Our clients come from all over the world
Aurora Norwegian Coastal Islands Explorer
Break Available: Autumn or Late Winter
7 Nights
Price Per Person: From £2999 .
A 7 night break to Northern Norway to search for the Northern Lights and experience some of the best coastal scenery. The break starts in Tromso, the Paris of the North, before heading south to the fabulous island of Senja before a boat trip to Svolvaer in the majestic Lofoten Islands, your base to explore what is, for many, the crown jewel of the Norwegian Coast.
Senja has historically had a good population of whales in the area during the Months of December to mid February so if your journey is made in that period then you have the chance of seeing them. Please note that the whales migration is an act of nature and cannot be guaranteed.
The Northern Lights in this part of Norway can be spectacular, especially so as they are framed by the towering peaks of the mountains that soar out of the sea.
Highlights
- 1 Night in Tromso – the Paris of the North
- 3 Nights on the Beautiful island of Senja
- 3 Nights in Svolvaer in Lofoten Islands
- Accommodation in Comfortable apartments by the sea
- Wildlife and day fjords cruise out of Tromso
- Daily day and night guided activities in Senja
- RIB Boat wildlife safari in Trolfjord
Day 1
Fly to Tromso. Overnight
Day 1
Fly to Tromso. Overnight
Arrive at Tromso airport and transfer to your hotel.
Settle in and explore the local area and either choose to eat at the hotel or one of the excellent local restaurants around the quayside.
Meals Included: None
Day 2
Morning to Explore Tromso and then transfer to Senja Island
Day 2
Morning to Explore Tromso and then transfer to Senja Island
Take some time out in the morning to explore Tromso before then departing to Finnsnes in the afternoon.
Return to port in time for your onward boat transfer to Finnsnes. The journey by boat takes about 75 minutes and lets you experience coastal nature.
A driver will pick you up at the boat terminal in Finnsnes and transfer you through the beautiful Senja island to Mefjord Brygge – your base. Check into your sea-facing apartment before dinner is served in the maritime-style restaurant.
After a short briefing and introduction to your activity program, it will be time to relax, go for a small walk in the evening or finish off the day in the sauna.
Day 3
Day of Seasonal Activities. Northern Lights Hunting
Day 3
Day of Seasonal Activities. Northern Lights Hunting
Breakfast will be served at 9.00 after which you will meet with the guide who will present your plan for the next couple of days with regard for current season and weather conditions.
Typically, during daylight hours you will go for an Arctic Boat Safari to see wildlife and marine landscape. Lunch will either be on the safari or upon your return to the hotel. The afternoon might be spent at leisure or you can go for a small snowshoeing trip on your own.
Traditional Norwegian dinner will be served in early evening and after that you will get ready for the night time session. The guide will take you to some remote spots for a Northern Lights chasing experience. You will also visit scenic vantage points where it is possible to admire the Aurora Borealis without any light pollution.
Day 4
Day of Seasonal Activities. Northern Lights Hunting
Day 4
Day of Seasonal Activities. Northern Lights Hunting
After breakfast, you will do a different activity to the day before – depending on the season and preferred activity, it may be a minibus sightseeing, snow-shoeing or hiking trip to see different types of Senja’s nature and in case of bad weather there would be a special trip to show you the harsh Arctic coast and power of Norwegian Sea.
After dinner, you will again set out for an evening activity focusing on experiences on Senja and the Northern Lights. Hopefully, you will admire the beauty of the Aurora Borealis reflected in the sea and with mountains in the foreground while visiting some remote spots in the nearby fjords.
The creative guides will surprise you by telling some old local stories, showing you some interesting places and introducing you to traditions linked with north-Norwegian culture.
Day 5
Sail to Lofoten Islands. Overnight in Svolvaer
Day 5
Sail to Lofoten Islands. Overnight in Svolvaer
This morning have an early start (3am) in order to catch the Hurtigruten ship that will carry you on the next leg of your journey south to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands.
This is a perfect way to experience the majesty of these picturesque islands. You will arrive around 6pm. You are booked into the stylish Thon Hotel on the quayside or have the option of upgrading to the quaint and traditional Svinoya which offers authentic Rorbuer Accommodation.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner ( if staying at Svinoya)
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Upgrade to Svinoya Rorbuer Cabins
A la Carte Optional Extras
Upgrade to Svinoya Rorbuer Cabins
If you are looking for a truly authentic Norwegian Experience then whilst staying in Svolvaer why not upgrade to staying in Norwegian Heritage site. Svinoya is a fishing village dating back over 250 years which has been converted into authentic ‘ Rorbuer’ accommodation.
Grouped in batches around the island and with commanding views each ‘ fisherman’s cottage’ has been restored but keep their traditional wooden features. Recognised by the Norwegian cultural bureau as a place of national heritage it offers a uniquely Norwegian experience.
