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• The Most Epic (and Luxurious) Ways to See the Northern Lights

Chasing the Aurora Borealis, from Iceland to Alaska and the ends of the earth.

Susan b. barnes, susan b. barnes's most recent stories.

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Denali National Park, Alaska

Perhaps one of the most exclusive spots to view the Northern Lights is Sheldon Chalet , a five-bedroom luxury mountain retreat set upon five private acres within Alaska ’s Denali National Park. Fronted by the Alaska Range and within 10 miles of Denali’s summit, the family-run chalet is accessible only by air or helicopter service from Anchorage and nearby Talkeetna. That’s not to say you’re on your own upon arrival: An on-site concierge and guide ensure you stay active (or not), and the resident chef prepares mouth-watering meals featuring flavors of Alaska’s bounty. (Available year-round; pricing from $2,300 per person, per night.)

Denali National Park’s Sheldon Chalet  Photo: Chris Burkard

Southern Iceland

When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights, the area of Southern Iceland in which Hotel Ranga is located is considered one of the best places in the world. Fortunately, a stay at the hotel is part of the four-night Northern Lights in Iceland fully-customizable itinerary offered by Scott Dunn . In addition to watching the lights dance overhead, your time in Iceland may be spent exploring Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, as well as hiking on glaciers. (Available through March 2019, and October 2019 through March 2020; pricing begins at $4,600 per person in low season, and $5,600 per person in high season.)

The Aurora Borealis at Iceland’s Skógafoss Waterfall  Photo: Courtesy of Scott Dunn

Tromsø, Norway

Spend time touring Tromsø, Norway and the neighboring islands of Kvaløya, Breivikeidet, and the South Lyngen region by chauffeured Tesla, available to you 24/7, when you book the three-night Aurora in Bed itinerary with Off the Map Travel . When you’ve finished for the day, return to Villa Telegrafbukta for meals prepared by your own private chef. Afterward, bundle up and snuggle in for a night of viewing the Aurora Borealis on your private rooftop balcony, complete with a king-size bed outfitted with layers of sheep’s wool, pillows, and goose-down duvets. The adjoining master bedroom features floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for indoor viewings, too. (Available through March 2019, and September 2019 through March 2020; pricing begins at $3,089 per person, based on a group of six adults.)

Off the Map Travel’s Aurora in Bed Experience  Photo: Ole Mortensen

Lofoten Islands

Set sail aboard a private yacht in search of the Aurora Borealis when you customize a Lofoten Islands: Ski and Sail Beneath the Northern Lights itinerary with Black Tomato . Not only will you enjoy time cruising Norway’s picturesque fjords, but carving its world-class powder slopes, too. On this trip, you’ll want to get your sea and ski legs ready. (Available through May 2019, and February through May 2020; pricing from $7,467 per person.)

The Aurora Borealis at Lofoten Islands  Photo: Steve King

It was a small expedition hosted by Geoffrey Kent , co-founder of Abercrombie & Kent, in March 2018 that inspired the outfitter’s nine-day Northern Lights of Lapland journey. Over the course of the trip, guests travel above the Arctic Circle in search of the lights in Finnish and Swedish Lapland , as well as cruise aboard an icebreaker, try their hands at ice fishing, and enjoy dogsledding and snowshoeing en route. (Available December 2019, and January through March 2020; pricing from $8,395 per person.)

Dogsledding in Lapland with Abercrombie & Kent  Photo: Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Scandinavia

Butterfield & Robinson invites you to strap on a pair of snowshoes and seek out the Northern Lights in the Scandinavian countryside as part of its fully-customizable six-night Scandinavia Winter Journey. For more relaxed viewing experiences, you’ll also enjoy overnight stays at inspired hotels, including glass-domed igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland, and Arctic view rooms at Santa’s Hotel Aurora in Luosto Village. (Available through March 2019, and December 2019 through March 2020; pricing begins at $9,995 per person.)

The Northern Lights at Santa’s Hotel Aurora  Photo: Courtesy of Butterfield & Robinson

Northern Finland

If you’d rather sit and stay awhile to watch the lights dance overhead, make reservations at the 13-room Jávri Lodge in the far north of Finland. Though its location is 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle , you’ll enjoy personalized concierge service to ensure your stay meets every expectation. When it comes to meals, local and organic ingredients, like fish from Lake Inari and cloudberries, are thoughtfully prepared and represent the flavors of Lapland. (Available through April 2019, and August 2019 through April 2020; pricing from $1,920 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.)

The Northern Lights at Jávri Lodge  Photo: Courtesy of Jávri Lodge

Take the reins and guide your team of reindeer through the night in search of the Northern Lights. Or watch the show surrounded by 350 huskies. You can even sail under the lights aboard a 12-passenger polar catamaran. These are all options available on Kensington Tours ’ five-day In Search of the Northern Lights voyage through Tromsø, Norway. According to the outfitter, “Tromsø is right in the middle of the planet’s Northern Lights belt, and any flare of solar storms on the surface of the sun will be spotted here.” (Available through March 2019, and December 2019 through March 2020; pricing from $2,180 per person.)

The Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, Norway  Photo: Marcelo Quinan

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Kensington Tours Review (My HONEST Experience)

I recently came across Kensington Tours, a company that specializes in creating customized, private-guided trips. I was impressed by their website, and decided to take a trip through them.

Kensington Tours offers a wide range of trips, including group and small group tours. They cater to various interests and preferences which makes them an attractive option for diverse groups of travelers. In particular, I was impressed to find out that first-time customers were pleased with their experiences, praising the logistics, planning, and knowledgeable local guides provided by Kensington Tours.

In this article, I will be telling you my opinion of this tour-booking company, based on my experiences of travelling with them.

Overview of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours can be worth your money if you select the correct packages. However, some people have faced problems, so be careful when booking.

This company also provides experienced guides who will take you through all the sightseeing places and accompany you on tour. They are mainly used for traveling to foreign countries where people need to learn more about the local scene. The guides will know the local language and can interact with the locals on your behalf.

You won’t have to worry about anything other than your flights to reach your destination.

Services Offered

During my research about Kensington Tours, I discovered that they provide customized itineraries and personalized travel experiences. A wonderful woman by the name of Amanda Jex was my destination lead, and she was very accommodating to the last-minute changes we made to the itineraries.

Kensington Tours made our multi-country trips stress-free with efficient logistical services, such as on-time drivers, clear signage, and convenient train tickets.

Kensington Tours delivered a great bespoke European vacation for my visit to Italy and Switzerland. The company listened carefully to my family’s desires and tailored the itinerary accordingly.

Destinations Covered

Kensington Tours offers a variety of trips to different parts of the world. Some of the popular destinations I found include:

• Ultimate Ireland (Small Groups):  This 13-day group tour costs $7,775 and covers iconic Irish attractions.
• Northern Lights Escape:  A 6-day small group tour priced at $2,340, with a focus on chasing the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
• Iceland Discovery:  This 8-day small group tour, costing $3,950, takes travelers to the stunning landscapes of Iceland.
• Everest Base Camp Trek:  An adventurous small group tour that brings participants on a trek to the base camp of Mount Everest.

Pros and Cons of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours gives exceptional service, tailored itineraries, and knowledgeable local travel guides. The company offers a wide range of  interesting trips  catering to diverse interests and preferences, such as small group tours in Ireland, Northern Lights escapes, and Everest Base Camp treks. Their flexibility and customization options make them appealing to travelers looking for unique or personalized experiences.

In addition to the impressive variety of tours, I was also happy with the accommodations, transportation, and overall logistics provided by Kensington Tours. Their level of organization and attention to detail contributed to a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

However, there have been instances where some travelers had  less than satisfactory experiences  with Kensington Tours. It’s important to note that discrepancies in service quality or tour expectations can happen with any tour operator and do not necessarily reflect the overall offerings of the company.

My main gripe with them is that they charge a very high cancellation fee ($350 per person). This makes it difficult to book a trip with them if you are not sure about when exactly you will be departing.

Nonetheless, potential issues to be aware of include inadequate accommodations or miscommunication in terms of expectations and itineraries . To avoid disappointment, I recommend doing thorough research on the specific tour you are interested in and reading multiple reviews to gather a well-rounded understanding of what to expect.

Can You Cancel Tours On Kensington Tours?

All cancellations of confirmed reservations on Kensington Tours will face a penalty of $350 per person. You will receive a full refund only if you cancel the tour 90 days before departure.

If you cancel a booked tour 60-89 days before departure, the penalty paid will be 30% of the booking price. Any canceled trip 30-59 days before the tour will face a loss of 50% of the program price. 

Any tour cancellation about 29 days before departure won’t qualify for a refund. The cancellation fees will be 100% of the program price.

How To Get Refunds From Kensington Tours?

You need to contact customer support to get a refund from Kensington Tours. You have the option to call them or send them an email on their registered email ID. 

They levy heavy cancellation charges even if you cancel a month in advance. They won’t be responsible for the cancellation fees imposed by the airlines and other associated services.

Is It Better To Trave With A Tour Company Or On Your Own?

It is better to go with a tour company if you are traveling to a different country. However, arranging the trip yourself is better when traveling within your own country. 

When visiting foreign countries, you will face many cultural and language barriers. These issues can cause trouble in planning your perfect trip.

Additionally, you may miss out on good tourist spots in foreign countries. This will not happen on guided tours since they know them all.

However, if you are familiar with the country and its language, you can travel alone. It will be a fun experience if you have the time to research properly. 

All in all, just adopt this rule of thumb 👉 Domestic Travel – Travel on your own; International Travel – Travel with a tour company.

Final Remarks 

In this article, I tried to give you an honest depiction of what traveling with Kensington Tours might look like.

I would suggest you try Kensington Tours if you have the budget. Just be sure to be clear in your communications and what you expect from the trip, especially the itineraries.

My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.

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Take a 10-Day Guided Tour of Finland & Norway With the Northern Lights Shimmering Overhead

See the Northern Lights from Scandinavia's breathtaking mountain tops on this 10-day tour of Helsinki, Alta and Oslo. Journey through Finnish Lapland—250km above the Arctic Circle to Ivalo, the Gateway to the North. From the comfort of your cozy cabin in Aurora Village, gaze out through the glass roof as the lights of the aurora borealis dance above. Cross the Finnish-Norwegian border to North Cape and sample caviar in Europe’s northernmost point, before a once in lifetime visit to a working husky farm. Here you will meet the Arctic dog sled racing Alta huskies—a world famous champion dog sledding team, before a stop in Tromsø where the Indigenous Sami community invite you to help feed their reindeer herd. The vacation draws to a close on the scenic, and once Viking, shores of the Oslofjord.

