Northern Lights of Lapland

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you are met and privately transferred to your hotel. Gather this evening for a welcome briefing followed by dinner with your fellow guests.

This morning, embark on a tour of the sights of Helsinki. Enter the famous Temppeliaukio Church; built directly into solid rock, it is fittingly known as Rock Church. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.

A short flight brings you to northern Kemi, on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. Tour this small settlement and visit the enchanting SnowCastle, which is freshly rebuilt every year to incorporate new styles and layouts. Dine in this unique setting before settling into your glass-fronted room overlooking the vast gulf.

Given Finland’s location along the Arctic Circle, icebreakers play a crucial role in ensuring that goods and people are able to move freely year round. Board the mighty ‘Sampo’ today, and experience this for yourself as you head out into the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Enjoy lunch on board; the brave may even take a dip into the frigid waters in specially designed flotation suits. Return to shore and continue to Rovaniemi, where you have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep in a hotel constructed entirely of snow.

Begin the day with a tour of your hotel, and appreciate firsthand the skill and experience it takes to create this amazing structure of ice and snow each year. Take the opportunity to icefish, and learn how to sculpt snow into marvelous shapes. Spend an afternoon at leisure enjoying the activities offered. This evening, join an aurora-hunting expedition, taking you far away from the lights of the town for the best viewing opportunities. Back at the hotel, continue your search for the northern lights through the roof of your glass igloo.

Cross the Arctic Circle this morning as you drive almost to the northern edge of Finland. Arrive in the small town of Saariselka, nestled on the edge of one of Europe’s northernmost national parks. Embark on a snowmobile safari into the surrounding wilderness. The next two nights are your best chance to marvel at the northern lights through the glass roof of your Aurora Cabin.

Your day is filled with activity today. Begin your morning with an introduction to the traditional skill of dog sledding before setting out with your own team of dogs. After lunch at a local restaurant, set forth upon the trails for a guided snowshoeing experience.

Transfer to nearby Ivalo, where a short flight returns you to Helsinki. Enjoy time at leisure in the city, then join your fellow guests for a special farewell dinner as you recall the adventures of the journey.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.