Into the Arctic

This morning cross the border between Finland and Norway to reach Kirkenes, a small town facing the Barents Sea. Here you will have lunch in the restaurant of the SnowHotel, followed by a visit of the SnowHotel 365 itself. Marvel at the ice and snow art and discover all the ice suites; you can also visit Santa`s workshop and the icebar, taking all the time you need to explore the park with huskies and reindeers. For those who want, it’s possible to join the king crab safari at 5.00pm. For those interested in history instead, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta. For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground. Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Kirkenes.

Transfer to the Hurtigruten pier and board the ship for your voyage along the Norwegian coast. Lunch on board. Your journey on the famous Hurtigruten starts. In the port of Vardø, you will find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. Cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea. Dinner and overnight on board – Polar Outside cabins.

Stops are made at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund. Lunch on board. In the early afternoon, you will spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world until Longyearbyen in Svalbard claimed the title. Check out the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen.

Continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. Dinner on board and late evening arrival in Tromsø. The hotel is situated literally a few steps away from the pier. Check-in and overnight at Clarion The Edge.

Embark on a panoramic visit of Tromsø that will take you through the center of this town in the Arctic. A charming blend of old and new, where modest wooden houses sit alongside the modern architecture of this university city. Your guide will give you a true sense of the city who carries the nickname “Paris of the North”. Cross the Tromsø Bridge which connects Tromsø Island to the mainland, and see the Arctic Cathedral reveal itself on the way over. Tromsdalen Church, also known as Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) was built on November 19, 1965. The cathedral is a landmark visible from the Tromsø Sound, the Tromsø Bridge and when landing in Tromsø by aircraft. For those who want to walk a little more, it is possible to reach the cable car and go all the way to the top of Mount Storsteinen, 421 meters above sea level in just four minutes, for a bird’s-eye-view of the city and its impressive surroundings. In the afternoon visit a local brewery where you will learn about the ingredients in the beer and the brewing process that Norwegians use in the arctic region to produce a delicious beer. This evening you have the opportunity to join one of the several Northern Lights tour leaving from Tromsø. Overnight at Clarion Hotel The Edge.

Experience a Reindeer Safari in a magical location; upon arrival you will dress in warm winter clothes and boots and then head off to explore the ancient part of Sami culture and try the oldest form of transport in the north. As the reindeer herd is some distance from the main part of the camp, your adventure will start with a short transfer by minibus to the Sami Camp. This fascinating cultural adventure includes reindeer sledding, an introduction to lasso throwing, storytelling about the Sami culture and feeding the reindeer. After this memorable encounter with the indigenous Sami people, return to Camp Tamok where a hot meal will be served around an open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent. After lunch, depart for Kilpisjärvi. This is where the three nations of Norway, Finland, and Sweden meet. Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Kilpisjärvi hosts some of the best conditions for viewing the northern lights, so make sure to head out at night for a peak. Please keep in mind, seeing the Northern Lights is dependent on weather and nature conditions. Dinner and overnight at the Santa’s Hotel Rakka.

Optional Activity (surcharge applies): This morning there is the possibility to visit Finland, Sweden, and Norway in less than one minute. This is a bucket list experience that is strongly suggested: a snowmobile safari for beginners and first timers, with a trail that runs on the frozen lake and through beautiful snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma where the yellow border cairn of three Nordic countries is located. It is called the most peaceful border in the world. Take your time to make pictures and mark your presence at the point of intersection of three European borders! (the snowmobile activity is optional).

This afternoon depart for Levi and explore a different part of Finnish Lapland. Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. Tonight, you will have the very special experience of sleeping under the Arctic Sky with an overnight stay in Glass Igloos at the Northern Lights Village! Dinner and overnight in Aurora Cabin at Northern Lights Village Levi.

Today, experience a husky safari! Driving a team of huskies over the white, shimmering fells is an experience that is almost mandatory during a trip to Lapland. The eager dogs run at full speed and the sled glides effortlessly over the snowdrifts with the skids hissing softly. The lead dog turns to look at you at a crossroads – right or left? Mush! The husky safari starts in front of an Aurora hut and takes you on a fast-paced trip over the untouched snow of the forests of Levi. This is an experience that you will never forget! In the afternoon, depart for Haparanda to experience Swedish Lapland. Dinner and overnight at Haparanda Stadshotell.

Optional Activity (surcharge applies):  For those who want, another bucket-list experience is awaiting today: the Icebreaker! A 3-hour cruise in the frozen water of Bothnian sea in Lapland. During the 3 hours you will be a witness of a massive ice breaking power of the vessel, have a guided tour all the way down to the engine rooms and all way up to Captain’s bridge. You can relax in the cozy saloon, enjoying warm juice or go for walk on the frozen sea ice during the stop. The icebreaker makes a pool free of ice and every visitor can take a swim in the dark icy water in flotation survival suit. The captain will present Cruise & Swim Certificate to everyone as a memorable gift.

In the afternoon you have some time to explore Haparanda Tornio, crossing the border between Sweden and Finland as you walk from your hotel to the local shopping mall, or to join one of the several available activities. Dinner in the spectacular cellar of your hotel. Overnight Haparanda Stadshotell.

Departure to Rovaniemi, in Finland, which is The Official Home of Santa Claus. Here he spends his time at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life: to enhance the wellbeing of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spreading the message love and goodwill of Christmas Spirit throughout the globe. A stop is made at the Santa Claus Village for a visit. The afternoon is free in Rovaniemi for the last shopping before going home. A farewell dinner will be held in a typical Lappish kota, eating local specialties and being heated by the fireplace. Hopefully, the lights will hold a last show for you tonight, before going back to the hotel for the overnight.

• Arrival transfer on Day 1 of Tour by shared shuttle from Ivalo Airport to Hotel**
• Departure transfer on Day 11 of Tour by shared shuttle from Hotel to Rovaniemi Apt**
• Accommodation with private facilities:
  • 8 nights in hotel rooms
  • 1 night in a glass igloo
  • 1 night on board the Hurtigruten from Kirkenes to Tromsø (Polar Outside cabin)
• Breakfast daily
• 8 dinners (tap water included)
• 4 lunches (tap water included)
• English speaking Tour Escort from day 1 to day 10
• Long distance coach from Tromsø to Rovaniemi
• Entrance to Snowhotel Kirkenes
• Panoramic walking tour of Tromsø
• Brewery visit with tasting
• Reindeer safari
• Husky safari
• Santa Claus Village visit
• 24/7 support by local operator
• Scandinavia Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or 11 of tour
• Optional tours and excursions
• Meals other than those specified
• Drinks during meals
• Luggage Handling
• Tipping/Gratuities
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above