Norway - Northern Lights & Arctic Adventure Break

Fly to Tromsø, where you'll be met by your tour manager and transferred to the hotel in the heart of the city. Depending the time you arrive you may want to head out to exlore your surroundings and enjoy a first evening in the city. Tromsø is renowned for the warmth and welcome of its cafés and bars, and for its range of restaurants serving both Arctic specialities and international food.

The largest settlement beyond the Arctic Circle, Tromsø, is a delightful city to wander around, wrapped up against the cold. Breathe the pure Arctic air and soak up the atmosphere as you discover how the city compensates for the short days of winter. Explore the market held daily in the Stortorget main square, and enjoy the sight of fresh Arctic fish being landed on the busy quayside. Elsewhere on the waterfront, Tromsø's aquarium, Polaria, which also shows films exploring Arctic life and nature, and Mack, the world's northernmost brewery, draw fascinated visitors. Take the cable car to the summit of Mount Storsteinen for unsurpassed views of Tromsø and its surroundings, and the chance to enjoy a snack - or even dinner - at the top station.

During your stay in Tromsø you'll have time to choose from an exciting range of optional excursions, each of which is available to book on whichever day you choose. Options include: an exciting husky safari, gliding over the frozen landscape on a sled pulled by a team of willing dogs; a snowmobile safari, driving a tracked vehicle along marked trails through a natural wonderland beneath the Lyngen Alps that surround Tromsø; a Sami Reindeer Experience during which you’ll meet local herders and their animals, and enjoy a short sleigh ride; and a memorable fjord and wildlife cruise aboard a near-silent hybrid-electric catamaran.

Probably the highlight of your visit, though, will be this evening's included excursion to an Aurora Base Station, one of several locations that offer the best chances of glimpsing the extraordinary sight of the Northern Lights as they flicker across the skies.

After a comfortable coach carries you to the Base Station you'll have time to scan the - hopefully clear - skies and horizon and await the arrival of the magical dancing lights that form as solar particles enter earth’s atmosphere. With an introductory film shown on the coach, the expert knowledge of a local Northern Lights guide, a warm shelter, blankets (and - weather permitting - a campfire), hot drinks and traditional sweet cakes to enjoy, your Aurora Base Station visit promises to be a unique experience, hopefully capped by views of the amazing Aurora.

At the end of the excursion, you'll return to the hotel by coach.

Today you'll be free to explore the city some more, or join more of the exciting optional excursions on offer.

Over the winter months, the city’s indoor attractions come into their own. The Polar Museum pays tribute to intrepid Arctic pioneers, trappers and explorers, including the Norwegian heroes Amundsen and Nansen. East of the city centre stands the stunning, strikingly modern Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) with its vast stained-glass window and organ built in the shape of a ship. The compact Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum features works by Norwegian artists, including Edvard Munch, while lovers of modern art will find much to admire in the striking contemporary collection at the gallery of the Tromsø Kunstforening (Art Association).

Your wonderful visit to Tromsø comes to an end today, though you'll still have time to enjoy one last exciting optional excursion from everything that's available before you transfer back to Tromsø Airport, and board your flight home at the end of a memorable Arctic adventure.