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Northern Lights Tours

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Northern Lights Tours in Detail.

Our Alaska Northern Lights tours are exciting and rewarding for those looking to chase the aurora's. Our Northern Lights tours will further south than most, this is because we prefer the foreground that you generally don't get in other aurora shots. Our foreground has real mountains and large non-frozen lakes for beautiful reflections. Tours begin in Fairbanks to guarantee the best chance of viewing the aurora borealis. From there we watch the cloud weather and space weather and see what are options are. This tour can take us all over Alaska and the Yukon. Most common locations can include: Delta Junction (AK), Tok (AK), Valdez (AK), Talkeetna (AK), Paxson (AK), Whitehorse (YT), Kluane National Park (YT), Beaver Creek (YT) as well as many others with and without names. Each evening we will set out to maximize clear skies, aurora viewing, and diverse foregrounds. Our tours cover a lot of driving for maximum change of scenery as best opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights. Some nights may cover up to 500 miles of driving to ensure you get the best possible aurora viewing. For the more adventurous travelers this tour can include, remote off grid lodging and remote bush plane flights, if desired.

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Alaska Guide Co is based in Valdez, Alaska. We offer year round tours and seek to provide helpful information on all things Alaska outdoors related.

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Northern Lights Tour Packages

Venture to the northern hemisphere to hunt for the aurora borealis and see this breathtaking natural phenomenon first hand. Your northern lights tour package with Nordic Visitor comes with accommodation, activities and transport included.

Witness the aurora borealis dancing above you and explore jaw-dropping landscapes in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Why choose northern lights tours in Iceland?

• Chase the lights on guided excursions from Reykjavík
• Stay at remote lodges with dark skies for aurora viewing
• Discover natural wonders like glaciers and ice caves
• Bathe in hot springs surrounded by wintry scenery

Golden Circle Classic - Winter

Golden circle, blue lagoon & northern lights, northern lights circle tour.

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Ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Hunt for the aurora borealis in Norway and admire the dramatic mountains, coastline and islands of the north.

Why go aurora-hunting in Norway?

• Marvel at the lights on an aurora coastal cruise
• Embark on a dog sledding northern lights safari
• Enjoy guided aurora excursions from Tromsø
• Stay at the extraordinary Kirkenes Snow Hotel

Northern Lights by Train and Cruise

Tromsø, flåm & the fjords, best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, northern lights & cruise, northern lights norway classic.

Experience snowy scenery, Sami culture and winter activities in Finnish or Swedish Lapland on a northern lights adventure.

Why chase the northern lights in Lapland?

• Enjoy an enchanting aurora tour by snowmobile
• Gaze up at the northern lights from a cosy glass igloo
• Stay in a room made of ice at the legendary ICEHOTEL
• Witness the aurora dancing above Abisko National Park

Best of Lapland - Guaranteed Departure

December 18, 2024, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel.

Journey to a remote land and seek out the northern lights in Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago at the edge of the world.

Why look for the northern lights in Svalbard?

• Experience the mesmerising light of the polar night
• Visit the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen
• Go on thrilling dog sledding and snowmobiling tours
• See polar bears and seals in the wild

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Best of svalbard winter - classic, need any help so far get in touch with us.

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About Your Northern Lights Vacation

Discover the magic of the aurora borealis* on an unforgettable northern lights tour. Explore beautiful destinations in the Nordics on an itinerary that local travel experts have meticulously organised for you.

When you book a northern lights tour package with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant to organise your tour • All relevant bookings for your chosen package • A detailed online personal itinerary • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 emergency phone support for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your winter tour. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

*Please note, the northern lights are a natural occurrence and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a highly rated tour agency in Northern Europe. Our travel experts create authentic journeys filled with the best activities and destinations. They are locally based and add their in-depth knowledge to all northern lights itineraries.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when Tripadvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Stress-free experience

Our travel consultants will plan and book your trip on your behalf. You’ll receive a personalised itinerary with your accommodation and activities all arranged for you. That way you can leave all the practicalities to someone else, while you relax and look forward to your northern lights adventure.

Flexible tour options

The Nordic Visitor travel team has designed our northern lights packages to include the very best routes and experiences. However, if you’d like to add extra nights, attractions or destinations, your personal travel consultant will happily tailor your northern lights package.

You are in good hands

Should you encounter any unexpected weather or events during your tour, don’t worry. Nordic Visitor will be there for you throughout your trip. We will take care of reworking your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline for peace of mind.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR REVIEWS

Here’s what our wonderful customers liked about their northern lights experiences.

Larus made the whole experience of organising the holiday very enjoyable.  We are not seasoned travellers but... read more

Larus made the whole experience of organising the holiday very enjoyable.  We are not seasoned travellers but this experience has given me no doubt in using Nordic Visitor again to book a holiday in the future to another Nordic destination.

Kim Singapore

Overall an amazing experience, accommodation were excellent, transfers and check-in were smooth. Will certainly use... read more

Overall an amazing experience, accommodation were excellent, transfers and check-in were smooth. Will certainly use Nordic Visitor again for future vacations.

Northern Lights Vacation Highlights

Picture yourself in a stunning winter landscape in the northern hemisphere. You’re wrapped up warm and the world’s greatest light show is about to begin. Opt for a Nordic Visitor northern lights tour, and you could…

• Take a guided tour from Reykjavík to hunt for the northern lights in Iceland
• Explore ice caves on a guided glacier hike in Vatnajökull , home to Europe’s largest glacier
• Venture to the remote Westfjords to chase the aurora and try snowshoeing
• Go dog sledding and snowmobiling in Tromsø , Norway, or Longyearbyen , Svalbard
• Discover charming fishing villages, mountains and marine wildlife in the Lofoten Islands
• Sample Norwegian delicacies in Kirkenes , such as red king crab, Arctic char and cloudberries
• Join an unforgettable snowmobiling , dog sledding or snowshoeing aurora safari in Lapland
• Visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park for dinner with a view of the northern lights
• Stay in an ice hotel or glass igloo, such as the ICEHOTEL , SnowCastle or SnowHotel

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS

For tips on viewing the northern lights, read on. We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions about Nordic aurora borealis tours here to help you make your dream trip a reality.

Alternatively, find out how to make a booking , have a look at our FAQs , or learn about our Book With Confidence travel plan.

1. ARE THE NORDICS SAFE TO TRAVEL TO?

Yes, the Nordics are widely regarded as safe for visitors. Actually, the Nordic nations – Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland – continually rank among the top 10 safest places in the world . This is because they have low crime rates, good standards of healthcare, and excellent road safety.

2. WHAT ARE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon. You can see them illuminating the sky when charged particles from solar flares collide with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, near the North Pole. This collision creates varied shapes and colours that ripple, flash or glow in the sky.

3. WHAT MONTHS CAN YOU SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS?

You have the best chance of spotting the aurora borealis in the winter months – October to April. To make out the colours of the aurora, you need dark winter nights. In the summer, daylight hours are so long that you’ll find the sky is too bright to see the glowing lights.

As it is a natural occurrence, spotting the northern lights is not guaranteed. But you can increase your chances of witnessing them by visiting the Arctic Circle in winter.

4. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

As you need a dark sky to distinguish the aurora, the best time to see the northern lights is at night. The peak hours tend to be between 11 PM and 2 AM, which is why your guided tour will likely depart after 9 PM.

You could also stay at a hotel with an aurora wake-up service. The staff will let you know if the lights come out late in the night, so you don’t have to stay up waiting for them!

The best time of year to see the northern lights is winter, between October and April. This is when Nordic nights are the longest and darkest, which means you have higher chances of catching sight of the aurora.

Winter is a great time to visit the Nordics for other reasons too. Check out these guides to the top winter activities you can enjoy:

Things to do in Norway in winter

Things to do in Iceland in winter

Things to do in Lapland in winter

5. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

You can see the aurora borealis at high northern latitudes, especially around the Arctic Circle, as this is where solar activity is strongest. That’s why the Nordic region is the best place to see the northern lights. Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Svalbard all lie within or near the Arctic Circle.

In fact, Iceland and the northern regions of Norway, Sweden and Finland are located within the “aurora zone”. Also known as the “northern lights belt”, this is a latitudinal band between 65-72°N where high auroral frequency and intensity occurs. Visit this zone for the best chance of seeing the aurora.

Learn more about where and when to see the northern lights with these expert guides:

Best times and places to see the northern lights in Europe

Best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland

Best times and places to see the northern lights in Norway

6. WHERE CAN YOU SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS IN SCANDINAVIA?

Norway, Sweden and Denmark are the countries that make up Scandinavia. If you want to go to Scandinavia to hunt for the aurora borealis, your best bet is to visit the northern parts of this region – Swedish Lapland and Northern Norway. It is unlikely you’ll see the aurora in Denmark.

You can witness the northern lights in the neighbouring Nordic nations of Finland and Iceland too. Although these countries aren’t technically part of Scandinavia, they have many similarities and also happen to be great places to catch the aurora borealis!

Lapland – an area covering northern Sweden and Finland – is a fantastic destination for aurora chasing. You could head to Rovaniemi and Kemi in Finnish Lapland, or Abisko National Park near Kiruna in Swedish Lapland.

Or visit Northern Norway for your aurora borealis tour. Take your pick from Norwegian destinations such as Tromsø, Svalbard, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands and Nordkapp (North Cape).

Alternatively, go in search of the aurora borealis in Iceland. With its wide open skies and location near the Arctic Circle, you could see the lights from anywhere in the country. For your best chances though, head away from towns with street lights so you can spot the colours more easily.

In Scandinavia you could seek out the aurora borealis in the countryside or on the coast. Plus, not only can you enjoy northern lights tours, but also bucket list activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and staying in an ice hotel.

Discover more reasons to visit Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland on our ultimate Scandinavia guide .

7. HOW TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

To see the aurora borealis, you need to be in a northern country on a clear, dark night, away from artificial lights. Although the aurora don’t show up on demand, these top tips will give you the best chances of witnessing them.

