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Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Across Lapland from Tromso to Rovaniemi, two nights stay in a Glass Igloo
Northern Lights Village Levi, Finland © Visit Levi

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime on this winter wonderland experience. You will be whisked away on a journey of opulence and exhilaration with the perfect blend of luxury travel and thrilling activities that will leave you awe-inspired. Discover the city of Tromso and the Alta Musuem. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Lapland enjoying a two-night stay in an Aurora Glass Igloo in Levi. With some luck, you may witness the stunning dance of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Explore Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, and immerse yourself in the icy depths of the Gulf of Bothnia’s Arctic waters, while enjoying an icebreaker cruise in Kemi.

Itinerary

Day 1 Tromso Arrival: Optional Cable Car Ride

On arrival in Tromso take the airport coach to the city centre. Short walk to your hotel to drop off your luggage, check-in from 15.00hrs. Time at leisure - this university town has a lively atmosphere and friendly locals. Perhaps visit one of the several excellent art museums, or sample some local beer at Mack Brewery, the world's northernmost brewery. Two overnights at Clarion The Edge Hotel or similar.

Evening optional cable car ride up to Mount Storsteinen. After a short transfer from the hotel to the cable car station, you will board a gondola which will transport you to 421m above sea level. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. If you are lucky, the Northern Lights may make an appearance!

Day 2 Tromso City Sightseeing - Optional Polaria Museum & Tromso University Museum - Optional Aurora Husky Visit

Start today with a 3 hour city sightseeing tour, where we learn about the nature and culture of northern Norway, and the indigenous Sami people. Next we travel around the island, passing Lake Prestvatn and crossing the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral, a masterpiece built by Jan Inge Hovig in 1965. It reflects northern Norwegian nature, culture and faith, and has a monumental stained-glass window. Afternoon at leisure. Afternoon optional tour to Polaria Museum and Tromso University Museum. The tour starts with a visit to the Arctic experience Polaria, where the co-dependency of sea and land life is both seen and felt. The next stop is at at the Arctic University Museum of Tromso which offers diverse and insightful exhibitions from northern culture, including everything from Norway’s oldest chewing gum to the northern lights and Vikings. Located in Tromsø, a city Nylund describes as The Port to the Arctic Ocean, the museum is a place for cutting-edge research in subjects ranging from mosquitos and Vikings to fossils, Polar exploration, and the indigenous Sami people. The museum offers three different attractions: Tromsø Museum, the Polar Museum and the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden. 

Evening optional Aurora Husky Visit 4hrs. Head out to the Aurora Camp, where over 300 friendly huskies are waiting to greet you. A visit to the puppy enclosure is also possible! Enjoy a traditional light Norwegian dinner in a cosy Gamme Hut and prepare to search for the Aurora, while a warm fire outside sets the mood and keeps you toasty. Late evening return to the hotel.

Day 3 Tromso – Alta: Optional Northern Lights Horse Sleigh Ride

Travelling from Tromso to Alta sees stunning scenery and includes two ferry crossings with lunch en route. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views! On arrival in Alta, check-in at the Thon Hotel or similar, for two overnights. Evening at your leisure.

Evening optional Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride 4hrs, at a nearby country farm. Pulled along by a charming Norwegian Fjord horse, your sleigh glides through the forest and along Alta River, as you sit back, snuggled warmly in blankets. Along the way, stop for a light supper served around a warm fire. Maybe the Northern Lights will appear!

Day 4 Alta Museum + Optional King Crab Safari + Optional Sorrisniva visit and Aurora Hunt

Morning optional King Crab Safari with lunch 5hrs. Heading out on the Alta Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weighs up to 15kg. Depending on the weather and ice on the day, the trip will be by boat or by snowmobile drawn sleigh. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to a remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch.

Afternoon visit to the award-winning Alta Museum, on an early settlement site dating back 11,000 years, with exhibitions on local culture and history. Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site has walkways around the 2,000-6,200 year old rock carvings, depicting the life of hunters and fishermen. Time at leisure. Perhaps visit the Northern Lights Cathedral, an elegant, modern construction with architecture inspired by the Aurora, located in the town centre.

