Where you'll go
Your itinerary
Today your Aurora Voyage begins. Make your way to your local airport for your international flight to Copenhagen. With overnight travel, you will arrive in Copenhagen tomorrow afternoon, where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Special Information
Australian and New Zealand passport holders require ETIAS authorisation for Schengen entry (in effect from 2025 onwards). Please ensure your ETIAS application is approved before travel.
Day 2 - [Plane] Copenhagen
Welcome to Copenhagen, Denmark's graceful capital where tradition and modernity combine with a colourful seafaring history. On arrival you will be met at the airport for your included transfer to your centrally-located hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to recover from your flight or begin to explore Copenhagen at your own pace. The city's historic core is compact and walkable, with the canal-side townhouses of Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace and the spires of the old town all within easy reach.
Arrival & Check-in information
Airport transfers from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to your hotel are included as part of your package. You will be met at the airport on arrival. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm; early arrivals can leave luggage with reception.
Day 3 - Copenhagen [Ship]
After breakfast and check-out, make your way to the cruise terminal for embarkation aboard MS Trollfjord. If you have time before boarding, perhaps stroll the cobbled lanes of Nyhavn one more time, watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, or settle in at a canal-side cafe for a final taste of Danish hygge.At 8pm the ship sets sail, slipping out into open water and into the Kattegat Strait that separates Denmark and Sweden.
Day 4 - [Ship] North Sea Crossing [Ship]
Wake to the long horizon of the North Sea, a shallow sea that has shaped northern Europe's history for centuries. From the deck, watch seabirds wheel above the waves as the ship sails northward. This is a day to find your sea legs and settle into life on board.
Explore the ship's quiet corners, meet the Expedition Team, and enjoy the locally inspired cuisine of Norway's Coastal Kitchen. As darkness falls early in these latitudes, there may also be a first chance to spot the Northern Lights from the deck, weather and solar conditions permitting.
Day 5 - [Ship] Bergen [Ship]
Today the ship arrives in Bergen, Norway's Gateway to the Fjords. Encircled by mountains and sea, this vibrant port city was once the heart of Hanseatic trade. Wander the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, its painted wooden houses leaning in on one another, or visit the bustling fish market nearby. The funicular up Mount Fløyen offers sweeping views of the city and islands beyond.
Bergen embodies the spirit of western Norway: historic, hospitable, and framed by the elements.
Day 6 - [Ship] Ålesund [Ship]
Rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904, Ålesund rose anew in elegant Art Nouveau style, its pastel towers and ornate facades mirrored in the still harbour waters. The town spreads across a series of islands, framed by the Sunnmøre Alps.
Stroll along the canals or climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for a panoramic view over the archipelago. Ålesund's beauty lies not only in its buildings but in its light, which is often soft and pearlescent, shifting with the sea and sky.
Day 7 - [Ship] Sailing Day - Norwegian Coast [Ship]
Today the ship follows Norway's storied inner coastal route, where mountains rise sheer from the sea and small fishing villages cling to sheltered bays. This stretch of coast has been sailed for centuries, the same channels once sailed by Vikings and traders.
From the deck, watch islands drift past and waterfalls trace white ribbons down dark cliffs. The interplay of light, cloud and water gives every hour a new mood. Sea eagles may circle high above the cliffs, while fishing boats move steadily along age-old routes.
Day 8 - [Ship] Narvik [Ship]
Nestled among fjords and peaks, Narvik stands at the crossroads of Arctic nature and human history. Once a vital port for the iron trade, it played a dramatic role during the Second World War, its calm waters still echoing with stories of courage and endurance.
Step ashore to visit the War Museum or take the cable car to the summit of Narvikfjellet for panoramic views across snow-tipped mountains and the Ofotfjord. In winter, this landscape glows in the blue light of the north.
Day 9 - [Ship] Svolvær & the Lofoten Islands [Ship]
The Lofoten Islands rise like a dream, granite peaks thrusting straight from cold seas. The ship docks in Svolvær, Lofoten's lively heart, where fishing boats sway in the harbour beneath the twin spires of the mountain known as the Svolvær Goat.
Stroll the waterfront and visit art galleries inspired by the islands' luminous skies, or wander to the nearby fishing village of Henningsvær. Later, the ship sails through the narrow Raftsundet channel, one of the most dramatic waterways in the world, before reaching Stokmarknes, birthplace of Hurtigruten.
Day 10 - [Ship] Alta [Ship]
By evening the ship reaches Alta, a town framed by tundra and silent forests. The riverbanks here still hold traces of early civilisation in the UNESCO-listed rock carvings depicting reindeer, hunters and boats from millennia past.
Explore the town's small museums or cafes, where the warmth indoors contrasts beautifully with the cold outside. Alta is a place of vast horizons, where rivers freeze solid, stars feel close enough to touch, and the north reveals its quiet grandeur. The Northern Lights Cathedral, with its spiralling design echoing the ribbons of light above, is a notable landmark.
Special Information
An optional overnight stay at the Igloo Hotel in Alta, rebuilt each year from blocks of pure ice, is available at additional cost.
Day 11 - [Ship] Alta - Arctic Adventures [Ship]
Spend another day in Alta, where winter adventures and northern serenity meet. Optional activities available through Hurtigruten (additional cost) include gliding behind a team of huskies through pine forests, snowshoeing across frozen plains, or joining a guided trip toward the sweeping tundra of Finnmark.
Closer to town, visit the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, or stop by the Alta Museum where stories of Arctic life and ancient rock art bring the past vividly to life. Whether you seek exhilaration or stillness, Alta rewards both.
