Trail of the Northern Lights

Norway

• Travel on one of the world’s most scenic railways from Oslo to Bergen
• Six-night cruise on a working ship along Norway’s rugged coastline
• Sail past the magnificent Rimsdal Alps en-route to Kristiansund
• Cruise up the Trondheim fjord to the delightful medieval city of Trondheim, famous for its charming old wooden buildings
• Sail past the magnificent Lofoten Wall and the picturesque fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands
• Visit the beautiful city of Tromso, and its Northern Lights Planetarium
• Cross the 71^st Parallel to the northernmost point of the continent
• Enjoy dog-sledding in the snowy landscapes

Finland

• Two-night stay in a glass igloo chalet in a pristine wilderness area
• Enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride in a snowy forest
• Enjoy multiple opportunities to experience the greatest show on earth – the Northern Lights
• Three-night stay at Rovaniemi, in southern Finnish Lapland
• Visit to Santa Claus Village and meet Father Christmas himself
• Sail in a giant icebreaker ship on the Gulf of Bothnia
• Travel through snowy landscapes on the Santa Claus Express train from the Arctic Circle to Helsinki
• Two-night stay in Helsinki

Estonia

• Two-night stay in the medieval city of Tallinn
• Explore Tallinn’s ancient city walls and defensive towers
• Explore the labyrinth of lanes and alleyways in the heart of the old city

Inclusions

• All flights between Australia and Europe/Europe and Australia
• All ticketable air taxes (NB may be subject to change)
• All accommodation (twin-share)
• All transfers and ground transportation
• All meals as specified
• Travel Directors’ tour leader throughout
• Expert local guides
• All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
• All tips and gratuities

Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs. A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of AUD $3,000 per person paid at the time of booking. All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.

03/03/2025 Australia – Dubai

Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai.

04/03/2025 Dubai – Oslo (D)

Depart Dubai Emirates EK 159, 07.45

Arrive Oslo 12.00

The Norwegian capital lies between the Oslofjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. On the way to our hotel we visit the Viking Ships Museum and the superb 80-acre Sculpture Park. The park, located in western Oslo, features 212 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Every year more than one million tourists from all over the world visit the site.

Thon Hotel Opera

Oslo

05/03/2025 Oslo (BLD)

Today we explore Oslo’s rich history in the grand buildings and museums at the 13th century fortress of Akershus in the centre of the city. The fortress is also a popular recreational area with wonderful views to the harbour. In the afternoon we visit the museum that houses the world’s most famous polar ship, the Fram. We go aboard the ship and see how Norway’s polar explorers lived and survived in the coldest places on earth more than 100 years ago.

06/03/2025  Oslo – Bergen (BLD)

Depart Oslo Train 5, 08.27

Arrive Bergen 14.57

This morning we board our train for the breathtakingly scenic journey to Bergen. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, the train reaches the highest altitude of any train ride in Europe and passes through dramatic landscapes of magnificent glaciers, majestic forests and crystal-clear fjords. On arrival in Bergen we transfer to our hotel.

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz

Bergen

07/03/2025  Bergen (BLD)

After breakfast we take a tour of this delightful city, famed for its beautifully preserved wooden houses, which are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Early evening we board our ship for the six-night cruise north along the spectacular Norwegian coastline.

08/03/2025 Floro – Alesund (BLD)

Today we experience the breathtaking beauty of the Nordfjord. Sailing past the West Cape, we venture into open sea before navigating through skerries and islands to reach the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. Aboard ship we have the opportunity to enjoy a colourful and enlightening presentation about the Aurora Borealis which we may begin to see in the coming days.

09/03/2025 Kristiansund – Trondheim – Rorvik (BLD)

This morning we arrive in beautiful Trondheim. The architecture and surroundings in this city create a beautiful and almost mythical setting. After exploring Trondheim we chart a northwest course, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship arrives at charming Rørvik.

10/03/2025 Bronnoysund – Svolvaer (BLD)

The Arctic Circle marks the border to the Arctic region. In summer this means 24-hour daylight – often referred to as the ‘Midnight Sun’. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude provides the best chances of experiencing the Northern Lights. We continue sailing along the beautiful coast of Helgeland up to Bodø with the impressive Borvass Mountains looming on the starboard side. Later this afternoon the sight of the 1,000m high Lofoten Wall appears on the horizon. The charms of the Lofoten Islands are revealed in small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere.

11/03/2025 Tromsø – Skjervoy (BLD)

Arriving in Tromso, gateway to the Arctic, we explore the town, including a visit to the Polar Museum. After an exhilarating day, we continue our northbound journey. The ship now sails into the area along the coast where we have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights and we gather on deck in the hope of seeing this breathtaking phenomenon.

12/03/2025 Oksfjord – Berlevag (BLD)

Today we experience the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as we cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point on the continent. After earlier stops in Hammerfest and Havøysund we arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. The Hurtigruten continues north, sailing into the very heartland of the indigenous Sámi people. We pass their ancient sacred site, the rock formation Finnkirka, as we approach the fishing village of Kjollefjord. Here we learn more about the lives and customs of the Sami people and explore the wonderful surrounding area.

