Best of Finland & Norway

Arrive in Helsinki with a day at leisure to discover Finland’s cultural and design capital. Visit the Temppeliaukio Rock Church in the heart of Helsinki, excavated into solid rock – an architectural wonder! If time permits, visit the wooden town of Porvoo or take a short ferry ride to the world heritage site of Suomoenlinna, a fortress built by the Swedish in the mid-18th Century. 

Discover Helsinki on a Panorama sightseeing tour, showing you the most important sights and giving you an excellent view of Helsinki's past and present. The tour takes you to the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. In the evening, board the Santa Claus Express night train to Rovaniemi. See the beauty of Finland from the comfort of sleeper compartments, waking up above the Arctic Circle. (B)

Arrive in Rovaniemi and spend the day exploring this unique Arctic city with a visit to Santa’s village. In summer take a hike through the surrounding forests a fat bike adventure or a river cruise. During winter there are endless activities including husky safaris, reindeer safaris, snowmobile safaris or ice fishing. 

After breakfast, transfer to the idyllic resort town of Saariselkä, located in the municipality of Inari in Northern Lapland. It’s a compact, international village with Lappish spirit, and lies in the middle of magnificent fell scenery by the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The evening will be spent in the Northern Lights Village (Sep – Apr), known as the Midnight Sun Village (May – Aug), where you will spend the night in an Aurora Cabin (known as a Midnight Sun Cabin in Summer).(B)(D) 

Take an early morning transfer via Inari to cross the border to Norway reaching the town of Kirkenes. Overnight at the Snowhotel Kirkenes in their unique, Gamme Cabins, inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing hut, “gamme”, found in the Lapland wilderness, the Sámi area of the Arctic. (B)(D) 

Enjoy a husky experience and learn more about these fascinating animals. Subject to season and weather, you may get to enjoy a hike with the huskies, a husky wagon ride, or a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)(D)

Embark the Hurtigruten ship to commence your six day coastal voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen. The journey heads north from Kirkenes arriving at Vardø in the afternoon. Weather permitting, take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean. Heading due west, cruise along the Varanger Peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.  (B)(L)(D) 

In winter, join an amazing snowmobile trip through the vast Arctic wilderness, snowy plains, valleys and crisp winter air. Dock in Tromsø in time to enjoy a magical Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral, in winter, or Midnight Sun concert in summer. (B)(L)(D) 

Sail through the world-famous Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Continuing south, sail through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 m out of the sea. Arriving at the amazing Trollfjord (conditions allowing) you will sail between sheer cliffs, appearing close enough to touch. (B)(L)(D)

Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Sail along the Helgeland coast to see Torghatten, the strange mountain famous for the distinctive hole through its centre formed during the ice age. (B)(L)(D) 

Explore the ancient wooden city of Trondheim and Kristiansund, regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’. An optional excursion is available along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route, referred to as the world’s most beautiful drive. The 8 km stretch spans eight bridges crossing picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.  (B)(L)(D)

Depart Ålesund docking at Florø in the morning, Norway’s westernmost community. A few nautical miles south of Florø, cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord take in superb views of the magnificent coastline. Disembark in Bergen. (B)(L) 

Join a private walking tour with an experienced local guide. Bergen is famous for the seven mountains surrounding the city, the fish market and Bryggen. Take a trip to the top of Mount Fløien for a fantastic view of Bergen and surrounds. (B) 

The tour ends today, after breakfast. (B)