Finland's Arctic Splendor and Northern Lights

Embrace Dazzling Northern Lights, Reindeer, Santa, a Rejuvenating Sauna, plus Stunning Helsinki and Medieval Tallinn in this Marvelous Arctic Adventure in the World's Happiest Country!

*Please note that this itinerary may change due to weather and seasonal considerations. 

Day 1 - In Transit -Depart for Helsinki Finland

Day 2 - Helsinki, Finland

Arrive in Helsinki, Finland, and transfer to your hotel. After settling in meet your local tour guide for a short stroll around the city that is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. Afterward, meet for a welcome dinner to learn more about this fascinating Arctic capital and the adventure that awaits. 

Welcome Dinner

Day 3 - Helsinki, Finland

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a city tour. We will see the amazing architecture of this beautiful city of the north that was founded in 1550 and has only been an independent country since 1917. Our first stop is the neo-classical Helskini Cathedral, which dominates the city skyline.  The Cathedral was consecrated in 1852 and named for Nicholas I, the Russian Tsar who started the building project. After independence, the name was changed to the Helsinki Cathedral. Our next stop is the unique Temppeliauki Church which is built directly into solid rock and known for its acoustics. For a change of pace, we will visit Oodi Library which is distinguished by its striking design of glass, steel, and wood that combines traditional and contemporary attributes. Here we will explore the library's three floors, each with its own atmosphere. The rest of the day is on your own, including lunch and dinner. Our local guide will suggest several Suana locations, so that you can soak in Finnish culture, like a local. At Loyly Sauna, for example, you can try different styles of sauna and then, cool off with a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea!

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Own

Day 4 - Helsinki, Finland, Tallinn, Estonia

After breakfast, we will board a ferry for a two-hour journey across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, Estonia. Originally, Helsinki was founded to establish trade on the Baltic. Unfortunately, the water surrounding its location proved to be too shallow for vessels to pass, and the city center was later moved to its present location. 

Founded in the 12th century, Tallinn is an enchanting medieval city whose roots are both Nordic and Russian-influenced. Meeting our local guide we will take a walking tour on the cobblestone lanes of the old town of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour begins in Town Hall Square, which has been a marketplace for centuries. Along our walk we will pass many beautiful Gothic and Baroque buildings, St. Olaf's Church, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox gem, and St. Catherine's Passage which is lined with artist studios and workshops. Our tour concludes at Toompea Hill, the site of Tallinn's historic castle and the Estonian Parliament building. From here, we will enjoy stunning views of this ancient city. There is plenty of time for lunch on your own and shopping in the many intriguing shops before we head back to Helsinki. Dinner will be at a local Helsinki restaurant.

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 - Helsinki- Saariselka

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and fly north to Finnish Lapland and the city of Saariselka, located 155 miles above the Arctic Circle. We will check into our hotel and have free time to explore our lovely surroundings before meeting our local guide for dinner. After dinner, and a discussion about the Northern Lights, if conditions are right, our local guide will lead us on a  snowshoe hike through the quiet Nordic forests to special vantage points for viewing the Northern Lights. We will warm up with warm drinks and snacks next to a cozy bonfire.

Breakfast  and Dinner

Day 6 - Saariselka - Inari

After breakfast, we will depart for the Sámi Museum in Siida where we will learn about the ancient and vibrant Sámi culture and Arctic traditions. Here we will learn how this ancient culture lives and thrives in this harsh environment and see traditional crafts and clothing of Finland's three Sámi cultural groups. Outside we will tour traditional homes and turf buildings and see vessels and hunting tools. We will enjoy an authentic Finnish lunch at the museum. 

In the afternoon we will head to a family-owned Reindeer Farm. Reindeer farming has been a staple of life here for centuries. A highlight of this visit is riding through the forest to spot reindeer in their natural habitat and to learn about the daily life of reindeer herders. Tonight we will enjoy dinner together.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 - Saariselka  

https://starsafaris.fi/ice-fishing-in-the-wilderness-with-lunch   

https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/activity/finland/saariselka/fishing/arctic-ice-fishing-experience-in-saariselka/16717

After breakfast, we will travel to a local lake where we will try our luck at traditional ice fishing. With the help of our local guide, we will learn how to drill a hole in the ice as we try our luck at catching Arctic char, trout, bass perch, or grayling. *Winter gear includes thermal overalls, boots, wool socks, a hat, scarf, and gloves are provided. We will return to our hotel for lunch. 

