Winter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
7 days, Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Itinerary Notes
Please note that due to high demand there may be limited availability when booking optional activities during the tour. Many of these can be pre-booked and we recommend that they are purchased in advance in order to secure space as they are quite popular. See the Available Extras below for details and add them in the Tour Extras section when confirming your trip.
Please also note that the weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable, especially in winter. Occasionally this will mean that we need to amend our itinerary to keep you safe. We will always endeavour to deliver a tour as close to the itinerary described as possible and ensure you see as much as possible, despite any bad weather. Likewise, the Northern Lights are seasonal and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Itinerary
Day 1Helsinki
Arrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting with your CEO before enjoying short orientation walk and an optional dinner out with the group.
Welcome to Helsinki, a city known for its modern and classical design, urban sophistication alongside natural beauty.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Ateneum Art Museum
20EUR per personVisit Finland's best-known art museum, considered the home of Finnish art. Located in Helsinki's city centre, the Ateneum Art Museum was first opened in 1888. With over 20,000 works on display, spend a few hours getting acquainted with the landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and abstract art of this unique Nordic region.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
9EUR per personAfter wandering through Helsinki's chic design district, see another side of Finland on Seurasaari Island. Hop on a bus or tram to visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and experience what rural Finnish life was like over a hundred years ago. Each of the island's 87 cottages, cabins, farmsteads and manors are unique to a region of Finland - in fact many were transported here from their original locations, and are complete with traditional objects, furniture, and dress.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
3EUR per personThe Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is one of Finland's most popular attractions for a reason. Built in 1748 as a military fortress to protect Helsinki - first as a part of Sweden, then Russia, and finally, Finland - this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches over six islands and is easily accessible from the Helsinki harbour by ferry (€3/person for 15 minute ride). Opt for a guided tour to further explore the tunnels, dockyard, museums and local history of this fascinating fortress.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hobo Hotel Helsinki (or similar)
Day 2Helsinki, Overnight Train
Head out on the town this morning and learn what your CEO loves so much about Helsinki. Wander down the Mannerheinmintie and finish up at the fascinating Lutheran Church. Explore on your own with some free time before joining your CEO once again for a stroll to the newly built Helsinki library. This evening, board an overnight train for the journey north to Rovaniemi, Lapland.
Helsinki Walking Tour
Head out on a walking tour with your CEO and learn about what makes Helsinki so special. See the city highlights like Parliament, the National Museum, the iconic Old Market Hall, and Temppeliaukio Church, a church carved from solid stone. Immerse yourself in history and marvel at the unique architecture as you familiarize yourself with the city.
Free Time
Get out and explore this Scandinavian city.
Helsinki Library Visit
Enjoy the quiet solitude of the Helsinki Library, a space where locals go to enjoy totally free amenities and relax in this uniquely Finnish space.
Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Ateneum Art Museum
20EUR per personVisit Finland's best-known art museum, considered the home of Finnish art. Located in Helsinki's city centre, the Ateneum Art Museum was first opened in 1888. With over 20,000 works on display, spend a few hours getting acquainted with the landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and abstract art of this unique Nordic region.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
9EUR per personAfter wandering through Helsinki's chic design district, see another side of Finland on Seurasaari Island. Hop on a bus or tram to visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and experience what rural Finnish life was like over a hundred years ago. Each of the island's 87 cottages, cabins, farmsteads and manors are unique to a region of Finland - in fact many were transported here from their original locations, and are complete with traditional objects, furniture, and dress.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
3EUR per personThe Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is one of Finland's most popular attractions for a reason. Built in 1748 as a military fortress to protect Helsinki - first as a part of Sweden, then Russia, and finally, Finland - this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches over six islands and is easily accessible from the Helsinki harbour by ferry (€3/person for 15 minute ride). Opt for a guided tour to further explore the tunnels, dockyard, museums and local history of this fascinating fortress.
Accommodation
Hobo Hotel Helsinki (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Rovaniemi
Disembark in Rovaniemi and transfer to the hotel, our base of exploration for the next four nights. Visit a local husky kennel to spend time with the dogs and their mushers and personally experience what they do best - pull. Next, transfer to a traditional reindeer farm for a chance to interact with the animals and to engage with the indigenous herders. Savour a traditional lunch before returning to Rovaniemi for some free time. In the evening, check out a local handicraft workshop and if conditions are right, set off with your CEO to try and glimpse the northern lights in the dark sky.
