When you go searching for the astounding Northern Lights, you will discover the joys of husky-sledding pulled by delightful Arctic dogs, meeting the traditional nomads of Scandinavia called the Sami people who are also reindeer herders and riding the famous Flam Railway to the tiny village of Flam.

Hurtigruten’s popular 18-day escorted small group journey, traversing Norway, Finland and Estonia, does just that and more.

Never has the hunt for the Northern Lights been more picturesque. Now you can embark on this coveted, 18-day journey with Hurtigruten with prices starting from $7950 pp departing in 2022 and 2023.

Your holiday starts in Oslo, the capital of Norway where you will be taken on a city tour visiting Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo Opera House and Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

The next day, you will go on “Norway in a Nutshell” tour where you will catch the morning train to Myrdal and change trains for the famous Flam Railway which passes spectacular mountains and fjords to arrive at the tiny but beautiful village of Flam. You will overnight at Flam.

You will then board the ferry at Flam and sail to Gudvangen, passing through the narrow and breathtaking Naeroyfjord. You will continue your journey by bus, watching spellbound as waterfalls line the road as you weave through the valley to Voss to board a train to Bergen.

Here you will go for a walking tour visiting St Mary’s Church, Hakon‘s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen. You will also visit Troldhaugen, home to Norway’s famous composer, Edvard Grieg. You will then be taken to Bergen pier to board the Hurtigruten ship.

Your cruise will take you to your first port of call, Alesund the town renowned for its art nouveau architecture and gateway to the striking fjords including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.

You will then call at Trondheim and explore Norway’s first capital city.

The next day you will cross the Arctic Circle and the hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. You will pass through the dramatic and narrow Raftsund and Trollfjord.

As the ship heads to Tromso, the major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, this is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. Make sure you visit the 1965 Arctic Cathedral with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows.

Your ship will then continue to Honningsvag, the nearest port to the North Cape, about 200km from the North Pole.

After cruising through Kirkenes, you will arrive at one of the highpoints of your journey, Inari, the Sami capital who are traditional nomads of Scandinavia and reindeer herders. Enjoy watching the Sami people interact with the reindeers.

At Saariselka, you will be taken to a husky farm where you will squeal with delight meeting the Arctic dogs and learn how they are trained. In the evening, you can opt for an Aurora Borealis tour.

You will continue your cruise to Sinetta and visit the Santa Claus village. In the evening, you will spend the night in a glass igloo.

At Rantasalmi. you will enjoy a tour to the Finnish Lakes district before arriving in Helsinki, the capital of Finland where you can trace Finnish history from the Stone Age at the National Museum, visit the Market Square and Helsinki Cathedral.

You will then continue your cruise to the medieval town of Tallinn in Estonia where you can walk through the cobbled streets of the old town to Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian government.

The next day, your holiday concludes in Helsinki.

Hurtigruten is offering 10 per cent off if you upgrade your suite in its Follow the Lights itinerary for 2022/23 so you can save up to $600 pp.

And if the Aurora Borealis does not appear during your Northern Lights cruise, you will receive a six or seven-day Classic Voyage free.

Terms and Conditions: Follow the Lights saving based on per person twin share in Expedition Suite Cabin Grade Q4, departing 29 September 2022. Savings as at 29 April 2021. Valid for new bookings booked by 23 May 2021 unless sold out prior. The ‘savings’ may be subject to fluctuation as Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability. This offer is subject to withdrawal at any time without notice. Visit our website for full terms and conditions.