Huskies & the Northern Lights

We begin at London Heathrow today, meeting the Tour Manager ahead of our flight to Oslo. In the Norwegian capital, we catch our 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. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the picturesque old streets lined with wooden buildings or to pop into one of the city's many museums, including 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 more of Tromsø 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. Afterwards, we enter the Polaria aquarium to view life below the chilly waters and encounter charming seals. At the Polar Museum next, we hear the story of numerous polar expeditions that took place from Tromsø, as well as getting an insight into the hardy wildlife that populates this region.

There is free time to explore Tromsø at leisure before a highlight of our holiday. This evening we learn about the lives of Sámi reindeer herders, enjoying an authentic experience in a nearby village. As Scandinavia's indigenous people, the Sámi have lived in this terrain for centuries. We learn about their lives and rich culture - and meet their reindeer - before a wilderness dinner in a 'lavvu' tent. While we eat, we're regaled with local folk tales.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we embark on a journey through Norway's dramatic scenery, travelling down steep valleys to the striking fjords below. Once in Narvik, there is a free afternoon to spend 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 could enjoy over lunch. There is a range of restaurants offering international cuisine as well as local game such as reindeer.

This evening, we drive by coach with a local guide to try and spot the Northern Lights - the world's most spectacular natural phenomenon. Officially called Aurora Borealis, seeing this magical dance across the night sky is a truly unforgettable experience.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Over breakfast at the hotel, we look forward to a wonderful journey on the Ofoten Railway today. 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 port at Narvik, this line was the most northern railway in the world at the time of its construction in 1902.

Passing through isolated, rugged wilderness, the 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, you transfer to your accommodation in Camp Ripan on the edge of town. There is free time this afternoon to relax or enjoy the spa facilities before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit Kiruna's famous Ice Hotel, the first and largest hotel made of ice and snow in the world. First formed in 1989, the venue is reconstructed at the beginning of each cold season, meaning each year is different. Explore the spectacular frozen structure and maybe enjoy a drink in the ice bar, where everything, including the glasses, is made from ice.

After free time over lunch we transfer to a nearby husky camp for a highlight of your time in Sweden. After an informative tour of the kennels, we are taken on a joyous husky-hauled sled journey through the snow-covered countryside. During the tour, we pause for coffee and a bite to eat - a tradition the Swedish call 'fika'.

There is free time before we head out after dark to try to spot the Northern Lights once again. The countryside around Kiruna is one of the world's best places to get a sighting, so hopefully a clear night will permit a good show.

• Breakfast

Your Nordic holiday draws to a close today as we transfer to the airport after an early breakfast. Flying from Kiruna to Stockholm, we connect to our flight to London Heathrow.

Enroute, look back on the unforgettable experiences we have enjoyed during the tour. From touring Tromsø and learning about the lives and culture of Sámi reindeer herders to travelling across the incredible wilderness on the amazing Ofoten Railway, Norway showcased breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality. Arriving in the winter wonderland of Kiruna, gliding through the snow guided by huskies and viewing the astonishing Ice Hotel created some lifelong memories. And of course, hopefully, the magical Northern Lights put on a stunning display. Landing back in London, make your way home with these winter memories.

• Breakfast