A round trip from Helsinki to Lapland, experience an Icebreaker Cruise in Kemi and explore Rovaniemi with a visit to Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park, Husky and Reindeer Safaris. Then further north to Inari and up to Kirkenes in Norway, for a King Crab Safari. Immerse yourself in the pure nature and Arctic activities of Lapland, and keep a lookout for the Aurora Borealis.
Itinerary
Day 1 Helsinki Arrival
Arrival at Helsinki Airport and transfer to your hotel. The capital of Helsinki is built on a peninsula surrounded by some 330 islands. Remainder of the day at leisure. Meet your tour leader this evening in the hotel lobby at 18.00hrs for a welcome meeting. Alternatively, meet your tour leader at 08.00hrs at breakfast tomorrow morning, if you are unable to attend the meeting this evening. Overnight at Scandic Grand Marina Hotel Helsinki or similar.
Day 2 Helsinki City Sightseeing - overnight train to Kemi
Morning guided tour of the Finnish capital including the magnificent architectural ensemble of Senate Square. Continue to Kauppatori, a picturesque market square on the edge of the port, characterised by an abundance of flowers, fruits and busy merchants. Helsinki is very rich architecturally, with in particular the cathedral of Tuomio kirkko built in the 19th century, endowed with an imposing copper dome. Pass by the neo-Byzantine style Uspenski Cathedral and its mighty mass of red bricks on Katajaka Island. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own. In the early evening, board the overnight train to Kemi, in a private sleeping compartment.
Day 3 Kemi: Sampo Icebreaker - Rovaniemi
Morning arrival in Kemi by train, then breakfast at a hotel restaurant.
Go on an incredible adventure on the icy waters of the Gulf, on the Sampo Icebreaker. Cruise on this remarkable vessel as it breaks through the ice in the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Observe the clash between the powerful icebreaker and the thick layer of ice. Stroll on the icy expanse that awaits you and try swimming in Europe's largest ice field. A guide is with you at all times, as you wear a snug survival, floatation drysuit. You will stay dry as you slide into the water and float.
Then you will visit SnowExperience365, a snowy world open all year round. Built entirely of snow and ice, it has a special snow slide and amazing sculptures.
The adventure continues to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, and the official home of Santa Claus. Two overnights at Scandic Rovaniemi Hotel or similar. Evening at leisure to explore on your own.
Day 4 Rovaniemi Husky Safari and Ranua Wildlife Park
Morning departure for Ranua, where you will begin with a Husky Farm tour, followed by a short 3km Husky Safari with a musher. Then discover Ranua Wildlife Park and take an invigorating walk in the open air at your own pace to admire the Arctic fauna: moose, reindeer, wolverines, arctic fox and the impressive polar bear. The animals’ spacious enclosures are located in the middle of the northern coniferous forest, which is also the natural environment for most of the species living in the park. Return to Rovaniemi and time at leisure on your own.
Optional evening Northern Lights Hunt by Bus 3hrs - a guided tour out of the city and into the darkness, to increase your chances of seeing the magical Aurora. Enjoy light snacks under the stars, and with a bit of luck the Northern Lights might appear.
Second overnight at Scandic Rovaniemi Hotel or similar.
Day 5 Rovaniemi – Inari: Reindeer Safari
Depart Rovaniemi this morning and stop in Napapiiri for a guided visit of a traditional Reindeer Farm. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at driving a reindeer team during a mini safari. Lunch at the Reindeer Farm. Continue further north towards Inari, beyond the Arctic Circle. Arrival at Hotel Inari or similar for two overnights. Evening at leisure to explore the village of Inari, the centre for Finnish Sámi culture. Nestled amongst wild fells and lakes, there are plenty places of interest in its surroundings which are rich in local culture and natural beauty. Amongst these, the most well known are Siida, museum of Sámi Culture and Nature Centre, and the architecturally striking Sámi cultural centre and parliament house, Sajos. The Sámi church and artisan shops are also intriguing places to visit. In season, the Northern Lights dance across the sky for up to 200 days a year. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6 Inari - Kirkenes: King Crab Safari - Inari
Morning departure to the town of Kirkenes. Located in the far northeast of Norway, near the Russian border, it is known as the capital of the Barents region. On your arrival, take part in a King Crab Safari in the Barents Sea. You will be driven over the frozen Langfjord on a sled pulled by a snowmobile. Your guide will accompany you to the crab traps and you will participate in the giant crab hauling experience. After the fishing, the excursion continues to a restaurant near the fjord, where you will feast on king crab, served Norwegian style.
Optional visit to Snowhotel Kirkenes, a hotel built entirely of snow and ice each year with an interior temperature -4°C. Visit includes entrance to whole park, including Reindeer, Husky and Puppy Farm.
Return to Inari. Dinner and second overnight at Hotel Inari or similar.
Day 7 Inari - Ivalo - Helsinki
Morning at leisure in Inari to explore the small village at your own pace. Transfer to Ivalo Airport for your flight to Helsinki. Dinner under own arrangement. Overnight at Scandic Helsinki Airport Hotel or similar.
Day 8 Helsinki Departure
Check out of hotel and end of arrangements.
2024 departures:
07, 21 January
10, 17 March
Notes:
Maximum group size: 30 persons
