This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. 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. To ensure this trip is right for you, 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 aid, then this tour is not suitable.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, like Norwegian fjords, a reindeer farm, Santa Claus’ Village, city tours in Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki
✓ 15 nights in comfortable 3 and 4-star deluxe accommodation
✓ 4 nights onboard a Hurtigruten small-ship coastal cruise from Kirkenes to Trondheim onboard MS Trollfjord or MS Midnatsol
✓ Drive the incredible Atlantic Road from Kristiansund to Bud, one of the most iconic stretches of road in the world
✓ Enjoy scenic Fjord cruises on Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord
✓ Ride the mesmerising Flam railway, an incredible journey from fjord to mountain
✓ Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 11 dinners
✓ Escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
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.
Welcome to Finland, the happiest country in the world!
It’s a free day to relax or explore. There are many ways to get to know this gorgeous seaside city. Enjoy the old market, the green parks and the Russian influence in its buildings and churches.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
It’s an early start today with a transfer to the ferry terminal for your visit to Tallinn, capital of Estonia. A breakfast buffet will be served onboard. It’s about a two-hour journey. When you arrive in Tallinn, your coach and local guide will be waiting to show you the sights.
Your city tour starts with a panoramic tour of the city for two hours, then onto Toompea Hill, for a walking tour of the Old Town, with its winding cobblestone streets, colourful medieval houses and fairytale charm. It takes about an hour to see highlights such as Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Dome church. We’ll continue along Pikk Street to the Lower Town, home to the Niguliste Church and the Old Town Hall, the oldest in north Europe and a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
You’ll have some free time in the afternoon to see more of Tallinn at your own pace. The city mixes old and new effortlessly; given its location it's no wonder it has a strong Scandinavian influence, but it's steeped in medieval Baltic history.
You’ll head back to Helsinki by ferry again and be back for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a tour of Helsinki this morning, capital of Finland and also known as the 'Daughter of the Baltic Sea’ or ‘White City of the North’. Learn more about its culture, history, traditions and more. You’ll see Senate Square with the famous Cathedral rising on the northern side, the Market Square, the orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament, the Sibelius Monument and Finlandia Hall. Finlandia Hall was built in 1971 and has a distinctive, impressive white facade of Carrara marble.
If it’s open, entrance is included to the unique Temppeliaukio Church – also known as the ‘Rock Church’, as it’s built directly into the granite rock.
Enjoy some free time for lunch in the city before we depart for Kuopio.
Today we’ll head for Finnish Lapland, the country’s northernmost region and a veritable winter wonderland. Our first stop is Kemi, a city with a long history and tradition in building huge snow castles. When we arrive about lunchtime, we’ll visit the 365 SnowCastle Resort (entrance included). Even in summer, we can visit a brand new ice attraction with snow and ice sculptures.
That evening we’ll depart for Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. The evening is yours to relax and explore. The city centre is quite compact and easy to walk around. Fancy reindeer stew or salmon soup? You can find traditional Lappish food in a host of different establishments here, from fine dining to casual options.
On the way to Ivalo this morning, we’ll stop at Santa Claus’ Village for some Christmas magic. Here, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate to commemorate this. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the village’s many charms and fun activities, like meeting Santa’s reindeer, perusing the souvenirs or exploring Snowman World. You can even send a postcard home from the post office, staffed by Santa’s postal elves – it will have a special Arctic Circle postmark not available anywhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa.
We’ll arrive in Ivalo in the evening and relax with dinner at the hotel.
This morning we’ll head to the Inari Reindeer Farm for a truly unique experience. Here you can feed, photograph and learn about these enchanting creatures, browse local handicrafts and even practise your skills in lasso throwing. Reindeer play a special part in the stories and traditions of the Arctic and here you can discover more about Sámi culture and history.
The history of the Sámi people, who inhabit northernmost Europe, is rich with many cultural traditions and customs. Next we’ll visit the Sámi Museum Siida in the village of Inari. It’s the national museum of the Sámi and explores their spiritual and material culture in its collections, exhibitions and publications. It’s an intriguing look at the past and present of this fascinating culture.
You’ll return to Ivalo for some free time and dinner at the hotel.
This morning we’ll head north across the border to Kirkenes, to board your Norwegian cruise. It’s about a three-hour drive to the port.
