Follow The Northern Lights & Santa Claus Village
16-Night Tour, Rail & Cruise Holiday
- 25 Dec ‘25
- 16 nights
- Oslo
- MS Nordlys
*Based on Interior Stateroom.
Oceanview Stateroom from an extra $719
Suite from an extra $3,739
What's Included
Discover the Norwegian Coast, chase Northern Lights, journey through Finnish Lapland and visit Santa’s Village on this 16-Night Tour, Rail and Cruise Journey
During the tour, cross Norway and Finland, visit charming hamlets, and sail through picturesque fjords, all the while making the most of plentiful opportunities to see the magnificent Northern Lights. Along the way, enjoy bucket-list excursions such as reindeer and husky safaris, Santa Claus Village visit and an overnight in a Glass Igloo.
Your trip also includes the amazing journey by rail, coach and ferry on the famous ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route between Oslo and Bergen.
⚓ 10 nights, 4-star hotel accommodation with 1 night in the Glass Igloo (private Aurora cabin)
⚓ 6 nights cruise accommodation
⚓ Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 4 dinners on land, all meals on board your cruise
⚓ Norway in a Nutshell: Flåm Railway journey and fjord cruise on UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
⚓ First-class touring coach from Kirkenes to Rovaniemi
⚓ Husky and reindeer safaris
⚓ Santa Claus Village visit
⚓ Chances of seeing the Northern Lights
⚓ Guided city tours of Bergen and Oslo
This trip operates multiple dates in December 2025; prices & ships will vary by departure date. Please let your Travel Advisor at Cruiseabout know which departure you are interested in.
9, 11, 14 & 15 December 2025 – From $9779pp
20 December 2025 – From $9529pp
28 December 2025 – From $9139pp
YOUR ITINERARY
Welcome to Norway! First stop: Norway’s thriving capital, O ...
Welcome to Norway! First stop: Norway’s thriving capital, Oslo. The city has a sheltered position deep inside Oslofjord and is surrounded by glistening lakes.
Arrive in Oslo and make your own way to your hotel. The day is spent at your leisure, exploring the many charms the cosmopolitan capital has to offer.
Why not make your way to the city centre, taking snaps of the architecturally distinct Rådhuset town hall, Royal Palace, and Oslo Cathedral.
Along the waterfront, there’s Aker Brygge, a popular area to eat out at, the imposing Akershus Fortress, and the gleaming new buildings around Bjørvika waterfront. The latter is where you’ll find modern attractions such as the landmark new Edvard Munch museum.
In the evening, meet the rest of your tour group and your guide at a welcome dinner. Overnight in Oslo.
After breakfast, we’ll go on an Oslo grand city tour that m ...
After breakfast, we’ll go on an Oslo grand city tour that may include some of the attractions you might have had time to see yourself on your first day but also a few sights located further away.
The Oslo Opera House is perhaps the capital’s most iconic building, resembling a gleaming glacier floating in the water. Wander along its clean lines, admire the dramatic angles, and marvel at the white marble that covers its exterior.
Vigeland Sculpture Park is located at the centre of splendid Frogner Park. There, you’ll find more than 200 visually striking sculptures in bronze, granite, and cast iron by prolific Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. The highlight of the sculptures is the monolith that rises several metres high.
Further north from Vigeland, just outside of Oslo, is Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You won’t be doing any jumping yourself, but the impressive building enjoys panoramic views over the city, lakes, and fjord. Beneath the ski jump is also the world’s oldest ski museum featuring 2,500 pairs of skis and 4,000 years of skiing history.
After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Oslo to spend the night.
After breakfast, we take the train from Oslo to M ...
After breakfast, we take the train from Oslo to Myrdal station over 850 metres high in the mountains. This is the boarding point for the Flåm Mountain Railway.
The vintage train will weave its way down from the mountains and into the valley towards the village of Flåm. The scenic journey takes about an hour and includes a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall for you to take photos. The small power station on the waterfall is actually what powers the Flåm Mountain Railway.
