Essence of the Nordics

Day 1: Helsinki

Welcome to Finland. Upon arrival in the vibrant southern capital of Helsinki, check in to your hotel and settle in.

The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. A visit to Senate Square is highly recommended, where four distinctive buildings designed by renowned architect Carl Ludvig Engel stand side by side, each serving a very different purpose. Admire Helsinki Cathedral, one of Finland’s most photographed landmarks; the Government Palace, home to Finnish politics; the historic University of Helsinki, the country’s oldest educational institution; and the National Library of Finland, custodian of the nation’s cultural heritage.

Continue to the bustling harbourside Market Square, a traditional food market with an international atmosphere. Pause to enjoy a hot coffee and a sweet Finnish treat before visiting the striking Eastern Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, believed to be the largest church of its kind in Northern and Western Europe.

Day 2: Helsinki

After breakfast, discover Finland’s capital on a private sightseeing tour of Helsinki. Accompanied by your expert guide, gain a fascinating insight into Finland’s culture, history and traditions as you explore the city’s elegant streets and landmark attractions.

Visit the grand Senate Square, the striking Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral and the bustling Market Square by the harbour. Continue to the Olympic Stadium, where athletes from around the world competed against the backdrop of the Cold War during the 1952 Olympic Games, before passing the Helsinki Parliament House with its distinctive Corinthian columns and the innovative Finlandia Hall, renowned for hosting international concerts and exhibitions.

As your tour draws to a close, admire the captivating Sibelius Monument, created in honour of Finland’s celebrated composer from more than 600 steel pipes, and visit the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, an architectural masterpiece carved directly into solid rock.

Day 3: Helsinki – Rovaniemi up to here

The Finnish wilderness beckons as you board the Express train to Rovaniemi. Travelling north through forests, lakes and picturesque countryside, enjoy the changing scenery on your journey to the capital of Finnish Lapland. Upon arrival in Rovaniemi, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in.

The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, so this evening is yours to explore at leisure and discover the perfect spot for dinner. Santa Claus Village offers several charming and quirky dining options well worth considering. 

Day 4: Rovaniemi 

Today, discover the enchanting capital of Finnish Lapland, a destination that feels magical in every season. A visit to Santa Claus Village is a highlight, where you can meet Santa himself and cross the iconic Arctic Circle.

Rovaniemi’s landscapes transform dramatically throughout the year, from sparkling clear spring days and the endless light of summer to the fiery colours of autumn. In winter, the region becomes a snow-covered playground, offering activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, ice surfing and even ice golf. You may also wish to visit Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park, home to Arctic animals including reindeer and polar bears.

Day 5: Rovaniemi – Saariselkä 

Following breakfast, transfer to Saariselkä, located in the Sámi homeland of Finnish Lapland near Urho Kekkonen National Park. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the pristine natural surroundings and explore the village at your leisure.

While the Northern Lights are among Saariselkä’s greatest attractions, there is plenty to experience on the ground as well. Optional activities include husky and reindeer safaris, bird feeding at the Aurora Hut, a journey into Lapland’s gold rush history at the Tankavaara Gold Prospector Museum and Finland’s longest toboggan run.

The breathtaking beauty of this unique region is showcased in Urho Kekkonen National Park, which stretches all the way to the Russian border. This evening, settle into your own Aurora Cabin, where you can relax beneath the Arctic sky in comfort.

Day 6: Saariselkä – Kirkenes 

Take an early morning transfer via Inari as you cross the border into Norway and continue to the small Arctic town of Kirkenes. Located close to the Russian frontier, Kirkenes is considered one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.

Tonight, enjoy a unique stay at the Snowhotel Kirkenes in one of its distinctive Gamme cabins. Inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing huts of the Sámi people, these cosy lodgings offer an authentic taste of Arctic life in the heart of the Lapland wilderness.

Day 7: Kirkenes 

This morning, prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the water. Accompanied by an experienced local fisherman, set out on a thrilling King Crab Safari aboard a RIB boat as you cruise across the fjords and into the Barents Sea in search of the perfect fishing grounds.

Learn the traditional techniques used to catch, prepare and, most importantly, enjoy this highly prized Arctic delicacy. Afterwards, return to shore where your fresh catch will be served Norwegian-style in a rustic restaurant overlooking the fjord, a truly authentic Arctic dining experience.

Day 8: Kirkenes - Berlevåg

This morning, continue cruising along Norway’s spectacular coastline en route to the small port of Båtsfjord before arriving in the fishing village of Berlevåg later in the day. From this remote vantage point on the edge of the Arctic wilderness, you may catch sight of Mount Tanahorn rising to the west or see the Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop the cliffs overlooking the Barents Sea.

Day 9: Mehamn – Hammerfest – Tromsø 

Sail past spectacular Arctic scenery en route to Hammerfest, considered the world’s northernmost town, before continuing south to the fishing port of Øksfjord, where icy landscapes meet the sea.

From here, journey onwards to the historic Arctic exploration hub of Tromsø, widely known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” and one of Norway’s premier locations for viewing the Northern Lights. While in Tromsø, the renowned Polaria Polar Museum offers fascinating insight into Arctic exploration, wildlife and life in the far north through the centuries.

Day 10: Tromsø – Stamsund

Stop in Harstad before sailing through the Vesterålen archipelago and the dramatic peaks of the Lofoten Islands. This rugged chain of islands is renowned for its Northern Lights displays, breathtaking mountain scenery and charming fishing villages. Keep watch for whales as well, with the waters around Vesterålen offering year-round opportunities for sightings.

Continue onwards to Svolvær and Stamsund, a picturesque fishing village surrounded by spectacular scenery and steeped in fascinating Viking history.

Day 11: Bodø – Rørvik 

Early this morning, sail past Bodø, a vibrant coastal town that combines an adventurous outdoor spirit with modern urban charm, creating an atmosphere unique to the region. During winter, the Northern Lights are often visible here, and the area is also home to the world’s strongest tidal current.

After departing Bodø, you’ll soon cross the Arctic Circle before arriving at Sandnessjøen, a picturesque town set amid the stunning landscapes of the Helgeland Coast.

Later, cruise past the iconic Torghatten mountain, a towering granite rock pierced by a remarkable natural hole. According to local legend, the opening was created by an arrow fired by a mythical horseman.

Day 12: Trondheim – Kristiansund – Molde

This morning, take time to explore Trondheim, a historic city renowned for its handsome civic architecture and rich cultural heritage. Trondheim is also celebrated for its exceptional culinary scene, including two Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, one of Norway’s most treasured landmarks.

Afterwards, continue south to Kristiansund and Molde, a charming coastal town known for its traditional, white-painted wooden houses and beautiful fjordside setting.

Day 13: Ålesund – Bergen 

Disembark in Bergen and spend the remainder of the afternoon discovering this historic former Hanseatic trading port.

Explore the bustling fish market, admire the rustic Hanseatic warehouses, visit the cathedral and wander past the city’s charming wooden houses. Discover the historic harbour district of Bryggen, home to some of Bergen’s finest seafood restaurants, where narrow wooden alleyways offer a glimpse into life in centuries past. For spectacular panoramic views across Bergen and the surrounding fjords, take a ride on the funicular to the summit of Mount Fløyen.

Day 14: Bergen 

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Included in your itinerary is a return journey on the Fløibanen funicular railway, offering spectacular panoramic views across Bergen, its surrounding mountains and the nearby fjords.

Day 15: Bergen 

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bergen as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As your Nordic adventure comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Lapland’s Arctic wilderness and Norway’s spectacular coastline.