Arctic Circle 2008

Northern Highlights and Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi - Arctic Circle crossing - Lapland - Sodankylä - Tankavaara - Karasjok - Honningsvåg - Coastal Cruise - Narvik - Mo I Rana - Trondheim - Silian Lake - Mora - Stockholm - Stockholm-Helsinki Overnight crossing - Helsinki

An Archers coach tour, 17th to 30th June 2008
The brochure says:
Fascinating scenery from the land of the midnight sun.

DAY 1, Tuesday 17th June:
UK to Rovaniemi

Flying with Finnair:
Depart London Heathrow at 10:20, arrive Helsinki terminal 2 at 15:15
Depart Helsinki terminal 1 at 16:20, arrive in Rovaniemi at 17:40
Will be met by a representative and transferred to the Clarion Hotel Santa Claus at Korkalonkatu 29 Rovaniemi Fin-96200, for a two-night stay.
The room should have a kettle.

DAY 2, Wednesday 18th June: Rovaniemi

The day is yours to explore the capital of Finnish Lapland, for hundreds of years famous for exporting furs and salmon to the world's rich and powerful. Destroyed in World War II, the town was re-designed by Alvar Alto in the shape of reindeer antlers. (B)

There are two optional excursions today:

Sami Experience €52
A 45 minute river cruise in wooden riverboats will take us first to a reindeer farm and then to a fun Arctic Circle ceremony. Finish the excursion in a big log house with coffee or tea and a tradidional Lapp pastry and learn something about the Sami culture.

Panoramic Dinner €31
Enjoy a three course Lapp-style dinner in a popular panoramic restaurant overlooking the town. 'The ideal place to see the Midnight Sun'.

DAY 3, Thursday 19th June: Rovaniemi - Lapland - Sodankylä - Tankavaara - Saariselkä

As we cross the Arctic Circle, we encounter the unique, unspoiled scenery of Lapland, land of reindeer and the midnight sun.
- We stop first at Santa Claus' Workshop, where we have the chance to meet the man himself and his little helpers.
- We then head North to Sodankylä, where you'll see the charming Vanha Kirkko, Lapland's oldest wooden church dating back to the 17th-century.
- Then it's on to Tankavaara for a visit to the Gold Museum and a chance to try panning for a few nuggets yourself!
- Overnight in Saariselkä at the Holiday Club Saariselkä situated on the edge of the Finland National Park at Saariselantie 7 Saariselkä 99830. It has a swimming pool. (B, D)

DAY 4, Friday 20th June: Saariselkä - Karasjok - Honningsvåg

Head to Karasjok, Norway for a visit to Sápmi Park - a theme park exploring Sami culture, histiry and tradition. Enjoy outdoor activities and tour the craft studios where silverware, woven fabrics and other goods are produced.
Afterwards, head to Honningsvåg for an overnight stay at the Hotel Rica Honningsvåg.
In the evening, our included excursion takes you to visit the North Cape for some spectacular views. (B, D)

Day 5, Saturday 21st June: Honningsvåg - Coastal Cruise - Hammerfest - Alta

Get ready for one of the true highlights of your tour - the coastal cruise from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest, offering amazing views of spectacular scenery. We disembark at Hammerfest and drive to Alta, situated at the mouth of the world's richest salmon river, for an overnight stay at the Rica Alta Hotel. (B, D)

Day 6, Sunday 22nd June: Alta - Narvik

We continue south along the stunning shoreline of Norway, where the road meanders along Kvaenangenfjord and Lyngenfjord. We stop for pictures at the thundering Malselv Fossen waterfall, and then recall fierce World War II battles as we approach Narvik, rebuilt after near total destruction during the conflict. We stay overnight at the Quality Grand Royal Hotel at Kongensgate 64, 8514 Narvik, Norway (B)

Day 7, Monday 23rd June: Narvik - Mo I Rana

In the morning we visit Narvik's fascinating War Museum, before we head for Nordland. We cross back over the Arctic Circle to the picturesque little town of Mo I Rana for an overnight stay at the Fjordgården Hotell Mo i Rana. (B)

Day 8, Tuesday 24th June: Mo I Rana - Trondheim

We begin the day with a visit to the ancient octagonal church of Mosjöen. Then it's on to the spectacular Laksforsen Waterfall, via the forests and rivers of Namsdalen Valley to Trondheimsfjord, the World War II hideout of the German battleship Tirpitz.
Overnight at the Quality Hotel St Augustin. (B, D)

Day 9, Wednesday 25th June: Trondheim - Røros

Founded in 997AD, Norway's third largest city, known as the 'Gateway to the North', is now a major commercial centre and port. The morning is yours to explore the city at your leisure or join an optional city sightseeing tour. In the afternoon we travel south-east through some fine alpine scenery to Røros, not far from the Swedish border, for an overnight stay at the Quality Røros Hotel at An-Magrittsvei Røros, Norway 7374 which has a swimming pool and sauna.(B, D)

Day 10, Thursday 26th June: Røros - Lake Femund - Mora area

Spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful Lake Femund pass by as we journey south to Mora. In the heart of the Dalarna region, this is the most typical and unspoiled countryside in the whole of Sweden. Overnight at the First Grand Hotel in Falun. (B, D)

Day 11, Friday 27th June: Mora area - Uppsala - Stockholm

There's more awe-inspiring scenery on the itinerary, as we skirt Lake Silian and drive past its typical Dalarnian shore-side villages. We then head on past the university city of Uppsala, an ancient trading post on the Fyris River to Sweden's delightful capital, Stockholm, for an overnight stay at the Quality Hotel Nacka which is where I stayed in 2006. (B)

Day 12, Saturday 28th June: Stockholm (included sightseeing) - Baltic Sea crossing - Helsinki.

Standing on numerous islands in a vast bay of sparkling waters, Stockholm is one of the world's most beautiful capital cities. Our included sightseeing tour includes visits to the City Hall and other famous landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore further at your own pace or relax. In the evening we embark on the Silja Line ferry to Helsinki (the same route and line I took from Helsinki to Stockholm on the Russian trip in June 2007). This time the stop at Mariehamn will be at the more friendly time of 23.45. (B)

Day 13, Sunday 29th June: Helsinki. Included sightseeing

Finland's capital is a lively city with many visitor attractions, including the Kauppatori market square, surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings. After breakfast on board the ferry, we disembark for your city sightseeing tour with a local guide, which includes the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the monumental railway station and the great Lutheran Cathedral. The afternoon is yours to relax or do some more sightseeing.
Overnight at the Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel in Helsinki. (B)

Day 14, Monday 30th June: Helsinki to UK

After breakfast, transfer to Helsinki airport for your flight to the UK.
Flight departs Helsinki at 16:00 and arrives London Heathrow at 17:10.

More information:
Arctic Circle: arctic-circle.no