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Russian Northern Lights Adventure (Dec - Apr)
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. The Kola Peninsula, has remained under the tourist radar, yet one of the best destinations on earth to view the Aurora Borealis. Here in Kola, you’ll be perhaps one of a handful of visitors to witness the breathtaking spectacle of cosmic iridescence above the northern sky.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the Russian northern lights
Immerse in the incredible tundra of the Russian arctic wilderness
Experience activities and daily life of the Saami people
ITINERARY
DAY 1: MOSCOW / MURMANSK
Depart Moscow this morning for your short domestic flight to Murmansk, a destination two degrees north of the Arctic Circle, reaching the city by mid morning where we then begin our exploration of the important Russian naval base, which served as a port for the Arctic convoys during WWII. Visit the Naval Museum and the world's first nuclear icebreaker ship, the Lenin. We then arrive at the Aurora Village where we will spend the next few nights. This evening if we are fortunate, we may get our very first glimpse of the northern lights.
Overnight: Aurora Village, Murmansk
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: MURMANSK (EXCURSION TO TERIBERKA VILLAGE)
Located on the shore of the Barents Sea, 3 hours' drive down an icy road from Murmansk, we make an excursion to the village of Teriberka, with just 617 residents and a wide selection of picturesque abandoned houses that could serve as art objects or as a film set. During our tour of the village, we stop at several locations, such as a wooden ships cemetery, which is more than a century old and started from the imperial times. Then, we head to the Arctic Ocean coast for the weird and wonderful phenomenon of frozen rocks and tundra against the mighty Barents Sea, and a magnificent waterfall that flows into the Arctic Ocean.
Return back to Murmansk where we begin another hunt of the northern lights this evening.
Overnight: Aurora Village, Murmansk
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: MURMANSK (TO THE DOMAINS OF THE SAAMI)
Today, we head to one of the largest tourist complexes in the Kola Peninsula, which represents the Saami settlement with its many traditional dwellings and tools. Here, you will meet the Saami's precious reindeers, who are surprisingly affectionate. We also enjoy the opportunity 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 serve an authentic lunch spread including fish soup, berry pie and herbal tea. Thereafter, head to a Siberian husky farm where you will learn about 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.
Overnight: Aurora Village, Murmansk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: MURMANSK (EXCURSION TO SNOW VILLAGE & KHIBINY MOUNTAINS)
This morning, we will visit the Snow Village, an ambitious project that has been running since 2008 where it has been painstakingly constructed almost entirely out of ice and snow and features ornately with decorated buildings, sculptures and labyrinthine tunnels with intricately patterned rooms, walls and corridors. The afternoon sees a change of pace, with the chance to carve it up on a snowmobile safari in the Khibiny Mountains. After a safety brief, you will truly feel the wondrous landscape and tranquility of winter.
Overnight: Aurora Village, Murmansk
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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DAY 5: DEPARTURE MURMANSK / MOSCOW
After breakfast, we transfer to Murmansk Airport to catch your flight return to Moscow where you may continue your adventures in Russia and beyond.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Aurora Village is a whole complex with arctic rest far from civilization - where you can watch the Northern Lights. Each of the spherical dome igloos are made of glass material equipped with hot water, central heating and heat insulated floor as well as panoramic views of the northern lights.
