From Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, for autumn activities and Aurora hunting. Then further north to the small village of Inari, to stay in a warm Aurora Cabin with glass roof. Continue to Kirkenes in Northern Norway for a King Crab Safari and overnight at the wonderful Snowhotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 Helsinki Arrival
Upon arrival in Helsinki, make your own way to Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar and check in for overnight stay. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore. The many famous sights of the city include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more.
Day 2 Helsinki - Rovaniemi, overnight train
After breakfast at the hotel, day at leisure. Perhaps explore the marketplace area down by the harbour, where there are food, souvenir and handicraft stalls, and fine old timber boats. This evening, make your own way to the train station for overnight train to Rovaniemi in a private sleeping compartment with ensuite.
Day 3 Rovaniemi
Early arrival by train to Rovaniemi, make your own way from the railway station to Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi or similar and check in for three nights. Time to explore the town on your own, browse the shops or perhaps visit the fabulous Arktikum Museum. Optional excursion – evening Aurora Floating 3hrs.
Day 4 Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Hunt by Bus
Day at leisure for optional excursions – guided Rovaniemi City tour by Car 5hrs; visit Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park 5hrs. Tonight, enjoy an excursion by bus to chase the Northern Lights. Your guide will take some photos of you during the tour and will also provide you with some tips on how to set your camera for night photography. With a little luck the sky is clear and the moon, stars and even the Northern Lights may show up. Hot drinks and snacks are included.
Day 5 Rovaniemi: Autumn visit to Reindeer, Husky farms and Santa Claus Village
Excursion to visit Reindeer and Husky farms with guided tours at the farms. Meet the reindeer herder and sit by the fireplace to and hear stories of the reindeer. At the husky farm visit you can meet the huskies in a special husky hugging area. Finish the day with a visit to Santa Claus Village. Explore the souvenir shops, Santa’s Post Office and meet Santa himself in his office.
Day 6 Rovaniemi – Inari: Aurora Hunt and Aurora Cabin overnight
This morning, make your own way to to Rovaniemi bus station. Bus trip from Rovaniemi to Inari Wilderness Hotel, located by the beautiful Lake Inari, offering breathtaking views and an ideal location for Northern Lights hunting (the trip is around 5.5hrs duration). Check in for two nights, stay in a warm Aurora Cabin on the lake shore, with a glass roof for Aurora viewing. Dinner at the hotel. Evening guided Aurora Hunt excursion. This trip takes you to a wilderness area, in search of the Northern Lights. Hopefully a magical sky show will light your night.
Day 7 Inari: Husky on Wheels and Aurora Cabin overnight
Today, get ready for a Husky on Wheels excursion. Visit a local husky farm to learn about huskies and see around the farm. There might be little puppies. During the visit you will also have an exciting ride with huskies on wheels. Your guide will be driving the husky team and two persons are sitting in the cart with wheels. Remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps time for an optional excursion, depending on your dates of travel: Husky Hike 2hrs; Berry Picking 3hrs; visit Siida Sami Museum and Nature Centre 3hrs; Evening Aurora Hunt by Car 4hrs. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 Inari – Kirkenes: King Crab Safari and Snowhotel
After breakfast, relax with a private car transfer which takes you along the shores of Lake Inari and other nearby lakes, over the Norwegian border to Kirkenes Snowhotel (the trip is around three hours duration). Upon arrival, meet the local resident reindeer and then enjoy a King Crab Safari, where you will travel to the fjord ice and help pull up the crab pots. The King Crab is served for lunch in a rustic restaurant by the fjord. Time to relax before dinner at the hotel. After dinner, you might like to take an optional evening excursion - Aurora Hunt by Bus.
Tonight you can choose between "cold" accommodation in a Snow Igloo or "warm" accommodation in a cosy and charming private Gamme Cabin.
Snow Igloo: The Snow Igloo rooms are wonderful displays of snow architecture and Arctic nature, created each winter from local ice and snow, with ice sculptures, ice carvings and more. In your Snow Igloo you will sleep on a bed carved from ice, snuggled warmly in a thermal sleeping bag and blankets.
Gamme Cabin: You will sleep in a private, charming wooden cabin, inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing Gamme huts of the Artic and Sami areas. The cabins are like small jewels and have every comfort including air conditioning, underfloor heating and a snug bathroom with a separate aurora glass wall. Best of all, the cabins have a large panoramic window and lounge chairs covered in sheepskins, so you can gaze out in warmth and comfort, as you look for the Northern Lights. Being so far away from light pollution, this is a wonderful place to seek the magical Aurora Borealis. All cabins have private facilities.
Day 9 Kirkenes Departure
Morning transfer to Kirkenes airport or the pier, and end of arrangements.
2024 departures: daily 01 September - 21 November
Notes:
The order of excursions may change according to your dates of travel, seasonal availability, or due to unforseen circumstances or weather.
Some excursions subject to minimum age & height requirements.
This tour can be done in reverse. Or add extra nights along the way.
