Located 400km north of the Arctic Circle at 69˚N, the small city of Tromsø bills itself as Norway's gateway to the Arctic, where you can find more than just a hint of polar atmosphere. Tromsø is the city of adventures and adventurers. Experience the Arctic at its best, spending two nights in Tromsø and two nights on Sommarøy Island. Enjoy amazing landscapes and unforgettable activities. A Husky Safari and Northern Lights Hunt are already included in your package, with time for optional excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1 Tromsø Arrival
On arrival at Tromsø Airport, private transfer to your hotel. Check into the Clarion Collection Aurora Hotel or similar for 2 nights stay. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore on your own. This university town has a lively atmosphere and friendly locals. Perhaps visit the Arctic Cathedral to see it's daring architecture, go to Polaria Aquarium (don't miss the Northern Lights & Spitsbergen Arctic Wilderness films) or maybe, take the Mount Storsteinen cable car to enjoy panoramic views of Tromsø and its surroundings. There are also numerous excellent art museums in town or you can sample the local beer at Mack Brewery. The world's northernmost brewery has guided tours taking you through 130 years of brewing history. Meet your tour leader this evening in the hotel lobby at 18.00hrs for a welcome meeting. Alternatively, meet your tour leader at 08.00hrs at breakfast tomorrow morning, if you are unable to attend the meeting this evening.
Day 2 Reindeer Safari - Sommarøy Island
This morning, enjoy a Reindeer Safari in scenic surroundings. The reindeer sleigh is the oldest form of transportation in the north and an inherent part of the Sami culture. You will be in pairs by sled, with one sled for each reindeer. This cultural experience will also teach you about lasso throwing, which is always the Sami way of catching their reindeer. Learn about Sami culture and history, and discover the joyous ancestral song of Sami. Maybe your Sami guides even reveal some secrets of survival in the Arctic as you enjoy hot drinks and a traditional meal over the fire.
In the afternoon, depart by coach to Sommarøy Island, where pure Arctic atmosphere is waiting for you. Check in to Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or similar for 2 nights stay. Time at leisure. The views from Sommarøy Island are impressive to say the least. To the north you can see all the small islands of the Tromsø County. Håja is the highest of these islands and rises 486 meters straight out of the water. It has the same shape as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. To the south, you can see the all the way to the Kjølva headland, past the steep shoreline of Senja. Facing inland and towards the east is the view of the mountains of Kvaløya, whilst Storhavet itself lies to the west. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 Sommarøy Village tour and Arctic Lights Campfire
Start the day with a short panoramic walk of Sommarøy. With its 300 inhabitants, Sommarøy is one of the busiest fishing villages in the county of Troms region. The views from Sommarøy Island are impressive and together with your tour leader you will get to know more about the history and fishing traditions of the village. Remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a complimentary sauna at the hotel, or join an optional excursion:
Sea Eagle Safari by RIB boat 1hr: the archipelago of Sommarøy hosts a large colony of sea eagles year-round. On this guided tour by RIB or boat (depending on group size), search the islands and cliffs for this majestic bird.
After dinner, it's time for the Arctic Lights Campfire excursion. The area around Sommarøy is excellent for Northern Lights hunting due to the desolate beaches free from light pollution. With the sound of Arctic waves crashing ashore, you are guaranteed a spectacular evening, especially if the sky is clear and the magical Auroras appear. Enjoy a snack and hot drink around the campfire. Dinner and 2nd overnight at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or similar.
Day 4 Tromsø City Walk, Polar Museum and Northern Lights Cruise
This morning, depart by coach back to Tromsø. Upon arrival, optional Husky Safari 6-7hrs: visit a kennel outside of the city surrounded by mighty mountains. Experience an exhilarating guided dog sledding adventure into the snowy wilderness, and return to the camp for hot drinks and soup.
Afternoon walking tour of Tromsø with your tour leader. During this tour, visit the Polar Museum – an attraction that is dedicated to Arctic trappers and explorers.
Evening Northern Lights Cruise. This adventure takes you into the total darkness of the Arctic fjords and Polar nights. Depart from Tromsø and set sail for the direction where the clearest weather conditions for the night have been predicted. Perhaps north towards Kvaløyvågen, south to Ramfjorden or west along the southern part of Kvaløya Island. The captain and crew will work together and keep their eyes out for clear skies or a gap in the cloud layer. While you wait with some luck for the Northern Lights to appear, stay warm and comfortable in the heated lounge. Beverages and snacks available for purchase.
Day 5 Tromsø Departure
Transfer from hotel to Tromsø airport. End of arrangements.
2024 departures:
18, 25 January
01, 08, 29 February
21 March
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 35 persons
Extra nights can be added in Tromsø
