After having such a great time in Finland the previous year, my family insisted on repeating the winter holiday experience, but they wanted to visit somewhere a little different. This trip combined everything we could have wanted, as you still get to do the most popular activities like the huskies and the reindeer, but you also get to experience things like the city tour in Tromsø and a wildlife-watching safari in Sommarøy. We were also lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on the last night which was an amazing end to the trip.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:4 nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 4 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Transfers: return airport transfers are included from Tromsø Airport, as well as return transfers to Sommarøy
- Accommodation: 2 nights at Clarion Hotel The Edge in a family room, 2 nights in a harbour view apartment at the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- The following activities are included: Aurora husky visit, husky sledding, Northern Lights watch, wildlife boat trip, Tromsø city tour, one entrance to Polaria Arctic Aquarium, Reindeer Camp Dinner with Northern Lights Watch (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing during guided activities
A note on flights: flights are not included in the holiday price so the best possible fares and schedule can be found at the time of booking. There are low cost and scheduled flights operating this route and our Travel Experts will happily provide a quotation and arrange the flights as part of the package.
This holiday sandwiches two nights on the island of Sommarøy between two nights in bustling Tromsø, creating the perfect recipe for a family winter holiday in Norway.
Tromsø is a very family-friendly city, everything is easy to reach and there is a lot to keep the whole family happy. Polaria, for example, is an incredible Arctic aquarium which offers an interactive way to explore the natural world. We include entry to Polaria in the holiday as it is just such a fabulous family destination; no family holiday is complete without getting up close to a bearded seal is it?
From Tromsø you will then be transferred to the island of Sommarøy for two nights, getting you out into the Norwegian countryside for a taste of The Great Outdoors and some amazing wildlife encounters. Sommarøy will give your family the chance to witness the stunning scenery of Norway and even children are impressed by the landscape here.
This holiday has been designed to provide the most memorable experiences for your family and in Norway, animals and nature play a huge role in this. Your holiday includes encounters with huskies on two occasions, as well as the chance for you to go on a wildlife boat trip in search of seals, birds and maybe even whales.
Of course, this region is renowned for its Northern Lights displays, and so we have included some family-friendly Aurora activities. You will visit a husky centre near Tromsø to meet the dogs and puppies, before an Aurora Camp visit. You will take part in an Aurora watch on Sommarøy and, to end the holiday, you will enjoy a visit to a traditional reindeer herder’s camp, deep in the Aurora Zone.
Most of these activities also include time for snuggling up around a warming fire with your family and keeping an eye on the skies, hot drink in hand. With any luck, the dazzling Aurora Borealis will light up the night and add some extra magic to your trip. If not, it’s still an amazing way to spend time together as a family.
Image credits: Tromsø Adventure, Sommaroy Arctic Hotel, Konrad Konieczny/www.nordnorge.com, Bård Løken - Visitnorway.com, Clarion Hotel The Edge
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival and Aurora Husky Visit
Once you arrive at Tromsø Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. This is only around a twenty-minute journey, so it won’t be long before you can check into your hotel and start your holiday in earnest.
We get things started straight away and so tonight, you will enjoy an evening of cuddling huskies, a delicious dinner and, hopefully, the spectacular Northern Lights.
You will head to a meeting point in downtown Tromsø (no more than a 5-minute walk away) in order to be picked up for your transfer to the husky yard, which is around 30 minutes away. The pups will be awaiting your arrival and will be more than ready for some time to play after a hard day’s work. After receiving your warm clothes, you will then have time to stroke, cuddle and play with the huskies. This will also be a perfect opportunity to take some family photos with your new furry friends.
Once you have had your fill of the adorable dogs, you will be taken to an Aurora Camp, which is positioned at a perfect Northern Lights viewpoint. Here, you can keep warm around a fire and a hearty dinner will be served as you keep watch on the sky for a potential Aurora display. This is an exceptional way to kick-start your holiday.
This activity will last around four hours in total.
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Dog Sledding, Sommarøy and Northern Lights Watch
Today, you will have your first breakfast in Tromsø, before heading back to the huskies.
This time, the huskies will be much more excitable as they’ll know that you are here to take them out with the sleds, their favourite pastime. After a full safety briefing, you will set off with your expert guide driving the sled, giving you the chance to sit back and enjoy the views of the mountains and sea.
The dogs always make a lot of noise before they set off as they are so eager to get going, but as soon as the sled is moving they fall silent and focus on what they are doing. At first, it always feels like they are travelling quickly but they soon settle down into a happy rhythm and you’ll relax and enjoy the ride. You will be sledding for approximately 45-60 minutes and, upon your return, you will enjoy a warm lunch in a traditional Norwegian Gamme hut, around a crackling campfire.
After your morning with the dogs, you will return to Tromsø to collect your bags (you can store them at the hotel after you have checked out this morning) and enjoy some free time in the city before being transferred to Sommarøy for the next part of your adventure.
The road to Sommarøy is spectacular and the journey lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours approximately. Your family will check into their apartment on arrival and can soak in the sea views and the mountains in the distance.
A delicious dinner will be served in the hotel’s main restaurant, where all ingredients are based on traditions of the local area (don’t worry, children can be well catered for – please let us know of any dietary requirements at the time of booking). Then, you will join your guide in order to head out on your second Aurora activity; a visit to the Northern Lights Park. The park is a short walk from the hotel and there are several features, which have been hand-built by a local islander; it is perfectly situated to search the dark skies above for the Aurora.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Wildlife Boat Trip
This morning, an incredible adventure awaits as you will head out onto the sea for a wildlife boat trip! After stepping into your cold weather clothing, you will receive a full safety briefing. You will then board a small vessel that holds a maximum of 20 passengers, and will set sail for prime wildlife-watching spots.
