21 Day Finland & Norway Arctic Cruise Expedition Under The Northern Lights
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.
This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
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.
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.
✓ Experience winter in Finland and Norway and take a journey along the coastline boarding the Ultimate Norway Arctic Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten
✓ 13 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels
✓ 7 nights aboard the expedition vessel MS Spitsbergen
✓ Breakfast daily; 6 lunches and 7 dinners on board the ship
✓ Activities and escorted landings with small expedition boats during your cruise
✓ Independent exploration of Finland and Norway (Day 1 to 6 and Day 13 to 21)
✓ All transport including trains and local buses
✓ 7 Day cooling off period
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.
An epic 21 day journey that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tick off your Scandinavian must-see list, including an expedition cruise in Norway with Hurtigruten HX. See ancient fjords, native wildlife, and experience the thrill of escorted landings. Enjoy independent travel plus guided tours of Bodø, Saltstraumen and Oslo.
Welcome to Finland!
Today is at your leisure to discover Helsinki’s charms. Choose to explore this walkable city by foot and admire the Art Nouveau architecture, or maybe take a short ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Suomenlinna Fortress.
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.
After breakfast, make your way to the train station to board your train to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the ‘official’ home of Santa Claus.
You’ll arrive in Rovaniemi in the early evening, where you make your own way to the hotel for check-in.
Special information:
Train travel time will be approximately 8.5 hours.
Optional Tour:
Aurora Ice Floating
Dip yourself into a frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind rest. This guided floating is totally safe with a high-quality rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. As you have your own clothing under the suit you will not get cold even in the open 0-degree water. The circumstances are truly arctic! If the weather is clear, we can see beautiful stars and may even get to marvel at the magnificent Northern Lights.
Time: 8pm.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Includes: Winter clothing, transfers, hot drinks and guide.
Note: schedule is subject to availability. Safari time varies and is dependent on the weather conditions.
Today, discover the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi as you wish.
Almost destroyed during World War II and rebuilt, today Rovaniemi is a modern city best known for being the "official" hometown of Santa Claus, and a good spot to catch the Northern Lights.
Highlights include the Arktikum science museum or perhaps participate in one of many nature-based activities. And of course, why not pay a visit to Santa Claus’ Village.
Optional Tour:
Husky Safari with 5km ride
Experience the joy of mushing your own husky team through wintery landscapes! The husky musher shows us how to steer our own sleigh and we start the safari! Enjoy the surrounding nature while the huskies take you on an adventure to remember. After the husky ride we return to the kennel to hear facts and stories of huskies and enjoy hot drinks by the campfire. Please dress warm for this activity.
Time: 10am, 12pm or 2pm.
Duration: Approx. 1,5–2 hours.
Includes: Transfers to and from the activity, winter clothing, husky kennel visit, about 30 min husky safari of 5 km, 2 persons per sleigh, hot drinks and cookies, guide.
Note: schedule is subject to availability. Safari time varies and is dependent on the weather conditions.
Optional Tour:
Snowmobile Safari
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.
Please Note:
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 after breakfast, you’ll travel by local bus from Rovaniemi to Levi, a small skiing village in the middle of Finnish Lapland.
There are 12,000 reindeer in the Kittilä municipality, which is double the number of its human population. There are many reindeer in the forests as well as in the farms near Levi.
In summer the reindeer wander freely in the forests, but you can spot them on the fells, along the roads in
Levi Centre or cooling down in the shades by the petrol stations and hotel yards. In April, late summer, and in September, you may be lucky enough to experience the Northern Lights.
Today, embark on a scenic, full day road trip towards the west, travelling across Finnish Lapland and crossing the border into Norway.
You’ll travel from Levi to the small township of Kilpisjärvi where you change buses, and continue travelling through the breathtaking Lyngen Alps, before reaching the end of the journey in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic.
Special Information:
Travel time will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning after breakfast, make your way to the Hurtigruten Terminal for your scheduled Sailing. Please ensure you leave with plenty of time to spare.
