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18 Day Follow The Lights

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

Pace
Moderate Pace

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Group Size
Small Group

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted
Cruise Style
Small Ship
1916 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Limited Time Offer - Add return international airfares for only $999
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the southern Fjords of Norway with a memorable night at Flam. Cruise the Norwegian coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes stopping at cities and towns along the way, plus sail around Honningsvag, the most northern tip of Europe. Visit a reindeer and husky farm in Finland, plus included sled experiences.
✓ Stay 1 night in a Glass Igloo looking to the Northern Lights. 
✓ Small group experience with a maximum of 24 guests
✓ Enjoy 4 star accommodation throughout
✓ 11 nights hotel accommodation (1 night in Glass Igloo) + 6 nights cruise accommodation in a Polar Outside cabin (upgrades available)
✓ Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 11 dinners + 1 x Farewell dinner
✓ City tours in Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki and Tallinn
✓ Return ferry ticket Helsinki – Tallinn (deck passage)
✓ First Class coach from Kirkenes to Helsinki
✓ English speaking guide from start to end

What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Thon Hotel Opera or Similar
Meals
Dinner

Welcome to Oslo! Upon arrival please make your own way from the airport or train station to your hotel.

The remainder of the day at leisure to explore the surrounding area, before a 6pm meeting and dinner with your tour leader and rest of your group. 

 

Hotel
Thon Hotel Opera or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will partake in a 4 hour city sightseeing tour with local English speaking guide. Includes: Vigeland Sculpture park, Historical Museum, Opera House, Ski Jump. Entrance to historical museum is included. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Note: luggage will be collected in the evening and transported to Bergen. We recommend bringing an overnight bag for the 1 night trip via Flam.

Hotel
Flåmsbrygga Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

After an early breakfast we will start our “Norway In a Nutshell” tour, catching the morning train to Myrdal where we change trains for the famous Flåm Railway, with spectacular fjord views all the way to the beautiful, tiny village of Flåm. Dinner at the hotel.

Hotel
Clarion Admiral Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, the day starts with the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, passing through the narrow Nærøyfjord. From Gudvangen the journey continues by bus. Waterfalls line the road as we weave our way through the valley to Voss. There we board a train for the last leg of our “Norway in a Nutshell” journey, arriving in Bergen in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel and rest of the day at leisure.

Hotel
Hurtigruten cruise or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel, morning at leisure. At 1pm meet the group in the lobby of the hotel for a city sightseeing tour of Bergen, which includes a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, St Mary’s Church, and Håkon’s Hall, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. (Entrance included to Troldhaugen). Tour ends at Hurtigruten pier for check- in and embarkation procedures.

Hotel
Hurtigruten cruise or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We navigate skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim. Overnight on board our ship.

Hotel
Hurtigruten cruise or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital. Overnight on board our ship.

Hotel
Hurtigruten cruise or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we cross the Arctic Circle in the morning, the hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. We enter the dramatic and narrow Raftsund, and if the weather and ice conditions allow, we’ll sail to the entrance of the famous Trollfjord. Overnight on board our ship

Hotel
Hurtigruten cruise or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a morning stop in Finnsnes, the ship continues to Tromsø, a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, and famed as a viewing point for the Northern Lights. The city’s historic centre is distinguished by its century’s old wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline. Overnight on board our ship.

Hotel
Hurtigruten cruise or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Honningsvåg is the nearest port to the North Cape – only 2000km from the geographical North Pole. Overnight on board our ship

Hotel
Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After disembarkation of the ship board our touring coach for the drive south to the village of Inari. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and vist the newly renovated SIIDA Museum (entrance included).

Enjoy a visit to the Reindeer farm where you will hear stories about Sámi culture, reindeer, reindeer herding and handicrafts. (Sled ride dependent on snow conditions)

Saariselkä Continue todays journey to Saariselka, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness. Check in to hotel. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Hotel
Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel followed by Husky Safari/Farm visit. Learn about the life and training of these unique Arctic dogs. (Sled ride dependent on snow conditions)
Remainder of day at leisure. Tour manager will help guests book optional excursions on the spot.

Hotel
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards board the coach and head south towards Rovaniemi. Short stop made at the small town of Sodankylä, and at the Sodankylä Old Church.

We will visit the Santa Claus village where there is free entrance and time to explore and for lunch (lunch at own arrangements).

Then we travel on to Sinetta (near Rovaniemi) for check in at the Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos. Sinettä Dinner at the hotel restaurant. There is time in the evening for optional excursions that will be offered on the spot. Overnight in glass igloo.

Hotel
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel

Morning at leisure to enjoy the facilities. Lunch time transfer to Rovaniemi and check-in for hotel. Afternoon at leisure to explore Rovaniemi.
     
Rovaniemi Optional excursions will be offered by the tour manager.

Overnight at hotel.

Hotel
Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel before the drive towards Rantasalmi and the Finnish Lakes district. We will make a stop for lunch (own arrangements).

Järvisydän Check in at the unique Hotel & Spa Resort  for a stay in one of the Kota hotel rooms. Dinner will be included at the hotel restaurant

Hotel
Scandic Grand Marina or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel before departure towards Helsinki. Arrive at approximately 1pm with free time for lunch.
At 2pm meet the English speaking local guide for a sightseeing tour of Helsinki including the main highlights, city hall, Parliament buildings, Finaldnia Holl, Operate house and Sibelius Monument. We will also visit the popular Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church – entrance included).

Remainder of day at own leisure.

Hotel
Scandic Grand Marina or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Early start to head to the ferry to Tallinn. Breakfast on board the ferry.
   
