ULTIMATE ARCTIC ADVENTURE & TROMSO 10 days/9 nights

TROMSO – ALTA – KIRKENES – SAARISELKA – ROVANIEMI - SINETTA

• Winter activities
• Aurora Husky Visit with traditional dinner
• Visit the award-winning Alta Museum.
• Reindeer farm visit with sleigh ride & traditional lunch
• Two Nights in a Glass Igloo
• Farewell Dinner in traditional Kota
• Husky Farm & Safari with a 3 km husky sleigh ride
• Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village
• Kemi Snow Castle visit (weather permitting)
• Sampo Icebreaker cruise & ice swimming

DAY 1: (THURSDAY) TROMSO
Clarion The Edge ****

Arrival at Tromso airport. Upon exiting the airport, please proceed to the Flybussen bus stop (regular airport express bus) and present your voucher to the driver. Your voucher is valid for arrival and departure transfers, so please keep it safe. The Flybussen will transfer you the 5 km distance to the centre of Tromso, and drop off is within walking distance of your hotel. Check-in at your hotel (guaranteed from 15:00). The rest of the day is at leisure. Please consult the Via Hansa & Borealis welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director.

OPTIONAL: – Tromso Cable Car
PRICE: on request
Children 7 – 12 years: 30% discount
DURATION: approximately 2 hours (20:00 – 22:00)
MEETING TIME: 19:45 in the hotel reception
INCLUDES: Transportation, lift ride & Guide
Min 2 persons

A short transfer will take you from the hotel to the Cable Car Station. Board a gondola, and in just four minutes, you will be transported 421 m above sea level to experience Tromso's best view. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. If we are lucky, the northern lights will show up and top off this already impressive experience. PRE-BOOKING AND IN SITU.

DAY 2: (FRIDAY) TROMSO
Breakfast & Light Dinner INCLUDED
Clarion The Edge ****

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour and a perfect introduction to Tromso. Tromso enjoys a subarctic climate, its location corresponding to the northern coast of Alaska. Learn about the indigenous Sami people, their traditional culture and recent history. Following this, you will continue a tour around the island, passing Lake Prestvatn, where the Meteorological Institute is situated. Travel across the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral to visit this masterpiece by Jan Inge Hovig. Built in 1965, the cathedral reflects North Norwegian nature, culture, and faith with a huge stained-glass window. Afternoon at leisure.

OPTIONAL: POLARIS Museum & Tromsø University Museum
PRICE: /PERSON 161
DURATION: With Tour Leader
Coach at disposal for 2:30 hours
Entrance - Tromsø University Museum
Entrance - Polaria
Min 6 persons

Polaris is the world's most northerly aquarium, and it looks like its most giant dominoes have been knocked over. This arctic aquarium, which opened in 1998, focuses on educating visitors about the exotic, freezing waters of the Nordic North. The museum portions of the aquarium feature a display of the Svalbard region as well as simulated permafrost. In contrast, the aquarium proper contains rare specimens of cold-water fish and other arctic marine life from the area. The main attraction is a large pool that houses several large-bearded seals that visitors can get remarkably close to thanks to viewing bubbles in the tank wall. Maybe the most remarkable aspect of the aquarium is the building itself. It was designed to evoke massive ice flows pushing against one another, breaking and stacking into a slanted fringe. The structure looks almost like a series of buildings toppled into each other as dominoes cascade. The Arctic University Museum of Tromso offers diverse and insightful exhibitions from northern culture, including everything from Norway's oldest chewing gum to the lights of the north and Vikings. Located in Tromsø, a city Nylund describes as The Port to the Arctic Ocean, the museum is a place for cutting-edge research in subjects ranging from mosquitos and Vikings to fossils, Polar exploration, and the indigenous Sami people. The museum offers three attractions: Tromsø Museum, the Polar Museum and the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden.

AURORA HUSKY VISIT LIGHT DINNER INCLUDED
DURATION: 4 hours (19:00-23:00)
MEETING TIME: 18:30 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, Guide, warm overalls, traditional Norwegian dinner

Be ready for a pick-up right outside your hotel at 18:30, where you will be met by a representative from Tromso Villmarkssenter and taken on a 25-minute bus ride to the Aurora Camp. At the camp, you will be equipped with thermal overalls and boots to keep you nice and warm all evening. Three hundred friendly Alaskan huskies are waiting to greet you and enjoy some cuddles, followed by an affectionate and playful visit to the puppy enclosure. Once you have filled up on puppy love, it is time to enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner in our cosy Gamme-hut (turf home). You will be served Norwegian Bacalao, prepared with locally sourced cod and tomato sauce, and their savoury signature chocolate cake for dessert. As it is impossible to predict when the Aurora will appear during the evening, your Guide will keep a close eye on the sky for you, and the program will be adjusted accordingly. For those who wish to sit outside and wait for it to appear, a bonfire will set the mood and keep you toasty.