This afternoon we will meet our local guide for a forest bathing experience that will let us experience, firsthand why Finland is one of the world's happiest countries. https://arcticskylapland.com/activities-events  https://www.laplandsafaris.com/en/activitypage?id=98243

Tonight we meet for dinner and share stories of our experiences.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8 - Saariselka

Our last day in Finnish Lapland is on your own to choose what you would like to do. For the adventurous, you might want to book a Husky Safari where you will learn how to drive a team of huskies or a snowmobile safari. Perhaps you want to unwind in a sauna or rent snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore the unspoiled Finnish landscape. If you have always wanted to visit Santa, prebook a visit to Kakslauttanean Resort where you will be greeted by friendly elves and taken to their turf kitchen to try your hand at baking gingerbread. Next, you will take a snowy reindeer ride into the forest before you are ushered to Santa's house where you will meet the man in red and Mrs. Claus. Tonight we celebrate Finnish Lapland at our farewell dinner.

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 - Saariselka - Helsinki - Connection to U.S.A.

After breakfast, we depart for the airport for our return flight to Helsinki and our connection to our flights to the U.S.A. 

*Return flights may require an overnight stay in Helsinki which is not included in our tour price and is at the traveler's own expense. All air connections will be advised well in advance of departure.

Finland's Northern Lights are Magical

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Finland was a resort playground for the mighty Tsars of Russia and their families. They explored Finland's fjords in grand style and enjoyed lavish picnics in pavilions that were surrounded by fir trees. At night they marveled at the Aurora Borealis from their palace windows. 

Northern Lights Illuminated by Snow

Although you might not be royalty, Finland is a popular destination that is somewhat off the beaten track, and well worth visiting. As one of the most consistently happiest countries in the world according to the charts in the World Happiness Report, Finland is known for its exotic and unspoiled landscape, clean air, Scandinavian and Russian-influenced art nouveau cities, and quaint colorful villages. Finland boasts thousands of lakes that are surrounded by pine-scented forest-covered hills and valleys with snow-capped mountains overlooking it all.

Take a ride with one of Santa's Reindeer!

Finland has four distinct seasons. Summer is the time of White Nights and the Midnight Sun that bathes the landscape in shades of peach, pink, yellow, and purple for hours on end. Spring is the shortest season when the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer. In the autumn, the days begin to grow shorter and the landscape is painted in gorgeous tones of red, yellow, orange, purple, green, and brown. In the winter, the landscape is covered in snow, with long dark, nights perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are also called fox fires, which is the direct translation of the Finnish word Revontulet. The Sami people of  Finnish Lapland traditionally believed that the Northern Lights were made by a fox that ran so quickly through the snow that he cast colorful sparks up into the night sky in its wake.

The farther north you go, the better chance you have of seeing the Northern Lights

Watching the Northern Lights dance across the dark night sky in Finland is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Northern Finland, especially Lapland, is one of the best places in the world to see the phantasmagorical Northern Lights. The further north you go, the better chance you have of seeing the Northern Lights. Finnish Lapland's northern location puts it within the "northern lights belt," a band that circles the earth at the latitudes of 65-72 degrees North. In these areas, the aurora borealis can be seen with the greatest intensity and frequency.  

Keep Energized with a Cinnamon Bun and Tea!

In Finnish Lapland,  you will see the northern lights paint the sky with magical shades of green, turquoise, bright pink, and light blue. The Northern Lights begin to dance during the last days of August and continue through early March. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Northern Finland is from December to March when the winter skies are at their darkest for the longest period. The most important thing to remember is that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and don't appear on cue. Most nights, unless there is a snowstorm or the clouds move in, the lights appear between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. A traveler's tip to keep alert and energized is to sip on Scandi coffee and enjoy a scrumptiously sweet cinnamon bun!

