Some group departures on pre set tour itineraries offer a local guide, the majority of our holidays cater for the independent minded person and do not. Therefore in general flights can be included (although clients may arrange their own) together with accommodation and any pre booked/pre paid excursions. Transfers to and from Tromso Airport to your city hotel is not included. A short taxi journey or 10 minutes on the frequent SAS Flybussen is a cheap and easy transfer. These are paid for locally. Car hire can be arranged to suit individual itineraries. All accommodation inclusive holidays are ABTA bonded. Any holidays that are flight inclusive will be booked with an ATOL licenced travel partner and an ATOL receipt will be issued at time of booking. Travel partners include Best Served Scandinavia, Hurtigruten and Regent Holidays.

Norway became the first European country to proclaim independence in the 20th century. It is a trading partner with the E.U. but not a full member. It has its own currency the NOK (kronor). Approx exchange rate 9 NOK = £1. It is now one of the wealthiest countries in the world (PCI). It has a population of approx 4 million and an extensive coastline with mountainous interiors. The sea’s off the north west coast of Norway are extremely rich in fish and seafood. Norway is rich in oil, gas, forestry, fish and seafood.

SAS Airlines have the most extensive range of flights from the UK to Tromso. Flights operate from London Heathrow and many regional airports via Oslo. Norweigian Airlines operate from London Gatwick via Oslo.

Ticket prices include one peice of hold luggage (23k) and one peice of hand luggageper person.

Additional baggage allowances can be made available for sports equipment.Remember the Troms Region is at the 69th parallel, over 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Time-zone: Norway is one hour ahead of UK time. (GMT +1).

The coastal temperature is milder than inland. In winter expect temperatures to be -1 to -10 degrees C on the coast but -8 to -30 C inland. In summer temperatures can be from +8c to +30c due to constant daylight. In winter (December/January) there are long hours of darkness but likewise in summer the reverse is that its constant daylight from late May to early August. This far north means you must be prepared for changeable weather. Maximum snowfall is November to February, but it can snow earlier and later.

Norwegians in Troms Region are used to variable weather and cope well with severe changes. We cannot be held responsible for any travel delays caused by such extreme conditions that can occur from time to time.

In winter it is essential to wear layered warm clothing, just like you would in any ski resort. Warm boots, hats and gloves are essential items. A number of activity centres will provide warm clothing but ask first. In summer you may require a warm jacket or light waterproofs or shorts and T shirt, be prepared.

Norway as a high standard of living, the quality of life here is amongst the highest in the world. Healthcare is not free, so make sure you have a suitable insurance policy. With clean air the suns rays are powerful, use a factor 20 sunscreen.

Most activities only require a basic level of fitness. Off piste ski touring, mountaineering and long hikes will require a suitable level of  fitness.

Modern digital cameras are fine. For wildlife photography you should have a 300mm lens. For Northern Lights photography a wide angle lens on a tripod with a 20 to 40 second exposure essential.

You drive on the right. Roads are quite traffic free and pleasing to drive. Speed limits are in KMPH and are strictly enforced. Drink driving is prohibited. All hire vehicles will have day lights. A UK driving license is fine. From October to April winter tyres are fitted to all vehicles. These either have a harder compound with deeper tread cuts or additionally have studs. Studded tyres are ideal for snow and ice and should be requested.

Norway offers good value and quality but it is not cheap. Possibly on average about 15% dearer than the UK (some things are cheaper). Alcohol is heavily taxed in bars and restaurants. Beer and wine is reasonable value from supermarkets and state run liquor stores (Vinminopolet). Only wine and spirits can be purchased from Vinminopolet stores that are not open at weekends.