Winter in Scandinavia

‘Hei' and welcome to the relaxed seaside town of Helsinki. Known for its sparkling waterfront, laid-back charm and creative design, Finland's vibrant capital beautifully blends the old with the new. A haven for world-renowned designers and architects, it's easy to see why it lives up to its reputation as the ‘City of Design'. Along the boulevards, modern architecture rubs shoulders with its Neoclassic and romantic roots, making it a true feast for the eyes (and your camera roll).

We don't want you to miss a single moment of your afternoon tour, so we recommend that you are back at the hotel and ready to depart at 1pm.

Our adventure kicks off in the streets of Helsinki to see some of its most famous sights, including the Temppeliaukion Church. Carved out of solid granite and topped with a striking copper dome, this captivating landmark is frequently graced by concertgoers due to its exceptional acoustics.

Return to the hotel for some time to freshen up before raising a glass to the adventure ahead at a delicious group welcome dinner.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Today, we leave the beauty of Helsinki behind us, transferring to the airport to fly to our next destination. Landing in the port city of Oulu, settle in for some northern Finnish seaside scenery as we make our way by coach to Haparanda. Travelling close to the coast, we'll pass through river valley landscapes framed by frozen bays and pine forests.

We'll reach the small town of Haparanda in the late afternoon, where we'll check into our hotel. Perched at the northernmost edge of the Baltic Sea on the Sweden-Finland border, Haparanda is brimming with charm and cultural gems. This urban hub is part of a twin-city complex, connected with the Finnish town of Tornio, forming a unique cross-border area. Considered a gateway to some of Sweden's most stunning arctic attractions, make sure to pop your camera on charge tonight, ready for some exploring tomorrow.

Your flight time will be approximately 1 hour.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before rugging up for our first frosty adventure of the day. Today, we're taking to the frozen seas of the Arctic on an incredible icebreaker cruise. Setting sail, soak up the incredible views as we're treated to a symphony of thunderous vibrations and cracks, as the ships bow breaks through thick fields of ice. Lunch will be served on board and if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try ice-floating or walking on the frozen sea itself — the perfect vantage point to snap some stunning photos!

As the afternoon sets in, we'll continue to Posio for a photo stop in Riisitunturi. This protected park is ridiculously photogenic, home to frost-covered forests and panoramic arctic valleys.

Special Experience: Cosy up for two nights in a glass roof Aurora cabin, for the chance to experience the magical Northern Lights from your bed. We're in for a truly magical evening when we reach our unique accommodation nestled in Posio's pristine wilderness. As the winter sky comes alive, settle in for the chance to watch the Northern Lights dance and flicker above you, all from the comfort of your bed.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4-5 hours.

Wake up to the uninterrupted views of your winter retreat before departing for Rovaniemi, or as it is more famously known, the ‘home of Santa Claus'! Located on the Arctic Circle, this vibrant city is full of life and renowned for its rustic cuisine.

Our sightseeing kicks off at the Arktikum Science Centre and Museum, where the architecture is just as captivating as the collections. We'll wander down the 172-metre-long glass tunnel that connects the main entrance with the exhibition spaces, before immersive displays will draw us deep into the nature, culture and history of the north.

In the afternoon, we're in for some furry fun at a nearby reindeer farm! Iconic to the frozen landscapes of the Arctic, we'll meet, feed and learn all about this gorgeous species in their natural habitat.

We'll later visit Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village. Bursting with Christmas cheer, this magical winter wonderland is dotted with charming log cabins blanketed in snow. Post your Christmas cards, meet Santa's reindeer and even cross the Arctic Circle in the village's central square. Returning to the resort, soak up one final night under the stars in your glass-topped cabin.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Departing the sleepy landscapes of Posio, prepare for some beautiful snowy scenery as we make our way to the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, pausing for a bite to eat along the way.

Situated deep in the heart of Luosto National Park, the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine dates back billions of years. Buckle up as we board the Amethyst Pendolino, a unique snow vehicle, that will take us to the top of Lampivaara Hill. Here, we'll be treated to sweeping views over one of the area's most mind-blowing landscapes. First, we'll be welcomed into a cosy wooden house to learn about the history and formation of the amethyst. Then, with our newfound knowledge, we'll get the chance to search for our very own violet crystal to take home.

We'll arrive to Ivalo in the evening, where we'll settle into our stay and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Nestled deep in the Finnish Arctic, this charming village is a popular spot for those chasing a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Waking in the crisp and cosy beauty of Ivalo, today we'll dive into the wonderful culture of the Finnish Sámi with a visit to the Sámi Parliament. Known for their colourful clothing, semi-nomadic livelihoods and deep connection to reindeer, the Sámi people are indigenous to the northern regions of Sweden and Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. We'll delve into their history on a guided tour before visiting a local handicraft shop.

Next, we'll experience the beloved winter tradition of Finnish ice fishing! Considered one of the most exciting (yet relaxing) activities in Lapland, ice fishing is not just a mere hobby. It's a way of life, connecting the locals with the stunning nature surrounding them. Donning our thermal overalls and winter boots, we'll make our way out onto a beautiful frozen lake, drilling a hole down to the water below. Sit back, relax and you might catch your very own fish from the arctic waters. Either way, there will be plenty of good company and some hot beverages to keep us warm. And when our time wraps up, we'll indulge in a hearty lunch.

We'll return to our hotel in the late afternoon for some time to freshen up before a delicious group dinner this evening.

After breakfast, we'll depart Ivalo and head northeast, crossing the border into northern Norway. Get comfy or enjoy a moment to catch up on some rest as we pass through some lovely scenery aboard the coach. We might even be lucky enough to spot a few reindeer or wandering moose.

