Winter Vacation in Iceland, Norway and Finland

Today you will experience the fascinating Golden Circle along with a walk around the Geysir geothermal area.

The Golden Circle is the most famous tour in Iceland: it includes some magnificent sights. You will have a thrilling experience of the hot spring Strokkur shooting a column of water up to 30 meters (98 ft.) up in air every 4-8 minutes. You will also enjoy the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall created by the river Hvítá which descend down a crevice 32 m (105 ft.) deep. You will learn more about the Iceland in our historical and geological tour of Þingvellir National Park, where the two tectonic plates American and Eurasian are pulling apart a few centimeters every year.

You will then visit the lovely Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation center to learn how geothermal heat that Iceland has in abundance is used to grow pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers.

Guidance: in English every day (all year).

Duration approximate: 8-9 hours.

Departure: 09:00
Complimentary Pick-up: 08:30

Inclusion: Guided Bus Tour, admission to the Geysir multimedia show, admission to Friðheimar cultivation center. Not Included: Meals and refreshments.
In the evening join us in the hunt for spectacular Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, on a dark winter night. From the beginning of autumn darkness and until the light nights of spring we can see the nature’s mystical spectacular phenomenon – the Northern Lights. Away from the glow of the city, together we will look for these magnificent auroras. On a clear night, chances are higher to see the Northern Lights swirling across the sky in dramatic shapes, colors, patterns and sizes.

Tour: Northern Lights guided bus tour (included in the price)

Duration approx. 3-5 hours

Departure: 22:00 from 25/08-15/10 & 15/03-15/04 21:00 from 16/10-14/03

Included: Bus, Guidance in English

Not Included: Meals and refreshments.

Please ask the hotel to confirm the pickup time.

Please note that the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, therefore we cannot guarantee sightings even if the tour is operated. We reserve the right to cancel departure if weather conditions are not favorable with a full refund.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik

Today on this day tour, you will be escorted through the labyrinth of a glacier tongue which decends down the fourth biggest glacier in Iceland.

Only two hours from Reykjavik is the Eyjafjallajökull massif, and a little further in the east is the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, which extends down from its mother glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, the Iceland’s fourth largest. A safe and easy glacier walk on crampons to the ice field where you will discover the wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses.

The Sólheimajökull glacier is an ideal way to spend your day. Our experienced mountain guides will also you the use the basic ice equipment necessary for this tour. On the way back stop at the picturesque waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Duration: Approx. 9 – 10 hours. Departure: 09:00 Complimentary Pick-up: 08:30 Minimum Age: 10 yrs.

Inclusions: Transport, guidance in English, glacier gear and safety equipment.

Not included: Meals and refreshments.

Note: Bring your warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots and lunch. It is also possible to buy lunch on the way and boots can be rented. We lend rain coats if needed.

Please ask the Hotel to confirm the pick-up time. This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours

Overnight stay in Reykjavik

Transfer to Keflavik Airport with the Flybus for return flight. (Please note that flight is not included)

Arrival in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. Tromsø is located 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is famous for the midnight sun and arctic nights. Mountains and beautiful fjords surround the largest city in Northern Norway where nature, culture and history abound.

Overnight stay in Tromsø

You will take an onward flight from the Keflavik Airport. Reach the airport via Flybus. (flight is not included)

Your flight will land in in the capital of the Arctic. Tromsø is famous for the midnight sun and arctic nights. Beautiful fjords and mountains surrounds the largest city in Northern Norway and nature, culture and history thrive here.

Overnight stay in Tromsø

Tromsø has something for everyone, whether you are looking for interesting sights to visit or activities full of action for all age groups or just enjoy the day exploring the museums. Tromsø  is also a great shopping place with many unique shops. You can enjoy your food in restaurants and cafés.

Our recommendations for a few activities that you might enjoy, go for a dogsledding adventure, visit the Polar Museum for insight into life in the arctic, take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Tromsø and the surrounding islands from the observation deck. In the Polaris Centre’s aquarium view the bearded seals closely along with other fish found in the Barents Sea.
All these day tours are a great way to enjoy your journey in the Arctic!

In the evening, join us for a guided excursion to experience the magestic beauty of the Northern Lights.

Spend this night hunting for the stunning beauty of the northern lights, or aurora borealis. Your guide will find the best location to witness the magnificent aurora. To keep you warm, hot drinks will be served and you can grill sausages over an open fire inside a Sami tent (lavvu) while you wait for the lights to appear.

Camp Tamok is located 75-minute from the city of Tromso. With its dry weather and good number of clear sky nights, it has excellent chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis The excursion also includes a 2-kilometer hike through the valley at night-time. The guide will share tips and techniques on how to photograph the Aurora. If the sky is cloudy or with no sign of Northern Lights, he will take you on a minibus to chase the lights in better spots. Even if you do not see this amazing phenomenon, a trip to Camp Tamok is an adventure in itself.

An unforgettable experience!
Note: the Northern Light is a natural phenomenon, therefore we cannot guarantee sightings even if the tour is operated. We also reserve the right to cancel the departure if weather conditions are not favourable with a full refund.

