Not your budget Honeymoon trip - Iceland, Norway, Finland, Milan in 3 weeks!

***If you are looking for a budget trip for this itinerary, you can SKIP this post now!

Yes, we went slightly all out for this trip (better hotels, better flights, better train) because…. its our Honeymoon trip!

To me, honeymoon is a once in a lifetime thing, and these places that are in my bucket list for the longest time so there is no budget hotels or food for this trip haha.

We have a little pre-honeymoon day trip in BKK due to our flights (was playing around with the Biz flights that are available for miles redemption, so our flights route are a little unusual – SG > BKK (12 hrs layover) > ICELAND and Milan > SG). Big SHOUTOUT to my friend, Pawan, who helped me find the flights as usual!

As usual, if you are lazy to read, click on the video to watch what went on the entire trip! You can also scroll all the way down to download the itinerary.

As always, here are some tips to take note of:

If you are going to do transit with layovers, you can try a longer layover, so you can head out to explore the city for a day before your next flight! You can actually ask the airline (the first airline you are boarding) to check in your luggages all the way until the end destination, even if they are different airlines! In this case, you do not need to lug your luggages around. Alternatively, just store them in the airport security, but ensure you are back before their closing hours!
As our main highlight of this trip is to catch the northern lights, I booked at least 2 different northern lights tour incase we didn’t mange to catch the first one. Also, I tried to plan at least 1 in different city so the chances of me catching it is higher. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to catch any in Iceland, but we manage to catch it in Norway, so I cancelled my other tours (Getyourguide usually allow free cancellation 24-48hrs before the activity so do spread out your planning of the tours!)
If you are booking biz class, do remember to log in your KF app to book the cook if you want special menu on top of the usual menu. Also, all biz class flights comes with the lounge alr so you do not need to specifically redeem your card free lounge passes. If not, for those who are taking economy, you can also access the lounge FOC if you are a KF gold member and above! But you will need to pay for your partner if he/she is not lah. So you can use KF access + 1 cc card access for both of you to enter.
Most of our activities are booked through GetYourGuide which I feel is very easy to use and access with the mobile app, will insert the respective links in this post.

Day 01

Our flight for this trip was:

SQ Biz SG > BKK

Thai Airway Biz from BKK > Copenhagen

SAS Biz from Copenhagen > Iceland.

Yes complicated isn’t it, but this is the only available flight for miles redemption and it’s all under the same amount of miles so why not right?

We get to try 3 different airline Biz class LOL.

Anyway, chose the morning flight to BKK instead of night so that we can spend a day trip out in BKK.

Our next flight to Iceland is 12.50am that night so we plan to head out until about dinner timing, then head back to the airport to wash up in the lounge before the flight.

Went BKK for food and massage. Our plan for that day mainly is Roddeeded beef noodles > shopping > Massage > Jodd Fair > Skytree bar > airport.

Had a great shower at the Turkish Airline lounge before heading back to the SQ lounge for food (Note SQ lounge does not have shower facilities in BKK airport).

Then onto our long haul flight to Iceland.

Day 02

Our Thai Airway flights got delayed, so we missed our transit to Iceland in Copenhagen. This is the only worrying and troublesome thing about transit flights. If one delay = GG.

We manage to rebook our flight, but it’s yet another transit flight. This time round we are flying from Copenhagen > Oslo > Iceland cause that is the only next earliest available flight…. I think we flew for more than 20hrs at this point of time lol.

Finally landed in Iceland at 5pm instead of 1pm as initially scheduled. I was scrambling to rebook my Blue Lagoon entrance tixs and it was really a pity cause you can’t see much in the dark there, albeit the soaking in the hot pool + all the mud masks are shiok. But wished we could be there in the day.

I didn’t reschedule it to the next day as our itinerary was packed and there is no way to squeeze it in. So thank god I manage to rebook the last entry for the day oh well.

Back to our hotel after Blue Lagoon and finally checked in for the night.

Day 03

It’s mainly tours in Iceland as we didn’t book a car for this trip, although it’s recommended that you can do a self drive to all the places too. One main reason is because we are not familiar with the place + it’s winter, so I am afraid the road is slippery or there might be road blocks due to the ice or whatever.

Plus I want it to be a stress-free trip since it’s our honeymoon so I decided to go ahead with tours instead.

Did the Golden Circle tour today. MAIN HIGHLIGHT of this tour is the snorkelling between the tectonic plates!