Firstly, make sure you visit northern regions close to the Arctic Circle. Iceland, Northern Norway, Svalbard and Lapland are the best destinations to see the northern lights in Europe.

Secondly, time your aurora borealis tour for the European winter. The long, dark nights will help you spot the colours lighting up the sky.

Thirdly, avoid light pollution found in built-up areas. This means heading into the countryside where there is less artificial light compared to towns and cities. You could spend some days out in remote areas, or opt for guided evening tours from your city base instead.

Another thing you can do for northern light viewings is check the weather and aurora forecast . Although you can’t do this very far in advance, during your trip you’ll be able to find out if the evening will be clear of cloud or rain and if solar activity will be strong.

You’d also increase your chances of seeing the aurora borealis by taking a guided tour. A local expert would accompany you and take you to all the best spots, sharing their insider knowledge with you.

Read our article on how to see the northern lights for more viewing tips.

8. HOW LONG DO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS LAST?

When the aurora borealis are treating you to their glorious light show, you might find they glow for a few minutes. The lights can show up several times in one night, or last for a couple of hours in one go.

There is no rule as to how long the aurora borealis last, of course, as they are a natural occurrence. If you see them for yourself, no doubt you’ll cherish every second of their beautiful magic.

9. HOW DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH THE AURORA BOREALIS?

The northern lights can be tricky to capture on camera, but with some preparation and the right equipment you can do it. Here are some top tips for photographing the northern lights:

• Use an SLR camera with manual focus
• Bring a tripod as you’ll need to do a long exposure shot
• Get a remote shutter release so you don’t have to touch the camera at all
• Use a slow shutter speed of between 15 and 30 seconds

For more tips on photographing the aurora, see our northern lights travel guide .

10. WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

It can get rather cold in the Nordic winter, especially if there’s a cool wind. The last thing you want is to feel the chill while you hunt for the aurora borealis at night. That’s why it’s important you pack the right clothing before your trip.

Many northern lights tours will provide you with thermal suits to help you stay warm while you’re out chasing the aurora. It’s also recommended that you wear warm layers underneath.

Here is an essential packing list:

• Insulated jacket and trousers (windproof and waterproof)
• Thermal wool underlayers
• Warm hat, gloves and scarf
• Warm and sturdy boots

Get more packing advice by reading our experts’ tips and tricks on dressing for northern lights viewing .

11. CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATE?

Yes, you can select your chosen arrival date online when reserving your Nordic Visitor tour. For northern lights packages, the arrival dates are between October and April as this is the aurora viewing season.

12. CAN I EXTEND MY TOUR BY A DAY OR TWO?

Absolutely! If you’d like to spend more time in a particular destination, you can request this when booking your tour online. Your dedicated travel consultant will get in touch to confirm the extra days with you.

If you are taking a small group tour, you can add extra nights to the start or end of your trip. This is because the group tour itself is fixed as you will be exploring with fellow visitors on a fixed itinerary.

13. WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHT TICKETS?

You should book your flights once your Nordic Visitor package is confirmed. We recommend you check flights beforehand to find appropriate dates and prices, but only purchase them after your travel consultant has secured your northern lights tour.

Your Nordic Visitor consultant will send you a confirmation email with all the details you need to buy suitable flights.

14. WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?

The weather is somewhat unpredictable in the Nordics, no matter the time of year you visit. In winter you should always come prepared for cold temperatures, which means bringing warm clothing. Here are the essential items that we recommend you pack for your trip:

• Warm jumpers or fleeces
• Waterproof and thermal jackets
• Gloves, scarves and hats
• Insulated, waterproof boots
• Thermal underlayers
• Waterproof trousers

For more detailed information on what to pack for your Nordic tour, read our travel guides for Iceland , Norway and Lapland .

Get in touch with us to start planning your trip or for more advice on how to see the aurora borealis. Our travel experts will be delighted to arrange an unforgettable northern lights tour for you.

Our main phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts

Blog Articles

How to see the northern lights: viewing tips, best times & places to see the northern lights in europe, best times and places to see the northern lights in iceland, a little something about the northern lights.

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Northern Lights Tours & Vacations

Unpredictable and awe-inspiringly beautiful, the Northern Lights are nature’s most dazzling display.

Our Northern Lights trips take you to some of the world’s best locations for witnessing this spectacular event. Whether it’s heading to Iceland’s remote Lake Myvatn, cruising among Greenland’s glaciers, watching the lights dance across the Canadian Rockies  or traveling by dogsled into Finland’s northern wilds, Northern Lights tours with Intrepid give you the best seats in the house for one of this galaxy’s most stunning natural performances.

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Where can you see the Northern Lights?

Northern lights travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are at their peak from late September to late March.

Where can I see the Northern Lights?

The best places to see the Northern Lights are all located in the “Auroral zone” – an area that stretches around the Northern Hemisphere at a latitude of about 66 to 69 degrees north – including parts of:

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with elements in our atmosphere (such as nitrogen and oxygen), creating brightly colored dancing displays of light.

Am I guaranteed to see the Northern Lights?

While Northern Light displays can never be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, our local leaders do their best to ensure you get to see nature’s greatest spectacle.

Can the Northern Lights be predicted?

Yes, the Northern Lights can be predicted to some extent.

The activity level of the Northern Lights depends on many things (of which some are predictable and some are somewhat random), including sunspots, coronal holes, solar flares and geomagnetic activity.

If you’re not an astronomer, your best bet is to check the local Aurora forecast – a KP-index number of 3 or higher means you have a good chance of seeing the Lights.

Can I see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights with the naked eye. Humans can most easily see the green and white of the lights at night. A camera, however, does not have the same limitations as the human eye, so the colors may appear brighter and more brilliant in photos.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights?

Of course! There is no magic recipe for capturing the Northern Lights. Still, you’ll want to set your camera on a tripod and ensure it has a manual mode functionality, so you can adjust the aperture and shutter speed to capture the spectacular display best.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

THE NORTH AURORA PASS

3 day northern lights

Maximize your chance to see the aurora borealis with a three night pass for the price of two nights..

• 3 Nights Tour
• Hot drinks and snacks
• Pictures included at no cost

Is seeing the Northern Lights number one on your bucket list? The 3 Day Northern Lights Pass is the best way to maximize your chances of experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights.

The 3 Day Northern Lights Pass  is our newest concept that has quickly become one of our most popular options to see the Northern Lights. This pass is ideal for people who want to stay longer to explore Swedish Lapland and want to take every chance they have to see the Northern Lights.  

What is the 3 Day Northern Lights Pass?

Inspired by our many guests who choose an extended stay in Swedish Lapland, we have made it easy for you to book multiple nights of Northern Lights tours. With the Aurora Pass, you can book a tour for three nights to catch the Aurora and only pay the cost of two nights.

You are in one of the best places in the world to see the spectacular Aurora. Take your days to explore Swedish Lapland and by night, join us for three nights to chase the Northern Lights across the sky.  

Some nights it can be difficult to see the Northern Lights due to weather conditions, so staying more nights in the region will maximize your chance of good weather and viewing conditions for the spectacular Northern Lights.

Why Book the 3 Day Northern Lights Pass?

Lights of Vikings’s 3 Day Northern Lights Pass is our signature Northern Lights tour, times three. 

The advantages of the 3 Day Northern Lights Pass are:

• Possibility of experiencing the Northern Lights on multiple nights
• Reduced price

Included in the Pass are:

• Pick up and drop off in your hotel in Kiruna
• Hot drinks, traditional cookies and chocolate
• Guide and professional photographer

Excluded in the Pass are:

• Daytime activities

Book your 3 Day Northern Lights Pass and maximize your chance to see the northern lights . Price starting from:

price per person

• Small group
• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Kiruna
• Winter overalls and hot drinks
• photographer guide
• professional photos

3 Day Northern Lights Pass - TOP ACTIVITY IN SWEDEN

We do not recommend this tour for guests younger than 5 years old and older than 65.

It is common to walk in snow, icy and cold conditions during the tour. If you have any physical limitations please inform us before you book.

The tour is offered in English. However, we can organize private tours in English, Italian, Spanish, Catalan and Turkish.

Our tours include snowsuits. The snowsuits will be worn as an extra-layer on top of your winter clothes and will give you more protection from wind and snow. You should already be wearing suitable winter clothes as well as a winter jacket and waterproof boots.

We can not provide boots

We can not provide overalls for the kids.

We will pick you up between 19:00 pm and 19:15pm. To make our pickup service as smooth as possible, we ask all our guests to kindly wait for us outside of the hotel at the designated pickup times, not inside the reception.  

We will pick you up at your hotel in Kiruna Center. If you are staying on Airbnb, we will pick you up at the nearest hotel or pick-up point.

Unfortunately pick-up/drop-off service is not available at Airbnb, Camp Alta, the Aurora Camp Kurravaara, Reindeer Lodge, Northern Lights Hut, Husky Lodge or Poikkijärvi.

Please click here to check the map with available pick up locations.

If you need to cancel your tour, you can cancel a minimum of 3 days beforehand for a refund. If you cancel within 3 days, we will charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking.

• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 3 day or less before the event
• Cancellation fee of 10% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event

* This policy does not apply to +6 groups Please, familiarize yourself with these policies before booking.

The Northern Lights are natural phenomena and there is no guarantee that we will see them, despite the most professional, experienced guides. Therefore, there is no refund or free tour if we don’t see the Northern Lights. Even when we find the best conditions, we might not see the lights on some nights.

The strength of the lights will also vary, as well as whether they dance in the sky. The lights in the sky are sometimes not as strong as in the pictures.

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that can be observed in both Abisko and Kiruna. The northern lights look similar in Abisko and Kiruna due to their close proximity and similar latitudes.

Abisko is known for its clear skies and low light pollution, making it an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights. It also has a unique microclimate that tends to have less cloud cover than other areas in the region, which can increase your chances of seeing the aurora.

Kiruna is another popular location for aurora viewing, and it has a range of accommodation options and activities for visitors. While it can be more crowded than Abisko, it also has a wider range of services and amenities available.

Ultimately, both Abisko and Kiruna offer excellent opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights, and which one is “better” depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

The night of your tour, Lights of Vikings Team will always take you to the best given location to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora, far from crowds and light pollution.

