Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

10-Day Above the Arctic Circle

  • view trip mapView Trip Map
  • downloadDownload
  • shareShare

Overview

With Rovaniemi in Finland as your starting point, you will go on an Arctic Circle tour in the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' for ten wonderful, winter-filled days.

In your own vehicle or rental car on your own schedule, you'll travel across Sweden to Norway's Lofoten Islands. You'll then continue with a Hurtigruten cruise from the Lofoten Islands to Tromso and from there, you'll drive via the North Cape back to Finland and Rovaniemi.

Among many highlights of this adventure, you'll visit the Ice Hotel - a hotel completely built of ice which remains at a constant minus five Celcius, you'll explore the Abisko National Park and take in the breathtaking villages on the Lofoten Islands.

After taking on one of the world’s most beautiful sea voyages, you'll explore the beautiful town of Tromso, known for being the best place to observe the Northern Lights. The panoramic view of the open wide expanse of the Arctic Ocean at the North Cape, a visit to the Sapmi Sami Cultural Centre and meeting Santa Claus at the famous Santa Claus Village will complete your magical trip!
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Rovaniemi

Hide details accordion
Arrive in Rovaniemi

Today, you'll arrive in Rovaniemi according to your own itinerary. Rovaniemi is located where Lapland’s mighty rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki meet. As the capital of the province, Rovaniemi has always been a gateway to Lapland. A well known sight is the Arktikum Museum, which presents the interaction between man and nature in northern areas. Arktikum also houses the Provincial Museum of Lapland.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Santa Claus4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovaniemi

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Today, you'll arrive in Rovaniemi according to your own itinerary.

Day 2

Rovaniemi to Abisko

Hide details accordion
Rovaniemi to Abisko

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll cover 490 kilometres as you drive to Abisko. You'll drive towards Sweden and cross the border at Pello, then you'll continue along the Torne River and then towards Kiruna. In Jukkasjärvi, you should stop to visit the Ice Hotel 365, the all-year-round building. From the plus degrees of summer, you move into the Ice Hotel with a constant temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius (remember to bring warm clothes). Continue to Abisko National Park for the night.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Abisko Tourist Station

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ice Hotel 365Optional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Rovaniemi to Abisko National ParkOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovaniemi

    Norrbotten County

Day 3

Abisko to Lofoten Islands

Hide details accordion
Abisko to Lofoten Islands

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll begin your drive of over 230 kilometres over the border to the Lofoten Islands. Before leaving, you'll have time to explore the Abisko National Park. En route, it is recommended that you stop in Narvik to take a trip with the cable car up to 656 metres above sea level, from where you will have a panoramic view over the town and the surrounding area. Then, you'll take two ferry crossings to reach the Lofoten Islands.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Scandic Svolvaer3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Abisko National ParkOptional Activity

    Narvik Cable CarOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Abisko to Lofoten

    Ferry from Skarberget to Bognes

    Ferry from Skutvik to Svolvær

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Norrbotten County

    Narvik

    Nordland

Day 4

Lofoten Islands, Viking Museum & Drive to Harstad

Hide details accordion
Lofoten Islands, Viking Museum & Drive to Harstad

After breakfast at the hotel, it is recommended that you visit at one of the breathtaking villages on the Lofoten Islands, for example, Henningsvær or Stamsund, where you can explore the archipelago’s famous fishermen’s shacks. Also recommendable is a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum. In the afternoon, you'll follow the new mainland connection from the Lofoten Islands to the Vesterålen region and Harstad.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Thon Hotel Harstad3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lofoten IslandsOptional Activity

    Lofotr Viking MuseumOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Lofoten to HarstadOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nordland

