FinlandWinter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
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 1Show
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
Head out on the town this morning and learn what your CEO loves so much about Helsinki with an orientation walk. Wander down the Mannerheinmintie, stroll to the newly built Helsinki library, and finish up at the fascinating Lutheran Church. Explore on your own with some free time before boarding an overnight train for the journey north to Rovaniemi, Lapland.
Helsinki Orientation Walk
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, and the iconic Old Market Hall. You'll also visit the Helsinki Central Library, Oodi, where you can enjoy the quiet solitude in a space where locals go to enjoy totally free amenities and relax in this uniquely Finnish space. 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.
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 2Show
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
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 visit
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
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
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 6Show
Accommodation
Grand Post Hotel Rovaniemi
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
