20 Day Norway Winter & Southern Fjords Premium Small Group Tour
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.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
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.
✓ Small, personal group tour – no more than 24 people
✓ Incredible sightseeing! See the famous Lofoten Islands, fly through the Arctic forest by husky sled, hunt for the northern lights in wild Finnish Lapland, visit Santa Claus’ Village in Rovaniemi and more
✓ 17 nights in comfortable, 3 and 4-star accommodation
✓ 1 night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
✓ 1 night in a magical glassed-roof Aurora cabin under Saariselkä’s starry skies, looking for the northern lights
✓ Breakfast daily & 6 dinners including memorable welcome dinner
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide from day 1 - 17. Note: Oslo to Bergen is self-guided
✓ All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
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.
Welcome to Scandinavia! Today is at your leisure to explore this quirky city.
Tonight you will enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner to get to know our fellow travellers a little better. This meeting commences at approximatively 7pm.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
It's an early start today for an adventure to the Baltics and back. You will be transferred to a ferry and enjoy breakfast onboard as we cruise through a small stretch of the Baltic Sea, before arriving in the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia. We will then enjoy a guided tour of Tallinn's magical Old Town. An exceptionally well-preserved district that dates back to the 13th century, the old town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Later, we return to Helsinki by ferry, where we’ll be transferred to the hotel.
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Temppeliaukio Church, known locally as the 'Rock Church'. Excavated directly into solid rock and completed in 1969, this is one of Helsinki's star attractions.
This afternoon, get ready to board the ‘Santa Claus Express’. This iconic overnight sleeper train will take us from Helsinki into the heart of Lapland and the ‘official’ home of Santa Claus. The modern train has private twin-share cabins, onboard dining and is the perfect way to travel up to the untouched north.
Early morning arrival to Kemi, where a morning breakfast is served at the SnowCastle Resort. Visit the main building of the SnowCastle Resort, where there will be snow & ice sculptures on display, an ice bar and an ice restaurant.
Later, we’ll travel to the Ajos Pier located by the Bothnian Bay, where the sea freezes over during winter. It’s time to board a real life Icebreaker for an incredible adventure. Ploughing through the thick ice is not the only attraction for passengers onboard this powerful vessel: guests also have the unique opportunity to swim among the ice (in a full-body waterproof 'survival suit', of course).
After an unforgettable day, we continue the journey north to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.
NOTE: AUTUMN DEPARTURES (13 Sep - 26 Nov) - Due to the lack of ice on Bothnian Bay, the Icebreakers are not yet in operation. Autumn departures will travel directly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi on the overnight sleeper train and the Icebreaker activity will be replaced by Arctic Floating.
Arctic Floating in Rovaniemi is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Finnish wilderness. It involves floating in a near frozen lake. You'll be provided with a high-quality, waterproof floating suit that keeps you warm and dry, even in near freezing temperatures. Experienced guides will accompany you throughout the experience, ensuring your safety and providing insights into the local environment.
Today, visit Santa Claus’ Village for a couple of hours of Christmas magic. Here, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate to commemorate this. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the village’s many charms and fun activities, like meeting Santa’s reindeer, perusing the souvenirs or exploring Snowman World. You can even send a postcard home from the post office, staffed by Santa’s postal elves – it will have a special Arctic Circle postmark not available anywhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa.
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling. The best way to get to the heart of nature – and back. During this fun safari, you’ll learn how to ride a snowmobile along frozen rivers and through snow covered forests. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river valley from the hilltops. A break with hot beverages will keep your motor running.
Time: 9am or 2:30pm.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours.(including 1.5 hours driving time).
Includes: snowmobile guide, safety helmet, hot beverage, biscuits, winter clothing (outer layer wind and water resistant one piece thermal suit). Note, you will need to wear the appropriate winter clothing underneath the suit to keep you warm.
Snowmobile Safari:
This morning we travel further north through the winter landscape, stopping at Sodankyla, where a quick outside visit to the old church is included.
Later, you’ll arrive at a husky farm to take part in your Inspiring Sight, a Husky Safari, where these friendly dogs will bark an enthusiastic welcome for you. Before departing on the safari, you will be given instruction on how to control the sleds. Upon your return to the farm, enjoy some hot berry juice by an open fire and chat away with the head musher about these amazing animals.
