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Northern Lights Arctic Fjord Whale Watching Cruise with Husky Safari
Overview
Spend 5 nights on a small-ship exploration of Northern Norway’s Arctic fjords and two nights in the bustling city of Tromsø. Accompanied by expedition experts, you will cruise from Tromsø to Narvik stopping at several fascinating small communities along the way. Daytime activities will provide an insight into the way of life here north of the Arctic Circle with whale watching, Sami culture and a visit to Lofotr Viking Museum. You will journey on the Arctic Train from Narvik to Camp Tamok - one of the most stunning journeys in Europe - for a husky safari. Your nights will be dedicated to hunting the Aurora both from the deck and during included Northern Lights hunting activities.
What's included?
ALL OF THE EXPERIENCES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Flights: return from London to Tromsø (either direct via Stockholm or via Oslo.) Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return airport transfers (taxi transfer on arrival, scheduled Flybus transfer on departure), transfer from the drop-off point to the hotel on day 7, all activity transfers in the itinerary and Arctic train journey
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a standard twin cabin (upgrades may be available depending on availability and subject to supplement), 2 nights in a standard double/twin room at Clarion Hotel - The Edge
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
- Activities: Fjellheisen cable car visit and night-time photography workshop, multiple whales and other Arctic animal watching excursions (either by zodiac or onboard the MV Quest), Sámi culture experience and Aurora Camp, Trollfjord, Henningsvær and history of Arctic fishing, Nusfjord village, Lofotr Viking Museum, World War II history and Northern Lights chase, Arctic train journey and husky safari (order of activities is subject to change)
- Multiple lectures and photography workshops and mentoring with the onboard expert expedition crew
- Coffee and tea whilst onboard
- Cold weather outerwear and boots for the duration of your time onboard
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Arctic fjords, whale watching, husky safari, reindeer, Northern Lights, Sámi culture and an Arctic train journey – the bucket list activities in this itinerary just keep coming and coming! This short break incorporates so many of the highlights of Arctic Norway, but what makes it even more special is the expert local team of guides who will be on hand throughout your time onboard to make sure you get the best holiday experience.
By choosing this holiday you really are giving yourself the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights whilst also enjoying some other awesome winter activities too. After one night in Tromsø, your adventure starts with a night-time visit to the Fjellheisen Cable Car which provides stunning panoramic views across the city of Tromsø and its surrounding fjords. Once back on board the ship you will depart on your adventure.
Over the next few days, you will explore this local area both by sea and on some hand-selected land excursions too, which will allow you to meet some of the fascinating locals. A real highlight of this tour will be seeing the Arctic animals along the way. We can’t guarantee that you’ll see such sightings, but it is common to see killer whales, humpbacked whales and white-tailed sea eagles and you will have the opportunity to get up close to reindeer and huskies during some of the activities.
At the end of your Arctic adventure, you will disembark and travel back to Tromsø from Narvik which is close to the Swedish border. When you are back in Tromsø you will spend your final evening in the city with a host of restaurants to choose from. Depending on your flight time home, the following day you may be able to visit one of the city's many museums before transferring to the airport for your return flights.
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Key facts
| Duration: | 7 nights |
| Pace: | Active |
Dates & Prices
Price Comparison Guarantee
Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing the Northern Lights. We’ve been running Aurora hunting holidays longer than any company in the UK and with no lead in prices, no hidden costs and more included, we’re confident our tours will come out on top.Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
This holiday requires a minimum of 20 people to run. Maximum people 52 (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Aurora Zone holiday is typically 12 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Booking Activities Locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
Information for British Passport Holders
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday. Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit. You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.
Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions
Payment and Cancellation Terms
Cancellation terms:
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (This is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 30 days prior to departure - 75%
- 29 or less days - 100%
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Flights, Arrivals and Transfers
Tromsø, situated in Northern Norway, is a vibrant city with plenty of local restaurants and attractions. Upon arrival at Tromsø Airport, you will be met and taken to your hotel via private taxi transfer.
Dinner is not included tonight, but you could head into town to try some of the local cuisine as well as the bustling bars and restaurants.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Free Day and Fjellheisen Cable Car
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel ahead of some free time to explore Tromsø, which is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. You could see the Arctic Cathedral or taste some of the local cuisine.
You will meet the expedition team at 4 pm and be taken to the MV Quest for the check-in. It’s only a 10-minute walk from your hotel to the meeting point, but a transfer can be arranged for a supplement. From the meeting point, depending on the docking location of the ship on that day, you may have to take a short walk to the MV Quest or a transfer may be arranged.
After dinner onboard the boat, you will undertake a short transfer to Fjellheisen Cable Car where you will spend an evening on top of the world! On a clear night, you can see for miles and it is quite common to see the Northern Lights from this viewpoint too! After this excursion, you will return to the ship which will depart from Tromsø during the night.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 3
Whale Watching, Sámi Culture and Northern Lights Hunt
This morning, you will wake up near Andøy and the crew onboard will be in constant contact with the local network of guides and fishermen to head toward any whale sightings in the nearby waters. The flexibility allowed on a small ship voyage like this one is unparalleled by some of the larger cruise lines which visit nearby and are on a very strict routeing and schedule.
After watching out for any whales nearby you will then head to Sortland to enjoy a Sámi culture experience and speak to some local reindeer herders about these iconic animals and their lifestyle. With the firelit and tales being told you will also keep an eye skywards and hopefully be rewarded with an Auroral display. The Northern Lights hunt will continue when you return to the boat and head out to sea, away from any light pollution.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Trollford, Henningsvær and a History of Arctic Fishing
After a hearty breakfast, you will sail towards Raftesund and the famous Trollfjord. It is normally quite common to see the white-tailed sea eagle in this area and your expedition team will be on deck keeping their eyes peeled to alert you to watch this majestic bird in flight.Depending on the weather you may use the zodiac boats to get closer to the majestic mountains, as you travel through the fjord.