If the date you want to join is not available, please click here and we will contact you as soon as possible

Availability for "3 Day Northern Lights Pass"


When choosing your dates, select only your starting day (marked in green or yellow) and the pass will give you two consecutive nights after that (even if they are marked in red color). If you would like to book non-consecutive days or add dinner, please contact us to arrange your trip.

"The Longest Northern Lights Tour in Sweden"

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The Northern Lights of Finland

About this tour.

Hunt for the elusive northern lights and discover fascinating Finland, “Daughter of the Baltic.” Come to know Finnish culture and history on a tour of Helsinki with a local expert. Savor the local cuisine in Helsinki’s restaurants. Experience rugged Lapland during a 3-night stay in the north of Finland. Overnight surrounded by wilderness in a glass igloo and a Finnish log cabin. Embark on a reindeer safari with a local herder. Mush your way to breakfast in a Finnish sleigh, and lead your own dog sled team. One dynamic experience follows another on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Finland.

Your Tour Includes

• 3 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Senate Square
• Helsinki Cathedral
• Lapland Region

Your Tour at a Glance

6 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Explorations

On Tour Air

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

On tour air included.

• The cost of all internal flights on tour or within an extension are included into the total tour cost on our website and brochures.
• Purchasing internal flights through Collette is now required on tours where applicable.
• This price continues to exclude all round-trip air getting to and from the tour, as well as any additional air segments required to arrive at or depart from an extension.
• The cost displayed is based on availability at the time of booking.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Tour Helsinki alongside a local expert.

• Immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness and learn about Sámi cultural traditions over the course of a 3-night stay in the north of Finland.

Explore Lapland in search of the northern lights.

Cultural Experiences:

Introduce yourself to majestic Lappish reindeer and meet Santa Claus himself.

Lead your very own dog sled team.

Spend the night in a glass igloo amid the Lappish wilderness.

Culinary Inclusions:

Indulge in Finnish and Lappish cuisine.

Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish winter tradition.

• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
• Finnish Sauna
• Meet & Greet with Santa
• Reindeer Safari
• Northern Lights Searches
• Husky Safari
• Glass Igloo Accommodation

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour, upgrade your room.

Hotel Upgrade

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Room Upgrade

Hotel-kakslauttanen arctic resort - west village.

Sleep under the northern lights when you upgrade to a Kelo Glass Igloo for your 3-night stay in Kakslauttanen. This charming accommodation, made from Lapland’s unique Kelo pinewood, brings together the coziness of log chalets with spectacular views. Sleep in the bed in the cabin or fall under the spell of the Finnish night.

*Total for all passengers

Immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness and learn about Sámi cultural traditions over the course of a 3-night stay in the north of Finland.

Accommodations

Lilla roberts hotel, kakslauttanen arctic resort - west village, need more information.

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Call us toll free at 800.340.5158

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Northern Lights

5 days from fairbanks, from $859 plus $59 tax per person.

This package features Northern Lights viewing in one of the premier spots in the world to see the Aurora; the Interior of Alaska.

• Northern Lights Viewing
• Hot Springs Pass
• Ice Museum Tour
• Sno-Cat Excursion
• Unique Viewing Yurt
• Chena Hot Springs

Day 1 – Fairbanks

Arrive in Fairbanks on your own and transfer to your hotel for the night. You may get lucky and see this magnificent light display tonight.

Day 2 – Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs

Transfer from Fairbanks this afternoon to Chena Hot Springs. This is one of the premier places from where to watch the Northern Lights. The natural hot springs make a wonderful setting for your viewing. Included is your admission to the Ice Museum located here. Be sure to go in and have a drink “on ice”.

Day 3 – Full Day Chena Hot Springs

Today is spent exploring the resort and taking part in any optional activities. Tonight, you are booked on a Aurora Viewing Tour which will take you to an unique viewing yurt area for the Northern Lights.

Day 4 – Chena Hot Springs to Fairbanks

The morning is free for last minute explorations. You are transferred back to your hotel in Fairbanks for the night.

Day 5 – Fairbanks to Home

You are transferred to the airport today for your flight home.

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SPRING SAVINGS

Save $500 per couple!!

 3 or 4 day cruises with an Alaskan Land Vacation

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Kensington tours reviews & ratings, kensington tours may rip you off..

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Editoral Review of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours is an award winning travel company offering in depth tours with experienced guides, unique activities and premium to luxury accommodations.

What Makes Kensington Tours Stand Out?

Kensington Tours is, in their own words “not in the business of booking tours.” Rather they highlight the individuality aspect of each traveler - and their dedication to designing personalized experiences.

Specialized travel experiences created by knowledgeable experts in destinations and experiences. Their local guides add a personal touch as they provide true insider knowledge and make the trip that much more memorable. You can take multiple types of tours from safari to river cruise, active adventure to honeymoon. They also have a unique Explorer in Residence program where you can take a tour guided by explorers such as travel photographers and storm chasers.

They have highly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable destination experts who contribute to the experience by providing local insight, spontaneity, and breadth - so you don’t feel that you miss anything while exploring your destinations.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Kensington Tours?

Kensington is a luxury operator; their travelers are well-to-do and value dedicated high class customer service, premier accommodations, and excellent cuisine.

Travelers on a tour with Kensington seek to explore the world in comfort, are adventurous with an appreciation for the finer things. If you’re the kind of person who makes room for hiking boots alongside a few dressy items in your suitcase, Kensington Tours could be a good fit for you.

As opposed to Abercrombie & Kent, which whom they are often compared, Kensington has a more youthful focus, less obviously geared toward older travelers. That said they are a recognizable name among the 55+ crowd and their primary traveler, simply by default of the budget range does tend to be older.

Top Destinations

Kensington operates tours around the world, utilizing local accommodation, and diving into the local culture. Knowledgeable and passionate destination experts are on hand to help bring the destination to life.  

They are well known for their Africa tours and safaris, which travel throughout the most popular safari destinations, as well as farther afield. In addition, Kensington tours also operate trips in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. They also have cruise departures to Antarctica!

Kensington Tours Travel Style

Kensington certainly ascribes to the notion that “luxury” does not mean “stiff” or require that you stick to 5 star resorts. Rather it’s a style of travel that allows you to see the world on a deeper, extremely personal level - in safety, comfort, with a guide who becomes like a friend helping reveal small nuances that bring each destination to life in a new way.

Think luxury eco lodges in the heart of Central America, a yacht down the Amazon, 5 star safari lodges where you can sip champagne looking out over the savannah. Transportation is in luxury coaches, comfortable safari jeeps, hot air balloons, river cruises etc.

The Kensington travel perspective is not to book a tour - but to craft an unforgettable experience.

They have many travel styles including Safaris, which they are especially known for, river cruises, and family trips.

Safaris with Kensington Tours - Enjoy the “fabled” African safari experience when you travel with Kensington Tours in Africa. Unforgettable wildlife encounters, luxury lodges, and exclusive private game drives, where expert guides reveal the best viewing opportunities and give excellent tips for spotting and photographing the animals.

And it’s not just about the wildlife. Your safari may include a visit to Mt. Kilimanjaro, an afternoon visiting with local tribes, enjoying their hospitality, food, and learning about their culture.

Active Adventures - True to their outlook on travel, Kensington combines the best of luxury with active adventure. This means whitewater rafting, hiking in Wales, or waterfall rappelling. A day full of activity followed by a well deserved cocktail in the sunset. Kensington adventure tours are offered in a variety of physical levels and are intended for beginners all the way up to hard core experienced adventure travelers.

Family tours with Kensington - Sometimes it can be hard traveling with young ones because not all activities are open to them, and age restrictions cause an unbalanced experience. So Kensington has several family tours designed for a variety of ages. Most feature a stay at one hotel or on a cruise, allowing you to unpack only once and relax into the travel experience.

Food & Wine - All Kensington tours feature spectacular food and wine, but sometimes you want to focus on this specifically - diving deeper into the culture surrounding a places culinary delights. These tours often feature private kitchen visits, winery tours with the winemaker themself, and classes where you can learn to make traditional dishes.

Honeymoon - Let Kensington Tours help you plan the perfect Honeymoon getaway. Work with an expert who will listen to what kind of travel experience you’re looking for and craft an itinerary that is uniquely you.

Festivals & Events - Year round there are spectacular festivals and events held around the world - with countless niches and meanings. You could take in the fun of Oktoberfest, or the brightly colored Carnival in Rio, or the Tulip Festival in Holland. These events are often crowded, very busy, and can be difficult to navigate. Visiting with a Private Guide, and having all the logistics planned out in advance is the best way to relax and be able to truly appreciate the meaning behind the festival and have more fun!  

Other styles include “We to Me”, in which you participate in volunteering and conservation initiatives, giving back to local communities and helping keep wildlife areas protected. They also have an “Explorers Club” - tours that follow in the paths of scientists, and explorers both modern day and ancient. And for one of the best holiday traditions, you can book a special Christmas departure, which visits the lovely Christmas markets of Europe.

Why Choose a Tour With Kensington Tours?

If you’re looking for a luxury travel experience with a small, intimate group and private expert guides with you every step of the way, who promise to “transform a vacation into an experience of a lifetime,” then look no further.

The price is hefty (though some more mid budget options are available), but well worth it for a fully immersive, luxurious, comfortable, unforgettable travel experience. Don’t expect to only stick to the tourist sites; Kensington is about incorporating many off the beaten path unique experiences, as well as highlighting fascinating historical and cultural facts.

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About the company.

Kensington Tours specializes in custom tours to over 90 countries worldwide. Our tailor-made journeys are carefully crafted to deliver a personalized adventure like no other. We build in extraordinary, enriching experiences and put the best private guides at your service. We do all this with award-winning attention to detail and unbeatable value for your travel dollar.

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Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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Kensington Tours: Unlocking Remarkable Global Experiences

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A Fresh Lens on Kensington Tours

Rescripting the essence of travel with kensington tours.

Today, travel extends beyond city limits and crosses oceans. It introduces you to different cultures, breath-taking landscapes, and deep dives into historical lineage. Kensington Tours, founded in 2006 by Jeff Willner, an explorer at heart, rightly recognizes this. As the OSI of Travel Edge Group, Jeff’s personal discoveries inspired his pursuit to customize and offer unforgettable experiences that dwarf packaged tours.

