Above The Arctic Circle

ABOVE THE
ARCTIC CIRCLE
February 2026
ABOVE THE
ARCTIC CIRCLE
February 2026
ABOVE THE
ARCTIC CIRCLE
February 2026
ABOVE THE
ARCTIC CIRCLE
February 2026
Tour Summary

Amaco Small Group Tours invites you to join our ‘Above the Arctic’ Small Group Tour &  Conference departing in February 2024.

Amaco has carefully designed a bespoke experience travelling above the Arctic Circle for the best possible opportunity to experience the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

The itinerary begins with two nights in Helsinki. You’ll be mesmerised by the city’s unique layout, exciting and tranquil all at the same time, Helsinki is a city whose landscape is interrupted by lengthy waterways and romantic inlets, which in the winter are completely frozen over.

On the first evening, a Welcome Networking Dinner will introduce you to the capital’s flourishing food scene. After the first two conference sessions, you’ll explore the harbour city taking in the design history and unique past of this scandic city.

It’s then time to head off above the Arctic Circle. Flying to Kittila, your base for the next 3 nights will be the Golden Crown Iglut just outside the Lapland town of Levi. The glass-roofed igloos are located on the slope of a fell and allow for unobstructed views of the northern sky.

The days will be filled with adventure. You’ll drive a team of huskies over the white, shimmering snow. The eager dogs run at full speed and you’ll experience the exhilaration as the sled glides effortlessly over the snow drifts.

You’ll spend the evenings with views of the darkened sky. There is no chasing the Northern Lights here, they’ll be visible whether lounging in your glass igloo or relaxing in the Lounge.

You can’t visit Finland without experiencing a traditional sauna. We have exclusive use of the Northern Lights House at the Golden Crown where a private sauna and lounge will be available throughout your stay.

 

Why Travel With Amaco Small Group Tours?

  • All Inclusive Travel Packages
  • Small Groups
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • 25+ Years Experience

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906

info@amacotravel.com.au

Reindeer are part of everyday life in Lapland and are semi-wild in this area. You’ll hop on a sleigh and head out with reindeer as your mode of transportation into the snow-covered wilderness.

It’s then off to the town of Levi for a spot of ice-kart racing to get the adrenalin flowing before heading back for another night basking in the glow of the dancing lights (we hope)!

Heading further north you’ll cross the border between Finland and Norway arriving in the Sami town of Kautekeino. This is the land of the Sami, the northernmost indigenous people of Europe. Most people here have Sami as their first language, and the area is officially bilingual.

Nomadic reindeer herders have lived here for hundreds of years, and the traditional lifestyle is still very much alive. This is a true experience and an opportunity to meet the Gaup family and learn about the culture and way of life from the Sami people firsthand

You’ll complete another two Conference sessions before heading even further north to Sorrisniva staying at the Arctic Wilderness Lodge, built on the bank of the Alta River in Norway’s high Arctic. You will be based here for two nights, visiting the world’s northernmost ice hotel. Each year experienced artists and builders come together to build a new and unique hotel from scratch with a special theme. Unlike other ice hotels in the region, ice used is not stored in freezers until required but harvested from the first snowfalls of the season in Sierravann, a few kilometers further into the Alta Valley.  

You will have a guided tour of the ice igloo hotel and have a go at a bit of ice sculpting yourself  before enjoying a drink at the Ice Bar before heading back to the warmth of your lodge rooms. There is an opportunity to stay in an ice room (optional extra) for the night.

The wide-open landscape is awe-inspiring here, wildlife roams and the silence is deafening.  Once again there is no chasing the lights here, if they are out there you will see them. This is where the only noise will be you and perhaps the snowmobile you’ll be riding through the snow

Your journey continues to the main town of Alta and into the fjords and the tiny town of Oksfjord to board the Hurtigruten and cruise to Tromso, aptly labeled, the Venice of the North and the Arctic capital.

You’ll visit the Polar Museum and the major sights of this lively city before your last two Conference Sessions. You’ll hop on the Fjellhesisen Gondola to the mountain ledge of Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromso and possibly another sightinf of the aurora borealis.

Hopping on board a hybrid electric ship you’ll cruise the fjords and islands of the region before a Farewell Dinner at one of Tromso’s finest restaurants.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this curated journey to one of the most remote parts of the world travelling ‘Above the Arctic Circle’.

