Winter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
Overview
Itinerary
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.
- 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.
- Ateneum Art Museum: Visit 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: After 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: The 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.
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.
- Ateneum Art Museum: Visit 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: After 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: The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Wooden Heated Sauna and Ice Swimming: Enjoy 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: Venture 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.
Depart at any time.
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Trip Inclusions
- Stroll through Helsinki: where history meets cutting-edge design.
- Travel across Finland’s scenic landscape aboard an overnight train.
- Relax by a crackling fire as you watch for the iconic northern lights.
- Experience pristine wilderness on an exhilarating husky-pulled sleigh ride.
- Go ice fishing or snowshoeing in Lapland.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Helsinki Orientation Walk
- Helsinki Library Visit
- Orientation Walk Rovaniemi
- Kuoska Reindeer Farm and Husky Experience
- CEO-led northern lights hunt
- Visit Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle line
- Campfire and northern lights experience
- Choice of ice fishing or snowshoeing excursion
- Handicraft demonstration
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Overnight train, private transport, local bus, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (5 Nights), Overnight Train (1 Night)
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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