Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle

Welcome to Helsinki!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Perfection on the Peninsula

This morning, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to discover Helsinki's main highlights, including the City Hall, Presidential Palace, Lutheran Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and open-air market. After some free time for browsing, head to the airport for your flight to Oulu. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Finland has often been voted the happiest country in the world, due to its affinity with nature and a strong social support system. The capital city, Helsinki is situated in the south of the country poised on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Though it is the coldest capital in the Nordic region, its striking architecture and Nordic cuisine don't fail to give visitors a warm welcome.

The Creative Edge

After an orientation tour to introduce you to Oulu, the rest of the day is yours to explore the 2026 European Capital of Culture. Enjoy time to browse the Market Square, taste some local specialties at the Market Hall, take a selfie with the famous Policeman statue, or head over to Piksaari Island to stroll around the wooden district, once a center of local industry and now home to a thriving artists' community. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: of Finland with an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. From its rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland's national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Today, get into the festive spirit as you drive to Rovaniemi to visit Santa Claus's village. Keep an eye out for the elves and Santa Claus, himself. This enchanting village sits directly on the Arctic Circle. Step across the latitudinal line and receive your Arctic Circle Certificate. (B/D) 127 mi / 205 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - LEGENDS & LORE: Some 100 years ago, a passerby started spreading the word about the true location of Santa's real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa's Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line.

North to the Cape

Dash away from Santa's village with a drive to Luosto where more treats await. Enjoy a guided visit to a local husky farm to meet the sled dogs. Later, enjoy some Sámi culture with traditional snacks before continuing to Ivalo. (B/D) 199mi/ 320km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you're a passionate dog lover, you'll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers.

Norwegian Good

Today, cross the border into Norway and stop at Karasjok to visit the Sámi Cultural Park, to learn about the traditions and lifestyle of this semi-nomadic people. Later, reach Honningsvag, the most northerly town in Norway. (B/D) 242mi/ 390km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Explore the fascinating Sámi culture, history, and traditions with a visit to the Sámi Cultural Park in Karasjok. Browse exhibitions that feature Sámi art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts to understand the history of the Sámi people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition.

The Old Men & The Sea

Today, stand in the northernmost point of Europe with a visit to the North Cape Hall and Visitor Center, located on a cliff 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean. Capture this incredible moment with a photo opportunity at the Globe Monument, the symbol of the North Cape. Later, arrive in Alta. (B) 168mi/ 270km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: The North Cape cliff plateau has long been an important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor in search of the North-East passage to China. Though unsuccessful, the expedition's sea charts were the first to mention the name, North Cape. Today, the cape offers an outstanding vantage point beneath the midnight sun with spectacular views of the Barents Sea.

Written in Stone

This morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Rock Art Museum in Alta, Northern Europe's largest and richest rock-carving site. Arrive in Tromsø late afternoon with free time to stroll the city. (B) 186mi/ 300km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT TREASURES: Experience the Rock Carvings Museum and walk along the pathways amid the fascinating ancient rock carvings created 2,000 to 6,200 years ago to illustrate the lives and livelihoods of hunter-gatherers and fishermen beside stunning views of the Alta Fjord.

Shining Lights

Today, join an orientation walk, featuring a visit to the Arctic Cathedral. Discover more of Tromsø during your free time and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICY ARCHITECTURE: The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church's unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)