Norway Winter Wonderland

Day 1 – Helsinki

Hotel: Scandic Helsinki Station Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland's vibrant capital and the starting point of your unforgettable Scandinavian adventure.

Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Discover Helsinki's beautiful architecture, charming streets and lively waterfront, or simply relax after your journey.

This evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at 7pm.

Day 2 – Helsinki → Santa Claus Express

Accommodation: Santa Claus Express Sleeper Train Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Helsinki, affectionately known as the Daughter of the Baltic Sea.

Discover the city's fascinating history, culture and architectural treasures, including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument.

Visit the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, famously carved directly into solid granite and celebrated for its magnificent copper dome and extraordinary acoustics.

This afternoon, board the legendary Santa Claus Express for an unforgettable overnight rail journey into Finnish Lapland.

Travel through Finland's beautiful northern landscapes towards the Arctic Circle and the magical home of Santa Claus.

Inspiring Highlights: Helsinki guided city tour, Temppeliaukio Church, Santa Claus Express overnight train.

Itinerary Amendment – 11 January to 31 May 2027

Temppeliaukio Church will be closed for renovations during this period. Affected departures will enjoy additional time exploring Helsinki's other attractions.

Day 3 – Kemi → Rovaniemi

Hotel: Arctic City Hotel Rovaniemi Meals: Breakfast

Arrive in Kemi this morning and enjoy breakfast at Seaview Restaurant Lumihiutale, overlooking the beautiful Arctic landscape.

Continue to Ajos Pier on the frozen Bothnian Bay for an extraordinary icebreaker cruise.

Board a genuine Arctic icebreaker and experience the remarkable power of this specialised vessel as it navigates through thick sheets of sea ice.

For an unforgettable adventure, enjoy the opportunity to float among the ice in a full-body waterproof survival suit.

After returning to shore, enjoy lunch at leisure before visiting SnowExperience365, a fascinating attraction featuring intricate snow and ice sculptures, an ice bar and an ice restaurant.

Later, continue north to Rovaniemi, officially recognised as the home of Santa Claus.

Inspiring Highlights: Arctic icebreaker cruise, SnowExperience365.

Itinerary Amendment – October to November Departures

As the Bothnian Bay has insufficient ice during autumn, the icebreaker experience will be replaced with a guided tour of the docked vessel and an Arctic floating experience.

Day 4 – Rovaniemi

Hotel: Arctic City Hotel Rovaniemi Meals: Breakfast

Experience the magic of Christmas with a visit to the enchanting Santa Claus Village, situated on the Arctic Circle.

Explore this festive wonderland, where Christmas celebrations continue throughout the year.

Meet Santa's reindeer, browse charming souvenir shops and discover the magical attractions of Snowman World.

Visit Santa's official post office, where you can send postcards featuring the exclusive Arctic Circle postmark.

No visit would be complete without meeting Santa Claus himself, creating a wonderful memory of your Arctic adventure.

Inspiring Highlights: Santa Claus Village.

Optional Tour – Snowmobile Safari (December to March Only)

Discover the spectacular winter wilderness of Lapland on an exhilarating snowmobile safari.

Travel along frozen rivers and through snow-covered forests, admiring beautiful Arctic scenery before stopping for a warming hot beverage.

Start: 2:30pm Finish: 4:30pm Meeting Point: Lapland Safari Office, Rovaniemi Includes: Thermal clothing, helmet, English-speaking guidance, fuel, traffic insurance and hot beverage.

Day 5 – Rovaniemi → Sodankylä → Saariselkä

Hotel: Northern Lights Village Levi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, journey further north through the spectacular landscapes of Finnish Lapland.

Stop in Sodankylä for an outdoor visit to its historic old church before continuing to a traditional husky farm.

Meet the enthusiastic huskies and learn about these remarkable Arctic animals before embarking on an exciting husky safari.

Following your adventure, warm up beside an open fire with hot berry juice while learning about life at the farm from an experienced musher.

Continue towards Saariselkä for one of the most memorable experiences of your journey.

Tonight, stay in a beautiful glass-roofed Aurora cabin, specially designed for viewing the Arctic night sky.

Relax in the warmth and comfort of your accommodation while gazing towards the stars, with the possibility of witnessing the magical Northern Lights dancing overhead.

Inspiring Highlights: Sodankylä, husky farm visit and safari, overnight glass igloo experience.

Accommodation Note: Selected departures may stay at Northern Lights Village Pyhä or Aurora Village in Ivalo.

Day 6 – Saariselkä → Inari → Karasjok

Hotel: Scandic Karasjok Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue your Arctic adventure north through the magnificent landscapes of Finnish Lapland.

