Finland & Sweden: Adventures in Lapland

Founded in 1550 and Finland's capital since 1917, Helsinki is the country's political, intellectual and cultural center, having helped nurture many achievements among its fiercely independent artists, artisans and architects. Once you settle in, gather for a welcome dinner.

Get to know Helsinki, starting at the renowned Temppeliaukio Church; built directly into solid rock, it is fittingly known as Rock Church. Stroll the Old Market Hall to sample daily life before stopping at a restaurant for lunch.

Fly to northern Kittila, a village set far above the Arctic Circle in the heart of Lapland — a vast, sparsely populated and pristine wilderness that spans northern Europe. Start with a thrilling snowmobile safari that reveals stunning views of the Lappish countryside. Stop for a light barbecue snack served up fresh from the fire before completing your rousing ride to your hotel in Levi. Settle into a specially designed aurora cabin, its glass dome allowing you to search the skies for the northern lights as you drift asleep from a reclined vantage point.

Tonight, join a privately guided snowshoe trek, scanning the sparkling night sky for the ever-unpredictable aurora borealis.

Begin with a visit to a husky farm and receive an introduction to sled-driving before setting out on a husky safari into the Lappish wilderness, pulled by an eager dog team. Return to the farm to sip hot berry juice by an open fire. Proceed to a local reindeer farm to meet the family living there. Ride a reindeer-drawn sled through the forest, gliding over the sparkling snow like the frosty breeze, and then finish your day of outdoor adventure with with a brief introduction to the beloved Nordic pastime of cross-country skiing.

Journey overland to Rovaniemi, nestled on the Arctic Circle and renowned as the “home of Santa Claus.” Framed by the hauntingly beautiful Arctic wilderness, this enchanted wonderland beckons you. En route, stop at a private cabin — set in the woods beside a secluded lake — to partake in one or more of the kind of activities Finns love. Try your hand at ice fishing, learning tricks from the locals about catching fish through a hole in the frozen lake.

Snowshoe through the surrounding woods, immersed in the quiet beauty of the untouched wilderness. For something soothingly different, experience ice floating, donning a survival suit for a surreally relaxing float in the lake's icy Arctic waters. Whatever you choose, you'll build an appetite for what comes next. Reenergize with a lunch of salmon cooked over a crackling fire. Then settle into your hotel with time to relax or perhaps join your Resident Tour Director for a fun, all-ages visit to “Santa's” house.

Experience traditional life in Lapland up close when you visit Palovaara Farm, situated on 500 acres of private forest. Meet the family who lives there and learn how they provide for themselves by hunting moose. Then savor a homemade lunch prepared by your hosts, featuring fish caught from their own lake and meat from the moose they've hunted.

Follow this A&K-exclusive experience with another as you proceed to Villa Vinkkeli, the studio of renowned photographer Kaisa Sirén, to view her works and hear her share her passion for the Arctic, on this rare insider-access opportunity. Dine tonight at the magical Snowland's igloo restaurant, an ice structure freshly rebuilt every year. Afterward, hunt for the aurora borealis with a professional photographer who helps prepare you to capture the best-possible shot of the ever-elusive phenomenon.

Cross a far-north frontier into Swedish Lapland to explore Gammelstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk its labyrinth of narrow streets among hundreds of charming 400-year-old cottages to the impressive Gammelstad Church. Continue to Arctic Bath, your lodge with rooms suspended over a frozen wilderness river. It's a memorable start to your explorations of Sweden, a country graced with boundless outdoor wonders that complement some of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

Journey to Jokkmokk, a village central to Sweden's Sami people and culture that houses an office of the Sami Parliament. Meet a young Sami couple who introduce you to the modern realities of life for this traditionally nomadic people, whose main activity is reindeer herding. Gather around the fire with them to listen to joik, the ancient Sami practice of storytelling through music. Learn about the Sami language and cuisine and then meet the couple's reindeer, with the opportunity to hand-feed them. Return to Arctic Bath with time to relax or try the saunas.

Fly from nearby Lulea to Stockholm, the capital and commercial hub of Sweden. Stockholm has been called the “Venice of the North,” owing to the maze of channels and inlets that dissect this city. Situated on the Baltic Sea, it is one of the most important ports in Scandinavia.

Upon arrival, set off on a guided stroll through Gamla Stan — a historic section of the city — strolling the cobblestone streets past shops, museums and galleries as well as the Royal Palace.

Discover Stockholm at its most authentic alongside a local expert. Visit the Vasa Museum and City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony takes place. Then bask in some free time, taking in this chic city's many charms.

Later, gather for a special farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.