We believe that this conference offers exceptional value for money – with all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and sightseeing included. We encourage you to register now or risk missing out on this bucket-list travel and educational experience.

For your enjoyment and due to limited capacity on many of the included activities, we have capped the number this tour at just 32 people.

Destination

Above The Arctic Circle

Duration

13 Days / 12 Nights

Value For Money

All Inclusive Tour Package

Booking Info

Above The Arctic Circle Tour

Start Date & Time

1st February 2024 @ 7:00pm

End Date & Time

13th February 2024 @ 9:00am

Start & End Location

Starts: Helsinki, Finland

Ends: Tromso, Norway

Registration Fees

Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp

Travel Packages

Amaco Family Price: $18,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Standard Price: $19,995 pp

Ice Igloo Hotel Room Experience: $995 per room
(Price is for 1 night and your Lodge Room will still be available)

Above The Arctic Circle Single Supplement (if traveling alone): $6,795

Inclusions

Above The Arctic Circle Tour

Price Includes

  • 2 x nights at Kämp Hotel in Helsinki
  • 3 x nights at Golden Crown Glass Igloos Levi
  • 2 x nights at Thon Hotel Kautokeino
  • 2 x nights at Arctic Wilderness Lodge Sorrisniva
  • 3 x nights at Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora Tromso
  • Domestic flight from Helsinki to Kittila (3rd February 2024)
  • 12 x Breakfasts, 11 x Lunches, 12 x Dinners
  • Beverages with all included Lunches & Dinners (excluding any alcoholic beverages)
  • All Ground Transportation (including airport transfers)
  • Helsinki City Tour (2nd February 2024)
  • Husky Safari (4th February 2024)
  • Reindeer Safari (4th February 2024)
  • Ice Karting Experience (5th February 2024)
  • Juhl’s Silver Gallery Visit (6th February 2024)
  • Sami Cultural Experience (7th February 2024)
  • Ice Igloo Tour (8th February 2024)
  • Ice Sculpting Experience (8th February 2024)
  • Snowmobile Excursion (9th February 2024)
  • Alta City Tour (10th February 2024)
  • Hurtigruten Dinner Fjord Cruise (10th February 2024)
  • Tromso City Tour (11th February 2024)
  • Polar Museum Visit (11th February 2024)
  • Fjellheisen Cable Car (11th February 2024)
  • Arctic Fjord Cruise (12th February 2024)

Gold Amaco Standard

  • Small Group Size (not exceeding 30 people)
  • Airport transfer as detailed in the itinerary for group arrivals and departures
  • Services of specialist local guides throughout itinerary
  • All applicable entrance fees, taxes, gratuities and porterage throughout the itinerary
  • Amaco staff escort
  • Hassle free luggage management
  • Tips to guides and drivers

Price Excludes

  • International Airfares To/From the Conference
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry and business communications
  • Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Itinerary

Above the Arctic Circle Itinerary

Day 1 (1st February 2024)Welcome to Helsinki

On arrival at Helsinki Airport, you will be met by Amaco staff or a local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Following check-in at the hotel, you are free to relax in your room or begin enjoying the area surrounding the hotel. In the evening you will enjoy a Welcome Networking dinner at one of Helsinki’s acclaimed restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel Kamp Helsinki

Included Meals: Welcome Networking Dinner

 

Day 2 (2nd February 2024)Helsinki

Conference Session 1 & 2 will take place at the hotel this morning followed by lunch.

In the afternoon enjoy a guided city tour of Helsinki before you head out for a group dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Kamp Helsinki

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 (3rd February 2024)Above The Arctic Circle

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Helsinki Airport to board your flight to Kittilä. You’ll stop for lunch before arriving at the Golden Crown Levin Iglut – your glass-domed igloo accommodation for the next 3 nights.

The afternoon is free to explore the area and take in the winter wonderland surrounding you.  You will have access to the Northern Lights House available as a lounge area and our group has private is use of the sauna and hot tub facilities during our stay. Dinner this evening is at the hotel’s legendary restaurant Utsu, serving Scandinavian cuisine.

Overnight: Golden Crown Levin Iglut

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 (4th February 2024)Winter Wonderland

A full day of winter activities awaits you today.