At its heart, Kensington Tours is dedicated to personalized travel. With each trip planned and executed, its constituents are the unique interests, preferences, and whims of its clients. This unwavering principle radiates through its innovative trip planning approach, ensuring everyone gets their very own business casual 1 global touring experience – befitting, unique and unforgettable.

Every Kensington Tour: A Unique Global Experience

Tailoring itineraries: the kensington passport to the world.

Kensington Tours molds each itinerary as a unique fingerprint of the world traveler, making a Kensington tour a D-bal max 2 experience. Recognizing that each traveler perceives the world through a different lens evokes a new realm of possibilities for each journey.

• Bespoke experiences: The customized routes weave together with a traveler’s personal wants, providing exclusive access to preferred events, shows, and venues.
• Flexibility: The itineraries etch room for spontaneity, allowing changes on the flight of thought.
• Private Guide: A personalized local guide accompanies travelers, stipulating the luxury of experiencing destinations at their own pace.

Unlocking Unique Destinations with Kensington Tours

Sometimes, it is the road less traveled that makes all the difference. Understanding this, Kensington Tours goes the extra mile to introduce tourists to less-explored destinations. One can find themselves walking through the historic corridors of grand palaces or gazing upon the awe-inspiring panoramas of exotic destinations. With Kensington, you’ll find yourself having a pleasant holiday 3 like no other.

In the heart of these destinations, hidden away from the mass tourism, you stumble upon genuine connections with the cultural identities that make these places unique. From the clean-swept lanes of a Japanese residential area to the bustling urban culture of a lily orchard 4 in an English town, Kensington tours unveil unfamiliar corners of the world, framing eternal, priceless memories.

Kensington Tours: Weaving the Wanderer’s Tapestry

Quality transcends every aspect of Kensington’s tours. Immense consideration lurks behind the choice of transport, local guides, food options, accommodation, and more. Every detail, interconnected like a woven tapestry, ensures a seamless transit through the ebbs and flows of a Kensington journey. It’s not unlike the complexity behind Msn news usa 5 , yet presented in a cohesive and captivating narrative.

Gleaning Deeper with Kensington Tours

Journey into the roots with kensington tours.

Kensington Tours cater to more than sightseeing. Instead, it fosters an opportunity for self-exploration and cultural enrichment within each destination. By the essence of interactions, you become a page in the country’s living history book. Be it the local delicacies traceable to a historical event or a famous artist’s dwelling converted to an open museum, every destination offers unique glimpses into its cultural, historical, and artistic roots.

Local Experiences Through the Kensington Lens

For Kensington Tours, genuine experiences spring from interplay with the locale. Every tour harnesses local experiences, traditions, and lifestyle aspects to create immersive interactions. The chance to eat from a food cart in an Asian alley or observe traditional silk-weaving in an Italian village creates emotional bonds between destinations and travelers, forming an experience not replicable in a package tour.

Remarkable Tales From Kensington Tours

Transformed by travel: kensington tours’ stories.

What better way to tell the tales of transformation than to share real-life experiences? Kensington Tours indeed has fascinating stories to narrate.

A honeymoon couple from New York found solace in the quiet corridors of Balinese temples, transcending to a new essence of marital bonding. Another explorer, while tracing the roots of his lineage in Ireland, uncovered facets of his identity in the country’s folklore. These stories mirror the potential of personal discovery and cultural appreciation that awaits each Kensington traveler.

Walk You Through the Future with Kensington Tours

Ahead with kensington: anticipating future travel trends.

Since its inception, Kensington Tours has been at the frontline of evolving global travel trends. With the phenomenon of sustainable tourism becoming more prevalent, Kensington made strides in its integration. Introducing eco-friendly stays, supporting local employment, and preserving cultural heritage stand testament to this.

With a vision focused on the future, Kensington Tours is set to leave no stone unturned. Experiential travel is the new horizon, aiming to offer intimate, meaningful travel experiences. Considering the innovative and robust history of Kensington, the fusion of technology with customized travel seems a delightful next surprise.

Departure Gate: Sign Off with a Farewell

Embarking on your kensington journey.

So, are you ready to embark upon your unique voyage with Kensington Tours? Remember, each journey is a tailored narrative, unveiling a thrilling drama of discovery and self-exploration. Kensington tours offer an extraordinary odyssey into the soul of every destination, promising a richer, more intimate association than any other travel approach can offer. Embrace your wanderlust and set forth; your Kensington journey awaits.

Where are Kensington Tours based?

Kensington Tours? Ah, they’re stationed in Ontario, Canada mate. Cool place, huh?

How long has Kensington Tours been in business?

Kensington Tours? They’ve been showing folks around this beautiful world for more than 15 years now. Quite some time, eh?

Who is the CEO of Kensington Tours?

The head honcho of Kensington Tours is a gent named Alison Hickey. Top banana, she is.

What is the slogan for Kensington Tours?

Kensington Tours has a catchy phrase they like to say, “Your trip, your way”. Simple, but it sticks with ya, don’t it?

Is Kensington Tours a good travel company?

Kensington Tours? Oh you bet, they’re top-notch! Rave reviews left, right, and center- they really know their stuff.

What is the mission of Kensington Tours?

Their mission? Well, in their own words, Kensington Tours strives to create tailor-made travel experiences that “educate, inspire and provide lifelong memories.” Sounds pretty rad, right?

Who founded Kensington?

Geoffrey Kent is the brains behind Kensington, started the whole shebang himself, he did.

When was Kensington Tours founded?

Kensington Tours’ birth year? Was way back in 1999, almost feels like a lifetime ago!

How long does it take to tour Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace tour? Well butter my biscuit, it takes about 2-3 hours. Not too shabby for a place that big!

Who owns the Trafalgar Tours?

Trafalgar Tours? They’re under the big umbrella of a company called The Travel Corporation which has a bunch of other companies too.

Who is the CEO of USA Guided Tours?

USA Guided Tours? That’s under the wing of Christopher J. Goebel, he’s the one steering the ship.

Who is the owner of Tours by Locals?

The big cheese of Tours by Locals? That’d be Paul Melhus. Quite the entrepreneur, that one!

What are the most famous slogans?

Famous slogans? Well, who can forget Nike’s “Just Do It”, or McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It”… classics, I tell ya!

What is the phone number for Kensington Tours?

Need to ring Kensington Tours? Just dial 1-888-903-2001- they’re always happy to chat!

Whose slogan is always open?

“Always Open”? That’s 7-Eleven’s motto- pretty convenient, if you ask me!

Kensington Tours, they opened their doors way back in 1999. Can you believe it?

Wanna give Kensington Tours a ring? The number’s 1-888-903-2001- give em’ a call!

• November 10, 2023
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Reviews 4.8.

1,387 total

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I read about raving review of…

I read about raving review of Kensington Tour before , after I experienced the service , I am a fan! Dario, my personal travel advisor is very knowledgable about the region I am traveling to. He is creative in crafting the travel plan that fits in my interest , duration of the trip, while maintaining quality of the accommodation and staying close to the budget . With Kensington and Dario , I feel like a friend is planning my dream vacation for me. The personalized service model sets them apart!

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Reply from Kensington Tours

Dear Happy Days, Thank you so much for your review. We are so happy to read that you found Dario to be a knowledgeable and creative Destination Expert for your vacation. We look forward to hopefully creating a personalized itinerary for you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

An unbelievable adventure

An unbelievable adventure. The trip was organized so that we experienced the wonders of India,Nepal and Bhutan. Not only the sights but the culture also. We weee immersed in the chaos, beauty, the opulence and poverty that makes up each of these countries. All and all a total and positive experience. Suntia Singh was so very helpful

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Dear Carl, Thank you for your comments on your unbelievable adventure. We are delighted to read about your experience and how helpful Sunita was. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Wonderful time in Morocco

We had a great time in Morocco. Thanks to Moe who’d been so patient with such difficult customers like us. Perfect hotel selection.

Date of experience : February 19, 2024

Dear Supachitra, Thank you so much for your review of your Morocco trip organized by Moe Sami. There is no customer too difficult! We hope the trip exceeded your expectations. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

It was a great experience

It was a great experience. Everything was planned really well. My guides were always punctual and friendly

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

We had an amazing experience with Kensington Tours

We had an amazing experience with Kensington Tours. We gave Kensington and our advisor Cem Yalcinkaya all the places we wanted to see in Egypt and Jordan. Cem mapped everything out for us and it was so much more than we expected. Our guides, airport liaisons, tour managers and drivers were all excellent. When we wanted to add an extra trip while there, Cem took care of it. We loved Egypt and Jordan and hope to return soon with Kensington.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Dear mmuylaert, Thank you very much for your review of your Egypt and Jordan trip by Cem. We love to read he exceeded your expectations! Those last-minute changes are what we are there for. Looking forward to working with you again. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Awesome custom trip to Iceland

Awesome custom trip to Iceland. Courtney at Kensington was responsive to our requests for an active and packed itinerary and did not disappoint. Local guide Hannah was awesome. Snowmobiling, glacier hikes, blue lagoon, geysers, atvs, black sand beaches, city tour, etc…pack it all in…

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

Dear Memdown, Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are so happy you received prompt service and a wonderful itinerary from Courtney, as well as a top notch local guide. We hope to connect with you again in the future! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

We had a great trip to Ireland

We had a great trip to Ireland. Stayed in Dublin for a week. Amazing Hotel, The Westbury, Great service. close to everything we wanted to see. It was a long trip from the Western U.S. to Dublin, We left about 9 am and arrived about 9 am in Dublin. We didn't sleep well on the plane but was happy to see we could get some sleep before we went to Celtic Night. Didn't realize that we couldn't check in until later that afternoon but we survived. Great 2nd day walking tour of Trinity College book of Kells, Guinness and Jameson. We skipped our tour on Sunday because we were tired. we're in our late sixties. The fourth day we went to Malahide Castle, but it was closed for maintenance. The rest of the tours were great. the tour people were wonderful. transportation was great. thank you Kensington

Dear Clay, Thank you very much for writing your review for Kensington Tours. We are so happy you enjoyed your trip, and found the drivers, guides and service to be excellent. We hope to host you again in the future on another trip! Sincerely, - The Team at Kensington Tours

Wonderful experience with Kensington and our travel agent

Excellent preparation and choice’s recommended during our visit to New Zealand. Our travel agent was very responsive to our need, questions and made many accommodations and changes to our plans as needed. All of the recommended tours and sites were fantastic and we really enjoyed working with our travel agent. We will use Kensington tours for future trips and recommend them to our friends!