We’ll then arrive in the village of Flåm where you’ll spend the night at a hotel. You can visit Flåm Railway Museum to learn more about the history and the engineering that brought about the railway. Enjoy your included dinner at the hotel tonight.
Following breakfast and checking out of your hotel, it’s ti ...
Following breakfast and checking out of your hotel, it’s time to enjoy a two-hour boat cruise of Aurlandsfjord and narrow UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, ending at Gudvangen. A short bus ride through Nærøydalen valley, usually fringed by waterfalls, leads us to the village of Voss where you will catch the train to Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway.
Check in to your hotel in Bergen before heading out to explore Norway’s third largest city at your leisure. One recommendation is to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Fløyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.
After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, incl ...
After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district. Bryggen is made up of a colourful age-old wooden wharves which now house boutique shops selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs.
Across the cobblestone street from Bryggen is the Fish Market, a place of sights, sounds, and smells. Freshly caught seafood is cooked on the spot here and served to salivating visitors.
We’ll then head to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where we can relax in our exclusive guest lounge before boarding our Coastal Express ship for our voyage along Norway’s beautiful coast.
Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik ...
Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. You’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.
Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy wandering around pastel-coloured buildings, picking up details such as semi-circular windows and charming rounded fairy-tale-like towers.
For a lovely panorama over the town, head up to Mount Askla. There’s also Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums.
The last port of the day is Molde which has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.
We arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time ...
We arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital either on your own or on an optional excursion.
Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population.
A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway.
Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which offers beautiful views.
In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse towards charming Rørvik.
We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginn ...
We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!
Above the Arctic Circle in autumn, winter, and spring, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.
At 10am, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. We then sail to Bodø, the second-largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks.
That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight stretching for miles on the horizon.
Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, busy catching Arctic cod called skrei which swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to nearby Vestfjord to spawn.
Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.
We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peacef ...
We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town.
The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.
We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.
Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.
Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.
The ship makes early morning stops in the town of Ham ...
The ship makes early morning stops in the town of Hammerfest and at Havøysund before arriving at Honningsvåg mid-morning.
This is the portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.
The ship continues north. Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi.
We reach Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.
The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.
We’ll arrive at Vardø in the morning, and we’ll co ...
We’ll arrive at Vardø in the morning, and we’ll continue south towards our next port, Kirkenes. You’ll be treated to dramatic coastal vistas as we approach the shore. Here, we leave our ship behind as we continue our journey south toward Finland on land.
We’ll board a coach and enjoy a scenic drive through the town of Kirkenes, and after crossing the border into Finland, we’ll begin heading south through Lapland. We’ll stop at Inari, a village in Finland’s largest municipality.
The area is famous for its large Sámi population and is seen as the centre of Finnish Sámi culture. At the newly renovated Siida Sámi museum, you can see exhibits and artefacts that document the rich culture of the Finnish Sámi. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Saariselkä, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness.
After a day of travelling, learning, and exploring, you’ll spend your first night in Finland.
Waking up in Saariselkä, you have another day in Finland ...
Waking up in Saariselkä, you have another day in Finland’s winter wonderland to look forward to.
Today we have a day at leisure to explore the small village, or why not try the toboggan near the hotel, or one of the many optional excursions available.
This evening enjoy a Reindeer Safari, with the chance of experiencing the Northern Lights. A short transfer to a local reindeer farm and here you have the opportunity to get to know a local Sami family. During your visit, we will feed the reindeers in the paddock and tell you about reindeer husbandry. Then it´s time to take the Lappish lasso and practice, with the guidance of the host, throwing the lasso. You will also have a peek into the dim Lappish hut. In the idyllic old cottage, you can enjoy some coffee and chat more about reindeers and Sami. Weather permitting, enjoy an enchanting reindeer sleigh ride—available exclusively from December through March and lasting approximately 25-45 minutes.
Return to your hotel in the evening, where you’ll spend your second night in Saariselkä.