From November until mid to late January, there may be an opportunity to spot whales as they follow the herring shoals into the Atlantic Ocean. Although it is not guaranteed, Sommarøy is known to attract high numbers of orca, humpback and fin whales. Witnessing these gigantic mammals in their natural environment is quite a staggering sight.
In addition to whales, there is plenty more to watch out for on this excursion, including wonderful white-tailed eagles, sea otters, porpoises, puffins and adorable seals. The abundant marine and birdlife are amazing, but at any time of year, the views are beyond spectacular. This activity is around 2-3 hours in duration.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy your surroundings and tailor your time. Why not wrap up warm and take a walk around the local area; it’s fascinating for families to see what life is like in this remote corner of Europe. Or, return to your cosy accommodation and just spend time as a family.
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant today. After your evening meal, we strongly recommend a stroll outside to keep an eye out for any Northern Lights displays, as they can often be seen from very close to the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4 Return to Tromsø, Tromsø City Tour, Polaria Arctic Aquarium and Reindeer Camp Dinner with Northern Lights Watch
This morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel, before taking a transfer back to Tromsø, where you will spend the final night of your trip.
After dropping your bags off at the hotel, your guide will meet you for a fun guided tour of Tromsø. There is so much to see in this small city, but all of the key areas can be reached on foot. The tour will be tailored to keep the children entertained and as it is private to your family, you can ask your guide to focus on your family’s interests. The activity will last around three hours in total.
After the tour and perhaps a stop for lunch (you can choose one of the wonderful local restaurants/cafés), you will have time to visit the Polaria Arctic Aquarium as the entrance fee is included in your holiday. This interactive visitor centre is extremely popular with families, as you can admire Arctic sea life up close. There are also films and displays which provide an interactive insight into the Arctic’s natural wonders.
Tonight it is time for your final activity, a reindeer camp dinner with Northern Lights watch!
You’ll transfer out into the countryside to a local reindeer farm, where you will be greeted by a Sámi guide (the Sámi are the indigenous people of Lapland). After pulling on your winter suit and being given an introduction to the life of the herders and their animals you will have the chance to feed them.
You will then be invited inside the Gamme (a Sámi hut) to warm up by the fire and enjoy a traditional three-course Sámi meal.
Following your dinner, you will be invited to a Lavu (Sámi tent) to gather around the fire and listen to stories about the culture and life as a herder. Your guide will also perform a traditional song, called a joik, as you wait in hopes for a Northern Lights display. You will be out for approximately 4 hours tonight, including transfers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 5 Departure
Today, you will leave Tromsø behind and take your transfer to the airport in time your flight home. If you would like to extend your stay then please do not hesitate to contact one of our Travel Experts for a quote.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Clarion Hotel The Edge
Nights: 1,4
This stylish hotel in the centre of Tromsø is an ideal base for families staying in ‘The Paris of the North’. With a conveniently central location, the hotel offers splendid vistas of the city.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel Facilities
- The magnificent Sky Bar takes you up into the clouds and is a great viewpoint for casting your eyes over the city. On weekends when the Sky Bar is not reserved for an event, guests can head up here and enjoy a refreshing drink, excellent music and an amazing panoramic vista
- The modern, quirky restaurant serves a hearty breakfast each morning with an offering of organic products
- The hotel has an exercise and well-being centre which many parents take advantage of if they have a moment to themselves
- Amongst other facilities, there is a steam room and Finnish sauna. Tickets for the well-being centre are bookable and payable at the hotel reception
- All guest rooms and common areas have free wireless internet. You will receive the login information at reception upon arrival
- NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards including American Express and Diners. They can accept cash payment if needed but offer no change if you do not have the correct money.
Room type
FAMILY ROOMS: all rooms are ensuite and come with Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, iron and ironing board. The family rooms can sleep up to 4 people with 1 double/twin bed and 2 rollaway beds
Image credits: Clarion Hotel The Edge
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Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Nights: 2-3
Breathtaking sea views and vistas of the distant, mountains are part of daily life at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and located in a traditional fishing village, its location is ideal for families as you are in the midst of spectacular nature that makes for an excellent activity playground.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel facilities
- The hotel has a wood-fired sauna and outdoor hot tub with sea views for the enjoyment of all guests (surcharges may apply locally)
- The hotel restaurant looks out over the sea and offers a menu of fresh local ingredients
- There are an array of accommodation types, including apartments that are perfectly suited to families
Room Type
HARBOUR View Apartment
The cosy, well-equipped apartments look out onto the island’s welcoming little harbour and dramatic mountains beyond, offering a peaceful backdrop for the whole family each time you open your curtains in the morning. The apartments have two bedrooms making them ideal for a family of four and have a kitchen, lounge and bathroom.
SEA HOUSE
If you need more space or if you just want to really spoil your family, why not upgrade to a Sea House, with views out across Sommarøy's famous pale gold sand to the sea beyond? Most Sea Houses have three bedrooms, a spacious lounge with a kitchen and a dishwasher.
©Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Price based on: 2 adults sharing with 2 children
Please note: if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Dates
Next season’s dates and prices
| Departure dates between | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun 01 Dec 2024
to Sun 15 Dec 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£1865.00
to £2095.00 |
Child (age 4 - 12):
£1125.00
to £1265.00 |
Enquire |
|
Sat 28 Dec 2024
to Sat 15 Mar 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1865.00
to £2095.00 |
Child (age 4 - 12):
£1125.00
to £1265.00 |
Enquire |
Please note: Please note that flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best possible fares and schedule can be found at the time of booking. Our Family Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 4 people; maximum 30 people (approximately)
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
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