2024 Tromsø Winter Expedition: Ice Floating in the Arctic 🧊 Whale Spotting 🐋 Reindeers 🦌🛷 Northern Lights 🌌✨ Fjord Roadtrips 🚗 🏔️

01/12 Welcome to the Arctic Wonderland! This marks the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the heart of Norway's northern wilderness. * Airport arrival * Transport to the cozy house * Welcome local dinner * Orientation and Trip Overview

2/12 Morning & Afternoon: 🍳 Breakfast & Free Time (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): We’ll start the day with a leisurely breakfast at our accommodation, then enjoy some free time to explore Tromsø. 🍽️ Lunch & Relaxation (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant or back at our accommodation. Afterward, we’ll take time to relax and prepare for the exciting night ahead. Don’t forget to charge your camera and phone! 📸🔋 🛍️ Afternoon Activity (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): If we feel up for it, we can explore the town further, visit the Tromsø Ice Domes, or do some shopping. Alternatively, we can cozy up at a café and enjoy the Arctic vibes ☕❄️. 🍲 Dinner (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM): We’ll grab dinner at a local restaurant or at our accommodation, making sure to have a hearty, warming meal before heading out on our night adventure. 🌌 Aurora Borealis Chase (6:00 PM - 1:00 AM): We’ll depart Tromsø for an exciting aurora chase to Finland at 6:00 PM. This 2.5-hour drive will take us to optimal viewing locations for the Northern Lights. Along the way, our local guide will share insights and tips for capturing the lights. Included: snacks and hot drinks, guide and professional photos

3/12 🏊‍♂️ Arctic Floating Camp Experience 🚐 Departure from Tromsø at 09:30 AM We'll meet at our designated pick-up locations in Tromsø and hop on our transport for a short 25-minute drive to our cozy cabin by the sea. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM We'll suit up in survival suits and dive into the exhilarating cold waters of the Arctic! ❄️ Feel the thrill of swimming while staying warm inside your suit. After our swim, we'll relax by a crackling fire 🔥, enjoying hot drinks ☕ and snacks 🍪, all while soaking in the stunning fjord scenery. 🌊 🍽️ Optional Vegetarian Meal If you’d like, we can add a delicious vegetarian meal to our experience. 🥗 📸 Unique Photo Opportunities Throughout the day, we'll capture unforgettable moments 📷 and receive a certificate from the Arctic Ocean Floaters Club to commemorate our adventure. 🎖️ 🕒 Afternoon Relaxation & Return to Tromsø Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM After our time at the floating camp, we'll head back to Tromsø, filled with incredible memories of our Arctic experience. 🌟 Included: 🚌 Round-trip transportation from designated pick-up locations in Tromsø 👨‍🏫 Expert guide 🧥 Survival suit for swimming 🔥 Cozy fire with hot drinks, fresh water, and snacks 🎖️ Arctic Ocean Floaters Club certificate 📸 Photos/videos from our adventure My suggestions for the afternoon: - Mack Brewery 🍺, the world’s northernmost brewery, for a tour or just a pint. - Wandering around Storgata 🛍️, Tromsø’s main shopping street, to pick up some souvenirs or grab a coffee. 🕕 Dinner & Northern Lights Chase For the evening, we can have a group dinner at one of Tromsø’s local restaurants for a traditional Norwegian cuisine experience. If the skies are clear, we’ll end the day with an optional Northern Lights Chase 🌌 starting around 6:30 PM. We’ll drive out of the city to avoid light pollution and search for the magical aurora borealis.