Stop in Inari to visit the fascinating SIIDA Museum, dedicated to the history, traditions and cultural heritage of the Indigenous Sámi people.

Discover the remarkable relationship between the Sámi communities and their Arctic environment through engaging exhibitions and cultural displays.

Later, cross the border into Norway, travelling through spectacular northern scenery towards Karasjok.

Arrive at your hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Inspiring Highlights: SIIDA Museum.

Day 7 – Karasjok → North Cape → Honningsvåg

Hotel: Scandic Bryggen – Honningsvåg Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Karasjok early this morning and journey towards the spectacular North Cape, one of Europe's most iconic Arctic destinations.

Travel through dramatic northern landscapes before arriving at this magnificent headland overlooking the Arctic Ocean.

Stand atop towering cliffs and admire breathtaking panoramic views across the vast ocean.

Celebrate reaching this remarkable destination with a glass of sparkling wine before exploring the North Cape Hall visitor centre and surrounding scenery.

Later, continue to Honningsvåg, a charming fishing village renowned for its colourful waterfront and traditional Norwegian atmosphere.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the harbour or discovering the town's local attractions.

Inspiring Highlights: North Cape Hall, Honningsvåg.

Day 8 – Honningsvåg → Alta

Hotel: Scandic Alta Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, farewell the North Cape region and journey south along Norway's spectacular Arctic coastline towards Alta.

Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel through rugged northern landscapes.

Upon arrival, enjoy some free time before visiting the fascinating Alta Museum and its UNESCO World Heritage Rock Art Centre.

Discover remarkable prehistoric rock carvings that offer insight into the lives, traditions and beliefs of ancient Arctic communities.

This evening, embark on an exciting Northern Lights hunt, travelling through the surrounding countryside in search of the extraordinary Aurora Borealis.

With favourable conditions, witness the magical colours of the Northern Lights illuminating the Arctic night sky.

Inspiring Highlights: Alta Museum, Northern Lights hunt.

Day 9 – Alta → Lyngen Alps → Tromsø

Hotel: Radisson Blu Tromsø Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Alta and travel south towards Tromsø, one of Northern Norway's most vibrant destinations.

Journey through the magnificent Lyngen Alps, a dramatic mountain range surrounded by spectacular fjords and breathtaking Arctic scenery.

Admire towering mountain peaks, picturesque valleys and pristine landscapes as you travel towards the coast.

Arrive in Tromsø, affectionately known as the Gateway to the Arctic.

Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring this lively northern city, famous for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent restaurants and fascinating polar heritage.

Inspiring Highlights: Lyngen Alps, Tromsø.

Optional Tour – Polar Northern Lights Chase

Join experienced local guides for an unforgettable small-group Northern Lights adventure.

Travel into the Arctic wilderness, exploring beautiful mountains, fjords and valleys in search of clear skies and the spectacular Aurora Borealis.

Enjoy warming drinks and snacks while your guides capture photographs of your experience.

Start: 6pm or 7:30pm Duration: Approximately 5–7 hours Includes: Local guide, transport, hot beverages, snacks, water and insulated clothing.

Day 10 – Tromsø

Hotel: Radisson Blu Tromsø Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure discovering Tromsø and its spectacular Arctic surroundings.

Explore the fascinating Polar Museum, learn about Sámi culture at the Tromsø Museum or admire the striking architecture of the Arctic Cathedral.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider riding the Fjellheisen cable car above the city, overlooking the surrounding fjords, mountains and colourful waterfront.

Alternatively, spend the day browsing charming shops, enjoying local cafés or exploring Tromsø's lively harbour.

A selection of optional Arctic experiences is also available.

Optional Tour – Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner (December to March Only)

Experience an unforgettable evening with local Sámi guides at a traditional reindeer camp.

Feed a herd of approximately 300 reindeer, enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride and discover the fascinating traditions of Sámi reindeer herding.

Share a delicious three-course dinner featuring traditional regional cuisine before gathering around the fire to hear Sámi stories and traditional joik singing.

With favourable conditions, you may even witness the Northern Lights above the camp.

Start: 5:45pm Finish: 10:30pm Includes: Transport, reindeer feeding, sleigh ride, hot beverages, three-course dinner and Sámi cultural experience.

Optional Tour – All-inclusive Fjord & Fishing Cruise

Discover the breathtaking fjords surrounding Tromsø aboard the charming classic vessel Capella.

Cruise through magnificent Arctic scenery, admire towering mountains and search for local wildlife, including seabirds and sea eagles.

