The following writing sample was used to give customers of the Artisan Travel Company an idea of how a day of their itinerary would look.
DAY 2 – Guided RIB Adventure and Overnight in a Crystal Lavvo
For those travelling in September and October, after breakfast, you will join your local guide for a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) wildlife adventure exploring the archipelago of islands around Tromsø. The boat is able to pick up great speed as it takes you out to sea. You will be treated to some truly dramatic and breath-taking scenery with incredible views of not just the islands but the city and the mountainous Arctic landscapes. There is a variety of wildlife in this area, including seals and various seabirds. Your trip will include a stop at Hella, where you will enjoy hot drinks and snacks. The pick-up point for this activity is a short walk away from your hotel and the activity will last for approximately 3 hours, including transfers. You will return to Tromsø at approximately 2 pm and you will have some free time to explore the city until your transfer to the Crystal Lavvos this afternoon at 5:30 pm. Your luggage can be left securely at your hotel, after you have checked out this morning and you can pick it up later this afternoon, prior to your transfer.
For those travelling in November, it may also be an opportunity to spot various whale species, however, this can never be guaranteed. The whale safari in November will begin at 6 am and will need to cover greater distances to hopefully find the migration route of these majestic animals. It is certainly worth the journey. Orcas and humpbacks are common in Norwegian waters, so, hopefully, you will be in luck today. The pick-up point for this activity is a short walk away from your hotel and the activity will last for approximately 6-8 hours, including transfers. Following a light lunch, you will transfer straight to the Crystal Lavvo after your activity today, so please bring your luggage with you this morning. You may choose to pack a light overnight bag and leave the rest of your luggage in Tromsø at the hotel, if you wish.
The Crystal Lavvos are situated on the majestic Lyngen Peninsula. The region is characterised by steep-sided mountains which slope sharply down to the enchanting fjords offering a new panorama around every corner. You will be spending the night in a Crystal Lavvo, located right in the heart of these stunning natural surroundings. The glass roof offers unobstructed views of the night sky whilst the warming fire will keep you cosy during your stay (you will be shown how to keep this fire going during the night, if you prefer to stay in a nearby bedroom then this can be arranged at the time of booking).
Before you head to bed, you will enjoy a home-cooked dinner, before an informative Aurora workshop and some tips on how to capture the lights on camera. The lengthening nights and the remote location of the Crystal Lavvos are a recipe for captivating Aurora displays. Hopefully you’ll have the opportunity to put your photography skills to the test!