4 March 2027 – 7 days for £6,495 per person
Register for 2028 and we will contact you when details, including dates and prices, are confirmed.
Embark on an extraordinary Arctic journey in Norway with expert astronomer Jamie Carter, where the beauty of the landscape meets the wonder of the night sky. This seven-day expedition blends scenic Arctic experiences with immersive astronomy, including planetarium shows, aurora hunting and Jamie’s expert talks, revealing the secrets of the cosmos. From the dramatic fjords and vibrant coastal life of Tromsø to the remote glaciers and tundra of Longyearbyen, the tour offers a remarkable combination of stunning natural scenery and unforgettable experiences under the northern skies.
Your adventure begins in Tromsø, the Arctic capital, where colourful wooden houses and snow-dusted mountains frame a city known for its polar history and lively cafés. Explore the Northern Norwegian Science Center and Norway’s largest planetarium, enjoy an Arctic fjord cruise and take in sweeping vistas from the Fjellheisen cable car, all while keeping an eye out for the aurora borealis. From Tromsø, you’ll fly to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, a remote Arctic outpost above latitude 78°, where glaciers, ice caves and dog-sledding adventures await, along with evenings spent in search of the northern lights under some of the world’s darkest skies.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be joined by Jamie Carter, a leading science and travel writer with 25 years of experience bringing astronomy to life. Author of A Stargazing Program for Beginners and contributor to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Forbes and SPACE.com. Jamie will bring the night sky to life with his wealth of knowledge of astronomy and aurora photography. In the evenings, Jamie will accompany you into the Arctic wilderness, helping you spot and capture the auroras while sharing fascinating insights into the celestial phenomena that define the Arctic night sky.
This tour is perfect for anyone with a passion for astronomy or the Arctic. No prior experience is required for activities like dog sledding, glacier visits or aurora photography. Whether you’re a seasoned aurora hunter or simply eager to explore one of the world’s most spectacular regions, this journey combines adventure, education and unforgettable natural beauty in the heart of the Arctic.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø and meet the group
Welcome to Tromsø, the Arctic capital framed by dramatic fjords and snow-dusted mountains. Famous for its colourful wooden houses, rich polar history and lively cafés, the city sits above the Arctic Circle, where extraordinary light conditions – from the midnight sun to the polar night – create a stunning backdrop for the northern lights. With low light pollution and surrounding fjords, Tromsø is not only a cultural hub, but also one of the world’s premier destinations for witnessing the shimmering auroras and exploring the celestial wonders of the Arctic sky.
On arrival, a group transfer is included from the airport to your hotel, giving you time to settle in and take in your new surroundings.
In the evening, you will meet your tour leader and expert, Jamie Carter. Afterwards, head out together for a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Tromsø city tour, the Northern Norwegian Science Center and aurora borealis evening tour
Today, you will enjoy a guided tour of Tromsø, including a visit to the Northern Norwegian Science Center, located on the Tromsø campus of the Arctic University of Norway. Here, you will visit Norway’s largest planetarium, a state-of-the-art facility that brings the wonders of the night sky to life. At the planetarium, you will watch an immersive northern lights documentary, revealing the science and legends behind the phenomenon, followed by a breathtaking full-dome visual show that transports you across the cosmos – from the Arctic skies above Tromsø to distant galaxies far beyond.
Return to the hotel for the first of Jamie's talks. Afterwards, head out in search of the aurora borealis, accompanied by Jamie.
Day 3: Marine safari cruise, cable car and evening stargazing
Today, immerse yourself in the breathtaking Arctic landscapes surrounding Tromsø. Begin with an Arctic fjord cruise, gliding through icy waters flanked by dramatic mountains and remote coastal scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for Arctic wildlife – sea eagles soaring overhead, seals lounging on ice floes and perhaps even whales in the distance.
After your cruise, transfer to the Fjellheisen cable car, which swiftly ascends from Tromsdalen to the Storsteinen viewpoint, 421 metres above sea level. From here, take in sweeping vistas of Tromsø, the surrounding fjords and scattered islands. The towering Tromsdalstinden peak (1238 metres high) dominates the skyline, a striking backdrop that reminds us of the rugged Arctic terrain that shapes the region’s climate and night skies. This elevated vantage point is also ideal for spotting potential aurora activity later in the season, giving you a deeper appreciation for the conditions that make Tromsø one of the world’s best northern lights destinations.