DAY 3: (SATURDAY) TROMSO – ALTA (300 km)
Breakfast & Lunch
Thon Hotel Alta ***+

Breakfast at the hotel. The ride from Tromso to Alta is breathtaking, regardless of the time of year. Stunning scenery and magnificent nature ensure that this trip will stay with you for a long time. The distance between Tromso and Alta is about 300 km, a route travelled in approximately 8 hours and includes ferry crossings—lunch (had) en route. Arrive in Alta and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure.

OPTIONAL: SLEIGH RIDE UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
PRICE/PERSON: 276 EUR
Children 7-12 years: 30% discount
Min 2 persons
DURATION: approximately 4 hours (20:00 – 24:00)
MEETING TIME: 19:45 at the hotel reception
INCLUDES: Transportation, traditional dinner including dried meat chips w/dip, reindeer meat, lingonberry sauce, homemade cinnamon rolls, bonfire coffee and glogg
Dinner included

This tour offers you an evening of cosy adventure. You will be picked up in Alta and driven to a farm in the nearby countryside, where you will climb aboard a sleigh and get bundled up in warm blankets. A Norwegian Fjord Horse then pulls your sleigh through the forest and along the Alta River; all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty all around you. Near the end of the ride, you will stop at a wilderness shelter where a light dinner will be served around a warm fire. Under the right conditions, you might also be able to capture some beautiful images of the Northern Lights. IT REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

DAY 4: (SUNDAY) ALTA
Breakfast
Thon Hotel Alta ***+

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for the prestigious EMYA award-winning Alta Museum. The museum is situated at the site of the early settlement of Finnmark, dating from around 11,000 years ago, and presents exhibitions on local culture and historic industries. A must-see for anyone visiting the area.Afternoon free at leisure. We suggest paying a visit to the modern Northern Lights Cathedral in the central part of town.

ALTA MUSEUM Included

Experience Northern Europe's most famous and affluent rock carving site, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area while enjoying a fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. You will have a guided tour of the museum with some free time afterwards to walk around at your own pace.

OPTIONAL: NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR & SORRISNIVA ICE HOTEL
PRICE: 289 EUR/PERSON
DURATION: approximately 4 – 5 hours (19:00– 23:00/24:00)
MEETING TIME: 18:30 at the hotel reception
INCLUDES: transportation, Guide, sweet snacks and soft drink
Min 6 persons

Meet your Tour Director in your hotel lobby for a 20-minute bus ride into the countryside. The family-owned Sorrisniva adventure facility is ideally located to maximize your chances of seeing the magnificent Aurora Borealis between September and March. Experience the Igloo Hotel - the world's northernmost ice hotel, built from the ground annually with different themes. Get a break from your daily life and feel the serenity and silence theIgloo Hotel gives you. Wander among handcrafted ice sculptures or take an iced drink in our bar. Everything is made from pure snow and ice.
After visiting the Ice Hotel, you will take on the Northern Lights chase in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Along the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to learn more about Alta's natural phenomena and local history. Your focus will also be pleased to help you catch some beautiful images with your camera. IT REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

DAY 5: MONDAY ALTA – KIRKENES (465 km)
Breakfast & Lunch INCLUDED
Thon Hotel Kirkenes ****

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an early departure. You will travel the 465 km east to Kirkenes by coach, an approximately 9-hour journey taking you through the beautiful northern Lapland. Your eyes will feast on breathtaking nature as you sit back and watch the landscape unfold. You will stop in Karasjok for a 3-course lunch (included). Arrive in Kirkenes and check in at your hotel before dinner (not included).

DAY 6: (TUESDAY) KIRKENES - SAARISELKÄ (260 km)
Breakfast
Santa´s Tunturi Hotel ****

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for leisure. In the early afternoon, we continued by coach towards Saariselkä. Depart Kirkenes travelling south through the northern Lapland landscape to the centre of Sami world at Inari, the capital of Lapland. Here we visit the Sajos Sami Cultural Centre, and Parliament set in the heart of Sapmi in a unique natural landscape on the shore of Lake Inari, serving as a centre for Sami self-governance, culture, education, and know-how. Modern conference premises, facilities and technology go hand in hand with authentic, living Sami culture. After the visit, we continue onto the tiny village of Saariselkä, Finland's winter sports centre. Check-in to the hotel and the evening is at leisure.

OPTIONAL - KING CRAB SAFARI
PRICE: 257 EUR/PERSON
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (08:00-11:00)
MEETING TIME: 07:15 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal equipment, king crab lunch

"Rated one of the best 25 excursions in the World by National Geographic."
One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out on the Kirkenes Fjord, you will face this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab found in the Barents Sea can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weigh up to 15 kilos. The trip might be by boat or snowmobile-drawn sleigh depending on the weather and ice. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to a remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch. All equipment and clothing will be provided. IT REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

DAY 7: (WEDNESDAY) SAARISELKA – ROVANIEMI (260 km)
Breakfast, Lunch INCLUDED
Hotel Vaakuna or Hotel Santa Claus ****

After breakfast, the adventure continues in the morning as you make your way to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, home of Santa Claus, has more than 60.000 inhabitants. Our Finnish hosts, reindeer herders, will welcome us to the Lappish capital.

