Experience the Northern Lights with our Northern Lights small group tour in the outermost regions of Finland and Norway - from Saariselkä to Tromsø, high up beyond the Arctic circle. This vacation with Odyssey Traveller will give you the best chance of hunting down the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), both by sea and by land. Along the way you also have the opportunity to try a variety of winter activities. These include a reindeer safari, husky dog sledding and snowmobiling.
We start our tour in the wonderful capital of Finland, Helsinki and spend time to visit all the must-see attractions of the city. Then we transfer to Saariselkä, where we enjoy a sleigh ride (sledge pulled by snowmobile) and catch the first glimpse of the Northern Lights. We then cross the border to Norway and visit Karasjok, the Sami capital (the Sami are the people indigenous to the area). Next day we are headed to North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe situated on Magerøya Island. We then travel back south to reach Tromsø, where we enjoy a Northern Lights safari taking us away from the city giving us the best chance to catch the Aurora borealis.
Of course everyone would like to document this once in a lifetime opportunity so Odyssey Traveller have you covered with an article on Photographing the Northern Lights. You can also read our FAQs which answers the most common questions about the Northern Lights.
You can learn more about Finland and Norway with our country profile where all other tour departures are listed as well. If you are interested in visiting Scandinavia, we offer tours to Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, about Scandinavian Design visiting several countries, or you could take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Helsinki to Irkutsk.
For more details on this tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.
Photographing the Northern Lights. How to Capture the Beauty of the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis, commonly called the Northern Lights, as well as the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, are two the world’s most…
The Society is dedicated to preserving the culture of Hammerfest. The polar bear is the city’s coat of arms and was therefore chosen as the society’s logo.
The Arctic Circle is the most northernly major circle of latitude, at approximately 66°30′ N. It marks the area within which, for one or more days each year, the Sun does not set (June 21)…
Overview: We make our way individually to the hotel. We meet for a welcome dinner and program orientation this evening.
Accommodation: Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar
Overview: Today, we enjoy a panoramic, half-day tour of Helsinki. Meals: B
Accommodation: Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar
Overview: Today, after breakfast, we transfer to the airport to fly to Ivalo airport. From there, we transfer to Saariselkä. In the evening, we enjoy a Northern Lights journey by sleigh ride (sledge pulled by snowmobile). We travel to the nearby fell district to see the beautiful fell scenery and, if lucky and the sky is clear, experience the extraordinary and bewitching Northern Lights.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi Oy or similar
Overview: Today is at own leisure, and during the day you are able to choose from one of the many optional winter safaris on offer. Meals: B/D
Accommodation: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi Oy or similar
Overview: In the morning, after breakfast, we begin our journey to Karasjok. On the way, we stop at Inari and visit the Siida Sami Museum. The Sami are a people indigenous to the area, and the museum showcases their culture and history. We then continue north west, crossing the border into Norway, and shortly afterwards arrive in Karasjok, the Sami Capital. This town has strong ties to Sami culture, and is home to the Sami parliament, “Samediggi”. Meals: B/D
Accommodation: Scandic Karasjok or similar
Overview: After an early breakfast, we depart the hotel and head to North Cape. Travelling through the North Cape tunnel, we reach the Magerøya Island on which the North Cape is situated. Subject to weather conditions, we visit the North Cape cliff itself. We visit the North Cape Hall, which is a visitor centre at Europe’s northernmost point, mostly inside a cliff, with cinema, bar & restaurant. Meals: B/D
Accommodation: Scandic Honningsvåg or similar
Overview: Today, we head south and travel back along the Porsanger fjord bound for Alta, “The Northern Lights city of Norway”. In the afternoon, we visit the Alta Museum to see the expositions about the local history of northern lights. The remainder of the day is free (optional Northern Lights excursion available). Meals: B
Accommodation: Scandic Alta or similar
Overview: Today, drive along the Arctic fjords bound for Tromsø, former starting point of many North Pole expeditions. We enjoy free time before embarking on an evening Northern Lights safari at the Aurora Camp. Enjoy the convenience or our Northern Lights visit only 25 minutes away from downtown Tromsø. You will be served hot drinks and you can grill sausages over an open fire in side a Sami Tent (lavvo) while you wait for the lights. Outside you can lay down on reindeer skins or sit on chairs while you scout the dark sky for the lights. Your guide will answer any questions you may have and while there is is no guarantee of the Northern Lights, however visiting the 300 Alaskan huskies is well worth it.
In the evening you will head back to Tromsø and enjoy a traditional sami reindeer stew (Biidos). Meals: B/D
Accommodation: Thon Hotel Polar or similar
Overview: Today we enjoy a day at own leisure in Tromsø, where we have the opportunity to take an optional snowmobile safari, husky safari or many more exciting excursions. We come together in the evening for a farewell dinner. Meals: B/D
Accommodation: Thon Hotel Polar or similar
Overview: After breakfast at the hotel, we say our farewells and the program draws to a close. Meals: B
What’s included in our Tour
What’s not included in our Tour
For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. This escorted tour explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands. For mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.
This small group escorted tour explores the magnificent landscapes of Carpathian mountains in Romania, and takes in the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Romanian village life. Travel with like minded people, mature couples or solo travellers.
Taken as a whole, Italian Civilization (which includes, of course, the splendid inheritance of Ancient Rome) is absolutely foundational to Western culture. Music, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Philosophy, Law and Politics all derive from Italy or were adapted and transformed through the medium of Italy.
