Wake to a refreshing breakfast and set out to explore the sights of Helsinki. Follow your expert guide to the awe-inspiring Temppeliaukio Church, built in 1969 by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. Carved straight into the bedrock, the unique circular design and otherworldly dome make this Lutheran church one of Finland’s most recognisable architectural pieces.
Continue to one of Helsinki’s lively food markets for the chance to discover Finland’s freshest produce and favourite delicacies. Later, warm up with a special lunch at a local restaurant.
The rest of your day is spent at leisure, perhaps wandering charming streets, visiting the renowned Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art or reclining in stylish comfort at your hotel.
Turn your attention to the north as you fly into the Arctic Circle to begin your immersive Lapland experience. On arrival, unearth the region’s unique topography during a snowmobile adventure through the vast frozen wilds. Stop along the way for a light barbeque lunch, straight from the fire, then continue on your snow safari until reaching your next exclusive abode in Levi.
Settling into your cosy Aurora Cabin at the Northern Lights Village, you’ll have all evening to search the skies for dancing green waves, never leaving your bed as you gaze up through your cabin’s glass dome to the dazzling cosmos above. Drift into slumber in supreme comfort with the night sky as your starry blanket.
Wake to a filling breakfast, then get to know the locals on a visit to a local reindeer farm. Meet the hardworking family who, for seven generations, have worked this land and tended to its fabled fauna. You’ll have the opportunity to ride one of the friendly reindeer through the enchanting forest, then sit down for a rustic lunch with your hosts.
This afternoon, carry on your way to a nearby husky farm, where a local couple sustainably raise sled dogs. Learn the ways of Finnish sled-driving, then set out on a snow safari to experience tradition in motion. Upon your return to the farm, sit by the open fire and partake in a hot mug of fresh berry juice – a Scandinavian winter staple – while recounting the day’s canine caprs.
In the evening, join a private guided snowshoe trek into the dark wilderness in hopes of catching a glimpse of the aurora. Later, retire to your glass-roofed cabin and continue stargazing as you drift into a well-earned sleep.
This morning, set out for Rovaniemi – the reputed home of Santa Claus. En route, stop at a private cabin by a secluded forest lake and choose your own adventure with a Design Your Day activity. You may try your hand at ice fishing in the frozen lake, take a snowshoe hike through the untouched woodlands or safely suit up for a peaceful ice float over the water. No matter which you choose, you’ll find this frosty landscape offers unique entertainment.
Restore your energy with superb woodfire-cooked salmon, then make your way to your next stay – a treehouse on stilts whose centrepiece is a panoramic window with forest views – for the rest of your day at leisure. A festive evening may be enjoyed should you choose to join your tour director for a visit to Santa’s house.
Get a taste for traditional life in Lapland with a visit to Palovaara Farm, spanning across 500 acres of privately managed forest. Meet the family who watch over this land and listen as they explain how they hunt moose to provide for themselves. Take part in a special dining experience, savouring your hosts home-cooked game, including freshly caught fish and the uniquely mild taste of local moose. This utterly unique opportunity is not to be missed.
After thanking your hosts for their warm hospitality, it’s time to visit Villa Vinkkeli – the studio of renowned photographer Kaisa Sirén. Hear from the artist herself as Sirén talks you through her work, informing your exclusive tour through the gallery with greater insight into her passion for the Arctic.
This evening, you’ll dine at the fantastical Snowland restaurant. This ice structre is rebuilt each year with new layouts and fresh design to create a dynamic and invigorating space for sundowner cocktails and supper. Dine on exciting Lapland specialties, then embark on another hunt for the northern light, this time with a professional photographer in tow to capture your group’s meteorological encounter.
Wave farewell to Finland as you cross into Swedish Lapland this morning. Follow your tour director as you explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gammelstad, winding through its labyrinthine streets and admiring charming 400-year-old houses. Sweden’s largest church town, Gammelstad once stood as the medieval heart of the north.
Later, enjoy lunch at nearby Brändön Lodge and gaze out at the frozen beauty of the Lulea Archipelago. Once your appetite has been sated, continue to Harads and check in at Arctic Bath for an exclusive floating stay above a frozen river. A wintry counterpoint to the overwater lagoon villas beloved in tropical climates, these beautifully designed cabins sit in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Today, your travels take you to Jokkmokk village, the cultural centre for the indigenous Sami community in northern Sweden. Meet with a young couple who will introduce you to the modern realities of daily life for this traditionally nomadic people, discussing their reindeer-herding practice through the Arctic.
Gather around the fire to listen to joik, a unique musical storytelling tradition passed down through generations of Sami joikaaja. Learn about the Sami language and the specifics of the local cuisine, then get up close with your hosts’ friendly reindeer for a handfeeding opportunity.
Back at spectacular Arctic Bath, you can unwind with a traditional cold bath and hot sauna combo, or simply appreciate the tranquillity of the snowy wilderness.
Wake to your winter wonderland and savour a hearty breakfast before transferring to nearby Lulea (LLA) for your short flight to Stockholm (ARN). Get to know Sweden’s capital during a guided stroll through Gamla Stan, the historic city centre and one of the 14 islands that make up the picturesque archipelago over which the city sprawls. Wander cobbled streets and peek into quaint shopfronts and colourful galleries, stopping at the magnificent Royal Palace.
This evening, make the most of your opulent accommodation with a waterfront stay at the five-star Grand Hôtel.
Morning in Stockholm brings a chance to uncover the city’s many treasures. With the guidance of a local expert, discover the fascinating maritime history within the Vasa Museum and the shimmering gold grandeur of Stockholm City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony takes place.
This afternoon, explore Stockholm at your own pace, whether you choose to bop through the expansive archives at ABBA The Museum, or follow your nose to one of Stockholm’s countless bakeries which beckon with the sweet complexity of cinnamon, cardamom and saffron.
Rejoin your fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner tonight, reminiscing on your Lapland journey and aurora-hunting adventures.
Reflect on your unforgettable experience in the winter wilds over one last breakfast. Wish ‘tusen takk’ to Sweden as you transfer to the airport (ARN) where your Scandi escape comes to a close.