12D11N FINLAND ARCTIC CIRCLE & NORTHERN LIGHTS

12D11N Finland Arctic Circle & Northern Lights Tour

Day 01 – ARRIVE HELSINKI
Upon arrival in Helsinki, transfer to your hotel in Helsinki, the vibrant capital city of Finland.  Finland is a Nordic nation renowned for, among others, its midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter and quite particularly the Northern Lights that can be witnessed in the Finnish Lapland during winter months.  Time permitting, board a ferry heading to the nearby Suomenlinna Fort, a historic sea fortress located on a group of islands that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  (Otherwise, will visit on Day 10.)  While sailing on the ferry, you may be able to witness the ferry breaking ice.

Day 02 – HELSINKI – ROVANIEMI  [B]
Today, board a flight into the Arctic Circle and to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland.  Often considered the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, due to its location, serves as a gateway to the Arctic wilderness and is as such a popular destination for travellers seeking to experience the Arctic environment, the Northern Lights and outdoor activities like husky or reindeer sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.  Rovaniemi is also a hub for showcasing – at cultural centres and museums – the culture and traditions of the indigenous Sámi people.  Enjoy Rovaniemi at your own leisure.   

Day 03 – ROVANIEMI  [B]
In the morning, enjoy the ever-popular husky safari, an exhilarating outdoor adventure to explore the Arctic wilderness on a sled pulled by a team of sled dogs.  In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour to the Arctic Snow Hotel, a hotel made entirely of ice and snow that is rebuilt each year (and only open during winter months).  Guests at the hotel get to enjoy specially designed ice rooms with intricately carved ice sculptures, an ice restaurant and bar and oftentimes even an ice chapel (for weddings and other events). 

Day 04 – ROVANIEMI  [B]
Today, head to Santa Claus Village and enjoy a day there.  The village is located right on the Arctic Circle and there is a demarcation line painted on the ground running through the village.  Straddle the line and you are one leg in the Arctic Circle and another leg out of it!  Apart from the key highlight of meeting with Santa Claus (at Santa’s Office), other attractions at the village include the ever-busy Santa Claus Post Office, gift shops and cafes and restaurants.  Also, enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride, an authentic and immersive experience of Arctic culture and tradition in addition to enjoying the beautiful Lapland landscapes as it is the traditional mode of transportation in the Arctic regions particularly among the indigenous Sámi people of Northern Europe.

Day 05 – ROVANIEMI – SAARISELKA  [B, D]
Today, head to Saariselka.  Saariselka is a village located in the municipality of Inari in the northern part of the Finnish Lapland which is also the traditional lands of the indigenous Sámi people.  Thanks to its location, in addition to being a popular destination for outdoor winter activities, Saariselka is one of the best places in Finland to witness the beautiful and magical Northern Lights, often described as the greatest light show on Earth!  This evening, spend a night in a glass igloo.  These heated igloos provide guests a unique opportunity to watch (weather permitting) the Northern Lights from the comfort of their beds!

Day 06 – SAARISELKA – IVALO  [B]
Today, head to Ivalo.  Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.  In the day, there are the usual outdoor winter activities.  In the evening, you may wish to catch the Northern Lights by yourself from within the vicinity of the hotel which is located by the banks of the Ivalo River.

Day 07 – IVALO  [B]
In the day, enjoy a snowmobile safari tour which is an exciting and immersive way to experience the beauty of the Arctic wilderness.  In the evening, join a Northern Lights tour to catch the Northern Lights.

Day 08 – IVALO  [B]
Today, enjoy an ice-fishing guided excursion along the Ivalo River.  Ice-fishing is typically done by drilling a hole though the ice covering a body of water such as a lake or a river and dropping a fishing line through the hole to catch fish.  In the evening, you may wish to catch the Northern Lights (yet again!) at your own leisure – one never gets tired of catching the Northern Lights!

Day 09 – IVALO – HELSINKI  [B]
Today, take a flight to Helsinki.  Enjoy the rest of the day in Helsinki at your own leisure.

Day 10 – HELSINKI  [B]
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Helsinki.  After the tour, continue to enjoy the city at your own leisure.  (Visit Suomenlinna Fort in the afternoon if unable to do so on Day 1.)

Day 11 – HELSINKI  [B]
In the morning, enjoy a guided day trip to Porvoo, a charming and historic medieval town located on the southern coast of Finland about 50km east of Helsinki.  It is known for its well-preserved and picturesque Old Town characterized by narrow cobblestone streets and its beautiful riverside setting of colourful wooden houses and medieval buildings.  The Porvoo Cathedral, probably Porvoo’s most iconic landmark, is a Gothic church that was built in the 15th century with the reputation of being the oldest stone building in Finland.  In the afternoon and back in Helsinki, continue to enjoy the city at your own leisure.

Day 12 – DEPART HELSINKI  [B]
Free time until your transfer to Helsinki airport for your departure flight.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.