Hi there, it's Caroline and I am so excited to be hosting this Scandinavia and Northern Lights tour by Travel Associates. Aurora Borealis has always been on my bucket list. When I found out there has never been a better time to see the lights (something to do with a solar maximum expected in 2024 and 2025), I knew we had to go for it. This 22-day adventure will take us from southern Finland to northern Norway, with all iconic experiences included. I cannot wait to visit Santa’s Village, sleep under the stars in my own glass igloo, travel the Flam Railway, and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city of Tallinn. We will be treated to some of the best scenery of the Norwegian coast, including Senja, the Vesterålen Archipelago, the stunning Lofoten Islands, and the Helgeland Coast on a 5-night Hurtigruten coastal cruise on the MS Nordkapp from Kirkenes to Bergen. And of course, have the chance to capture the incredible Northern Lights. Grab your biggest coat, buy some mittens, and join my husband John and me for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy airfares Brisbane to Helsinki and Oslo to Brisbane
• 5 nights cruise on Hurtigruten from Kirkenes to Bergen with all meals included onboard
• 14 nights First Class or Superior Hotel accommodation with breakfast daily
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities, tips and porterage
• Meals as per itinerary

DAY 1 - 5th March BRISBANE TO HELSINKI Our Hosted Holiday begins today as we fly from Australia to Helsinki. Tonight will be spent in the air, enroute to Finland.

DAY 2 - 6th March HELSINKI On arrival in Helsinki, we will be met by our local tour leader and transferred to our hotel. This evening you have a chance to get to know your fellow travellers at our Welcome Dinner.

Meals: D

Accommodation: Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

DAY 3 - 7th March HELSINKI
This morning we embark on an orientation tour of Helsinki, see the famous Senate Square with the Cathedral, the Market Square, the Uspenski Cathedral, Olympic stadium and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure, you may wish to rest and relax or further discover the city.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

DAY 4 - 8th March HELSINKI Enjoy a full-day excursion to the medieval city of Tallinn in Estonia. We begin with a ferry crossing and enjoy buffet breakfast on bard, then embark on a walking tour to explore the city, which includes stops at the baroque Kadriorg Park, Song Festival Grounds and the seaside district of Pirita. We then visit the Aleksander Nevskij Cathedral and the Dome Church. You may spend some time at leisure in Tallin before we board the ferry back to Helsinki.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

DAY 5 -9th March HELSINKI -ROVANIEMI Start the day with a scenic train ride to Rovaniemi. For a full experience on this iconic rail journey, take the opportunity to enjoy a meal in the onboard restaurant and bar. We arrive in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the 'official' hometown of Christmas, where culture, winter activities and fairytales come together.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi

DAY 6 - 10th March ROVANIEMI Today's highlight is a Husky Safari on a husky farm located near Sinetta. Visit the kennel and get a feel for how the dogs are prepared to be the amazing athletes they are. These enthusiastic dogs will happily take you down the forest trail for an unforgettable experience. Includes hot juice, cookies and snack, arctic outer clothing and an informative talk about the huskies. A soup lunch will follow your sled ride. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi

DAY 7 - 11th March ROVANIEMI - SAARISELKA
Start today with a visit to Santa Claus Village, where you have the chance to meet Santa Claus and cross the magical arctic circle. Then we head north towards Saariselka, a quaint skiing village with a stop enroute at the small town of Sondankyla for an outside viewing of the old Sondankyla Church. The Aurora cabins at the Northern Lights Village are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and hopefully the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in your warm bed. The laser-heated glass-roof opens up into the northern sky, directly above the bed. After dinner, you will be able to get acquainted with reindeer while experiencing a sledge ride at a local farm. Enjoy an open fire inside the wooden kota, with a glass of hot berry juice before returning to your hotel.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Aurora Cabin at Northern Lights Village Saariselka

DAY 8 - 12th March SAARISELKA -INARI-KIRKENES We farewell Saairiselka this morning and head north. Enroute, we stop at Inari for a visit to the Museum, the national museum of the Sami. It stores the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish Sami people. We enjoy a buffet lunch at Restaurant Sarrit. We continue north across the border to Kirkenes, where we enjoy a short tour of the Snowhotel, with its' resident reindeer and its' own husky farm. Enjoy a late dinner at the unique farmhouse restaurant, Laven. This is our base for the next two nights in the unique Gamme Cabins, inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing hut typical in the wilderness of Lapland.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Snowhotel Kirkenes (Gamme Northern Lights Cabins)