04/12 Morning: 🚤 Departure from Tromsø to Skjervøy (8:00 AM): We’ll depart from Tromsø in the morning and head towards Skjervøy, where the whales are located, arriving just in time to make the most of the short daylight hours 🌅. The journey takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, during which we can enjoy the breathtaking views of frozen landscapes from the comfortable panoramic lounges onboard ❄️. Our catamaran is specially designed for sightseeing and can accommodate more than 100 guests. However, with large panoramic windows and multi-level decks, we’ll be able to appreciate the stunning Arctic scenery from anywhere on the boat. 🍽️ Food & Drinks Onboard: A selection of food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the trip, so we can warm up with a hot drink or snack while taking in the majestic views ☕🍪. Late Morning to Early Afternoon: 🐋 Whale Watching in Skjervøy (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Once we reach the whale feeding grounds, we’ll spend around 1 to 1.5 hours observing these incredible creatures. Our captain will be on the lookout for humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and orcas, guiding us to the best spots. Sometimes, it might take a little longer to spot them, but our passionate guides have some tricks up their sleeves to help us get a glimpse 🐳. While searching for the whales, our knowledgeable guides will share personal stories about the Tromsø region and the interesting sights we’ll see along the fjords. They’ll also provide fascinating information about the different whale species we may encounter. 🔊 Silent Whale Watching with Electric Motor: As soon as the whales are spotted, we’ll switch to the silent electric motor to minimize disturbance. Researchers have noted that the noise and vibrations from boat engines can be disruptive to marine life, so we operate under a strict philosophy of responsible whale-watching. This approach allows us to enjoy the experience while ensuring the well-being of the whales 🐋. Return to Tromsø (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM): After our whale-watching session, we’ll begin the 3 to 3.5 hour journey back to Tromsø, once again surrounded by the beauty of the Arctic landscapes. This is a great time to relax in the warm lounges or head out to the deck to snap some final photos 📸. Important Notes: Make sure to bring warm clothing, including wool layers or equivalents, as we’ll be sailing through Arctic waters where temperatures can be quite cold, especially out at sea 🧣🧤. While the panoramic lounges are heated and comfortable, it can get chilly outside. 🏙️ Arrival in Tromsø (4:00 PM/ 05:00PM): We’ll return to Tromsø in the late afternoon, leaving you with the evening to rest or explore the town further. 💤 Rest & Overnight: After an exciting day at sea, we’ll return to our accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

5/12 🚐 Departure from Tromsø (9:30 AM): 🏞️ Snowshoe Hike into the Arctic Wilderness (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Led by an experienced guide, we’ll venture into the stunning Arctic landscape, walking through deep snow and immersing ourselves in the peaceful wilderness. As we hike, listen to the steady rhythm of your breath and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery stretching as far as the eye can see ❄️🏔️. This isn’t just another outdoor activity, hiking through the snow is a deeply intimate way to experience the Arctic, giving us the chance to clear our minds, recharge, and connect with nature 🌲. A friendly husky (or two!) will accompany us on the journey, making the experience even more special 🐕. 🍫 Snack Break with Homemade Cake and Hot Drinks: If the weather allows, we’ll stop along the trail to enjoy a delicious snack of homemade chocolate cake and warm drinks like coffee and tea. While savoring the sweet treat, we’ll have time to soak in the incredible views around us ☕🍰. If conditions don’t permit a break during the hike, we’ll return to the husky camp for a cozy snack around a fire 🔥. Afternoon: 🐕 Visit to the Husky Kennel & Camp (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Once we’ve finished our hike, we’ll head back to the husky camp, where we’ll have the chance to meet the adorable huskies that accompanied us, along with their playful puppies 🐾. Spend time at the husky kennel, learning more about these incredible animals and their role in Arctic life. Return to Tromsø (1:00 PM): After our time with the huskies and a peaceful hike in the Arctic wilderness, we’ll head back to Tromsø by early afternoon. Included: 🚌 Transportation to/from Tromsø 🧣 Winter overalls and boots ❄️ Snowshoes and hiking poles 👣 Guided snowshoe hike 🐕 Visit to the husky kennel 🍫 Homemade chocolate cake, coffee, and tea

06/12 Arctic Adventure with Frozen Lakes & Wildlife Spotting. 🚐 Departure from Tromsø (10:00 AM): We’ll set off to explore the stunning Arctic landscapes, including frozen lakes, fairy-tale houses, and the beautiful Sommarøy Islands. 🌅 Scenic Drive and Wildlife Spotting: As we travel to the Sommarøy Islands, enjoy breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as whales, orcas, eagles, reindeer, and moose along the way. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about the region’s nature and culture 🌲🦌. 🏖️ Arrival at Sommarøy Islands: Upon reaching the Sommarøy Islands, we’ll take time to explore the stunning scenery. The islands are known for their pristine beaches and dramatic coastal views, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities. 🧺 Picnic: We’ll enjoy a delightful beach picnic, featuring local delicacies such as wild salmon, reindeer and moose meat, brie cheese, fresh fruits, coffee, and our special tea blend 🍽️☕. Relax and savor your meal while soaking in the picturesque views of the turquoise waters and sandy shores. 🌅 Explore Frozen Lakes and Fairy-tale Houses: After our picnic, we’ll continue our adventure by visiting frozen lakes and charming fairy-tale houses. The tranquility and beauty of these locations make for an unforgettable experience. Our guide will help us capture stunning photos and share local legends and stories about the area. Evening: 🍻 Local Bar Visit (4:00 PM): If time allows, we’ll stop at a local bar for a chance to unwind and enjoy a cozy atmosphere. This is a perfect opportunity to share stories about our day. 🚐 Return to Tromsø (5:00 PM): We’ll begin our journey back to Tromsø, arriving around 6:00 PM. 🌌 Chasing the Aurora Borealis by Ourselves (7:00 PM): After a brief rest, we’ll prepare for an exciting evening of chasing the aurora borealis. Armed with knowledge from our guide, we’ll head out on our own to find the best spots for viewing the Northern Lights. We’ll take thermal clothing and snacks for the adventure. 📷 Photography Tips: As we pursue the aurora, we’ll use our cameras to capture this magical experience. We can share tips among ourselves to ensure we get the best shots of the stunning lights dancing across the sky 🌌📸. Late-Night Return to Tromsø: After a thrilling evening of aurora chasing, we’ll return to Tromsø in the late hours, filled with excitement and unforgettable memories of the Arctic night. Included in this activity: 🚌 Transportation from/to Tromsø 🐋 Wildlife spotting opportunities (whales, orcas, reindeer, etc.) 🧺 Beach picnic with local wild salmon, reindeer, moose, brie cheese, fruit, coffee, and special tea

