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 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
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.
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