Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter

Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter

10 Days
From

$4895

Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic 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

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

W800N26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4895 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 12-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scandinavia with the "Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter" tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, exploring its charming seaside architecture before heading to the Arctic Circle's Ivalo, where the Aurora Village offers a unique opportunity to witness the northern lights from the comfort of your glass-roofed cabin. Traverse the stunning winter landscapes to Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in Norway, and savor the breathtaking views at North Cape. Discover Alta's rich history and indulge in local delicacies, then immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tromsø, meeting the Indigenous Sámi community and their reindeer. Conclude your journey in Oslo, where modern architecture meets natural beauty. This tour promises unforgettable experiences, from dining with the Sámi to toasting under the northern lights, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of Insight's well-curated travel experience.

Highlights

  • Honningsvag: Discover the history of this small fishing community during an orientation with your Travel Director.

  • Alta: Visit the world's first Northern Lights observatory and enjoy a drink at a local ice bar.

  • Tromso: Explore Northern Norway's largest city, located on the island of Tromsøya, and learn about Sami culture at a reindeer camp.

  • Oslo: See the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district.

  • North Cape: Search for the Northern Lights while enjoying bubbles and caviar at the northernmost point of Europe.

  • Alta: Visit a working husky farm and learn about the challenges of Arctic dog sled races.

  • Tromso: Experience Sami traditions, including feeding reindeer and hearing folk songs around a fire.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki.

Helsinki, Finland

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.

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

Tromsø, Norway

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

Tromsø, Norway
Oslo, Norway

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

Oslo, Norway

Location: Oslo

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travelers. Your trip ends after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Orientation in Honningsvag

    During your orientation with your Travel Director, hear about the past and present of this small fishing community.

  • 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.

  • Orientation in Tromso

    Enjoy your orientation of Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city located on the island of Tromsøya.

  • Orientation in Oslo

    On your orientation of Oslo city, see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district.

  • Sami Cultural Experience

    A Sami family welcomes you into their reindeer camp to share their traditions, culture, and history.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Baggage Handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

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What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as learning about king crabs and enjoying a fresh, sea-to-table lunch are not included.

  • 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 a luxury coach with double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a relaxing journey through the Arctic Circle.

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.

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience can I expect in Tromsø during the tour?

    In Tromsø, you will have the opportunity to delve into the history of Scandinavia with the Indigenous Sámi community. You will be welcomed into their reindeer camp, where you can learn about their traditions, culture, and history. The experience includes a traditional meal, hot drinks, and stories around the fire.

  • Will I have the chance to see the Northern Lights during the tour?

    Yes, there is a chance to see the Northern Lights, especially when staying at the Aurora Village in Ivalo, where the cabins have glass roofs for viewing the night sky. However, sightings of the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.

  • 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 to learn about Alaskan huskies and the challenges of Arctic dog sled races.

  • What is the significance of the North Cape visit?

    The North Cape is the northernmost point of Europe, and during the visit, you can enjoy bubbles and caviar with fellow travelers while searching for the Northern Lights, weather permitting.

  • What kind of dining experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner at the Aurora Village in Ivalo, drinks at a local ice bar in Alta, a traditional meal with the Sámi people in Tromsø, and a Celebration Dinner with wine in Oslo.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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