We booked this trip through Beluga Expeditions & Adventures.
Flights:
SK 4746 from Brussels to Oslo on December 29th[one night at the close by Comfort Hotel Runaway]
SK 4406 from Oslo to Tromsø on December 30th
[from there the below itinerary from the local representative, TromsøAdventures]
Whales, Huskies and the Aurora on Sommarøy
Dates: 30. December 2016 – 03.01. 2017
Customers: Petra Theeuwen, Josephus (Jos) De Bakker & Elisabeth (Elly) Theeuwen
30.12.2016 Transfer from the airport to Sommarøy
3 Adults, our driver will be waiting for you in the entrance hallArrival time: 09:55
NOTE: We were picked up by the driver from the Hotel. Stopped by a place with ancient rock inscriptions. And then we stopped again: Reindeer crossing the street. We were hoping to see them, not expecting them being the first thing to see .... on the road to the hotel.
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
1 Rorbu apartment, incl. a 3-course dinner and breakfast
Upon your arrival on Sommarøy you will get a briefing on the activities scheduled during your stay. Feel free to contact the reception anytime!
Three hours northern lights tour ...
... on Sommarøy with a local guide3 Adults incl. some snacks during the tour
Pick up time: After dinner Meeting point: at the reception
NOTE: We found out that Norwegians are not too fuzzy about a booking. So despite of having booked one night of Northern Light Tour, watching the - better to say waiting for the - Northern Lights, we went every night. And, except one, were brought and taken back every night. The excuse: "The light wasn't so clear last night ... ". And that wasn't our excuse, but theirs ;-). There was a little shed, just outside the small town that was behind a small hill and facing the sea - so very little light pollution. To make sure you had the best experience. At first we were disappointed it was 'just' one place to go, rather than a hunt for the light. Later, when we read the reviews of the northern light hunters from Tromsø, we learned that a) they never saw better lights than us, despite driving all the way to Finland (!), and b), when they had an excellent view, they did so in Sømmeray. And that's exactly where we were. Actually, maybe the best light we had seen was when stepping out of our Rorbu (Fisherman's cabin) when heading for breakfast. So at the Hotel.
31.12.2016 Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
1 Rorbu apartment, incl. lunch, a 3-course dinner and breakfastWhale watching/Marine mammal safari
3 Adults Duration: approx. 2 hoursPick up time: After breakfast Meeting point: at the reception
01.01.2017 Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
1 Rorbu apartment, incl. lunch, a 3-course dinner and breakfastNOTE: New Years day we hadn't made any bookings for. A perfect opportunity to walk around Sømmeray and enjoy, the breath taking, scenery. Coral beaches (yes) and Håja is a good summary of the day.
02.01.2017 Transfer to
Dog-sledding (Villmarkssenter)
3 Adults
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Pick up time: 09:15
Meeting point: at the reception
Please bring your luggage with you as you will be driven to Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora
NOTE: As the itinerary says we're taken to the Clarion hotel, which is in Tromsø. Dinner at the hotel. An evening walk to discover downtown Tromsø completes our stay. Tomorrow morning we need to catch the flybus to the airport.
Return flights:
SK 4411 Tromsø to Oslo
SK 1469 Oslo to Copenhagen
SK 1593 Copenhagen to Brussels
FINAL NOTE: Before we went we were exited to see the Northern Light, the Humpbacks and Orca's and to do the dog sledding. And rightfully so, it was super. Beyond imagination. And mushing the dogs myself, wow.
On the opposite side, we were not so sure about the Arctic Night, in other words, the sun doesn't shine - just two hours of not night every day. And yes, it is strange to loose all sense of time, as night - day, morning - afternoon, it's all the same. But the monochrome world was so breathtaking. As if the lack of color added to the drama. If you love nature, and aren't looking for anything posh, stay or food wise, a trip like this is a must do!