After descending by cable car, return to your hotel to rest and then prepare for another evening of stargazing and possibly aurora borealis viewing.
Day 4: Fly from Tromsø to Longyearbyen
In the morning, a private transfer will take you to Tromsø Airport for your flight to Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in Svalbard. As you soar over the rugged Arctic landscape, keep an eye out for glaciers, fjords and snow-covered peaks – weather permitting, the aerial views of this remote archipelago are nothing short of spectacular. Longyearbyen itself is a unique Arctic outpost, a blend of modern infrastructure and polar history, where colourful houses cluster against the stark tundra and mountains. Despite its small size, the town is a hub of Arctic exploration, offering museums, research stations and cozy cafés, all framed by the pristine wilderness that makes Svalbard an extraordinary gateway to the Arctic night skies.
After settling into your hotel, head out to experience the Sun Festival in Longyearbyen - a joyful local celebration marking the return of the sun after the long polar night, filled with outdoor gatherings, music, and a lively Arctic atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel before heading out on a Northern Lights chase. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel with an expert guide, heading to the best spots to hunt for the Aurora Borealis in stunning surroundings. As you are now almost 1000 kilometres north of Tromsø and above latitude 78°, be prepared to pop outside at a moment's notice in the evening, as the chances of the northern lights putting on a show are significantly increased.
Day 5: Dog sledding, the Scott Turner glacier and Camp Barentz
Today, you will visit a beautiful ice cave in the Scott Turner glacier and you’ll get there by dog sled. Don’t worry if you have never been on a sled before – this experience is designed to be highly accessible for all regardless of ability, physical prowess or affinity for dogs.
You will start the day being kitted out in an exposure suit with mittens and boots. You will find the dogs eagerly waiting for a run in the wilds. An experienced musher drives you safely through the gorgeous landscape and you can have a go yourself. The actual sledding is surprisingly quiet, which allows you to enjoy the magical landscape as you journey towards the glacier surrounded by mighty mountains. Travel two by two on the sleds through Bolterdalen valley, alternating between driving and riding, as you ascend towards the Scott Turner glacier. Sixty per cent of Svalbard is covered in glaciers, and when you visit the Scott Turner glacier, you will descend into it. Here, you will see 1000-year-old remnants of frozen plant and ice formations. Pause at a cosy cabin for a light lunch by a birch-wood fire while the dogs rest, then sled back downhill, returning to the kennel for waffles, coffee and perhaps a visit with the puppies.
In the evening, you will travel into Advent valley for a northern lights evening at Camp Barentz. The camp is a former mining village at the foot of Breinosa mountain, far away from light pollution and often frequented by reindeer, grouse and Arctic foxes. A delicious campfire dinner and further insight into the aurora phenomena make it an ideal setting for enjoying the northern lights if they appear.
Day 6: Coal mine, Svalbard Museum and brewery
Spend the day getting under the skin of life in Longyearbyen. Start with a coal mine tour, heading deep into an old mine to see how coal was extracted and hear what working conditions were really like in the Arctic. Afterwards, pass by the iconic Svalbard Global Seed Vault, learning why this remote vault is often called the world’s 'doomsday seed bank'.
Later, visit the Svalbard Museum to get a great overview of the region’s wildlife, polar history, and everyday life here. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed Svalbard Bryggeri tour, tasting locally brewed beer and hearing how brewing works this far north.
In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 7: Depart Longyearbyen
After checking out of your Arctic outpost, you will be transferred to Longyearbyen's airport for your onwards flight.
Please note: Arctic weather and icy conditions may occasionally affect cruises and other outdoor activities, and while we cannot guarantee a sighting of the aurora borealis, the itinerary has been designed with flexibility to allow activities to be adjusted between days. Guests who embrace a flexible and adventurous spirit are likely to enjoy the tour to its fullest, making the most of the ever-changing beauty and magic of the Arctic.
