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.
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.
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.
✓ Includes Return Economy International Airfares
✓ Small group tour – up to 24 people
✓ Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo with a local carrier
✓ 18 nights in comfortable 4-star accommodation throughout Finland and Norway
✓ 1-night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
✓ Daily breakfast, 6 dinners including memorable welcome dining
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide from day 1 - 17. Note: Oslo to Bergen is self-guided
✓ Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Including husky sledding, an icebreaker cruise, Santa's Village in Rovaniemi and the Lofoten Islands
✓ All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per the itinerary
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
✓ Only $99 deposit per person
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.
Get ready! Today you are departing for Finland to begin your unbelieveable Winter Wonderland experience to search for the Northern Lights.
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, set out on a guided city tour of Helsinki. Your first stop is the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, or ‘Rock Church’, carved directly into solid bedrock and completed in 1969—a striking fusion of nature and modern design.
Continue with a panoramic tour through Helsinki’s elegant streets and landmarks, taking in the city’s Nordic charm one last time. The tour concludes near the central train station, after which you’ll have free time for lunch or last-minute shopping before returning to the hotel to collect your luggage.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the station 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
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.
After breakfast, take a short walk from the hotel to the train station, conveniently located next door, to embark on the renowned Norway in a Nutshell tour—Norway’s most popular and eco-friendly travel experience. This journey offers a seamless exploration of the country’s breathtaking fjords, mountains, valleys, and cities with a single, sustainable ticket.
Your adventure begins with a scenic train ride on the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, showcasing a striking transition from the vibrant cityscape to the serene, high-altitude mountains. Upon arrival in Myrdal, transfer to the world-famous Flåm Railway, renowned for its spectacular views and steep descent through picturesque landscapes.
Upon reaching Flåm, check in to your hotel and enjoy leisure time to explore this charming village. Consider visiting the Ægir Microbrewery for a taste of local craft beer or discovering the history of this iconic railway at the Flåm Railway Museum.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ itinerary between Oslo and Bergen is unguided. The route is Norway’s most famous independent trip. The entire journey connects seamlessly and is well signed in English. Transport service times are made to connect together making the whole trip effortless.
To make the journey easier, your luggage will be transferred to Bergen ahead of you. Please make sure to take an overnight bag for your stay in Flam. Your luggage (max. 1 bag per person) must be given to the reception at your hotel (Thon Hotel Opera) by 6:30am. Luggage is picked up from reception and will be available in your hotel in Bergen, the following evening.
After breakfast, embark on the morning departure from Flåm, beginning with one of the tour’s most spectacular highlights—a fjord cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. This breathtaking journey showcases Norway’s pristine landscapes, steep mountain cliffs, and tranquil waters.
Upon arrival in Gudvangen, board a scenic bus ride to Voss, passing roaring waterfalls and charming countryside farms along the way. In Voss enjoy some free time, before making your way to the Bergen Railway for a relaxing and picturesque train ride to Bergen.
Arriving in Bergen by early afternoon, check in to your hotel and unwind after a day filled with unforgettable experiences.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
Today is yours to explore Bergen at your own pace. Nestled along Norway’s west coast and surrounded by majestic mountains, Bergen is often called the Gateway to the Fjords.
We recommend starting your day in Bryggen, the historic Hanseatic quarter, where you can wander through charming alleyways lined with centuries-old wooden buildings. For panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords, take the Fløibanen funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen—a must-see highlight of any visit to Bergen.
No trip to Bergen is complete without a visit to the lively fish market, where you can sample fresh local seafood. In the evening, consider dining at one of the many renowned seafood restaurants along the harbour, savoring the flavors of Norway’s coastal cuisine.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring winter experience. At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.
A fast way to reach Bergen Airport is by the Airport Bus (called Flybussen in Norwegian), which only takes 30 minutes. The bus costs NOK 135 (AUD $21) and tickets can be purchased on the bus. The BUSSTASJONEN stop is located outside of the Scandic Ørnen hotel and the bus departs every 20 minutes.
Please note: Most flights will arrive home 1 day later.
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.
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