Evening optional visit to Sorrisniva Ice Hotel and Aurora search 4-5hrs. Travel by bus into the countryside to the family owned Sorrisniva adventure facility, perfectly located to maximise your chances of seeing the magnificent Aurora. Experience the world's northernmost ice and snow hotel, built from the ground every year with different themes, while also enjoying its serenity and silence. Wander amongst handcrafted ice sculptures or perhaps visit the ice bar for a drink (not included). Later a knowledgeable local guide will take you to search for the Aurora. Learn more about the natural phenomenon as well as the local history of Alta. Your guide will also be happy to help you catch some beautiful images with your own camera.

Day 5 Alta, Norway - Levi, Finland: Northern Lights Village Glass Igloo + Optional Aurora Hunt by Heated Sleigh

Early departure by coach this morning as we head south to Levi, approximately 5 hour journey through beautiful northern Lapland. Sit back and enjoy breathtaking nature and landscapes. On the way visit Finnmark's first silverwork shop, Juhls Silver Museum - with traditional and modern jewelry manufactured on the premises. The Tundra collection designed by Regine Juhls is recognised as modern classic within Scandinavian jewellery design. 

Welcome to Levi, Finland, a winter paradise like no other. Nestled in the heart of Lapland, Levi offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in Sirkka Village, approximately 170km north of the Arctic Circle, its natural surroundings are guaranteed to impress. During the next two nights you will stay in a private Aurora Igloo Glass Cabin at Northern Lights Village Levi - a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and some with luck, the dance of the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in your warm bed. Enjoy dinner at the village restaurant.

Evening optional Aurora Hunt by Heated Sleigh 3hrs. Glide through the silent, snow-covered forest, searching for the magical Northern Lights above you. Take a seat in the heated aurora sleigh, a good option if you do not wish to drive a snowmobile and prefer to sit in the comfort of a heated sleigh. Your guide tows the sleigh by snowmobile through the snowy moonlit and starlit landscape, into the forest, far away from light pollution. After arriving, prepare your cameras and take photographs of the northern night sky. If the luck is with you, the Northern Lights may appear. Sit comfortably by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and stories.

Day 6 Levi: Reindeer Farm & Sleigh Ride, Optional Finnish Sauna & Jacuzzi; Aurora Photography; Snowshoeing

From river valleys and frozen lakes up to the fells with their spectacular views over the artic landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. Today you will have the opportunity to get familiar with Lappish animals and the life of the locals. Morning visit to meet the reindeer farmers to learn about the reindeer, and their importance to the Sami culture. Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. Sami and his family have been living in the farm more than 300 years. Visit the café, the museum and enjoy a typical three-course home made lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at the village restaurant.

Afternoon or evening optional Finnish Sauna & Jacuzzi 1hr. A beautiful setting relax and possibly see the Northern Lights. Built in the same style as the Aurora Cabins with a large sky window, the Igloo Sauna offers a perfect combination of viewing the night sky while warming up in the Sauna and relaxing in a hot tub.

Early evening optional Aurora Photography Workshop 1hr. Make the most out of the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights. Learn all the tricks you need to capture the Northern Lights and the night sky. Your instructor has vast knowledge and experience of photographing the Northern Lights. The workshop provides you with just the right tips on how to handle your camera and set the exposure and shutter to be able to share the magic of the Northern Lights with the best possible photos.

Evening optional Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes 2hrs. Snowshoeing is the closest way to experience the nature of Lapland. The deep snow crunching under the shoes, the snow-hooded trees, and the pearly-white willow grouse watching you from afar – the winter nature is a magical world of its own. Hike through the forest in snowshoes to a nearby fell where we will build a fire, enjoy a delicious meal outdoors, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. The guide will provide information on the nature and animals of Lapland, and with any luck we may see a Siberian jay, a willow grouse, or a herd of reindeer wandering by. This trip is especially suitable for nature-lovers, who wish to take great photographs and enjoy the natural scenery in an ecological way.