As the ship departs, you can enjoy lunch and take in the views of the surrounding rugged Arctic wilderness on deck, or from the panorama lounge. Your voyage along the Norwegian coastline promises many new experiences and thrilling landscapes. These ports, previously visited by night on the northbound journey, are now seen by day.
In the afternoon, we’ll dock at Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port. Weather permitting, you may experience ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean. In spring, there will be a presentation onboard about the shorebirds that call this coastline home.
We’ll continue south along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. This fishing village is home to one of Norway’s most famous local choirs, consisting mainly of local fishermen.
In the middle of the night we’ll dock at Mehamn. Before arriving in Hammerfest, you can enjoy an ‘energy coffee’ and a short onboard introduction to nearby Melkøya, the world’s northernmost natural gas terminal.
The town of Hammerfest was founded in 1789 and over time became Norway’s polar capital, serving as a base for hunting expeditions into the High Arctic. You can see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise geographic measurement of the globe.
We’ll then continue south to Øksfjord. After crossing open water, we make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy. We’ll then dock at Tromsø, often described as the Paris of the north. In summer, you can join an optional midnight excursion under the midnight sun and explore Tromsø by sea in a smaller, rigid inflatable boat. Alternatively, a walk around the town gives you the chance to enjoy a local brew at one of the city’s many friendly pubs.
Another day of cruising Norway’s spectacular mountains and fjords. This morning we’ll arrive at Harstad. History, beautiful scenery and a selection of breathtaking sites await, including Trondenes Church, one of Norway’s premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages.
Admire the views as we sail towards the Risøyrenna, a shallow, seven metre-deep channel made for the cruise company in the 1920s to provide an ‘inside route’ between Harstad and Sortland. Sandbanks along the Risøyrenna are visible through the clear, green water. The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen will undoubtedly offer some of the most stunning scenery you’ll see on your voyage.
Risøyhamn is a small village with only 200 inhabitants, and we make a short stop here to deliver passengers, groceries and mail. We then continue south via Sortland to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded more than 125 years ago.
Then we’ll reach the spectacular Trollfjord; only two kilometres long, 100 metres wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. If weather and time permit, the captain will make a detour into the fjord. Steep cliffs hug the ship’s sides, and the dramatic landscape conjures images of an imaginary land of trolls.
After reaching Svolvaer, we’ll continue to Stamsund and see the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten Wall. We leave Lofoten during the evening and set course for the mainland.
Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’ N is an important rite of passage. We’ll celebrate the event out on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition, a spoonful of cod liver oil. Sailing along the Helgeland coast, we’ll pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland, and steep granite walls rich in local lore. From the deck you can see the eerie mountain Torghatten (rising 258m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole right through the middle – the hole is 160m long, 35m high and 20m wide, and was created during the Ice Age.
Another cruise highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven imposing peaks are between 900 and 1100 metres high – a prominent landmark of the Helgeland coastline.
Next we’ll make a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post, before moving onto Sandnessjøen.
The ship will head slowly into the majestic Trondheimsfjord, and along the coast and into Trondheim for disembarkation. We’ll arrive early and disembark in Norway’s capital of technology. Although not a big city on a European scale, Trondheim is the third largest in Norway, thanks in part to its large student population.
You’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the city, to see impressive sites like the Nidaros Cathedral (entrance included). Considered the national sanctuary of Norway, it’s built over the grave of St. Olav. Work began in 1070, but the oldest parts still in existence date from the middle of the 12th century.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming city. The compact city centre with a wide array of shops makes Trondheim popular for shopping. You’ll find many independent shops, selling clothes and accessories that you won’t find everywhere. In historic Bakklandet, you’ll find several shops that make the garments they sell from scratch or by adapting old garments.
You’ll find no shortage of dinner options – Trondheim has a strong focus on local food, and many local establishments serve a wide range of excellent, locally-brewed beers. Cheers!
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start the scenic trip to Molde. On the way, there is the ferry crossing of Halsa-Kanestraum, then we’ll continue to the islands of Bergsøya and Frei until we reach the island of Averøy.
In Averøy the spectacular Atlantic Road awaits, a stretch of road that takes you right out to the ocean’s edge. Widely reputed to be one of the world’s most beautiful drives, it’s a feat of engineering. It connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets, spanned by a total of eight bridges over 8274 metres.