You can book the activity here: https://www.getyourguide.com/reykjavik-l30/from-reykjavik-golden-circle-with-snorkel-in-silfra-t171237/

Ive been wanting to try this ever since I saw someone did it online (there is also diving option but I opted for snorkelling cause its winter) and oh boy, it’s really an exhilarating experience.

Why? Because the water is FREEZING cold!

We were donned into thermal bathing suit but our face and hands (the gloves are normal thermal gloves which are insufficient) so the instructor prepared us for frozen hands and swollen lips/cheeks when we entered the water. TBH, its only that first 5 mins of pain when you enter the water, after that there is actually no feeling as your hands and face are numbed already. At the end of the trail, we all came up with duck lips, hahaha.

But I have to say, it’s really quite fun for me and we get to take pic in between the tectonic plates.

After that, its mainly just catching waterfalls, crater and geysirs, the usual iceland tours you will see online.

Its a full day tour so its 5pm/6pm when we are back in the city.

Went to explore around and had PHO for dinner which is nearby our hotel. Super good because the soup is warm and what we needed after a cold snorkelling in the day hah.

Back to the hotel to rest.

Day 04

Packed some clothes and went for a 2D1N tour- because this is the only tour that come with the ice cave!

Most of the ice cave tours will need you to self drive to an area where they will pick you up for the ice cave tour so this is the only tour that I can find that comes with it- makes sense too cause we need to stay 1 night near Vik town (the area where the pickup for ice tours are).

More catching of waterfalls + Black sand beach for the South Coast Tour before they brought us to the hotel in Vik.

You can book the activity here: https://www.getyourguide.com/reykjavik-l30/2-day-tour-to-jokulsarlon-with-blue-ice-cave-south-coast-t124865/

And I am surprised, the hotel is pretty decent and pretty! Very cosy feeling and infact, you can see the northern lights right outside the hotel if you are lucky!

It was cloudy when we were there but we bumped into a Singaporean who caught MANY pretty videos and photos of the northen lights right outside the hotel a night before! Too bad we are staying for a night only.

Day 05

Headed off to our ice cave tour! This was another to-do list for the day and I would say, it’s pretty okay.

The cave wasn’t as big as I expected them to be, but the trekking on the ice and the scenery around is breathtaking so I feel that its worthwhile. Plus we took a huge jeep into the ice area before we start trekking to the cave, that’s an experience itself too.

Headed back to the city and our main hotel after the tour.

Decided to reward ourselves with some nice restaurant that we found online and the food is pretty good.

Back to rest after that cause we are flying off to Norway the next day!

Day 06

Time for Norway (Olso first) and guess who joined us in the latter part of our honeymoon trip?

Another KOH couple! Sharon and Yehao joined us as they didnt have a proper honeymoon before so they decided to crash our honeymoon as their honeymoon trip too haha.

Well to us, the more the merrier cause we get to share more food + it’s always safer in a foreign country when you have company isnt it.

Spent the day exploring Oslo city and… some shopping!

Places we went were Olso Street Food Hall and Himok (drinking place).

Day 07

More exploring of the city today. Went to the promenade area and they are having tons of sauna house situated alongside the river. There are a lot of Norwegians who are jumping into the ice-cold water from the sauna house and running back to it.

We were so tempted to try it, but we were not prepared for it- no bathing suit with us and the nicer sauna houses were fully booked already. Will strongly recommend you guys to try this if you are in Oslo!

Places we went today:

Havnepromenade for breakfast- donuts and cafes
Mathallen Food Hall for lunch
Sightseeing places: Hedgehaugsveien > The Royal Palace > Nobel peace centre > Aker Brygge wharf > Akershu fortress > Karl Johan(Zara, h&m) > Oslo City shopping centre

Ended the night at the winter wonderland and a small Christmas fair that we chanced upon that allow us to have a bbq out in the cold. But, don’t expect much from the bbq food- its just expensive hotdog buns and marshmallows. All for the experience lol.

***ANOTHER TIP: NORWAY TAX REFUND IS ACTUALLY THE HIGHEST – 17% (if you spend above certain tiering) as compared to the rest of the countries!! Yes, we got our Dior stuff at a really good price here.

So happy that we stopped here for shopping haha.

Day 08

Had enough of flights so we decided to change to a scenic train (this is 6hrs as compared to a 2hrs flight so only take this option if you have time to spare) to head to another city in Norway- Bergen.

We booked the cabin booth so that we can sleep if we want. Also, we want to store our luggages in the cabin with us as we were afraid that people may steal our luggages if we put them in the baggage area. We placed our luggaes in the bunk bed above us. So another tip for you here- spend a little to protect your belongings haha.

