4 days / 3 nights from £585 pp

Take a memorable short break to Tromso, the centre of study for the Northern Lights.  Tromso is the gateway to the Arctic.  The starting point of many historic North Pole expeditions.  It is home to one of Norway's major universities and a centre of culture and development, nestled between blue fjords and snow covered mountains.  

The dark winter months are a perfect time to visit and view the spectacular Northern Lights dancing across the polar sky.

There are also opportunities to try a range of winter activities from dog sled and snowmobile safaris, to cross country and downhill skiing.

You will be pleasantly surprised to find many outstanding restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops in Tromso as well.

Departures:  Every day.  Our experience has been that the Northern Lights are visible between the end of September and the end of March.  If you wish to combine the winter activities with the Northern Lights, we suggest travelling from the beginning of January until the end of March.

Package includes:

• Flights from London to Tromso via Oslo with Norwegian Airlines or Scandinavian Airlines (we can arrange flights from other UK airports upon request)
• Airport transfers in Tromso
• 3 nights accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Bryggen 
• Breakfast at the hotel

Package price is £585 per person, based on availability and two people sharing a twin or double room.

Some recommended optional tours are:

DOG SLEDDING 

Say hello to a bunch of barking huskies that are ready for action (but still very friendly). The dog sledding winter adventure starts with learning how to train and groom dogs. You will get detailed instructions on how to drive a dog sledding team.  Then you drive the dog sled into the white, winter landscapes, through the beautiful valley of Vass, a total distance of 16 km. The area is totally uninhabited, and the speed of the dogs will impress you. You will drive in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each sled, with opportunity to switch places half way. You will receive a hot meal during the excursion.

Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you will be able to spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea.

Included:

Transportation with minibus or bus, both ways.
A hot meal.
Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
Head lamp (evening trips).
English speaking guide.
Evening trips will give you a fair chance to experience the northern lights.

Excluded:

Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
Vegetarian food will be provided if given notice in advance.

About our dog sledding adventure:

Dog sledding excursions can come in many variations. Some dog sledding suppliers offer excursions where the distance and duration of the adventure is much shorter than ours, and where you only participate as a passenger on the sled. Our service is fully dedicated to giving guests a chance to learn and experience dog sledding first hand through active participation. However, as we are fully aware that different people have different comfort zones you may also choose to participate as a passenger on the sled. The length of the trip is set to make it a full day experience.

REINDEER SLEDDING

Reindeer sledding is the oldest form of transport in the north, and an ancient part of Sami culture. This winter adventure will have you driving in pairs, with one sledge for each reindeer. The trip is approximately 3 km long, going across the valley of Tamok.  The adventure includes trying out lasso-throwing, visiting a Sami lavvo, and an introduction to Sami culture and history. You will receive a hot meal during the adventure. Reindeer sledding can be booked as either a daytime or an evening trip.

Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you will be able to spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea.

Included:

Transportation by minibus or bus, both ways.
A hot meal.
Coffee or tea boiled over open fire.
Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
Head lamp (evening trips).
English speaking guide.
Evening trips will give you the chance to experience the northern lights.

Excluded:

Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
Vegetarian food will be provided only if given notice in advance.

SNOWMOBILE SAFARI

The snowmobile safari winter adventure goes through the valley of Finn, to the lake of Tamok, a distance of 15 km one way. At the lake you can try out ice fishing. You will be driving in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile, with opportunity to switch places half way. A thorough safety introduction will take place ahead of starting up. Due to the dramatic topography reduced speed is held during parts of the tour. On flat land and frozen lakes you can speed up. A hot meal will be served during the adventure, and there will be opportunities for ice-fishing if permitted by time and weather conditions. The snowmobile safari winter adventure can be booked as either a daytime or an evening trip.

Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you will be able to spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea.

Included:

Transportation by minibus or bus, both ways.
A hot meal.
Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
Head lamp.
English speaking guide.
Evening trips will give you the chance to experience the northern lights.

Excluded:

Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
Vegetarian food will be provided only if given notice in advance.

SNOWSHOEING

Mastering snowshoes is essential for making your way around the terrain in the Arctic winter. Using our wilderness camp as base, you will learn how to use snowshoes and venture into the white landscape. The snowshoeing winter adventure includes ice-fishing on the lake or river. Our skilled guides will teach you how to build snow caves, how to build a fire in wintertime, and how to prepare a hot meal under the open sky. From November to March, the adventure will give you the chance to experience the northern lights. The adventure includes a hot meal.

Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you will be able to spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea.

Included:

Transportation by minibus or bus, both ways.
A hot meal.
Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
Head lamp.
English speaking guide.
Evening trips will give you the chance to experience the northern lights.

Excluded:

Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
Vegetarian food will be provided only if given notice in advance.

NORTHERN LIGHTS VISIT

The Northern lights visit in the wilderness camp is a winter adventure with the main purpose of watching the northern lights. Due to the stable climate of this region the persistent Aurora watcher will have excellent chances of spotting the frail rays of this shy beauty. In this uninhabited area no artificial light will disturb your experience or your attempt to catch the Aurora Borealis with your camera. The visit also includes a hot meal and social time by the open fire in the big Sami tent.

Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you will be able to spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea.

Included:

Transportation by minibus or bus, both ways.
A hot meal.
Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
Head lamp.
English speaking guide.
Evening trips will give you the chance to experience the northern lights.

Excluded:

Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
Vegetarian food will be provided only if given notice in advance.