Opened in 1989, the entire 36km stretch between Kårvåg and Bud is one mesmerising experience, packed with coastal scenery, culture and history. It promises dazzling views, whether the ocean is calm or a storm is brewing.
We’ll arrive at Molde in the evening and enjoy some free time to relax or explore
Today we’ll enjoy a spectacular fjord cruise. First we’ll depart Molde by coach with two ferry crossings, Molde-Vestnes and Liabygda-Stranda. Once we arrive in Hellesylt, a cozy little town on the shores of the Geiranger fjord, we’ll board the cruise to journey along this natural wonder.
Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Geirangerfjord is a 15km-long branch of Storfjord. It’s one of Norway’s most popular attractions and your cruise will give you a spectacular introduction to this iconic Norwegian geographical feature. The fjord offers archetypal scenery as it follows the S-shaped profile of the fjord, encircled by high mountains, where abandoned farms cling to the hillsides.
On the trip between Hellesylt and Geiranger you’ll see the deserted farm Knivsflå, next to seven impressive waterfalls with an average fall of 250 metres, known as the Seven Sisters. On the opposite side you’ll see Friaren (the Suitor), a waterfall shaped like a bottle. You will also sail close to the Brudesløret (Bridal Veil) waterfall.
When we arrive in Geiranger, you’ll enjoy some free time and dinner at the hotel.
It’s a free day for you to explore this idyllic village. How about taking part in our suggested optional activity.
Mount Dalsnibba offers Europe’s highest fjord view from a road. We’ll take you to 1500m above sea level for the spectacular views from the Geiranger Skywalk platform. Experience fjord culture, enjoy views towards the snow-covered mountains and take in the pure air. The fantastic panorama from the highest point includes fjords, peaks and high mountain terrain. We’ll travel along the Eagle Road, the steepest stretch of road up the mountainside from Geiranger. The road swings through 11 hairpin bends up from the Geirangerfjord and to the highest point on the stretch, 620m above sea level. After the ferry crossing at Eidsdal-Linge, we’ll experience a dramatic and exciting journey to Trollstigen. Another series of hairpin bends, at some places it’s cut into the mountain and some parts are built on top of stone walls. An impressive bridge in natural stone carries it across the Stigfossen waterfall. At the top of Trollstigen, there are viewpoints and steel walkways to get close to the dramatic mountains and waterfalls. There’s also a cafe with panoramic windows, souvenir shop and amenities. Please note: Dalsnibba, the Eagle Road and Trollstigen are normally closed during winter season, October - late May/early June. This is subject to winter conditions and controlled by Norwegian authorities.
After breakfast, you’ll have some free time before we depart for Myrkdalen. It’s about a six hour journey and includes a ferry crossing from Hella to Vangsnes.
You’ll have dinner at your hotel when we arrive in Myrkdalen.
This morning we’ll enjoy an unforgettable fjord cruise through the UNESCO site of Nærøyfjord, a narrow and beautiful fjord that offers a stunning landscape no matter the season: frosty colours, white mountain peaks and ice-covered waterfalls during winter time; blooming deciduous trees and birds chirping in the spring; green trees and long, bright nights over summer; and a golden terrain with fresh and clear air during the autumn.
We return to Flåm for another trip highlight – the Flåm Railway, one of the leading tourist attractions in this beautiful country. It’s stunning. Enjoy the beauty of Western Norway as the train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station.
After we arrive back in Flåm, we’ll head for Oslo and arrive that evening, in time for dinner at the hotel.
Enjoy a tour of Oslo this morning. On this scenic drive, you’ll pass national landmarks like the Parliament building, with its two imposing lion statues at the main entrance, the National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, official resident of the present Norwegian Monarch. Then we’ll stop on the Bygdoy peninsula to visit the Viking Ship Museum (entrance included), home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, exhibitions of ship burials of the Viking Age and unique Viking woodcraft.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Oslo. Nestled between forests and a fjord, Oslo is a compact city that blends art and culture with nature and its stunning surroundings. Consider checking out its port, main streets, and the sculptures at Frogner Park.
We’ll leave for Stockholm today, travelling through the beautiful, idyllic countryside of Norway and Sweden. We’ll arrive in Stockholm in the evening, and you can enjoy some free time to yourself in Sweden's capital.
