Set out on a captivating 2-hour bus tour through the stunning landscapes of Alta, where natural wonders and cultural treasures converge. This small-group experience whisks you through picturesque vistas, from the cascading Sagafossen waterfall to the mesmerizing Cathedral of the Northern Lights. Along the way, explore the rich Sami heritage, enjoying the traditions of the indigenous people. With convenient pickups from multiple locations and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an enriching journey. However, as you set out, keep in mind the pacing and accessibility concerns raised by some previous guests – there may be more to this excursion than meets the eye.
Key Points
- The 2-hour bus tour in Alta includes visits to the Sagafossen waterfall, Cathedral of the Northern Lights, and exploration of Sami culture.
- The tour is priced at £104.44 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour has a small group size limited to 8 participants and provides a live guided experience in English.
- Pickup and drop-off are available from six designated locations in Alta, including the town center and major hotels.
- While the tour duration is generally suitable, some customer feedback suggests occasional pacing issues and limited in-depth engagement with Sami culture.
Tour Overview
The 2-hour bus tour in Alta offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural highlights, with a price of £104.44 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The small group tour, limited to 8 participants, features a live guided experience in English, with pickup and drop-off available from 6 convenient locations in Alta.
The itinerary includes visits to the picturesque Sagafossen waterfall, the unique Cathedral of The Northern Lights, and the opportunity to learn about Sami culture, including their traditional reindeer herding, coastal fishing, and sheep farming practices.
With transportation, coffee, tea, and snacks included, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the captivating landscapes and rich heritage of the Alta region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Alta.
Itinerary
The tour typically begins with a pickup from one of the 6 designated locations in Alta, followed by a 15-minute bus journey to the picturesque Sagafossen waterfall, where visitors enjoy a 15-minute visit to admire the cascading waters.
Next, the bus takes them to the Restaurant Sami Siida Alta for a 15-minute visit, where they can explore the Sami culture and potentially purchase additional experiences for an extra fee.
The final stop is the Cathedral of The Northern Lights, where guests are given 30 minutes to marvel at the unique church’s architecture and artwork.
Lastly, the tour returns to the original drop-off location, completing the 2-hour journey through the Alta region.
Highlights
Along the tour route, visitors can witness several highlights showcasing the region’s natural and cultural attractions. One such highlight is the old destroyed Saga Bridge, which features the remains of an arched stone bridge that was rebuilt as a wooden structure after the war. The tour also includes a visit to the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, a unique church inspired by the northern lights and constructed of concrete, wood, and titanium cladding. Visitors can also experience the ancient traditions of the Sami people, including semi-nomadic reindeer herding, coastal fishing, fur trapping, and sheep herding.
| Natural Highlights | Cultural Highlights |
|---|---|
| Sagafossen Waterfall | Sami Traditional Practices |
| Cathedral of the Northern Lights | Saga Bridge Reconstruction |
Inclusions
The bus tour through Alta includes transportation, coffee and/or tea, and snacks, though entrance tickets aren’t included for some areas.
Travelers will be picked up and dropped off from six convenient locations around the city.
During the 2-hour tour, the bus will take visitors to see the key highlights, including the remnants of the old Saga Bridge, the unique Cathedral of the Northern Lights, and the opportunity to learn about Sami culture and traditions.
While the transportation, hot beverages, and light refreshments are covered, visitors should budget for any optional experiences or attraction admissions they wish to enjoy during the tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
According to the available reviews, the bus tour through Alta has received an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 4 customer reviews.
Common feedback suggests some issues with the tour, such as the guide’s language barrier and personal distractions, as well as the tour not fully adhering to the stated duration.
However, customers have generally found the visits to the church and waterfall pleasant, despite noting accessibility issues with the van.
While the tour provides an opportunity to experience Sami culture, some reviewers felt the engagement with this aspect was limited.
Pickup Locations
The bus tour offers pickup and drop-off services from six convenient locations in Alta, including the town center, major hotels, the airport, and the cruise port, ensuring easy accessibility for participants.
Travelers can be picked up from Alta, Canyon Hotell, Thon Hotel Alta, Alta Airport, Scandic Alta, or Alta Cruise Port, and then returned to their original pickup spot at the end of the tour.
This wide range of pickup and drop-off options caters to visitors arriving by various means, whether they’re staying in the city center, at one of the hotels, or traveling through the airport or cruise port.
The tour’s flexibility in transportation makes it seamless for guests to join and depart the excursion.
Tour Duration
The 2-hour duration of the bus tour through Alta provides sufficient time for participants to explore the key highlights along the itinerary.
While the schedule aims to adhere closely to this timeline, customer feedback suggests the tour’s pacing may occasionally fall short of the full 2-hour experience. Some reviews note that the guide’s language barrier and personal distractions can contribute to the tour not fully adhering to the promised duration.
Despite this, the majority of visitors seem to find the overall duration appropriate, allowing them to enjoy the scenic waterfall, the unique Cathedral of the Northern Lights, and a brief introduction to Sami culture, though with limited in-depth engagement.
Accessibility Concerns
Some customers have noted accessibility issues with the transportation provided for the tour, such as difficulties boarding and exiting the van.
The small group size is limited to 8 participants, but this compact setup may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.
The tour includes visits to several destinations, requiring participants to navigate between the bus and different locations.
While the guide provides assistance, the feedback suggests more attention could be given to ensuring all guests can fully participate and access the various sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Visitors With Disabilities?
The tour may not be fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. While transportation is provided, some sites have accessibility issues with the van. Visitors should inquire about specific accommodations when booking to determine if the tour meets their needs.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes only coffee/tea and snacks, so guests may want to pack additional items for the 2-hour duration.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour has no stated age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, though the small group size and bus transport may pose challenges for families with young children. It’s advised to contact the tour operator for any specific age policies.
Can We Customize the Itinerary or Visit Additional Sites?
The tour operator allows some customization of the itinerary, though additional sites may incur extra fees. Guests can discuss their preferences with the operator before the tour to see what’s possible within the 2-hour timeframe.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Desired?
Yes, the tour operator offers an option to extend the tour duration, allowing visitors to explore additional sites or spend more time at the existing locations. This can be arranged at an extra cost.
Recap
The Alta bus tour offers an engaging exploration of the region’s natural and cultural highlights, including the Sagafossen waterfall and Sami culture.
With a small group size and live guided experience in English, travelers can expect a personalized journey.
While the tour is generally accessible, some guests have noted minor pacing and accessibility concerns.
The tour provides an enriching way to discover the captivating landscapes and heritage of Alta.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Alta
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