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Tromso and Svalbard

from £501 excluding flights

  • 6 nights
  • Jan-May, Nov-Dec

Highlights

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Explore captivating Tromso City with it's many attractions

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Great potential to see the northern lights

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Discover cosmopolitan Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world

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Experience the beauty and silence of untouched Arctic wilderness

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Witness the 'blue twilight' of a polar night

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Enjoy optional excursions such as snowmobiling and husky sledding

Why this trip...

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Stay in great locations

This holiday features accommodation in incredible locations

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Activity based

This itinerary features a range of optional activities during your stay

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Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Overview

During winter, the lure of the frozen north and the magic of the aurora borealis draw many travellers to the far reaches of Norway and even further afield to the Arctic wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago. This exciting six-night holiday combines the vibrant city of Tromso (350km north of the Arctic Circle) with Spitsbergen – largest of the islands in Svalbard, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

The Arctic city of Tromso

Surrounded by fjords and mountains, and linked to the mainland by a graceful whaleback bridge, Tromso hugs the shorelines of two islands, Tromsoya and Kvaloya. The city’s streets are lined with historical buildings and plenty of cafés, bars and galleries. Must-see attractions include the striking cathedral and the Polar Museum with its fascinating exhibits on Roald Amundsen.

Chasing the aurora

During the winter months, Tromso region is often blessed with outstanding displays of the aurora borealis. To experience the full magic of this natural phenomenon, we recommend you join an escorted northern lights hunt, well away from the city lights. Your experienced guide will seek the best vantage points for witnessing the aurora. Sometimes the hunt may take you across the border into Finland, so come prepared with your passport!

Spectacular Svalbard

From Tromso, it’s a 90-minute flight north to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Based in a comfortable hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to try exciting activities such as snowmobiling and husky sledding, travelling across frozen fjords and exploring huge, blue-ice glaciers. This far north, winter days may be short but you’ll get to experience the surreal blue glow of the polar night, the tantalizing prospect of the northern lights and a deep, spiritual Arctic silence. From around mid-November to the end of January, Svalbard experiences almost total darkness. Visit during this period for a true sense of life in the Arctic.

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Itinerary

On arrival on Tromso make your own way to the city centre (payable locally), either by the regular airport Flybus service or by taxi. Spend three nights at the centrally located Scandic Ishavshotel within easy reach of the city’s many cultural attractions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Fjelltop and enjoy amazing views over the city and the surrounding islands.

Time at leisure to explore the town or join one of the optional excursions – try an exhilarating snowmobile ride or test your skills at reindeer sledging and learn about Sami culture and traditions. In the evening, join one of the northern light chases in search of the elusive phenomenon.

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Make your way back to Tromso airport (payable locally) for the flight to Svalbard’s largest island Spitsbergen and Longyearbyen your base for the next three nights. There is an airport bus service which stops at all hotels (payable locally). Being the northernmost town in the world and with just over 2,000 inhabitants, Longyearbyen is surprisingly lively with excellent shopping and dining experiences. You’ll find many opportunities to buy local arts and crafts; gold and silver items being the most popular, often inspired by polar bear, walrus and reindeer – and being a tax free area, goods here are generally better value than on the mainland.

At leisure to explore the town or join an optional excursion such as snowmobiling, husky sledging or northern light searches, which take you out of town into the Arctic wilderness. Here you can appreciate dramatic, unspoilt scenery and the unique Arctic light, which provides many inspiring opportunities for photo stops.

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Transfer to the airport (payable locally) for your flight home.

Accommodation Options

Tromso has become increasingly popular as a winter destination for northern light holidays, and as such, has a wide selection of good quality hotels to choose from.

In Longyearbyen choose to stay at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, or opt for the more rustic accommodation at Coal Miner’s Cabins. Perhaps choose the authentic and unique Basecamp Hotel or the stylish Funken Lodge.

  • tromso clarion hotel the edge exterior view
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  • spitsbergen hotel exterior
  • funken lodge restaurant
  • radisson blu polar hotel exterior
  • coal miners cabins interior

Prices and Departures

Price from £501 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • Daily breakfast
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

Prices from per person

Based on two sharing, unless stated otherwise

Departure Duration Twin Price
Nov - May 6 nights £501

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.