In the afternoon, we'll reach the adventurous outpost of Kirkenes. Although small, this town packs in a lot of history, culture and fun. Bearing the scars of World War II, Kirkenes infamously became known as the most-bombed town in Europe after Malta. Today, the historic capital is a thriving hub for Arctic activities, one of which we'll experience this afternoon!

Hailed as the King Crab Capital, Kirkenes is the prime location to embark on an iconic king crab safari. Travelling by snowmobile-drawn sledges, we'll zoom across frozen fjords to reach our fishing spot. Breaking through the ice, we'll haul traps from the icy depths of the Barents Sea, before heading to a warm hut to prepare and taste this meaty delicacy. We'll return in the early evening for dinner at the hotel.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Today, we'll depart for Kirkenes airport and fly to Tromsø, the Arctic Capital. Located 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the city boasts a beautiful blend of centuries-old wooden buildings and modern architecture, all encased by fjords and snow-capped peaks. It's also one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. But don't let its remote location fool you. Tromsø's nightlife and restaurant scene is buzzing, offering plenty of opportunities to engage with the locals.

Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and enjoy dinner ahead of exploring the city tomorrow.

Your flight time will be approximately 1 hour.

Our morning sightseeing tour of Tromsø will introduce you to the charm of this Arctic city. We'll begin at the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural gem that mirrors the stark, majestic beauty of the Arctic landscape. From there, we'll head to the Tromsø Museum, where you can dive into the region's fascinating history, from the Indigenous Sámi people to its pivotal role in Arctic exploration.

Next, we'll visit the Cod Museum, where we'll discover how cod fishing has shaped Norway's history and culture. This museum is a tribute to the fish that has nourished the nation for centuries, and you'll have the chance to indulge in a delicious cod-tasting experience — a treat for the taste buds and a great way to explore Norwegian food traditions.

With our history fix complete, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of Tromsø at your own pace.

Later tonight, prepare to experience another perspective of the city as we ride the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen. Built in 1961, Fjellheisen soars to a height of 421 metres above sea level. With breathtaking panoramas in every direction, soak up magnificent views over the city and the surrounding islands.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Today, we depart lively Tromsø for Narvik. Flanked by mountains that rise from deep-blue fjords, this small industrial city is quickly gaining popularity as a top destination for spotting the Northern Lights.

Arriving in the city's heart, enjoy some free time for a bite to eat before we begin our sightseeing. First up is the Lofoten War Memorial Museum, where galleries will walk us through Narvik's storied war history. Exhibiting an incredible collection of uniforms, relics and never before published photographs from World War II, the museum offers a poignant space to reflect on the dramatic period between 1940 and 1945.

Enjoy an early dinner back at the hotel before an unforgettable experience this evening.

Special Experience: Board the Northern Lights Train to chase the spectacular Aurora Borealis amidst the night sky along Norway's historic Ofoten Trainline. Surrounded by dark night skies, we'll travel along the famous Ofoten Trainline to chase one of nature's most breathtaking phenomena, the Aurora Borealis. As we move through stations, we'll make a pit stop at Katterat, where we'll step off the train to immerse ourselves in the Arctic night. Stationed 373 metres above sea level, we'll gather around a campfire under the open sky as we hold our breath for a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

We bid farewell to the charming town of Narvik this morning, boarding the coach for our next destination. Although the drive will be long, we'll be treated to some truly storybook-worthy scenery as we pass by frozen lakes and snow-kissed slopes.

Located just outside of Kiruna, our first stop is Sweden's famous ICEHOTEL. Far more than just a hotel, this frozen icon is a living exhibition of art, with new creators welcomed every year to construct the ever-transforming masterpiece. Enjoy a guided tour to see how huge blocks of ice from the Torne River are used to form the walls, floors and ceilings, before tucking into a yummy lunch.

Waving goodbye to our icy paradise, we'll reach Kiruna in the afternoon, where we'll enjoy some time to relax at the hotel. Then, after dinner, we're in for a magical evening. Venturing out to the frozen forests of Kiruna for a Northern Lights tour, we'll find the perfect position for another chance to spot the Aurora Borealis. Spending a few hours in this magical landscape, we'll also indulge in the Swedish tradition of ‘fika', taking a break to connect over coffee and a sweet treat.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Take it slow this morning. Why not sleep in a little, you've earned it! As mid-morning comes around, we're off for a thrilling adventure as we experience one of the Arctic's oldest forms of transportation on a husky safari.

Once we're geared up, it's time to meet the most important members of the crew. Alaskan Huskies are an iconic mascot of the Lapland winter. Bred for the cold, these playful and affectionate dogs will give us a warm, howling welcome before we take our seat on the sled for an exhilarating ride. With 12 huskies leading the way, we'll venture out into the forest to carve through silent landscapes of thick snow and picturesque birch trees. Stopping halfway, we'll enjoy a special moment to warm up with some coffee, tea and home-baked goodies in a traditional ‘lavvu' tent.

Returning to town, enjoy the rest of the day to relax or explore more of Kiruna, perhaps stopping to sculpt a few snow angels as you go.

Tonight, we'll toast to our incredible journey across Scandinavia at a special farewell dinner.

Following breakfast this morning, we'll wave farewell to the beauty of Lapland and make our way to the airport to fly to Stockholm, Sweden's elegant capital. It is here that our journey ends, as we bid farewell to our new friends and the wonders of the Scandinavian winter.

Your flight time will be approximately 2 hours.