7/12 🌄 Starting at the Tromsø Bridge (09:00 AM): We’ll kick off our day with a walk across the Tromsø Bridge, enjoying stunning views of the city and the surrounding fjords. ☕ Breakfast at a Local Bakery (10:00 AM): Next, we’ll head to a local bakery, like Bakeri M or Kaffebønna, for a simple breakfast, where we can grab a delicious pastry and coffee for a reasonable price. 🏔️ Exploring the Arctic Cathedral (11:00 AM): After breakfast, we’ll visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral. There may be a small fee for entry, we can see it or just admire the stunning architecture and enjoy the surrounding area. The outside is perfect for photos! 🥪 Picnic Lunch (12:30 PM): We’ll pick up some lunch items from a local grocery store, like Rema 1000 or Coop, and enjoy a picnic at Prestvannet Lake or in Parken Tromsø. 🌲 Visit to the Prestvannet Lake (13:00 AM): We'll take a walk to Prestvannet Lake, a peaceful spot great for a stroll. It’s near the university and offers beautiful views, especially in winter when it’s frozen. 🖼️ Visit to Tromsø Museum (1:30 PM): After lunch, we can head to the Tromsø Museum to learn about the local culture and history. Admission is also typically inexpensive, so we will check for any discounts or free admission days. 1. Walking Through the City Center (3:00 PM) 🌍 : We can explore the charming streets of Tromsø together, check out local spots and admire street art. OR 2. Hike to Fjellheisen 🚶‍♂️ We’ll take a hike up to the Fjellheisen (or ride the cable car, depending on our mood), which offers breathtaking views of Tromsø and the surrounding area. At the top, we can enjoy stunning sunset views in Fjelheisen. Let’s pack our cameras to capture the beautiful scenery! 🌅 🍽️ Dinner at a Local Restaurant (7:30 PM): After descending, we can check out local favorites like Huken PUB which often offer great deals. After dinner we'll rest or, once again, go for a small chase of the Aurora Borealis 🌌

8/12 ☕ Breakfast (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM): Start the day with breakfast at our accommodation and enjoy a relaxed morning. We can grab a coffee in Tromsø after breakfast. 🚐 Departure for Reindeer Camp (9:30 AM): We’ll make our way to the reindeer camp, located just outside Tromsø, for a day of Sámi cultural experiences. 🥣🦌🛷 Reindeer Feeding, Sleigh Ride, and Sami Culture Tour (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Upon arrival, we’ll meet the Sámi hosts and feed the reindeer 🦌, enjoy a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the snow ❄️🛷 and gather inside a traditional lavvu for a hot lunch (included) and learn about Sámi culture while listening to their traditional music 🎶. 🚌 Return to Tromsø (1:00 PM - 1:30 PM): After this unique cultural experience, we’ll return to Tromsø. Afternoon & Evening: 🍽️ Lunch &/or Free Time (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): We’ll have some time to relax, explore the town, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. 🍽️ Dinner & Free Time (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Meet for dinner at a local restaurant to share stories of the day. 💤 Rest & Overnight: End the day back at our accommodation for a restful night.

9/12 On our last day, we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast (depending on the flights schedule) and take some time to reflect on the amazing experiences of the trip. After packing and organizing our belongings, I'll arrange transportation to the airport. It will be a chance to say goodbye to fellow travelers and the stunning landscapes we've explored together. As we board our flight, we’ll carry with us cherished memories and stories from this unforgettable adventure. Safe travels!