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20 Day Follow The Lights - Northbound

This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5

 

Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Balanced

Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.

Group Size
Small Group

Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Cruise along the scenic coast and fjords of Norway has often been praised as being one of the most beautiful voyages in the world. Each day of your voyage will yield unforgettable memories of natural beauty as you discover a coastline with an ever changing personality with a new revelation around every headland.

Cruise Style
Coastal Cruise
2,820 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Return international airfares, including checked baggage
✓ Small, personal group experience, no more than 24 guests
✓ Incredible sightseeing and experiences including reindeer and husky safaris, a visit to Santa Claus’ Village, Kjosfossen waterfall, cruising Norway’s famous UNESCO-listed fjords and in-depth city tours in Helsinki, Bergen, Tallinn and Oslo
✓ 11 nights in 4-star hotels, including one night in a glass igloo gazing up at the night sky searching for the northern lights
✓ 6 nights on board the signature Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express voyage, northbound
✓ Norway in a Nutshell journey over two days, including the scenic Bergen Railway, iconic Flåm Railway, a cruise through dramatic fjords and Western Norway’s beautiful scenery 
✓ Catch the Santa Claus Express train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki
✓ Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 10 dinners
✓ All transport, including cruise, coach, ferry and train

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What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Time to get excited about your northern lights adventure and board your flight to Oslo.

Hotel
Scandic St Olavs Plass or similar or Similar
Meals
Dinner

Welcome to Oslo! After arriving in Oslo, make your own way to your hotel where you can check in and spend the afternoon at leisure. If you wish, you can easily see some sights of Oslo on foot from your hotel.

Tonight, meet your guide and tour group at a welcome dinner.

Hotel
Scandic St Olavs Plass or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast this morning at your hotel, enjoy an Oslo Grand City tour that will take in the main attractions and highlights of Norway’s capital. Included on the tour is a stop at Oslo Opera House and the world famous Vigeland sculpture park, created by iconic Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. Also, see the Holmenkollen Ski Jump before returning to the hotel.

Remainder of your day is at leisure.

Hotel
Flåmsbrygga Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today, embark on the famous Norway in a Nutshell journey, which will take us to the fjordlands of Norway over the next two days. Our day begins with a train journey from Oslo to Myrdal, where we eventually climb up to the 850 metre point above sea level where the iconic Flåm Mountain Railway begins down to the village of Flåm.

On the way down, enjoy incredible scenery and a stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall. Upon arriving in Flåm, it is a short walk to the hotel where you will spend the night where you will enjoy an included Viking themed dinner.

Hotel
Clarion Hotel Admiral or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

The second day of the Norway in a Nutshell journey begins after breakfast, as you enjoy a two hour boat cruise of Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, ending at the village of Gudvangen. A short bus ride through the Nærøydalen valley takes you to Voss, where we will catch a train for the rest of the journey to Bergen, gateway to the fjords.

Upon arrival in Bergen, check into your hotel and the rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Hotel
MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harold or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning at your own leisure, which includes breakfast at your hotel, before you go on a walking tour of Bergen which will take in the sights of St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district, made up of colourful age-old wooden wharves, which date back to the 11th century AD. The tour also takes in the Bergen fish market andTroldhaugen, the home of famous Norwegian composer, Edvard Greig.

We finish the tour at Bergen pier, where we can relax at the guest lounge before boarding our Hurtigruten ship to begin our Coastal Express voyage north along Norway’s beautiful coast. 

Hotel
MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harold or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the ship will cruise along the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik, before sailing past West Cape for the final approach to Ålesund, where we will spend the afternoon exploring. Renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund is easily explored on foot. Make sure to go to Mount Askla, where you can get a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Head back to the ship for departure, where you can enjoy dinner before the last port of the day, at Molde, where there is an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the Molde Panorama.

Hotel
MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harold or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the ship arrives early in Trondheim, Norway’s first capital. You will have the option of exploring the city in your own time or on an guided optional excursion. Founded in 997, the centrepiece of the city is the magnificent gothic Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ and is considered the most sacred building in all of Norway.

Afterwards, make sure you make your way to the district of Bakklandet and get a photo of the colourful wooden wharves from Gamle Byro, the old city bridge. Make way back to the ship’s departure northwest, passing the Kjeungskjær Lighthouse towards the charming village of Rørvik.

Hotel
MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harold or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, a moment to remember as you cross into the Arctic Circle, where the chances of witnessing the phenomena of the Northern Lights greatly improve  the further you journey into its boundaries. This morning, your crew onboard will mark the occasion (entirely if you dare) which will wake you up in the most refreshing way.

