Finnish Lapland Discovery
7 days, Helsinki to Rovaniemi
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
Join your CEO on a walk this morning; wander down the Mannerheinmintie and finish up at the 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 your overnight train for the magical journey along the tracks 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 the 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, with the option to take a wheeled sleigh ride. 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 enjoy an optional dinner out in town.
Kuoksa Reindeer Farm and Husky Experience
Welcome to a traditional reindeer farm! Hear stories of reindeer herding from the local family that have worked this farm for four generations. Meet and feed the reindeer before heading over to a local husky kennel. Enjoy a guided tour of the modern kennel facilities and grow to understand the daily life of these incredible dogs and their mushers. The huskies love attention and you'll have the opportunity to interact with them.
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.
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.
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.
Midnight Sun at The Campfire
Settle in and enjoy the warmth of a cracking campfire, sample a local snack and drink, and soak up the rays of the Midnight Sun—The closer you are to the Summer Solstice, the more hours of daylight you'll get! Relish in the peace and serenity of the Finnish wilderness while your local guide tells stories of the old times.
Accommodation
Grand Post Hotel Rovaniemi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Rovaniemi
You have the opportunity to choose your own adventure today; a choice between two included excursions that take you into the wilderness. Choose between a fat tire e-bike ride or head out on foot to enjoy the area's nature trails. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to relax at the hotel or get out to further explore this interesting town.
Fat E-Bike Tour or Hiking
Choose between a guided electric fat bike adventure or hike through the local trails.
Hit the trails on two wheels through the peaceful forests, rugged swamps, and gently graded paths. Witness the incredible variety of plants and wildlife that makes this area so special. Take a break lakeside before heading back the way you can. Alternatively, head out on foot with a local guide and learn the stories of the many generations before, hear historic tales, understand the flora and fauna, and be regaled in a few old myths. Forage for blueberries, lingonberries, or cloudberries before stopping to enjoy a cozy campfire at the lake.
Both activities include a light meal of sausage, cookies, and blueberry juice by the fire.
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 your last day in Lapland so take time to personalize it however you wish. Relax in town, re-visit Santa's Village, perhaps join a fishing excursion to one of the local lakes, or a sauna in nature. Join your CEO for an optional farewell dinner out with the group.
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 place.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience
149EUR per personUnwind in a private, wood-heated lakeside sauna, nestled in the heart of a peaceful Kuoksa Wilderness Park. Learn the art of relaxation with your guide and, between sauna sessions, take refreshing dips in the lake. Afterward, gather around a cozy campfire to roast snacks and sip warm drinks while soaking in the tranquility of your surroundings. A truly authentic and serene Finnish experience.
Fishing Experience at a Private Lake
89EUR per personSpend a peaceful day learning the basics of fishing at a secluded, crystal-clear lake. Your guide will share tips and tricks, and will teach you how to use the equipment. As you cast your line, soak in the calm surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the pristine forest and lakeside views. Once you’ve reeled in your catch, you’ll have the option to cook it right by the lake over an open
campfire. Your guide will help prepare the fish while you relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and sip on warm drinks. Snacks are also provided, whether you’re fishing or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.
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.