17 Day Norway Winter Premium Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small, personal group tour – no more than 24 people
✓ 1 night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
✓ 1 night in a glassed-roof Aurora cabin under Saariselkä’s starry skies, looking for the northern lights
✓ 14 nights in 3 and 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 dinners including welcome and farewell dining
✓ Fully escorted by English-speaking guide
✓ All internal flights, coach, boat and rail transportation
✓ Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
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 Scandinavia! Today is at your leisure to explore this quirky city. Please make your own way to the hotel.
Tonight you will enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner to get to know our fellow travellers a little better. This meeting commences at approx 6pm.
Hotel Check in:
Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. 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. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Transportation:
Train connection between Helsinki city centre and Helsinki Airport is carried out by local commuter trains which run every 10 minutes on peak hours. Travel time from Airport Train Station to Helsinki Central Station is about 30 minutes. Single ticket fare from Helsinki Airport to city centre is € 4.10 from the ticket machines located at the station.
You will start your day early, departing the hotel at 6:00am for a transfer to the ferry terminal. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the ferry cruises through a picturesque stretch of the Baltic Sea, arriving in the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia. Upon arrival, take part in a 2-hour guided walking tour of Tallinn's magical Old Town, an exceptionally well-preserved district dating back to the 13th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace before boarding the ferry back to Helsinki. Upon your return, you will be transferred to the hotel for the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
The walking tour will be passing by the highlights and does not include entrance. You will have free time to explore these further on the conclusion of your walking tour.
If you have booked on our Baltic City hop extension tour and already visited Tallinn, you may opt to have this day at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning to further explore Helsinki, revisit a favourite spot, or simply relax at your own pace. Hotel checkout is at midday, after which you may wish to have lunch or continue exploring the city until the afternoon.
At approximately 3pm, return to the hotel to collect your luggage and board the coach for a guided city tour. The first stop will be the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the ‘Rock Church’. Carved directly into solid bedrock and completed in 1969, this unique space blends natural elements with modern design, offering a striking example of contemporary Finnish architecture.
Following the visit to the Rock Church, enjoy a panoramic tour through Helsinki’s vibrant cityscape, offering a final glimpse of its architectural elegance and Nordic charm. The tour concludes at the central train station, where you’ll prepare to board the ‘Santa Claus Express’—an iconic overnight sleeper train bound for the heart of Finnish Lapland.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Luggage can be stored at the hotel while you enjoy your free time in the city. Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to collect it before departing on the city tour. For ease and comfort on the train, we recommend packing an overnight bag, as cabin space is limited. Larger bags can be stowed under the bunk beds or in the carriage’s luggage compartment.
This morning we will arrive at Kemi at 6:00am , where a morning breakfast is served at the SnowCastle Resort. Visit the main building of the SnowCastle Resort, where there will be snow & ice sculptures on display, an ice bar and an ice restaurant.
Later, we’ll travel to the Ajos Pier located by the Bothnian Bay, where the sea freezes over during winter. It’s time to board a real life Icebreaker for an incredible adventure. Ploughing through the thick ice is not the only attraction for passengers onboard this powerful vessel: guests also have the unique opportunity to swim among the ice (in a full-body waterproof 'survival suit', of course).
After an unforgettable day, we continue the journey north to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Autumn Departures (Sep - Nov)
Due to the lack of ice on Bothnian Bay, the Icebreakers are not yet in operation. Autumn departures will travel directly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi on the overnight sleeper train and the Icebreaker activity will be replaced by Arctic Floating.
Arctic Floating in Rovaniemi is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Finnish wilderness. It involves floating in a near frozen lake. You'll be provided with a high-quality, waterproof floating suit that keeps you warm and dry, even in near freezing temperatures. Experienced guides will accompany you throughout the experience, ensuring your safety and providing insights into the local environment.
Today, after breakfast, visit Santa Claus’ Village for a couple of hours of 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.
