20 Day Norway Winter & Southern Fjords Premium Small Group Tour

• Small group tour – up to 24 people
• Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo with a local carrier
• 17 nights in comfortable 3 and 4-star accommodation throughout Finland and Norway
• 1 night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
• 1 night in a magical glass roof Aurora cabin under Saariselkä’s starry skies, looking for the northern lights
• Daily breakfast, 6 dinners including memorable welcome dining
• Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide from day 1 - 17. Note: Oslo to Bergen is self-guided
• Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Including husky sledding, an icebreaker cruise, Santa's Village in Rovaniemi and the Lofoten Islands
• All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per the itinerary

• Helsinki - Visit Temppeliaukio Church, known locally as the 'Rock Church'
• Tallinn - Take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn for a guided city tour of the Estonian capital's medieval old town
• Santa Claus Express - Spend the night on the sleeper train that travels from Helsinki to Kemi, in the heart of Lapland
• Icebreaker Cruise - Cruise through frozen seas on an icebreaker cruise in the Arctic
• Rovaniemi - The home of Santa Claus! Experience Santa's Village for yourself
• Lapland - Stay in a glass roof aurora cabin, sleeping beneath the starry skies and hopefully spotting the northern lights
• Lapland - Fly through Arctic forest on a husky pulled sled
• North Cape - Head to Europe's most northerly point and receive a certificate to document your visit
• Alta - Admire the rock art of Alta, now part of an open-air museum
• Lyngen Alps - Traverse this mountainous region, eyeing the magnificent fjords as you go
• Tromso - Located 350kms north of the Arctic Circle, this is the largest city in Northern Norway
• Narvik - Land on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands
• Svolvær - Further explore magical Lofoten, including Henningsvær, Lofoten's best-known fishing village
• Flam - Travel on board one of the world’s most iconic trains, the Flam Railway
• Voss - Cruise the UNESCO Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen
• Bergen - Enjoy the splendour of this ancient fish village and its UNESCO harbour

Inspiring Stay

• Spend one of the most incredible nights of your life in a glass roof aurora cabin looking up at the stars and searching for the Northern Lights.

Inspiring Sight 

• Carve through frozen seas on an icebreaker, go on a husky sled safari through the Lapland wilderness in search of the Northern Lights.

Inspiring Taste

• Enjoy sparkling wine at North Cape, Norway's most northerly point, as well as memorable welcome and farewell dinners.

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:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

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.

Autumn in Finland and Norway averages slightly warmer daytime temperatures (between 5 / 10°C, 41 / 50°F) compared to winter (between 2 / -5°C, 35 / 23°F). Northern regions can expect snow from as early as September. Southern areas typically experience limited snowfall until late October. This makes it an ideal time to explore Finland and Norway's stunning autumn landscapes, characterised by vibrant foliage and picturesque scenery as well as getting a taste of arctic winter in the north. In autumn, the Northern Lights season begins again when the nights start to get darker.

The average temperatures in September
Helsinki 10.4°C / 50.7°F
Rovaniemi 6.1°C / 43°F
Tromso 10.9°C / 51.6°F
Oslo 16.4°C / 61.5°F

The average temperatures in October
Helsinki 8.7°C / 47.7°F
Rovaniemi 2.5°C / 36.5°F
Tromso 5.2°C / 41.4°F
Oslo 6.5°C / 43.7°F

The average temperatures in November
Helsinki 2.7°C / 36.9°F
Rovaniemi -5.9°C / 21.4°F
Tromso 0.3°C / 32.5°F
Oslo 2.1°C / 35.8°F

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.

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. 

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, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

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 travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $3,550.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

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.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Group Size
10-24 people.

Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 24 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Note: 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 over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

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. 

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

• $260.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $250.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

• $418.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $392.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

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):

• Snowmobile Safari (Day 5) - $260 per person
• Night reindeer sledding with camp dinner and chance of Northern Lights (Day 10) - $406 per person
• Long Reindeer sledding, feeding and Sami culture (Day 11) - $406 per person
• Reindeer camp dinner and chance of Northern Lights (Day 11) - $394 per person

Please note: you can only select ONE of the reindeer optional tours provided on day 11.

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.

• This is a self drive activity. Each snowmobile is shared by two guests taking turns in driving. The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age.
• You will require to have your internationally recognised driver's license on tour to participate as the police may check the validity of the license during the safari.
• It is minimum 2 people per snowmobile. Supplement for solo driving is EUR 50 p.p. collected locally. 
• Suitability: Children over 2 years. Child price entitles children to a seat in a sled pulled by a snowmobile driven by the guide. Children over 140 cm in height are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, when paying the adult price.
• Note the speed driving is depending the condition of the snow and ice on the road and the area regulated by the laws of Finland.
• Driving a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs is prohibited by the laws of Finland.
• This safari is CO2 compensated from the snowmobile fuel emission. Self liability can be reduced to €150 by paying waiver supplement € 20 per safari driver.

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfers
• Departure airport transfers
• Visas (if applicable)
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional activities/cruise shore excursions
• Personal expenses

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

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