Grand Nordic Adventure - Finland, Norway & Iceland

Welcome to Finlands capital, Helsinki, and the first day of an adventure that will take you over land and sea, exploring three amazing countries. After arriving at the airport, make your way to your centrally located hotel and check in. This evening there will be a welcome dinner for you, and its here that youll meet your tour manager and get to know some of your fellow travel companions. If you have time before dinner, why not explore a bit of Helsinki on foot. The hotel is located quite close to Kaisaniemi Park, which dates from 1812, and is the ideal place to get some fresh air after your journey. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Today we will go on a three-hour tour of Helsinki with an English-speaking guide. Youll enjoy a scenic overview of this vibrant Nordic city from the comfort of a private bus, seeing modern architecture, historic landmarks, and picturesque waterfront areas. A highlight will be the Sibelius Monument, dedicated to Finlands most renowned composer. Another point of interest subject to opening hours is the Temppeliaukio Rock Church. This is a unique architectural landmark built directly into solid bedrock and features a beautiful interior with natural rock walls and a striking copper dome.

As nice as Helsinki is, its time to leave and begin our exploration as we head north. After breakfast well walk over to the nearby railway station and jump on a long-distance train that will take us to Rovaniemi, the regional capital of Finnish Lapland. When you step off the train in the late afternoon, youll be breathing Arctic air. Upon arrival, a bus will transfer you to your hotel, the wonderfully named Santa Claus Hotel. As the afternoon and evening are at your leisure, feel free to explore this iconic Arctic town and find a nice restaurant or bar. For those who want to, you can join an optional excursion and enjoy a Midnight Sun dinner at the Sky Kitchen and View restaurant. Note: Only available Jun Aug on Mon, Wed and Fri.

Begin your day with a visit to a local, family-run reindeer farm, where you can learn about the traditions of reindeer herding and the significance of reindeer in Arctic culture. During a guided tour, youll have the opportunity to meet and feed the reindeer, gaining insight into their importance in regional history and sustainable practices. After some free time for lunch, the afternoon offers a relaxing experience of floating in a freshwater lake in Rovaniemi. Wearing a specially designed rescue suit, you can enjoy the calm, pristine waters and the peaceful wilderness environment while staying warm and dry, surrounded by the natural beauty of Lapland.

The day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, well embark on a scenic journey northward in a comfortable touring coach with a short stop at the Santa Claus Village, located right on the Arctic Circle. Here, you can enjoy some free time to explore this festive destination and take in the unique surroundings. Continuing our adventure, well visit Sodankyla to see its historic old church, one of Finlands oldest wooden structures. A break for lunch provides an opportunity to relax before heading towards Saariselka. Arriving in Saariselka, check into the Midnight Sun Village where youll be spending the next two nights in a distinctive yet cosy glass-ceilinged cabin. As the sun remains high, the landscape is alive with vibrant colours and natural beauty, creating a truly magical Arctic summer experience. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, and soak up the serene atmosphere of this enchanting region.

Today, enjoy either a relaxed morning in the peaceful surroundings, or if youre feeling energetic join an optional excursion such as the Electric Fat Bike Safari. After a delicious lunch at the hotel, the afternoon offers a hike along scenic trails in the company of some energetic and friendly Siberian huskies. This is a dog walk with a difference, and you can choose whether or not to have a canine companion. Along the way, youll learn about local wildlife and plants, pick fresh berries, and maybe even drink from mountain streams. The trek offers a moderate challenge amid pristine nature. In the evening, experience the magic of the Midnight Sun and capture its golden hues with a photography expedition beside a tranquil lake. The journey continues to a wilderness camp on Lake Inaris shore, where you can enjoy a warm drink and look out at the serene, otherworldly landscape. This day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Arctic summer.

This is our last day in Finland before crossing into northern Norway. Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel to prepare you for the journey ahead. As we depart Saariselk, the scenic drive takes us to the charming village of Inari, renowned for its rich Smi culture. Here, youll visit the SIIDA Smi Museum, where fascinating exhibits showcase the indigenous peoples history, traditions and art. After exploring the museum, enjoy an included lunch featuring local dishes and flavours in the restaurant there. Continuing on our adventure, the route takes us across the border into Norway, heading towards the picturesque northern port of Kirkenes. As evening falls, relax and unwind with a delicious dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the days experiences.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, and the get ready for an enchanting visit to the Snowhotel Kirkenes 365. This extraordinary hotel, built entirely of snow and ice, offers a mesmerising experience regardless of the season yes, even in summer! During your guided tour, youll explore the intricately crafted ice chambers and enjoy a welcoming drink. The visit also grants access to the entire park, where you can see reindeer and huskies, as well as places to sit and eat. After this magical experience, youll be transferred to the Hurtigruten pier in Kirkenes to embark on your maritime journey along Norways incredible coast. Find your cabin, explore the ship and attend a mandatory safety briefing your sea adventure is about to begin.

