Tromso and Abisko

Day 1 - Day of arrival

On arrival at Tromso airport, you will be transferred to the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora in the heart of the city.

Overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora in Tromso. Complimentary tea and coffee is available at the hotel throughout the day and a light evening meal provided.

Arctic Cathedral, Tromso, Northern Norway

Day 2 - Northern lights chase with authentic north Norwegian charm

Day at leisure in Tromso. Opportunity to participate in a dog-sled, snowmobile or whale watching excursion; take the cable car to Mount Storsteinen for a fantastic view over the city; or learn about the Aurora Borealis at the Science Centre of Northern Norway.

In the evening, you will join a small group excursion in search of the Lady Aurora. This tour will take you away from the artificial lights of the city (by minibus - max 16 people), with your destination chosen based on the local weather conditions and clarity of the night sky. On the way your guide will educate you on the scientific facts of Aurora Borealis, but even more interesting you’ll get to hear about the folklore and myths that has been associated with this phenomenon for centuries. Tips on how best to capture pictures of the northern lights on your camera are provided as is a hot drink and cake.

Overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromso.

Aurora Borealis, Tromso, Northern Norway

Day 3 - Day of leisure

Day at leisure in Tromso. Opportunity to explore Tromso on foot and to visit some of the city’s attractions: Polaria, the Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum, the University Museum of Tromsø and the Mack Brewery to name a few. Evening at leisure. On a clear night it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Tromso although, we would always recommend leaving the artificial lights of the city for the best chance of a sighting. Kroken, the northernmost suburb of Tromso, accessed by a local bus is one such option. It is also possible to pre-book a range of winter activities with Sunvil prior to departure.

Overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromso.

Aurora Borealis over Tromso, Northern Norway

Day 4 - The ultimate Aurora photo tour

This morning, depart Tromso on board the Arctic Route bus service and journey along the coastal road to Narvik (c.4 hours). On arrival in Narvik, transfer onto the local train which will take you into the mountains and across the Norway-Sweden border into the Abisko National Park. Your accommodation, the STF Abisko Turiststation, is located 300m from the train station.

Due to its high percentage of clear night skies and virtually no light pollution Abisko is one of the greatest places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Tonight, under the supervision of a professional photographer you will learn how to capture the colourful waves of the Lady Aurora on camera. No previous photographic experience is necessary to enjoy this tour, with even the most novice of participants having a high chance of going home with beautiful Aurora photographs and memories that will last a lifetime. Whilst, of course, the focus of the tour is on capturing the Aurora Borealis in a photo, you will also gain a local’s insight into this region of Lapland and learn how the aurora fits into the local culture and the science behind the phenomenon.

Overnight at the STF Abisko Turiststation, Abisko.

Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland

Day 5 - Great outback snowmobile tour and Aurora chase

Today we've included a snowmobile tour to enable you to explore further afield and to learn more about the natural splendours of the Abisko National Park. You’ll cross frozen lakes, climb through mountain valleys and follow a section of the renowned Kungsleden (King’s trail) – a hiking path that stretches 440km from Abisko to Hemavan, passing through four National Parks*. There will be plenty of time for photographs and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and their tracks. The Abisko National Park is home to moose, reindeer as well a bear, wolverine and lynx (although the latter three are difficult to spot you may see their footprints). *Please note that our proposed tour operates on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday but alternative snowmobile tours are available on alternative days.

This evening you will enjoy your second Aurora chase of the trip. As before, this is a small group activity and your destination will be chosen based on local weather conditions, the aurora forecast and the years of experience that your destination specialists hold. You could remain close to the Abisko National Park or travel up to 90km – whatever route will provide the highest chance of a sighting.

Overnight at the STF Abisko Turiststation, Abisko.

Abisko Mountain Station STF, Swedish Lapland

Day 6 - Day of departure

After breakfast, transfer to Kiruna airport for the return flight to the UK.

Alternatively, transfer to Jukkasjarvi and overnight at the world famous ICEHOTEL.