Scandinavian Northern Lights

Helsinki kick-starts your hunt for the mystical Northern Lights. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. There's time to freshen up before joining your Local Specialist for a city sightseeing tour and Welcome Reception.

Today our flight takes us north from Helsinki, across the Arctic Circle to Ivalo. Learn about the indigenous Sámi people and the story of life and survival in the demanding northern climate. Later, a short drive brings us to the enchanting snowy escape of Saariselkä, our home for the next two nights. Delve into the centuries-old traditions and heritage of the Sámi people during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a visit the Siida Sámi Museum.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the picturesque Arctic village of Saariselkä. For those looking for adventure, consider joining an Optional Experience to go snowshoeing along the scenic Aurora Path, and later opt in to feel the thrill of a snowmobiling excursion across the frozen Ivalo River. As night falls, don’t miss the chance to participate in another Optional Experience—a magical Northern Lights hunt.

Visit Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Celebrate the magic of Christmas when you Dive Into Culture and share yuletide greetings with Santa at his post office. Dive Into Culture once again as we visit a reindeer farm to meet Santa’s sleigh-pullers.

Bid farewell to Finland, bound for Sweden. Your first stop is in the church village of Gammelstad, UNESCO-listed for its 424 wooden houses built around an early 15th-century stone church. Continue to Luleå, the largest city in Swedish Lapland.

Venture north to Kiruna, a unique town in the far north of Sweden, is renowned for its breathtaking Arctic landscapes, the mesmerizing northern lights, and its rich history tied to one of the world’s largest and oldest iron ore mines, which has fuelled the town’s growth and is now driving a remarkable project to relocate the entire town to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Today you have a free day to get acquainted with this Swedish mining center, which is in the process of being relocated a few miles from its original location due to the growing size of the iron mine beneath its surface. Perhaps join a unique Optional Experience, navigating the snowy landscape on a husky safari, holding on tight as the eager dogs race across the white landscape. This exhilarating encounter with one of the most special canine breeds in the world is an experience you'll never forget. Tonight, be sure to take the last chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Enjoy a morning at leisure before leaving the Arctic behind to fly to Stockholm. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city locals refer to as 'beauty on the water', including a walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Tonight, your journey in search of the Northern Lights comes to an end with a memorable dinner.

As our journey in the snowy Arctic lands of reindeer and Father Christmas comes to an end, the memories of ancient Sámi culture and Nordic traditions in our hearts, we bid a fond farewell to newfound friends.