Ffestiniog Travel
Northern Lights
10 daysfrom $5,062
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Huskies & the Northern Lights
Join us on a remarkable adventure into the mysterious Arctic on this escorted train tour that features some unique and unforgettable experiences.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Tromsø
Arrival in the Arctic city of Tromsø
Your Arctic holiday begins at London Heathrow, meeting the Tour Manager ahead of the group's flight to Oslo. In the Norwegian capital, transfer to a flight to Tromsø. Situated in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø stands on its own forest-covered island and is known as the 'polar capital of Norway'. At this time of year the city is characterised by polar nights, where the sun only briefly breaks over the horizon. The hotel for the next two nights overlooks the harbour, which remains ice-free year-round due to the warming Gulf Stream. Free time to explore the picturesque old streets or visit one of the city's many museums. Dinner together at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Tromsø
Exploring Tromsø and learning about the Indigenous Sámi
A guided tour showcases Tromsø's main landmarks, including the Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdalen Church, consecrated 1965), the Polaria aquarium, and the Polar Museum. Free time in the afternoon to explore Tromsø at leisure. In the evening, join an authentic Sámi experience in a nearby village: hear about the rich culture of Scandinavia's indigenous people, meet their reindeer, and enjoy a wilderness dinner in a 'lavvu' tent with local folk tales.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Narvik
To Narvik, in search of the Northern Lights
Following breakfast, journey through Norway's dramatic scenery, travelling down steep valleys to reach striking fjords. On arrival in Narvik, the afternoon is at leisure – options include the Red Cross War Memorial Museum documenting WWII occupation, or sampling local seafood. In the evening, join a local expert on a coach ride into an area where the Northern Lights may be visible.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Kiruna
Crossing to Swedish Lapland on the Ofoten Railway
Board the 'Arctic Train' (Ofoten Railway) after breakfast for an incredible trip across the border into Sweden. Built to transport iron ore to the port at Narvik, this scenic line was the most northern railway in the world at the time of its construction in 1902. The dramatic route passes through isolated, rugged wilderness with views of plunging valleys, tranquil lakes and rolling hills as it traverses steep mountainsides through the vast taiga into Sweden. On arrival in Kiruna, transfer to Camp Ripan on the edge of town. Free time to relax or enjoy the spa facilities before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Kiruna
Husky safari and the Ice Hotel
Morning visit to Kiruna's wondrous Ice Hotel – the world's first, most famous and largest hotel constructed of ice and snow, first formed in 1989 and reconstructed each winter season. Time to look around and enjoy a drink in the ice bar. After free time over lunch, head to a nearby husky camp for a tour of the kennels followed by a husky-hauled sled journey through snow-blanketed landscapes, pausing for freshly prepared coffee and a bite to eat ('fika'). An afternoon at leisure, then head out after dark seeking the Northern Lights once more – the countryside around Kiruna is one of the world's best places to spot the Aurora Borealis.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6
Homeward bound
The Nordic holiday draws to a close. Transfer to the airport after an early breakfast. Fly from Kiruna to Stockholm, then connect to the flight to London Heathrow.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Tromsø via Oslo, and Kiruna to London Heathrow via Stockholm
- Breakfast each day
- 4 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between hotels from Narvik to Kiruna
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