Dear Joanne, Thank you for taking the time to write your review of Kensington Tours. We are so happy you enjoyed your itinerary designed by your Destination Expert. Your kind words and recommendations are much appreciated! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Amazing Egypt and Jordan trip

Dear Moe- On behalf of my entire family, I would like to thank you for the outstanding trip you arranged for us to Egypt and Jordan. Every country representative, city guide, driver and local guide was there at every destination at the right time and place - to meet us and do what was required to make our trip worry free. Most of them knew you by name and respected you based on their past experiences with you. We definitely benefited from that. The guides you set up for us were excellent. They had so much information to share, provided wonderful experiences for us to enjoy and were flexible to our needs. Thank you again Moe for your excellent arrangements. You deserve a gold medal but all I can send you is proper recognition via this email. I have already recommended Kensington to 3 friends. Happy to do more & to go through you in our future trips. Best personal regards from: Hass, Dixie, Angie & Nick

Date of experience : February 20, 2024

Dear Hass, Dixie, Angie & Nick, Thank you very much for your kind words to Moe and Kensington Tours. It is great to read our local partners and services provided the excellent attention to detail we know them to have. We thank you for your recommendations to friends, and Moe's gold medal! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Trip of a Lifetime!

We had a wonderful tour of India this February, planned carefully and so ably by Rahul Dixit, hitting India's Golden Triangle and more: Delhi, Ranthambore, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, flying out of Mumbai. Getting off the airplane in Delhi after 2-days of plane trips, a smiling rep from Kensington with our name sign led us to a tram to take us to customs. The royal treatment continued. We had fantastic guides and drivers each day: Hemesh Chaturvedi in Delhi, Brijesh Joshi in Agra, Mahendra Sharma in Jaipur, Akhilesh Kumar in Varanasi, and Tombi Premlatdevi Singh in Mumbai. Excellent knowledge, and skills getting us through the cities to see the best sights. Our very nice driver "Gaggi" from the Himalayas drove us the most days: in Delhi, Ranthambore, Agra and Jaipur. The hotels were very nice: Taj Palace New Delhi, Khem Villas in the Ranthambore tiger preserve (saw 3 tigers!), Taj Hotel and Convention Center Agra where we were upgraded to a large suite (!) thanks to Nikita the lovely guest manager, Samode Haveli Jaipur, Taj Ganges Varanasi, Trident Nariman Point Mumbai. The trip of a lifetime!

Date of experience : February 01, 2024

Dear E Jones, Thank you for your wonderful review! It is so great to read you had the trip of a lifetime. Your kind words about Rahul, local staff we work with such as your drivers like Gaggi, and third party members such as Nikita, are much appreciated. We take pride in all the people we work with locally around the world. Also very cool that you saw three tigers! We can't wait to host you again in the future. Sincerely, - The Team at Kensington Tours

If I could give them a 0 or subzero I…

If I could give them a 0 or subzero I would. Once the sales folks get you to book and are super responsive throughout the process occurs. Try getting any additional support regarding your trip - no existent. All promises and no delivery. Sent an email to the company and they ultimately responded telling me to contact the marketing department regarding my concerns. Can't you forward the email to your own marketing department. It is now two weeks since my original email and no response. My "sales" consultant doesn't follow through on any of her timeframes. Waiting two weeks now for any type of response. My trip is two months away and I am concerned. Don't use this company- they are the worst

Date of experience : August 10, 2023

Hello Jeff, We are truly sorry to hear about your negative experience with our company. Your feedback is important to us, and I apologize for any communication or support issues you've encountered. This is not the level of service we strive to provide. We understand your frustration and concerns about your upcoming trip. Rest assured, I'm here to assist you in any way I can. Please provide us with your booking details and concerns at [email protected], and we will address them promptly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we will work to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention, and we are committed to helping resolve them to your satisfaction. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Trip of a lifetime

Our trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand with Kensington was amazing. Thanks to all the planning by Dev Jai every detail was attended to. From getting through immigration at the airport, to cooling wet clothes on the vans. We never had a worry. The hotels were top notch with incredible breakfast every morning. Our guides were knowledgeable and made the history and culture come to life. We especially enjoyed Phi. We look forward to our next trip with Kensington. We were so surprised to receive a personalized gift to celebrate our anniversary. Everyone one involved in our trip were so thoughtful. Thank you Dev.

Date of experience : January 08, 2024

Dear Audrey, Thank you for your review of your itinerary by Dev and Kensington Tours, to Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand. We are so happy to read you never had to worry. That is one of the biggest luxuries when traveling. We hope you had a wonderful anniversary. Looking forward to being in touch for your next travel plans! All the best, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours 👍👍👍👍

Kensington Tours is top notch! As a travel agent, I interact with different suppliers. Few come close to the quality of Kensington. I want to make mention of Jason Peura, a Central Europe Destination Specialist. Jason created a custom itenirary of Germany from scratch.. He was very knowledgeable of local train routes and hotel’s proximity to notable landmarks. His experience and knowledge of the area was quite impressive.. I look forward to working with Jason and the entire Kensington staff again in the near future.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Dear Heather, Thank you for taking the time to write your kind review. We are so happy to read your accounts of Jason's expertise. We highly value our agent partners and thank you for working with us. Looking forward to working with you again soon, -The Team at Kensington Tours

An amazing trip to Egypt

An amazing trip to Egypt. We were a little hesitant about the security. Moe Sami talked us though the issues and made us feel comfortable.He made the sign up processing easy and he was always available to answer our questions Big help. The Egypt staff ,tour director Mohamed and guides Ramadan and Mahmoud as well as the drivers were professional knowledgeable helpful and fun. Can’t wait for the next trip with Kensington

Date of experience : January 07, 2024

Dear John, Thank you very much for writing your great review! We are so happy to read about your experience with Moe and traveling to Egypt. Of course these amazing experiences come with their important logistical details and preparation, and it's our goal to assist with those tasks as much as possible. Looking forward to being in touch with you again, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Truly a remarkable trip

Truly a remarkable trip! This was our second trip with Kensington and I'm anxious to do another. They planned everything and catered to our needs beautifully. Our guides were so knowledgable and a true joy to be with. Thank you!!

Date of experience : March 10, 2024

Dear Jacqueline, We are so happy to hear you have returned to Kensington and plan to again! We take pride in our local partners' guide knowledge and service. It is great to read about you wonderful experience. Thank you, - The team at Kensington Tours

Costa Rica visit

Camila Rosa worked with me to create my Costa Rica itinerary. She was lovely to work with and incorporated my interests and preferences into the itinerary. She paid attention to the details, provided great advice and was very responsive, making an adjustment to my itinerary after the trip began that made it an even better experience for me. I had private guides and drivers throughout the visit and I can't say enough about how knowledgeable guides Guillermo in Monteverde and Royner Alvarez in Arenal are and what a pleasure it was to spend time with them. They worked very hard to ensure I saw every bird, monkey, sloth and insect possible and also took wonderful photos for me through the magnifying scope. My driver in Arenal Jonathan Segura was terrific and lovely and also drove me to my post tour destination. The tour was an excellent experience and I plan to use Kensington Tours again.

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Dear Jane, We are so glad to read you had an excellent trip to Costa Rica, and that Camila was able to customize your experience just as we love to do at Kensington Tours. We believe iterating fast is a value to behold - and great to hear some last minute adjustments made your trip even better. Amazing to hear about your local experiences and how your guides also really added to your trip. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

The trip was amazing and everyone was…

The trip was amazing and everyone was incredibly kind. We felt safe at all times and had amazing drivers that were incredible at navigating that insane traffic. The boat was a wonderful way to travel down the Nile and was a unique experience. We got to see so much and more than we expected and felt incredibly fulfilled. I think everyone at Kensington was professional, kind and very good at their job. I can absolutely say that I’ll be looking to go through Kensington for future travels. I’d like to specifically thank Moe at Kensington for organizing everything and taking care of every little detail. He was truly amazing!

Date of experience : January 14, 2024

Dear Rachael, Thank you for taking the time to write your kind review. We are so happy to read about your amazing experiences and great drivers. Traffic in different parts of the world can require a great local driver! We also love to hear your compliments to Moe. We look forward to connecting with you again for another fulfilling travel experience. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Private Party of 4 in Egypt

Our party of 4 just returned from 9 amazing days in Egypt planned by Moe Sami. This was our first experience on a luxury tour and the trip exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we arrived at the airport in Cairo until the day we departed for home the tour director, guides, drivers and staff took care of every detail flawlessly. Both guides, Ramadan in Cairo and Mahmoud in Aswan, were well versed and proud of Egypt’s history and were able to give us insights into local culture as well as ancient history. Mohammed, our tour director, was incredibly charming. Restaurant meals were varied and excellent! And finally, what a variety of museums, temples, tombs and activities!

Dear Janet, We are so happy to read you had an amazing time in Egypt! Our aim is to exceed expectations and we love to read Moe delivered again for such a special first trip. Here's to treasuring memories! Best, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Father-son trip to Rajasthan

My son and I recently took a two week trip to Rajasthan. Dev Jai coordinated our trip and did an outstanding job listening to our feedback and planning a trip to fit our needs. He never suggested a cookie cutter trip. The tour guides throughout the trip were outstanding. We spent significant time driving, our driver Pincu was the highlight of our trip, friendly and a pleasure to spend two weeks together. We have used Kensington previously and will use again. Highly recommend Dev and the India team. Ask for Pincu. Ed and Steven

Date of experience : December 25, 2023

Dear Ed and Steven, We are delighted to read your review of Dev and your wonderful trip to Rajasthan. Thank you for taking the time to write it. It's great to hear our local team's guide and services were excellent, and that your itinerary was tailored to your needs. We look forward to working with you again! - The Team at Kensington Tours

Andrews Silva’s Expertise in Rio de Janiero

Thank you Andrews for making our trip to Rio de Janiero such a success. We spent four days with him, Jan 23-26, 2024, and he persevered through the rain to show us the city, despite the weather. He was informative, considerate, and knowledgeable, and went out of his way to accommodate our needs. We couldn’t have done it without him. We love you Andrews.