Later in the afternoon, we leave Rovaniemi and continue our journey into Saariselkä for an Inspiring Stay. Tonight we are bedding down in a glass-roof cabin. The glass-roofed structures let you sleep right beneath the starry skies, and hopefully the Northern Lights. Each Aurora cabin is extremely well-insulated to ensure guests are not bothered by the cold in even the coolest of temperatures.
Note : on some departure dates, passengers might stay at Northern Lights Village Pyha or at Aurora Village in Ivalo, instead of Northern Lights Village Saariselkä.
Today, continue North, stopping in Inari, where a visit to the SIIDA Museum is included before crossing the border to breathtaking Norway, and a little later arrival to Karasjok.
Note: on some departure dates, passengers might stay at Lakselv Hotel 3* - located in Lakselv, a little futher north of Karasjok. A breakfast box will be provided.
Leaving Karasjok we continue our Arctic adventures to Norway's northern tip – the vast North Cape/Nordkapp.
Upon arrival you’ll be presented with a certificate to prove you've been to Europe's most northerly point. Here, you’ll also enjoy an Inspiring Taste of sparkling wine and caviar.
Leaving the North Cape region today we begin our journey south, down the coast of Norway to Alta. Here we'll explore the Alta Museum and its World Heritage Rock Art Centre.
Tonight we go on an evening drive around Alta to hunt for the Northern Lights again from a different perspective.
Today we leave Alta and continue south to Tromsø. Located 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway. The city is known for its lively nightlife, with many local pubs and a wide range of restaurants specialising in the fresh ingredients of the Arctic. En route, we travel via the Lyngen Alps. This mountain range dominates the landscape, bordered by the Lyngen Fjord to the east, and Ullsfjorden to the west.
On arrival, enjoy some time at leisure in this so-called Gateway to the Arctic.
Note: on the following departure dates (12/02/25 , 19/02/2025 and 09/03/2025), passengers will stay at Enter Amalie Hotel, a high quality 3-star hotel.
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You'll have the opportunity to visit one of the many museums within walking distance of your hotel.
Note: on the following departure dates (12/02/25 , 19/02/2025 and 09/03/2025), passengers will stay at Enter Amalie Hotel, a high quality 3-star hotel.
After breakfast we leave Tromsø and make our way to Narvik, which sits on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands. On arrival, we visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum. In the spring of 1940 Nazi Germany suffered its first defeat in Narvik at the hands of Norwegian, British, French and Polish forces. The Red Cross War Memorial Museum tells the full story of the epic Battles of Narvik.
Leaving Narvik, we make our way to the town of Svolvær, within the famous Lofoten archipelago. The setting surrounding the town is sublime with a backdrop of high mountains and iconic red wooden houses. Svolvær is the perfect base to explore the magical Lofoten Islands.
Today, we explore the stunning Lofoten Islands and their natural beauty, including a stop in the small village of Henningsvær. Set among a group of tiny islands seemingly dropped into the ocean at the foot of the imposing Vågakallen mountain, Henningsvær is one of Lofoten‘s best-known fishing villages. The stunning setting and mix of traditional wooden architecture and modern art galleries make this island village one of a kind.
After checking out of the hotel we head by bus to Evenes, where we'll board a flight to the captivating Norwegian capital of Oslo. After a short flight we arrive in Oslo where we'll be transferred to our central hotel. Oslo is known for its green open spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of your day or evening at leisure, exploring this pedestrian-friendly city.
Today we enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, enjoy a scenic drive through Oslo, passing such national landmarks as the Parliament building, with its two imposing lion statues at the main entrance, the National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch. Next stop is the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval fortress built by King Håkon V, in the 14th century, which is a today seen as a national symbol for Norwegians and today a popular place for
recreation.
Please note: Akershus Castle only opens on Saturdays and Sundays in wintertime. It will be replaced by the Historical Museum on Tuesdays to Fridays, and to The Fram Museum on Mondays.