You'll see the main sights on your tour tomorrow but consider just wandering this coastal capital. It's a great city to explore on foot and take in the mix of old and new that defines this city.
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning on a tour of Stockholm, sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the north’ given its appealing architecture, clean and open waterways and numerous parks. Sweden’s beautiful capital is built on 13 islands joined together.
Your tour of this lovely city will take you past the impressive buildings of the National Museum, the Royal Theatre, the Grand Hotel, the Royal Palace and Stockholm’s picturesque historical city centre, known as Gamla Stan. You’ll visit City Hall (entrance included) and see the Blue Hall, the venue of the Nobel Banquet held each year. The Stockholm City Hall is one of Sweden’s most famous buildings and a popular tourist attraction.
This afternoon, we’ll take a sightseeing cruise ‘Under the bridges of Stockholm’ for two hours.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is free. Enjoy your last night in this beautiful part of the world.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Scandinavian adventure comes to an end.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
We use the sister ships MS Midnatsol or MS Trollfjord for this itinerary. Both ships have the same facilities and deck plans. The MS Trollfjord deck plan can be found by clicking HERE.
Upgrades
POLAR INSIDE CABIN - Included
Polar inside cabins are situated mostly on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. They have twin beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.
POLAR OUTSIDE CABIN - Additional $350 per person
Polar outside cabins are situated mostly on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. They have twin beds, one of which doubles as a sofa. The cabins have a large window. (Single travellers will be charged an additional $350 on top of the original upgrade price).
ARCTIC SUPERIOR CABIN - Additional $700 per person
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic superior cabins. Situated on both the upper and middle decks, the cabins have bathrooms with shower and WC. They are also equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities. Cabins have twin beds, one of which doubles as a sofa. All the cabins have a large window. (Single travellers will be charged an additional $700 on top of the original upgrade price).
Over the course of one hour, the train takes you from sea level at the Sognefjord in Flåm to the Myrdal mountain station, situated at 867 metres above sea level. Myrdal is also a station on the Bergen Line, meaning the Flåm Railway connects with trains running between Bergen and Oslo.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
To enhance your journey, we're offering the following optional activity:
Day 14 - Mount Dalsnibba, Geiranger Skywalk, Eagle Road, Trollstigen - AUD $109 per person
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Your guide will give you appropriate expectations in terms of the tipping amounts at the commencement of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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 $5,999 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.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
A visa is not required for travel to Finland, Sweden or Norway, for travel less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
20-46 people.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Click HERE for more information on the weather in Norway.
18 Sep 2020
Increase your chances of seeing the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis—especially in 2024 Ticking the Northern Lights off your bucket list this year? Great choice! The 2024/2025 season will be hard to beat according to the Norwegian Space Center. The cycle of solar activity or solar maximum—significant Northern Lights activ...
14 Sep 2020
We ride them, we herd them, we even eat them, reindeer are a romantic symbol of Christmas but also a major part of Norwegian culture Reindeer are a type of deer, although in North America they are called caribou. Norway’s Svalbard reindeer is the smallest and the boreal woodland caribou found in Canada is the largest...
14 Sep 2020
Norway is famed for its impressive fjords found in narrow valleys running down to the sea. The views from the fjords make this a year-round favourite for visitors Slartibartfast, the designer of planets in the novel the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, said he most enjoyed designing coastlines and he actually won an aw...
14 Sep 2020
Everything you ever wanted to know about Vikings and more Vikings were Nordic seafarers active mostly from the 8th to the 11th centuries. They were known for travelling across the oceans on longboats, raping, pillaging and looting along the way. While not everything we think we know about Vikings is true, they certainl...
14 Sep 2020
So you’re off to catch the Northern Lights! Here’s what you should take with you Packing is perhaps the least enjoyable part of any vacation. Pack too much and you’re left lugging about a heavy suitcase, pack too little and you may be stranded without core essentials and forced to purchase an overpriced item. Add in sp...
14 Sep 2020
Norway is impossibly beautiful, and with some of the most dramatic scenery on earth, it's a nature lovers paradise. But, when is the best time to go? When it comes to breathtaking scenery, modern cities, warm and friendly locals, and a mind-boggling Viking-history, Norway ticks all the boxes. Blessed with staggering f...