After breakfast, the ship will call into the ports of Ørnes and Bodø before in the afternoon entering the Lofoten archipelago. The striking landscapes of the Lofoten Islands are some of the best in Norway, including the striking Lofoten Wall, a stunning 1,000 metre-high formation of mountains. A short stop at Stamsund before arriving in the evening at the pretty harbour town of Svolvær.

Hotel
MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harold or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you get up early enough, you will be able to have a morning stroll at this morning’s first stop, Harstad. The ship then continues on via Finnsnes and past the beautiful island of Senja, before pulling into the Arctic capital of Tromsø. You will have four hours to explore the city, which includes many local breweries, Polaris - the northernmost aquarium and if you are quick enough, cross the bridge past the Arctic Cathedral and make your way to the Fjellheisen to catch the cable car up Storsteinen mountain for spectacular views of the city and the surrounding scenery.

Make sure tonight you make your way outside (if weather permits) to see the mighty Lyngen Alps, as our ship sails through the striking Arctic region this evening.

Hotel
MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harold or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We sail towards the northernmost point of Norway, as today you will port at Honningsvåg, known as the gateway to the North Cape, marking the northernmost point of the European continent. We continue sailing across northern Norway, on the way, you will witness the local ways of life, as you might see cod drying on gigantic wooden racks called hjell, whose export is one of the main industries of the area.

Hotel
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will leave our Hurtigruten ship as we reach Kirkenes, the last point of the coastal voyage before the ships head back south to Bergen. Your adventure, however, is not over as we begin a journey into FInland. Our first stop is Inari, the are is famous for being a cultural centre for the indigenous Sámi people, and you will learn about them as we visit the Siida Sámi museum to learn more about the Sámi that have defined the culture of Finland.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Saariselkä, a small skiing village in the heart of Finnish Lapland where you will spend the night.

Hotel
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will have the day to explore this charming Finnish village at your own pace, or try one of the optional excursions available to you today. 

This evening, a magical experience awaits as you will journey through the FInnish wilderness on a reindeer safari, hopefully with the chance to see the northern lights. You will visit a local Sámi family to learn about reindeers and their special relationship to the Sámi people. After some warm drinks in a traditional hut, you will (weather permitted) enjoy a reindeer drawn journey through the night time winter wonderland.

Hotel
Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today we journey south towards the heart of Lapland and its bespoke capital, Rovaniemi - most famous for being the home of Santa Claus. Upon arrival, we will be experiencing the Santa Claus Village, where you can enjoy meeting reindeer and the bearded man himself. 

A special evening awaits as we check-in to the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Sinettä where you will enjoy a night in a glass igloo. After dinner in the hotel, settle in and keep your eyes open in the hope you will see the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.

Hotel
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive back to Rovaniemi to have more time to explore the capital of Lapland. With a fascinating history, particularly during World War II, where the city was extensively damaged and was rebuilt in the shape of a reindeer's head.

This afternoon, another magical Lapland experience awaits as we visit a husky farm. You will take a tour of a husky dog kennel where we will enjoy lunch. Afterwards, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lappish wilderness.

Hotel
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today, you will have a full day to explore Rovaniemi. Your guide today can recommend additional excursions in the area or things to do in the area.

Hotel
Scandic Grand Marina or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

A train journey south today takes us to the capital of Finland, Helsinki. Considered one of the most liveable cities in the world, Helsinki is a vibrant hub of northern Europe strategically positioned in the Gulf of Finland connecting the city to many other countries in the region. 

Upon arriving in the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the city including its wide ranging restaurants, cafes and bars.

 

Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

One of the cities that Helsinki is easily connected to, is the Estonian capital of Tallinn. The two cities are easily journeyed by a ferry which only takes a couple of hours each way. Upon arrival in Tallinn, your local guide will collect you to take you on a combined driving and walking tour of this historic city, with history dating back 5,000 years. 

Most famously known for one of the most well preserved mediaeval towns in all of Europe, you will explore on foot the famous Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and visitng Toompea Castle. After seeing the sights, we will return to Helsinki where a farewell dinner will be enjoyed to reflect on our amazing journey across Scandinavia.

Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, our adventure across Scandinavia and hunt for the northern lights will end.