13/03/2025 Kirkenes (BLD)

After breakfast we reach Kirkenes – 400km north of the Arctic Circle and just 15km from the Russian border. Here in this vast Barents region indigenous people live in their traditional way alongside a modern industrial society. Families from the Russian Revolution of 1917 still live in Kirkenes and signposts are in both Russian and Norwegian. Kirkenes has been the end point of the Hurtigruten for more than 100 years, yet it is also the start point of the Northern Sea Route to China, that shortens the distance of traditional shipping routes through the Suez Canal by more than 40%.

Thon Hotel Kirkenes

Kirkenes

14/03/2025 Kirkenes (BLD)

Today we fully explore Kirkenes, visiting the Snow Hotel and the Russian Monument. After lunch we explore the surrounding countryside and visit a typical fishing village.

15/03/2025 Kirkenes – Kakslauttanen (BLD)

Today we cross into Finland and head towards Kakslauttanen in our search for the Northern Lights. Aurora Borealis results from the collision of gaseous particles from the earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun. The subsequent burst of coloured light can last from less than a second to all night. Nestled in the wilderness near Urho Kekkonen National Park, our hotel at Kakslauttanen has one of the Arctic Circle’s best vantage points to see the Aurora Borealis. The complete lack of light pollution reveals millions of stars each night, and during March the location offers incredible views. Each of our glass igloos is fitted with thermal glass walls and ceilings that insulate the interior to keep it warm and cosy at night. The glass also contains a frost preventative, maintaining crystal clear panoramic views even when temperatures outside drop to -20 degrees Celsius.

Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen

16/03/2025 Kakslauttanen (BLD)

This morning we experience one of the oldest ways to travel in Lapland – by reindeer sleigh. There are no petrol fumes or rumbling engines, just the swoosh of snow and the pounding of hooves as your wooden sleigh glides through the snowy landscape. This is nature in its purest form! We travel through the forests and meet with reindeer herders who live hand in hand with the wilderness. In the afternoon we visit a husky farm which is located near our resort.

17/03/2025 Kakslauttanen – Rovaniemi (BLD)

Today we leave Kakslauttanen for the 3-hour drive to the riverside city of Rovaniemi. Although there has been continuous human settlement in this area since the Stone Age, few of the buildings date back before 1944 as nearly all of the city was destroyed during WWII. After the devastation left behind by the Wehrmacht the major streets of Lapland’s capital were planned and rebuilt in the shape of antlers with the head of a reindeer. This is because Rovaniemi, which is located eight kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, is home to reindeer, elks and huskies – and to Santa Claus, the legendary father of Christmas. After our lunch in Santa Claus Village we meet Father Christmas himself and explore his village which is close to Roveniemi. Later in the afternoon we visit the Arktikum, a fascinating museum and science centre that showcases the culture, history and modern life in the Arctic.

Vaakuna Hotel

Rovaneimi

18/03/2025 Rovaniemi (BLD)

Today we explore Rovaniemi and the surrounding area including the Ranua wildlife park, which is home to many arctic species, including polar bears. The park is set amidst beautiful conifer forests which is the natural habitat of most of the animals that live here.

19/03/2025 Rovaniemi – Kemi – Rovaniemi (BLD)

Today we drive south to Kemi on the Gulf of Bothnia, where we board the ice-breaker Sampo. We set sail for a unique experience as a fusion of steel, ice, sea and sunrise provides enthralling action. The thundering sound of more than 3,500 tons of steel crushing the thick ice of the vast open ice fields, combined with the ever-changing colours of the morning sky, is a unique experience that will live on in your memory long after you return home.

20/03/2025 Rovaniemi – Helsinki  (BD)

This morning we board the Santa Claus Express for one of the most exciting and comfortable train journeys in northern Europe.

Depart Santa Claus Express Train 24, 09.30

The double-decker train is thoroughly modern with a superb dining car and even free on-board Wi-Fi. This fairy-tale ride from the Arctic Circle to the Finnish capital provides a magnificent showcase of the Finnish countryside, with frozen lakes, forests and snow-covered landscapes. By evening the train pulls into Helsinki.

Arrive Helsinki 17.35

On arrival in Helsinki we transfer to our hotel.

Vaakuna Hotel

Helsinki

21/03/2025 Helsinki (BLD)

Situated on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a modern city of more than half a million people. It is surrounded by an archipelago of hundreds of tiny islands, and is culturally influenced by both the East and West. Today we embark on a walking tour which unveils some of the most distinctive architecture in the world, both old and new. Despite being tucked away in a pocket in north-eastern Europe, Helsinki is one of the cultural hot spots of Europe. A walk through the city centre reveals a superb array of neoclassical architecture especially around Senate Square. Close by on a hilltop stands the Uspenski Cathedral, Europe’s largest Russian Orthodox Church, and a stunning example of the Byzantine-Russian style. Scattered about the city are fine examples of Art Nouveau while elsewhere, the Temppeliaukio Church and Finlandia Hall represent early Modernism.

