a shining light to the end of your amazing arctic adventure! Continue your expedition with a 5-day cruise from Tromsø to Bergen, a spectacular feast for the eyes complete with fjords, frozen glaciers, archipelagos, and alpine panoramas!
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, plus a flight from Helsinki to Oulu.
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.
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 2
CULTURE & 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 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
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 8
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 9
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.
Accommodations
Helsinki
Oulu
Rovaniemi
Ivalo
Honningsvag
Alta
Tromso
Bergen
Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Albertinkatu 34 Helsinki Finland
Located in the very heart of Helsinki, this hotel combines the best parts of a home-like boutique hotel and a major international chain hotel. The in-house restaurant offers a variety of dishes using seasonal ingredients while the bar offers a wide selection of exclusive wines and craft beers. Leisure options include a fitness center and a sauna. Complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel.
Radisson Blu Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Hallituskatu 1 Oulu Finland
This Stylish hotel combines a unique glamorous 70s design with modern details. The spacious guest room interiors are serene and stylish, designed in a medley of materials, colors, and motifs that flirt with the early 70s as well as the hotel¿s Northern Finland location. All rooms are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and air conditioning. Located in the center of Oulu, the hotel is close to the city's most popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Numerous technology centers and museums lie near the hotel's city-center location, and just across the square is Oulu Market Hall.
Original Sokos Vaakuna First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Koskikatu 4 Rovaniemi Finland
A contemporary 159-room property situated in the centre of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus offering warm hearted Lappish hospitality and Free Wi-Fi connectivity. The hotel's restaurants feature a wide range of specialties, from rustic French cuisine to Lappish delicacies, as well as the best Tex-Mex in town and a nightclub.
Ivalo First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Ivalontie 34 Ivalo Finland
A warm inviting atmosphere is present in this 94-room hotel, its main restaurant offers Lappish specialties with a peaceful view over the River Ivalo and there is a cozy lobby bar with a fireplace and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Scandic Honningsvag First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Nordkappgt. 4 P.O. Box 153 Honningsvag Norway
A summer hotel centrally located next to the "Hurtigruten" quay and Honningsvag harbor. The area has a variety of experiences to offer. It is approx. 35 km to Nordkapp.
Scandic Hotel Alta First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Lokkeveien 61 Alta Norway
Modern business hotel; centrally located in the business district; one of the leading conference hotels of the region.
Scandic Grand Tromso First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Storgaten 44, Postboks 8 Tromsoe Norway
Located on Storgata shopping street in central Tromsø, this modern 133-room hotel offers a large breakfast buffet and an in-house café and bar. The colorful rooms have scandic decor with wooden floors and include comfortable beds and Free Wi-Fi access.
Thon Hotel Orion Superior Tourist-Class
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Bradbenken 3 Bergen Norway
Located by the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf District, the environmentally friendly eleven-story Thon Hotel Orion is in central Bergen with the famous Fish Market and the Fløibanen funicular railway within walking distance. A fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment, a cozy bar and free Wi-Fi throughout all property are available. The elegantly refurbished guestrooms feature a flat-screen TV with international channels, a writing desk, coffee and tea maker facilities, minibar, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, and free high-speed wireless internet access.