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Isle of the Midnight Sun
offered by supplier M06982 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 6
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Norway
Specialty Categories:
Walking Tours
Season: July - August
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 3200 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 3200 US Dollar (USD)
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If hiking among razor-back mountains on islands in the Norwegian Sea and Arctic Ocean and feeling the power of giant sperm whales as they blast to the surface sound like adventures not to be missed, then consider this trip. If the sun dipping, but never setting into the ocean seems like something you should see, then consider this trip. There is nowhere else on earth more spectacular and fascinating than Norway's Lofoten Islands, the destination for this adventure. And, traveling with Destination Wilderness enables you to experience the best of the Lofotens in the care of our knowledgeable and experienced American and Scandinavian guides.
The trip begins with a short tour of Bodø and then a scenic flight from Bodø to Andenes, a pretty sea side town on the Vesterålen Islands. After settling in to our delightful seaside accommodations we board a World Wildlife Fund research vessel and ply the northern Norwegian sea in search of the giant leviathan sperm whales that call these waters home. After an afternoon of great whale watching we return to the lodging for a great meal and a night of tranquility above the Arctic Circle. The next day we leisurely travel overland south, to the fishing town of Reine, famous for its scenic setting and dried fish unique to this region. Here we will spend three days, exploring the mountains and coastal plains that sit exposed on the Norwegian Sea side of these sentinel Islands. We also spend a day visiting a fascinating sea cave that hosts centuries old cave paintings. This place is accessed only by nimble and exciting Zodiac rafts. On the last day we board a ferry near the town of Å (that's right, Å), and sail back to the Norwegian mainland, filled with memories of this unique island paradise.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Flight and Whale Watching Day! After a quick tour of Bodø we fly in the early afternoon to Andenes, a scenic coastal town on the northernmost point of the Vesterålen Islands, the northern cousin of the Lofotens. After arriving in this quaint and scenic town we head to our idyllic seaside cabins, get situated, and then head out for a late afternoon of world class whale watching. We start the trip at the Andenes Whale Center which features a museum and interpretive presentation by a local naturalist. Following this tour we board a research vessel and head out to sea for three to five hours, depending on weather and sightings. One of the most highly regarded whale watching tours on earth, this trip typically features numerous sightings of the giant sperm whale. However, while over 90% of these tours have whale sightings there is no guarantee. Also, in the case of extreme weather, the trip may be canceled. Although rare, if this does happen we may be able to reschedule for the following day. After this trip we head back to our cottages and enjoy a delicious Norwegian dinner.
Day 2: Bird Watching and Overland Day! From the dock near our cabins we board a sightseeing vessel and head out to the nearby coastal island that is host to thousands of puffins! Here we marvel at these little birds that nest on the steep cliffs. We then travel overland from Vesteralen along the stunning rural roads of this arctic island. We arrive in Reine in the southernmost region of the Lofotens and get comfortable in rorbus which could be considered to be some of highest latitude island dwellings on earth! The highways and byways traveled on this day are among the most scenic in the world. This afternoon we can explore Reine and Hamoy, the towns we will call home for the next few days.
Day 3: Hiking Day! We will head out for an all-day hike into the wilderness of the Lofoten Islands. On this day we will carry our lunch with us and visit mountain passes that provide unbelievably dramatic views as far as you can see (weather permitting). We return this afternoon to our rørbus and have the option of rowing a boat around the inlet that hosts the towns of Reine and Hamnøy. The hiking location varies depending on weather and ground conditions.
Day 4: Refikshula Cave Day! After being picked up at the rørbu by the Zodiac raft we head out to the waters surrounding the Lofotens and travel south along the jagged coast until we reach the docking point for Refikshula. From here, we walk up and into the cave that hosts centuries-old cave paintings. Here our naturalist/guide explains how the ancient people chose to visit and inhabit the cave. After returning to the rørbus we have the option of hiking again, just relaxing at the rørbus, or exploring the friendly confines of Reine.
Day 5: Another Hiking Day! We venture to another part of this amazing place and spend the day exploring by foot the mountain passes, expansive beaches, and alpine meadows that make Lofoten a premier hiking locale. The panoramas and forever views can leave you awestruck by the power and beauty of natural Norway.
Day 6: Arctic Sea Crossing Day. After a leisurely morning we board the ferry to return to the mainland. This ferry ride, approximately three hours long, affords great views of the Norwegian coast as we pull away from the knife-edge archipelago, and increasingly dramatic views of the Norwegian coast as we approach Bodø. We reach Bodø in the late afternoon and participate in a celebration dinner, which we complete in time for the all night train to Trondheim.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Youth is under 16; the minimum age is 12. 6-Day Trip (Price based on five or fewer total participants); Adult: $3200; Youth: $2800
6-Day Trip (Price based on six or more total participants); Adult: $2800; Youth: $2500;
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Norway
Walking Tours
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