Package includes:
4 night hotel
Half board
Northern lights museum, taste of Lapland, Arctic adventure, Aurora hunt, husky safari and tour of Igloo Hotel
(The order of activities is subject to change)
Return airport transfers
Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
Agenda 4 nights
Wednesday
Flights, arrival and introduction
On arrival, you will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to the Park Hotel for an introductory dinner and a relaxing evening prior to tomorrow’s activities.
Thursday
Northern Lights Exhibition and Aurora Hunt
Alta was a significant Northern Lights centre in the 1800’s and the museum reflects this close association with the Aurora Borealis. The area was also a religious meeting place in the late Stone Age (4200-1800 BC) and early Metal Age (2000 BC - 300 AD) giving rise to dozens of very fine examples of rock art. So much so in fact that the rock art in Hjemmeluft, Kåfjord, Transfarelv, Storsteinen and Amtmannsnes are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The museum also focuses on these remarkable early works of art. This evening you’ll be driven out of town and away from any light pollution in pursuit of your first celestial light show. There’s a good chance you’ll be out and about until midnight but the rewards for your endeavours can be great and if the Aurora Borealis do appear then your guide will help you set your camera so that you are able to record the moment.
Friday
Friday: Optional husky safari and Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
This morning you can either have a nice lie in or we can arrange for you to embark on a true wilderness adventure; a husky safari. You can drive a team or ride in a sled, the choice is entirely yours. The safari will take us through the forest and along the Alta River. There is nothing to compare with the thrill of being pulled across an ancient landscape by a team of huskies. A warm drink and cake will be served in a lavvu tent. This evening’s excursion is a real treat.We drive to Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (this is where Joanna Lumley stayed - albeit reluctantly) for a guided visit of this amazing tribute to ice and snow architecture.
The visit is followed by dinner in the Laksestua Restaurant.
Saturday
Sami adventure and final evening frivolity!
You can’t come this far north without learning about and experiencing the remarkable Sami way of life.We’ll hear a traditional Sami yoik (chant) and stories that have passed from generation to generation. For the adventurous there will also be the opportunity to take part in a Sami challenge - racing with a reindeer and sleigh. Lunch is served in a laavu.
And finally, this evening we have given you a delightful choice of activities. You can either return to the Igloo Hotel for an overnight stay in the fabulous ice accommodation or, for those who prefer home comforts, you can experience a real taste of Norwegian Lapland. You will be taken to Alta’s old centre and have a dip in the outdoor hot tubs before a gourmet dinner including king crab and other specialities such as reindeer. Either option provides a fitting end to a fascinating holiday.
Sunday
Return airport transfer
After breakfast, you return to Alta Airport for your flights home. Please note that we can also arrange for you to spend extra time in Norway.
This holiday in Alta is designed to allow you to experience the culture of the high Arctic in a relaxing and comfortable way. A gentle pace is the order of the day. The tour is also designed to provide excellent opportunities to experience the spectacular Northern Lights.
Departure dates from January to March 2011
