Huskies and the Northern Lights

London to Tromsø

Your journey to the Arctic Circle begins in London, as you meet your Tour Manager ahead of your flight to Oslo. In the Norwegian capital you connect with the onward flight to Tromsø. Situated far into the Arctic Circle, Tromsø stands on its own forest-covered island, and is known as the 'polar capital of Norway' due to its relative proximity to the North Pole. At this time of the year, the attractive city is characterised by its polar nights, where the sun only briefly breaks over the horizon, casting a low light across the charming, brightly-coloured buildings.

On arrival you transfer to the Clarion Edge Hotel or Clarion Aurora Hotel, where you spend the next two nights. You are then free to begin your explorations of Tromsø before dinner this evening. The city has a rich history and plays an exciting role as a starting point for many polar expeditions. It also played a key role during the Second World War, acting for a brief period as Norway's capital.

Sightseeing in Tromsø

Discover more of Tromsø on this morning's guided sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Arctic Cathedral, a distinctive towering white building that looks out across the city to the Fjord. You also visit the Polaria Museum and the charming Polar Museum. Housed in the city's former Customs House on the quayside, this interesting museum tells the story of numerous polar expeditions that took place from Tromsø, as well as giving an insight into the hardy wildlife that populates this region.

This evening, enjoy an authentic and fascinating 'Sami experience' in a nearby village, and discover the lives and culture of Sweden's indigenous people. During the visit you meet reindeer, before a feast in a 'lavvu' tent. During the meal, you are regaled with local folk tales. Then, you'll spread out around the camp-fire, to try and view the captivating Northern Lights as they perhaps perform their dance across the night sky.

Narvik

Depart from Tromsø and drive to Narvik, on a journey full of Norway's dramatic scenery, ranging down steep valleys to the striking fjords below. Later you arrive in Narvik, and spend tonight at the Scandic Hotel. Spend an afternoon at leisure in this delightful city; one of the most fascinating attractions is the Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which documents the occupation of Narvik and the bitter air and sea battles that took place here during the Second World War. Narvik was considered to be an important strategic outpost that not only boasted a port, but also supplies of coveted iron ore. The Ofoten Museum is also worth a visit; the museum is rich with exhibits documenting the life of the Narvik population over the previous centuries.

This evening embark on a drive by coach with a local guide, through the region around Narvik from which we attempt to track down the Northern Lights. Afterwards you return by coach to your hotel.

The Ofoten Railway

Enjoy a wonderful journey on the Ofoten Railway, sometimes also known as the Arctic Circle Express. This line, which at the time of construction was the most northern railway in the world, travels through the wild, beautiful landscapes of Lapland, passing breathtaking mountains, crossing barren plateaus and traversing steep mountainsides as it crosses into Sweden. On arrival in Kiruna, check into the Scandic Hotel Ferrum for a two-night stay, and enjoy an afternoon to explore this interesting location. The Kiruna Church, built in 1912, is particularly impressive and is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings.

Kiruna’s Ice Hotel & the Northern Lights

This morning, you travel out to a husky camp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After seeing these powerful creatures as they are put through their paces, you learn about their environment, and how they adapt through training. Later - dressed in a cold weather suit - you will experience these tireless creatures at work, as you enjoy a thrilling husky-hauled sledding journey through the snow-covered countryside.

This afternoon you will make a visit to Kiruna's famous Ice Hotel, the first and largest hotel made of ice and snow in the world. At the latest count there have been 25 versions of this building since the first iteration in 1990. The Kiruna Ice Hotel needs to be re-constructed at the beginning of each cold season, and on arrival you will enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular frozen structure and have the chance to wander through the icy halls and marvel at the impressive feats of architectural design.

After dinner back at the hotel, tonight we attempt to spot the Northern Lights - the world's most spectacular natural phenomenon. The location is one of the world's best places to see the lights, officially called Aurora Borealis, so hopefully a clear night will permit a good evening's sightings.

Fly to London

Bid Kiruna farewell as you transfer to the airport, and take the flight via Stockholm to London, where your tour comes to an end.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.