SAMI REINDEER FARM VISIT & SLEIGH RIDE
INCLUDED
DURATION: approximately 2 – 2,5 hours (12:00 -14:30)
INCLUDED: a traditional 3-course lunch, reindeer sledge ride, Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate

Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer and its importance to the Sami culture. Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape, where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical local three-course lunch is included at the farm.

OPTIONAL: AURORA BOREALIS SAFARI BY SNOWMOBILES
PRICE /PERSON: on request
Children 4-14: on request
Single supplement: on request
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (18:00 – 21:00)
MEETING TIME: 17:20 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, Guide
Snacks and hot beverages included

Drive through the wilderness and discover the phenomena of the northern sky at our Northern Lights base. Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With some luck, you will travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the AuroraBorealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages, savour a snack by a campfire, and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty of Lapland. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

*Note: To drive a snow mobile in Finland, you must have a valid driver's license from a country of issue which has signed the Road Traffic Convention ofGeneva. Via Hansa & Borealis cannot accept responsibility for claims that are not taken. Please consult if you have any doubts.

DAY 8: (THURSDAY) ROVANIEMI – SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE – SINETTA
Breakfast
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloo

Breakfast at the hotel and depart late in the morning for the next step on the winter adventure. Heading towards the Arctic Circle for our first stop, Santa Claus Village. In the early afternoon, continue to the banks of the Kemi-joki River to enjoy one of the tour's highlights, one of the most idyllic Husky Farms in the region.

Visit the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office, where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Step into the magical world of Santa's home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will never forget—an absolute must for any visit to Lapland—time on your own to visit the area and enjoy a local lunch.
In the early afternoon, continue to the banks of the Kemi-joki River to enjoy one of the tour's highlights, one of the most idyllic Husky Farms in the region; after the visit, check in at Arctic Snow Hotel.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI
INCLUDED
DURATION: approximately 2 hours (14:30-16:30)
Two persons per sledge (self-driving)

The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals, and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. After brief instructions, you embark, you are riding in pairs, on the run through the forest behind your pack of huskies (3 km).

OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO, INCLUDED

The journey continues south to Sinetta, following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check into your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo, and weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the fantastic Northern Lights (Aurora Boreal) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. Evening at leisure.

OPTIONAL: SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI
PRICE: 96 EUR /PERSON
DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes (22:00 – 23:30)
EXCLUSIVE FOR OUR TOUR GUESTS
Min 2 persons

Even the most enthusiastic sauna bathers are deeply impressed by the snow sauna with its walls made of snow and ice. Only the sauna benches are made of wood! The sauna bathing experience is an excellent combination of thick steam within intimate snow walls. Afterwards, jump into the outdoor Jacuzzi and admire the Northern Lights or the starry night skies of Lapland. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

OPTIONAL: OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE with EVENING SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI EXPERIENCE
PRICE: 212 EUR /PERSON
Single supplement: 77 EUR
OVERNIGHT INCL. SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI 22:00 – 23:00
SAUNA & JACUZZI ARE SHARED WITH OTHER OUR TOUR GUESTS

Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each SnowSuite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with unique frozen sleeping bags to keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. NOTETHAT YOU WILL KEEP YOUR GLASS IGLOO AS WELL.

DAY 9: (FRIDAY) SINETTA – KEMI (Icebreaker Cruise) - SINETTA (119 km)
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloo ****

Breakfast at the hotel and meet up at 08:45 in the hotel. Time for a swim as you head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First, a visit to theSnow Castle* with its unique snow slide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventures. You board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 4 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking through the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia.

*Please note that the construction of the Snow Castle is dependent on the weather conditions and, therefore, not guaranteed to be open before the 19th of January

SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE SWIMMING INCLUDED
DURATION: approximately 3,5h (13:00-16:30)
INCLUDED: guided tour of the ship, ice floating event, 3-course lunch or buffet

This extraordinary experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge, ice swimming and a three-course meal at the onboard restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you can jump in the sea and float! You will, of course, be fitted with a warm survival suit, and those of you who dare will receive a certificate from the ship authorities to attest your courage—an unforgettable experience. Return to Sinetta with early evening arrival at your hotel.

FAREWELL LAPPISH DINNER IN KOTA
INCLUDED
DURATION: approximately 1.5 - 2 hours (20:00 – 21:30)
INCLUDED: 3-course dinner, prepared on an open fire, no drinks included

On your last evening in Lapland, you will join fellow travellers for a typical farewell Lappish dinner prepared by the open fire in a wooden kota. After dinner, you may even wish to enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar. We hope your journey in Arctic Europe has enchanted you, and we look forward to welcoming you back again!

DAY 10: (SATURDAY) SINETTA – DEPARTURE
Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your departure flight.

THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
-Beverages or any extras
-Porter Service