Discover the North – 9 days land only

Starting from	R48 760
Package Validity	Set travel dates:16 - 24 JAN 2017.
Duration	9 days
Destination	Norway
Starts in	Tromsø
Ends in	Tromsø

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- 2 nights accommodation at Clarion Collection Aurora Hotel in Tromsø
- 1 night accommodation at Hotel Fjället in Björkliden
- 4 nights accommodation at Thon Hotel Lofoten in Svolvaer (Lofoten Islands)
- 1 night accommodation on-board the Hurtigruten in an outside cabin cruising Svolvaer to Tromsø
- Breakfast & dinner daily & selected lunches
- Snowmobile safari (18th  January)
- 4 course exclusive dinner at the Aurora sky station including chairlift (18th January)
- Whale safari (10 hours – 20th January)
- Northern lights hunt (4 hours – 21st January)
- Archipelago tour (6 hours - 22nd January)
- Assistance of an English speaking representative whilst on tour    
- Transportation (local & private)

 

* All services & activities are subject to weather conditions. A valid driver’s license is required for driving a snowmobile. The operator reserves the right substitute hotels (based on availability). We can arrange the hire of winter clothing for the full duration of the tour (at a supplementary cost)

 

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Tromsø

Arrive at Tromsø Airport & make your own way to the hotel.  Balance of the day is at leisure. Tromsø is known as the Gateway to the Arctic. It is located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) zone & is therefore one of the best places in the world to observe this phenomenon. This beautiful Arctic city is surrounded by the panorama of the Lyngen Alps, blue fjords & hundreds of islands. Tonight there will be a special welcome dinner & you will meet your tour guide
Overnight:  Tromsø  (D)

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Tromsø – Björkliden  

After breakfast, walk to the bus station & travel from Tromsø to Narvik.  We have arranged a lunch pack for your journey so that you can just sit back & relax.  The bus trip through break-taking scenery will last approximately 4 hours. In Narvik, you will have a short break before walking to the station to take the local train to Björkliden. The train journey will only be approximately 1 hour & will again take you past some fascinating scenery as your travel through the Abisko region before reaching Björkliden. The area of Abisko is the portal to Swedish Lapland, home to majestic ice-topped mountain ranges. Arrive in Björkliden & make your own way to hotel.
Overnight:  Björkliden  (BLD)

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Björkliden  

This morning you will enjoy a 2-hour guided snowmobile excursion around the lovely winter surroundings of Björkliden, the route changes based on the weather but you will discover the frozen wilderness around Björkliden. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure, in the evening at approximately 18h00 depart for Abisko National Park & the Aurora Sky Station. The Sky Station adventure begins with a ride on chair-lift ascending above the beautiful Abisko National Park draped in darkness. Enjoy a four-course dinner influenced by Nordic cuisine & learn more about the Aurora Borealis & what the best viewing conditions are. After the guided portion of the tour return to the hotel. You may choose to return to the hotel later on your own.  
Overnight:  Björkliden  (BLD)

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Björkliden - Lofoten Islands
 
After breakfast, say goodbye to the wintery wilderness wonderland & walk to the train station to board the train to Narvik. The hotel will transport your luggage to the train station.  On arrival in Narvik, walk to the bus station & board the bus to Svolvaer (approx. 4 hours). Lunch at a local restaurant. The Lofoten Islands are home to some of the most beautiful & majestic scenery in the world with quaint little fishing villages scattered everywhere. Walk to the hotel & check-in.  Time at leisure in the capital of the Lofoten Islands, Svolvaer.
Overnight:  Svolvaer  (BLD) 
 

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Lofoten Islands

Today will be spent watching whales & other marine life on the water. Transfer to the port to take the ferry to Andenes. Enjoy a 10 hour whale-watching safari – lunch included.  During the winter months, whales gather in Norwegian Sea to feed.  You have the chance to see Orcas, which are actually classed as dolphins, Humpback whales & perhaps some other marine life.  Return to the hotel.  
Overnight:  Svolvaer  (BLD)

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Lofoten Islands

Day at leisure to explore the Lofoten Islands.   After dinner, go hunting for the Northern lights (approx. 4 hours) giving you another opportunity to magnificent phenomenon.  During the Viking era the lights were thought to be strange colours shining off the armour of the Valkyries. Locals like referring to the lights as “The Rainbow of the Night” because they are weather dependent & the shades of red, purple, green & orange can sometimes just simultaneously appear just like a rainbow. During this tour through silent forests & near frozen lakes, your guide actively hunts the lights based on the latest solar activity & other factors trying to give you the best opportunities to view it.  Return to the hotel.
Overnight:  Svolvaer  (BD)

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 Lofoten Islands – Hurtigruten Cruise
 
Today’s Archipelago tour (approx. 6 hours) is about discovering more your current surroundings, the Lofoten Islands. You will have the chance to sit on pure white beaches facing the crystal sea & admire imposing mountains which have guarded the region for millions of years like ancient Viking warriors. See the magnificent cliffs where the North Sea breaks, taste some local delicacies & visit the local fishing villages which characterise the islands. Lunch at a local restaurant included. Return to the hotel, after dinner walk to the port to board Hurtigruten at 22h00.  A journey with the iconic Hurtigruten offers the best views at a gentle pace – it is the ideal way to discover Norway's varied coastal landscape.
Overnight:  Hurtigruten (BLD)

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Hurtigruten Cruise - Tromsø  

Breakfast & lunch will be served on board as we cruise to Tromsø.  Arrive at 14h30, disembark & walk to the hotel.  
Overnight:  Tromsø  (BLD)

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Tromsø  
 
After breakfast, the tour ends.  Make your way to Tromso Airport for departure flight.  (B) 

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