Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: return airport transfers and transfer to Sommarøy
- Accommodation: 2 nights at Clarion Hotel The Edge in a standard double/twin room, 2 nights at the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel in a standard double/twin room
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Polar fjord cruise, Midnight Sun sailing experience* (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
*Please note: the Midnight Sun is visible in Tromsø between 22nd May – 22nd July (approximately), outside of these dates you will enjoy a sunset sailing experience
Northern Norway is not your typical summer destination but when you consider the highlights on this trip - white sandy beaches on a remote island, sailing tours across fjords, local cuisine and culture - then being out of the norm is most definitely not a bad thing. What’s more, when you consider that from mid- May until the end of July (c.22nd May-22nd July), this area is washed in the 24-hour glow of the Midnight Sun, we can’t think of a better time to visit this spectacular destination.
This four-night trip gives you an excellent mix of buzzing city life with quaint coastal villages, offering you the chance to experience the real Norwegian highlights. You’ll start in Tromso, known affectionately as the ‘Paris of the North’ or the ‘Gateway to the Arctic', with each nickname becoming abundantly clear when you set foot here. With its vibrant selection of restaurants and museums and surrounded by spectacular nature, your time in Tromsø will allow you to experience both. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore the city and the included activities of the Polar fjord cruise and Midnight Sun/Sunset sailing experience are the perfect opportunity to get up close to the fjords and your breath-taking natural surroundings.
The second half of your trip takes place in Sommaroy, known fondly as ‘Summer Island’. With clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, this peaceful location is a sublime place to stroll around and explore. Your hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean also provides a wonderfully scenic backdrop for your included three-course Arctic dining experiences.
With long daylight hours, jaw-dropping scenery, and exciting activities, this four-night stay is your chance to turn a typical summer holiday on its head for an unforgettable trip.
Image Credits: Sommaroy Arctic Hotel, Lost in Norway, Tromsø Adventure.
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Prices
Dates | ||
---|---|---|
Mon 12 May 2025
to Mon 28 Jul 2025 |
Adults £ 1,475 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 1 person; maximum 24 people
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Welcome
Following your arrival at Tromsø Airport, you will be transferred 15 minutes to your hotel in the city.
You’ll be staying within easy walking distance of Tromsø’s many restaurants where you could try some of the local dishes.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Polar fjord cruise and Midnight Sun/Sunset Sailing
Following breakfast, you will experience genuine Arctic wildlife such as sea eagles on a cruise through the magnificent fjords that surround Tromsø. You will leave Tromso behind and soon be in picture postcard scenery, while a selection of snacks are provided (including fresh fish) as you. This is the perfect combination of adventure and comfort as your vessel has a warm cabin if required but you can also stay on deck to admire the unmissable views.
Your crew will feature experienced fishermen from the area and these local “pirates” will tell you old tales and traditions that their ancestors have passed on through generations. If you wish you will even get the opportunity to fish and sample the catch!
This tour last approximately 4-5 hours.
Back on land, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to do as you please before your sailing excursion this evening.
With a maximum capacity of 25 per tour, this intimate sailing experience takes you along the fjord as it’s bathed in a golden glow. If you’re travelling between May and July (c.22nd May-22nd July), your sailing experience will be under the stunning light of the Midnight Sun, if you’re travelling outside these months, you’ll witness the spectacular sunset over Tromsø’s surrounding waters (weather permitting). Hot drinks and snacks are included during the tour.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 3
Transfer to Sommarøy
Today, following breakfast, it’s time to check out of your hotel and head to Sommarøy, just over an hour away. The bus journey allows you to see more of Norway’s beautiful landscape as you make your way into the traditional fishing community of Sommarøy.
Your hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, right in the heart of this remote, yet thriving coastal community.
Enjoy lunch in the hotel in a beautiful setting, situated by the sea and serving food from the Arctic. Afterwards, why not take a stroll around the island – you can circumnavigate this little gem and its famed white sand beaches in about an hour, but please take your camera and allow time to take some picture of your stunning surroundings.
This evening, dinner will be served in the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Free Day
Today, following breakfast, you’ll have the day free to yourself to explore Sommarøy. Wander around the coastal path or take one of the many hiking paths to get up close to the beautiful nature. Alternatively, you might want to enjoy one of the many optional activities, such as sea kayaking, a boating tour of the islands, or a hiking tour of the surrounding hills – please see our personalise tab for full details.
