This special departure holiday is a small-group holiday travelling by direct flight from Gatwick Airport to Norway's magnficent Arctic and the mystical Lofoten Islands.
The Lofoten Islands are part of the beautiful archipelago in Norway's north west, beyond the Arctic Circle, whose mystical beauty has inspired writers and artists for many years. Most recently visited by our very own Joanna Lumley as part of her search for the Northern Lights programme made by the BBC.
This holiday focuses on the Northern Lights, culture, history and the nature of the Lofoten Islands and includes a number of exciting Northern Lights activities.
| ITINERARY |
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Day 1 - Depart Gatwick, guided transfer plus Viking Feast
Depart London Gatwick Airport at 1000 and fly directly to Evenes arriving at 1400 local time. Met on arrival and directed to your transfer coach. Guided tour through majestic mountains and magnficent countryside to the Lofoten Islands and Henningsvær, a beautiful fishing village overlooking the sea. Check-in to your room at the Henningsvær Bryggehotell.
During the evening a Viking Feast is served in a 'lavvo' (a big tent used by Vikings and the Sami people) at Hov and the Northern Lights Base Camp. There is plenty of storytelling around an open fire and a photo safari on ancient Viking ground with a short course in taking photos of the Northern Lights beforehand. Return to the hotel at 2300.
Day 2 - Henningsvær & the Polarlights centre at Laukvik
After breakfast the day starts with a guided tour of Henningsvær, one of the Lofoten's largest fishing villages. You visit local craftsmen, shops and galleries. Make your own Arctic candlelight or blow your own Northern Lights glass. The trip includes a multimedia show. Lunch and dinner are served at the hotel before your evening excursion to the Polarlight Centre at Laukvik. Here you will have a presentation about the facts of the Northern Lights with a display of pictures and animations. Return to the hotel at 2300.
Day 3 - The Lofoten Islands
After breakfast you begin your guided tour of the Lofoten Islands including the tiny village of Å, right down at the tip of the Lofotens, and where Joanna Lumley first searched for the Northern Lights. The tour includes small fishing villages and, of course, features the dramatic and picturesque nature in what National Geographic referred to as amongst the most beautiful in the world. Lunch is served at a fishing village.
Visit the Viking Museum Lofotr for a guided tour followed by the Chieftain's Banquet served inside the Viking house. Return to the hotel around 2300.
Day 4 - Arctic Beach BBQ and Optional Activities
After breakfast you will travel to the beautiful beach at Hov; here you will be served a delicious Arctic beach barbeque followed by a beach and wildlife excursion. Dinner is served at the Northern Lights Base Camp where a number of optional activities are also available. For detailed information and prices see Excursions.
Day 5 - Free day with optional activities, departure to Gatwick
A free day in the Lofotens with the opportunity to take a fishing trip and catch the famous Lofotcod or perhaps sea kayaking or hiking with snow shoes. Details and price under Excursions.
Lunch is served at the hotel before your return transfer to Evenes Airport for the flight back to Gatwick. Flight departs at 2000 and arrives into Gatwick at 2200. |
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Insurance cover is essential for your break. If you do not take out our insurance you must take your insurance documents with you as proof maybe required. Full details on request.
Henningsvær Bryggehotell ****
Henningsvær Bryggehotell is beautifully situated on Heimøya, one of a small collection of islands in the western fjord area of the Lofoten Islands, in the village of Henningsvær. Henningsvær is one of the largest fishing villages on the islands and is certainly one of the most picturesque, providing what many consider to be THE picture postcard for the islands along with the villages of Å and Reine.
The hotell is a white painted wharf-building placed on the quayside overlooking the picturesque harbour. Inside the hotel is decorated and furnished in typical modern Scandinavian style with comfort very much in mind. The hotel has 30 rooms, all doubles/twins and a restaurant which serves mainly North Norwegian food including local sea food, of course, and other organic ingredients. There is also a reception bar where you can enjoy a pre or post dinner drink. All rooms have bathroom with shower and toilet and a TV and telephone.
The following excursions/activities are all INCLUDED in this holiday:
Viking Feast in a lavvo
Includes: 3 course dinner, storytelling, sky watching, beach strolling.
Storytelling around an open fire regarding the Northern Lights and the Vikings
Includes Storytelling, a walk on the beach to historic places, watching and listening to the Northern Lights.
Photo Safari - Hunting the Northern Lights
Includes Local guide/hunter of the Northern Lights, guidance on how to take a photo of the Northern Lights and transportation.
A Guided Walk in Henningsvær
Includes guided walk through the village and coffee and cakes at the candlelight factory plus the opportunity to visit the workshops of local craftsmen and galleries.
Northern Lights Tour to the Polarlight Centre
Includes transportation, a guided tour in scientist Rob Stamnes Laboratories, a fantastic multimedia-presentation, Northern Lights walk on the beach and coffee/tea.
Full Day Tour in Lofoten
Includes transportation, lunch, coffee and cakes, guided throughout with entry to museums etc.
Guided Tour to the Viking Museum Lofotr
Includes transportation and the delicious Chieftain's Banquet featuring such delights as leg of lamb, wolf fish, Viking bread, fresh vegetables and apple cake, entrance and guided tour of the house, media show and interactive showroom and a visit in the museum shop.
Arctic Beach Barbeque at Hov
Includes 3 course BBQ dinner, fireside coffee, transfer by bus, walking on the beach and returning to a warm beach fire.
The following excursions/activities are available as optional extras:
Sea Eagle Safari on RIB Boats
A wonderful search by Rigid Inflatable Boat in search of the magnificent sea eagle. Price £108 per person, minimum of 10 required.
Rental of snow sledge, snow shoes or kick sled
Have some fun in the snow! Price £11 per person.
Horseback Riding on Icelandic Horses
Ride these wonderful Icelandic horses (not ponies!) under the Arctic Sky. Price £63 per person, minimum of 6 required. Duration 2 hours.
Northern Lights Hunting on Snowshoes
Forever searching but this time on foot. Price £63 per person, minimum of 6 required. Duration 3 hours.
Fishing Trip
Try to catch the famous Lofotcod that can weigh more than 30 kilos. Price £74 per person, minimum of 10 required. Duration 2-3 hours.
Sea Kayaking with Guide
A wonderful way to explore the beautiful coastline. Price £119 per person, minimum of 5 required. Duration 3 hours.
Hiking with Snow Shoes with Guide
An easy hike exploring the wonderful nature. Price £85 per person, minimum of 5 required. Duration 3 hours.