Inspiring Highlights
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling. The best way to get to the heart of nature – and back. During this fun safari, you’ll learn how to ride a snowmobile along frozen rivers and through snow covered forests. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river valley from the hilltops. A break with hot beverages will keep your motor running.
Time: 2:30pm.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours.(including 1.5 hours driving time).
Includes: Thermal outfit (warm overalls, boots and woollen socks, gloves, scarves and hats), helmet, balaclava, guidance in English, fuel, traffic insurance (maximum personal liability €980), hot beverage.
Snowmobile Safari:
Begin your day travelling further north through the picturesque winter landscape, with a stop in Sodankylä for a brief outdoor visit to the historic old church. Continue to a husky farm for your Inspiring Sight: a thrilling Husky Safari. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the enthusiastic barks of the friendly huskies. Before setting off on your sledding adventure, you will receive a briefing on how to control the sleds. After the safari, return to the farm to warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire and enjoy a conversation with the head musher, learning fascinating insights about these incredible animals. Continue to Saariselkä for your Inspiring Stay. Tonight, you'll enjoy the unique experience of staying in a glass-roofed cabin, designed to let you sleep beneath the starry skies and, with some luck, witness the magical Northern Lights. These well-insulated Aurora cabins provide a warm and comfortable retreat, even in the coldest of temperatures.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your Husky Safari includes thermal clothing (overalls, boots and mittens if needed). We recommend wearing at least two warm layers of clothes and bringing your own gloves and boots for maximum comfort.
On some departure dates, you might stay at Northern Lights Village Pyha or at Aurora Village in Ivalo, instead of Northern Lights Village Saariselkä.
After breakfast today, continue your journey north with a stop in Inari to visit the renowned SIIDA Museum, offering insights into the culture and history of the Sámi people and the Arctic region. Afterward, cross the border into the stunning landscapes of Norway, arriving in Karasjok later in the day.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Departing Karasjok at 7:00am, continue your Arctic journey toward Norway’s northernmost point, the awe-inspiring North Cape (Nordkapp).
Upon arrival, receive a certificate commemorating your visit to Europe’s northernmost point and savour an Inspiring Taste experience with sparkling wine and caviar while admiring the breathtaking scenery. After some free time to explore the dramatic landscapes of North Cape, continue to Honningsvåg, where the afternoon is yours to discover this charming fishing village at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Departing the North Cape region after breakfast, begin your journey south along Norway’s stunning coastline to Alta. Upon arrival enjoy some free time before a visit to the Alta Museum and its renowned World Heritage Rock Art Centre, showcasing fascinating prehistoric carvings.
This evening at approximately 8:00pm, embark on a scenic drive around Alta for another chance to hunt the Northern Lights, experiencing this natural wonder from a fresh perspective.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, depart from Alta and continue south to Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway, situated 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Tromsø offers an array of local pubs and restaurants specializing in fresh Arctic ingredients.
En route, travel through the breathtaking Lyngen Alps, a majestic mountain range flanked by the Lyngen Fjord to the east and Ullsfjorden to the west, offering spectacular scenery along the way.
Upon arrival in Tromsø, enjoy time at leisure to explore this vibrant city, often referred to as the Gateway to the Arctic.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Please note: you can only select ONE of the optional tours provided on Day 10. Places are subject to availability and extremely limited due to popularity. If we cannot confirm your selection, we will offer an alternative (where available) otherwise, we will remove the optional tour from your order and provide a refund (where applicable).
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of options to explore Tromsø’s unique offerings or partake in an optional tour. You might choose to visit one of the city’s fascinating museums, such as the Polar Museum, where you can learn about Arctic exploration, or the Tromsø Museum, which offers insight into the region’s natural history and Sámi culture. For those seeking spectacular views, a visit to the Arctic Cathedral or a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic vistas of the surrounding fjords and mountains is highly recommended. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take a stroll through the charming streets and enjoy the local cafes, or explore the vibrant harbour area.
