Arctic Circle Adventure

No list of superlatives is enough to do justice to the Vesteralen Islands. Located in the north of Norway, the five islands that make up this archipelago actually sit within the Arctic Circle but, thanks to the Gulf Stream, enjoy relatively mild winters.

Here there is an intoxicating mix of fjords and mountains all teeming with wildlife, from the free roaming moose to the reindeer herds of the local Sami people. This is the place for a true arctic adventure: we snowshoe in the mountains, drive dog sleds across the snow and glide through the wilderness on skis.

We also visit a Sami reindeer farm and take a reindeer and moose safari before learning about the culture and history around a roaring fire. We also have a fascinating introduction to some of the basic skills needed to survive in the arctic.

Our evenings are kept free to hunt the northern lights, a regular companion this far north. If we're lucky we'll see the 'Valkyrie' streak across the night sky, leaving shimmering green and white light in their wake.