All 30 original, and the more recently-built rorbu cabins, are of high standard. Each cabin has one to three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen-cum-lounge, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet.
The main building that houses both reception and the atmospheric restaurant where all meals are taken is a short walk away. Breakfasts are hearty and Dinners based on local ingredients of fish and lamb.
Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the rorbu cabins. The timber and time-honoured craftmanship have been preserved to convey the feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the old days, when the fishermen harvested the seas of Lofoten with the help of oar and sail.
Upgrade Cost: £198 per person Includes Dinner Bed and Breakfast ( when comparing note dinner is included in the holiday cost on this option)
Day 6
Lofoten Panorama Tour. Northern Lights Hunt in the Evening
Day 6
Lofoten Panorama Tour. Northern Lights Hunt in the Evening
After breakfast venture out with a small group on a guided bus trip of the Lofoten islands. The knowledgeable driver will guide you on this half day excursion. Explore a dramatic coastline, historical fishing villages and white sand beaches, surrounded by rugged mountains with photo stops en-route to capture the amazing scenery. The Majestic Lofoten islands at any time of year are spectacular but our favourite time is in the later months of the year when the colours of autumn merge with the northern lights to create a truly exceptional experience.
This evening after dinner venture out with a guide on a Northern Lights hunt in the vicinity of Svolvaer. This 3 hour minibus experience allows the guide to search for areas with clear skies and perfect surroundings with as little light pollution as possible. The goal is to find areas where the Northern Lights will be the only source of light.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (at Svinoya)
Day 7
Rib Boat Wildlife Safari in area around Trollfjord
Day 7
Rib Boat Wildlife Safari in area around Trollfjord
Today after breakfast explore one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords with high mountainsides rising directly from the sea.
The Trollfjorden is a narrow arm of the Raftsundet that cuts nearly 3 km into the landscape and is less than 100 m wide as its narrowest point. Lofoten has an exciting bird life, and the region is visited by several hundred bird species during the year. The archipelago is also the resting place for rarer species and birding enthusiasts can look forward to the diversity of species in the varied landscape. The largest species of them all is the majestic white-tailed sea eagle, with its 2.7 m wingspan.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the local area and this evening search the Northern Lights which are often visible over Svolvaer.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (if staying at Svinoya)
Day 8
Fly Home or Extend Your Trip to include Oslo
Day 8
Fly Home or Extend Your Trip to include Oslo
This morning at leisure prior to transfer to the airport for your flight home via Oslo.
Oslo, Norway’s capital city, offers a rich Heritage and for anyone with Maritime interests its history is represented by 3 unique museums, The Viking Ship Museum, The Fram Polar Explorer Museum and the Kon Tiki Museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Mini City Break in Oslo
A la Carte Optional Extras
Mini City Break in Oslo
This is a 2 night extension to your holiday staying at the Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo Norway’s capital city. The hotel is well located near the city centre and transport links.
Both the Norwegian Parliament and the Royal Palace are in Oslo, the latter being situated at the end of Karl Johan Street Oslo’s main street.
The city limits encompass wilderness areas as well as an array of restaurants and nightlife as such. In winter, the city has an artificial skating rink nearby the National Theatre and the University.
Oslo’s City Hall is located in the city centre only a few hundred metres from the city’s main street and overlooks the Oslo Fjord.
The Aker Brygge pier with all its restaurants and shopping is in close vicinity of Oslo City Hall. You can also catch the ferry to the main islands in the Oslo Fjord. Oslo abounds with sights of interest, and most of these sights are within walking distance of each other.
Norway’s maritime history is represented by 3 unique museums, The Viking Ship Museum, The Fram Polar explorer museum and the Kon Tiki Museum.
For those interested in culture and art there is the Akershus Fortress, The Munch museum or the Norwegian Museum of cultural history
Cost: £250 per person to include private airport transfers and 2 nights bed and breakfast in the Thon Hotel Opera
Where You'll Stay
Scandic Ishavshotel Tromso
Scandic Ishavshotel Tromso
The Scandic Ishavshotel is on a picturesque waterside location in Tromsø, which is often referred to as the Paris of the North, and offers stunning views of the harbour and city. It is located only 50 metres from the Hurtigruten ferry and 4 minutes from the Polar Museum. It has easy access to the pier where most boating trips depart from.
Almost all rooms at the Scandic Ishavshotel are located at the very end of the quay and provide panoramic views whilst there are excellent Restaurant and Bar facilities.
For a relaxing drink visit the Roast Bar, located right by the water and offering views of the Tromsø Bridge and a famous architectural landmark, the Arctic Cathedral.