Special Information
Please note you can only select ONE of the reindeer optional tours provided on this day.
After breakfast, depart Tromsø and head toward Narvik, located at the gateway to the stunning Lofoten Islands. Upon arrival, visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which commemorates the pivotal battles of Narvik in the spring of 1940. This museum recounts the story of how Norwegian, British, French, and Polish forces delivered Nazi Germany its first defeat during World War II. Explore the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the historic Battles of Narvik and their significant role in the war.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Leaving Narvik after breakfast, journey to the charming town of Svolvær, nestled within the renowned Lofoten archipelago. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and the iconic red wooden houses that line the waterfront, Svolvær offers a sublime setting. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the magical Lofoten Islands, known for their striking natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today, embark on an exploration of the breathtaking Lofoten Islands, renowned for their remarkable natural beauty. A highlight of the day is a visit to the picturesque village of Henningsvær, nestled among a cluster of small islands at the base of the striking Vågakallen mountain. Known as one of Lofoten's most iconic fishing villages, Henningsvær offers a unique blend of traditional wooden architecture and contemporary art galleries, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. This charming village is truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
Inspiring Highlights
After checking out of the hotel, travel by bus to Evenes to board a flight to the captivating Norwegian capital, Oslo. Upon arrival, a short transfer will take us to our centrally located hotel. Known for its lush green spaces and rich cultural heritage, Oslo is home to several museums, many of which are situated on the scenic Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Norwegian Maritime Museum by the waterfront. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day or evening at leisure, exploring this pedestrian-friendly city at your own pace.
Special Information
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, featuring a scenic drive past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the Parliament building, flanked by two imposing lion statues at its entrance, the National Theatre, and the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian Monarch. Our next stop is the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval stronghold built by King Håkon V in the 14th century. Today, the fortress stands as a national symbol and a popular spot for both historical exploration and recreation.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Akershus Castle only opens on Saturdays and Sundays in wintertime. It will be replaced by the Historical Museum on Tuesday to Friday, or the Fram Museum on Mondays.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
There are various options to reach Oslo airport. The Flytoget Express train is convenient and efficient. Trains depart from Oslo Central Station 6 times/hour (weekday, 3 times/hour during weekends).
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Sight
Inspiring Taste
Booking Process
Booking On Request
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 categorize 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 categorized as a “4”.
Lively: 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 downstairs 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.
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. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. 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 $2,670.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
In order to keep our Single Supplement at a reduced cost, some hotels may allocate solo travellers with a dedicated Single Room. At times this may mean a single bed will be provided.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport and visa if required. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visa's may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.vfsglobal.com/ 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
20-40 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 into 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 above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Luggage requirements for this tour
As the group will be traveling by coach predominantly and space is limited, we recommend that you limit your luggage to one suitcase along with a handbag/small backpack. When you travel via the shinkansen train, you can put any light hand luggage on the overhead racks if required.
While understanding that various airlines will have their own luggage requirements, please note that for the comfort of yourselves, as well as our local partners who assist you on the ground, we restrict the luggage allowance to no more than one suitcase at 20kg per person, plus a small backpack/carry on size bag.
In regards to the size of the suitcases, to ensure that all luggage can be accommodated onboard. please ensure your traveling suitcase is ideally within 158cm (total dimension LxHxW). 158 cm is the maximum check-in baggage size for most airlines as well, without incurring an additional cost.
Since you are responsible for your own belongings and will be expected to carry them to and from the coach to your hotel, as well as manage them where there is train travel included, we suggest you pack as light as possible.
There will not always be porters available to assist in handling your luggage, therefore please expect that you may need to carry your bags at times and store them in the carriage. As a standard rule, please travel with no more than 20kg per person of baggage. This does not include carry-on.
Cherry Blossoms
Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we're offering a choice of the following optional activities:
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.
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