    Svolvær

    Harstad Municipality

Day 5

Cruise from Harstad to Tromso

Hide details accordion
Cruise from Harstad to Tromso

This morning, you'll depart from Harstad to Tromso on the Hurtigruten Cruise. The 6.5-hour cruise with the Norwegian Coastal Voyage is part of the world’s most beautiful sea voyage, during which you will pass a beautiful scenery of large and small islands, skerries and sounds. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Tromso, the city which has many names to live up to. You should visit the Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria Museum, the Northern Light Planetarium or Tromsø Museum.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Thon Hotel Tromso3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hurtigruten Cruise from Harstad to Tromso

    TromsoOptional Activity

    The Polar Museum - Arctic University Museum of NorwayOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Harstad Municipality

    Tromsø

Day 6

Tromso to Alta

Hide details accordion
Tromso to Alta

This morning, you'll set off on a short drive from Tromso to Breivikeidet where a ferry crossing will take you to Svendsby. You'll then continue to Lyngseidet for another ferry crossing from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen, during which you will have a wonderful view of the Lyngen Alps. You'll then arrive in Alta, where you can visit the Alta Museum with its more than 2,500 prehistoric rock carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Thon Hotel Alta3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    AltaOptional Activity

    Alta MuseumOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Tromsø to AltaOptional Activity

    Ferry from Breivikeidet to Svensby

    Ferry from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tromsø

    Alta

Day 7

Alta to North Cape

Hide details accordion
Alta to North Cape

Continuing your Arctic Circle tour, you'll drive 180 kilometres from Alta towards the North Cape. You'll drive along the Road of the Midnight Sun to Kåfjord where an underwater tunnel will bring you to the Magerøya Island and the North Cape. In the evening, it is recommended that you head to the North Cape Plateau where you can admire the panoramic view of the open wide expanse of the Arctic Ocean and perhaps have the opportunity to see the Midnight Sun.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Scandic Bryggen3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    North Cape Plateau

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Alta to HonningsvågOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Honningsvåg to North CapeOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from North Cape to HonningsvågOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Alta

    Nordkapp Municipality

    Finnmark

Day 8

North Cape to Ivalo

Hide details accordion
North Cape to Ivalo

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll drive to Kåfjord and along the Porsangerfjord to Lakselv, claiming to be the site of the world’s northernmost winery, Bio Nordkapp. You'll continue on the Reindeer Road to Karasjok, the capital of the Sami people. Here, you should stop to visit the Sapmi Sami Cultural Centre and learn more about the Sami people and their culture. Cross the border to Finland, the land of the thousand lakes, at Karigasniemi, and drive along the beautiful Lake Inari to Ivalo.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Ivalo3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sapmi Sami Culture ParkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Honningsvåg to IvaloOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nordkapp Municipality

    Karasjok

    Inari

Day 9

Ivalo to Rovaniemi

Hide details accordion
Ivalo to Rovaniemi

Following breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart from from Ivalo in a southern direction through beautiful arctic scenery. It is recommended to stop in the authentic gold village, Tankavaara. Just before reaching Rovaniemi you will cross the Arctic Circle, you should also visit the famous Santa Claus Village. Here, you will have the possibility to meet Santa Claus, find shops selling Finnish glass and souvenirs, send postcards from Santa’s post office and visit magical exhibitions.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Santa Claus4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tankavaara Gold VillageOptional Activity

    Santa Claus VillageOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Ivalo to Rovaniemi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Inari

    Lapland

    Rovaniemi

Day 10

Departure from Rovaniemi

Hide details accordion
Departure from Rovaniemi

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart from Rovaniemi according to your own itinerary.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Rovaniemi to Rovaniemi AirportOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovaniemi

Included in Price

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 2 activities
  • 9 breakfasts
  • Entrance fees

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
pdf icon

Want to Read This Later?

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

Why Choose Designer Journeys

access

Access Exclusive Experiences

Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.

local expertise

Extraordinary Local Expertise

Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.

support

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.

custom travel designed

Travel Designed For You

Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.

Image - Designer Journeys
Image - Designer Journeys
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY

Why Travel with Designer Journeys

Smile icon
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.

At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.

Message icon
Connect and Design With an Expert.

Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.

Trust icon
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.

Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.

As seen on
Partners