Enjoy wintertime in Northern Norway. This package is far above the Arctic Circle, on the border of Russia. Participate in one of National Geographic Adventure magazines 25 Best New Trips in the World for 2008 - The King Crab Safari. This Safari takes you out in the fjord, where your catch is guaranteed – the most fresh king crabs in the world, and a lunch of all-you-can-eat king crab!

Other winter adventures await, including an overnight in the SnowHotel, a unique hotel rebuilt every winter. After a refreshing night's sleep in a SnowSuite, guests awake to a hot drink, sauna and shower, with breakfast served by the open fire. Days are filled with snowshoeing, and a lesson on how to handle eager huskies, followed by a dog sledding adventure with your dog team! Try your hand at Snowmobiling. On clear nights, there is a good chance to see the Northern Lights. Top this all off with tremendous meals made with local specialities.

For 2009/2010 - Daily US Departures on Request: 

* Dec 16-24, 2009; Mar 26-31, 2010 - from $3,137 per person
* Dec 25, 2009-Mar 25, 2010 - from $2,986 per person
* Apr 1-16, 2010 - from $3,207 per person

Day 1/ Departure from the US

Day 2/ Arrival in Oslo, Norway
Take the airport train to the city. Day at leisure to explore Norway’s capital. Overnight at Thon Hotel Opera or similar

Day 3/ Oslo - Kirkenes & Snowshoeing   B D
Non-stop SAS morning flight from Oslo to Kirkenes. Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free to try some snowshoeing.  Dinner and overnight Rica Kirkenes Hotel or similar

Day 4/ Dog-Sled and Snowmobile Adventure in Pasvikdalen Valley   B D
After breakfast you will be picked up for your full day adventure on dogsled and snowmobile. Enjoy the Pasvikdalen Valley as you should in the winter! Dog-sled deep into the Taiga forest and have dinner in a cozy cabin around an open fire. Return to the kennel by snowmobile. You will receive basic training on how to drive a dog-sled and snowmobile with your guides. Return to Kirkenes this evening. Dinner and overnight at Rica Hotel Kirkenes or similar

Day 5/ Kirkenes and the Snow Hotel   B D
Today explore one of Kirkenes' WWII landmarks, Andersgrotta. Visit this bomb shelter which was open to the public in 1990. See a film about Kirkenes during the war along with a short lecture on what it was like to be here during that time. Transfer this afternoon from the Rica Kirkenes to the SnowHotel where you will spend the night.

The SnowHotel features SnowSuites decorated with beautiful SnowSculptures, and a SnowBar with cool drinks. Visit the Gabba Reindeer Park to observe reindeer in their natural surroundings, followed by a snowshoeing excursion through the snowy Arctic landscape.

Dinner of local specialties is served by the open fire at Gabba Restaurant, a typical wooden building from the Arctic. Overnight at the SnowHotel

Day 6/ King Crab Safari   B L D
Awake to a hot drink, followed by breakfast served by the open fire. Enjoy a sauna and shower after the night in the SnowHotel.

On the King Crab Safari this morning, catch the largest and freshest King Crabs in the world! These giants can reach 2 meters, and weigh up to 15 kilos. Travel by snowmobile to the sea ice on the fjord for the king crab ice fishing adventure. After your King Crab meal and multimedia show, transfer back to Kirkenes and have a relaxing jacuzzi and sauna experience to relax and reflect on your time in Kirkenes. Dinner this evening at restaurant Gaupahuken, located on the banks of the Russian border at Storskog. Enjoy a 3-course meal made from local ingredients. Overnight at Storskog cabins/apartments

Day 7/ Kirkenes - Oslo   B
Check out and transfer to the airport for non-stop SAS flight to Oslo. Airport train to city, time in Oslo at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Opera or similar

Day 8/ Departure from Oslo    B
Airport train to airport for your return flight back to the US - or extend your stay in Scandinavia!


PRICE INCLUDES:
• Transatlantic air from the East Coast (other US cities available) *air taxes and fuel surcharges are additonal
• Roundtrip SAS economy class air Oslo-Kirkenes
• Airport train in Oslo for arrivals and departures
• 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Opera in Oslo
• 2 nights accommodation at Rica Hotel Kirkenes
• 1 night accommodation in SnowHotel with sauna & hot drink in the morning
• 1 night accommodation at Storskog cabins/apartments
• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
• Visit to Reindeer Park, Guided snowshoeing excursion, King Crab Safari
• Snowmobile and Husky safari, jacuzzi and Sauna experience
• All transfers in Kirkenes

NOT INCLUDED:
• International air taxes and fuel surcharges
• Meals, sightseeing and items not specified
• Travel insurance (highly recommended and available through Borton Overseas)