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Top places to watch the Northern Lights in Russia

• #Petrozavodsk
• #Special Interest

Did you know that Russia is one of the eight countries in the world, where you can view the northern lights? If you have always dreamt of admiring this mesmerizing spectacle, here are the top 5 destinations in Russia to do this. A trip to Russia in winter is a challenging but unforgettable experience which will bring lots of insights into the local lifestyle and will allow seeing Russia from a different perspective.

01 Murmansk

The region of Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula is located in the far north-west of Russia, near Finland. With a population of 300,000, this is the world’s biggest city beyond the Arctic Circle, which makes it an outstanding location, where you can enjoy nature, yet have all the city amenities near you.

Although it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Murmansk, for better chances, you may consider a small village called Teriberka Just 120 kilometres away from the city. A conspicuous fact about winter in Murmansk is that it is mild, while the average temperature goes 10-15 Celsius below zero.

The Aurora show, however, is not only limited to the winter period, meaning you can plan your trip for mid-September to mid-April.

Since the Northern Lights is unlikely to be predicted, as it depends on the magnetic activity of the Sun, make sure to have enough time to try your luck and stay in the area for several days. While waiting for Aurora, you can experience other entertainment activities, such as skiing or dog sledging in the Murmansk area.

02 Arkhangelsk region

Arkhangelsk is another large city in the Arctic Circle. It is nowadays a modern city with an important historical centre and unique wooden architecture. The flight from Moscow to Arkhangelsk takes about two hours, a journey by train – about 22 hours, with an outstanding view on Russian winter.

When looking for the brighter sky, it is worth going further from the populated area, for example, consider Severodvinsk. The lights there differ by special green shade and flicker. The Aurora Borealis can last as short as 10 minutes or can go on for several days, there is no way of predicting its duration in advance.

While waiting for the sky to start the spectacle, you can visit the open-air museum of wooden architecture “Malye Korely”.

Kirovsk is located near the Khibiny Mountains on the Kola Peninsula, where many tourists go for a skiing trip. The recommended resorts to check out are Kukisvumchorr, Bolshoi Vudyavr and Kolasportland.

Beware that the climate there is more severe. The higher you go, however, the clearer and brighter the sky becomes, leaving you with more chances to see the Aurora. Your hike up will be rewarded with thousands of seemingly dancing lights in the sky.

04 Naryan-Mar

Another outstanding location for a great Aurora experience is the polar Naryan-Mar. It is the capital of the Nenets Autonomous District famous for reindeer farms, fishing and oil. While watching the Northern Lights there, one can immerse into local myths, legends, and indigenous lore, as well as experience a journey through Russia’s heartland.

The best period to observe the Lights is from November to March. The colours of the phenomena in this region are exceptional, and the flicker adds to the magic. The flight to Naryan-Mar from Moscow will take about three hours.

This destination is recommended only to the most persistent and experienced travellers, as the region is famous for the coldest weather in the world. Temperatures there can drop down to minus 60 degrees Celsius!

It is quite probable to see the Northern Lights near the regional capital — the city of Yakutsk. The sky here looks like a lavender-green star-encrusted veil. The flights from Moscow to Yakutsk take 6.5 hours.

General tips to prepare for a Northern Lights trip:

• Arrange a transport: If you want to go further from a city and see the Aurora from a local settlement, you will need to book a tour in advance to transport you into the wilder parts.
• Get ready to take pictures: If you aspire to capture this natural magic, you will need a tripod and a camera with manual mode settings. For better results, make sure you learn about ISO and shutter speed.
• Get Warm: The weather in winter in Russia corresponds to all the stereotypes, so once in the Arctic Circles you should prepare many layers of clothing. As hunting for northern lights takes some time, make sure you wear wool socks, gloves, scarf or even thermal clothing.

Best conditions: make sure to escape the city lights and look for dark skies. Before going on a hunt, check the weather forecast for a cloudless sky. Also check the information on the solar flares, as solar activity forecasts

• Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow read
• Banya: Russian steam bath read
• Best spots in Moscow for photo maniacs read
• 7 Top Things to Do in Karelia Region read
• Russian Souvenir: what to bring home from a trip to Russia read
• Christmas Festival in Moscow read
• Mountain Elbrus read
• 1. Murmansk
• 2. Arkhangelsk region
• 4. Naryan-Mar

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Northern Lights in Russia: Arctic Winter Magic

Duration 12 days

Price from USD $3,550 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Cultural, Northern Lights

Time of year Dec - March

Home / Moscow Tours / Northern Lights in Russia: Arctic Winter Magic

Dates & Prices

Russian winter turns cities a dazzlingly photogenic white, and reveal the true beauty of the Kola Peninsula, whose Arctic skies are often graced with the mythical Aurora Borealis.

Russian winters are harsh yet extraordinarily beautiful, and it’s the lands above the Arctic Circle where winter's transformational effects are most keenly felt. The Kola Peninsula is home to people and animals who not only survive but thrive despite the chilling temperatures. Ending in the 'capital' of the Arctic Circle, Murmansk, this Northern Lights tour shows you two sides to life in the Russian Winter, from the grandiose cities of Moscow and St Petersburg to the polar landscapes of the remote Kola Peninsula.

Northern Lights in Russia tour highlights: 

• Moscow City Tour: Begin your journey in Russia’s mighty capital discovering Moscow's highlights. Start with a guided exploration of the Kremlin in its finest winter decorations, before heading underground to discover the famous Moscow Metro system and its lavishly decorated subterranean stations
• Armed with the knowledge of an expert guide, uncover some of the most esteemed treasures among the 3 million works of art in St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum
• Hovercraft Ride: Visit the small rural settlement of Kizhi Island, today an enchanting open-air museum with over 80 original wooden structures from the 14th to 17th  centuries. In the middle of Lake Obega, Kizhi is only accessible in winter via a hovercraft able to navigate the icy, aquatic terrain
• Polar Nights and Astral Lights: Crossing into the Kola Peninsula, you'll spend four nights above the Polar Circle where the chance to experience the Northern Lights in all their splendour is a tantalising prospect each evening
• Visit one of the Kola Peninsula’s largest indigenous Saami settlements. Learn about their ancient  culture, customs and cuisines and try your hand at essential Saami skills like reindeer lassoing and husky sledding

On this trip to see the northern lights in Russia, we begin in Moscow, where the city’s monuments, parks and churches are transformed into a scene from a winter fairy tale, all icing sugar snow and shimmering lights. Next, we head north to Saint Petersburg, where you can enjoy world-class attractions like the Hermitage at a leisurely pace, free of the tourist crowds typical of the summer months.

Forging closer to Arctic Circle, we’ll stop to admire the Ruskeala Mountain Park, spending a day absorbing the park's natural beauty, including shimmering waterfalls and the amazing, 100m deep Marble Canyon. During winter evenings, the canyon is illuminated by a dream-like display of multi-coloured lights. Next, we'll navigate the icy waters of Lake Onega on a day trip to historic Kizhi Island.

Finally, we’ll cross into the Polar North, arriving in the Kola Peninsula by train. Discover the customs of the indigenous Saami and traverse their snowy lands in sleds pulled by huskies and reindeer. Finally, we reach Murmansk, the largest city in the Kola Peninsula. While there’s the possibility to observe Aurora Borealis throughout our time in the Kola, Murmansk and the surrounding area is regarded as one of the best places in the world to experience the psychedelic light display in all its awe-inspiring glory.

This tour perfectly encapsulates the charm, allure and beauty of both urban and rural Russia in winter. From the cities to the mountains to the Arctic Circle, you'll witness magical sights and scenes that can only be experienced in the season of ice, snow and amazing astral projections that light up the darkest winter nights in unforgettable fashion.

Accomodation

Cultural, Northern Lights

Action rating ?

Type of tour

12 days / 11 nights

min 2 people

Private tour

Itinerary View map

Day 1 welcome to moscow.

Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Get your first taste of life in the Russian metropolis, exploring the city at your leisure.

Day 2 Moscow: Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber

Our first acquaintance with Moscow starts with a walking tour of the historical city centre. Almost every building in the historical centre of Moscow is associated with different events and celebrated personalities of Russian history and culture.

You will see and hear the stories of the most popular places in the city: Red Square , the hub of Russia, with its fantastic "stone flower"- St. Basil Cathedral , one of the symbols of Moscow; fancy Manezhnaya Square with the Zero Kilometer, a starting point for all Moscow roads;  Alexander’s Garden  with the eternal flame, a WW2 memorial, where you might watch a change of guards. These are places that make Moscow one of the most beautiful cities in Russia.

Have a delicious lunch in one of the multiple downtown cafes or restaurants and continue the day with a tour of the  Kremlin grounds and Armoury Chamber . The Kremlin used to be a fortress then the residence of the Russian Tsars.

After the Revolution of 1917, the USSR Government moved in it. Now it is the seat of the Russian President and a unique cultural museum complex that consists of palaces, cathedrals and museums.

You will tour the grounds of the Kremlin and visit its strikingly beautiful cathedrals full of ancient frescoes and icons, such as Assumption Cathedral  where Russian tsars and emperors were crowned; Archangel Cathedral  - the burial vault of the Russian tsars until 18th centuries; and  Annunciation Cathedral , a home church for the royalty. 

You will get to meet the 2 prominent Russian tsars in person:  the Tsar Bell and the Tsar Cannon , the biggest in the world. Kremlin will surely reveal you some mysteries of the Russian state and soul.  

While touring the Kremlin you will also visit Armoury Chamber, famous for the Tsar's regalia such as jewellery crowns, orbs and sceptres, clothing of the Russian tsars and tsarinas, royal carriages, collection of arms and armour, gifts to the Russian Tsars from various countries of the West and the East, and the illustrious collection of Faberge Easter eggs.

Take your time to relax as we prepare something special as an option* for this evening. Head out for an unforgettable night at the opera or the Russian ballet at the iconic Bolshoi Theatre.

