This tour starts in Stockholm, one of the world's most beautiful capitals, then travels by ferry to charming Helsinki. Time to explore both cities, then continue by train to Rovaniemi in Lapland. Here you stay for one night in a cosy Glass Igloo and one night in a Snow Room the Arctic SnowHotel, located in a tranquil area on the banks of the Lehtojärvi Lake, surrounded by pine trees, away from the city lights. Experience dinner in the Ice Restaurant and hunt for the Northern Lights by electric snowmobile.
Itinerary
Day 1 Stockholm Arrival
On arrival in Stockholm, make your own way to your hotel. Stockholm, the 'Beauty on the Water', is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by the Skargarden archipelago. Overnight in Stockholm at Clarion Amaranten Hotel or similar.
Day 2 Stockholm
Time at leisure to explore the city with your 48 hour Stockholm Card, which includes admission to approx. 75 different attractions plus unlimited rides on public transportation. Perhaps visit Djurgården Island and the great 17th Century warship at the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, Gröna Lund Amusement Park or take a canal tour. 2nd overnight in Stockholm.
Day 3 Stockholm - Helsinki by overnight ferry
Day at leisure to explore the city with your 48 hour Stockholm Card. This afternoon, make your own way to the ferry terminal, for embarkation on your overnight cruise to Helsinki, departing at approx. 17.00hrs. Sail slowly through the Stockholm archipelago past numerous small islands. There is a choice of entertainment, shops, casino, and bars onboard. Overnight in a 2 berth, outside cabin with ensuite (with sole use of the cabin), including buffet dinner and breakfast.
Day 4 Helsinki Arrival
Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into Helsinki. Upon arrival make your own way to Sokos Hotel Presidentti or similar to drop off your luggage. Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in this green and lively small city. Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa, as a trading post to compete with Tallinn, to the south. Explore the city with your 48 hour Helsinki Card - the card gives you access to many attractions including Helsinki Cathedral, the Sibelius Monument, The Church in the Rock, Finlandia Hall, Suomenlinna Maritime Sea Fortress and more. Overnight in Helsinki.
Day 5 Helsinki - Rovaniemi, overnight train
Day at leisure in Helsinki, using your 48 hour Helsinki Card. This evening, make your own way to the train station for overnight train to Rovaniemi in a private sleeping compartment with ensuite.
Day 6 Rovaniemi - Arctic SnowHotel: Glass Igloo overnight
On arrival in Rovaniemi, shared transfer from to Arctic SnowHotel for one night stay in a Glass Igloo and one night in a Snow Room. Staying overnight in a Glass Igloo feels like sleeping out in the open, but inside the igloo it is as warm and cosy as a hotel room. Have a good night's sleep as the Aurora Alarm searches the skies for you: if you are lucky enough for the Aurora Alarm to wake you up, all you need to do is open your eyes, look at the night sky and enjoy the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Each Glass Igloo has a bathroom, thermal glass roof and heated floors. Small Igloos (1-3 people) or Family Glass Igloos (1-5 people) are available. Afternoon at leisure for optional activites which can be pre-booked: Electric Snow Scoot Safari 2hrs. Dinner tonight in the Kota Restaurant, located on the hotel’s lake shore, where the blazing fire creates a magical ambiance. The speciality dish of Kota Restaraunt is the glowfried salmon fillet (meat or vegetarian dishes also available).
Day 7 Arctic SnowHotel: Snow Room overnight, Ice Restaurant, Northern Lights Safari
Day at leisure for optional activites which can be pre-booked: Ice Fishing 1hr; Snowshoe Excursion 2hrs. Overnight stay in a Snow room tonight. Snow Rooms are carved each year and always look different, the walls and furniture of these unique rooms are decorated with ice art and illuminated artwork. As you sleep on a transparent bed made of snow and ice, in a room with the temperature around -5° to -7C°, your sleeping bag is made for extreme, Arctic conditions will make sure you stay warm and comfortable. Snow Rooms have no electricity or water and bathroom facilities are located in a separate building nearby. A very limited number of Snow Suites (1-2 people) and Family Snow Rooms (up to 5 or 6 people) are available. Snow Rooms are not recommended for children under 5 years. Optional second overnight in a Glass Igloo tonight, instead of Snow Room overnight. Dinner tonight in the Ice Restaurant - built of snow and ice, it provides a unique setting for an unforgettable meal; serving up hot Lappish delicacies savoured around ice tables. Evening guided Northern lights Safari by eSled (electric snowmobile) to the top of a hill, far from the city lights – an ideal place for watching the Northern Lights. 2 persons share each eSled. Stop to observe and admire the night sky and stars, and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights might appear. Warm up by the fire in a private hunting cabin with hot drinks and Finnish snacks.
Day 8 Arctic SnowHotel - Rovaniemi Departure
Following breakfast and check-out, transfer to Rovaniemi airport and end of arrangements.
2024 departures: daily 01 January - 31 March
Notes:
Minimum 2 persons
The order of activities at Arctic SnowHotel may alter according to the day of the week your arrangements start.
Snowmobile Safaris: To drive a snowmobile you must have a valid driving license and be 18 years of age, or over. All single travellers must drive their own snowmobile solo.
