Norway Self Drive 1 - Northern Exploration

Activity code: NOFD01

Duration: 11 Days

START - Tromso / Finish - Leknes (or Svolvaer)

On this itinerary you start in the far north of Norway at the Arctic sea port of Tromso which has many fascinating sightseeing and activity options. From Tromso we have included a fabulous cruise around the coast down to the Lofoten Islands which will be the focus of the second half of this wonderful holiday exploring the north of Norway.

Northern Norway is known as the land of the Midnight Sun & the Lofoten Islands are simply stunning in their dramatic beauty. Widely known for cod fishing the early Spring season can see hundreds of fishing boats from across the country descend on these gorgeous islands for large bounties of fish. This fish is then dried out on racks to produce the famous dried cod or "Bacalao".

What's Included:

• arrival transfer
• mid-size rental car,
• accommodation - 5 nights in a hotel and 4 nights in a traditional rorbu
• Hurtigruten coastal cruise
• Fully detailed itinerary with sightseeing and route suggestions
• FREE travel app with all your documents, maps, weather and much more
• All local taxes

International and domestic flights can be arranged as part of a fully bonded ATOL holiday itinerary.

All our holidays are tailor-made; the fly-drive itineraries, short breaks and holiday suggestions on our website are well trusted examples but we are more than happy to arrange any reasonable schedule.

Contact us now to book this recommended Holiday for any date.

• Day 1 - Tromso - arrival

  Arrive in the city of Tromso; transfer to your hotel.

  Overnight in Tromso for 2 nights on BB basis.

• Day 2 - Tromso

  You have the day free to explore Tromso "The Capital of the Arctic" - a lively and beautiful city, packed with culture, history and surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands.

• Day 3 - Tromso (am) - Hurtigruten Cruise (pm)

  Due to the timing of the Hurtigruten cruise to Svolvaer you have another full day in Tromso, [you may wish to book your room for another day].

  Embarkation late evening; accommodation will be in a cabin on BB basis.

• Day 4 -Hurtigruten Cruise - Svolvaer (pm)

  After a leisurely breakfast you have most of the day to sit back, relax and take in the gorgeous scenery. The Hurtigruten service arrives in Svolvaer in the evening and your hotel is right beside the harbour.

• Day 5 - Svolvaer - Trollfjord (optional)

  Free day to explore the galleries, shops and attractions of Svolvaer or you may choose to take a boat trip to Trollfjord (booked locally).

  Overnight Svolvaer on BB basis.

• Day 6 - Henningsvaer

  Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel in the morning. On the way to Henningsvær you might like to stop off for a spot of sightseeing in Kabelvåg, one of the oldest fishing villages in Lofoten. Here you will find Vågan Church or the 'Lofoten Cathedral', built in 1898. Henningsvær, the Venice of Lofoten, consists of several islands joined to the mainland by bridges. You may wish to explore its many small craft shops & art galleries.

  Overnight in Henningsvaer on BB basis.

• Day 7 - Reine Rorbu accommodation

  Today you may wish to use the extremely scenic National Route 10, which meanders through very distinctive and stunning scenery - craggy peaks, white beaches and emerald seas.

  You finish the day in Reine, once voted the most beautiful village in Norway and your base for the next two nights, staying in a rorbu. This is a traditional fisherman's dwelling, used during the main fishing season. All rorbuer have been refurbished and provide comfortable accommodation for holiday makers.

  Overnight on self catering basis for 2 nights

• Day 8 - Lofoten's southern tip - Moskenes - Å - Hamnoy

  Day at leisure to completely relax and enjoy your surroundings or to do some local sightseeing around Moskenes, home to some of the best-known fishing villages, such as Hamnøy, Reine, Sørvågen and Å.

• Day 9 - Sund - Leknes/Mortsund

  Scenic drive from Reine to Leknes/Mortsund. We suggest a detour to visit the famous blacksmith's shop at Sund. The decorative wrought iron cormorants made in Sund are famous all over the world, and can be found in the Pentagon, the Kremlin and in the King of Norway's palace.

  Overnight in Mortsund in a traditional rorbu on self catering basis for 2 nights.

• Day 10 - Vestvagoy Island & Viking Museum

  Explore Vestvågøy Island - the second major island in the archipelago. It is renowned for its pristine white beaches, Viking Museum and the world's most northern surf school! In certain areas the winter invasion of Orcas has proved very popular!

• Day 11 - Leknes - departure

  Drop off the car at Leknes Airport for your return flight.