The group will be spilt in two and enjoy a day of safari expeditions. A morning with the huskies is always an exhilarating experience. You will be a musher for the day leading and guiding the energetic huskies through a white-laden landscape.

A spot of lunch with reindeer on the menu – a traditional fare of the region before you hop on a sleigh and take a reindeer safari.

Return to the resort for time to relax before being transferred to the town of Levi for dinner this evening. Keep a look out into the night sky, those dancing lights may appear at any time. 

Overnight: Golden Crown Levin Iglut

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 (5th February 2024)Levi & Ice-Karts

After breakfast, you’ll be in for an adrenalin-packed treat. You’ll be transferred back to the town of Levi for a unique experience in the region, ice-karting! There will also be an opportunity for skiers to hit the slopes.

Following lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the town before being transferred back to your glass igloo. You will have access to the exclusive Northern Lights House where our group can relax in privacy or use the sauna or hot tub.

Dinner this evening is at the hotel with panoramic glass windows for perfect aurora viewing.

Overnight: Golden Crown Levin Iglut

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 (6th February 2024)The Land of the Sami

Today you head further north toward the Norwegian border and the Sami village of Kautokeino. You’ll be stopping en route for a local lunch at the border town of Enontekiö before arriving in Kautokeino.

You’ll visit Juhl’s Silver Gallery. The gallery produces handmade Sami jewelry that is often used in wedding ceremonies. You’ll learn about the role of silver in the Sami nomad community. Used as currency as well as a way of displaying wealth. The inception of this gallery enabled the local Sami people to design and make their own jewelry and now sought after worldwide.

Overnight: Thon Hotel Kautokeino

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 (7th February 2024)Reindeer Herders

Enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast before your Sami hosts, the Gaup family escort you out to their reindeer farm and home where you’ll get an insight into the way of life of a reindeer herding family.

The Gaup family will invite you into their lavvu, tell stories in front of the fire and serve you a local Sami lunch. The tame-driving reindeer will also be around so you can get up close.

After lunch head back to the hotel for Conference Sessions 3 & 4.

Overnight: Thon Hotel Kautokeino

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 (8th February 2024)Heading Further North

Today you head further north to Sorrisniva.

Close to the town of Alta, the northernmost town in Norway but far enough away to be in complete wilderness. Once daylight falls, the night sky is not obstructed by any artificial light. If conditions are just right, the northern lights will be here in all their glory. Enjoy lunch before a guided tour of the ice Igloo hotel and an opportunity to try your hand at ice sculpting before enjoying a drink at the ice bar.

If you are keen, you have the opportunity to book an optional night in an ice igloo room at extra cost. You will still have your room at the lodge waiting for you if you decide to hop into a warm soft bed during the night.

Dinner will be at the lodge.

Overnight: Arctic Wilderness Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 (9th February 2024)Snow Mobiles Into The Wilderness

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading out for a snowmobile experience through the Arctic wilderness.

Feel the thrill of driving your snowmobile through the varied landscape in the forest, the wide open plateau, and across the frozen inland lakes.  The group will be split in two enjoying the facilities back at the lodge and the opportunity for a sauna or hot tub – a Norwegian institution.

Dinner will be served at the lodge this evening

Overnight: Arctic Wilderness Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 (10th February 2024)Fjords and Northern Lights Cruise

Today you depart heading to Alta for a guided tour.

You’ll drive north to the tiny fjord town of Øksfjord to board the Hurtigruten ship as it cruises southbound toward Tromso. Look out for the Northern Lights while you enjoy dinner during the cruise.

Your arrival into Tromso – the Venice of the North will be close to midnight. Your luggage will be waiting in your hotel room.

Overnight: Clarion Collection Aurora Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 (11th February 2024)Tromso & Conference

Today you will enjoy a walking tour of Tromsø and a visit to the Polar Museum.  

Tromsø is a surprise to most visitors. Here you find art, history, good food, and infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city. You’ll lunch back at the hotel followed by Conference Sessions 5 & 6.

In the early evening, you’ll cross Tromsø bridge to the mountain cable car (Fjellheisen) and ride to the top to enjoy a 3-course dinner at Fjellstua Restaurant with views back across Tromsø (island), and even more, possibilities to see the Northern Lights.

Overnight: Clarion Collection Aurora Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 (12th February 2024)Arctic Fjords

After breakfast take a short walk to the harbour and board the hybrid electric ship for your Arctic Fjord cruise.