Explore the countryside by sled

Although Finnish nights are spectacular, the daylight hours don't disappoint. Being pulled through an Arctic Forest by a team of huskies is an unforgettable experience. Imagine how exhilarating it is to feel the cold air against your face as you experience this mode of transportation that has been used here for centuries.  Another popular excursion is to pay Santa Claus a visit at Santa Claus Village! Here you will meet the man in red himself, explore his workshop, and even get to pet the velvety nose of one of his reindeer!  If you are culturally minded, wandering down the streets of the villages of Finnish Lapland will give you the chance to delve into Sami culture. The Sami are the only Indigenous people of Europe that are best known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, reindeer and sheep herding, fishing, fur trapping, and their unique, brightly colored craftwork.

So many unique places to stay!

One of the most unique experiences in visiting Northern Finland is the accommodations. In the town of Rovaniemi, 37 cozy tree houses showcase Scandinavian design and Lapland heritage. This town also boats glass huts by Santa's Hotels that have a glass roof and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that afford spectacular views. In the village of Kemi, there is the "Snow Castle which has glass villages that are perfect to snuggle up in and enjoy nature's light show. Not to be outdone, the village of Nellim by Lake Inari has rooms known as the Aurora Bubbles that give visitors a panoramic view of the dancing lights in a setting of great natural beauty. If you are adventurous, you may want to stay in a tent-like hut with Lappish-themed decor and transparent walls where you can enjoy the lights and winter scenery. The common denominator of all these accommodations, and many others, throughout the Arctic Zone, is that you can view the world's most spectacular light show right from your room!

Finland is one of the most magical places on earth. From its frozen Arctic landscapes, lush forests, fascinating culture, and the Northern Lights, it is a place that beckons exploration.

Dossier Quebec City Winter Carnival

Quebec City Winter Carnival

Destination - Quebec City, Canada

Three Nights - Four Days

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to call your Tour Director and leave a detailed message, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. If for any reason, you do not receive an answer in a timely matter, please call the company emergency line and leave a detailed message, so we may assist you.

Tour Director Name and Phone

Company Emergency Line

What's Included

*Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation

*Three Nights in 4-star Accommodations

* Six meals - three breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners

* Welcome Dinner at Hotel

* Guided Tour of Old Quebec City

* Quebec Observatory

*Lunch at Restaurant le Parlimentaire

*Afternoon Guided tour of the Beaupre Coast including the Route de la Nouvelle France, St. Anne de Beaupre Basilica, and Montmorency Falls. 

*Dinner in the historic Walled City of Old Quebec

*Tickets to Winter Carnival 

*Locally Guided tour of Winter Carnival including entrance to Hôtel de Glace and the Boardwalk at Dufferin Terrace

* VIP tickets to Winter Carnival's Night Parade 

Highlights

Our tour kicks off with a welcome dinner at our 4-star centrally located hotel. Day two is all about exploring Quebec City with our local guide which includes a tour of Old Quebec City, a bird's eye view of the city from the Quebec Observatory, lunch at the Restaurant le Parlementaire, and an afternoon tour of the majestic Beaupre Coast. We end the day with dinner in the historic Walled City of Quebec. The next day we will experience one of the world's largest winter celebrations, from its magical ice castles and sculptures to exceptional food and drink, great programming, and VIP tickets to the night parade. Just to make sure you don't miss anything, our local guide will give you a morning tour that will point you in the right direction. You will have plenty of time to explore this wonderful festival on your own before we head home on the following day.

Dossier Disclaimer 

The information in this trip details a document that has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and Tours of Distinction. The itinerary featured is correct at this time. Occasionally itineraries change as we make adjustments according to input from travelers, and our tour directors, as well as with lodging and other availability. Our goal is to give you the most rewarding travel experience that is seamless and fun.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days before travel, in case any changes affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route as described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary. On occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. 

Itinerary (bold are tweaked and should be updated in the itinerary)

Note: Accommodations and restaurants can vary per departure date until the tour start date, they are not final and should be considered as examples of better than or comparable hotels and restaurants. 

Day 1 - Arrive Quebec City

Today, arrive in the St. Lawrence River Valley and the city of Quebec, Canada, which will be buzzing with the excitement of the Winter Carnival. Our hotel is the beautiful 4-star Delta, located within steps of the St. John Gate to the Walled City. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel. 

