Transport & Accommodation

·      5 nights’ accommodation including guesthouse on a twin room basis and camping

·      Breakfast, Lunch and a fantastic 3 course Dinner served each day; Drinks are additional

·      Services of a tour representative throughout the duration of the tour

Activities & Entertainment

·      Watching the Northern Lights from guesthouse Jacuzzi

·      Introduction to the dogs

·      Husky Safari through mixed terrain including forest, valleys and frozen lakes

·      Warm lunch of local raw materials in the wilderness

·      Camping outside offering the best opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis

·      Snowshoe trip up the local peak and a sled back to guesthouse

·      Spa relaxation with Sauna and Jacuzzi

·      Optional activities: King crab safari or Snow mobile safari; Lunch and transportation included in activity

·      Possibilities for activities at the guesthouse for those not attending optional activities: bob sledging, hiking, ice fishing, making camp fire, making snow hut, "snow ball war" etc.

·      Experience of the Barents festival in Kirkenes, the biggest celebration of the year for Sami people

·      Plenty of free time to explore Oslo and Kirkenes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:

You will be flying from Dublin to Oslo Rygge airport this day. You will be met at Dublin by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in Oslo where you will have your welcome dinner. This will be the first time for many to see the capital of Norway so tonight we will be introducing everyone to each other and having a few drinks in the hotel to warm up. We will be staying in Northern Europe's tallest hotel, the 4 star Radisson Blue Hotel. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, magnificent Oslo stands as an exercise in contrasts. On one hand is its growing metropolis of more than half a million people, whose gleaming, glass-and-steel skyline and ultra-modern shopping centres form a fascinating juxtaposition with wide avenues and stunning late 19th- and early 20th-century Neoclassical architecture. On the other hand are Oslo's vast forested areas, public parks, botanical gardens, and network of pathways, which traverse the mountains on which the city was built – a true nature lover's city if ever there was one. There are lots to do in Oslo and your guide will fill you in on all the activities that will take place.
Day 2:
This morning we will be taking the plane up to the much anticipated town of Kirkenes in the arctic circle. We will arrive in the afternoon, enough time for a stroll around the town before we arrive at your guesthouse. Marvel at the expanse and beauty and clean air of the region. It is such a wonderful site landing at Kirkenes airport, looking out your window at endless forestry and snow under you. Have a lovely Norwegian dinner tonight with Rune and his family. It will be your first time to see the Northern Lights. Have a drink outside at the barbecue area or if you are brave enough, take to the Jacuzzi and look at lights bouncing across the sky. This will be the first time you will be introduced to the dogs as well!

Day 3:

Start off with a traditional Norwegian breakfast in the guesthouse and be ready for your first days Husky Safari. Husky safari starts at the kennel at the guesthouse. You go in mixed terrain through forest, valleys and on frozen lakes. Enjoy the silence of the landscape while going with your own dog team, or are seated comfortably in the sledge as a passenger. Feel the interaction between you and the dogs while being guided safely through the winter borderland. The trip ends with a warm lunch of local raw materials in the wilderness. You will be camping tonight and it will be your best opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis. Duration: about 6-7 hours.
Day 4:

You will get to snowshoe up the local peak today, an experience that you will not forget. With views all over this amazing area, don't forget to hug your guide! You will sled back to Sollia, relax and spa with Sauna and Jacuzzi, have an exclusive 3 course dinner and drinks.

Day 5:
Breakfast followed by your Optional activity - King crab safari NOK 1290 per person or Snow mobile safari from NOK 1800 per person - Lunch and transportation included in activity For those not attending optional activities there are possibilities for several activities at the guesthouse, i.e. bob sledging, hiking, ice fishing, making camp fire, making snow hut, "snow ball war", etc. Three course farewell dinner in Gapahuken restaurant. Remember that we will be in Kirkenes for the Barents festival so on this last night we will be going into the town to experience how the Sami people celebrate their biggest night of the year!

Day 6:
Tears will be flowing as the group departs for Oslo and back to Dublin. Relationships built and held together by the ice of the North and the romantic northern lights will be tested as they fly back to Dublin! I'm sure they will be strong for a long time to come yet. A lot of people that come on our tours remain friends for a long time afterwards. That is the spirit of the tours that we offer.

Optional

·      Price is exclusive of international flights, airport taxes and airport transfers

·      Price is exclusive of Travel Insurance

·      Drinks are not included in the price and are additional

·      Optional activities on Day 5: King crab safari (NOK 1290 per person) or Snow mobile safari (NOK 1800 per person); Lunch and transportation included in activity

Notes

·      Tour operates on the 12th February 2012

·      The offer includes tours and transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified. This is an All-Inclusive tour except for the one optional extra activity on day 6 and your airport transfers. If you choose not to do the extra optional activity there are numerous other free activities that your guide will show you around the Guesthouse for the day. From the time you arrive in Dublin airport all your needs will be looked after. All your needs, accommodation, all food and activities are included in the price. The only time you will have to put your hand in your pocket is if you want to buy a drink.

·      The offer excludes International & Domestic airfare and airport transfers. Please call Joe Walsh Tours on 01 241 0888 for quotes on flights and airport transfers.