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:
- Direct flights from London Gatwick to Tromso on Norwegian Airlines (we can arrange flights from other UK airports upon request)
- Transfers
- 3 nights Accommodation (4* Clarion Hotel Bryggen)
- Breakfast at the hotel
Package price is £585 per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room.
Some recommended optional tours are:
- Husky dog sled safari. You will learn how to handle a team of dogs and then drive your own dog sled. Duration 4 h, price £125, with warm lunch duration 5 h, price £155 pp. Alternatively, relax under warm reindeer skins and enjoy a ride on a dog sled that culminates with a warm lunch. Duration 4 h and cost £170 pp.
- Sami cultue activity: 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. Enjoy a traditional lunch. Duration 6 h, price £ 225 pp. Alternative enjoy your Sami cultural adventure and lunch capped by a snowmobile ride to feed reindeer in the Sami heard. Duration 6 h and cost £ 225.
- Northern Lights dinner by the fjords. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and 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. After dinner go for a short snow shoe walk (optional) Duration 4 – 5 h and cost £ 200 pp.
- Fjord cruise and dinner with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Transfer by coach to Skjervoy where you will board the Hurtigruten ship, which will sail you back to Tromso. Dinner on board. Duration 8 h (cruise is approximately 4 h) and cost including dinner is £115 pp.
The itinerary has been suggested as a guide when planning your trip to Arctic Norway. We can also tailor an Arctic holiday to meet your specific interests and requirements.
Northern Lights Short Break Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Tromso. Transfer to the sea view Clarion Hotel Bryggen. Suggested adventure In the late afternoon you will transfer by coach to Skjervoy (3 – 4 h) where you will board the Hurtigruten for a fjord cruise with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Enjoy dinner on board, as you sail you back to Tromso, arriving around midnight. As you slip through the fjords, away from the city lights, you will have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights, if the weather cooperates.
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.