Icehotel® & Orca Safari

 
This very special two-centre short break has a limited amount of places and demand is always high. Begin your holiday at the ICEHOTEL. Marvel at man’s engineering and design skills then whilst in the Lofoten Islands, admire the similar skills of Mother Nature - the sleek, welldesigned and supremely powerful orca.

Fly to Kiruna via the Swedish capital and transfer by bus to the ICEHOTEL, around a 15 minute journey. After checking in and getting kitted out with your one-piece thermal suits, hats, boots and mittens you’ll be ready for the official guided tour. You will spend two nights here one, of which will be in a Snow Room. Should you wish to sleep only in warm accommodation, this must be requested at the time of booking.

After enjoying the ICEHOTEL and all it has to offer, travel north by bus to Narvik, the mainland port opposite Lofoten, a stunning archipelago just off the Norwegian coast. As you would expect, the islands are blessed with a diverse and dramatic coastline: narrow straits; tall, glacier-carved peaks; quiet coves; windswept beaches; tiny islets and picturesque harbours.

Here, board a boat and head out into Vestfjorden on the first orca safari, during which lunch will be served onboard. The skipper has the ability to manoeuvre along side the orca quickly and expertly, always adhering to strict guidelines which ensure the creatures are observed without interference. To see their enormous and striking mono-chromed bodies, up close in their natural environment, possibly even breaching, is impressive to say the least!

For those who like their facts, the orca or killer whale, as it is commonly known, is a species of toothed whale and is actually the largest of the dolphins. Males are considered full-grown at the age of twenty, have a dorsal fin of up to 2m in length and weigh up to 10 tonnes!

Sightings around Lofoten have an 80% success rate although it should be noted that they can never be guaranteed.

After the safari, come ashore at Henningsvaer, Lofoten’s largest and most characteristic fishing village located at the foot of Mount Vagakaillen. Consisting of a group of isles and islets spread out at random in the blue waters of the Vestfjord, with quaint architecture and such an exceptionally scenic setting, it’s not surprising it has become quite a draw for artists and other creative people. Around town you’ll find art galleries, handicraft and ceramics workshops, a candle foundry and a glassblower’s cabin. Stay 2 nights at the harbour side, Finnholmen Bryggehotel (with excellent evening meals included) and enjoy another lunchtime orca safari.

Depart early on the final day and transfer by bus back to Narvik and along the mainland coast to Evenes Airport, near Tysfjord. Fly back to the UK via the Norwegian capital.

TRAVEL TO KIRUNA VIA STOCKHOLM AND FROM EVENES VIA OSLO

If you wish to extend your stay and spend a few nights in either or both of the capitals, call us to discuss these options.