Today, make the short walk from the hotel to the train station, located next door, for the start of the “Norway In a Nutshell” tour. Experience the essence of Norway on Norway’s most popular and sustainable tour. Travel through stunning Norwegian fjords, mountains, valleys and cities on 1 green ticket. On the first day of your Norway adventure you travel from Oslo to Flåm. You start with the Bergen railway to Myrdal enjoying the change of scenery and landscape from busy city life up to the quiet high mountains. In Myrdal you change to the famous Flam railway, one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. After a breathtaking train ride to Flåm, you check in at your hotel and free time to explore the small village, visit the Ægir Microbrewery or perhaps the Flåm Railway Museum.
Note: Guide services finish after breakfast. Day 17 - 20 are unguided. The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route from Day 17-20 is Norway’s most famous independent trip. The entire journey connects seamlessly and well signed in English. Transport service times are made to connect together making the whole trip effortless.
Baggage: To make the journey easier, your luggage will be transferred to Bergen ahead of you. Please make sure to take an overnight bag for your stay in Flam. Your luggage (max. 1 bag per person) must be given to the reception at your hotel (Thon Hotel Opera) by 6:30AM. Luggage is picked up from reception and will be available in your hotel in Bergen, the following evening.
After enjoying a nice breakfast you take the morning departure from Flåm, starting with one of the many highlights on the tour, the fjordcruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. In Gudvangen a scenic bus ride to Voss awaits you. You pass by roaring waterfalls and small farms. In Voss you change to the Bergen railway and go on a relaxing train ride to Bergen. After a day with loads of impressions you arrive Bergen in early afternoon and check in at your hotel.
Today is at leisure to further explore Bergen, also known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, situated on the West coast of Norway, surrounded by mountains. We recommend visiting the old Hanseatic part of town, known as Bryggen, where you can step back in time and wonder between the old buildings. A highlight of any visit to Bergen is the stunning views from the top of Mt Fløien, and you can reach this by taken a journey on the funicular railway – Fløibanen. The local fish market is also a must when visiting Bergen, and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants located in the harbour area.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring winter experience.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Sight
Inspiring Taste
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
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. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
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 categorize 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 categorized as a “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.
Luggage Requirements:
We want to ensure your journey with us is as enjoyable as possible. We understand that travelling during the winter season in Norway may pose challenges. Given you are responsible for handling your own luggage throughout the trip, please be aware that moving luggage in snow or icy conditions can be challenging. For this reason, and to ensure that we are not exceeding the overall luggage allowances on our ground transportation, we recommend packing light (not exceeding 20kg per person) and being prepared for such conditions.
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.
Some areas in Norway are known for their cozy accommodations, and this may mean that rooms are smaller than what you're accustomed to. Rest assured, our chosen hotels prioritise comfort and convenience.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,812.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
In order to keep our Single Supplement at a reduced cost, some hotels may allocate solo travellers with a dedicated Single Room. At times this may mean a single bed will be provided.
Triple Share
Not available.
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.
Group Size
12-24 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Note: For days 1 - 16 of this tour, you will be fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Day 17 - 20 are self-guided. The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route from Day 17-20 is Norway’s most famous independent trip. The entire journey connects seamlessly and well signed in English. Transport service times are made to connect together making the whole trip effortless.
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.
What to pack for your Norway Winter Tour
To ensure your comfort we suggest packing base and mid layers, along with a substantial winter jacket, a wool or fleece hat, balaclava/buff, gloves, a woolly jumper, scarf, winter boots.. Keep in mind the layering principle: it's more effective to wear several thin layers than a few thick ones.
In exceptionally cold conditions, consider wearing two pairs of gloves – a thick pair of mitts (as mitts keep your hands warmer by not separating the fingers) and a thin pair of gloves underneath for finger dexterity. For those susceptible to cold extremities, consider acquiring carbon hand and foot warmers, typically found in reputable outdoor stores.
It is highly recommended to pack (or buy in a local shop) snow spikes/cleats. These anti-slip traction accessories for your shoes will come in very handy towards navigating slippery roads and slopes. Just keep these handy as you will be expected to remove them before entering shops and restaurants.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
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 Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Please note: you can only select ONE of the reindeer optional tours provided on day 11. Places are subject to availability and extremely limited due to popularity. If we cannot confirm your selection, we will offer an alternative (where available) otherwise, we will remove the optional tour from your order and provide a refund (where applicable).
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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