Tromsø – Fjords, Whales and Aurora Domes
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Details
There are few places that give you such a brilliant mix of cultural city life with untouched nature and unforgettable activities but Tromsø is definitely one of them.
This itinerary makes the most of your ideal location with plenty of free time to explore the vibrant city. Visit the museums and attractions before trying some fresh Arctic produce at the local restaurants and of course, a whale watching safari.
We've also included a whale safari that allows you to get closer to the stunning fjords and potentially spot some of the incredible Arctic wildlife found here. The whale watching season in the waters off Tromsø is from November to late January, based on feeding and migration cycles. The main two species you might see are Orcas (killer whales) and Humpbacks. During these months they will be ever-present in the fjords feeding on the spawning herring.
Though the city is known for its Northern Lights potential, here at the Aurora Zone we know the best displays are seen away from the bright city lights. That's why we've included a stay in a north-facing glamping dome with stunning views, ideal for Northern Lights viewing. Situated in the pristine wilderness of the beautiful Tamok Valley. Here, after a warming meal by the campfire, you can continue the night's Aurora hunting from the comfort of your bed! If you would like to be more active in your search for the Lights, you can choose to upgrade to a snowmobile safari on this night.
The following day, before returning to Tromsø, you will explore the surrounding landscape by one of the most exhilarating but traditional modes of transport in the region - the dogsled. After a briefing, your guide will lead you out into the wilderness, where you will work with your own team of enthusiastic and energetic huskies to traverse the snow-covered countryside. You will travel two people to a sled and both will have the opportunity to drive the sled. You will then have a hot meal before returning to Tromsø.
For your remaining time in Tromsø, why not find out more about the exploration of this unique region at the Polar Museum or learn about its diverse wildlife at Polaria. A stunning aquarium which focuses on the interdependence of life on land and in the sea throughout the Arctic?
This short break to Tromsø has been carefully crafted to give you a brilliant mix of lively city, Arctic wildlife and incredible Aurora opportunities.
Important Information
The minimum age for this trip is 16 years old
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 will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Pricing
Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Accommodation
Due to the pressure on hotel rooms that can arise in the Winter season, we may offer a range of hotel options to guests in Tromso (and this may occasionally have some impact on the price of your trip although this will of course be highlighted to you in any quote you receive).
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.
Itinerary
Located in Northern Norway, Tromsø is a vibrant city offering local restaurants and attractions surrounded by stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, which is ideally located so that you can easily explore the cosmopolitan city. We recommend booking an early flight to maximise your time here.
For dinner tonight, you could head into town to try some of the local cuisine as well as the bustling bars and restaurants. Your hotel also has a great dining option, Kitchen and Table serves up Manhattan-inspired dishes made using Arctic ingredients.
If you would like to add on a Northern Lights activity this evening, please see our Personalise Tour section for full details.
Remember to bring your camera, as there is a good chance for fantastic photo opportunities as you take to the waters around Tromso on MS Capella, in search of the Humpbacks and Orcas that feed on the migrating herring.
Although these are the main prize in terms of sightings on your cruise, and they often come close to the boat as curious about us as we are about them, there is also an excellent chance to see Sea Eagles and other bird species.
This 8-hour trip provides you with the ideal opportunity to get close to some of the ocean’s most engaging inhabitants and you can also stay warm and cosy in the Capella’s saloon and lounge when you wish. A light lunch and warm drinks and snacks are served on board.
On returning to shore you will be transferred to the stunning Tamok Valley. The transfer will take roughly 1.5 hours. On arrival, you will enjoy a short presentation on the Northern Lights, including the optimal photography settings used to capture the Aurora, should they make an appearance.
The camp is perfectly situated for Aurora hunting, far away from any light pollution, with nothing but the dark sky directly above. During this evening’s Aurora Watch, you’ll search the skies for a sign of the lights and a hot meal will be served in the camp’s traditional reindeer herder’s tent, with a crackling fire to keep you warm.
Later this evening, at approximately 10:30 pm, you will check in to your Aurora Dome for a night of glamping in your comfortable, heated dome. Here you can lie back and search the skies from the comfort of your own bed; hopefully, the Northern Lights will make an appearance for you tonight. Toilet and bathroom facilities are only a short walk away from your dome.