Day 7 Levi, Finland - Haparanda, Sweden: Optional Ice Fishing

Early departure from Levi. The route to Haparanda is quite scenic, especially during the winter months when the landscape is covered in snow. Travel east and pass through the forests and hills of Finnish Lapland, which are dotted with small towns and villages. As you approach the border between Finland and Sweden, you'll cross the Muonio River, which forms the border between the two countries. The river is quite wide and frozen in the winter, and you may see people ice fishing or skiing. Once you cross into Sweden, you'll notice a change in the landscape, as the terrain becomes flatter, and the forests give way to open fields. Haparanda is located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, so you may be able to catch glimpses of the sea as you approach the town. 

Tonight you will stay at Haparanda Stadshotell, one of the most famous turn-of-the-century hotels in Sweden, restored to its former glory, with the authentic character of the town’s number one establishment: red plush, crystal chandeliers, stucco. The building was designed by the architects Fritz Ullrich and Eduard Hallqvist from Stockholm. The hotel was built in the classical style, the master builder and the carpenters coming from Sundsvall, Sweden, the stucco workers came from Italy, much of the building material was from Silesia. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Afternoon optional Burbut Fishnets & Ice Fishing 2-3hrs. Tornionjoki river is the biggest free-flowing river in Europe in which whitefish and salmon spawn. Kukkolankoski rapids are a crown jewel of Tornionjoki river. It flows unobstructed even in winter. Ice fishing is the activity of catching fish with lines and hooks. Our guide will teach you how to drill a hole in the ice and prepare the ice-fishing rod and baits. Then it’s time to test your skills.

Day 8 Haparanda - Kemi: Sampo Icebreaker - Rovaniemi

Head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. Visit the fabulous SnowExperience365 complex and Winter Park. Built entirely of snow and ice, it has a special snow slide and amazing sculptures. Lunch at the Seaview Restaurant. Then embark on the Sampo Icebreaker. Cruise on this remarkable vessel as it breaks through the ice in the northern Gulf of Bothnia. This experience includes a guided tour of the ship and a delicious meal, plus something very special - swimming in Europe's largest ice field. A guide is with you at all times, as you wear a snug survival, floatation dry suit. You will stay dry as you slide into the water and float.

The adventure continues, as you make your way to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, and the official home of Santa Claus. Two overnights at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar. Evening at leisure to explore on your own.

Day 9 Rovaniemi: Husky Farm and Santa Claus Village, Optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile

Morning drive through the white nature to enjoy one of the highlights of the tour, a Husky Farm located right on the Arctic Circle. The happy dogs will welcome you with their barks, while the head musher tells you all about the life of these hard working Arctic dogs. In pairs, you will enjoy a sled ride (one person driving, one person seated), along forest trails. 

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa´s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland. Return to the hotel by bus and afternoon and evening at leisure.

Evening optional Aurora Borealis Safari by Snowmobile 3hrs. Drive through a snow-covered forest wilderness and along a frozen river, to discover the phenomena of a Northern sky. With some luck, a clear sky will prevail and the Northern Lights will appear. Warm drinks and snacks around a campfire. 

Day 10 Rovaniemi Departure

Shared transfer to Rovaniemi Airport, where your arrangements conclude.


2025 departures:
09, 23 January
13, 20 February
06, 20 March

Notes:

Maximum Group Size: 25 persons

All optional excursions must be pre-booked. Minimum age and height requirements may apply. All snowmobile drivers must hold a valid driver's licence.

Arrival airport transfer by Flybussen airport coach. Departure airport transfer is shared with fellow arriving/departing passengers. Minor waiting times may occur.

Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase plus 1 piece of hand luggage per person.

Services of a bi-lingual tour escort, English and Spanish or Portuguese.

Child policy: children aged under 7 years are not permitted on this tour.

Up to 1 child, 7 years and over can share a room with 2 adults and will sleep on a sofa bed.

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated