14 Day Follow the Lights - Southbound (2027-28)

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland's compact capital on the Baltic Sea. Broad boulevards, neoclassical architecture and a strong maritime character make this a calm and rewarding introduction to your Nordic journey.From the airport, make your own way to your hotel and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the city centre or take a stroll along the waterfront before meeting your fellow travellers.You may receive a welcome letter when checking in to the starting hotel that will include the time of the welcome meeting with your tour leader. If you do not receive this, please speak to hotel staff or feel free to reach out to us directly.This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast, transfer to Helsinki's railway station for your train journey into Lapland. As the train heads north, the landscape gradually shifts from lakes and farmland to Arctic forest and open fells, offering a changing view of Finland's scenery. You will arrive in Rovaniemi in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The town sits on the edge of the Arctic, where forested landscapes and the northern sky define the pace of life. This could be your first opportunity to spot the Northern Lights, so keep an eye on the sky this evening. Inspiring Highlights Scenic train journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before departing for one of today's highlights, a husky safari in the forests of Finnish Lapland.This "Born to Run" experience includes a guided husky cart or sleigh ride, depending on snow conditions. At the kennels, learn how the dogs are trained and conditioned to become the remarkable Arctic athletes they are, with insight into their care and preparation before setting out along the trail. For animal welfare reasons, husky carts are used when snow conditions are unfavourable. When there is sufficient snow, the programme changes to a safari by sled. This is not a self-driving experience, allowing you to take in the scenery and the energy of the dogs as they move through the landscape. A simple soup lunch is included, followed by time to spend with the dogs. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Husky safari through the forests of Finnish Lapland

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your coach for the journey north. A short drive brings you to the Santa Claus Village, located directly on the Arctic Circle. You will have time to explore this well-known landmark at your own pace, cross the Arctic Circle line, browse the shops or simply soak up the atmosphere. Lunch is at your own arrangement. Continuing north towards Saariselka, you will pause in Sodankyla for a brief stop to view the town's historic Old Church, a simple wooden structure reflecting Lapland's rural heritage. By late afternoon, arrive at the Northern Lights Village on the outskirts of Saariselka. Here, you will spend the night in a private Aurora Cabin, designed to offer uninterrupted views of the night sky away from light pollution. Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a reindeer safari hosted by local Sami guides. Visit a reindeer farm, learn about traditional herding culture and gather inside a wooden kota around the fire for hot berry juice and smoked reindeer meat. If conditions are right, step outside afterwards to look for the Northern Lights overhead. Inspiring Highlights Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle Sodankyla Old Church visit Overnight stay in an Aurora Reindeer safari with local Sami guides Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Today you depart Saariselka and continue north through Finnish Lapland. After around an hour, arrive in the small township of Inari, where entrance is included to the SIIDA Museum, the national museum of the Sami people in Finland. Here, exhibitions present the spiritual and material culture of the Sami and explore the relationship between community, identity and the Arctic environment. Lunch is included during the visit. Later, continue north, crossing the border into Norway before arriving in Kirkenes. At the Snowhotel, enjoy a short tour of the property, which is home to resident reindeer and a husky farm. Entrance and a drink are included. You may also choose to join the included King Crab Experience, beginning with a presentation at the pier before enjoying a freshly prepared king crab tasting. Dinner is served in the farmhouse restaurant. You will overnight in a traditional Gamme Cabin, inspired by the hunting and fishing huts typical of the Lapland wilderness. Inspiring Highlights SIIDA Sami Museum in Inari Snowhotel tour with reindeer and husky farm King Crab Experience with tasting Overnight in a traditional Gamme Cabin Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is at leisure. Later, transfer by coach to the Hurtigruten pier in Kirkenes for check-in and embarkation. Your voyage on board the Coastal Express begins here in Arctic Norway. Shortly after departure, the ship calls at Vardo, home to the distinctive star-shaped Vardohus Fortress, built in 1737 and still in military use today. Continuing along Norway's northern coastline, you will arrive in Batsfjord in the evening before sailing onward to Berlevag. Along the way, you may glimpse Mount Tanahorn rising to the west or see Kjolnes Lighthouse perched atop the cliffs above the Barents Sea. Dinner is served on board. Inspiring Highlights Embarkation on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express Vardohus Fortress in Vardo Sailing along Norway's remote Arctic coastline

During the night, the ship calls at Mehamn, where you have the option to join a snowmobile excursion into the Arctic wilderness. This guided adventure takes you across open snowy plains and through quiet valleys under the northern sky. With crisp winter air and minimal light pollution, it can be a good opportunity to search for the Northern Lights. As morning breaks, continue along Norway's far northern coastline, calling at ports including Honningsvag and Hammerfest. In Hammerfest, you may wish to visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise measurement of the Earth's meridian arc. Throughout the day, the ship threads between islands and exposed headlands, revealing the scale of this remote region. Late in the evening, the ship arrives in Tromso. Inspiring Highlights Snowmobile excursion into the Arctic wilderness (optional) Sailing past Honningsvag and Hammerfest UNESCO Meridian Column in Hammerfest