If you would like to take a more white-knuckle approach to your Aurora hunt this evening, why not upgrade to a snowmobile safari? Please see the Personalise section for full details.
Following breakfast you will have some free time to look around the Camp in the daylight, there is even an Ice Cinema and Ice Bar here. Later this morning, you will meet your team of eager canine athletes and be given a briefing before setting off with two people to a sled – again there will be opportunities to change over, but this activity does require a reasonable level of physical health for the driver.
You will cover 10-12 km with your dogs, which will take approximately 90 minutes depending on conditions. You will have plenty of time to thank your dogs for their efforts and take photos at the end of the tour and then enjoy a hot lunch.
This afternoon you will depart Camp Tamok, arriving back in Tromsø at approximately 4pm.
This evening, you may wish to relax in the hotel, or you could add on an extra Northern Lights activity. Please see the Personalise section for full details.
Today it is unfortunately time for your Norwegian adventure to come to an end. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we transfer you back to Tromsø airport for your flight home. If you have an early flight time, we’ll box up breakfast for you to take with you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return airport transfers (taxi transfer on arrival, scheduled Flybus transfer on departure). Please speak to one of our Travel Experts if you have an early or late return flight – taxi transfer may be required should it fall outside the Flybus hours)
- 2 nights at Clarion Hotel The Edge in a standard twin/double room and 1 night in a glamping dome
- 3 breakfasts, 1 light lunch, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Polar whale safari
- Aurora Camp
- Dog sledding
- Cold weather clothing during activities
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Excluded
- Flights are not included. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quote
Accommodation
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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 refreshments and classic dishes in the Social Bar and Bistro
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Wilderness Camp Tamok is situated deep in the Norwegian wilderness. Surrounded by dramatic, snow-covered mountains and deep, glacial valleys. Only 1.5 hours’ drive from the city of Tromsø, it provides the perfect setting to escape the light pollution of the city and search the dark skies for the Northern Lights. The camp consists of a collection of buildings, including dining Lavvus (a traditional Norwegian tent-like structure) with warm, open fires, log cabins, shower and toilet facilities, a small activity centre and its own husky farm. Facilities
NB Due to the nature of Camp Tamok’s overnight packages, check in and check out times are both later than in more run-of-the-mill hotel premises |
Personalise This Tour
This evening you will head out into the snow-covered Finn valley on a snowmobile, with one driver and one passenger on each and with plenty of opportunities to swap over as you will make frequent stops to check the skies for the Lights and hopefully take photographs. On returning to the camp you will be served a hot meal around a warming fire. Cold weather clothing is provided.
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Tonight takes you out of the city lights in search of an incredible Northern Lights display.
Travelling by minibus allows you to outrun any potential cloud cover and go further in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide will use the weather forecast and their expert knowledge to determine the best location for potential viewings.
Upon arrival at your chosen spot, you will keep warm by the campfire and enjoy warm drinks and a local meal as your guide helps you look for the lights. If conditions are favourable and they do make an appearance, you can also get tips on how to capture the moment on camera. Your guide will also be taking photos which will be provided to you. The activity starts at 6pm.
Duration: Between 6 and 9 hours depending on weather conditions and including transfers.
| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Please note: This holiday is a city break and as such operates quite differently to some of our other holidays in more remote locations. Because of your central base in the city, your activities will start at various meeting points (full details and directions will be provided in your final travel documents) which you will need to walk to (or arrange your own taxi unless otherwise stated) in good time for the activity to begin. You will then normally be met by a bus which will either take you directly out on your activity or to a central meeting point from where you will then head out on your adventure.
For environmental reasons and to pass on the cost saving benefit to our clients on some of our holidays based within a city, we may also make use of scheduled shared airport shuttle buses. These will stop near your hotel but there may be a short walk (with your luggage) due to traffic restrictions. To check what is standard within your itinerary please check the ‘what’s included’ section. We can arrange private taxi transfers if you prefer (upgrade costs will apply). Our travel experts will be happy to provide more information.
Due to the city location, the group sizes for activities and transfers will be larger than some of our other holidays. We have lots of itineraries to suit everyone. So, if you enjoy the buzz of a city and like to explore its sights and sounds in your free time, then this holiday is a great option for you. If you prefer a more remote destination with activities on site, then please ask one of our travel experts who would be very happy to make some suggestions.
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
