Huskies and the Northern Lights

Your journey begins at London Heathrow, as you meet your Tour
Manager ahead of your flight to Oslo. In the Norwegian capital,
connect with your onward flight to Tromsø. Situated in the Arctic
Circle, Tromsø stands on its own forest-covered island and is known
as the 'polar capital of Norway'.

At this time of the year, the attractive city is characterised
by its polar nights, where the sun only briefly breaks over the
horizon. After transferring to your hotel for two nights, you're
free to begin your explorations.

Discover more of Tromsø on this morning's guided tour and visit
the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria Museum and the charming Polar Museum.
Housed in the city's former Customs House on the quayside, it tells
the story of numerous polar expeditions that took place from
Tromsø, as well as giving an insight into the hardy wildlife that
populates this region.

This evening, enjoy an authentic and fascinating Sami experience
in a nearby village, learning about the lives and culture of
Scandinavia's indigenous people. During your visit meet reindeer
before a wilderness dinner in a 'lavvu' tent. While you eat, you're
regaled with local folk tales.

Then, you spread out around the campfire to try and view the
captivating Northern Lights - the world's most spectacular natural
phenomenon. Officially called Aurora Borealis, seeing this magical
dance across the night sky is a truly once-in-a-lifetime
experience.

Drive to Narvik, a journey filled with Norway's dramatic scenery
as you travel down steep valleys to the striking fjords below. On
arrival, enjoy a free afternoon in Narvik. Perhaps make your way to
the Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which documents the occupation
of the city in WWII and the bitter air and sea battles that took
place. The Ofoten Museum is also worth a visit, featuring exhibits
documenting the life of the Narvik population over the previous
centuries.

This evening, you embark on a drive by coach with a local guide
to try and track down the Northern Lights again.

Enjoy a wonderful journey on the Ofoten Railway, also known as
the Arctic Circle Express. This line, which at the time of
construction was the most northern railway in the world, travels
through the wild, beautiful landscapes of Lapland, passing
breathtaking mountains, crossing barren plateaus, and traversing
steep mountainsides as it approaches Sweden.

On arrival in Kiruna, check into your hotel for a two-night stay
and enjoy an afternoon to explore. The Kiruna Church, built in
1912, is particularly impressive and is one of Sweden's largest
wooden buildings.

Travel to a nearby husky camp for an informative tour of the
kennels and a thrilling husky-hauled sled journey through the
snow-covered countryside.

This afternoon, make a visit to Kiruna's famous Ice Hotel, the
first and largest hotel made of ice and snow in the world. There
have been 29 versions of this building since its first iteration in
1990 as it needs to be re-constructed at the beginning of each cold
season. Enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular frozen structure
followed by a drink in the ice bar. Here, everything, including the
glasses, is made from ice.

Tonight, attempt to spot the Northern Lights once again. The
countryside around Kiruna is one of the world's best places to get
a sighting, so hopefully a clear night will permit a good show.

Bid Kiruna farewell as you transfer to the airport, flying via
Stockholm to London Heathrow, where your holiday comes to an
end.