Tallinn City Tour starts with a panoramic tour of the city by private coach (duration 02hrs), further to Toompea Hill,
 
Where a walking tour of the Old Town starts (duration 01hr), the walking tour will be passing by highlights such as Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Dome church, onwards along Pikk Street to the Lower Town with Niguliste Church and the Old Town Hall (the oldest in North-Europe). (Entrance included to Dome Church)
12:30 End of city tour. Free time for lunch and to further explore the old town, before meeting the group for the return ferry to Helsinki, arriving approximately 6.30 PM.

This evening we will have our farewell dinner to celebrate an incredible journey.

Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast the tour ends. Own arrangements to airport or beyond. At the appropriate time, board your return flight home.

Inclusions

  • Immerse yourself in this winter wonderland, starting with the pristine Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to experience an exhilarating husky safari, feed reindeer.
  • Cruise along Norway’s rugged coastline, taking in this country’s spectacular mountains and fjords. You’ll have a front-row seat in the hopes of catching the mesmerising aurora borealis – those famed northern lights, a dazzling natural phenomenon and certainly a once in a lifetime experience.

  • Incredible sightseeing, including the southern Fjords of Norway with a memorable night at Flam. Cruise the Norwegian coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes stopping at cities and towns along the way, plus sail around Honningsvag, the most northern tip of Europe. Visit a reindeer and husky farm in Finland, plus included sled experiences.
  • Stay 1 night in a Glass Igloo looking out to the Northern Lights. 
  • Small group experience with a maximum of 24 guests
  • Enjoy 4 star accommodation throughout
  • 11 nights hotel accommodation (1 night in Glass Igloo) + 6 nights cruise accommodation in a Polar Outside cabin (upgrades available)
  • daily breakfast, 6 lunches (5 on Hurtigruten), 11 dinners + 1 x Farewell dinner
  • City tours in Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki and Tallinn
  • Return ferry ticket Helsinki – Tallinn (deck passage)
  • First Class coach from Kirkenes to Helsinki
  • English speaking guide from start to end

Bedding on board the cruise is restricted to the following configurations. If you wish to upgrade your cabin, the following amounts are payable in addition to the package price prior to travel:

Polar Outside - INCLUDED 
Our Polar outside cabins are situated mostly on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Some cabins have double beds, while others have separate beds, one of which is a sofa bed, or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.

Arctic Superior - FROM $300 per person, twin share (Single from $600)
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic superior cabins. Situated on upper decks, they all have bathrooms with shower and WC, tea and coffee-making facilities and TVs. The cabins have double beds. All the cabins have individual specifications.

Please request your cabin upgrade in the 'special requests' field. Availability and price will then be confirmed and added to your invoice upon acceptance.

Please note, Hurtigruten will assign your cabin number closer to departure. In the event you are travelling with another party, note that cabins may not be allocated together. If you prefer to select your own cabin number additional fees will apply.

Fine Print

Deposit & Installment Payment Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with a $99 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 2nd instalment of $4,500 per person within 7 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Full Payment Option:

  • Pay in full to receive a 5% discount off your selected holiday.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalising your booking. 
  • The 5% discount will then be deducted from your total balance.
  • The 5% discount does not apply to extras including optional tours, pre/post accommodation, airfare (unless included as part of the package) or any special requests.
  • Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer.
  • Not available when using account credit to make payment.

Booking Process

  • 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password
  • Then select the red 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the red ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
  • Your booking is on request and will be confirmed by Inspiring Vacations once all components of your package have been secured with our partners, please see below for further information

Booking On Request

  • Your Inspiring Vacations package is made up of multiple components and travel partners. Once your booking is made and passenger details form submitted, we will begin to confirm all of your arrangements. Please note, this process can take several business days to complete.
  • Once all elements have been confirmed we will send you an email confirmation, if we are unable to confirm we will provide you with alternative dates or offer a full refund of your deposit or re-credit your account if a travel credit was used.
  • Please DO NOT book any additional services, such as flights, until we have confirmed your Inspiring Vacations package in writing. Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any fees or charges incurred to change or cancel components not booked by Inspiring Vacations should your selected package be unavailable. 

Limited Time Offer - Return Economy International Flights for $999 per person

Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase. 

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

This depends on the package you are booking. 

Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.

We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):

  • At check-out, please ensure you add the numbers of extra nights you would like pre- and/or post-tour (where available as an add-on). This can only be done at time of booking and cannot be added after purchase.
  • Some packages may only offer the opportunity to book one (1) extra night pre and/or post. If you want more nights’ than what is available to book you must choose Land Only (refer below).
  • If there is no option to add additional nights’ accommodation to your booking, then extending your stay with Inspiring Vacations is not an option and you can instead choose to change your booking to Land Only so you can arrange both your airfares and additional accommodation independently. 

When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance. 

Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare. 

The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked. 

Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:

  • You would like to stopover
  • You would like to upgrade your cabin class
  • You would like a specific airline booked 
  • You would like to extend longer than what is available within the package 
  • You intend to book additional accommodation independently
  • You would like to arrive and/or depart from another city or airport or; 
  • Your preferred domestic departure city point (ie Perth, Australia) is not an option 

If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please select land only. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees. 
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • Depending on departure date and time of booking, the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline.
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation.
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.

3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $4,079 per person in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Group Size
10-26 people. Please be advised that under exceptional circumstances, the group size may slightly surpass the designated limit due to operational reasons, such as in the event that a cruise date is consolidated with another.

Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.

Tour Styles - This package is an Fully Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
  • Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.

  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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