Northern Lights Christmas Expedition

TROMSØ - LYNGEN - SKJERVØY - TROMSØ

During this time of year, millions of herring enter the Northern Norwegian coastline to spawn which in turn attracts majestic animals such as orcas and humpback whales. This event makes it the perfect time of year to watch humpback whales and orcas, and it also coincides with the spectacular Northern Lights season!
Our highly skilled and knowledgeable expedition team will welcome you onboard. They will teach you about the whales and Marine Biology, the science behind the Aurora Borealis, how to shoot the perfect Northern Lights photo and much more.
As part of this adventurous expedition, you will also go to the northernmost distillery, visit the Arctic huskies, visit the historical photo gallery in Havnnes, and experience the famous Fjellheisen Cable Car in Tromsø! All while indulging in the finest Arctic Cuisine.

Note: To ensure we provide you with the greatest experience possible, the program below can be adjusted due to forecasted weather, local knowledge as well as current location of wildlife. We will provide you with the daily program every morning at breakfast.

Planned Daily Itinerary:

Day 1

17:00 We embark MV Quest in Tromso.

Our crew and expedition team welcome you aboard the ship, and you will be given an introduction to the full program, the ship and safety while on the expedition. This will be followed by our welcome dinner where you will be served the finest of the Arctic Cuisine.
After dinner, we will be picked up for our very first Northern Lights excursion. We will take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain where we will get a spectacular view over Tromsø City. Our first search for Northern Lights begins at the top, and you will be introduced to Night Vision Photography.
Back on the ship, we will set course towards the famous Lyngen Alps and the Arctic Wildlife.

Day 2

08:00 Breakfast & Presentation of Today's Program

This day will be spent at our Wilderness Camp where you will meet our adorable huskies and their mushers. We will plan the winter activities for the day depending on weather and availability. Activities could include dog sledding, snowmobiling, a visit to the Ice Domes, and the Sami people and their reindeers. Lunch will be served around a bonfire in the Wilderness Camp.
Our fourth day will finish off by chasing the Northern Lights, and our Expedition Team will choose the best location based on the weather & Northern Lights forecast along with local observations.

Day 3

08:00 Breakfast & Presentation of Today's Program

The third day of the expedition is Christmas Eve! In Norway, the 24th of December is the main day for Christmas celebrations, and we will celebrate in style. We visit the beautifully decorated Christmas city Tromsø and let the holiday spirit wash over us with a stroll through the streets.
We will go to “Full Steam” which is a cod museum based in the city. Here, we will be able to take part in a tasting and learn about the Norwegian Christmas traditions as well as the local products made from code. There is a Traditional Norwegian Christmas Ceremony at Tromsø Domkirke at 14:00 where we will take part.
The day will end with a Christmas Dinner onboard the ship and the rest of the Christmas celebration. There will be no dress code.

Day 4

08:00 Breakfast & Presentation of Today's Program

This morning we will wake up north of Skjervøy- a famous spot for whale watching. The Expedition Team will find the very best spots and we will go there. Depending on the weather and the specific locations we end up going to, we will either watch from the deck or launch the Zodiacs.
After lunch, the Expedition Team will invite you to join in the panorama lounge where we will have an educational lecture while enjoying the scenery on our way to Havnnes. The second part of the day will include a trip to a historical photo gallery where you will be guided through both the gallery and the historical buildings in the village of Havnnes.
After dinner, the day will be polished off with another Northern Lights excursion.

Day 5

08:00 Breakfast & Presentation of Today's Program

The whale watching continues! Expedition Team will find the very best spots and we will go there. Depending on the weather and the specific locations we end up going to, we will either watch from the deck or launch the Zodiacs.
After lunch, we will set the course towards the famous Lyngen Alps. We will then meet in the panorama lounge where there will be given a lecture by our expedition team while we enjoy the scenic winter landscapes in the hidden fjords of Northern Norway.
This evening we will visit Aurora Spirits which is the northernmost distillery in the world. We will be given a distillery walk through and there will be an optional tasting experience. At this same location, we will visit a historical defense bunker which dates to the Cold War.
Dinner will be enjoyed surrounded by the majestic Lyngen Alps onboard the ship. Our final activity of the day will be hunting for Northern Lights.

Day 6

08:00 Breakfast

On our last morning, we wake up in Tromsø City and disembarking starts at 10:00. The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and expedition family, and we hope you had an amazing adventure with us!

Highlights

Norwegian Christmas Traditions

Wilderness Activity Day

The Husky Experience

Northern Lights Hunting

Whale Watching

Indulge in Arctic Cuisine

Engaging Wildlife, Nature & Photography Lectures

Historical Arctic Attractions

Included

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Coffee, Tea & Snacks

Professional Expedition Team

All Bus Transfers

Professional Photography Guide

Wildlife & Nature Photo Excursions

Fjellheisen Cable Car

5 Nights of Northern Lights Hunting

Aurora Spirit Distillery

Historical Fisherman's Village

Whale Watching

Visit the Arctic Huskies

Visit to a Historical Bunker from the Cold War

"Full Steam" - Experience the Cod Fishery Museum

Meeting Place: Kai 20, Terminalgata 39, 9019 Tromsø (Breivika)