In the afternoon, board the Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise for a 7-night, 8-day journey along the breathtaking Norwegian Arctic coastline, with the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights. The MS Spitsbergen features its own on-board Expedition Team, a group of highly skilled global experts. From guiding onshore landings and delivering captivating lectures and stories, our Expedition Team will spark your sense of wonder.
Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It has been the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen. It is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ due to its location—250 miles north of the Polar Circle. Prepare to wrap up warm!
For the next seven days you’ll be exploring four distinct regions, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first region we’ll likely approach is the scenic Lyngen Alps via Lyngenfjord.
The landscape of the Lyngen area is breathtaking: jagged, snowy mountains that border the Lyngen Fjord, which is over a 100 miles long. We’ll spend the day going on a nature landing with hikes, snowshoe walks and – if conditions allow – kayaking.
Later, expect a real treat. After our active day we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. With hot drinks in hand, Norwegian specialty food will be cooked by our onboard chefs and you can’t help but feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, the Northern Lights will put on a display for us, too.
Special Information:
This is a week of exploration and the actual route taken may vary from the description.
Today we’ll explore Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, which is sometimes referred to as ‘Norway-in-miniature’. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free roaming reindeer wander around the island, too, so keep an eye out for them.
On our visit, we’ll experience warm Scandinavian hospitality with a visit to a local community. We'll learn about the Sámi culture and what life is like living in remote villages during the winter months.
Some of the time, we’ll be sailing in the dark and at dusk. Glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight will only enhance your already magical experience.
Special Information:
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
As we sail towards the Lofoten Islands, the Expedition Team will seek the best place for a nature landing, perhaps at one of the many fine beaches, likely covered in pristine snow. We may head out in small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or get out the kayaks.
Approaching the dramatically steep mountains of Lofoten by ship is an unforgettable experience. You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail through this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Look out for sea eagles as you admire the exceptional beauty of this stretch of coastline.
Special Information:
This is a week of exploration and the actual route taken may vary from the description.
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen.
Embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge—a revitalising experience you won’t forget!
Get a taste of Svolvær when our ship stays overnight here. It’s a small town, but it’s the largest among these islands, and there are a few cosy restaurants and bars here to try if you fancy a Lofoten snack or brew.
Special Information:
This is a week of exploration and the actual route taken may vary from the description.
Our journey continues from Svolvær to Vesterålen, where we’ll cruise through the narrow Trollfjord into the Raftsund strait, passing between towering cliffs. Enjoy the magical views from the deck; we sail so close it’ll feel like you can touch the cliffs!
Vesterålen awaits with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and kayaking. We stop here and spend the evening at the Hurtigruten Museum where you’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served dinner in this very special heritage setting.
Special Information:
This is a week of exploration and the actual route taken may vary from the description.
We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø—at each turn there will be a new island or mountain to gaze upon. Along the way we have plenty of time to scout safe landing sites to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be breathtaking as we pass through these inner waters; it’s also the area where we’re most likely to see whales, so keep an eye out. While on board, enjoy the arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna or join the Expedition Team and listen to talks and see demonstrations in the Science Centre.
Special Information:
This is a week of exploration and the actual route taken may vary from the description.
Your expedition cruise ends today after breakfast in Tromsø. Please note - the rest of the itinerary is unescorted. You will make your way between destinations.
If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, now is the time to do so.
Disembark in Tromsø and proceed to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, spend the rest of the day at leisure. There’s so much to see and do here, including outdoor pursuits like seal feeding at Polaria, plus plenty of interesting museums such as the Polar Museum, The Science Centre, Troll Museum and the Northern Norway Art Museum.
Optional Tour:
Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights
Travel out into the wilderness and walk among 300 reindeer (with the opportunity to feed them too) before enjoying a 15-20-minute sledding ride. Afterwards, enter a candlelit Gamme to enjoy a relaxed three-course meal followed by joiking (traditional Sami songs), Sami history and stories. On a clear night, you might be lucky enough to catch the majestic Northern lights. Ensure to dress with warm clothes.