Our sea journey begins with stops at Mehamn and Kjllefjord during the night, followed by early morning visits to Honningsvg and Havysund, bringing us close to the northernmost reaches of Norway. In the early afternoon, well arrive in Hammerfest, known as one of the world's northernmost settlements. Here you can admire the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, browse souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take a short hike up Mount Salen for some amazing panoramic views. Continuing south along Norway's rugged coast, we pass ksfjord and arrive at Skjervy, a bustling fishing port weve been visiting since 1896. As we approach Troms, you'll enjoy glimpses of the majestic Lyngen Alps, home to some of Norways highest peaks. The city welcomes us just before midnight but dont let the hour put you off, you can explore the lively streets under the endless light of the Midnight Sun.

Todays voyage takes us through the jaw-dropping archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterlen. After departing from Finnsnes early in the morning, our ship calls at Harstad, home to the historic Trondenes Church, said to be the worlds northernmost medieval stone church. Next is Risyhamn, followed by Sortland, where the scenery shifts from gentle hills to towering mountains. We then visit Stokmarknes, the birthplace of The Coastal Express, and explore the Hurtigrutemuseet (Hurtigruten Museum), which showcases Norways maritime legacy with the beautifully preserved ship MS Finnmarken. Afterwards, sailing along Raftsund, the captain may navigate into Trollfjord, where towering mountain walls seem within reach, before turning around in this dramatic fjord. Keep a lookout for soaring sea eagles here. In the evening, we arrive in Svolvr in the Lofoten Islands and then continue past the impressive granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall, concluding a truly memorable day on the worlds most beautiful voyage.

The ship calls at Bod in the early morning, followed by rnes. After breakfast, we cross the Arctic Circle, marking the moment with a traditional taste of Norwegian cod liver oil. A brief stop at Nesna precedes our journey to Sandnessjen, the gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. Marvel at the lofty peaks of the Seven Sisters mountain range, and learn the local legend of seven troll princesses turned into mountains. You cant miss the distinctive holed mountain of Torghatten learn from the Expedition Team about the fascinating mythology associated with it. In the afternoon, we arrive in Brnnysund, where a walk along Havnegata reveals the lively marina and historic Brnny Church. Our day concludes with a stop at the charming fishing port of Rrvik, nestled in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

We begin our day in historic Trondheim as the city awakens. Take a trip to see the exquisite Nidaros Cathedral, the resting place of St. Olav, and enjoy a stroll across Gamle Bybro bridge for scenic views over the River Nid. Relax in the trendy Bakklandet district with a coffee and some typical Norwegian boller or buns, before ascending Kristiansten Fort for panoramic vistas of Norways third-largest city. Later, our ship docks at Kristiansund, known as Norways bacalao capital for its salted, dried cod known as klippfisk. Wander through the cobbled streets of the old town and visit the lively port, with an optional visit to Varden viewpoint to savour a sweeping panorama. The journey then continues to Molde, famed for the Romsdal Alps and nicknamed City of Roses due to the vibrant blooms which typically flourish from mid-June to late August.

Today marks the final chapter of our Norwegian coastal journey. Last night, we called at lesund and Torvik, and today begins with breathtaking views of Nordfjord beneath the majestic Jostedal glacier Europes largest. The ship then docks in Flor, offering a chance to admire the charming harbour and marina. As we depart, Stabben Lighthouse comes into view, and crossing the mouth of Sognefjord, Norways longest and widest fjord, provides spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, the voyage concludes in Bergen, navigating through scenic islands and skerries along Hjeltefjord. Upon arrival, youll enjoy a guided tour by bus passing historic sites like St. Marys Church and Haakon Hall, exploring the vibrant fish market and the historic Brygge wharf. The evening offers the chance for a leisurely walk or a scenic ride up Mt. Flyen for panoramic city views (own arrangements).

This is the day when we say goodbye to Norway, and hello to Iceland. But theres no rush, and the morning is at leisure for you to do some more exploring around Bergen, if you wish. In the afternoon we will fly from the airport in Bergen to Keflavik, which is close to Reykjavk. A transfer will take you to your hotel in the city, and along the way youll see for the first time the strange, volcanic terrain that makes up much of Iceland. In fact, it was in this area that lava spewed to the surface recently so keep a lookout for sign of activity such as smoke and steam.