Day 12 - [Ship] Honningsvåg & North Cape [Ship]
Today the ship arrives in Honningsvåg, gateway to the legendary North Cape, long regarded as the northernmost point of mainland Europe. The town itself is small and welcoming, perched among rugged hills and icy bays where fishing boats come and go with the tide.
An optional Hurtigruten excursion takes you across the windswept plateau of Magerøya Island to the North Cape itself. Standing by the 300m cliffs that fall sharply into the Arctic Ocean, you'll feel the vast scale of the landscape. Back in Honningsvåg, explore the colourful harbour, wooden houses painted in bright Arctic hues, and the North Cape Museum.
Special Information
The optional North Cape excursion is at additional cost and subject to weather and road conditions.
Day 13 - [Ship] Tromsø [Ship]
Arrive in Tromsø, the Arctic capital, lively, cultured and ringed by snow-clad peaks. Once a base for Arctic expeditions, the city still hums with the spirit of adventure. Wander streets of colourful wooden houses, visit the striking Arctic Cathedral, or cross the bridge to Polaria for an introduction to polar wildlife.
The Polar Museum brings tales of daring explorers and trappers vividly to life. As evening settles over Tromsø, enjoy your final night on board MS Trollfjord, perhaps sampling Arctic cuisine or a locally brewed beer ashore as the lights of the city shimmer on the water.
Day 14 - Tromsø [Bus] Kilpisjärvi
This morning marks the end of your cruise. After breakfast on board, disembark MS Trollfjord and meet your tour manager and fellow travellers before setting out by private coach. The journey east begins immediately in dramatic fashion, weaving through the striking Lyngen Alps with fjord crossings on local ferries.
One of Norway's most scenic routes unfolds along the shores of Lyngenfjord, where mountains plunge directly into the sea. In Skibotn, the landscape opens toward Finland. Crossing the border, the route leads to the peaceful resort village of Kilpisjärvi, surrounded by vast Arctic wilderness. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Special Information
Driving via the Lyngen Alps is subject to weather and road conditions.
This morning, set out on the popular Border of Three Countries safari. Travel by snowmobile or sleigh across a frozen lake and through snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma, where the distinctive yellow border cairn marks the meeting point of Finland, Sweden and Norway. Covering approximately 30km in around three hours, this guided adventure allows you to stand in three countries within moments.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the surrounding Arctic landscape. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel before heading out with the tour manager in search of the Northern Lights, weather permitting.
Special Information
Thermal clothing, guiding, photos and a warm drink with pastry are included on the safari. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Day 16 - Kilpisjärvi [Bus] Levi
After breakfast, continue southeast by private coach, following the Swedish-Finnish border through remote Arctic landscapes to Muonio and onward to Levi. Here, you'll spend two nights in a private Aurora Cabin, also known as a glass igloo, set just outside the small ski resort village and far from light pollution.
After check-in, enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant before heading out on an Aurora Hunting safari by bus. Travelling north toward Jerisjärvi or the Ounasjoki River, your route is chosen according to where conditions are most favourable for aurora activity that night. On especially calm evenings, you may even hear the faint whisper of the Aurora.
Today is dedicated to the region's most enthusiastic residents, the huskies. Set out on a traditional 5km husky sleigh safari through Levi's snow-filled forests. Each two-person sled is driven by one guest, offering a hands-on Arctic experience as your team glides across frozen trails.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or join optional Arctic activities such as reindeer or snowmobile safaris (additional cost). Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.
This morning, travel south by private coach from Levi toward Bothnian Bay and the coastal town of Kemi, passing through Arctic landscapes along the way. A short stop in Rovaniemi may be made if time allows.Tonight, you'll stay at the remarkable Seaside Glass Villas, set on the frozen coastline. With glass walls and ceilings, these unique villas offer sweeping views of the winter landscape and, weather permitting, the Northern Lights.
Day 19 - Kemi [Train] Helsinki
It's time to say goodbye to the wilderness as you head towards the bright lights of Helsinki. Transfer by private coach to Kemi railway station in good time for your southbound train journey. Departing mid-morning, the train travels south through forests, lakes and open countryside, leaving the landscapes of Finnish Lapland behind.
Arrive in the Finnish capital in the late afternoon, where a private coach transfer takes you to your 5-star hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Special Information
Lunch can be purchased on board the train (not included in the package).
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a three-hour sightseeing tour of Helsinki. Often called the Daughter of the Baltic Sea or the White City of the North, Helsinki is known for its blend of neoclassical architecture, modern design and coastal beauty.
The tour passes Helsinki City Hall and the lively Market Square before arriving at Senate Square, home to the striking Helsinki Cathedral. A highlight is a visit to the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved directly into solid granite (entrance included). Weather and time permitting, you'll also see the iconic Sibelius Monument. The tour concludes at the hotel at around 1pm, and the afternoon is at leisure.
Today marks the end of your Hurtigruten journey. After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travellers. From the capital of Denmark, along Norway's coast and then down through Finnish Lapland, you've travelled across a large section of Scandinavia, with the Northern Lights hopefully having made a pleasant appearance.
Following the Hurtigruten farewell, you will be transferred to your additional Inspiring Vacations hotel in central Helsinki for your final night before the journey home. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to revisit a favourite Helsinki neighbourhood, browse the Market Square, or pack and relax before tomorrow's flight.
Day 22 - Helsinki [Plane]
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. The remainder of the morning is yours before your transfer to Helsinki Airport for your return flight to Australia or New Zealand.
Special Information
Airport transfers from the hotel to Helsinki Airport (HEL) are included as part of your package.
Welcome home. Today you arrive back home following your return flight from Helsinki. We hope your Aurora Voyage has been a memorable one.
Special Information
Due to the time difference between Finland and Australia or New Zealand, arrival is typically one day after departing Helsinki depending on routing and onward connections