Orientation Walk Rovaniemi
Breathe in the fresh Lapland air and take in the views of Santa's "official" home town while getting your bearings around this interesting city.
Husky Experience
Welcome to the wild wonderland of Kuoksa where you’ll join the huskies on an exhilarating sleigh ride. The experienced husky musher will teach you the ins and outs of this exciting craft before taking you out on an exhilarating sleigh ride. Enjoy the snowy, unspoiled nature of Lapland and, if you’re lucky, have a chance to cuddle the dogs.
Kuoksa Reindeer Farm
Meet the reindeer of Kuoksa, the walking, breathing, heart and soul of the region. These gentle and majestic creatures have played a vital role in Lappish culture for generations. You’ll have the chance to interact with them and learn from the indigenous herders, an opportunity that’s not only unique but also deeply authentic. Take part in a short reindeer safari through the wilderness before saying goodbye to your new antlered friends.
Northern Lights Walk
Head out with your CEO and try to find the famous Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. Although not guaranteed, the Northern Lights are an incredible natural phenomenon dancing across the sky.
Accommodation
Grand Post Hotel Rovaniemi (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Rovaniemi
The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi is also known for being home to Santa Claus himself. Today, cross the Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus Village to pen your holiday wishes and mail them from Santa's very own post office. Enjoy some free time in the village for lunch and perhaps to meet the big guy himself before returning to Rovaniemi. Later, transfer from town to the wilderness of Kuoksa for a one-of-a-kind campfire experience and if you're lucky, the northern lights will light up the sky.
Santa Claus Village
Explore the famous Santa Claus Village with help from your CEO. Take a selfie at the official line marking the Arctic Circle, the southernmost latitude where the sun can stay continuously below or above the horizon for 24 hours.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do, and now is your chance to explore on your own.
Northern Lights at The Campfire
Settle in and enjoy the warmth of a cracking campfire, sample some local snacks and hot beverages, and take a walk to hunt for the Northern Lights. Cross your fingers that the greens, blues, and pinks bless the sky with their stunning presence. This is the quintessential Lapland experience.
Accommodation
Grand Post Hotel Rovaniemi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Rovaniemi
Choose your own adventure today; a choice between two included excursions that take you into the local wilderness. Don your warmest winter gear and decide whether you'd prefer to try your hand at ice fishing or tromp through the snow on snow shoes. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to relax at the hotel or get out to further explore this interesting town.
Ice Fishing or Snowshoeing
Choose between joining a local expert for a spot of ice fishing or head out on a snowshoeing excursion.
Delve into this centuries-old tradition connecting you with the country's heritage and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Not only will you have the opportunity to catch fish but also to understand the techniques and skills that have been passed down through generations. Alternatively, explore the enchanting landscapes of Finland on snowshoe. This immersive journey will take you deep into the heart of the Arctic wilderness.
Both include a Finn-Lappish style light barbecue of sausages and cookies, with a warm blueberry juice around the campfire.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore on your own.
Accommodation
Grand Post Hotel Rovaniemi (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Rovaniemi
Today is yours to explore on your own! Relax in town, re-visit Santa's Village or perhaps visit a private sauna in the woods. This evening join your CEO for an optional farewell dinner in town.
Free Time
It's your final day in Rovaniemi, take some free time to tick off any last minute bucket list items in this incredible town.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Wooden Heated Sauna and Ice Swimming
249EUR per personEnjoy the Finnish sauna tradition in a private, recently renovated wooden sauna. It's a chance to relax, rejuvenate, and leave with a sense of well-being, all while immersing yourself in the culture and natural beauty of Finland. Let the sauna, ice swimming, and local treats invigorate your body and soul.
Northern Light Tour Reindeer Safari
189EUR per personVenture into the enchanting Lapland forests in search of the mesmerizing auroras. During our nighttime expedition, we'll savor a magical sleigh ride with reindeer through the serene, moonlit woods, all while keeping our eyes peeled for the celestial spectacle. If fortune smiles upon us, we might witness a celestial wonder above.
Accommodation
Grand Post Hotel Rovaniemi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Rovaniemi
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.