This morning, the ship arrives in Harstad, where you have the option to join A Taste of Vesteralen, exploring local history, coastal landscapes and cultural heritage sites that define this northern region. Those remaining on board will experience the passage through Risoyrenna, a shallow channel constructed in the 1920s specifically for the Hurtigruten, allowing safe navigation through these waters. As the ship continues south, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Sail through the island chains of Vesteralen and Lofoten, where steep mountains rise sharply from the sea and fishing villages cluster along sheltered harbours. After a brief call at Risoyhamn, the ship arrives in Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten. Further south, it may appear as though the ship is heading directly towards a mountain wall, but soon you enter the narrow Raftsund. Weather and conditions permitting, the ship detours into Trollfjord, where sheer cliffs rise almost vertically from the water, creating one of the voyage's most memorable moments. Inspiring Highlights A Taste of Vesteralen excursion in Harstad (optional) Passage through Risoyrenna channel Sailing through the Vesteralen and Lofoten island chains Stokmarknes, birthplace of Hurtigruten Trollfjord scenic detour (weather permitting)

After breakfast, the ship crosses the Arctic Circle, marking your exit from Arctic Norway to the mainland regions further south. The moment is traditionally celebrated on board, often with a spoonful of cod liver oil, a lighthearted rite of passage for those on deck. Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you will soon spot Torghatten, the distinctive mountain known for the natural hole through its centre. Local legend offers a colourful explanation for this unusual formation, and the Expedition Team on board will be happy to share the story. Further south, the ship passes the Seven Sisters mountain range. According to folklore, seven troll sisters were caught by the sunrise and turned to stone, forming the peaks that rise dramatically from the coastline. Although the ship is now south of the Arctic Circle, winter skies can still offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights, should conditions allow. Inspiring Highlights Crossing the Arctic Circle Torghatten mountain with its natural hole Seven Sisters mountain range Sailing along the Helgeland coast

Today, the ship arrives in Trondheim, offering time to explore Norway's former capital at your own pace. Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II, features a Gothic facade and intricate stonework that make it one of Scandinavia's most significant religious landmarks. Wander through the Bakklandet district, where colourful wooden warehouses now house cafes and small shops. You may wish to pause for coffee and a Nordic pastry before walking up to Kristiansten Fortress for views across the city and its surrounding fjord. As the ship continues south, the coastline reveals how closely Norway's communities are tied to the sea. In Kristiansund, long known as Norway's dried cod capital, fishing traditions remain central to local life. Inspiring Highlights Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim Bakklandet district Kristiansten Fortress viewpoint Kristiansund port call

During the night, the ship calls at Alesund, Torvik and Maloy as the sea voyage gradually draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is still striking scenery to experience, including Nordfjord beneath the vast Jostedal Glacier. South of Floro, the ship crosses the mouth of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, with views of the island-dotted coastline. In the early afternoon, arrive in Bergen, marking the end of your Coastal Express journey. After breakfast on board and disembarkation, meet your local guide for a city sightseeing tour. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, with its colourful wooden warehouses reflecting Bergen's Hanseatic heritage. Continue to St Mary's Church and Hakon's Hall, reminders of the city's medieval importance. Your city tour concludes with a ride on the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, where wide views stretch across the harbour and surrounding mountains. You will then be transferred to your hotel, with the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Scenic sailing past Nordfjord and Sognefjord UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf sightseeing tour St Mary's Church and Hakon's Hall Floibanen funicular to Mount Floyen Special Information Today you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Bergen, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bergen railway station for the start of today's Norwegian fjord journey. Your luggage will be forwarded to your hotel in Oslo, allowing you to travel with just a small day bag. Travel by train from Bergen to Voss, where you change to a coach. The journey continues through a valley landscape shaped by rivers and cascading waterfalls as you make your way to Gudvangen. In Gudvangen, board a ferry for a fjord cruise along the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, one of the narrowest arms of the Sognefjord. Mountain walls rise from the water, waterfalls thread down the rock face and small farms cling to the slopes, offering a sense of scale that is distinctly Norwegian. On arrival in Flam, walk to your hotel and check in. Dinner is included at the hotel restaurant this evening. Inspiring Highlights Scenic train journey from Bergen to Voss Coach journey through valley landscapes to Gudvangen UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord fjord cruise Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your luggage will be forwarded separately to your hotel in Oslo. Please pack a small day bag with essentials for today and tomorrow's journey.

This morning, board the Flam Railway, one of the world's most renowned rail journeys. The ascent from the fjord to the mountain station of Myrdal reveals waterfalls, steep valley walls and sweeping views as the train climbs through dramatic terrain. At Myrdal, change trains and continue onward to Oslo. As the journey progresses, the landscape gradually shifts from mountain scenery to farmland, forests and small towns as you approach the capital. On arrival in Oslo in the afternoon, make your way to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with lunch at your own arrangement. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant, marking the end of your journey through Finland and Norway. Inspiring Highlights Flam Railway from Flam to Myrdal Scenic train journey from Myrdal to Oslo Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, your escorted tour comes to an end. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.