Try traditional deep-sea fishing while learning about Norway's maritime heritage, before enjoying regional seafood and refreshments onboard.

Start: 9:45am Duration: Approximately 5 hours Includes: Guide, fishing equipment, insulated clothing, fish soup, snacks and refreshments.

Optional Tour – Aurora Dinner Cruise

Experience the beauty of Tromsø's Arctic waterways aboard a modern hybrid catamaran.

Glide past snow-covered mountains and famous landmarks while enjoying a delicious three-course Arctic tapas dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Relax in comfortable heated lounges or step onto the outdoor decks to admire the spectacular scenery.

With favourable conditions, you may be treated to a magical display of the Northern Lights.

Start: 6:45pm Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours Includes: Hybrid catamaran cruise, English-speaking guides, Wi-Fi and three-course dinner.

Please Note: The Night Reindeer Sledding experience and Aurora Dinner Cruise cannot both be booked on Day 10.

Day 11 – Tromsø → Sortland

Hotel: Scandic Sortland Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, farewell Tromsø and continue your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Norway.

Travel towards Sortland, a picturesque coastal town situated within the magnificent Vesterålen archipelago.

Known as the Blue City, Sortland is famous for the distinctive blue-painted buildings scattered throughout its charming streets.

Admire dramatic fjords, rugged mountains and spectacular Arctic scenery along the way, with opportunities to spot seabirds, reindeer and other local wildlife.

Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure exploring this peaceful coastal destination.

Day 12 – Sortland → Lofoten Islands → Svolvær

Hotel: Thon Hotel Lofoten – Svolvær Meals: Breakfast

Today, journey towards the magnificent Lofoten Islands, renowned for their dramatic mountain peaks, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Travel through beautiful Arctic landscapes towards Svolvær, a charming harbour town surrounded by towering mountains and traditional red wooden houses.

Along the way, stop in Stokmarknes to visit the fascinating Norwegian Coastal Express Museum, dedicated to the history of Norway's famous Hurtigruten coastal voyages.

Step aboard the historic MS Finnmarken, dating from 1956, and explore its beautifully restored interiors while discovering the importance of coastal shipping to Norway's remote communities.

Continue towards Svolvær, including a scenic ferry crossing through the spectacular waterways of the Lofoten archipelago.

Upon arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at leisure.

Inspiring Highlights: Norwegian Coastal Express Museum, Svolvær.

Day 13 – Svolvær

Hotel: Thon Hotel Lofoten – Svolvær Meals: Breakfast

Spend today discovering the extraordinary natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands, one of Norway's most spectacular regions.

Explore dramatic coastal landscapes characterised by towering mountains, crystal-clear waters and traditional fishing villages.

Visit the picturesque village of Henningsvær, beautifully situated across a collection of small islands beneath the impressive Vågakallen mountain.

Wander through its charming streets, admiring colourful wooden houses, traditional fishing architecture and contemporary art galleries.

Enjoy the remarkable scenery and authentic coastal atmosphere that make Henningsvær one of the Lofoten Islands' most beloved destinations.

Inspiring Highlights: Henningsvær.

Day 14 – Svolvær → Evenes → Oslo

Hotel: Scandic St. Olavs Plass Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, farewell the magnificent Lofoten Islands and travel by coach towards Evenes Airport.

Board your included domestic flight to Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital.

Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Discover Oslo's beautiful green spaces, fascinating cultural attractions and lively waterfront.

Perhaps explore the city's excellent museums, stroll through its pedestrian-friendly streets or enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants.

Day 15 – Oslo

Hotel: Scandic St. Olavs Plass Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Oslo, discovering the city's fascinating history, elegant architecture and celebrated landmarks.

Admire the Norwegian Parliament building, the historic National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of Norway's monarch.

Continue to the impressive Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 14th century, where you'll admire its historic exterior and learn about its importance in Norwegian history.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, with time to explore Oslo's museums, galleries, charming neighbourhoods and beautiful waterfront.

This evening, join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable experiences shared throughout your Scandinavian adventure.

Inspiring Highlights: Oslo guided city tour.

Day 16 – Oslo

Your unforgettable 16-day journey through Finland and Norway comes to an end.

From Helsinki's elegant architecture and the magical Santa Claus Express to thrilling Arctic adventures, glass-roofed Aurora cabins, the spectacular North Cape and the breathtaking Lofoten Islands, your journey has showcased the extraordinary beauty of Northern Scandinavia.

After breakfast, make your own way to the airport or continue your onward travels, taking with you wonderful memories of magnificent Arctic landscapes, fascinating cultural traditions and the possibility of witnessing the magical Northern Lights.

Itinerary is subject to change.