Russia Travel Specialists
Northern Lights Discovery
Hunting Aurora Borealis above the Arctic Circle
Head for the snow-white serenity of the Kola Peninsula, where the Saami have herded reindeer for generations and the Northern Lights dance in the clear Arctic sky.
To visualise the northern lights discovery, imagine a place that lives, works and plays above the Polar Circle. This extraordinary place is Kola Peninsula in Russia’s Arctic. Kola may not be on the tourist radar, but that’s what makes it special. The small cities of Murmansk and Monchegorsk of around 300,000 residents are compact, but it’s the surrounding Arctic nature and the well-preserved indigenous cultures that will enthral the intrepid traveller.... Read more
Arrival
Departure
Accomodation
Moscow
Murmansk
Active adventures
Duration
Action rating
Group size
7 days / 6 nights
2-8 people
Itinerary View map
DAY 1:ARRIVAL TO MOSCOW
Touch down in Moscow and meet your driver who’ll transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy a first taste of Russian culture exploring Moscow at your leisure.
DAY 2:MOSCOW, CITY TOUR
Get acquainted with this endlessly exciting megacity on a guided walk around the Kremlin and the Red Square. After admiring Moscow’s finest architecture, take in the scale of the city with an afternoon panoramic tour.
DAY 3:MURMANSK, CITY TOUR
Fly to Murmansk, reaching the city by mid-morning. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the city, visiting the first nuclear icebreaker ‘Lenin’ and the Naval Museum. This is the first evening we might be lucky enough to see and photograph the Aurora Borealis over the city.
DAY 4:MONCHEGORSK, HUSKY DOG SLEDDING
Today you will meet the Kola Peninsula’s indigenous Saami at a husky farm outside of Murmansk. Go dog sledding or even try your hand at commanding a reindeer crew. After a traditional Saami lunch, proceed to Monchegorsk city, 130km south of Murmansk. Don't forget to look up for Aurora.
DAY 5:MONCHEGORSK, KHIBINY MOUNTAINS
Morning visit to the Snow Village, a unique tourism project consisting of sculptures and labyrinths made entirely of ice and snow. In the afternoon, carve it up on a snowmobile safari in the Khibiny Mountains with a picnic in the forest, before heading back to Monchegorsk.
DAY 6:MONCHEGORSK, SAAMI PEOPLE
Head to one of the largest Saami settlements, where many traditional dwellings are still in use. Spend time with the affectionate reindeers. Learn about the ancient Saami culture with traditional games, authentic food and the chance to buy handicrafts. Transfer to Murmansk in the afternoon.
DAY 7:DEPARTURE FROM MURMANSK
After breakfast, we check out of our Murmansk hotel and catch a flight back to either Moscow or your next destination.
Inclusions
Accommodation
3* hotel accommodation in Moscow, Murmansk and Monchegorsk
Meals
Breakfasts in hotels, some lunches
Transportation
Airport transfers, all transportation on tour, according to the itinerary
Guides
Professional local English-speaking guide
Activities and sights
All activities indicated in the itinerary:
- Moscow city tour with entry tickets
- Murmansk city tour with entry tickets
- Husky dog sledding experience
- Snow Village tour
- Snowmobiling in the Khibiny Mountains
- Cultural immersion in the Saami settlement
Other
Russian visa support document/voucher
*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.
Not included
- Guide and car services for hunting Aurora Borealis. Download the detailed itinerary for more info
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance, visa, individual transfers, tips
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Price | Single sup. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Dec - 23 Dec 2017 Private Tour |
Available | US $2,550 | US $380 | Reserve |
| 20 Jan - 27 Jan 2018 Private Tour |
Available | US $2,550 | US $380 | Reserve |
| 15 Feb - 21 Feb 2018 Private Tour |
Available | US $2,550 | US $380 | Reserve |
| 10 Mar - 16 Mar 2018 Private Tour |
Available | US $2,550 | US $380 | Reserve |
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If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 2 9388 9816