Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway

Fly from London Gatwick to Tromso and take an included airport shuttle transfer to your hotel. You'll then check in to the Clarion Hotel The Edge, located near the city's harbour. It's the perfect base for exploring Norway's 'Arctic capital' a city know not only for its wintery adventure and Northern Lights displays, but also for its outstanding food and nighttime entertainment – Tromso is home to more pubs per capita than any other city in Norway. 

Over the next two days, you'll have the chance to head out of the city on a range of excursions, taking you between snow-capped peaks and plunging fjords. You'll begin with a husky sledding experience, in which you'll be introduced to the basics of 'mushing' (driving a sled) before gliding through the Arctic wilderness, pulled by these energetic and lovable creatures. Two people share a sled, with one driving and the other sitting below; there will be a chance to switch roles along the way. Afterwards, you'll warm up in a traditional 'lavvu' tent with hot drinks and cake around a fire before returning to Tromso.

And, in the evening, you'll head out on an included small-group aurora safari to in search of the magnificent natural phenomenon. The tour will depart Tromso by minibus, leaving the city in search of clear skies and escaping the light pollution. The locations you visit will depend on the weather forecast – your guides will search for the best spots to maximise your chances. Once you have found a suitable location and clear skies, your guide will serve hot beverages as you wait for the northern lights to occur. With luck, the northern lights may start flickering above in the sky, putting on an impressive show. Your guide can take photos which will be sent to you after the tour.

Today, you'll be introduced to another animal found all throughout Arctic Norway and the northern reaches of the neighbouring Nordic countries: reindeer. At a local reindeer camp, you'll enjoy a 30-minute sled ride before getting to spend some time feeding and petting these magnificent creatures. A hot lunch will then be served in a cosy 'gamme' cabin, along with hot drinks and cookies, you learn all about the cultural heritage and musical traditions of the Sámi people who've been living in the region for thousands of years.

Today, we have also included a return ride on the Fjellheisen cable car, which takes you to the summit of Mount Storsteinen for wonderful views overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains. You may also consider visiting the Polar Museum or the Polaria aquarium, and perhaps stop by Ølhallen, one of the world's northernmost pubs, to sample a diverse selection of Norwegian craft beers.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your included shuttle transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.