The easiest way to get to Helsinki Vantaa International Airport is the train connection between Helsinki city centre and Helsinki Airport and is carried out by local commuter trains which run every 10 minutes on peak hours. Travel time from the airport train station to Helsinki Central Station is about 30 minutes. Single ticket fare from Helsinki Airport to city centre is €4.10 from the ticket machines located at the station.

Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired. 

Inclusions

  •  Return international airfares including checked baggage
  •  All transport including on cruise, local trains and coach
  •  11 nights hotel accommodation (including 1 night in a glass igloo) & 6 nights on board Hurtigruten cruise
  • 17 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 10 Dinner
  • Cruise on the famous fjords of Norway
  • Norway in a Nutshell including a journey on the iconic Flåm Railway
  • In depth city tours (including canal journeys, panoramic tours and water cruises) in Oslo, Bergen and Tallinn
  • Reindeer and Husky safaris
  • Santa Claus Village visit
  • Entry into the Dome Church in Tallinn
  • Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary

  • Oslo - grand city tour
  • Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord - fjord cruise
  • Bergen - walking tour
  • Norway - see the diverse landscapes of Norway on your northbound Hurtigruten cruise
  • Sinettä - spend a night in a glass igloo at the Arctic SnowHotel
  • Saariselkä - reindeer safari
  • Rovaniemi - husky safari
  • Flåm - ride the iconic Flåmbana railway
  • Tallinn - grand city tour

Cruise Information and Upgrades
Bedding on board the cruise is restricted to the following configurations. If you wish to upgrade your cabin, the following amounts are payable in addition to the package price prior to travel:

Polar Outside
Our Polar outside cabins are situated mostly on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Some cabins have double beds, while others have separate beds, one of which is a sofa bed, or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.

Arctic Superior (promenade deck) - FROM $581 per person, twin share (Single from $1,162)
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic superior cabins. Situated on upper decks, they all have bathrooms with shower and WC, tea and coffee-making facilities and TVs. The cabins have double beds. All the cabins have individual specifications.

Arctic Superior (upper deck) - FROM $930 per person, twin share (Single from $1,860)
The same Arctic Superior standard, however, is located on the upper deck with unobstructed views.

Please request your cabin upgrade in the 'special requests' field. Availability and price will then be confirmed and added to your invoice upon acceptance.

The Norwegian Coastline Cruises operate with a number of different ships, all with similar facilities and deck plans. Please click the ship name below to be taken to further information including the deck plans;

MS Kong Harald

MS Polarlys

Essential Information

We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.

Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.

Pay In Full Option:

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 1st installment of $3,450.00 per person within 5 days.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $3,000.00 per person within 60 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfill your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase. 

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

This depends on the package you are booking. 

Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.

We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):

  • At check-out, please ensure you add the numbers of extra nights you would like pre- and/or post-tour (where available as an add-on). This can only be done at time of booking and cannot be added after purchase.
  • Some packages may only offer the opportunity to book one (1) extra night pre and/or post. If you want more nights’ than what is available to book you must choose Land Only (refer below).
  • If there is no option to add additional nights’ accommodation to your booking, then extending your stay with Inspiring Vacations is not an option and you can instead choose to change your booking to Land Only so you can arrange both your airfares and additional accommodation independently. 

When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance. 

Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare. 

The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked. 

Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:

  • You would like to stopover
  • You would like to upgrade your cabin class
  • You would like a specific airline booked 
  • You would like to extend longer than what is available within the package 
  • You intend to book additional accommodation independently
  • You would like to arrive and/or depart from another city or airport or; 
  • Your preferred domestic departure city point (ie Perth, Australia) is not an option 

If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please select land only. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees. 
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • Depending on departure date and time of booking, the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline.
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation.
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Fitness Requirements 
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”

3 - Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $5,429.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Visa & Passport Information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visa's may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Group Size
Max 24 people. Please be advised that under exceptional circumstances, the group size may slightly surpass the designated limit due to operational reasons, such as in the event that a cruise date is consolidated with another.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:

  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Northern Lights
Please note, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomena and can't be guaranteed. The dates provided will give you the best chance of hopefully viewing the lights during your trip, but Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any departures which unfortunately don't see the Northern Lights during their trip. 

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre and post-tour accommodation

  • Pre Tour Accommodation - $340 per room, per night for double/twin/single
  • Post Tour Accommodation - $462 per room, per night for double/twin/single

Please note: Pre and Post Hotel can only be added at the time of your original booking request. Rates are on request and will be subject to availability at the time of booking.

  • Airport Transfer
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

For more information on the weather in Norway, click HERE.

For more information on the weather in Finland, click HERE.

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