Arctic Lapland Adventure

Independently transfer into city center. Helsinki is situated on the Baltic Sea in South Finland. The city offers both historic sites along with modern art and design. The series of trams that cover the whole city make navigating simple for visitors. Overnight in Helsinki

Transfer on own to Helsinki airport for your flight to Ivalo in Northern Finland. From here there are two guaranteed shuttle transfer options to the hotel in Saariselkä during the day. In the evening, meet your tour guide for a welcome drink and a
briefing about the program of the following days. If the weather allows and there is auroral activity, your guide will take you out to see the Northern Lights. Overnight at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä

We depart in the morning and cross the border between Finland and Norway to reach Kirkenes, a small town facing the Barents Sea. Here we’ll have lunch in the restaurant of the Snowhotel, followed by a visit of the SnowHotel 365 itself. Marvel at the ice
and snow art and discover all the ice suites; you can also visit Santa`s workshop and the icebar, taking time to explore the park with huskies and reindeers. For those who want, it’s possible to join an optional king crab safari in late afternoon. For those interested in history instead, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter or the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes, which has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII as the second most bombed place during the war. Dinner and Overnight at Kirkenes hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the pier to embark on the coastal voyage. In the port of Vardø, you’ll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress. Built in 1737, it is the northernmost fortification of any kind, and a part of the military to this day. We cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking a top a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea. Meals on board. Hopefully the Northern Lights will make an appearance in the dark sky. Overnight in on board outside cabin

The ship makes stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund. In the early afternoon, spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world. Check out the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen. We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. Dinner on board and late evening arrival in Tromsø. The hotel is situated close to the pier. Overnight in Tromsø

Panoramic sightseeing of Tromsø that will take you through the center of this Arctic town. A charming blend of old and new, where modest wooden houses sit alongside the modern architecture. Our guide will give you a true sense of the city nicknamed the “Paris of the North”. Cross the bridge which connects Tromsø Island to the mainland, and see the Arctic Cathedral reveal itself on the way over. Also known as Tromsdalen Church, The Arctic Cathedral was built in1965. For those who want to walk a little more, it’s possible to reach the cable car and go all the way to the top of Mount Storsteinen, 421 meters above sea level in just four minutes, and enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the city and its impressive surroundings. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local brewery where you will learn about the ingredients in the beer and the brewing process that Norwegians use in the arctic region to
produce delicious beer. This evening you have the opportunity to join one of several optional Northern Lights tours. Overnight in Tromsø

We depart this morning on a short transfer by minibus to the Sami Camp to enjoy a Reindeer Safari in a magical location. Upon arrival we dress in warm winter clothes & boots, then head off to explore the ancient part of Sami culture and try the oldest form of transport in the north. This fascinating cultural adventure includes reindeer sledding, an introduction to lasso throwing, storytelling about the Sami culture and feeding the reindeer. After this memorable encounter with the indigenous Sami people, you will return to Camp Tamok where a hot meal will be served around an open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent. After lunch, we will depart for Kilpisjärvi. This is where the three nations of Norway, Finland, and Sweden meet. Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Kilpisjärvi hosts some of the best conditions for viewing the northern lights, so make sure to head out at night for a peak. (Keep in mind, seeing the Northern Lights is dependent on weather and nature conditions.) Dinner and Overnight at Santa’s Hotel Rakka, Kilpisjärvi

We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, there is the possibility to visit Finland, Sweden, and Norway in less than one minute during an optional snowmobile safari, safe for beginners, with a trail that runs on the frozen lake and through beautiful snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma where the yellow border cairn of three Nordic countries is located, called the most peaceful border in the world. We will then embark for Levi and explore a different part of Finnish Lapland. Driving time is
approximately 3.5 hours. Tonight, we have the very special experience of sleeping under the Arctic Sky in Glass Igloos, aka Aurora Cabins! Dinner and Overnight at Northern Lights Village, Levi

Today, we will enjoy a husky safari! Driving a team of huskies over the white, shimmering fells is an experience that is almost mandatory during a trip to Lapland. The eager dogs run at full speed and the sled glides effortlessly over the snowdrifts with the skids hissing softly. The husky safari starts in front of an Aurora hut and takes you on a fast-paced trip over the untouched
snow of the forests of Levi, for an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Haparanda to experience Swedish Lapland. Dinner and Overnight at Haparanda Stadshotell

Another bucket-list experience is awaiting today: the Icebreaker! This is an optional 3 hour cruise in the frozen water of the Bothnian sea in Lapland, where you will witness the massive ice breaking power of the vessel, have a guided tour from way down in the engine rooms to all the way up to Captain’s bridge. You can relax in the cozy saloon, enjoying warm juice or go for walk on the frozen sea ice during the stop. The icebreaker makes a pool free of ice and every visitor can take a swim in the dark icy water in a flotation survival suit. The captain will present Cruise & Swim Certificate to everyone as a memorable gift.
In the afternoon, you will have some time to explore Haparanda Tornio, crossing the border between Sweden and Finland as you walk from your hotel to the local shopping mall, or to join one of several available activities. Dinner in the spectacular cellar
of your hotel. Overnight at Haparanda Stadshotell

Departure to Rovaniemi, in Finland, which is the official home of Santa Claus. Here he spends his time at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year and we’ll stop there for a visit. The afternoon is free in Rovaniemi for final shopping and wandering. Our farewell dinner will be held in a typical Lappish kota, eating local specialties and being heated by the fireplace. Hopefully the aurora lights will hold a last show for us tonight, before we head back to the hotel. Overnight in Rovaniemi

Breakfast at hotel. Shuttle shared transfer to Rovaniemi Airport for your flight back down to Helsinki. Independent transfer into city center for your final night in Finland. Overnight in Helsinki (or at Helsinki airport hotel, if preferred)

Independent transfer to Helsinki Vantaa airport for check-in.