4 days / 3 nights
Tromsø • Kirkenes
Located in the furthest corner of Northern Europe, just 1200 metres from the Arctic Sea, the Kirkenes Snow Hotel offers the ultimate Arctic experience.
This new itinerary takes you to the far reaches of northern Norway to enjoy the best the region has to offer. You begin in Tromsø, the capital of Arctic Norway, situated deep within the Arctic Circle. Sailing north along the wild and unspoilt coast to Kirkenes, this truly is the top of Europe and your call at Honningsvåg allows the possibility of joining an excursion to Nordkapp - the most northerly mainland point of the continent.
You disembark at Kirkenes and transfer to a local hotel, where you leave your non-essential luggage. There will be time for a selection of optional activities (we recommend you book these prior to departure) before heading to the Snow Hotel, located on the outskirts of Kirkenes.
Here you can visit the small reindeer farm in the grounds, to learn more about these hardy mammals and also see the hotel's friendly team of Husky dogs. The atmospheric Lavvo-style restaurant provides your shared living space. Sitting around a blazing open fire, this is a time to talk, read, relax and enjoy a hearty meal with warming drinks ahead of your magical night in the Snow Hotel.
Built entirely out of snow each year, spacious and illuminated Snow suites are decorated with snow sculptures and have comfortable beds to ensure a good night's sleep.
The Snow Hotel is well insulated, so however low the outside temperature, the air within tends to maintain a steady minus five degrees Celsius. High quality sleeping bags and sheets are provided to ensure that you remain snug inside these cool conditions. There is also an Arctic Snow Bar where we can enjoy a nightcap before bed.
After breakfast there is time for a sauna or hot shower, before collecting our luggage and flying home.
ItineraryDay 1 : Fly from London Heathrow to Tromsø where you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation (D). Day 2 : Enjoy the Voyage North, passing North Cape and on to Kirkenes (B, D). Day 3 : Arrive in Kirkenes, disembark and transfer to local hotel to store luggage. Free time for excursions, transfer to Snow Hotel (B, D). Day 4 : Transfer to the airport for return flight to the UK (B). Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner |
Fares :-
EXCURSIONS
North Cape - Europe's Northernmost Point - £68pp, pre-bookable
From Honningsvåg a coach will take you to the North Cape plateau where you may enjoy unsurpassed views towards the North Pole, a potentially incredible backdrop for experiencing the Northern Lights. 3 hours 30 mins
King Crab Safari - Kirkenes - £105pp, pre-bookable
This excursion offers a unique experience of seeing your guides ice fishing to catch the largest and freshest King Crabs in the world. These incredible crustaceans can span 2 metres and weigh up to 15 kilos. They will be prepared and cooked for you when you return to shore - a rewarding meal at the end of a fabulous excursion. 3 hours
Bathing in the Barents Sea - Combined with the King Crab Safari - Kirkenes - £55pp, pre-bookable
This is an invigorating and memorable experience. With special survival suits to keep you warm, you can enjoy the unique experience of floating in the icy waters . 40 mins
Kirkenes in a Nutshell - Kirkenes - £40pp, pre-bookable
During this excursion and around the Arctic town of Kirkenes you will visit Andersgrotta, a historical shelter from World War II in the town centre where a film is shown, and the Grenseland Museum where you can learn about the unique natural and cultural history in the border area between east and west. Other visits include the Russian border and the harbour area where you will also learn why Russian trawlers are in Kirkenes. 2 hours 30 mins
Please note that you are unable to combine the King Crab Safari and Kirkenes in a Nutshell excursions.
Dog Sledging - Kirkenes - £120pp, pre-bookable
Try the Husky safari in the Arctic where you can drive your own team of dogs. After an introduction in how to handle these eager Huskies you will experience the exhilaration of standing on the runners of your sledge and speed across the snowy landscape. This is an experience of speed, teamwork and of course beautiful scenery. 2 hours
Snow Shoeing - Kirkenes - £60pp, pre-bookable
After an introduction on how to use snow shoes, you follow the tracks of rabbits, foxes and local people across the snow covered landscapes. Your rewarding and active trip ends with a hot drink and waffles . 2 hours
Snowmobiling - Kirkenes - £135pp, pre-bookable
This evening snow mobile excursion from the Snow Hotel takes place near the mountains between Finland and Russia. Weather permitting, we hope to see the lights of the Russian city of Nikel in the distance as well as the enchanting Aurora Borealis. 2 hours
Supplement for single use £65. Driving licence required.
FARES
Arctic Snow Hotel Adventure - 4 days / 3 nights
Prices 2009
Departures from London Heathrow
| Date | Ship | Price per person |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Jan - 13 Jan |  |
MS Nordlys | £895 |
| 24 Jan - 27 Jan | MS Trollfjord | £895 | |
| 21 Feb - 24 Feb | MS Finnmarken | £895 | |
| 14 Mar - 17 Mar | MS Nordkapp | £895 | |
| 28 Mar - 31 Mar | MS Nordlys | £895 | |
| Single Cabin Supplement | £40 | ||
| Outside Cabin Supplement | £30 | ||
Tour Manager included
All prices are per person.
Prices Include :
- Return Economy class flights from London Stansted / London Heathrow as applicable incl. applicable taxes and surcharges
- Voyage as described in itinerary
- Hotels as described in itinerary
- Transfers as applicable
- Meals as per itinerary
