Overview:
This tour focuses on the charming small communities in the archipelagos that make up the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. The island culture is based on friendliness and you will have an opportunity to experience this in the traditional fishing villages.
These magical islands of beautiful nature and friendly culture invite you to explore their traditions, food, activities, changing weather and northern splendour. Experience the islands from top to toe and enjoy a memorable whale safari, a definite highlight!
Holiday price is from £ 2,395 per person based on availability and two people sharing a standard double/twin room. Single supplement upon request.
Departure Dates:
| Departure dates | Departure | Arrival | Arrive | Leave |
01 May - 30 Sep
|
London |
Bodø |
Daily |
Daily |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bodø
Arrive in Bodø according to your itinerary. Pick up your rental car in the airport and make your way to Bodo town. This is the second largest city in Northern Norway, a modern town that is very important to Norway's aviation history. A visit to the National Norwegian Aviation Museum is highly recommended. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Børvasstindene mountains to the south, and Landegode Island and the Lofoten Islands to the north. The city's open backdrop of distant rugged peaks and vast skies makes it one of Norway's most interestingly-positioned towns and the seas to the north feature a number of dramatic islands, which support the world’s densest concentration of sea eagles. Accommodation in Thon Hotel Nordlys or similar.
Day 2: Bodø - Moskenes - Reine (105 km65 miles, incl. ferry)
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure before your departure by ferry from Bodø to Moskenes. The three hour long ferry will bring you across the Vestfjorden to the Lofoten Islands, which stretch like a wall of mountains from the southwest in the sea. For centuries, catching cod and drying them has been a way of life and Lofoten's largest industry. Two of the most recognisable sights are the fishermen's shacks (rorbu) and the Stockfish (cod) that has been hung to dry on wooden frames. The Lofoten has mountain peaks, open sea and protected bays. Thanks to the Golf Stream, the climate here is milder than in other parts of the world at the same latitude. From Moskenes you drive to Reine, your base for exploring the Lofoten islands. Accommodation in Reine Rorbuer or similar for 3 nights.
Days 3 - 4: Reine & the Lofoten Islands
Breakfast at the hotel, and then your two days can be enjoyed at your own leisure as you explore the Lofoten islands. We recommend a visit to Stamsund, to explore and enjoy this delightful region. The most important trading goods are the stockfish, which are still produced here and exported to southern Europe, South America and Africa. Stamsund is still a vibrant fishing port in Lofoten, but it is also a culturally interesting town with several local artists, theatre groups and an art gallery. We also suggest a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum, a historical museum based on a reconstruction and archaeological excavation of a Viking chieftain's village in Borg. The museum includes a full reconstruction of an 83-meter long chieftain's house (the largest ever found in Norway), a blacksmith's forge, two ships and their boathouses, and various re-enactments intended to immerse the visitor in the life at the time of the Vikings. Accommodation in Reine Rorbuer or similar.
Day 5: Reine - Andenes (305 km/189 miles, incl. ferry)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive through the islands, and we suggest a stop in Svolvær, the "capital" of the Lofoten islands, is well worth the effort. Svolvær offers the atmosphere of a harbour, a small town and art centre simultaneously. Passing through small towns, make a stop in the old trading centreof Stokmarknes to visit the museum of the coastal express Hurtigruten. Continue through Andøya to the village of Andenes, your base for exploring the Vesterålen Islands. Accomodation in Lankanholmen Sea Cabin or similar for 2 nights.
Day 6: Andenes - Whale Watching
Breakfast at the hotel, and the time has come to enjoy, in our opinion, one of the highlights of the tour. Whale safaris in Andenes have been voted some of the best whale safaris in the world. This is a whole day at sea (7-8 hours), and it offers you a grand opportunity to see several species of whale and exotic sea birds. After a successful day at sea, return to your hotel.
Day 7: Andenes - Lodingen (152 km/95 miles)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Andenes and as you continue south, you may pass through Sortland, a town known for its colorful houses. It's a good place to take a break or explore if you have time. Accommodation in Lødingen Brygge or similar.
Day 8: Farewell North Norwegian Archipelago (242 km/150 miles incl. ferry)
Breakfast at the hotel and take the Lødingen – Bognes ferry in the morning. The 21 km crossing takes about an hour and there are departures every hour, fee is around 250 NOK and will be collected by the AutoPass equipment which all rental carse are equipped with in Norway. Continue drive to Bodo Airport. Drop off your rental car, return flight.
Package Includes:
- Return flights from London to Bodo (we can arrange flights from other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler
- 7 days B class car hire
- 7 nights' accommodation at a hotel or rorbu with shower/WC
- 7 Scandinavian breakfast buffet
- Domestic ferry crossings for passengers and car:
- Bodø – Moskenes
Whale watching in Andenes on day 6, incl. coffee/tea and a light meal
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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