DAY 1 – HELSINKI
After arriving at Helsinki Airport, enjoy relaxing after a long flight with your driver providing a seamless private transfer to your accommodation, with the rest of the day at your leisure. While forward-thinking, Helsinki has managed to retain its Finnish character and hosts a mix of quirky contemporary buildings, Art Deco architecture, a thriving design culture, and a lovely waterfront, enjoyable to explore on foot while easing jet lag. When temperatures are icy, there are indoor attractions, including The Design Museum with displays often inspired by Arctic nature, and the Museum of Finnish Architecture, both on the same block in the Kaartinkaupunki district.
Accommodation: Hotel Kamp
DAY 2 – PRIVATE WALKING TOUR OF HELSINKI
Your local guide will meet you at your hotel for a private walking tour that can be tailored to your preferences. Or let the expert make recommendations for the top sights and attractions, like the symbol of the city, the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square. Uspenski Cathedral is Western Europe’s largest Orthodox church, providing a glimpse into Russia’s influence on Finnish history and a great photo op. Whatever you do, don’t miss sampling traditional Finnish foods in the Old Market Hall – the korvapuusti cinnamon buns are worth the splurge! But you can also try salmon soup, Finnish meatballs, and so much more.
Accommodation: Hotel Kamp
DAY 3 – FLY TO ROVANIEMI
Your Arctic adventure begins with your driver meeting you at your hotel to provide a private transfer back to the airport. You’ll catch your flight to Rovaniemi, the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus” and Lapland’s provincial capital on the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival, you’ll take a private transfer to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. We’re always in awe when surrounded by the enchanting winter wonderland scene, and we expect you will be too, as you enjoy the short ride to your accommodation, half-board meals included. Check in and enjoy free time – sipping hot beverage while watching the snowflakes fall is one of our favorite pastimes.
Accommodation: The Arctic Treehouse Hotel
DAY 4 – ROVANIEMI: PRIVATE ARCTIC SNOWMOBILE TOUR
Your Arctic adventure begins with your driver meeting you at your Helsinki hotel to provide a private transfer back to the airport. You’ll catch your flight to Rovaniemi, the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus” and Lapland’s provincial capital on the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival, you’ll take a private transfer to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. We’re always in awe when surrounded by the enchanting winter wonderland scene, and we expect you will be too, as you enjoy the short ride to your accommodation, half-board meals included. Check in and enjoy free time – sipping hot beverage while watching the snowflakes fall is one of our favorite pastimes.
Accommodation: The Arctic Treehouse Hotel
DAY 5 – ROVANIEMI: PRIVATE REINDEER & SAMI EXPERIENCE
One of the highlights of visiting Finnish Lapland is getting to know the Sami people and their reindeer, a big part of Sami culture for thousands of years. This unique private experience includes meeting the reindeer and letting them guide you through the Arctic wilderness. Afterward, you’ll sit by the warmth of the fire in a traditional Kota tepee like the ancient reindeer nomads once did, enjoying a hot drink while the reindeer herder shares fascinating stories. You’ll even get to feed the reindeer and capture selfies with them. The evening is reserved for a Northern Lights hunt – hot drinks and Lappish delicacies included.
Accommodation: The Arctic Treehouse Hotel
DAY 6 – RAVONIEMI: PRIVATE TRANSFER TO THE ARCTIC SNOWHOTEL
After checking out of the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, you’ll meet your driver for a private transfer to the unique Arctic Snowhotel for an extraordinary night in an Ice Suite. Probably unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, the rooms have elaborately sculpted walls with bedrooms and furniture all handcrafted from snow and ice. Of course, you’ll have a warm, Arctic-grade sleeping bag and reindeer furs to keep you nice and cozy in the sub-zero temperatures. Before heading to bed, a private sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi offer relaxing warmth. For those who don’t want an icy suite, Aurora Glass Igloos with 360-degree views are available too.
Accommodation: Snowhotel
DAY 7 – ROVANIEMI: DEPARTURE
With an exciting week of discovery from Helsinki to Lapland, it will soon be time to meet your driver for a private transfer to Rovaniemi’s airport. From here, most guests catch a flight to Helsinki and continue their travels from there. You might head back home, or if you’d like to combine this trip with another, our travel specialists can provide recommendations. December is a great time to enjoy Europe’s Christmas Markets, while Iceland provides an excellent long layover stop en route to North America, with many winter adventures, from aurora watching and glacier hiking to soaking in hot springs.
