The Aurora Zone launches a Northern Lights Sailing and 
Whale Watching Expedition from Tromsø, Norway

The original Northern Lights Holiday Company, The Aurora Zone, has added a Northern Lights Sailing and Whale Watching Expedition from Tromsø, Norway, to its wide range of exhilarating short breaks.

On this expedition, tick off three bucket list experiences: cruising the majestic Norwegian Fjords, whale watching, and seeing the unforgettable Northern Lights.

The Aurora Zone is the UK’s only holiday brand dedicated solely to sharing the incredible Northern Lights (and was the first company to do so). It sets itself apart by working with local representatives, guaranteeing guests can fully immerse themselves in their holiday destination. Most recently, The Aurora Zone won Silver for the “Best Travel Company to Nordic Destinations in 2022” at the prestigious British Travel Awards.

MS Quest features 26 comfortable en-suite cabins, a panoramic lounge in the dining room, a well-stocked bar, and a quiet library. The viewing deck is the perfect place to observe whales in their natural environment. See humpbacks lobtailing (when a whale lifts its fluke – tail fin – out of the water before bringing it down forcefully to slap the surface) and watch as pods of black-and-white orcas play nearby. There are also five zodiac rib boats that can be used to go ashore and see the astonishing marine life from a different perspective.

The beauty of the smaller ship means it’s easier to navigate the rugged coastline and get closer to the feeding whales, curious orcas, and swooping sea eagles. It also means the ship can adapt easily to nature – whether that be travelling to see more marine life, coming into bays to see harbour porpoise, or chasing the enthralling Northern Lights. In addition, it provides a welcoming group atmosphere on board due to like-minded, adventurous individuals taking part.

Highlights include searching the sea to the north of Skjervøy, which is known for being the best place for whale watching due to the large number of herring that breed in this area. Look out for killer whales and humpback whales as they propel themselves through the water to eat as many fish as possible.

Visit the Aurora Spirit distillery that can be found in an abandoned NATO base from the Cold War; explore the quaint costal village of Hamnes and learn about its amazing history; take part in a husky safari and have a go at driving the sleds; and meet with local Sámi reindeer herders and learn about their culture and traditions and how they have survived the harsh Arctic conditions for centuries.

The guides will also make sure there are no missed opportunities to see the Northern Lights. They will continually monitor the weather and aurora forecasts, and an Aurora Alert will be sent to all guests if the lights are displaying during the evening.

As the journey progresses, the expedition team, led by Roger Brendhagen (ambassador for Nikon and a well-known Norwegian wildlife and aurora photographer) will hold a series of lectures and photography workshops in the panorama lounge that will teach the science behind the Northern Lights and the fascinating facts of marine biology, plus show everyone how to take the best photos of the nature that they are seeing.

Throughout the tour, dine on food that is ‘straight from the source’ with the onboard, expert chefs using the freshest ingredients – including seafood and game – to provide a fully immersive experience. Taste succulent fish, melt-in-the-mouth meat, and flavoursome cheeses, accompanied by a glass of fine wine, a pint of hoppy lager, or a rich cup of coffee.

On the last day, return to Tromsø for a chance to explore the vibrant city dubbed the ‘Paris of the North’. Steeped in history, admire the Arctic Cathedral, look round one of the many museums, and have a drink at Ølhallen (perhaps the oldest pub in the Arctic) before spending the last night at centrally-located Clarion Hotel – The Edge.

A five-night Arctic Fjords and Northern Lights small ship sailing expedition to Tromsø, departing until 29 January 2023, costs from £2,595 pp (two sharing) and includes return flights (London to Tromsø), airport transfers, four nights in a standard twin cabin on board the ship and one night at Clarion Hotel – The Edge, five breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners, activities included in the itinerary are: whale watching excursions and guided tour of Aurora Spirit distillery, lectures and photography workshops with the highly skilled expedition team, plus many Northern Lights hunts, coffee and tea onboard, cold weather outwear and boots onboard, aurora alert service, and 24/7 in-destination support.

For full details of the trip, please visit: www.theaurorazone.com/holidays/Tromso-arctic-fjords-and-northern-lights#/

For more information on The Aurora Zone, please call 01670 785 012 or visit www.theaurorazone.com