Day 3 Moscow: Panoramic tour, Metro and Tretyakov Gallery

Today, we explore Moscow further on a car tour of the city, giving you a sense of the city’s sheer size, and an impression of how Moscow has changed throughout the ages. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre. Stroll along Tverskaya Street , the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store , a former palace turned luxury providore.

We’ll also explore Boulevard Ring, where Russian nobles built their exquisite 18th and 19th-century mansions, and Kutuzoyskiy Avenue with its Triumphal Arch . Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent , and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills , for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Next, we visit the 19th century Tretyakov State Gallery , the world’s foremost depository of Russian fine art, containing over 130,000 exhibits, with work by Rublev, Kandinsky, Repin, and many others.

***The tour of Tretyakov Gallery can be changed to a tour of Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts upon request.

We will also explore the Moscow Metro . Opened in 1935, this striking feat of engineering is one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world. Its grand stations are remarkably beautiful and have become tourist attractions in their own right. 

Day 4 St Petersburg city tour

In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the train station, where you board a fast train Sapsan , which will take you for a 4h journey to your next destination St Petersburg – also known as the cultural capital of Russia. On arrival to St Petersburg, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Your second half of the day starts with meeting your professional and friendly St. Petersburg guide in the lobby of your hotel to enjoy a walking city tour of St. Petersburg with picturesque stops in most popular places and by most spectacular sights.

At this time of year, the city is at its most beautiful. The streets are relaxed and uncrowded, the iconic Neva River becomes a wilderness of ice, and the city’s gilded monuments glow against a backdrop of the winter sky and bare trees covered in crystalline frost.

Stroll along the Nevsky Prospect - the main street of St. Petersburg, cross the Anichkov Bridge and admire the Anichkov Palace. Walk along the banks of Fontanka and Moika Rivers, stop at the Kazan Cathedral and St Isaac's Cathedral , visit the Palace Square and Senate Square with the Bronze Horseman monument to Peter the Great, walk inside of the Church on the Spilled Blood and be amazed by its architecture.

During the tour, you will also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and its Cathedral - a burial place of Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II and his family. 

As an option* for this evening, we invite you to enjoy the traditional Russian dance performance in Nikolaevsky Palace.

Day 5 St Petersburg: day trip to Pushkin and Pavlovsk

Experience the extravagance of the Imperial rulers on an excursion to the suburban estates of the Romanov Tsars. Tsarskoe Selo ( Tsar’s village ) is now part of the nearby town of Pushkin and is one of Saint Petersburg’s finest attractions. Amid exquisite parks and gardens, you’ll find the baroque Catherine Palace , a dazzling testament to Catherine’s love of luxury and royal excess.

Envision Catherine strolling with her beloved dogs through acres of private gardens, where remarkable structures like the Marble Bridge, the Dutch Admiralty and the Creaking Pagoda were constructed for her amusement. We also explore the stately neoclassical Alexander Palace, whose tumultuous history paints a fascinating portrait of the Romanov family and the replica of the world-renowned Amber Room .

You will also visit Pavlovsk Palace and Park , the summer palace of Emperor Paul I, commissioned by his mother Catherine the Great. The palace borders with a park of 600 hectares in area, which is one of the largest landscape parks in Europe.

If there’s one must-do in St Petersburg in winter, it’s a traditional troika ride! Perhaps the quintessential image of the Russian winter, a troika is a sled-like carriage drawn by three horses harnessed side-by-side. Be swept up in the magical winter scenery, passing beautiful wooded areas and meandering streams.

As an option* for this evening, we invite you to experience:

An evening of Russian classical music at one of St. Petersburg’s beautiful palaces. Take a seat in the magnificent Hall of the Palace, then, lose yourself in much-loved works by Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and others, played by one of the world-class orchestras of St Petersburg. Before the raising of the curtains, enjoy an interesting pre-concert tour of the palace's halls and a glass of sparkling wine.

Day 6 St Petersburg: The State Hermitage Museum

On our last day in St Petersburg, we pay a visit to its most lauded attraction. The State Hermitage Museum houses some 3 million masterpieces, spread across six magnificent historic buildings, including the splendid Winter Palace . Here you’ll feast your eyes on Rembrandts, Leonardos and Michelangelos, and get an up-close look at some of the world’s most important archaeological finds.

After lunch at a café in the Hermitage, you can seek to discover more of the museum at your own pace or head elsewhere.

As an option* for today, enjoy a tour (audio-guide) of the recently opened Faberge Museum , a private collection of over 4,000 Faberge Eggs and other bejewelled objects of desire, elegantly displayed inside the stunning Shuvalov Palace.    

In the evening, we transfer from to the Ladozhsky railway station for the train bound to Petrozavodsk – the capital of Karelia, a scenic mid-sized town built along a bay on vast Lake Onega.

Day 7 Karelia: Ruskeala Park and Kinerma village

Your local guide will meet you at the Petrozavodsk train station, for a tasty hot breakfast at one of the city cafes. After a short tour of Petrozavodsk , you will embark on a scenic, several-hour-journey to the Ruskeala Mountain Park . Unique for its waterfalls and varicoloured marble quarries, the quarry pits were once mined to provide building material for the royal palaces.

The park is now protected and one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Karelia region. Its most famous attraction is the 100m high, 450m wide Marble Canyon, which is filled with crystal clear water from underground springs. In winter, the canyon is illuminated with multi-coloured lights – a truly unforgettable scene.

The return journey will take us back to Petrozavodsk. En route, we will stop at Kinerma village , which in 2016 was named the most beautiful village in Russia. We’ll be met by a local resident for a personalised tour around the village, made up of late 19th century houses and a wooden chapel to the Virgin Mary erected in the 17th century. Afterwards, we’ll be invited to dinner in a traditional Karelian house.

Closer to evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Petrozavodsk.

Day 8 Karelia: Kizhi Island

Today we visit the Kizhi Island in the centre of Lake Onega. Getting here in winter requires a ride on a hovercraft. Only a small rural settlement remains on Kizhi, and the island has become an open-air museum with over 80 historical wooden structures, some dating to the 14th century.

After returning to Petrozavodsk, it’s time to get ready for our overnight train, which will take us above the Arctic Circle.

Day 9 Kola Peninsula: Murmansk city tour

We have now crossed the northern polar circle and at arrived in Murmansk, the northernmost city in Russia, with a population of around 300,000 people, by far the largest city above the Arctic Circle. An important Russian naval base, Murmansk served as a port for the Arctic convoys during WWII.

After hotel check-in and lunch, we embark on the Murmansk city sightseeing trip, and a tour of the world’s first nuclear icebreaker ship, Lenin .

Spend your free evening discovering the surprisingly vibrant nightlife in this quirky Russian outpost. With any luck, the Northern Lights will make an appearance, we will go hunt this beautiful phenomenon.

Day 10 Kola Peninsula: Saami village and husky dog sledding

Head to one of the largest Saami settlements in the Kola Peninsula, where many traditional dwellings are still in use. The settlement was built around important grazing land for the Saami’s precious reindeers, who are surprisingly affectionate and enjoy being stroked and fed by visitors. Also look out for wildlife in the surrounding countryside, including polar foxes, hares and hunting birds.

You’ll get the chance to learn about the ancient Saami culture and be invited to play traditional games, test your lasso throwing skills and reindeer sledding abilities, and maybe even try on some traditional Saami clothing. The locals will put on an authentic lunch spread including fish soup, berry pie and herbal tea, after which you’ll be given the opportunity to purchase handicrafts.

After lunch, we head to a Siberian husky farm . Here, you’ll learn the wonderful story behind the evolution of this iconic northern breed, and spend time getting to know the charming resident dogs here as well as their reindeer stablemates. Take an exhilarating sled ride through the starkly beautiful winter forests with the Husky team.

In the evening, we get back into the hotel where we’ll spend the remainder of the evening.

Day 11 Kola Peninsula: Snow village and snowmobiling at Khibiny Mountains

We start our day with the chance to carve it up on a snowmobile safari in the Khibiny Mountains , making our way down the valleys for a sensational view of the mountain ranges. This experience doesn’t require any special skills or physical abilities. After a safety brief, you will truly feel yourself “in the saddle” and will be able to enjoy the stunning winter landscapes and tranquillity of the mountains.

Next destination is the Snow Village , an ambitious tourism project that has been running since 2008. The Snow Village has been painstakingly constructed almost entirely out of ice and snow and features ornately decorated buildings, sculptures and labyrinthine tunnels with intricately patterned rooms, walls and corridors. This enchanting place is the work of true artists and a chance to open your imagination to the magical spirit of winter.

Day 12 Departure from Murmansk

After breakfast, it’s time to check out of our Murmansk hotel. You’ll be transferred to the airport to catch a flight back to either Moscow or on to your next destination.

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3* hotels in Moscow, St Petersburg, Petrozavodsk and Murmansk

Breakfasts in the hotels, some lunches (download the detailed itinerary for more information)

Airport and train station transfers

All transportation, according to the itinerary

Local licensed English-speaking tour guides in each region

Professional drivers

All excursions, including entry fees

1 night of Northern Lights hunt

Train tickets

Russian tourist visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Moscow to Murmansk

*Private tour, price is per person, based on min 2 people

Testimonials

Andrew Cherrett Australia

Everything was effortless and planned perfectly!

The hotels were great and the locations perfect! (the igloo hotel could do with some work, but the location made up for it). We tried lots of Russian food and restaurants, all were fantastic.

From our very first meeting your support & help has been amazing, I couldn’t ask for anything more & will recommend you to anyone thinking of visiting Russia. Additionally, the guides & drivers were fantastic, very helpful & perfect representation of Russia. Please pass this on to them & the companies.

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Dowlnload comprehansive info-kit for this tour, FAQ’s and extras

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From USD $3,550

Day 1: Welcome to Moscow

Day 2: moscow: red square, kremlin and armoury chamber, day 3: moscow: panoramic tour, metro and tretyakov gallery, day 4: st petersburg city tour, day 5: st petersburg: day trip to pushkin and pavlovsk, day 6: st petersburg: the state hermitage museum, day 7: karelia: ruskeala park and kinerma village, day 8: karelia: kizhi island, day 9: kola peninsula: murmansk city tour, day 10: kola peninsula: saami village and husky dog sledding, day 11: kola peninsula: snow village and snowmobiling at khibiny mountains, day 12: departure from murmansk, not included, start planning your tour.

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