Snow, Santa Claus and the fascinating culture of the Sámi people await on this arctic adventure in pursuit of the Northern Lights that dance across the dark winter skies of Finland and Sweden.
Locations Visited
Saariselkä, Rovaniemi, Stockholm, Helsinki, Ivalo, Gammelstad, Luleå, Kiruna
Countries Visited
Finland, Sweden
Travel Style
Regional Explorer
Accommodations
8
nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
COLLAPSE ALLEXPAND ALL
Day 1
Welcome to Helsinki
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.
Accommodation
Clarion Hotel Mestari
Meals
Dinner
Highlights
Helsinki City Tour
Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbour city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbour of this fascinating city of design.
Day 2
Journey to Saariselkä
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.
Accommodation
Santa's Hotel Tunturi Saariselkä
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Discover Local Traditions at the Siida Sámi Museum
Learn about the Sámi peoples' traditions, culture and history at the Siida Sámi Museum in northern Finland.
Day 3
Discover the Arctic
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.
Accommodation
Santa's Hotel Tunturi Saariselkä
Meals
Breakfast
Day 4
Off to Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi
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.
Accommodation
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Discover the hometown of Santa Claus
Visit Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, and meet its famous resident.
Rovaniemi Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Ride an authentic Sámi reindeer-drawn sleigh, the traditional means of transport in snowy northern Finland.
Day 5
Venture to Luleå in Swedish Lapland
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.
Accommodation
Scandic Luleå
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Visit Gammelstad
Visit the immaculately-preseved historic trading settlement of Gammelstad. Gain insight into the customs and development of this region as you view the wooden cottages and central stone church.
Day 6
Onwards to Kiruna
Venture north to Kiruna, a unique town in the far north of Sweden, is renowned for its breathtaking Arctic landscapes, the mesmerising 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.
Accommodation
Scandic Kiruna
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Enjoy a Meal in a Lavvu (Tepee) with a Sami Reindeer Herder
Join a Sami reindeer herder family in their homestead for a traditional meal in their lavvu (tepee) with insights into the way of life of a reindeer herder, their traditions and history.
Day 7
Kiruna Your Way
Today you have a free day to get acquainted with this Swedish mining centre, 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.
Accommodation
Scandic Kiruna
Meals
Breakfast
Day 8
Enjoy Stunning Stockholm
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.
Accommodation
Clarion Hotel Stockholm
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Stockholm City Tour
With your Local Specialist, visit the Stockholm City Hall and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with your fellow travelling companions.
Day 9
Farewell Stockholm
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.
{
"url": [
"http://content1.travcorpservices.com/media/12804/boats-port-helsinki-finland.jpg"
],
"alt": "Helsinki City Tour"
}
{
"url": [
"http://content1.travcorpservices.com/media/17615/learn-about-sámi-people-traditions-culture-history-siida-sámi-museum-inari-finland.jpg"
],
"alt": "Discover Local Traditions at the Siida Sámi Museum"
}
{
"url": [
"http://content1.travcorpservices.com/media/17618/visit-santa-claus-home-meet-santa-claus-rovaniemi-finland.jpg"
],
"alt": "Discover the hometown of Santa Claus"
}
{
"url": [
"http://content1.travcorpservices.com/media/16574/meal-with-sami-reindeer-herder-lavvu-kiruna-sweden.jpg"
],
"alt": "Enjoy a Meal in a Lavvu (Tepee) with a Sami Reindeer Herder "
}
{
"url": [
"http://content1.travcorpservices.com/media/12808/view-stockholm-sweden.jpg"
],
"alt": "Stockholm City Tour"
}
Highlights
Must-see Highlights
Explore Helsinki, Gammelstad and Stockholm
Visit Saariselkä, Siida Sámi Museum, Rovaniemi, Luleå, Ájtte Museum, Kiruna and Stockholm City Hall
View the Northern Lights (weather permitting)
See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Riddarholmen Church and the Royal Palace in Stockholm
What's Included
Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Flight
Flight from Helsinki to Ivalo
Flight from Kiruna to Stockholm
Optionals
Optional Experiences and free time
Get an Easy Quote
Get an Easy Quote
Thank You!
Sorry an error has occurred.
Your quote request has been sent and our Costco Travel Experts will email you within 24 hours for guided tours and up to 72 hours for Uniworld.
Sorry an error has occurred, please try again later or call our contact centre.
Results:
loading...
Definite Departures Only
Special Offers
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request
Start Date
End Date
Deals
Departure
Status
Price with
current deals
Get
Easy Quote
Tour Version Selected
You have successfully selected a different version of this tour
Terms & Conditions
Trip Notes
A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.
Terms & Conditions
Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login.
For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime' itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from the UK; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking.
All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the enclosed content. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Conditions apply. Policies are subject to change at any time.