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In a nutshell...
•Duration: 4 nights
•Group size: approximately 4 - 16 people
•Flights from London to Tromsø (via Oslo)
•Return airport transfers
•1 night hotel, 1 night Camp Tamok, 2 nights Malangen Brygger
•4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
•Activities: Northern Lights snowshoeing, dog sledding, fjord boat trips, Aurora searching and snowshoeing at Camp Nikka (order of activities subject to change)
•Cold weather clothing at Camp Tamok and Malangen
•Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors

Departure dates from: 26 December 2012 to 10 March 2013

This holiday simply extends on our three night break, 'Arctic and Aurora Adventure'. We’ve added an extra night at Malangen with an icebreaking trip on the fjord. for those who have more time and just can’t bring themselves to leave.

Tromsø
Some Arctic ports are built to withstand the elements and aren’t always the prettiest places in the world. And then there’s Tromsø. If you fly in at night, the city sparkles in the winter chill and the street lights reflected against Arctic Ocean inlets recreate a tantalising impression of how the Aurora might appear in the night sky.

For somewhere so far north, Tromsø is a remarkably cosmopolitan place boasting far more than its fair share of attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and nightlife. If you’re staying in the city then two places in particular should command your attention, The Polar Museum and Polaria.

Camp Tamok
Leave the urban sophistication of Tromsø, follow the course of the Balsfjorden onto what is little more than a track seemingly leading to the absolute dead centre of nowhere. Just when you’re convinced that you are lost in a remote wilderness surrounded by towering snowy mountains, you find yourself at Camp Tamok.

You may recall the scene at the end of Dances with Wolves when Kevin Costner leaves the Indian camp on horseback. The teepees are covered in snow, the natives are wrapped in warm clothing and fires burn to ward off the winter chill. We’d describe Camp Tamok as a latter day Indian Camp but with a few (not a lot) more facilities.

Malangen
Malangen offers modern comforts and an absolutely stunning fjord setting. Situated on the Malangen Fjord, accommodation is in fjord facing apartments while the restaurant in main building serves delicious cuisine with local produce very much to the fore.

Malangen’s shoreline location means there is virtually no light pollution so there’s an excellent chance of seeing an unsullied Aurora Borealis. You can even do it in style by taking advantage of the glass fronted sauna or the outdoor hottub.

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Day 1: Arrivals, transfers and introductions
 
On arrival at Tromsø Airport, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel for an introduction with your guide. The evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure and Tromsø has a lively nightlife with some great restaurants and bars.
 
Day 2: Tromsø and Northern Lights snowshoeing
 
Many Arctic cities are built to withstand the elements and can not generally be described as being particularly pretty. Tromsø is the exception. If you fly in at night, you’ll see the city lights reflected in the Arctic Ocean and the river making it look like the Fabulous Jeweled City of the North.

It’s a cosmopolitan kind of place with a young and energetic population who have caused a thriving café, bar and restaurant culture to spring up. There are galleries and shops to occupy you during the day as well as the main tourist attractions of Polaria and the Polar Museum.

If you would rather escape the city and explore Tromsø’s mountainous hinterland then why not try a snowmobile safari exploring the winter wilderness which lies inland from Tromsø? Please just ask for details.

In the late afternoon, you will be driven to Camp Tamok and as you approach the camp, the contrast between city sophistication and untamed wilderness becomes increasingly obvious.

By now, you should be doing a little cloud clearing dance because there are few better places from which to observe the Aurora Borealis than this wilderness camp. This evening, you’ll be strapping on snowshoes and your guide will lead you out of the camp and away from any residual light pollution in search of the Northern Lights.
 
Day 3: Dog sledding and Malangen Fjord
 
Waking up at Camp Tamok is like finding yourself in a completely different and snow bound world. It’s even more bewildering when there is a bunch of over-excited huskies waiting to take you out into the wilds beyond the camp.

After a tuition and safety briefing, you’ll head away from camp to explore the fjord and mountain scenery that surrounds it. There is no better way to travel here in the Arctic and once the dogs calm down after their initial excitement, the only sound will be the patter of canine feet and your sled’s runners on the trail. It’s almost hypnotic.

After a wonderful morning with your canine trail partners, you’ll return to Camp Tamok for lunch before heading to the somewhat more comfortable environment at Malangen Brygger. Once there, you’ll doubtless welcome a warm shower and maybe spend some time relaxing in the glass fronted sauna which overlooks the fjord.

Dinner is served in the main building but don’t forget to cast an eye outside for the Aurora, this is top Northern Lights country.
 
Day 4: Fjord boat trip and Northern Lights snowshoeing
 
This morning you will board a privately owned boat and head out onto the Malangen fjord to experience the wonderful Norwegian coastline up close and personal. Smaller vessels like this one make the waters far more navigable than the big cruise ships which means you can get closer to the fjords and witness the birds, mammals and other geological features at much closer quarters. Lunch will be served on board.

This evening you’ll again be putting on the snowshoes for the ascent to Camp Nikka. Camp Nikka has a shelter and your guide will get a fire on the go so all you need to do is sit and wait, hoping that the Aurora Borealis comes out to play. If it does, there are few better vantage points from which to witness nature’s wonderful Light show.
 
Day 5: Departure (or extend your stay in Tromsø)
 
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Tromsø Airport for your return flights. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to extend your stay in Norway.  Please contact us for details.