Mejford Brygge
Mejford Brygge
Mefjord Brygge is surrounded by mountains in the picturesque fishing village of Mefjordvær on Senja Island. Accommodation is in modern style cabin apartments which face out to the sea and offer plenty of space.
A well-equipped kitchen, private bathroom and a balcony or patio feature in all apartments and cottages at Mefjord Brygge. They also include a seating area and flat-screen TV. All cabins are en-suite
Relax options at Mefjord Brygge include a sauna, hot tub and solarium.
The guides at Mefjord Brygge run a daily programme of activities for clients which focus in Autumn and Winter on the sea and the northern lights. They have their own boat which is ideal for whale watching.
Meals are served in a very traditional and atmospheric marine style restaurant a short walk from the cabins.
Svinøya Rorbuer
Svinøya Rorbuer
A 250 year old fishing settlement on an island in Svolvaer harbour has been converted into one of the most charming and authentic Rorbuer style accommodations. Grouped in batches around the island and with commanding views each ‘fisherman’s cottage’ has been restored but keep their traditional wooden features. Recognised by the Norwegian cultural bureau as a place of national heritage it offers a uniquely Norwegian experience.
All 30 original, and the more recently-built rorbu cabins, are of a high standard. Each cabin has one to three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen-cum-lounge, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet.
The main building that houses both reception and the atmospheric restaurant where all meals are taken is a short walk away. Breakfasts are hearty and dinners based on local ingredients of fish and lamb.
Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the rorbu cabins. The timber and time-honoured craftmanship have been preserved to convey the feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the old days, when the fishermen harvested the seas of Lofoten with the help of oar and sail.
Thon Hotel Svolvaer
Thon Hotel Svolvaer
Thon Hotel Lofoten is located right on the harbour front in Svolvær. It is a few metres away from the Hurtigruten ferry disembarkation point and within walking distance of the many attractions of Svolvaer, the Lofoten islands.
There are panoramic views over the mountains that encase Svolvaer and the rooms have views over the sea or the mountains.
This is a flagship Thon Hotel with all modern facilities including excellent restaurant and bars.
Restaurant Boje serves dishes made from locally sourced produce so has a strong emphasis on foods like Cod, Halibut and Stockfish caught by local fishermen and magnificent organic Lofoten lamb.
Upgrade to Svinoya Rorbuer Cabins
If you are looking for a truly authentic Norwegian Experience then whilst staying in Svolvaer why not upgrade to staying in Norwegian Heritage site. Svinoya is a fishing village dating back over 250 years which has been converted into authentic ‘ Rorbuer’ accommodation.
Grouped in batches around the island and with commanding views each ‘ fisherman’s cottage’ has been restored but keep their traditional wooden features. Recognised by the Norwegian cultural bureau as a place of national heritage it offers a uniquely Norwegian experience.
All 30 original, and the more recently-built rorbu cabins, are of high standard. Each cabin has one to three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen-cum-lounge, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet.
The main building that houses both reception and the atmospheric restaurant where all meals are taken is a short walk away. Breakfasts are hearty and Dinners based on local ingredients of fish and lamb.
Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the rorbu cabins. The timber and time-honoured craftmanship have been preserved to convey the feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the old days, when the fishermen harvested the seas of Lofoten with the help of oar and sail.
Upgrade Cost: £198 per person Includes Dinner Bed and Breakfast ( when comparing note dinner is included in the holiday cost on this option)
Mini City Break in Oslo
This is a 2 night extension to your holiday staying at the Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo Norway’s capital city. The hotel is well located near the city centre and transport links.
Both the Norwegian Parliament and the Royal Palace are in Oslo, the latter being situated at the end of Karl Johan Street Oslo’s main street.
The city limits encompass wilderness areas as well as an array of restaurants and nightlife as such. In winter, the city has an artificial skating rink nearby the National Theatre and the University.
Oslo’s City Hall is located in the city centre only a few hundred metres from the city’s main street and overlooks the Oslo Fjord.
The Aker Brygge pier with all its restaurants and shopping is in close vicinity of Oslo City Hall. You can also catch the ferry to the main islands in the Oslo Fjord. Oslo abounds with sights of interest, and most of these sights are within walking distance of each other.
Norway’s maritime history is represented by 3 unique museums, The Viking Ship Museum, The Fram Polar explorer museum and the Kon Tiki Museum.
For those interested in culture and art there is the Akershus Fortress, The Munch museum or the Norwegian Museum of cultural history
Cost: £250 per person to include private airport transfers and 2 nights bed and breakfast in the Thon Hotel Opera
What's Included?
- 7 night’s accommodation with breakfast
- 3 Dinners and 3 Lunches
- Day and night activities at Mefjord Brygge
- Panorama minibus tour on Lofoten
- Wildlife RIB boat safari in the Lofoten
- Northern Lights Hunt in Lofoten
- Airport Transfers