22/03/2025 Helsinki – Tallinn (BLD)

This morning we leave Helsinki’s west harbour for the short ferry ride to Tallinn in Estonia. Situated on the Gulf of Finland and dating back to the 10th century, Tallinn is the oldest capital in Northern Europe. In 2011 it was named European Capital of Culture and is one of the most beguiling walled cities in Europe. Its maze of cobbled streets, looming spires and brooding battlements conspire to create a Gothic masterpiece. On arrival in Tallinn we start to explore this ancient city starting with the open-air museum Rocco Al Mare. Later we explore Kadriorg Palace, built for Catherine the 1st of Russia by Peter the Great.

Telegraaf Hotel

Tallinn

23/03/2025 Tallinn (BLD)

Today we continue to explore the city. More than a mile of the original city wall remains, showcasing medieval fortifications and 26 defensive towers. We visit the Patkul lookout point where the fairy-tale views entrance the visitor. From here we explore the labyrinth of lanes that make up the heart of the old city.

24/03/2025 Tallinn – Stockholm – Dubai (B)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our homeward flight.

Depart Tallinn Scandinavian Airlines SK 749, 10.45

Arrive Stockholm 10.45

Depart Stockholm Emirates EK 158, 14.30

Arrive Dubai 23.35

25/03/2025 Dubai – Australia

On arrival in Dubai connect with your flight back to Australia.

This will be a cold trip. What kind of clothes will I need for the journey?

The most important clothing items for this trip:

1. A down jacket or ski jacket

2. Thermal underwear

3. Boots with good tread (preferably hiking boots)

4. Scarf and gloves

5. A good hat

Just how cold will it be and where is the coldest place likely to be?

Just about the entire journey will see average temperatures ranging from -10 to +6. The coldest spots generally are Kirkenes and Kakslauttanen. Our pre-departure information booklets will provide more information on weather.

What kind of ship is used on the Norway cruise?

We use a ship of the Hurtigruten Line for our cruise along the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes. These ships are not cruise ships as such: they are working ships that also shuttle locals and supplies between the towns and settlements along the coast as they have for decades. The ships carry around 500 guests on average

If I travel alone, do I have to pay the single supplement?

If you wish to have sole use of a hotel room on the tour, you will need to pay the single supplement. If you are travelling alone but willing to share a room, we will endeavour to match you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. We cannot guarantee that a share-match can be provided, and in the event that this cannot be arranged at the time of final payment, you will need to pay the single supplement. Please note, the single supplement applies only to the hotel accommodation and the Hurtigruten cruise on the tour: it does not cover the igloo-chalets at Kakslauttanen. At Kakslauttanen it can be difficult to provide single occupancy of an igloo-chalet, due to limited availability at peak season. If you require single occupancy we can enquire and provide an upgrade cost if single occupancy is possible.

How long is the flight from Australia to Norway?

Flying time to Dubai is between 11 and 14.5 hours, depending on your Australian capital city of departure. Flight time from Dubai to Oslo is 7 hours 15 minutes.

Do I have to fly straight home from Tallinn?

No. We encourage our travellers to take advantage of this great location for further travel in Europe and will arrange for passengers to return home from any city in Europe. All we ask is that you nominate a city and a return date before you leave Australia. These dates can be changed, however, and the ticket is valid for one year. ‘Add-ons’ are relatively inexpensive and easily organised.

Do I need vaccinations for this journey?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for this tour. Tetanus should certainly be up to date, and we recommend you seek advice from your doctor.

A lot of companies have many expensive optional extras on their tours. Do you?

We don’t believe in a lot of expensive ‘optional tours’. Our itineraries are designed to make the best possible use of time and to include all the must-see sights, plus additional surprises. Therefore practically everything is included in the tour cost.

Is the water safe to drink en route and what is the general standard of hygiene?

The tap water is safe to drink, and the standard of hygiene is very high along the entire route.

What is the standard of the hotels?

We choose our hotels for their central locations, which we believe is very important. They are generally 4 star quality (or better), comfortable, clean and all with en-suites.

What is the best currency to take on this journey?

The best currency is Euros, in small denominations. i.e. 100s, 50s, 20s, 10s.

How much spending money do I need for the entire trip?

Because almost everything is included, we would suggest an amount of 1000 Euros per person as being ample for the whole journey.

Are credit cards acceptable?

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the journey and ATMs are available along the route. However it is not recommended to rely on these as your main source of funds.

Are there internet and WiFi facilities en route?

All the hotels we use have internet and WiFi facilities. At Kakkslauttanen there is WiFi in the reception area.

Do mobile telephones work?

Telstra and Optus mobiles work throughout the entire journey except on some parts of the train journey. You will need to ensure you have global roaming. Contact your service provider for further details.

How much should we tip the guides and porters?

There is no need to tip guides or porters as all tips and gratuities are included in the tour cost.

Listed below is a selection of books which you may wish to read prior to, or during, your journey.

Pole to Pole

Michael Palin

Frost On My Moustache

Tim Moore

Seasons of the Arctic

Paul Nicklen & Hugh Brody

Hurtigruten: The World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage

Erling Storrusten

Imagining the Arctic

J.C.H. King & H. Ladki

The Sami People of the North: A Social and Cultural History

Neil Kent