Overnight stay in Tromsø

After breakfast catch the airport shuttle Flybus to the airport for your onward flight to Bergen. (flight is not included)

The best way to reach the Bergen city center from the Bergen airport is via airport shuttle or taxi. Bergen offers museums, galleries, cafes and a friendly atmosphere. Despite being in far north, it is one of the warmest cities in Norway and remains so due to the Gulf Stream.

Our recommendations: visit Bergenhus, stop at the Bergen Fish Market, take a cable car ride to Mount Fløyen or Mount Ulriken, or hike to one of the Seven Mountains and enjoy a panoramic view of Bergen and it’s surroundings. In evening you can enjoy food in one of Bergen’s many top restaurants. Like; restaurant 1877, Cornelius, Big Horn Steak House, Potetkjelleren, or Bergen’s traditional restaurant Bryggeloftet & stuene.

Overnight stay in Bergen

Today board the Bergenbanen train early in the morning to Voss. Bus will wait after you in Voss for your onward journey to Gudvangen in Aurland.

One of the highlights awaits you in Gudvangen, the fjordcruise to the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Europe. The cruise will sail you to the beautiful village in Aurland, Flåm.

In 1960s most of the people in Flåm were farmers, while now they work in the tourism industry or on the railway. Enjoy the village Flåm, and do visit the Flåm Railway Centre (free admission) and Ægir brewery and pub.

In the afternoon you will board the Flåm railway which takes you through the fairytale landscape with beautiful waterfalls and deep blue fjords for which this area is known. The train will hault at the mountain railway station of Myrdal. Here you will change the Bergensbanen train journey to Oslo. The train ride between Oslo and Bergen is one of the most scenic train rides in the world, with Flåm ride the most stunning section. This Journey will literally leave you breathless!

Overnight stay in Oslo

After breakfast catch the airport express train or a taxi to the airport for your onward flight to Helsinki. (flight is not included)

Arrive Helsinki, transfer to city center.

You will find the Finnair City Bus stop just outside arrival level at Terminal T2 or T1. In approximately 35 minutes, the bus will take you to Elielinaukio Square at Helsinki Central Railway Station. 10minute walk to your first-class downtown hotel. We will confirm the hotel after your booking. Check-in starts at 15.00. If you arrive early you can store your luggage at the hotel.

After some rest in your room take a refreshing walking tour in the surrounding downtown area. Dinner in Kaarna Baari & Keittiö restaurant at 19.00, the restaurant is in the heart of Helsinki. It offers Finnish food with a Nordic twist. The 3-course set menu has simple dishes of distinct flavors and are made of local, fresh ingredients. On each course you can choose between three alternatives and one drink (soft drink, Finnish beer or glass of house wine) is included.

Overnight in a Helsinki

Enjoy full buffet breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast we recommend to take a morning stroll along the Esplanade boulevard to the Market Square “Kauppatori”, located by the harbor. Also, visit the old restored Market Hall (closed on Sundays), the Senate Square and the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, just one block north from the Market Square.

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing tour 11.00-12.45

An audio guided (many languages including English, Chinese and Japanese) Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing city tour, starts from Fabianinkatu Street tourist bus stop which is located in the middle of the Esplanade Park. Please reach the bus stop 15 minutes before the tour departure and show your Helsinki Card to the attendant. The comfortable double decker tour bus which is air conditioned and heated (during winter) also has a free Wi-Fi. During this approximately 1.5-hour city tour, you will drive past the main sights of Helsinki listening to the interesting stories behind them. The bus will take a short stop at the famous Temppeliaukio Church, excavated in rock as well as the Sibelius Monument and the tour will end at the Esplanade Park. Note: the entrance fee to Temppeliaukio church is not included (3 euros/ person, to be paid on the spot).

OPTIONAL TOUR:Visit Suomenlinna. After the sightseeing tour, walk the short distance to the Market Square where the ferry for one of Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sights, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress leaves (use your Helsinki Card for a free ferry ride). Suomenlinna is a district of Helsinki with year-round inhabitants but it also has a long history as maritime fortress that has served in the defense of three different nations: Sweden, Russia and Finland. You can reach the island only by water ferry ride which takes approximately 15-20 minutes and gives you an opportunity to enjoy Helsinki from the sea and click some photos too. Download a brochure of the island in advance (available in 9 different languages) from here to plan your visit. By this time of the day, you might be ready for some food, we suggest to have lunch on the island, at Suomenlinna Brewery or Café Chapman. After that take the ferry back to the mainland (free with your Helsinki card).

OPTIONAL: Visit Helsinki Ice park. If you want to try something new, the Ice park just next to the Helsinki main Railway Station offers the possibility to try ice skating (ice skate rental possible for an extra charge), something that local people really enjoy during the winter. If you don’t feel braving the ice, you can sit down in the adjoining café to admire people skating by and having something typical for a Finnish winter: Glögi – a mulled wine drink. Walk back to your hotel and overnight.

Overnight in a Helsinki

Full buffet breakfast at your hotel. We suggest to store your luggage at the hotel reception upon check-out.

Depart from Elielinaukio Square by Finnair City Bus as per your flight schedule. We suggest you reach the airport latest 1.5 hours before your flight. Please check the bus schedule in advance to choose the optimal bus journey. The bus ride will take approximately 35 minutes. There are good shops and restaurants at the airport for you to enjoy your time there.