Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside the Arctic Circle and experience this winter wonderland in Tromso and the surrounding wilderness. Known as the ‘gateway to the Arctic’, join us as we discover all this fascinating region has to offer. From experiencing Sami Culture with ancient traditions to racing across the landscape led by huskies, this trip will hopefully be topped off by experiencing the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
Welcome to the Arctic Circle and Northern Norway. After our flight, we transfer to the Thon Polar hotel which is located central in Tromso. We settle in for an action packed few days before having a welcome dinner this evening.
After breakfast we will meet our four legged friends and of course spend some time with the Huskey’s! We will then head out on a husky sled ride into the Norwegian wilderness. After we will be provided with a hearty meal of Bidos, a typical Sami stew prepared with reindeer meat, broth and vegetables.
This evening we will join a local expert and set out in search of the magical experience of witnessing the Northern Lights – we just need a clear sky on our side! Northern Norway is one of the few places on earth that offer this opportunity and one that will definitely be remembered for a lifetime.
This morning we will embark on an Arctic Fjord Cruise that takes us around Tromsø seeing the mountains, fjords and islands that surround this city. We will have views of the open ocean, hopefully opportunities to see some wildlife as well as visiting a local fishing village where we will step ashore, explore the fish racks and learn about the fishing traditions. Whilst on board, the guides will share stories and knowledge about local culture, history and nature while on the lookout for wildlife.
This afternoon, we join a local guide and embark on a panoramic tour that will take us through the centre of Tromsø. We will witness a charming blend of old and new, where modest wooden houses sit alongside the modern architecture of this university city. Our guide will give us a true sense of the city who carries the nickname “Paris of the North.” We will drive round the forest-covered island of Tromsø. Cross the Tromsø Bridge which connects Tromsø Island to the mainland, and see the Arctic Cathedral reveal itself on the way over. We will ascend by cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen to enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the city and its impressive surroundings (cost of cable car not included).
After breakfast, we combine the breathtaking views from the top of the “Fjellheisen” mountain with an adventurous snowshoe hike! On this 3-hour guided tour, we will go on a 1-hour snowshoe hike on the snowy mountain trails of the Fjellheisen mountain. From the ridge, we will get to enjoy the scenic views of Tromsø city and its surrounding mountains and sea. We will meet our guide and travel by gondola up the mountain, 421m above sea level. Our guide will accompany us along the way to make sure we feel comfortable and confident walking on snowshoes. We will end the hike back at the upper gondola station where we will get to enjoy a hot drink and a muffin inside the Fjellheisen restaurant. Difficulty level: Moderate.
Later this afternoon, we will enjoy a 25-30 minute sleigh ride as the reindeers guide you around the valley and along the coast. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to feed 300 of these magnificent animals before entering the gamme for a hot traditional meal cooked over the fire. Finish the day by gathering around the fire to listen to Sami history, stories and joiking (Sami songs).
Today we bid farewell to the Artic Circle and Norway after a memorable time in this unique place and transfer back to the airport for our return flight home.
The Thon Polar hotel is located in central Tromsø and 100 metres from the main shopping street.
This hotel has free wi-fi and flat screen TVs with rooms that are arctic themed.
All hotel rooms come equipped with flat screen tv, private bathroom and tea and coffee making facitities.
Frequently Asked Questions
From Tromso Airport to the hotel, it will be 20 minutes depending on traffic.
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart casual for the welcome dinner. Comfortable warm shoes for walking and sightseeing are highly recommended. This time of the year in Tromso the temperature doesn’t get much above freezing, so be sure to bring layers that will keep you warm. Bring a comfortable coat, thick scarf, hat and gloves. Insulated boots and thermal tops are also good idea.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €20.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
If you are travelling to Norway and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
In Norway, they use the Norwegian Krone.
Snowshoeing info: Difficulty level: Moderate. This tour takes place on moderately hilly snow-covered terrain between 0 – 20 slope degrees. Moderate tours are suitable for those in good physical condition. Everyone on these tours should be able to hike at least 1 hour at a moderate pace with breaks.
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