iExplore Norway Active - Winter

Tour Description

Welcome to Norway! Come and explore Norway on this active 9-day adventure. Start in Tromsø- the capital of the Arctic where we combine the thrill of snowmobile riding in the beautiful, frozen landscapes of Lapland with the amazing Saami people and their reindeers. Learn about the exciting and colorful Saami people and their culture and sample the delights of traditional Saami food.

Enjoy a private tour of Alta and appreciate the rock carvings of Northern Europe's largest rock carving site.

Experience a "Husky Adventure"- learn all about these spirited animals and how to control your sledge before departing on a spectacular journey through the silent Norwegian Lapland- an unforgettable time!

Have a unique Arctic wellness experience- an open-air hot tub bath where, with some luck you will see the mysterious northern lights, followed by a sauna and a gourmet, three-course dinner... king crab, grilled fish or reindeer meats....

Travel to Nordkapp, the northernmost tip of Europe- the final frontier with the Arctic Sea.

Explore the Norwegian Coast on an unforgettable cruise referred to as "the world's most beautiful voyage" and relax in a Rorbuer- an old, typical fisherman hut that has been transformed into accommodations.

Itinerary

Day 01: Tromsø, Norway

Today when you arrive in Tromsø, you will be met and driven to the Rica Ishavshotel.

The hotel is centrally located in Tromsø, also known as the Paris of the North. With its unique location on the quay, the hotel stretches out over the Tromsø strait with magnificent views of the harbor, Ishavskatedralen and Tromsdalen.

Rica Ishavshotel

Day 02: Tromsø- Lapland- Tromsø

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met outside the hotel to begin today's adventures.

The snowmobile safari is a winter adventure that goes through the Valley of Finn to Tamok Lake, a distance of about 30km one-way. At the lake you can try out ice fishing.

You'll be driving in pairs- one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile, with the opportunity to switch places half way. A thorough safety introduction will take place before starting out. A hot meal will be served during the adventure.

Before starting your second activity you can relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a hot coffee or tea in Camp Tamok.

Reindeer sledging is the oldest form of transport in the north, and an ancient part of Saami culture. This winter adventure will have you driving in pairs, with one sledge for each reindeer. The trip is approximately 3 km long, across the valley of Tamok. The adventure also includes lasso throwing, a visit to a Saami family and learning about the Saami culture and history with an introduction to traditional Saami handicrafts.

Breakfast, Lunch

Rica Ishavshotel

Day 03: Tromsø- Alta

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then an early transfer to Tromsø Airport for the flight to Alta. (Not included in the tour cost)

When you arrive in Alta, you will be met and driven to your hotel.

The Rica Alta is a first-class hotel, located in the center of Alta, the actual gateway to the Finnmark region. The hotel has a very central location in relation to Alta's new commercial area. All the rooms come with cable TV, a film network, radio, telephone and shower/bath. Half of the rooms have a view of the Altadalen Valley and some have a view of Haldé, the oldest Northern Lights observatory. Wireless Internet connection.

Check into the hotel and take some time for lunch. (not included)

After lunch, you will have a private city tour of Alta with an English-speaking guide, including entrance to the Alta Museum, where we can appreciate the Rock Carvings of the Alta, dated 2000 to 6000 years old. It is Northern Europe's biggest Rock Carving site.

Return to the hotel to rest and freshen up.

About 4:00pm you will be met at the hotel; after being properly equipped with thermal suits we will ride our snowmobiles through the enchanting landscapes of the Norwegian Lapland, Finmarkvidda Mountain and through the majesty of the Tamok Valley. Also learn about the area's important position during the Cold War, the history of the Lyngen Fjord during World War II and the areas fascinating fauna and geology.

After the snowmobile adventure, enjoy a traditional North Norwegian dinner, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Return to the hotel about 10:00pm.

Breakfast, Dinner

Rica Alta Hotel

Day 04: Alta

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for today's adventure.

Following a short drive by car from the hotel, we arrive at the Husky Camp, where the barking of the enthusiastic dogs welcomes you. The owner (musher) will educate us about these marvelous animals, their training and how to control the sledge before we depart on a spectacular journey through the silent, frozen landscapes of the Norwegian Lapland. This is sure to be a highlight of the trip!

Savor a lunch and hot beverages by an open fire and chat with the head musher before returning to the hotel, where you will have some free time before this evenings explorations.

Tonight, we get a taste of the Norwegian Lapland. We start out the evening with a short walk to Alta's Old Town where you will experience a unique evening. First enjoy an open-air hot tub bath- with some luck you can see the mystic Northern Lights, followed by a sauna.

After this Arctic wellness experience, we head to the Restaurant Hallde where a gourmet Arctic three-course dinner awaits! King Crab, grilled fish or reindeer meats... a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Breakfast, Dinner

Rica Alta Hotel

Day 05: Alta- Honningsvåg

Have breakfast at the hotel before an early morning departure from Alta by private coach with an English-speaking driver for your journey through the Norwegian Lapland, to North Cape (Nordkapp) via Honningsvåg.

