Day 1 – Oslo
Welcome to Oslo! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Explore key attractions nearby or unwind before meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner this evening.
Stay: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Oslo
Enjoy an Oslo Grand City Tour, taking in the main highlights of Norway’s capital. The remainder of your day is free to explore at leisure.
Stay: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Inspiring Highlights: Oslo Opera House, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Day 3 – Oslo →Flåm
Embark on the scenic Norway in a Nutshell journey. Take a train from Oslo to Myrdal, then descend aboard the famous Flåm Railway through stunning fjordland scenery, including a stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall. Dinner is served at your hotel on arrival.
Stay: Flåmsbrygga Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Inspiring Highlights: Flåm Mountain Railway, Kjosfossen Waterfall
Day 4 – Flåm → Voss → Bergen
Cruise through Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord before travelling via the picturesque Nærøydalen Valley and Voss to Bergen, known as the gateway to the fjords. Enjoy time at leisure on arrival.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen
Meals: Breakfast
Inspiring Highlights: Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord Cruise, Nærøydalen Valley, Bergen
Day 5 – Bergen
This morning is free before a guided walking tour of Bergen’s highlights. Later, board your Hurtigruten ship and begin your coastal voyage north along Norway’s spectacular coast.
Stay: MS Polarlys or MS Kong Harald (Cruise)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Inspiring Highlights: St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall, Bryggen District, Bergen Fish Market, Troldhaugen
Day 6 – Ålesund
Cruise through Nordfjord and past West Cape to picturesque Ålesund. Explore its charming Art Nouveau streets and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Aksla. Continue north to Molde.
Stay: MS Polarlys or MS Kong Harald (Cruise)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Ålesund → Trondheim
Arrive in Trondheim, Norway’s first capital. Explore at leisure or join an optional tour to see Nidaros Cathedral and the colourful Bakklandet district before sailing onward past scenic lighthouses.
Stay: MS Polarlys or MS Kong Harald (Cruise)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Trondheim → Lofoten
Cross the Arctic Circle today and celebrate with an Arctic Circle ceremony. Cruise past Bodø to the Lofoten Islands, famous for dramatic peaks and fishing villages.
Stay: MS Polarlys or MS Kong Harald (Cruise)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Lofoten → Tromsø
Journey north via Senja Island to Tromsø, the Arctic capital. Enjoy free time to explore the Arctic Cathedral, Polar Aquarium or take the Fjellheisen cable car for sweeping views before continuing north.
Stay: MS Polarlys or MS Kong Harald (Cruise)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Tromsø → Honningsvåg
Sail to Honningsvåg, gateway to the North Cape — Europe’s northernmost point. Witness local fishing traditions along the coast as you continue your voyage through Norway’s far north.
Stay: MS Polarlys or MS Kong Harald (Cruise)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Honningsvåg → Kirkenes → Saariselkä
After a final breakfast on board, arrive in Kirkenes and disembark, marking the end of the sea voyage and the beginning of the land journey into Finnish Lapland.
From the quay, continue by coach to the Snowhotel Kirkenes for the included King Crab Experience. The excursion begins with an introduction to the Arctic king crab, offering insight into its habitat and importance along this stretch of coast. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting featuring freshly prepared king crab, served in a simple, seasonal style.
Later, continue by coach across the border into Finland, travelling through open Arctic landscapes and forested terrain. By late afternoon, arrive in Saariselkä, a small village set deep within Finnish Lapland. Check in to your hotel before dinner in the restaurant. Tonight is at your leisure.
Hotel: Wilderness Hotel Kieppi or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Saariselkä
This morning, travel to Inari, widely regarded as the cultural centre of Finland’s Sámi community. Here, traditions remain closely connected to the land, lakes and forests that shape daily life in the north.
Accompanied by a local guide, spend the day learning about Sámi history and contemporary culture. At the Siida, the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre, exhibitions explore reindeer herding, seasonal rhythms and the deep relationship between people and the Arctic environment. Set beside Lake Inari, the museum’s location reflects how closely culture and landscape are intertwined.
Later, head out onto frozen Lake Inari by snowmobile sleigh and try your hand at traditional ice fishing, a quiet, hands-on experience that offers a glimpse into everyday northern life. During the excursion, enjoy lunch at a local wilderness hotel, where regional dishes are served in warm surroundings. Return to Saariselkä in the afternoon. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
Hotel: Wilderness Hotel Kieppi or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 – Saariselkä
Today is a day at your leisure in Saariselkä. This small village sits on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, where forests and open fell landscapes stretch far beyond the last houses. You may choose to explore independently, take a gentle walk along the marked trails in the surrounding area, or simply relax at the hotel.
In the evening, gather for dinner at the hotel before setting out on a guided aurora hike. Accompanied by your guide, you will walk at a gentle pace into the surrounding landscape. The trail is accessible and suitable for all abilities, leading to a sheltered aurora hut where you can warm up and learn more about the science and stories behind the Northern Lights. Away from artificial light, this quiet setting offers an ideal vantage point to watch for the aurora. Afterwards, return to the hotel later in the evening.
Stay: Hotel Wilderness Hotel Kieppi or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 – Saariselka → Sinettä
After breakfast, depart Saariselkä and travel south towards Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. En route, pause in Sodankylä for a short stop to view its historic Old Church, a simple wooden structure that reflects Lapland’s rural heritage.
Continue to the Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle. Here, you will have time to explore at your own pace, cross the Arctic Circle line, browse local shops, or simply take in the atmosphere of this well-known landmark. Lunch is at your own arrangement.
In the afternoon, travel onward to Sinettä and check in at the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos. This evening, enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant before settling into your Glass Igloo accommodation. The heated glass roof offers uninterrupted views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed. Tonight is at your leisure.
Stay: Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Sinetta → Rovaniemi
Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for one of today’s highlights, a husky safari in the forests of Finnish Lapland. At the kennels, learn how the dogs are trained and cared for, and get an insight into the preparation required to keep them fit for the Arctic environment.
Then set out on a guided husky ride through the landscape. Depending on conditions, the journey takes place by sled or cart, but the route and overall experience remain the same. This is not a self-driving tour, allowing you to focus on the scenery and the energy of the dogs as they move along the trail. Following the safari, warm up with a soup lunch before spending some time with the huskies.
Stay: Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 – Rovaniemi → Helsinki
Travel south by train to Finland’s capital, Helsinki. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Scandinavian adventure.
Stay: Scandic Grand Marina, Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 – Helsinki
Your Scandinavian journey concludes after breakfast. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