Tonight, another three-course Arctic dinner will be served in the restaurant at the hotel so you can enjoy your final night peacefully by the water.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Departure
Today it is unfortunately time for your city and island adventure to come to an end. Have breakfast in the hotel before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. If you have an early flight time, we will box up breakfast for you to take with you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Clarion Hotel - The Edge
Nights: 1-2
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Clarion Hotel The Edge is a perfect base to explore Tromsø’s vibrant culture scene.
Hotel Facilities
- Enjoy spectacular views of the Midnight sun from the 11th-floor sky bar - the only one of its kind in the city
- The hotel puts great emphasis on being eco-friendly and is built with an environmental classification A
- Keep up with your fitness in the onsite gym with stunning sea views
- Enjoy tastes of Manhattan made using Arctic ingredients in the ‘Kitchen and Table’ restaurant
Room Facilities
- Twin/Double Rooms: the hotel offers standard double rooms as well as a standard twin room (two single beds). All rooms are ensuite and come with Wi-Fi, minibar, iron and ironing board
- Deluxe Double/Junior Suite/Family Room: for larger groups, we can offer an upgrade to a deluxe double (sleeps up to 3 persons) or a junior suite or family room for 4 people
Please note: the hotel is cash-free; they take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards.
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Nights: 3-4
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and located within the picturesque Sommarøy coastal town your stay here will guarantee sea views. Located in a traditional fishing community you will be provided with fresh local dishes and an insight into how they hunt and fish.
Hotel facilities
- Relax in the hotel's wood-fired sauna or take a dip in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the views of the sea
- The hotel offers free private parking to all guests
- Breakfast which is included in your stay is served within the on-site lobby restaurant which uses fresh local ingredients where possible.
Guest bedrooms
STANDARD DOUBLE/TWIN: Your stay will be in a standard double/twin shower en-suite bedroom. They all come equipped with Internet, TV, desk, hairdryer and seating area.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Sommarøy – Midnight Sun kayaking
What better way to experience the Midnight Sun than by kayak. Glide through the calm still waters and keep your eyes open for any whale sightings along the way. You will also be able to view seals and sea eagles within their own environment. All of this along with an instructor, equipment and an experience you will never forget.
This is a unique version of the daytime kayak expedition, taking place in the light summer evenings with the advantage of the Midnight Sun to show nature at its very best.
Duration: 6 hours
Start Time: 19.00
Available: Wednesday and Saturday
Other options
Activities
Hike and Boat Evening Tour
During this tour, you’ll visit Håja, a small and uninhabited island accessible only by boat. You’ll be able to spot the island by its distinguishable grassy hilltop rising dramatically from the sea. It truly does like something from an epic adventure film set.
After anchoring up, get ready to head to the summit on foot. The terrain begins with a steep uphill climb and then eases into a gentle slope, but the initial effort is absolutely worth it for the panoramic views of the surrounding islands and fjords at the top.
Following the descent, you’ll head back to Sommarøy whilst watching out for the local wildlife as the sun brushes the horizon.*
*The Midnight Sun occurs between 22nd May to 22nd July (approximately), when the sun does not drop below the horizon. If you are travelling outside of this time, whilst it will still be light during the tour, the sun will be setting as you return to land.
Duration: 4 hours
Start time: 19.00
Sea Kayaking
Get into nature as you discover the surrounding areas of Sommarøy by kayak. Suitable for all abilities, you’ll be given full instruction by your expert guide before heading out to sea.
Marvel at the impressive landscape as you glide through the treasure trove of islets on the hunt for hidden beaches. Closer to the shoreline, you’ll see the reef through crystal clear waters and potentially spot maritime wildlife.
You’ll get the chance to go ashore and explore one of the islands, where your guide will discuss the local flora and fauna and share their in-depth knowledge of the coastal community and the region of Sommarøy.
Duration: 6 hours
Start time: 10.00
Available: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Sommaroy - Sea Eagle Safari
With a wingspan of over 2 metres, viewing a sea eagle up close will be an unforgettable part of any stay on Sommaroy. The island is host to a sizeable colony of these majestic birds year round, but they are best seen in the summer months, with maximum daylight on your side and a heated boat and guide at your disposal.
Your guide will even throw fish for the eagles who will snatch them out the air with the sharp vision and even sharper talons, providing a close up look at them in action.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Start Time: 11.00
Available: Tuesdays and Fridays