As the title suggests, this seven night itinerary combines the Arctic cities of Tromso with the pristine, snow-covered countryside surrounding Alta - both synonymous with the sightings of the Aurora Borealis and destinations which hold a weight of expectation to deliver. It is a trip that is guaranteed to open your eyes to the diversity and beauty of this region and will leave you wanting to explore further. The northern lights will quickly become the icing on the cake of what is an already exceptional holiday.
Alta itself has evolved in recent years and now offers some of the highest standards of winter products and hospitality in the Nordic region; we would wholeheartedly recommend a stay here and know that you will return enriched and with a deep connection to the area and its people.
Itinerary includes:
- Outbound flight to Tromso Langnes Airport
- Return flight from Alta Airport
- Domestic flight from Tromso Langnes Airport to Alta Airport
- Transfers
- 3 Nights at the Scandic Ishavshotel,Tromso (Bed and Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort near Alta (Full Board)
- 1 Night at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
- Aurora hunt excursion
- Dog sled tour
- Evening snowmobile tour
- Reindeer sled tour
- King crab fishing excursion
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Full Board
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Tromso airport, you will be transferred to the Scandic Ishavshotel in the centre of the city.
Overnight at the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromso.
Mount Storsteinen, Tromso, Northern Norway
Day 2 - Aurora chase
Day at leisure in the university city of Tromso. This small city has a vibrant beat and is brimming with boutique shops and local food producers. It may be 350km north of the Arctic Circle but the ‘Paris of the North’ is a connected, innovative and charming destination. Attractions include the University Museum, Fjellheisen cable car which affords remarkable views from its summit (421m above sea level) and the Arctic Cathedral.
This evening, we have chosen a small-group Aurora tour for our guests. The northern light hunt will take you away from the city lights in search of Mother Nature’s colourful waves. A sighting of the Aurora Borealis is a moving and exhilarating experience and one which will cement Tromso in your memories forever.
Overnight at the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromso.
Aurora Borealis, Tromso, Northern Norway
Day 3 - Arctic adventure dog sled tour and evening snowmobile tour
This morning, we have included our favourite, small group dog-sled tour in the area. With two people to a sled, each guest will have the opportunity to mush (steer) their own team of dogs, as well as enjoying time as a passenger watching the world go by. The scenery on the island of Kvaloya, where the kennels are based, is beautiful and the shimmering water of the fjords will accompany you on the tour.
In the evening, you will transfer by coach to Camp Tamok, 75 minutes' drive south of Tromso. During the tour you will drive in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile, with the opportunity to switch places during the trip (unless a supplement for a private snowmobile has been paid) and will journey through the dramatic snow-covered Finn valley, starting at 250m above sea level and slowly climbing in between the majestic mountains. You will be on the snowmobiling track for approximately 2 hours, depending on the weather and snow conditions. And, remember, away from all artificial lights there is always the chance of a sighting of the Aurora Borealis. Your tour ends with a hot meal and drink.
Overnight at the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromso.
Dog-sledding in Tromso, Northern Norway
Day 4 - Transfer to Alta
After breakfast, transfer to Tromso airport for a short, domestic flight to the city of Alta and, your destination, the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort.
Overnight at the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort near Alta.
Lyngen Alps, Northern Norway
Day 5 - Reindeer sled tour and overnight stay the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
The vast Finnmark plateau is the homeland of the Sami people, a stronghold for a unique language and represents a lifestyle that is both deeply rooted and highly contemporary. For millennia the Sami have looked after the landscape with their reindeer, and there truly is no better way to understand their way of life, history and their animals than on today's short (1 1/2 hour), authentic reindeer excursion.
Your Sami guide will collect you from Sorrisniva and introduce you to your reindeer who will pull your sled through the local wilderness (the sled is designed to seat 2 people). Refreshments will be provided in a Lavvu where you sit on reindeer skins around the fire and hear stories about the Sami culture before continuing the sledding back to Sorrisniva. The combination of the reindeer sledding and sitting in a Lavvu around the fire hearing tales about the Sami culture provides a fascinating insight into this special semi nomadic culture.
Each year, on the banks of the River Alta, the family-run Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is created. This evening you'll sleep in sub-zero temperatures and enjoy a night on ice.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Northern Norway
Day 6 - King crab fishing
Awaken from your night at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.
Today, is guaranteed to offer further excitement for your senses with the introduction to King Crab fishing on the Alta fjord. King crabs were first found in Norway in 1977 and are considered a prized delicacy. The two hour excursion not only offers the opportunity to fish for the crustacean which can have a leg span of 1.8 metres and weigh up to 12kg, but also includes the fruits of the sea for lunch. The King Crab is loaded with what can be described as a sweetness and meatiness unlike any other crab meat in the world.
Overnight at the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort near Alta.
King crab fishing, Alta, Northern Norway
Day 7 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure to unwind and relax in the quiet surroundings of the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort. Further experiences can be pre-booked in advance for those wishing to explore further: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, husky dog experiences and northern light tours are available, as are wellness packages.
Overnight at the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort near Alta.
River room, Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Resort
Day 8 - Day of departure
Transfer to Alta airport for the return flight to the UK.