Winter Magic in Lapland

Upon arrival, take the airport train transfer to the city center. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to explore Oslo on your own. Oslo is a nature-centric city, with wooded areas and natural experiences never far away. A trip to Holmenkollen Ski Jump to try your hand at many winter activities and experience amazing views is recommended. If you choose to stay in the city center, perhaps visit the island Bygdøy to see the many museums there, including the Viking Ship Museum. Overnight in Oslo

Morning flight from Oslo up to Kirkenes. Arrive at Kirkenes Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Kirkenes is located in the northern arm of Norway that reaches up and east over Finland and the edge of Russia. The rest of the day is open for you to explore Kirkenes. Overnight in Kirkenes

Morning open – you may opt for a wonderful adventure, an optional King Crab Safari! Head out onto the sea to fish for the massive king crab, with a feast afterwards. Depart Kirkenes in early afternoon, traveling south through the northern Lapland landscape to the town of Inari in Finland, where you will visit the Sajos Sámi Culture Centre to learn more about the people who have made Lapland their home for centuries. Then on to the village of Saariselkä, a center for some of Finland’s winter sports. Overnight in Saariselkä

Depart Saariselkä this morning and head to a Sámi Reindeer Farm. There you will learn about the importance of reindeer in Sámi culture, then enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by a reindeer through the white landscape, followed by lunch at the farm. From the farm you are headed to your accommodation for the evening, a Glass Igloo – from the warm interior, you can marvel at the night sky from the comfort of your bed! Weather permitting, the Northern Lights will make an appearance, along with a carpet of stars. For those who want further adventure, an optional Aurora Snowmobile excursion is offered. Overnight in Glass Igloo

Head towards the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. First stop is the Santa Claus Village. Send Christmas cards from their post office – and meet Santa himself. In the afternoon, continue to the banks of the Kemi-Joki River you will stop at a Husky Farm and meet the friendly animals, then ride out into the forest on a sled being pulled by excited huskies..Overnight in Rovaniemi

This morning you will drive over to the port city of Kemi. First is a visit to the Snow Castle with its special snow slide and snow sculptures. Later you will board the Sampo Icebreaker, a ship built for breaking through the Gulf of Bothnia’s ice. This 4-hour cruise through the Arctic waters includes a guided ship tour, 3-course lunch, and ice floating! Don a special suit for swimming in the frozen waters and give it a try – you will get a special certificate attesting to your mettle. You will return to Rovaniemi for your last night in Lapland. Overnight in Rovaniemi

Depart Lapland with a transfer to the airport and a late morning or afternoon flight to Helsinki. Transfer independently to your nearby hotel and enjoy a final evening in Finland. Your accommodation is next to Vantaa Airport, but you may wish to go into the city this evening at your leisure. Overnight by Helsinki Airport

Transfer next door to Helsinki airport for your return flight to the US – or extend your stay in Finland!