Begin your unforgettable Arctic adventure in Helsinki, Finland’s stylish seaside capital. Upon arrival, enjoy your included airport transfer to your centrally located hotel and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. 

You may wish to stroll through the elegant streets surrounding Esplanadi Park, browse local boutiques and cafés, or visit the picturesque waterfront at Market Square. In the evening, enjoy Helsinki’s cozy Nordic atmosphere and perhaps sample traditional Finnish cuisine at one of the city’s renowned restaurants.

Overnight in Helsinki

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure discovering the charm of Helsinki. Admire the striking architecture of Helsinki Cathedral, visit the vibrant Market Square, or explore the contemporary Oodi Library and Design District.

For a more cultural experience, you may choose to visit the fascinating Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located across the harbour. Alternatively, relax like a local with a traditional Finnish sauna experience or enjoy the city’s thriving café culture. During winter months, Helsinki’s festive lights and snowy streets create a magical Nordic atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration.

Overnight in Helsinki

After breakfast and hotel check-out, enjoy your final day in Helsinki at leisure. You may wish to do some last-minute shopping along Aleksanterinkatu, visit local museums, or enjoy lunch at one of the city’s stylish Nordic cafés before making your way to Helsinki Central Railway Station.

Later, board the iconic overnight Santa Claus Express Train, one of Finland’s most memorable travel experiences. Settle into your private sleeper cabin and relax as the train journeys north through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and remote Arctic landscapes on its way to Finnish Lapland.

Overnight onboard train

Wake up as your train arrives in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus and gateway to Finnish Lapland. Make your own way to your hotel and check in before beginning your Arctic adventure.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to soak in the magical winter surroundings. You may wish to visit the famous Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa himself, or send postcards from the official Santa Claus Post Office. Alternatively, simply enjoy the snowy scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Lapland.

In the evening, keep an eye on the skies — you may be lucky enough to catch your first glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

Today is free to experience the magic of Lapland however you choose. A wide range of optional Arctic activities are available locally, making this one of the highlights of your journey.

You may wish to embark on a thrilling husky safari through snow-covered forests, enjoy a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, or set off on an exciting snowmobile adventure across frozen landscapes. Other popular experiences include ice fishing, visiting a snow hotel, or joining an evening Northern Lights excursion away from city lights for the best chance to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.

As darkness falls, the Arctic skies once again provide another opportunity to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

After breakfast, check out and enjoy your included transfer to Rovaniemi Airport for your flight to Tromsø, often referred to as the gateway to the Arctic and one of the world’s best Northern Lights destinations.

Upon arrival, enjoy your included airport transfer to your hotel and settle into Norway’s vibrant Arctic capital. Surrounded by dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, and icy waters, Tromsø offers a spectacular setting for your next Arctic experience.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the city’s charming cafés, waterfront area, and lively atmosphere.

Overnight in Tromsø

Enjoy your final full day in the Arctic at leisure. You may wish to revisit your favourite areas of Tromsø, sample local Norwegian cuisine, browse boutique shops, or relax at a waterfront café while taking in the stunning snowy scenery.

Optional activities include scenic fjord cruises, whale watching excursions, Sami cultural experiences, husky sledding adventures, or cable car rides offering panoramic views over Tromsø and the surrounding Arctic landscapes. You may also wish to visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral or explore the Polar Museum to learn about Norway’s polar exploration history.

This evening, soak in the magical atmosphere of Arctic Norway and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your Nordic winter escape.

Overnight in Tromsø

After breakfast, enjoy your included airport transfer for your return flight back to U.S.A, bringing home unforgettable memories of snowy landscapes, Arctic adventures, and magical Northern Lights experiences across Finland and Norway.

Meals: Breakfast