Scandinavian Northern Lights
Experience Overview
Snow, Santa Claus and the fascinating culture of the Sámi people await on this arctic adventure in pursuit of the Northern Lights that dance across the dark winter skies of Finland and Sweden.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Kiruna: Join a Sami reindeer herder family in their homestead for a traditional meal in their lavvu (tepee) with insights into the way of life of a reindeer herder, their traditions and history.
Dive Into Culture
- Rovaniemi: Visit Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, and meet its famous resident.
- Rovaniemi: Ride an authentic Sámi reindeer-drawn sleigh, the traditional means of transport in snowy northern Finland.
Iconic Experience
- Gammelstad: Visit the immaculately-preseved historic trading settlement of Gammelstad. Gain insight into the customs and development of this region as you view the wooden cottages and central stone church.
- Helsinki: Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbor city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbor of this fascinating city of design.
- Stockholm: With your Local Specialist, visit the Stockholm City Hall and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with your fellow traveling companions.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Inari: Learn about the Sámi peoples' traditions, culture and history at the Siida Sámi Museum in northern Finland.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Helsinki, Gammelstad and Stockholm
- Visit Saariselkä, Siida Sámi Museum, Rovaniemi, Luleå, Ájtte Museum, Kiruna and Stockholm City Hall
- View the Northern Lights (weather permitting)
- See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Riddarholmen Church and the Royal Palace in Stockholm
Stays With Stories
- Kiruna: To keep Kiruna alive, the entire town has relocated 15 km from old Kiruna to New Kiruna due to land sinking caused by the largest and oldest iron ore mine, highlighting the community's resilience and commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
Trip Details
Product Code: 27647
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 632
Starts: Helsinki, Finland
Finishes: Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Flight from Helsinki to Ivalo
- Flight from Kiruna to Stockholm
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,023 ($669 /day)
Itinerary
Helsinki kick-starts your hunt for the mystical Northern Lights. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. There's time to freshen up before joining your Local Specialist for a city sightseeing tour and Welcome Reception.
Accommodation: Clarion
Meals: Dinner
Today our flight takes us north from Helsinki, across the Arctic Circle to Ivalo. Learn about the indigenous Sámi people and the story of life and survival in the demanding northern climate. Later, a short drive brings us to the enchanting snowy escape of Saariselkä, our home for the next two nights. Delve into the centuries-old traditions and heritage of the Sámi people during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a visit the Siida Sámi Museum.
Accommodation: Santa's Tunturi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing day in the picturesque Arctic village of Saariselkä. For those looking for adventure, consider joining an Optional Experience to go snowshoeing along the scenic Aurora Path, and later opt in to feel the thrill of a snowmobiling excursion across the frozen Ivalo River. As night falls, don’t miss the chance to participate in another Optional Experience—a magical Northern Lights hunt.
Accommodation: Santa's Tunturi
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Celebrate the magic of Christmas when you Dive Into Culture and share yuletide greetings with Santa at his post office. Dive Into Culture once again as we visit a reindeer farm to meet Santa’s sleigh-pullers.
Accommodation: Santa's Hotel Santa Claus
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid farewell to Finland, bound for Sweden. Your first stop is in the church village of Gammelstad, UNESCO-listed for its 424 wooden houses built around an early 15th-century stone church. Continue to Luleå, the largest city in Swedish Lapland.
Accommodation: Scandic Luleå
Meals: Breakfast
Venture north to Kiruna, a unique town in the far north of Sweden, is renowned for its breathtaking Arctic landscapes, the mesmerizing northern lights, and its rich history tied to one of the world’s largest and oldest iron ore mines, which has fuelled the town’s growth and is now driving a remarkable project to relocate the entire town to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Accommodation: Scandic Kiruna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you have a free day to get acquainted with this Swedish mining center, which is in the process of being relocated a few miles from its original location due to the growing size of the iron mine beneath its surface. Perhaps join a unique Optional Experience, navigating the snowy landscape on a husky safari, holding on tight as the eager dogs race across the white landscape. This exhilarating encounter with one of the most special canine breeds in the world is an experience you'll never forget. Tonight, be sure to take the last chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Accommodation: Scandic Kiruna
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning at leisure before leaving the Arctic behind to fly to Stockholm. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city locals refer to as 'beauty on the water', including a walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Tonight, your journey in search of the Northern Lights comes to an end with a memorable dinner.
Accommodation: Clarion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
As our journey in the snowy Arctic lands of reindeer and Father Christmas comes to an end, the memories of ancient Sámi culture and Nordic traditions in our hearts, we bid a fond farewell to newfound friends.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
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