Northern Lights Cruise & Snowhotel Kirkenes

After included VIP airport lounge access, fly to Tromso where, on arrival, you'll transfer and check in to the stylish Clarion Collection Hotel With, with beautiful views of the harbour and ocean. Complimentary afternoon waffles and a light buffet supper are the perfect fuel for an optional Northern Lights hunt this evening in Tromso. Far away from any light pollution, this is one of the best places in the world to spot the aurora. 

After breakfast, perhaps head out on an excursion, such as husky sledding, or board the cable car to the top of the Storsteinen mountain for spectacular snow-capped views. Later, head to the port to board Havila, a brand-new ship that's one of Norway's most eco-friendly. Havila's dedication to the environment is impressive, from its zero-emission four-hour sailing capacity to its Jacuzzi warmed by surplus heat. Settle in to your stylishly-appointed, sea-view cabin before heading to one of the three restaurants, where chefs handpick the best raw ingredients from local sources. Most impressive is Hildring, where you can expect world-class seafood in an intimate, elegant setting. Tonight – alongside keeping your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights – you'll sail past Skjervøy, a tiny island surrounded by narrow fjords home to orcas and humpbacks, and Hammerfest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Stay: Havila 

Explore the ship today as you pause to take in the charming fishing villages, rugged cliffs and narrow fjords along the coast. Highlights include the chance to have breakfast at the North Cape plateau and stop at Honningsvåg to head out King Crab fishing or ice fishing. You'll also pass Kjøllefjord, which has one of the most distinctive rock formations on the Norwegian coast, before your cruise continues through the night. Just be sure to step out on deck to – with luck – spot the dazzling lights above.

Stay: Havila 

After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to your final stop, Kirkenes. Check in to the celebrated Kirkenes Snowhotel, one of Scandinavia’s most iconic, offering individually-themed ice rooms and saunas. If the thought of a snow suite sends shivers down your spine, you can also choose to stay in one of the stylish wooden Gamme huts complete with panoramic window, underfloor heating, Villeroy Boch styled en-suite and a cosy log-cabin feel. You'll be given thermal clothing on arrival to keep you comfortable before this afternoon perhaps heading out to visit the reindeer and 150 huskies that live on the farm. Then, optional excursions, from husky safaris and snowmobiling to meeting local Sami people, are the perfect prelude to your final dinner at the onsite restaurant for such Norwegian Arctic classics as cod, halibut and reindeer before a final viewing of the Northern Lights.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your return flight to the UK. If you'd like to extend your stay in Tromso, Kirkenes or Oslo before or after your trip, simply speak to one of our consultants when enquiring.