Following this, you will land at the small fishing village of Henningsvær where the local fishing community has put together the ‘full steam experience’ which teaches visitors about cod fishing in the local region, the lifestyle of a fisherman and their families and the products and importance of cod liver oil. This is an interesting industry that, prior to such an experience, is easy to take for granted. As with the other nights, the expedition crew will keep watch for any Northern Lights activity and alert guests should they start to display.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Nusfjord, Lofotr Viking Museum and Svolvær
Today’s programme will incorporate several more of the charming small communities in this area. Nusfjord village is the first stop today – this isn’t one of the better-known villages in Lofoten but that is what this holiday is all about, finding the hidden gems! This tucked-away little village was selected by Norway in 1975 as one of three Norwegian villages protected to preserve traditional buildings which were slowly becoming less common. Due to this protected status the village can feel like an open-air museum, it boasts an old-fashioned shop with a small, cosy café along with a workshop to make cod liver oil, a forge and a sawmill. The village is a perfect time capsule of how so many of these small villages looked 50 years ago.
Following your visit to Nusfjord, you will travel even further back in time to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. The living museum was built around the discovery of the longest Viking Age longhouse that has been found and excavated. Here, a wealthy and mighty chieftain dynasty flourished throughout the Viking Age. Both the longhouse and its natural surroundings have undergone a complete renovation.
Following your lunch, you will travel to the small town of Svolvær, which is known as the gateway to the Lofoten.
After dinner, you will go for a wander around Svolvær (weather permitting) and your guide will keep an eye on the sky where hopefully the Northern Lights will appear.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
Barøy Lighthouse, World War II History, Arctic Train and Aurora Chasing
Following breakfast this morning you sail past Barøy Lighthouse, which will be the signal that you are close to the town of Narvik.
When sailing towards Narvik the expedition team will provide a lecture on the role of this small town in WW2. It was home to the biggest battle on Norwegian territory. Here, you will have some free time to explore as you wish.
In the evening, after a short transfer, you will board the Arctic Train for your final Northern Lights hunt. You will be taken to a base camp where your guide will make a fire as you wait for the Aurora to make an appearance. Depending on the weather conditions, the guide may decide to go on a walk instead.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Husky Safari
This morning you will disembark and bid farewell to the MV Quest and its crew, you will be taken by coach to a camp. After a full safety briefing, you will be out for around 60 to 90 minutes sharing a team of dogs between two guests (one driving and one sitting in the sled). Enjoy lunch by an open fire before your transfer to Tromsø for your final night. After being dropped off at the harbour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
For dinner this evening, which is not included so you have the advantage of flexibility, you can dine in the hotel restaurant or visit one of the other options within easy reach.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
DAY 8
Transfers and Departure
This morning, you will check out of the hotel and make your way to the meeting point for the scheduled Flybus shuttle coach and transfer to the airport.
Please note: All the wildlife watching excursions by RIB boat and the Northern Lights hunts are weather dependent.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Clarion Hotel - The Edge
Nights: 1,7
Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’ and is an excellent base to transfer to your memorable activities.
Hotel Facilities
- Enjoy great views of the brilliant architecture of the city as it reflects in the waters just outside the hotel or head to the 11th-floor sky bar – the only one of its kind in the city – for a vista like no other (open Thursday to Saturday only)
- The hotel puts great emphasis on being eco-friendly and is built with an environmental classification A.
- Keep up with your fitness in the onsite gym with stunning sea views
- Enjoy a delicious meal at your culinary home from home, The Living Room
Room Facilities
- Twin/Double Rooms: the hotel offers standard double rooms as well as a standard twin room (two single beds). All rooms are ensuite and come with WiFi, minibar, iron and ironing board.
- Deluxe Double/Junior Suite/Family Room: for larger groups, we can offer an upgrade to a deluxe double (sleeps up to 3 persons) or a junior suite or family room for 4 people.
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards.
MV Quest
Nights: 2-6
The Mv Quest has a rich history of Arctic sailing expeditions. The ship was originally built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a passenger ferry along Greenland’s west coast. In 2005, this sailing ship was completely refurbished to become a comfortable expedition ship with a maximum capacity of 52 guests, with 26 cabins in total, all with ensuite facilities keeping guests warm and comfortable throughout their sailing expedition in the Arctic.
The dining room on this ship has a panorama lounge, a small bar and a quiet library. In the lounge, there will be entertaining talks on the area’s history, wildlife, and other relevant topics by the team of expert local guides onboard. There are also five zodiac boats which can be used to take guests ashore, or pretty much anywhere you choose to explore! The Mv Quest is a slightly smaller ship than most, which allows you to discover the untouched areas that some of the larger cruise ships along Northern Norway and the zodiacs can take you even closer to the stunning scenery and wildlife in this area.
The food onboard is “pure, fresh and straight from the source” and the onboard chefs use the freshest local ingredients, including seafood and game, to provide a cultural experience through their menu choices. Any dietary requirements can be catered for, please let us know at the time of booking.
Room types
Twin cabins
Most of the cabins on board the MV Quest are twin cabins with two separate twin beds. They all have an ensuite shower/WC and a small desk and chair. They all have a hairdryer and private safe too. The standard twin rooms are around 10 metres squared.
Double Superior cabin and owner’s cabin
There are three double super cabins and one owner’s cabin onboard MV Quest. These are the only cabin types with a double bed. These cabins are located on decks 3 and 4 and are more spacious than the standard cabins and they are also the only cabins with TVs and armchairs in the rooms (please note that the TVs are meant for guests to link and stream from their personal devices, they do not pick up channels).
Gallery
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