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The Northern Lights & Lapland
Tour Description:
TRAVELING ON SOME OF SCANDINAVIA'S MOST SCENIC RAILROADS, OUR TOUR TAKES US TO THE SPECTACULARLY BEAUTIFUL LOFOTEN ISLANDS AND OFFERS SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS.
On this remarkable adventure we explore Norway and Swedish Lapland, journeying north far into the Arctic Circle where we seek out the magical Northern Lights, all whilst traveling on some of Scandinavia's most scenic railroads.
Highlights:
* Scenic rail journey on the Nordland Railway, also known as the 'Polar Express', to Bodø
* Journey on the Ofoten Railway to Kiruna
* Ferry and scenic drive to Lofoten Islands
* Rail and coach travel as described
* 10 nights' hotel accommodation
* 18 meals including 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
* Trondheim city tour
* Guided tour of the Ice Hotel
* Sami Experience
* Husky Adventure
* Porterage included from Narvik to Kiruna
* Intercountry flights are included
* Services of a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides for touring
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - To Trondheim
Our wonderful journey in search of the Northern Lights begins as you arrive in Trondheim, where you spend your first evening at leisure. Overnight Trondheim.
Day 2 - Trondheim at Leisure
Today enjoy some time at leisure. Founded in the 10th century, Trondheim is one of the oldest and largest cities in Norway. This was the former seat of the Norwegian kings and a Scandinavian spiritual center throughout the Middle Ages. In 1681, a huge fire damaged much of the city, though this was swiftly rebuilt in a grand style, much of which survives. Today, this city is widely regarded as a cradle of culture within Norway. Overnight Trondheim. (B, D)
Day 3 - Exploring Trondheim
Admire Trondheims’s popular sites on a guided city tour. you will discover the most attractive sights in the center of Trondheim, like the old quarter Bakklandet with its cozy, colorful wooden houses, it´s famous Old Town Bridge and the Nidaros Cathedral – the coronation and burial church of Norwegian Kings. Walking over the Main Square we pass by the Royal Residence and stroll through the cities heart revealing the charm of Trondheims history and culture. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Trondheim. (B)
Day 4 - Trondheim to Bodø on the Nordland Railway
We leave Trondheim early this morning and travel north on the Nordland Railway on a 452-mile journey to Bodø. The route takes us through the beautiful and varied landscape of northern Norway, past gently sloping hills and distant mountains, majestic lakes and deep forests, rocky coastline and views across small islands and out over the open sea. We cross the Arctic Circle - 66 degrees north - shortly before reaching the town of Lonsdal, the highest point of the railroad. The train reaches Fauske before turning due west for the final short section of the journey to Bodø, which claims to be 'the city with the world's most beautiful coastline'. As Bodø is beneath the auroral oval, if the weather is clear, tonight could be your first viewing of the magical Northern Lights. After dinner, we travel by coach to a viewing point, to maximize our chances of seeing the spectral dance of the magnificent Northern Lights. Overnight Bodo. (B, D)
Day 5 - Bodø & the Lofoten Islands
After a leisurely morning, we board our coach for a scenic journey to Bognes where a ferry takes us to Lodingen. Upon arrival in Lofoten Islands, we continue on to Svolvaer, the tiny capital of the stunningly beautiful Lofoten Islands. Described as Europe's most dramatic and spectacular islands, the Lofoten Islands are tethered to mainland Norway by a series of bridges and resemble spikey, wired teeth. The islands are home to countless small fishing communities, their houses built on timber piles with seawater under the floorboards and imposing cliffs towering 3,000ft above. We spend two nights at the Thon Hotel Lofoten. Overnight Svolvaer. (B)
Day 6 - The Lofoten Islands & the Northern Lights
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive on Lofoten islands to Nusfjord and Vestvagoy. Upon return, your afternoon is free to explore Svolvaer and the Lofoten Islands at leisure. The islands are home to some outstanding wildlife, including the world's densest population of sea eagles and large numbers of minke whales which roam the blue-watered bays. In the evening we embark on a coach journey to the quiet side of the island where there is hardly any light pollution. These are fantastic conditions from which to hunt for the Northern Lights, as well as making for beautiful views of the wintry landscape. We return by coach to Svolvaer. Overnight Svolvaer. (B, D)
Day 7 - Svolvaer to Narvik
We leave Svolvaer by coach this morning and return to the Norwegian mainland. Our journey once again offers a wonderful opportunity to soak up the region's breathtaking beauty, with views from the coach stretching down sheer drops to the majestic fjords in the valley below. We check in to the Thon Hotel Narvik and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. The ice-free seaport is located 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle and has a number of fascinating attractions including its Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which documents the wartime occupation of Narvik by the Germans in World War II and the bitter air and sea battles that took place for control of the harbor and the iron ore supplies. Also worth a visit is the Ofoten Museum, housed in the old NSB Railroad building, which features exhibitions relating to local cultural history and the construction of the Ofoten Railroad. Overnight Narvik. (B, D)
Day 8 - Narvik to Kiruna on the Ofoten Railway
Today we enjoy a journey on one of the world's most northerly railroad lines, the Ofoten Railroad. Narvik was originally built as a port to export the iron ore mined near Kiruna, and the Ofoten Railroad was built as the link between the mines and the port. We travel on this line across the Swedish border, crossing barren plateaus and traversing steep mountainsides as we make our way to Kiruna, Swedish Lapland's largest city. The railroad's route was painstakingly carved out of the mountains - an incredible engineering project that was largely undertaken by hand. On arrival in Kiruna we have time at leisure. We spend two nights at the Camp Ripan Hotel. Overnight Kiruna. (B, D)
Days 9 - Kiruna & the Sami Experience
This afternoon we take a 'Sami experience', discovering the lives and culture of Sweden's indigenous people. We travel to a Sami village where we meet the reindeer, enjoy a Sami feast in a 'lavvu' (Sami tent) and listen to local folk tales. We then leave the village behind, traveling to the Kiruna Ice Hotel for a guided tour and leisure time to explore. From here we head back to our hotel for dinner before taking a journey into a beautiful landscape of forests and mountains to try and view the captivating Northern Lights once again. Overnight Kiruna. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Lulea Husky Tour
After breakfast this morning we travel by coach to Lulea where we embark on a Husky Tour in Swedish Lapland. Here we will meet the dogs and enjoy a seated ride on one of the sleds allowing the chance to lean back and take some pictures of the wonderful nature surrounding us. After a warm drink and snack we head back to the hotel for some free time and one final dinner before we say farewell. (B, D)
Days 11 - Return Home
After your return flight from Lulea to Stockholm you are free to travel home independently. Flights are recommended from Stockholm. (B)