Today, we journey towards the commercial centre of Lapla ...
Today, we journey towards the commercial centre of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Along the way we will make a short stop to visit the Sodankylä Old Church.
Experience Santa Claus Village, where you can see herds of reindeer and even meet the jolly bearded man himself. This Christmas-themed park will surely bring out your inner child, and if you’re lucky, seeing the Northern Lights dancing above will make your visit even more special.
In the evening, you’ll check into an Arctic snowhotel in Sinettä, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the hotel before you spend the night in a toasty glass igloo, looking out for the Aurora through the 360 degree glass roof.
Today we will transfer to your hotel in Rovaniemi. ...
Today we will transfer to your hotel in Rovaniemi. This Arctic city has an intriguing history, having grown to prominence in the 19th century due to the Lapland gold rush. After extensive destruction during World War II, the city had to be rebuilt, and its footprint was redesigned in the shape of a reindeer’s head.
Besides reindeer, another iconic Lapland animal is the husky. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of a husky dog kennel and meet its friendly, furry residents. Enjoy lunch at the kennel. Learn about the long relationship these dogs have with the local people, and find out how they’re reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are.
After spending some time with the dogs, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness. Once it’s over, you can enjoy a snack and a hot drink around the roaring fire.
After breakfast you have a day to yourself to explore more of ...
After breakfast you have a day to yourself to explore more of Rovaniemi. Your tour guide can recommend a range of exciting additional excursions or things to see and do in the area.
Maybe make a visit to Jätkänkynttilä bridge to take photos of Finland’s first suspension bridge. It stands prominently over Kemijoki river with the lamps at the top of its two pillars resembling glowing braziers.
You’ll also not want to miss the Aalto Centre, a complex of public buildings designed by famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. Each of the three buildings is inspired by Finnish culture and nature. Even the five arterial roads are arranged in the shape of a reindeer’s antlers.
There’s also the forest-themed Pilke Science Centre and Korundi House of Culture to lose yourself in. Similarly, Ranua Zoo is home to various Arctic fauna, but all bow in respect to the resident polar bears and Finnish brown bears.
Today, we leave the Rovaniemi and travel by train to Helsinki, ...
Today, we leave the Rovaniemi and travel by train to Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best cities to live in, Helsinki is vibrant and colourful, and offers a delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. The city is also known for its incredible natural scenery, with countless nature trails nearby.
After a late afternoon arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring the city and discovering the many hidden gems dotted around the centre. With a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés, Helsinki has something to satisfy every taste.
From the far south of Norway up to the northernmost poi ...
From the far south of Norway up to the northernmost point, then down through Finnish Lapland – you’ve been on quite the journey! You’ve travelled through the Polar Night over sea and land across countries, with the Northern Lights making a pleasant appearance at times.
Today marks the end of your journey, but it doesn’t truly finish here. The memories you’ve collected throughout your time with us will remain with you for years to come. You’ll also likely be going home with plenty of photos from various activities and places that you can share with family and friends.
After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travellers. We thank you for spending this time with us, and we hope to see you again soon for another adventure.
YOUR SHIP - The MS Nordlys
Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
The art, décor and colours employed aboard this ship are all inspired by the northern lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. Passengers are invited to relax after a long day experiencing Hurtigruten´s various excursions and activities in comfy reclining chairs in the one of the ship’s lounges.
Refurbishment in 2019
In May 2019 MS Nordlys was refurbished. All cabins got a makeover, while new cabin grades were added. The upgrade saw a number of new features being added to the ship:
All staterooms and suites are fully upgraded to match Hurtigruten’s new standards. On deck 6, a number of cabins were merged into larger suites, some with large bay windows and spectacular views.
In addition to a full makeover, the aft-facing Torget main restaurant has large deck-to-ceiling windows.
The brand-new Activity Center will act as the on-board headquarter for Hurtigruten’s Expedition Team.
Kysten Fine Dining – serving innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce such as ultra-fresh seafood – is slightly different from other Hurtigruten ships, and also be open for a la carte lunch.