Anyway, Bergen is just a small city so we are only spending 2 nights here.

Its evening by the time we reached our hotel so we just went to the Christmas market + Gingerbread town.

*DO NOT BOTHER GOING TO THE GINGERBREAD TOWN!!!!!! I thought its like a hugeass town made up of gingerbread but actually, they are just minatures exhibition in a gallery…..That is disappointing I have to say, but lucky the christmas market made up for it.

Day 09

Breakfast at the Bergen Seafood market and we had fresh sashimi, lobsters, crabs etc! After that, its just exploring of the city in the day + taking the Floyen (a train) up the “hill” to see the entire city of Bergen.

Nothing much in Bergen I would say, you can do a day trip and finish it in a day.

Fish and chips for dinner before we head back to the hotel.

Can skip this city if you are tight in your itnerary.

Day 10

Checked out and its to our main city in Norway- Tromso!!!

We are doing most of the activities here so we are really looking forward to this. I would say Tromso is our favest part in the entire ititnerary for Norway and our hotel is where most of the tours do their pick up so we are really very satifisied with this trip haha.

The airport express bus also stop at somewhere right opposite the hotel.

Will strongly recommend this hotel if you are heading to Tromso! There is a sauna at the rooftop where you can potentially catch the northen lights too!

1st day in Tromso were spent just exploring the city and trying some of their famous food here.

Burg Burger (one of the best burgers in town) is not bad and actually Tromso is pretty small too so you can comb the entire city in 1 day too.

Went for drinks at the Ølhallen Pub (the oldest pub in the entire city) just to see the place. There is actually a bar right beside our hotel too which have live bands so that is not bad too.

Day 11

Start of our activities tour! Today’s activity is Husky Sledding!

Some of you may feel that its pretty cruel but actually these huskies will need to run about with the sled to drain their energy else they are too over hyped by the energy.

It’s pretty fun and an experience I would say.

You can book the activity here: https://www.getyourguide.com/tromso-l32375/tromso-half-day-guided-husky-sled-ride-tour-t77020/

We also booked a night tour to catch the northern lights because just incase if we cant catch it today, there is still another northen light tour (with the reindeers) that we can do on the last night!

Thankfully, we did manage to catch the lights at the later part of the trip and we even caught the red ones = really strong.

The trip come with thermal clothes, bbq with hotdogs and marshmallows as well as a professional photographer so that you can really get good northen lights pictures.

You can book the activity here: https://www.getyourguide.com/tromso-l32375/tromso-northern-lights-tour-t146781/

Will strongly recommend this tour but you must be mentally prepared to ride it out for the night. They really went chasing the lights and it was SO cold in the mountains and we ended the night only around 1am-2am because the northern lights start to appear only around 12am.

But I am really happy we manage to catch the lights!

Day 11

Changed the reindeer northen light tour to a day tour with lunch instead because we still want to experience reindeers sledding (you came all the way to Norway/Finland and you dont try Reindeer ride?!).

So do note that there is a complete change it the itinerary for this day.

You can book the activity here: https://www.getyourguide.com/tromso-l32375/tromso-reindeer-sledding-and-feeding-with-sami-culture-t180764/

I would say the ride wasnt as fun as the huskies as the reindeers were just strolling but the feeding part is pretty fun. They are very similar to the NARA deers in Japan, they will chiong you for the food so do hold your bucket high up haha.

To the magic bar for drinks at night and its similar to snow city. Can try if you got nothing to do.

We also had dinner at this amazing Japanese fusion restaurant (but mind you, the prices are not cheap but food is SO good it’s one of the best meal we had + also we are really getting sick of all the reindeer and meat stew haha)

Day 12

SNOW MOBILE DAY!

We got the couple rides and it’s pretty fun as we get to switch the drivers during midway of the drive. It’s a group activity and there is a main driver that will lead the way.

It’s quite an experience I would say, snow-mobile in the mountains filled with snow.. and also abit scary as there were times we will need to get up and down the slopes.

A couple infront of us toppled over during their ride up the slope(they did warn on this- to not brake and just go all the way else it may topple) but nobody’s injured so its all good!

You can book the activity here: https://www.getyourguide.com/tromso-l32375/from-tromso-snowmobile-safari-with-warm-meal-and-drinks-t407365/

P.S the one we booked is no longer available this is just an alternative I found- so dont take my reviews for this!

Back to the city for dinner – I would say Tromso city is pretty small so we combed almost the entire city area during our stay there.

But it’s our fav destination cause of all the activities!!! So many things checked off the bucket list hehe.

Day 13

Off to Finland next cause of…. the Santa Claus Village!!

