Huskies & the Northern Lights

Your Arctic holiday begins at London Heathrow, meeting the Tour Manager ahead of our group's flight to Oslo. In the Norwegian capital, we transfer to a flight to Tromsø. Situated in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø stands on its own forest-covered island and is known as the 'polar capital of Norway'. At this time of the year, the attractive city is characterised by its polar nights, where the sun only briefly breaks over the horizon.

Our hotel for the next two nights overlooks the harbour - which remains ice-free year-round due to the warming Gulf Stream. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to explore the picturesque old streets lined with quaint wooden buildings or you may like to visit one of the city's many museums, such as the Troll Museum or the North Norwegian Art Museum. This evening, we gather back at the hotel for our first dinner together.

• Dinner

A guided tour showcases some of Tromsø's main landmarks this morning. We visit the Arctic Cathedral, known officially as Tromsdalen Church. Consecrated in 1965, this striking church is notable for its design, believed to reference a nearby twin-peaked island.

We then enter the Polaria aquarium to view life below the icy waters and to encounter charming seals. Next, at the Polar Museum we hear about numerous polar expeditions which started out from Tromsø, and we gain an insight into the hardy wildlife that populates this region. There is free time this afternoon to explore Tromsø at leisure before a highlight of our holiday.

This evening, we learn about the lives of Sámi reindeer herders on an authentic experience in a nearby village. As Scandinavia's indigenous people, the Sámi have lived in this terrain for centuries. After hearing about the rich culture of the Sámi people, we meet their reindeer - before enjoying a wilderness dinner in a 'lavvu' tent. During our meal, we're regaled with local folk tales.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast, we set out on a journey through Norway's dramatic scenery, travelling down steep valleys to reach striking fjords below.

On arrival in Narvik, your afternoon is at leisure. You could make your way to the Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which documents the occupation of the city in World War Two and the bitter air and sea battles that took place. Narvik is an important port and excels in seafood which you might like to sample over lunch. The harbour area has a range of restaurants offering international cuisine as well as local game such as reindeer.

This evening, we are joined by a local expert on a coach ride into an area where we may be lucky to see the Northern Lights - the world's most spectacular natural phenomenon. Officially known as Aurora Borealis, seeing this ethereal light show of vibrant, ever-changing colours dancing across a deep night sky is a truly unforgettable experience.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today brings yet another highlight of our holiday, a fantastic journey on the Ofoten Railway.

Setting out after breakfast, with your luggage travelling on ahead, we board the 'Arctic Train' for an incredible trip across the border into Sweden. Built to transport iron ore to the vital port at Narvik, this scenic line was the most northern railway in the world at the time of its construction in 1902. Passing through isolated, rugged wilderness, the dramatic route provides views of plunging valleys, tranquil lakes and rolling hills as it traverses steep mountainsides through the vast taiga into Sweden.

On arrival in Kiruna, we transfer to our accommodation in Camp Ripan on the edge of the town. There is free time this afternoon to relax or maybe enjoy the spa facilities before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning brings a trip to Kiruna's wondrous Ice Hotel, the world's first, most famous and largest hotel constructed of ice and snow. First formed in 1989, this amazing venue is reconstructed at the beginning of each winter season, meaning each year is different. There's time here to look around this iconic frozen hotel and maybe enjoy a drink in the ice bar, where everything, including the glasses, is made from ice.

After some free time over lunch, we head to a nearby husky camp for a highlight of our time in Swedish Lapland. After an informative tour of the kennels, we are taken on a husky-hauled sled journey through snow-blanketed landscapes. During the tour, we pause for freshly prepared coffee and a bite to eat - a tradition the Swedish call 'fika'.

There's an afternoon at leisure, before we head out after dark, seeking out Northern Lights once again. The countryside around Kiruna is known to be one of the world's best places to spot the Aurora Borealis and, if we're lucky, a clear night will form the backdrop for a memorable show.

• Breakfast

This seasonal tour of Norway and Swedish Lapland has featured breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences. These include a guided tour of Tromsø, learning about the lives of Sámi reindeer herders, travelling on the spectacular Ofoten Railway, gliding through the snow on a husky-hauled sleigh ride, and visiting the stunning Ice Hotel. And of course, we hope, the memorable experience of viewing the Northern Lights.

Your Nordic holiday draws to a close this morning as we transfer to the airport after an early breakfast. Flying from Kiruna to Stockholm, we connect to our flight to London Heathrow where you are free to continue your journey home.

• Breakfast