DAY 9 – TROMSO
We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town.
The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.
We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.
Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.
Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.
DAY 10 – HONNINGSVAG
The ship makes early morning stops in the town of Hammerfest and at Havøysund before arriving at Honningsvåg mid-morning.
This is the portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.
The ship continues north. Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi.
We reach Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.
The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.
DAY 11 – The Sámi Capital
Kirkenes, Saariselkä
We’ll arrive at Vardø in the morning, and we’ll continue south towards our next port, Kirkenes. You’ll be treated to dramatic coastal vistas as we approach the shore. Here, we leave our ship behind as we continue our journey south toward Finland on land.
We’ll board a coach and enjoy a scenic drive through the town of Kirkenes, and after crossing the border into Finland, we’ll begin heading south through Lapland. We’ll stop at Inari, a village in Finland’s largest municipality.
The area is famous for its large Sámi population and is seen as the centre of Finnish Sámi culture. At the newly renovated Siida Sámi museum, you can see exhibits and artefacts that document the rich culture of the Finnish Sámi. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Saariselkä, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness.
After a day of travelling, learning, and exploring, you’ll spend your first night in Finland.
DAY 12 – SAARISELKA
Waking up in Saariselkä, you have another day in Finland’s winter wonderland to look forward to.
Today we have a day at leisure to explore the small village, or why not try the toboggan near the hotel, or one of the many optional excursions available.
This evening enjoy a Reindeer Safari, with the chance of experiencing the Northern Lights. A short transfer to a local reindeer farm and here you have the opportunity to get to know a local Sami family. During your visit, we will feed the reindeers in the paddock and tell you about reindeer husbandry. Then it´s time to take the Lappish lasso and practice, with the guidance of the host, throwing the lasso. You will also have a peek into the dim Lappish hut. In the idyllic old cottage, you can enjoy some coffee and chat more about reindeers and Sami. Weather permitting you will also enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride.
Return to your hotel in the evening, where you’ll spend your second night in Saariselkä.
DAY 13 – SINETTA, ROVANIEMI
Today, we journey towards the commercial centre of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Along the way we will make a short stop to visit the Sodankylä Old Church.
Experience Santa Claus Village, where you can see herds of reindeer and even meet the jolly bearded man himself. This Christmas-themed park will surely bring out your inner child, and if you’re lucky, seeing the Northern Lights dancing above will make your visit even more special.
In the evening, you’ll check into an Arctic snowhotel in Sinettä, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the hotel before you spend the night in a toasty glass igloo, looking out for the Aurora through the 360 degree glass roof.
DAY 14 – ROVANIEMI
Today we will transfer to your hotel in Rovaniemi. This Arctic city has an intriguing history, having grown to prominence in the 19th century due to the Lapland gold rush. After extensive destruction during World War II, the city had to be rebuilt, and its footprint was redesigned in the shape of a reindeer’s head.
Besides reindeer, another iconic Lapland animal is the husky. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of a husky dog kennel and meet its friendly, furry residents. Enjoy lunch at the kennel. Learn about the long relationship these dogs have with the local people, and find out how they’re reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are.
After spending some time with the dogs, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness. Once it’s over, you can enjoy a snack and a hot drink around the roaring fire.
DAY 15 – ROVANIEMI
After breakfast you have a day to yourself to explore more of Rovaniemi. Your tour guide can recommend a range of exciting additional excursions or things to see and do in the area.
Maybe make a visit to Jätkänkynttilä bridge to take photos of Finland’s first suspension bridge. It stands prominently over Kemijoki river with the lamps at the top of its two pillars resembling glowing braziers.
You’ll also not want to miss the Aalto Centre, a complex of public buildings designed by famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. Each of the three buildings is inspired by Finnish culture and nature. Even the five arterial roads are arranged in the shape of a reindeer’s antlers.
There’s also the forest-themed Pilke Science Centre and Korundi House of Culture to lose yourself in. Similarly, Ranua Zoo is home to various Arctic fauna, but all bow in respect to the resident polar bears and Finnish brown bears.
DAY 16 – HELSINKI
Today, we leave the Rovaniemi and travel by train to Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best cities to live in, Helsinki is vibrant and colourful, and offers a delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. The city is also known for its incredible natural scenery, with countless nature trails nearby.
After a late afternoon arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring the city and discovering the many hidden gems dotted around the centre. With a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés, Helsinki has something to satisfy every taste.
DAY 17 – HELSINKI
From the far south of Norway up to the northernmost point, then down through Finnish Lapland – you’ve been on quite the journey! You’ve travelled through the Polar Night over sea and land across countries, with the Northern Lights making a pleasant appearance at times.
Today marks the end of your journey, but it doesn’t truly finish here. The memories you’ve collected throughout your time with us will remain with you for years to come. You’ll also likely be going home with plenty of photos from various activities and places that you can share with family and friends.
After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travellers. We thank you for spending this time with us, and we hope to see you again soon for another adventure.