Stopped over at their main city of Helsinki first before we headed there, just for 2 nights to see how’s the city like.

Also, they have this famous steak place-Goodwin Steakhouse recommended by a local and boy, the food is good.

Back to the hotel to rest cause it’s evening when we reached Helsinki so we will do the exploration the next day.

Day 14

Out to explore the city but I would say it’s nothing much actually. I think you guys can stay only a night if time is tight on your trip.

We went to see some churches, want to see a very pretty library but it’s closed to public on the day we were there.

The main highlight of this place? THE CASINO HAHAHAHA.

It’s located within walking distance from our hotel and we like the blackjack game there (slightly different from Singapore). All of us got some winnings from the Casino ^^

Oh, we also tried a restaurant that serve local Finnish food- yes you are right, bear & rabbit meat.

Btw, we also bumped into another Singaporean couple who is taking the overnight train to Santa Claus Village which I didnt think about and I think it’s a pretty good idea cause we can save time + save hotel $$$.

You guys can try to explore that route too.

Day 15

Checked out of Helsinki & its off to Rovaniemi (Santa Clause Village).

This is also one of the main highlight of the trip cause we specially booked…. THE IGLOO HOTEL!! It’s been on my bucket list since forever and one of my to-dos for honeymoon which is why I chose this entire itinerary for our honeymoon.

However, I do have to highlight that the prices are not cheap. Its about SGD1k per night for such stay.

WEATHER IS MAD COLD HERE. IT’S THE COLDEST OF ALL THE COUNTRIES AND CITIES WE BEEN TO THIS TRIP. I think it was about -20 degree??? It’s painfully cold kind.

Santa Clause village itself is so-so. Just an experience to be there but we felt like its more for families and kids.

The only “wow” thing that is we manage to take a photo with Santa (assume he’s the real santa in the world since he’s staying there) and Mrs Santa haha. Also, we had dinner in the ice igloo – food is medicore.

Oh yes, the animal farms were not bad too where we get to feed some reindeers and have some fun with sledding.

AND WE CAUGHT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS RIGHT FROM OUR IGLOO!!

Day 16

Only stayed one night in the Igloo hotel cause when I was researching for the trip, another hotel caught my eyes which is the TREEHOUSE HOTEL!

The prices are almost the same- SGD1k per night so Im thinking why not try 2 different hotels since they are nearby each other.

Also, this hotel is near to Santa Park but oh boy, dont waste your time there. It’s even more boring than Santa Claus Village and most of the rides/activities are for very young children.

But if you are heading there with kids, I think they will enjoy both the venues.

For us, we only enjoyed the hotels haha.

Day 17

Our LAST stopover which is…. MILAN!

Enough of all the snow, activities and puffy jackets, its time for SHOPPING!

Purposely slot in this city so we can do some shopping before we head back to SG. Also, we get to dress up in the dressy weather- not too cold and not too warm.

1st day was spent exploring the iconic places in Milan- the Dumo Cathederal, the shopping alley and a restaurant recommended by one of our friends.

We have to say the food in Milan are way better than the rest- pasta, veal cutlet etc. So it’s a pretty good way to end the trip.

Day 18

Spent the entire day in the outlet shopping so no much photos for today.

Happy with all our shopping loots (from outlet + the city)

Same thing, we booked our transport to the outlet shop via GetYourGuide. You can book it here: https://www.getyourguide.com/milan-l139/serravalle-designer-outlet-shopping-tour-from-milan-t6461/

Day 19

The other couple went back to the outlet shopping cause they didnt shop enough. For us, we went on to explore other parts of the city + try some restaurants that we found online with good reviews.

Breakfast at a cafe near the Dumo Cathedral and the view is gorgeous.

Lunch was at a famous seafood restaurant that we found but its alright. Not bad but not worth the $$$ we feel.

Went further out of the city for desserts at some Victorian cafe.

Also, did some shopping at their local designer shops.

Met the couple back at night for dinner at a local veal cutlet shop that we googled. Cause we had v good veal chop during our first night in Milan (sorry no name of the restaurant cause we randomly walked into it near our hotel & I dont know what’s the name) so we MUST have it again on our last night.

Glad to say, the place didnt disappoint!

Day 20

THE END OF OUR 3 WEEKS HONEYMOON TRIP.

Time really flies when you are having fun. Felt like it’s not enough but I am really happy we did everything that we wanted during this trip.

The flight back felt like an activity itself too cause it’s a direct business class flight from Milan > SG. The first time that we felt a 12hrs flight is short haha.