Bodo Raidar Hernes
MS Polarlys in Tromso- Aslak Tronrud
we recommend exploring some of their hiking trails. Reinebringen is the most popular of these with its lookout onto the numerous villages and jagged peaks resting on the calm waters, although this is a relatively challenging hike.
DAY SEVEN Svolvaer to Harstad Today you drive across to Harstad on Norway’ s largest island Hinnøya, a journey of roughly two and a half hours. Harstad is in the middle of the Northern Lights belt, making it an excellent location to try and spot these, and is known for its high-quality restaurants. You may want to sample one of these on your one evening here.
DAY EIGHT Harstad to Tromsø by Hurtigruten ship The next morning you drop off your hire-car and depart from Harstad on the early Hurtigruten service to Tromsø. This is a journey of seven hours and will take you through more stunning Arctic scenery, skirting around the far western coast of Norway before delving into the narrower fjords as you draw closer to the Arctic capital. Arrive in Tromsø just after midday and check in to your hotel for the final two nights.
DAY NINE In Tromsø Tromsø is known by many as the Arctic capital, and for good reason. The city is perhaps best-known for being an excellent location to see the Northern Lights. The Polar Night, from mid-November to mid-January, is the best period to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon, as the sun never rises above the horizon. Some of the more adventurous activities offered in Tromsø are whale and dolphin safaris and fjord cruises, where you will witness stunning scenes of snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls, and possibly the occasional reindeer. Within the city itself the most striking feature is the Arctic Cathedral. Consecrated in 1965, this aluminium and glass building is luminescent during the long polar nights and during the summer there are special Midnight Sun concerts given by professional musicians.
Thon Hotel Polar, Tromso
Svinoya Rorbuer, Svolvaer
What’ s included
• Return flights with British Airways from London to Oslo
• Second-class travel on all trains( Plus class available on certain trains can be booked at a supplement)
• Hurtigruten ship from Bodø to Svolvaer and Harstad to Tromsø
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Superior double room at Britannia Hotel, Trondheim
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Thon Hotel Nordlys, Bodø
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Rorbu S cabin at Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvaer
• 1 night’ s bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Thon Hotel Harstad, Harstad
• 2 night’ s bed and breakfast at in a Standard double room Thon Hotel Polar, Tromsø
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
What’ s not included
• Personal holiday insurance. Cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
• Possible local tourist tax, usually the equivalent of £ 1 to £ 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in any cities
PRICES
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and including standard class rail travel From £ 1,970
Holiday code SCFR04
DAY TEN Tromsø to London by air On your final day in Norway transfer to Tromsø airport for your return flight via Oslo to the UK.
Thon Hotel Harstad
To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk 109