Hotel: Delta

Dinner at Hotel

Day 2 - Quebec City - Beaupré Coast

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will be joined by a local guide as we visit Old Québec City,  a walled city with narrow, winding streets and centuries-old architecture that gives you the feeling of stepping back in time. Accompanied by our local guide, we will stroll through the center of the first permanent colony in New France, marvel at the immense Fresque de Québéçois, and be charmed by the Quartier Petit Champlain. There’s a lot of history here. A highlight is our visit to the Québec Observatory to admire Québec City from 221 meters up, the highest point in the city! Lunch today is included at the Restaurant le Parlementaire, boasting a stunning beaux arts dining room with a menu prepared using produce and honey gathered from the Parliament gardens and beehives. Our sightseeing continues this afternoon with a visit to the Beaupré Coast, the Route de la Nouvelle France, St. Anne de Beaupre Basilica, and Montmorency Falls. Dinner tonight is included in the historic Walled City. 

Hotel - Delta

Breakfast - @ Delta Hotel

Lunch - lRestaurant le Parlementaire

Dinner- In the walled city of Old Quebec

Day 3 - Quebec City - Winter Carnival

Today, after breakfast, we’ll be visiting the Winter Carnival with our local guide! Our day will start at the enchanting Hôtel de Glace, an entire hotel miraculously constructed from ice. After free time for lunch, our guide will take us for a stroll on the Boardwalk at Dufferin Terrace by the Château Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be on your own to explore the Winter Carnival – be sure to check out the Snow Sculptures and Bonhomme’s Ice Palace! This evening we’ll enjoy the Winter Carnival’s Night Parade from the VIP Section, with seats on one of the front stages.  We will be amazed at the creativity, imagination, and joy of the Winter Carnival that has made it a fan favorite for folks from around the world for decades.  

Hotel - Delta

Breakfast @ Delta

Lunch and Dinner on your own

 Day 4 - Depart Quebec City

This morning, following breakfast at the hotel, we’re headed for home, so we’ll have to say bonjour et adieu to Quebec City! It’s been a magical four days and an experience we will never forget! 

Breakfast @ Delta  

Notes

1. Our ground transportation for this trip is a motorcoach. It is a good idea to bring along your mobile phone, camera, charging devices, and any other necessities.

2. Dress warm and wear many layers; the temperatures in Quebec City can go down to -22 F on winter nights! 

3. Bring hand and foot warmers and don't be afraid to use them.

4. Protect your face and head from the wind and cold - wear a wool hat and mittens or gloves and wool socks, wool is self-wicking and will keep you insulated and warm.

5. Bring moisturizer and don't forget your lip balm.

6. Stay hydrated, even though it's winter, it is still important to drink plenty of water because cold air can be dehydrating.
7. Quebec City is predominantly French-speaking. Announcements in public signage and transit are only in French. Most Quebecers do speak English quite well, but a Bonjour! (Hello) or a Merci! (thank you) will definitely go a long way with the locals.

Group Leader Description

This Tours of Distinction tour is accompanied by one of our professional tour directors. This person is responsible for coordinating traveler's accommodations, attractions, meals, and luggage on the trip. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have general knowledge of the places we will be visiting.  They will also offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local tour guides who will have in-depth knowledge of the areas and attractions we are visiting. The Group Leader is also responsible for keeping the tour itinerary on time and for checking the attendance of all travelers to make sure no one is left behind. It is also the Group Tour Leader's responsibility to maintain appropriate traveler conduct while on the tour.

Transportation

If airfare is included in the cost of your tour, we will book the most convenient flights available within the budget allotted for this trip. For tours where no air is included, please contact Tours of Distinction for assistance. 

For this trip, we will be using a large motorcoach from one of our trusted partners. We choose our partners with great care to ensure that your transportation throughout the trip is smooth and uneventful. However, we are not responsible if the motorcoach has mechanical issues and will work with the executives of the company to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. 

 We do not practice seat rotation due to COVID-19, especially on a trip where the motorcoach is in use for multiple days. The motorcoach has comfortable seating, a restroom, internet, plugs to power up devices, overhead bins for essentials, and video capability. There are some long rides on this trip and the motorcoach will be stopping every few hours for folks to use the facilities and to get a snack. 

Solo Travelers

If you are a solo traveler and do not want to pay a single supplement and are open to sharing your accommodations with another traveler, Tours of Distinction will do their best to match you up with someone else. We cannot guarantee that we can find another traveler for you to room with and take no responsibility for any situations that may arise between roommates. 

