Arctic Circle Traverse

Arrive and transfer to your central hotel. Once you have settled in, set out to explore this small, compact city. Soak in the rich history of the 11th century by touring the famed Nidaros Cathedral and witness its remarkable Gothic facade. The world’s Northernmost Gothic cathedral, Nidarosdomen is the national sanctuary of Norway, built over the grave of St. Olav.

Enjoy a beverage on a floating barge on the river, walk the old streets around the universities and relax at the special wine bar at Hotel Britannia. With a wide selection of local coffee shops, charming cafes, delectable eateries, and microbreweries, you won’t run out of options. There is a strong culture for mixing locally sourced ingredients with bright new ideas, such as Michelin Star restaurants Credo, Fagn and Speilsalen or farm to table fusions like Bula Bistro and Spontan Vinbar.

Accommodation

After breakfast, meet your guide for a walk through both the old and new areas of Trondheim – Norway’s oldest city, founded in 970 by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason. Stroll the small alleys, where you can feel the atmosphere from the Middle Ages, and enjoy the story of this city in the middle of Norway.

You might have seen the old warehouses and the old town, Bakklandet, from photos. Now it is your turn to feel the atmosphere between the old wooden houses. See The Clemens Church, the first grave church for St. Olav and the Royal residence of Stiftsgården, and enjoy an inside visit to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral.

Your afternoon is free - there are river boat or kayaking tours you can add. Swing by Trondheim Kunstmuseum (Art Museum) to admire the extensive collection of Norwegian, international and contemporary art exhibitions. We recommend visiting the Britannia Hotel's wine bar for a pre-dinner drink.

Meals

After an early breakfast, board the Nordland Railway. At 729 kilometres, the Nordland Railway is Norway’s longest and takes all day, arriving in the early evening. The journey presents a huge variety in landscape, culture, and climate. It will take you through fertile farmland and great forests in Trøndelag, across the majestic Saltfjellet range, and down to the coast between Rognan and Bodø.

Arrive and transfer to your hotel.

Meals

Seeing Saltstraumen up close from a RIB when the current is at its strongest is an experience you should have with you when you are in Bodø. Four times a day, 400 million cubic meters of seawater are forced through a 150 m wide strait. The salt current can reach a speed of up to 20 knots and form large current vortices that can be 10 meters wide.

During your day tour today, you will stop several times learning about the local nature, sea eagles, Saltstraumen and Bodø. Fingers crossed, you will see sea eagles, which are Northern Europe's largest bird of prey.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the port town of Bodø, an up and coming cultural hub of Norway.

Meals

After breakfast, meet your mini-coach driver and set off north. Visit the rock carvings at Helleristninger and stop for waffles at Kobbelv Vertshus, a road stop offering lovely views of the Leirfjord and Baggfossen waterfall. Between the Salten, Ofoten and Lofoten regions is the Realm of Hamsun, made famous by the novels of Knut Hamsun and you will find tributes to Hamsun through the drive.

Arrive at Tranøy mid-afternoon and get ready to watch the late midnight sunset over the lighthouse and Lofoten Archipelago. Dinner tonight is included.

Meals

Accommodation

The village of Tranøy is situated approx. 2.5km away from the lighthouse, and within walking distance. Tranøy has a local pub in an old boat, galleries and some other points of interest. There is a small local shop to buy daily items. You can do a sculpture walk around the town and enjoy a glass of champagne and high tea at the gallery.

There are numerous great walking tracks on Hamarøy, including the walk around Hamarøyskaftet. For active travellers, we recommend a hike up to the peak, Hamnesfjellet, 880 metres up from sea level with an incredible view over to the Lofoten Islands on a clear day. Other optional activities are rib boat safari, spa and horse riding.

Meals

Accommodation

Leaving around 8am this morning, continue your journey with your driver to Narvik. First stop will be the Árran Sami Education centre where you can meet local Sami guides and learn more about the local cultures.

Stopping for lunch along the way, you will have the opportunity to take photos of the Stetinden National Park. You will arrive into the small town of Narvik just after lunch this afternoon. Say goodbye to your driver and then settle into your hotel. Be sure to visit the local fish hall for dinner (we love the fish cakes). You have the option to explore the Narvik cable car, visit Sami, do a huskywagon ride and more this afternoon.

Ask us about upgrading your accommodation to Camp 291, designer cabins with glass walls on three of four sides. The cabins are located 291 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Narvikfjellet ski resort and surrounded by birch forest.

Meals

Accommodation

After breakfast, head out for a short walk before boarding the train to Bjornefjell. You have time for a walk at the mountain stop before joining the overnight Arctic Train, leaving at 15.53. The train is very comfortable and offers high quality dinner and drinks. Settle in to watch the never ending forests, looking out for reindeer and elks in the 24-hour midnight sun. You will travel through the Northern Swedish towns of Abisko and Kiruna.

Meals

Transportation

After breakfast, you will arrive into central Stockholm around 10am this morning.