Photo ©Havila Kystruten
13-29 November 2026 | Oslo to Helsinki | Cruise & Tour
There is no one better to guide you through the ethereal beauty of the North than Julie O’Grady. With over 40 years in the travel industry and a specialized focus on cruising for the last 16, Julie is more than a consultant. She is a CLIA Cruise Master and one of Australia’s Top 20 Cruise Consultants.
Having personally sailed on over 40 cruises, Julie is stepping back into the role of host for a meticulously crafted 2026 departure, inspired by the successful 2025 version of this tour. This is not just a tour; it is an exclusive, hand-picked experience blending luxury rail, boutique land tours, and the world-renowned Havila coastal cruise. Get ready to witness the Northern Lights and the magic of the Arctic from November 13th to 29th, 2026.
Day 1: Friday, November 13, 2026 – Welcome to Oslo
Your Winter Wonderland tour begins in the heart of Norway. Upon your individual arrival in Oslo, you will check into the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, a prominent city landmark situated within walking distance of the Royal Palace and the Oslo Spektrum Arena. This hotel is close to all major transport options, allowing you to freely explore Oslo yourself if you arrive early in the day. Then, when settling into your comfortable room, which offers stunning views of the downtown area, you will join Julie and the group for a welcome dinner including a complimentary drink. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and prepare for the journey ahead.
Meals: Welcome dinner with one drink
After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a guided tour of the city. You will see the Parliament building, the National Theatre, the new Opera House, and the Royal Residence. The tour includes a visit to the City Hall, the prestigious site where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented each year. You will then visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park to see the life work of Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon features a visit to the Kon-Tiki Museum, which showcases the vessels used by Thor Heyerdahl in his famous expeditions across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. You will enjoy a three course dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the Radisson Blu Plaza.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at local restaurant
Today features one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. You will utilize a convenient luggage handling service that transports your heavy suitcases directly from Oslo to Bergen, allowing you to travel with just an overnight bag for your stay in the fjords. You will board the train at Oslo Central Station and travel to Myrdal, reaching an altitude of 1222 meters at Finse station. From Myrdal, you switch to the Flåm Railway for a spectacular 20 kilometer descent through deep ravines and past mountain farms. The train makes a special photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. Your evening concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel, a unique property inspired by Norse building traditions.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at local restaurant
Following breakfast, you will board a ferry for a crossing from Flåm to Gudvangen. This cruise winds through the Nærøyfjord, which is the narrowest fjord in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, you will see the stone church in Undredal and tiny homesteads clinging to the mountainsides. From Gudvangen, a coach will take you to Voss, passing through beautiful landscapes and past rushing waterfalls. You will then take the final leg of the Bergen Railway to reach the city of Bergen. You will check into the Bergen Børs Hotel, a historic and exclusive design hotel located in the old stock exchange building, followed by a three course dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at local restaurant
Your morning in Bergen begins with a local guide who will show you the famous Fish and Flower Market and the old Bryggen Harbour. You will learn about the history of Bergen, which served as the capital of Norway during the 12th and 13th centuries when the kingdom was at its peak. You will also take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular, which carries you 320 meters above sea level in just six minutes for a panoramic view of the city. After some free time to explore the Hanseatic Quarter, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on your seven day Havila Voyages cruise along the Norwegian coast.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel and dinner onboard
As the ship sails north, you will pass through a tapestry of coastal landscapes and charming villages like Florø and Torvik. The highlight of the day is a visit to Ålesund, a city renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. This unique style was adopted when the city was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. You can spend your time admiring the ornate turrets and colorful facades of the buildings or join an optional excursion to explore the surrounding fjords and mountain viewpoints.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
Today you will call at Trondheim, a city steeped in spiritual history. You can visit the Nidaros Cathedral, which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and serves as Norway's national shrine. The city center is filled with wide streets and historic wooden warehouses along the river.