DAY 9 - 13th March KIRKENES Enjoy a day of leisure in this sensational setting - try a few of the amazing optional activities including ice fishing, king crabbing, husky tours, snowmobile tours, snowshoe walking and hunting the Northern Lights.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Snowhotel Kirkenes (Gamme Northern Lights Cabins)

DAY 10 - 14th Marc HURTIGRUTEN COASTAL VOYAGE
Today we board the MS Nordkapp for our Norweigan Classic Voyage south. After departing Kirkenes we head due north to Vardo the oldest town in northern Norway and the eastern-most in the country. Here you will find the star-shaped Varohus Fortress built in 1737. We cruise Norway's coastline to arrive in the small port of Btsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevag. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west or see Kjolnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Nordkapp

DAY 11 - 15th March HONNINGSVAG & THE NORTH CAPE Enjoy magnificent sub-Arctic landscape on our journey towards North Cape, one of the northern most points on the Euorpean continent. After brief stops in Havoysund and Hammerfest, we will dock in Tromso late in the evening in time to experience a free optional magical Northern Lights concert in the Arctic cathedral.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Nordkapp

DAY 12 - 16th March LOFOTEN ISLANDS Cruise through the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago known for its exceptional natural beauty and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through this world-famous region is a highlight for many. After a short stop at the tiny village of Risoyhamn we continue south and through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000m out of the sea.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Nordkapp

DAY 13 - 17th March THE POLAR CIRCLE AND "THE SEVEN SISTERS" Travel along the Helegeland coast dotted with hundreds of tiny islands, fertile farmland and steep granite walls. We cross the Arctic Circle today and celebrate the occasion on deck. The Arctic Circle is rich in local lore with stories including the legend of the Seven Sisters, a picturesque mountain range over 900m high.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Nordkapp

DAY 14 - 18th March TRONDHEIM AND KRISTIANSUND This morning we have the chance to explore and enjoy the culture, architecture and history of Trondheim. We then continue southbound through the Trondheimfjord and along Trondheimsleia channel, before arriving at Kristiansund, the home of dried fish production. Experience the ship's open sea crossing towards Molde, known for its breathtaking location, with panoramic views of the snow-clad mountain peaks.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Nordkapp

DAY 15 - 19th March BERGEN
This afternoon we disembark the MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway's second largest city, located on the mountain side overlooking the sea. We embark on a city sightseeing tour of Bergen which includes a walking tour of the UNESCO world Heritage listed Bryggen, St Mary's Church, and Hakon's Hall, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway's most famous composer, Edvard Greige. We enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant Brygegen Tracteursted.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Admiral

DAY 16 - 20th March BERGEN
Today is at your leisure to explore Bergen. Take the Floibanen Funicular to the top of the Mount Floyen and enjoy the beautiful view of Bergen from 320 metres above sea level.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Admiral

DAY 17 - 21st March BERGEN - FLAM
This morning we depart Bergen on a spectacular scenic train journey on the Bergen Railway to Voss. From Voss, we travel by coach through the charming villages and landscapes, towards Gudvangen. Enjoy the fresh Fjord air on the deck of an electric boat as you cruise through UNESCO-protected scenery of of the magnificent Aurlandsfjord and on the narrow Naeroyfjjord.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Flamsbrygga Hotel

DAY 18 - 22nd March FLAM - OSLO
We continue today by taking the legendary Flam Railway to Myrdal, which offers spectacular panoramic views of some of the most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjord landscape. Before transferring to the Bergen Railway, one of the world's best railways, as we had to Oslo arriving in the evening.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Opera

DAY 19 - 23rd MARCH- OSLO
This morning we start with an orientation tour of Oslo, which includes the Opera House and Vigeland Sculpture Park, we end the tour with lunch at Restaurant Sanguine. The afternoon is at your leisure, you may wish to rest and relax or further discover this beautiful city.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Opera

DAY 20 - 24th March OSLO
We spend today further exploring Oslo. Admire the views across Oslo from the Holmenkollen Ski jump, and visit the Fram and Kon-tiki Museum. Enjoy your final afternoon in Oslo at leisure before our farewell dinner.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Operan

DAY 21 - 25th March OSLO - BRISBANE
This morning we farewell Spectacular Scandinavia as we transfer to the airport for our flight home.

DAY 22 - 26th March BRISBANE
Today our Hosted Holiday ends. On arrival, farewell your new friends and tour host as you head home.