Time: 6pm.
Duration: Approx. 4.5 hours (incl. transport)
Includes: Transfers, 3 courses dinner (vegetable option available), sledding ride, hot coffee/tea and cookies.
Note: Schedule is subject to availability.
The journey now goes south, you will travel by local bus from Tromsø to Narvik.
Narvik is a popular city for those who enjoy mountaineering and skiing. The city’s flagship ski resort, Narvikfjellet, is infamous for its extreme and alpine skiing opportunities.
Upon check in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not visit the War Museum, or perhaps take the Narvik Fjellheisen (Cable Car) which travels up to 656 metres above sea level and offers incredible views.
Narvik is a walkable place, with plenty of captivating viewpoints throughout the heart of the city—enjoy your exploration!
Special Information:
Travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today after breakfast, board the local bus and continue your southbound journey along the coast of northern Norway.
Change buses at Storfjord, before reaching Bodø. Here, visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum, the largest such museum in Scandinavia, or perhaps enjoy an art walk in the city centre, rent a bike and explore further afield or visit the many boutiques run by local creatives and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time before departing for your tour to Saltstraumen, the most powerful maelstrom (whirlpool or current) in the world. Pick up is at the city centre every day at approximately 12:45pm.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour through the city of Bodø as the coach travels towards Saltstraumen; the driver will also tell you about the area and how Saltstraumen was created.
Upon arrival, head to the waterfront to take a closer look at this fascinating natural phenomenon. Walk around and try to see if you can spot the majestic sea eagle which lives in this area.
Your driver will also introduce you to the typically northern Norwegian activity of beating a dried cod on the rocks—it may be a new (unfamiliar) taste you like!
You will return to the hotel in the afternoon with time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure. When it’s time, make your own way to the railway station where you’ll travel by train from Bodø to Trondheim.
On arrival in Trondheim, make your own way to your hotel and check in. The rest of the evening can be spent as you wish.
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Today is free time to explore the historical city. Trondheim was founded in 997 and acted as Norway’s capital until 1217. Today, it is the third-largest city in Norway with an excellent collection of museums, heritage sites and outdoor pursuits. It is highly recommended that guests visit the Nidaros Cathedral, built in the beginning of 1070 to memorialize the burial place of Olav II of Norway, the king who was killed in battle in 1030.
This morning, another rail journey awaits, this time you will travel from Trondheim to Oslo, the Norwegian capital.
On arrival in Oslo, make your own way to the hotel for check in and the rest of the afternoon can be spent as you wish.
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
This morning after breakfast, you will set off on a three-hour sightseeing tour of Oslo with a local guide.
Learn about the city’s history and culture, admire the main attractions in the city centre, take in the spectacular views from Holmenkollen ski jump, and walk through Vigeland Park, a sculpture park consisting of more than 200 artworks in bronze and granite by prolific Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland.
In the afternoon, continue to explore Oslo as you wish: visit one of the fascinating museums like the Munch Museum, where the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch is featured, or just relax in the city’s atmosphere at one of the many restaurants or cafés.
Your journey across Scandinavia ends after breakfast today.
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.
An HX Hurtigruten Expeditions experience includes everything from daily excursions and activities to exploring the onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, and more. All designed to give you the expedition cruising experience of a lifetime.
You will be travelling on the MS Spitsbergen. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins.
For more information about the ship, please click here.
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 Inside - cabin code I2D included
Polar Inside cabins feature double beds and some have additional Pullman beds. All feature private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Polar Inside - cabin code K2D from $353 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
Polar Outside - cabin code J2D/J3 from $1,200 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
Polar Outside cabins feature double beds and some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths). All feature private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Polar Outside - cabin code O2D/O3 from $2,541 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
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 traveler'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
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
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.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $7,945.00 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.
Group Size
For tours that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
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:
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 Finland & Norway Arctic 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 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.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
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.
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.
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