We will pass through Honningsvåg in order to meet up with the daily convoy at the North Cape Road crossing near Skarsvag, and finally making our way to the North Cape, the northernmost tip of Europe, representing the final frontier with the Arctic Sea.

Entrance is included to the North Cape Hall (Nordkapphallen), the tourist center on the North Cape Plateau, where you will enjoy champagne & caviar and receive a certificate. The hall has a Supervideograph wide screen showing films of the four seasons at the North Cape. Twenty-four hour darkness occurs from November to the end of January, while the midnight sun lasts from mid-May to the end of July. An underground tunnel leads from the hall and champagne bar, which is like an amphitheater cut out of the rock and overlooks the Arctic Ocean. Have a look from the balcony, which provides a spectacular view straight down to the sea far below. Along the tunnel are tableaux depicting historical events at Nordkapp.

After our visit to Nordkapp, we follow the convoy back to Honningsvåg for check in at the hotel.

The Hotel Rica Honningsvåg is centrally located next to the "Hurtigrute" quay and Honningsvåg Harbor. The area has a variety of experiences to offer. It is approx. 35 km to Nordkapp. All rooms have shower/bath, TV, desk and telephone. Some of the rooms have a view of the harbor. The hotel is smoke-free.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Breakfast

Hotel Rica Honningsvåg

 

Day 06: Honningsvåg- Hurtigruten

Have an early breakfast at the hotel this morning- at 5:45am we check out and embark on the Hurtigruten ship for our Norwegian Coastal voyage to Svolvaer. This unique voyage has been referred to as "The world's most beautiful voyage". Will take us first to Oksjord via the Soroysundet Strait, then across the open sea of Lopphavet before cruising the calm waters of Skjervoy.

Dinner will be served on board.

Just before midnight the ship makes the last call of the day at Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic.

Breakfast, Dinner

Outside N2 Cabin

Day 07: Hurtigruten- Svolvaer

Breakfast on board. Early this morning we make a call on the small coastal town of Harstad before continuing our spectacular sea journey on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. We set course for the island groups of Vesteraalen and Lofoten, believed to be the most beautiful part of the journey.

At about 11:00am we arrive at Risoyhamn, where you check out of the cabin, while your luggage is placed in storage near reception. The ship then navigates the shallow waters of the Risoyrenna Channel, where the sand banks and the sea-green waters are clearly visible on either side of the ship. Weather permitting the ship will make a short detour into the breathtaking Trollfjord, before arriving in Svolvaer at 6:30pm.

You will be transferred privately with an English-speaking driver from the pier to Svinoja Rorbuer.

The Rorbuers are old typical fishermen's huts that have been transformed into hotel accommodations. Each cabin has from one to three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchenette in conjunction with the living room, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet. All the cabins are winter insulated. Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the rorbu cabins. Time-honored craftsmanship and timber have been preserved in order to provide a feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the days when the fishermen harvested the seas of Lofoten on boats with only oars and sails.

Breakfast, Lunch

Svinoja Rorbuer

Day 08: Svolvaer

A Full day at leisure for you to enjoy.

Breakfast

Svinoja Rorbuer

Day 09: Day of Departure

After breakfast, you will be driven to Svolvaer Airport for your onwards flight.

Breakfast

Departures

iExplore Norway Active - Winter is available from December 15, 2010 to April 15, 2011. Depart any day- please contact your iExplore Adventure Consultant for details. Other itineraries are available in the summer months.

Pricing Information

2011

December 15, 2010 to April 15, 2011

$6,219 per person double occupancy.

$5,099 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

$8,479 Solo traveler.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of October, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Included:

· Seven (7) nights accommodations in hotels specified in the itinerary or similar, on bed & breakfast basis

· One (1) night on board the ferry Hurtigruten from Honningsvåg to Svolvaer.

· Breakfast buffet daily at the hotels, box lunch in Rorbuer in Svolvaer.

· Dinner on day 6 of the program.

· Transfers as indicated on a private basis by private car with an English speaking assistant

· Private city tour in Alta with an English-speaking guide.

· All safaris/excursions are on a regular basis and not private.

· Entrance fees as described in the itinerary

· Taxes and service fees

Not Included:

· International and domestic air and taxes

· Meals not described in the itinerary

· Beverages with included meals

· All optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary

· Travel insurance

· Items of a personal nature

· Gratuities

· Holiday Surcharges

· Any other service not mentioned in the program

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes

For all the activities in the program thermal equipment will be provided.

Recommended packing: a good winter jacket, good waterproof shoes or boots, gloves, woolen socks, and a pair of extra shoes. Dress clothes will not be necessary for the hotels or cruise as Scandinavia is very informal.