We combine the Arctic lands of Sweden, Finland and Norway to see and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

Vesteralen & Lofoten Islands
From Tromso we head for the wild Vesteralen and Lofoten islands that jut out of the Norwegian Sea like jagged teeth. Crossing the sea, we hope to spot whales plunging in the water. We'll explore the craggy coastline (home to many seabird colonies including puffins), go hiking in the hills, and relax in the sauna in the evening. Next we make a superb drive following the rugged coastal fjords to Narvik, then cut through the mountain range to Abisko in the Swedish fells.

Lapland, Land of Reindeer Herdsmen
We now enter Lapland, land of the Sami herdsmen: a colourful people whose life is geared to the migratory pattern of their reindeer herds. This enormous rolling wilderness is sprinkled with lakes that shimmer gold in the evening sun and with soft carpets of arctic flowers. We plan to spend our days making the most of the long hours and clear air. Day hikes, biking or canoeing are possible in this wilderness area. At Inari, the centre of Sami culture in Finland, we can explore the lake, perhaps catching fresh fish for dinner!

North Cape - the Top of Europe
Heading even further north through the tundra, we take the tunnel across to the rocky outcrop of North Cape, situated on the edge of the Arctic waters - the so-called "Sea of Ice". Here at the tip of Europe the twilight night-sky glows misty pink and orange. Early in the summer the "Midnight Sun" can be viewed from towering cliffs of black granite, which rise 300m straight out of the sea. We head south, crossing fjords, then finally make a dramatic day's hike through the stunning landscapes, near Alta.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Tromso. 2 Drive and ferry to Andenes on Andoya Island (Vesteralen). 3 Optional whalewatching; bus and ferry to Kabelvag on Vestvagoy Island (Lofoten); optional walks and exploring. 4 In Kabelvag; optional boat trips or walks. 5 Ferry and drive via Narvik to Abisko area (Sweden). 6 In Abisko; optional hikes. 7 Drive Enontekio, (Finland). 8 Drive Inari Lake area; optional visit to Lapp village; optional rafting. 9 At Inari; explore lake by canoe, hikes, optional sea-plane flight or Siida museum. 10 Drive and tunnel to Skarsvag on North Cape Island (Norway). Visit Nord Kapp. 11 Optional walk to Europe's most northerly point; optional boat trip to bird colonies. 12 Drive Alta. 13 Drive to Sautso Canyon area; optional walks. 14 Return Tromso. 15 End Tromso.

Accommodation:5nts simple campsite cabins, 9nts camping; 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 11 dinners included.
Transport: Coach/Ferries/On foot.
Comment: This trip to the remote and beautiful north of Scandinavia involves a couple of long drives, but also plenty of walks (optional). Campsites are generally well equipped and on 5 nights we stay in more comfortable cabins. Some camping nights can generally be upgraded to cabins, depending on availability.
Group: Approx. 18 to 24.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, cook and a driver.
Trip Reference: AA