Lofoten Island & North Cape Group Tour

Welcome to Norway, a country with the most beautiful fjords. Upon arrival, transfer to the city centre and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to do some sightseeing of Oslo on your own. We recommend taking a walk through Vigeland Park to see the famous sculptures or a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. The Royal Palace, City Hall and Akershus Fortress are also worth checking out. Overnight at the Thon Opera Hotel or similar.

After breakfast meet your tour leader and the rest of your group and transfer to the airport for the flight to Evenes and on arrival, board a private coach for a scenic drive through picturesque landscapes to Sortland. Overnights at Scandic Sortland Hotel or similar. (B)

Travel to Andenes, the northernmost town in the Vesteralen archipelago and one of  Europe's premier whale-watching destinations. Embark on an exciting whale safari in the rich Arctic waters, where you may encounter sperm whales, humpback whales, orcas and other marine wildlife. Visit the whale centre museum to learn about the biology, behaviour and migration of these magnificent creatures before returning to Sortland. (B)

Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the Lofoten Islands with your guide. The first stop is the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg, where a guided tour reveals the world of Lofoten's first skilled craftsmen, complete with the chance to row a Viking ship and learn about a thousand years of stockfish trade. Continue on to Svolvær, the archipelago's capital, set dramatically between sea and towering Arctic peaks. In the evening, join the optional Trollfjord Silent Cruise ( ask us about adding this) sailing past the Fisherman's Wife statue into the majestic fjord. Overnight at Scandic Svolvær Hotel or similar. (B)

Travel onward toward Harstad, taking in magnificent scenery along the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. Along the way, stop at Akvakultur i Vesterålen for a fascinating guided tour, followed by an exciting RIB boat trip out to an active salmon fish farm offering a unique glimpse into Norwegian coastal food production. Round off the visit with a tasting of locally produced smoked salmon. Overnight at Scandic Harstad or similar, with an early breakfast buffet or packed box available from the hotel ahead of the next day's journey. (B)
 

Depart early by fast ferry from Harstad to Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this vibrant northern city at your own pace. Overnight at  Scandic Tromsø or similar .B)

After breakfast at the hotel, set off along the scenic E8 and E6 highways, stopping often for panoramic views, photographs, and a taste of authentic Arctic life. With the midnight sun illuminating the landscape around the clock, the drive from Tromsø to Alta is truly unforgettable. Overnight at Scandic Alta or similar. (B)
 

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for a full day of Arctic experiences. Begin with a visit to the renowned Alta Museum, home to one of Northern Europe's most important collections of prehistoric Bronze and Stone Age rock carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue across the vast plateau of Magerøya Island to Honningsvåg and the iconic North Cape. In the evening, take in the breathtaking cliffside viewpoint over the Arctic Ocean and midnight sun, with a glass of sparkling wine at North Cape Hall to toast reaching Europe's northernmost point. Overnight and dinner at Scandic Honningsvåg or similar. (B, D)
 

Travel via the scenic E69 and E6, the "Last Road on Earth"  passing through Lakselv and Karasjok, the cultural capital of the Sami people, with time to learn about their traditions and shop for handcrafted artefacts. After crossing into Finland and changing time zone (EEST), stop at the Sami Siida Museum to explore the relationship between nature, man and culture. Continue to Ivalo airport for free time to dine before the evening flight to Helsinki (21:00, arriving 23:45). Walk 5 minutes from the terminal to your hotel. Overnight at Clarion Helsinki Airport. (B)
 

After breakfast at the hotel (09:30), check out and board the coach into Helsinki city centre. On arrival, your local guide leads a 2-hour city tour taking in Senate Square, the Kauppatori market square, Uspenski Cathedral (exterior), and highlights along the harbour. Board your overnight ferry cruise at 15:30. Overnight and dinner on board, Seaview A-class cabin. (B,D)
 

Enjoy breakfast on board before arriving in Stockholm, the "Venice of the North" a city of 14 islands surrounded by Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Your local guide leads a 3-hour panoramic city tour through Gamla Stan (the old town), taking in the Royal Palace, Cathedral and Parliament, followed by a visit to the world-famous Vasa Museum. Optional: Royal Canal Tour (ask us about adding this). Overnight at Clarion Sign or similar. (B)
 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before some last-minute shopping for Viking souvenirs or further exploration of Stockholm, depending on your flight time. (B)