DAY 1 To Sortland
Fly to Evenes (via Oslo). A lunchtime arrival will see you taking a local transfer to Sortland (pay locally). Alternatively should you choose the later flight (which arrives after 22.00), you will be met at the airport by a member of the Aurora team. Both options have their advantages, as the 2-hour journey offer a scenic introduction to the area and of course if it is dark, there is always the opportunity to spot the Aurora on your way.Check into your chosen accommodation and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Check dining arrangements - Include dinner for people arriving on the early flight both at Sortland Hotell and at Vesteralen Sjohus.
DAY 2 Andøya and Spaceship Aurora
Enjoy breakfast. If you have not done so already, meet with Chris, your local guide, before departing on a drive along the picturesque west coast of Andøya. Designated a National Tourist Route, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is the chance of seeing eagles, reindeer, moose, whales and dolphins and ample photographic opportunities, including Bleik Beach, one of Norway’s most scenic. On arrival in Andenes, visit Spaceship Aurora, an educational and activity centre showcasing the history and science behind the Northern Lights, as well as their impact on Norwegian culture. This interactive experience allows you to experience a virtual trip into space and take part in ‘scientific experiments’, illustrating day-to-day life in a Space Centre. Lunch is taken locally or bring a picnic lunch (own expense). Return to Sortland for dinner and prepare for the first of three Aurora chases. Chris will have been monitoring the Aurora forecasts throughout the afternoon and, at the appointed time, will head towards the area where the forecast is strongest. Ensure you wrap up warm as temperatures can drop significantly. If appropriate, a campfire will be lit and a marshmallow or two added whilst you wait for the dancing lights. If and when they do appear, it just completes the magical atmosphere. Chris is also on hand to give you tips on how to capture this natural phenomenon on your camera.
DAY 3 Wildlife Safari
Breakfast will be a welcome sight after last nights foray into the wilderness. Refuel before heading out along the coast to meet with a local wildlife and photography expert. First, he will advise on how to get the best images of the white-tailed eagle, which is regularly spotted feeding in the area. After which, you will board his boat and sail into the heart of the archipelago and amongst the fjords in search of this magnificent bird and other fauna. Returning to the tiny harbour, enjoy a delicious lunch of the locally renowned fish soup and bread. Returning to Sortland, there will be a short time to relax before dinner and tonight’s Aurora quest. Changeable weather can mean travelling inland or remaining on the coast in order to try and witness this phenomenon, but you can be assured that Chris will do his utmost to locate this marvellous spectacle.
DAY 4 Sami Culture and Reindeer Encounter
Today’s excursion introduces you to the life of the Sami and includes a visit to a traditional working reindeer farm. Meet some of the four-legged residents, as well as the Inga’s, who continue the 150 year-old family tradition of raising reindeer. Their delight in presenting an authentic insight into the indigenous people of the region is all too apparent, when sharing the myths and magic that surrounds the Sami culture. The majority of the reindeer roam free until mid November, so if travelling before then, you will be treated to a short reindeer safari, heading out into the surrounding countryside, in order to locate the herd. A hearty and warm lunch will be served at the farm, gathered around an open campfire, in a traditional Lavvu and perhaps accompanied by a Joik. Return to Sortland for an afternoon of leisure, before dinner and your final Aurora encounter. We hope that by now you will have experienced the Northern Lights, but if they have remained elusive, you can be assured that Chris will explore every avenue, in an attempt to bring the aurora to you. We hope that the weather gods are listening and reward your efforts accordingly.
DAY 5 UK
Once again, you have a choice of return flights. The early departure includes a return transfer to the airport. If you wish to have a little longer in Sortland, then there are regular local bus transfers to the airport approximately 2-hours away (pay locally). Either way, you will return to the UK having experienced the hidden delights that this unique region has to offer.