Optional excursions here often include guided walks through the old town or a ride on the northernmost tram line in the world to see the outskirts of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
This is a milestone day as the ship crosses the Arctic Circle. This invisible line marks the point where the midnight sun shines in summer and the polar night occurs in winter. You can participate in a special ceremony on deck to mark the occasion. As you continue north, you will sail past the massive Svartisen Glacier and have the option to witness the power of Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the Arctic realm.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
The ship navigates through the narrow channels of the Lofoten Islands, famous for their jagged mountain peaks and traditional red fishing huts. This is one of the most picturesque parts of the voyage. Later in the day, you will arrive in Tromsø, a vibrant city often called the Paris of the North. You will have the chance to do an optional tour to learn about the Sami people and their reindeer or visit the striking Arctic Cathedral. This is an excellent area for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
You will reach the pinnacle of your journey at the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. An optional visit to the North Cape plateau offers a chance to stand on a 307 meter high cliff overlooking the Arctic Ocean, with nothing but the North Pole between you and the horizon. The stark, treeless landscape of the Finnmark region provides a sense of being at the very edge of the world.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
Your coastal voyage ends in Kirkenes, a town located near the Russian border. After disembarking, you will meet your tour leader and board a long distance coach for the journey into Finland. You will stop for lunch along the way before visiting the Siida Museum in Inari. This museum is the national museum of the Finnish Sami and provides deep insight into their culture and the nature of the Arctic. Your day ends at the Star Arctic Hotel, where you will stay in an Aurora Cabin. These cabins feature glass roofs so you can watch for the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner at hotel
Today is dedicated to the traditional activities of the north. You will experience a husky safari, learning how to handle a sled before mushing through the snowy wilderness. The excitement of the dogs and the silence of the forest create a truly memorable experience. Afterward, you will meet a reindeer breeder who will share stories about the Sami way of life. You will have the chance to feed the reindeer and enjoy a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the winter forest. You will spend another night in your Aurora Cabin at the Arctic Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Farm Lunch and Dinner at hotel
After breakfast, the group will depart for Rovaniemi with a stop for lunch on the way. You will visit the home and workshop of artisans Irene and Ari Kangasniemi. During the Secret of the Antler program, you will learn how reindeer antlers are used in traditional handicrafts and have the chance to make your own souvenir. You will also enjoy coffee and homemade sweets in their private Lappish home. Afterward, you will continue your journey across the border into Sweden to stay at the historic Haparanda Stadshotell, located near the Torne River.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at hotel
Today you return to Rovaniemi to visit the world famous Santa Claus Village. You will have free time to explore the various boutiques, visit the official post office, and meet Santa Claus himself. You can also officially cross the Arctic Circle, which runs right through the village. On the return trip to Haparanda, you will stop in the border town of Tornio. Dinner and another overnight stay will be at the Haparanda Stadshotell.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at hotel
Following breakfast, a coach will take you to Kemi where you will board a train for a scenic journey south to Helsinki. Upon arrival at the Helsinki railway station, it is a short walk to the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa Hotel. This hotel is a stylish and modern base for your final days in the Finnish capital. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of local dining options nearby.
Meals: Breakfast
Your final full day features a guided tour of Helsinki, a city known for its modern design and rich history. You will see Senate Square, the Lutheran Cathedral, and the golden domes of the Uspenski Cathedral. The tour also includes the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, which is built directly into solid bedrock, and the Sibelius Monument dedicated to Finland's most famous composer. The afternoon is free for last minute shopping or personal exploration. In the evening, the group will gather for a three course farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a successful journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at a local restaurant
After a final breakfast at the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa Hotel, your tour concludes. You will transfer to the airport for your individual departure, taking with you a lifetime of memories from the fjords of Norway to the snowy heart of Lapland.
Meals: Breakfast
With 38 included meals, accommodation throughout, all transportation from starting from Oslo and ending in Helsinki, this tour is truly exceptional value.
This itinerary offers a diverse and exciting journey through the Nordic countries, combining cultural experiences, natural wonders, and unique adventures. The best part is, the creator of this unique experience will be with you the entire time, to ensure you have a perfect Scandinavian adventure.
Spaces are limited on this one-of-a-kind trip, so secure yours today by contacting Julie on 03-9762 2799 or cruise@exclusivelycruising.com.au
Ask Julie a Scandinavia Escorted Group Tour question
What our 2025 Winter Wonderland Guests said:
RC
Travelled with Exclusively Cruising on the 2025 Winter Wonderland tour of Norway and Finland. Brilliant small group tour that covered amazing sights and experiences across both countries. This was my first group tour and it didn't disappoint. Julie's organisation and attention to detail was truly impressive and the experience ranks as one of my best ever holidays. Thank you for the memories!
Trina
Recently returned from "Winter Wonderland" trip to Norway/Lapland and Finland. What a trip!! Such a wonderfully organised holiday that exceeded my wildest dreams! Great small touring group of people with the wonderful Julie guiding. This was to be a one off trip, however if Julie decides to do it again....book, you will not regret it.
Tonia
Julie, put together a small group cruise and land adventure through Scandinavia. It was the most amazing trip. Julie had every detail organised and had the group on time at every stop. Kept reminders for us as everyday, as everyday is different when cruising/on trains and buses. We saw so much in the 16 nights away and felt like we had a great holiday, with no stress everything was organised for us. Julie's knowledge of the areas we went to was also helpful as she had been to many of the cities and new what to see and do. She also recommended a ferry trip to Tallin, Estonia after our tour which was a great choice and a fabulous town to visit, especially with the Xmas markets on. Thanks Julie, highly recommend you to anyone wanting to organise cruising and tours overseas.
GL
My wife and I have never been on an organised Tour before and we held some reservations for being part of a Tour Group. I am delighted to say that the organisation as well as the personal contributions of Julie as tour guide throughout the trip dispelled all of that concern. Our objective in signing up for this tour was to experience the remoteness, grandeur and unique beauty of Norway and Finland in Winter. I am pleased to say that this objective was well and truly achieved. Every aspect of the tour exceeded my expectations. Exclusively Cruising also helped us with post tour travel arrangements through Estonia, Denmark, Austria and Germany. I would have no hesitation in joining future tours run by Exclusively Cruising where the places to be visited suited our travel objectives.
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About Julie O'Grady, CLIA Cruise Master, and Exclusively Cruising
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