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Bespoke Tour Operator Up Norway offer an extensive range of curated journeys and experiences catering to a wide range of tastes with something for everyone.

One of their most popular journeys is exploring the mystical Arctic Circle with two options for a five or 15 day itinerary as preferred.  The Arctic Circle is one of two polar circles and the most northerly of the five major circles of latitude on the earth’s map.  It marks the northernmost point at which the center of the noon sun is just visible in the December solstice and the southernmost point at which the center of the midnight sun is just visible in the June solstice.

While the word ‘Arctic’ may make you think of snowy wasteland, blizzards, ice crevasses and perishing cold, the reality is that the Arctic Circle region is a place of magical light, breath-taking beauty, serene tranquility and gloriously unspoiled nature filled with wildlife.

Travellers can choose from the following itineraries:

Bathing in the Arctic Glow – Inland, Fjordland and the Mythical Islands of Helgeland

This five-day loop around Norway’s Arctic Circle is ideal for those seeing an authentic introduction to Norwegian coastal history, culture, glorious landscapes and gastronomic story-telling experiences.  The region covers a fairytale landscape of misty mountains, snow dusted islets, aquamarine waters, verdant green pastures and vistas that have been unchanged for centuries.  Rambling between the salmon-fishing island of Lovund, Utsarpen village by the Ranfjord and the industrial yet very chic city of Mo i Rana, travellers will discover spectacular natural landscapes, a rich cultural and industrial history and enjoy sumptuous local cuisine from both land and sea.

Venture on a journey where just getting there is half the experience.  Follow the salmon as they swim against the current.  Visit authentic local communities that are uncommercialised for the foreign market and enjoy Nordic-style luxury, embedded so deep in nature, you will feel the elements infusing into your senses.

Well-Earned Tea Break at The Svartisen Glacier

Click here for the full itinerary https://upnorway.com/journey/bathing-arctic-glow

Duration:  5 days

Season:  Year Round

Inclusions:

  • Transportation – by train, ferry, RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and private transfers across the Arctic Circle
  • Full board 1-night stay at the historic Hotel Meyergården with visits to the Grønligrotta cave and the Mo Industrial Park
  • Farm- and sea-to-table dinner experience and overnight accommodation at Til Elise, with RIB (rigid inflatable boat) excursion to Litlhaug Farm
  • 2-night full board stay at Lovund Hotel with guided island walk and private day trip by boat to the iconic Træna island
  • Up Norway services and digital travel guide

Price: From USD 3,153 per person based on 2 people travelling together

Norway’s Arctic Circle Region : Myths and Marvels in Helgeland

Bolga Island

This epic journey through spectacular natural landscapes includes fjords, mountains, incredible coastline, many small islands, lush forests, rambling rivers and a labyrinth of marble-lined caves.  Discover and explore the rich cultural landscape shaped by seafarers, fish-farmers and indigenous Samis who have lived there for generations.  Each tiny island and village has its own story, bound together in the Myth of Helgeland.  Local tales and stories literally rose out of the unique land formations and animated the spectacular scenery, stretching from Lofoten in the north to Lekamoya some 358 km further south.  According to legend, the antics of Vagakallen, Suliskongen, Hestemannen and the Seven Sister Mountains came to an end when daylight turned them all into stone and froze them forever in their current locations.

Highlights include the Lofoten Islands, a cruise on the new hybrid catamaran complete with live feed from an underwater drone, a cruise on one of the world’s most beautiful sea voyages to Svolvoer where you will see the mystic arctic glow, a guided expedition on the famous Salt Mountain and Black Ice Glacier and a visit to a former hydropower village where you will climb the 1120 wooden stairway built in 1919 known as the ‘stairway to heaven’ during which breathtaking scenery or fjords and mountains will become visible before dining on sumptuous local cuisine at the mountain top.  During the second half of this incredible journey, travelers will enjoy three days on a houseboat exploring the Archipelago and can explore islands of their choice by bicycle should they choose, before cruising to Sandnessjoen, the home of the majestic Seven Sisters Mountains.   Visit the historic town of Mosjoen with its picturesque wooden houses dating back to the 18th century, ride the inland train through stunning countryside to Suliskongen, home of the indigenous Samis who bought a whole new set of traditions and myths when they arrived from Lapland 80 years ago.  The last two days of this memorable journey include a guided hike in the chalk-bedrock landscape that is abundant with interesting plants and wildlife with a variety of activities including visiting the marble caves.  Meet a local Sami family who will share stories of their lives and learn about their eight seasons and the genius of their reindeer-herding cyclical economy.  The Samis have understood the secret of sustainability for generations.  This epic journey ends as it began, with a loop back to Bodo with a picturesque two hour train ride.

Click here for full itinerary https://upnorway.com/journey/norways-arctic-circle-region

Helgeland Havhus

Duration:  15 days

Season:  May – October

Inclusions:

  • 14 night’s accommodation with breakfast including overnight Hurtigruten cruise
  • Rental car while in Lofoten
  • Gourmet Cruise to Henningsvær in Lofoten
  • Sustainable transportation choices on land and sea throughout
  • Privately guided activities with meals: Svartisen Glacier Experience, The Fykan Stairs Climb, Seven Sisters Hike, Nordland National Park Centre Hike, Dinner with indigenous Samis
  • Up Norway services and digital travel guide

Price: From USD 6,070 per person based on 2 people travelling together