Spot wildlife both above and below the water. Explore a fjord with a surprising remnant from the war and step ashore at an old fishing facility to learn about the industry that is the lifeline of many Norwegian coastal towns and has formed the culture of Northern Norway.

You’ll enjoy lunch on board before arriving back in Tromsø in the early afternoon with some free time before the Farewell Dinner at one of Tromsø’s finest restaurants.

Overnight: Clarion Collection Aurora Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Day 13 (13th February 2024)Farewell

After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey home.

Included Meals: Breakfast

 

Travel Options & Extensions

Given everything that has happened in the travel industry of late – you’re correct to be vigilant about where you spend your travel dollar.

Amaco is not only a member of AFTA (the Australian Federation of Travel Agents) and CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators) but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry financial, operational, and management standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation meaning that you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and very capable hands.

With almost 30 years’ of experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants often want to add additional travel destinations and adventures either before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.

Other operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced consultants with the breadth and depth of the consultants we employ.

We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.

Either way – our consultants are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes… not a problem. We understand that people may have a preferred Travel Agent they want to use and we don’t have any issues with you doing so. We’ll advise you of suggested arrival and departure times to allow you to make use of our group transfers.

That said though… we do have experiences consultants who are ready and waiting to help… even if that means just giving you a comparison price – nothing wrong with some competition.

We do ask for a copy of your itinerary so that we can double-check it to ensure that it fits with our program and group itinerary.

One word of warning, however, when booking flights independently – as the non-ticketing Agent we’re not notified of any changes or cancellations to your booking. If anything changes with your booking, it will be up to your agent to contact you and then for you to contact us.

It is also worth pointing out that even though we’ll have experienced staff members escorting the group during the conference, as the non-ticketing Agent we are unable to make contact or deal with the airline on your behalf.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN CLASS OF TRAVEL?

We used to include flights in our travel package but found that in many cases the fares were more expensive than the best available daily fares or were not applicable for people who were looking to extend before or after the main conference travel dates.

We also felt it was unfair on you, as a participant, to unknowingly pay a premium for a more flexible group fare when you are already committed to attending the conference.

By not including the airfare in the package, you are able to work with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Travel Consultants to arrange flights on any airline and from any destination depending on your preferences…. including the class of travel.

CAN I VISIT OTHER PLACES BEFORE OR AFTER THE CONFERENCE?

In short….. Yes!

You’re encouraged to talk to our experienced travel consultants to learn more about the options open to you either before or after the conference itineraries. We will gladly work with you to put together a personalised itinerary that can include as much or as little as you want.

We believe it is important for your own peace of mind to know that our consultants are all employed directly by Amaco Small Group Tours and are located in our office.

We don’t subcontract out the travel to a third party which means you can be comfortable knowing that whatever arrangements you make through Amaco will be tied together with the conference program to make one continuous, seamless travel itinerary. We’ll put as much care and effort into your extension as we put into the planning of the conference.

Whether it is simply booking some airport transfers with a couple of nights accommodation through to more elaborate arrangements we are perfectly positioned to incorporate any individual travel plans into your overall conference itinerary.

Email or call us so we can put together your perfect itinerary.

WHAT ABOUT COVID? WILL TRAVEL INSURANCE HELP?

Much has been said about the value of travel insurance – especially given the broad-based exclusion policies many underwriters had in place which stopped them from paying out on Covid-related issues and protected them from claims resulting more generally from pandemics and epidemics.

Amaco provides travel insurance from some of the most reputable companies in the industry including Cover-More and NIB (formerly SureSave) – and always at competitive rates. Over the last year or so, there have been a number of enhancements to the policies available which many of the credit card policies do not include.

This includes Covid-related cover should you test positive prior to or during the conference. 

Like all insurance policies, what is appropriate for one person may not be right for another. If you have any questions about travel insurance, please call our office and we will gladly work with you to obtain a quote from any or all of our insurance suppliers that is specific to your needs and situation.

Education

Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine.

Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.

Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD points based on the content and time in session. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.

The Education Committee for the Above The Arctic Circle Conference will be selected in mid-2023 with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM, and Medical Journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.

Subject to final accreditation, the Above The Arctic Circle Conference will include up to 14 hours of accredited education. 

ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2023 to 2025.

As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us to obtain further information.

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