The gym on deck 7 is bigger, the sauna upgraded and two aft-facing outdoor hot tubs are added.
Two new lecture halls have been added on deck 4, together with the open Kompass information and shopping area, where guests can enjoy exclusive offers on outdoor clothing and other items.
On deck 7, the informal and hugely popular Hurtigruten venue Multe Bakery is now open- serving freshly baked cakes and pastries, smørbrød (open sandwiches with generous amounts of topping), smoothies, a large assortment of local ice cream with homemade toppings, premium coffee, organic herbal tea, and premium juice.
The forward-facing Explorer Lounge and Panorama Bar offers a unique atmosphere and the best views on the ship – with front-row seats for enjoying the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, wildlife and nature as it passes by.
Expedition team on board
MS Nordlys has her own on-board Expedition Team that serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside as well as out on the sun deck of the ship make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team will host a lecture and presentation programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you may participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´, and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey.
The dedicated Expedition Team has one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here.
Special features:
Expedition Team
Outdoor explorer deck
Large panorama and observation lounges with great views
Bar
Shop
Restaurant
Separate à la carte option restaurant
Fitness room and sauna
Wi-Fi
Lift
Conference room
Car deck
Description
Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
The art, décor and colours employed aboard this ship are all inspired by the northern lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. Passengers are invited to relax after a long day experiencing Hurtigruten´s various excursions and activities in comfy reclining chairs in the one of the ship’s lounges.
Refurbishment in 2019
In May 2019 MS Nordlys was refurbished. All cabins got a makeover, while new cabin grades were added. The upgrade saw a number of new features being added to the ship:
All staterooms and suites are fully upgraded to match Hurtigruten’s new standards. On deck 6, a number of cabins were merged into larger suites, some with large bay windows and spectacular views.
In addition to a full makeover, the aft-facing Torget main restaurant has large deck-to-ceiling windows.
The brand-new Activity Center will act as the on-board headquarter for Hurtigruten’s Expedition Team.
Kysten Fine Dining – serving innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce such as ultra-fresh seafood – is slightly different from other Hurtigruten ships, and also be open for a la carte lunch.
The gym on deck 7 is bigger, the sauna upgraded and two aft-facing outdoor hot tubs are added.
Two new lecture halls have been added on deck 4, together with the open Kompass information and shopping area, where guests can enjoy exclusive offers on outdoor clothing and other items.
On deck 7, the informal and hugely popular Hurtigruten venue Multe Bakery is now open- serving freshly baked cakes and pastries, smørbrød (open sandwiches with generous amounts of topping), smoothies, a large assortment of local ice cream with homemade toppings, premium coffee, organic herbal tea, and premium juice.
The forward-facing Explorer Lounge and Panorama Bar offers a unique atmosphere and the best views on the ship – with front-row seats for enjoying the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, wildlife and nature as it passes by.
Expedition team on board
MS Nordlys has her own on-board Expedition Team that serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside as well as out on the sun deck of the ship make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team will host a lecture and presentation programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you may participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´, and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey.
The dedicated Expedition Team has one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here.
Special features:
Expedition Team
Outdoor explorer deck
Large panorama and observation lounges with great views
Bar
Shop
Restaurant
Separate à la carte option restaurant
Fitness room and sauna
Wi-Fi
Lift
Conference room
Car deck
Recreational
Conference Room
Library
Food and Drink
A la carte restaurant
Bar
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness
Fitness Room
Sauna
Other
Lift
Shops
Entertainment
Children’s Play Area
Expedition Team
Observation Lounge
Panorama Lounge
Wi-Fi
STATEROOMS
Suite
Oceanview Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Important Notice
The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 31 December 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated. Airfares require full payment in order to ticket. All discounts are included in the advertised price. Components of the total price including local payments, “resort fees”, “national park fees”, “trip kitties” and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 01 December 2024 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply. View our full Terms and Conditions.