NIGHT IN A SAMI TENT

If you buy one of above excursions you can also choose to spend the night after the excursion in a traditional Sami tent in our wilderness camp. This is an arctic experience in it self. Our skilled guides accompany you, making sure you are safe and comfortable all the time. Sauna and breakfast is included. The camp consists of Sami tents and a timber cabin, a sauna and a hot tub. There are toilet facilities in the camp, separate for men and women. In the period from September to April you will have a great chance to see the Northern Lights from the camp. Take this opportunity to spend the night in a wilderness camp far away from the stress of city life, and with the Aurora dancing across the sky...

During winter time the camp is the starting and ending point for excursions by dog sled, snowmobiles, reindeer sled, snowshoes and skies. In the summer time the camp is an accommodation and relaxing area.

Planning tip:

If you spend the night in the camp, we can take care of your additional luggage during your stay, so that you do not need a hotel room in town the same night. Enjoy, feed the fire and drink your coffee or tea made in the main Sami tent.

Included:

Transportation with minibus or bus, to Tromsø town-centre.
Sauna.
Breakfasts.
English speaking guide.

CHASE FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS WITH KJETIL SKOGLI

The priority and the idea about this tour is to chase for clear skies to get the best possible chance to see and/or photograph the Northern Lights. It is not just to go out there and believe that the light are there and waiting for you. To get the best chance to experience the Northern Light, you must be prepared to wait- but when Aurora Borealis performs one of her celestial dances, you’ll never forget it.

Included:

Coffee /tea and biscuits
Thermal suits to put upon your own clothes
Thermal shoes (sizes from 39 to 45)
Snow shoe walking possibilities 
Badge to prove that you are an Aurora chaser of Tromsø

FJORD CRUISE ON HURTIGRUTEN AND DINNER

Transfer by public coach to the village of Skjervoy where you will board the Hurtigruten ship, which will sail you back to Tromso. Dinner on board.

Included:

Coach tickets: Tromso – Skjervoy
Cruise on board Hurtigruten from Skjervoy to Tromso (approx 4 hrs)
Dinner on board cruise

NORTHERN LIGHTS JEEP SAFARI

The safari brings you away from the city lights to the best possible place to see the incredible phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis. Enjoy stories spun around the dancing lights, while creating your own based on personal sightings.

Included:

Local guide
Transportation
Light meal

EVENING CRUISE IN THE ARCHIPELAGO OF TROMSØ

Search for the northern lights on a local ferry which traffics the outer villages of Tromso city. A guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the ferry all islanders use as daily transport. This ferry will take you through the many islands surrounding Tromsø – some only sparsely populate or even not at all. You will experience of the old culture of this region which is now vanishing, a culture where people feed themselves through fishing and farming.

If you are lucky, you will be joined by the ghosts from the sky – a magically floating Northern lights. Night picnic on the ferry.

Included:

Local guide
Transportation
Light meal

THEATRE OF FOOD (A MEAL IN THE SAMI TENT BY THE SEA)

We would like to present an addition to fine views and tired legs to our guests. Join us for a meal prepared in the Lavvo in front of you while you look for the Northern lights. We promise you fresh and colourful dishes with smells to whet your appetite away from all kinds of light pollution to challenge the lights. Wave with a white handkerchief to see if the lights show themselves, if they do they will come down to you when you wave something white.

Taste of the Ocean
Winter Menu: Baked fish with herbs, vegetables and fried potatos / Woked fruit with cream
Vegeterian surprise: Filled Aubergine (onion, mushroom, nuts, paprika, cheese)

Included:

Transportation by  minibus or coach
Guided bus tour
2-course dinner
Coffee / tea
Mineral water

Northern Lights Short Break Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Tromso. Transfer to the sea view Clarion Hotel Bryggen.
Suggested adventure:  In the late afternoon join one of our Northern Lights tours away from the city lights.

Day 2  After breakfast at the hotel why not try a winter activity. 
Suggested adventure:  After breakfast you will be transferred to a husky farm for a dog sled safari. Relax under warm reindeer skins and enjoy a ride on a dog sled.  Alternatively we can arrange an activity where you learn how to handle a team of dogs and drive your own sled.  After your adventure with the huskies a Sami meal followed by hot coffee around an open fire in a traditional Sami lavu (teepee) will be just what the doctor ordered. Homemade cakes will make you feel right at home in this fairytale environment. Return to the hotel.

Day 3 Breakfast at the hotel. 
Suggested Adventure After breakfast you will have the opportunity to experience Sami culture and traditions. You will be transferred to a Sami camp where you will learn some history about the Sami culture, hear some joiks and try your hand at reindeer lassoing. This will be followed by a traditional lunch. Alternatively enjoy your Sami cultural adventure and lunch capped by a snowmobile ride to feed reindeer in the Sami heard. In the evening we suggest a unique dinner by the fjord.  Transfer about 1 hour outside of Tromso, where the city lights won’t disturb your view. Your chef will prepare a special meal inside a lavvu, while you sit outside by the fjord in search of the Northern Lights.

Day 4:  Breakfast at the hotel. 
Suggested activitiy: Go shopping in the Paris of the North (so named due to the ships coming with all the fashions of Paris in stock on their way to Russia) before departure. Hunt down some beautiful reindeer fells, some high fashion or some traditional souvenirs, or simply sip lattes in a street café and watch the local fashionistas go by. Transfer to the airport.