Northern Lights - Follow the Lights escorted tour

From Oslo to Helsinki
  • Scandinavia and Finland
  • Small Group Tours
  • Southern Lights
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Tour Description

Join the Follow the Lights escorted small group tour to hunt for the Aurora Borealis through Norway and Finland.

Travelling in a small group of 24, with a tour guide throughout, you will be wowed by breathtaking scenery. Starting in Norway's capital, Oslo, we experience the iconic "Norway in a nutshell" over 2 days, including riding the famous Flam railway. There is time to tour Bergen, full of colourful old houses, before boarding a 6 night cruise up across the Arctic Circle to the town of Kirkenes. Experience a little of life in coastal Norway as we call in at 34 ports, most being small hamlets and fishing villages that can be reached by water only. Winter is a great time to visit, and witness Norway's majestic fjords, fresh snow makes for a magical winter wonderland. As much of your journey is spend above the Arctic circle, and it is winter, the chance of seeing the Northern Lights is very high! Your cabin onboard even has an "aurora" alarm, so you can wake up any time of the night to witness the dance of the Aurora Borealis. 

Other fantastic bucket list experiences along the way include visiting Inari, the Sami capital to learn all about their fascinating culture and life in the extreme north. Visit husky dogs, perhaps take a dog sleigh ride through the wilderness, spend a night in an igloo hotel, and call in to Santa's village! You will love the vistas in Finland's stunning lakes district, and there is plenty of time to explore Helsinki, and, if you are there around Christmas, the markets are great!

This is the Follow the Lights 17-day northbound adventure, if you are short on time, ask us about the 15 day southbound tour. 

Join us hunting for the Northern Lights, backed by a Northern Lights promise!

Viva's Best Bits...

"This adventure ticks so many bucket list activities - stay in a glass igloo, husky and reindeer experiences (be sure to go from December onwards if you want to try husky dog sledding), a visit to Santa's village and the Northern Lights!" Tara, Team Viva

Full of cultural and scenic experiences; ride the famous Flåm Railway, sail through Norway's fjords visiting small hamlets, explore the Lapland region in Finland, and get an insight into Sami culture in Inari.

Northern Lights Promise: If the Northern Lights are not recorded during your Follow The Lights tour, we will give you another chance on a 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE*

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1
Oslo

Arrive in Oslo, make your own way from the airport or train station to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening meet the rest of the group and your guide at our welcome dinner.

Overnight in Oslo.

Day 2
Oslo

An Oslo grand city tour including Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo Opera house,
Holmenkollen Ski Jump and more awaits.

Overnight in Oslo.

Day 3
Oslo Flåm

After an early breakfast we will start our “Norway In a Nutshell” tour, catching the morning train to Myrdal where we change trains for the famous Flåm Railway, with spectacular fjord views all the way to the beautiful, tiny village of Flåm.

Overnight in Flåm.

Day 4
Flåm Bergen

The day starts with the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, passing through the narrow Nærøyfjord. From Gudvangen the journey continues by bus. Waterfalls line the road as we weave our way through the valley to Voss. There we board a train for the last leg of our “Norway in a Nutshell” journey, arriving in Bergen in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Bergen.

Day 5
Bergen: embark on cruise

(Day 1 of the voyage) After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where we board our ship.

Overnight on board our ship

Day 6
Ålesund Trondheim

(Day 2 of the voyage) We navigate skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim.

Overnight on board our ship.

Day 7
Trondheim

(Day 3 of the voyage) Arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital.

Overnight on board our ship.

Day 8
Lofoten Islands

(Day 4 of the voyage) As we cross the Arctic Circle in the morning, the hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. We enter the dramatic and narrow Raftsund, and if the weather and ice conditions allow, we’ll sail to the entrance of the famous Trollfjord.

Overnight on board our ship.

Day 9
Tromsø

(Day 5 of the voyage) After a morning stop in Finnsnes, the ship continues to Tromsø, a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, and famed as a viewing point for the Northern Lights. The city’s historic centre is distinguished by its centuriesold wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline.

Overnight on board our ship.

Day 10
Honningsvåg, near the North Cape

(Day 6 of the voyage) Honningsvåg is the nearest port to the North Cape – only 2000km from the geographical North Pole.

Overnight on board our ship.

Day 11
Kirkenes Saariselkä

Admire the dramatic coastal vistas as we approach Kirkenes, where we will disembark. Enjoy a short drive through Kirkenes, before arriving at Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders), where we’ll visit the newly renovated Siida Sami museum and visit a reindeer farm.

Overnight in Saariselkä.

Day 12
Saariselkä

Enjoy an evening Reindeer Safari with the chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.
Here you’ll also have the opportunity to meet a local Sámi family.

Overnight in Saariselkä.

Day 13
Sinettä

Today we visit Santa Claus Village, where you will have free time to explore. In the evening, spend the night in a glass igloo.

Overnight in Sinettä.

Day 14
Sinettä Rovaniemi

Take a tour of a husky dog kennel and enjoy a thrilling husky sled ride through the Lapland wilderness.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

Day 15
Rovaniemi

Spend the day at your own leisure, with a range of exciting additional excursions to
choose from.

Day 16
Rovaniemi Helsinki

Trade the capital of Lapland for Finland’s capital, Helsinki. Explore the city’s contemporary and historic architecture and discover the many hidden gems dotted around the center

Overnight in Helsinki.

Day 17
Helsinki

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the tour’s end.

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 4 star accommodation standard
  • Included Copy 20 11 nights’ hotel accommodation (1 night in glass igloo)
  • Included Copy 20 6 nights’ cruise accommodation, select cabins
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Daily breakfast, 7 lunches
  • Included Copy 20 10 dinners & 1 x farewell dinner
  • Included Copy 7 Beverages with meals
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 City tours of Oslo and Bergen
  • Included Copy 20 Norway in a Nutshell, Flåm Railway journey
  • Included Copy 20 First class coach from Kirkenes to Rovaniemi
  • Included Copy 20 English speaking guide from start to finish
  • Included Copy 20 Reindeer Farm visit (sled ride, depending on weather)
  • Included Copy 20 Husky Farm visit (sled ride, depending on weather)
  • Included Copy 20 Santa Claus Village visit
  • Included Copy 20 Siida museum visit
  • Included Copy 20 2nd class rail from Rovaniemi to Helsinki
  • Included Copy 20 Luggage service at all hotels
  • Included Copy 7 Flights, travel insurance, personal expenses
  • Included Copy 31 Optional shore excursions & small group adventures
Transportation

MS Kong Harald

MS Nordkapp

MS Polarlys

MS Richard With

MS Nordnorge

Activities

  • Included Ride the iconic Flåm Railway
  • Included Visit Santa Claus will a visit to Santas Village!
  • Included Reindeer and husky dogs - a chance to go on a magical sleigh ride!
  • Included Learn all about the fascinating Sami culture
  • Included 7 days of outstanding scenery as your cruise the Norwegian fjords
  • Included Tours in the fascinating cities of Oslo, Bergen & Helsinki
  • Included Spend many many days above the Arctic Circle + more opportunities to witness magical auroras!
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Click here for dates & prices
Duration

17 days

Price from

$5,948 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on polar inside

Set departure dates from October - March
Speak to your Scandinavia and Finland travel expert now
Viva Team
Enquire

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