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Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
14 Day Tour from Helsinki to Bergen
Vacation
overview
We’re on the top of the world on this 14-day escorted tour of Scandinavia—the Arctic Circle to be exact. Explore the Land of the Midnight Sun as you travel into the exquisite beauty of from Finland to Norway. Along the way, you’ll be warmed by the traditions, tastes, and legends. Begin in Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki poised on the country’s gulf peninsula, where Nordic cuisine is as hearty as the generations of tradition here. Visit Santa at the village of Rovaniemi, just across the Arctic Circle, once you’re sure to be on the “good list,” head through Lapland to the North Cape of Norway to discover the Sámi culture alive today in Karasjok. Call in a husky farm to learn about the life of mushers and sled dogs. Continue to Tromsø where the glow from the Arctic Cathedral adds a shining light to the end of your amazing arctic adventure! Continue your expedition with a 5-day cruise from Tromsø to Bergen, a spectacular feast for the eyes complete with fjords, frozen glaciers, archipelagos, and alpine panoramas!
Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND Welcome to Helsinki! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2
HELSINKI–OULU Perfection on the Peninsula HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki is poised on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, where striking architecture and Nordic cuisine delight visitors. See the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument in this historic and picturesque setting.
Day 3
OULU The Creative Edge OULU Orientation. Free time. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME FREE TIME TIP Consider an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. The island started to rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland’s national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality.
Day 4
OULU–ROVANIEMI Santa Claus is Coming to Town ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and [LF] get the Arctic Circle Certificate. (B,D) 127 mi / 205 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDS & LORE About a hundred years ago, a passer-by started spreading the word about the true location of Santa’s real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line.
Day 5
ROVANIEMI–LUOSTO–IVALO North to the Cape LUOSTO [LF] Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture. (B,D) 196mi/ 315kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with the sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you’re a passionate dog-lover, you’ll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers.
Day 6
IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNINGSVAG Norwegian Good KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park. (B,D) 242mi/ 390kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Get a comprehensive insight into various aspects of Sami culture, history, and traditions when visiting the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok. Explore exhibitions that feature Sami art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts and learn about the history of the Sami people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition.
Day 7
HONNINGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTA The Old Men & The Sea HONNINGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center. (B) 168mi/ 270kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The North Cape cliff has long been a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor to find the North-East passage to China. They did not succeed, but the old sea charts after this expedition are the first to mention the name, North Cape. The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone. The globe at the top of the building has become the symbol of Nordkapp. It marks that you are at the end point of Europe - the northernmost of the continental mainland. This is a treasured place for photography and contemplation. This is the culmination of all journeys.
Day 8
ALTA–TROMSØ Written in Stone ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum. (B) 186mi/ 300kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT TREASURES Experience Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area. Fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. The rock carvings in Alta were made on the smooth rock surfaces at the water’s edge. As the land gradually rose, and new rock surfaces came to light, the artists made use of these for their carvings.
Day 9
TROMSØ (EMBARKATION) Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel. Later tonight, embark your ship. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.
Day 10
TROMSØ High Peaks and Idyllic Islands TROMSØ Cruise towards the Lofoten Islands. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass with the cruise ship the Lofoten Wall, a giant granite cliff shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of bright fishing villages hug the shoreline where a majority of the inhabitants make their livelihood in the winter cod season.
Day 11
CRUISING: BODO–RORVIK Mountain Maidens Sail south as your ship calls at Bodo in the small hours of the morning and then Ornes at 7am.NESNA Short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. BRONNOYSUND: Walk along Havnegata to explore the bustling marina and see Brønnøy Church—a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. RORVIK Stop in the cozy fishing port in the picturesque Vikna archipelago. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL LEGENDS While admiring the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, hear the story about seven beautiful troll princesses who, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, were turned to stone at sunrise to become the seven beautiful mountains of today.
Day 12
CRUISING: TRONDHEIM–ALESUND Capital of the Viking Age TRONDHEIM Take a stroll around the city early in the morning and see the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.KRISTIANSUND Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port.MOLDE Spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The city of Kristiansund sits on four islands and is founded on bacalao (dried salted cod) known locally as "klippfisk." Discover its distinctive architecture, decorated in shades of red, yellow. and green, giving it the nickname the polychrome city. Head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.
Day 13
CRUISING: ALESUND BERGEN Fjord Every Scene Glimpse Nordfjord, under the giant Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest glacier.FLORO Morning stop to take in the harbor and the marina.BERGEN Disembarkation and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Depart Floro with a perfect photo opportunity of the Stabben Lighthouse. Enjoy stunning views as your ship crosses the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. Reaching your final port this afternoon, you’ll navigate through the last islands and skerries of the Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.
Day 14
BERGENSafe travels until we meet again! BERGEN Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Vacation Highlights
Individual headsets
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring in spacious comfort by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi is included on board your coach and in most hotel lobbies and common areas.
5-day cruise from Tromsø to Bergen included.
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Cosmos, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Cosmos, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility. View full Terms & Conditions
Important Notes
Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Cosmos to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Cosmos menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
