7 days / 6 nights from £1,595 pp
This tour combines the charm of the Lofoten Islands with trendy Tromso. The tour begins in Tromso, the Paris of the North, with its boutiques and restaurants. This journey truly shows you the contrasts of Norway; the city and the countryside, the fjord and the mountains, and 24 hour daylight versus darkness in the winter. From Tromso your journey continues by the famous Hurtigruten ferries, through dramatic, wild and beautiful fjords and mountains, tranquil bays and beaches, until you reach Lofoten.
Lofoten was one of the main seats for the Viking population in the north, and a rugged area of small islands connected by bridges, tunnels and ferries.
2010 Departures: 15 June - 30 August
Package price is £1,595 per person, based on availability and two people sharing a twin or double room.
Package includes:
- Flights with Norwegian Airlines or SAS from London (we can arrange flights from other airports upon request).
- 3 nights accommodation in Rorbu (classic fisherman's houses on stilts converted for comfortable, modern living) in Svolvear.
- 2 nights in 4* Clarion Hotel Bryggen or similar in Tromso
- Fjord cruise from Tromso to Lofoten on Hurtigruten with accommodation in inside cabin (upgrades available upon request)
- Whale watching safari (3-6 h)
- Husky trekking expedition (5h)
- Lofoten scenic sightseeing tour with packed lunch (all day)
- Fishing expedition with dinner (4 - 5 h)
- Breakfast
- All taxes
Optional activities:
- Dog sled safari. You will learn how to handle a team of dogs and then drive your own dog sled. Duration 4 h and cost £135 pp. SEASONAL
- Northern Lights dinner by the fjords. Transfer about 1 hour outside of Tromso, where the city lights won’t disturb your view. Your meal is prepared inside a lavvu, while you sit outside by the fjord searching for the Northern Lights. Duration 3 – 4 h and cost £ 200 pp. SEASONAL
North Norway Adventure - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tromso where you will be met by your driver and transfer from the airport to Clarion Hotel Bryggen or similar for check-in.
Tromso city: Explore the arctic city on your own. Take a historical walk through the streets of Tromso and experience the architecture, city life and history of explorers Amundsen and Nansen. You can visit the Polar Museum and Ølhallen pub and Polaria Aquarium.
Visit the shops in the city. Many of these are cosy, and carry the latest European fashions, locally made products and special designed items. Paris of the North, this is the name Tromso was given by foreign visitors around the 1800’s, partly because of the fashionable way Tromsø people dressed and partly because of the mood in the city. Still Tromso people use this name and there is a strong international environment in this city above the Arctic Circle. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Take a fjord fishing trip: The old fishing vessel MS Signe will bring you out on the fjord to where the cod and coalfish live. Using a rod or the traditional Norwegian Jukse you can feel the joy and excitement of fishing. Fresh fish is cooked and served with flat bread and butter. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel. Around noon we plan a trekking expedition, suitable for all levels of fitness. An experienced outdoor guide, with huskies carrying all the necessary supplies, takes you on a hike through the rolling Arctic hills overlooking Norway's famous fjords. With the help of your guide, you will grill your own food over an open campfire.
At 23:45 board the Hurtigruten ship for a cruise to Lofoten. From late spring the days are long and you can enjoy some spectacular sights as your ship slips through tight fjords. Accommodation in an inside cabin.
Day 4: Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board your ship while you cruise through the picturesque fjords. Arrive at Svolvear with the Hurtigruten at 18:30. Accommodation in fisherman's cabins (Rorbu) at Svinoya.
Day 5: Svolvær, Lofoten Panorama - full day excursion by bus. This full day excursion takes you on a journey through the spectacular Lofoten
archipelago, introducing you to the islands' history, nature, landscapes and modern way of life. In the company of our experienced and knowledgeable driver / guide you'll explore a dramatic coastline of historic fishing villages and beautiful white-sand
beaches, backed by the rugged mountains that are so typical of the islands. With plenty of stops to photograph and enjoy the breathtaking views, this tour offers an unforgettable day out. This full day scenic tour starts in Svolvær with an optional pick-up from Kabelvåg. Highlights include: Gunnar Berg Art Gallery, Henningsvær, Utakleiv, Eggum, Nusfjord, Stamsund and Kabelvåg Svolværgeita, Lofoten Cathedral, Gimsøy and Ramberg. In the west of Lofoten there will be a 45 minutes stop. Including packed lunch.
Day 6: Svolvær, Whale watching Safari to Andenes/Vesterålen. Bus ride up to Andenes in Vesterålen. Approx. 3 hrs drive. Each whalesafari begins with a tour in the museum dedicated to the marvellous world of marine mammals and you will hear about their life, ecology and behaviour. The museum tour also includes a new slide show “Sperm whales and other fairy tales from Andenes” which shows all the beauties of Andøya. After the museum tour the unforgettable boat safari begins where you can experience closely these remarkable animals. The protagonists of our whalesafaris are the sperm whales, and we see sperm whales on 95% of all our whalesafaris. But exceptional encounters with other species such as harbour
porpoises, dolphins, orcas, minke, humpback and pilot whales also take place. Usually each trip lasts around 3-6 hours but it can take shorter or longer time; it all depends on where the sperm whales are and for how long they are diving. To watch whales in their natural environment is not like being at a zoo, we need patience while searching and waiting for the whales to show up and we also need to be ready for changes. Including packed lunch.
Possible to buy lighter meals onboard the boat.
Pick-up: 07:45 in Svolvær Return: late evening in Svolvær **This tour is only available on Tuesdays
Day 7: Breakfast at the hotel. Direct ferry from Svolvaer to Bodo for your departure flight.