About Accommodations

On this trip, Tours of Distinction is using a 4-star hotel that is within walking distance of the Old City. Our chosen hotels may vary in size, character, and amenities. All our rooms are booked and chosen because they offer double occupancy with private bathrooms. Sometimes lodging facilities are changed before departure. These changes are predicated on availability and on the advice of our clients and the tour director's past experiences. When a change is made, you will be placed in the same caliber of hotel or better.

The Weather (Insert chart here)

What to Take

You must be aware of your airline's baggage policy and weight restrictions. Tours of Distinction is not liable for your baggage charges.  

Packing List 

Travel Essentials in Carry-on or Travel Bag/Purse

Medicine

Driver's License

Credit cards/ATM cards

Cash

Glasses/sunglasses/contacts

Insurance cards 

House/Car keys

Cell phone and chargers

Travel Documents 

Emergency contacts

Credit card/bank contacts

Travel Pillow, Back pillow, earplugs

Water bottle 

Hand sanitizer

Tolitery bag and toiletries

Compression socks if flying

Chargers for Phones, Computers, Camera

Pens

Lip balm

Itinerary

Specialized Packing List 

Cold means nothing if you pack for it!

Underwear, undershirts/bras

Warm Sleepwear

Indoor shoes - choose a pair that is light and easy to pack and even carry along in your day bag.

Boots - Consider getting boots that are rated for the cold weather to keep your feet toasty warm. 

Parka/Jacket - We prefer a down or temperature-regulated Thinsulate parka that is big enough for you to layer. Make sure there is enough air between your body and the jacket to act as another layer of insulation. Also, make sure your parka has a hood. In our book, the longer the better!

Long Underwear - We prefer silk for warmth!

Snow or Wind pants best and/or Corduroy Pants - Jeans aren't great in cold weather, snow or wind pants with long underwear are best.

Wool Scarf  

Neck warmer

Gloves or mittens - we love down-filled mittens! 

Wool hat  - yes, even with a hood, wear a hat!

Wool Socks

Toiletries

Moisturizer & lip balm

Sealable plastic baggies to hold packed liquids

Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss

Deodorant

Hair styling tools

Face cleanser and make-up, make-up remover

Shaving supplies

Bandages/antibiotic ointment

Asprin and Vitamins

Currency

It is always good to bring some cash on a trip. Some travelers spend more than others, so please consider your own spending habits when it comes to purchasing souvenirs, shopping, drinking, and tipping. It is also prudent to take along some emergency cash for circumstances out of our control. 

Currency Exchange 

In Canada, only the Canadian dollar is accepted, however, some retailers will accept the US dollar as a form of payment. We suggest that you use local currency to pay for goods and services to avoid transaction fees. The Canadian dollar is often presented as C$, Can$, $, or CAD to distinguish it from other dollar denominations. The symbol on the $1 Canadian coin is how it received the nickname "loonies," from the aquatic bird appearing on the backside. The $2 Canadian coin has a polar bear and is called twonies or toonies, based on the word loonie and the word two. We recommend Oanda currency converter to calculate exchange rates.

Tipping

On a TOD tour, all tipping is included for baggage handling, drivers, tour director, local guides, and meals. It is customary to tip your waiter,  waitress, or bartender when dining on your own. You may also want to tip your chambermaid at your hotel, the range is $2 to $5 per day. At the end of each trip, it is up to your discretion to tip the local guide (range is $2-$5 for the experience), tour director, and bus driver (guideline is $5-$10 a day), if you feel that they did an outstanding job. 

Unacceptable Behavior

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trip. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Lewd, drunken behavior is also unacceptable.

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance isn’t just for trips overseas. It’s prudent to buy travel insurance for every trip because you never know what might happen when you’re far from home! We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment,  accidents, medical evacuations, loss of luggage, and personal effects.

Feedback

Your constructive feedback is important to Tours of Distinction, we love hearing from you. It is so important to us that we will give you a 5% discount on your next Tours of Distinction trip. Your tour evaluation will be emailed to you upon your return home. If you don't receive it, please give us a call at 800-426-4324 so we can send it to you.

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Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a Tours of Distinction trip. For minors traveling with a guardian or parents, they must be 21 or older. The minimum age for group travel is 12.