9 Day Scandinavian Tour of Finland and Sweden

Day 1 | Welcome to Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki! This lively hub for creativity and design is the perfect start to your northern adventure and your search for the mystical Northern Lights. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. There's time to freshen up and enjoy the Finnish sauna or rooftop pool before joining your Local Specialist for a city sightseeing tour. Later, a Welcome Reception will set the tone for your epic Scandinavian adventure.

Meals: Welcome Reception

Hotel: Holiday Inn City Centre

Day 2 | Journey to Saariselkä

Today our flight takes us north from Helsinki, across the Arctic Circle to Ivalo. On arrival, we delve into the centuries-old traditions and heritage of the Sámi people on our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Siida Sámi Museum on the shores of Lake Inari. Explore the museum’s collections showcasing the spirit and history of Sámi culture over the centuries, as well as the evolution of the Sámi languages, Northern Lapland’s unique natural environment and how this community has survived and indeed thrived in the Arctic's extremes. Later, a short drive brings us to the enchanting snowy escape of Saariselkä, our home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Santa's Tunturi

Day 3 | Discover the Arctic

Today is your chance to try your hand at some winter activities. Perhaps ride a snowmobile, try snow shoeing, or build yourself a snowman. This evening, you'll want to join an Optional Experience to go out 'hunting' for the Northern Lights with an expert Local Specialist, who will explain this extraordinary phenomenon and maximise your chance of a sighting.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Santa's Tunturi

Day 4 | Off to Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi

Travel south to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you'll discover the magic of Christmas and Dive Into Culture at Santa’s official post office. Send a letter to your loved ones or snap a selfie at the edge of the Arctic Circle before continuing on to visit Rudolph and his friends. Dive Into Culture once more as we visit the home of Santa’s sleigh-pullers. Be sure to bundle up for this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible Arctic creatures. The perfect finale to this amazing day comes when we check in to tonight’s iconic Stays With Stories hotel. Spend the night gazing upwards through your Aurora Cabin’s perfectly positioned glass roof in search of the Northern Lights, all while staying warm and cosy in the middle of the Arctic wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Apukka Resort Aurora Cabins

Day 5 | Venture to Luleå in Swedish Lapland

Bid farewell to Finland, bound for Sweden. Today you will visit the unique church village of Gammelstad, UNESCOlisted for its 424 wooden houses built around an early 15 -century stone church, providing visitors with a view of what such a village would have looked like in northern Scandinavia several centuries ago. Continue to Luleå, the largest city in Swedish Lapland. Tonight perhaps join an Optional Experience to enjoy a dinner of locally-sourced Nordic specialties in a stunning lakeside lodge.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Elite Stadshotellet

Day 6 | Onwards to Kiruna

This morning we venture north to Jokkmokk, an historic meeting place for the indigenous Sámi people for trade and festivals alike. Enjoy a guided tour through the fascinating Ájtte museum, learning the story of life and survival in the demanding northern climate. Continue on to Kiruna, the most northerly town in Sweden, where tonight we will Connect With Locals over a truly unique Be My Guest experience, joining members of a Sámi family for a traditional meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Scandic Kiruna

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. In the afternoon, you might choose to visit the incredible Icehotel on an Optional Experience to marvel at the ice sculptures and have a drink at the Ice Bar. Tonight, be sure to take the last chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in this extraordinary Arctic environment.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Scandic Kiruna

Day 8 | Enjoy Stunning Stockholm

This morning we depart the frozen north to fly to Stockholm, Sweden’s sophisticated capital. We join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the city locals refer to as 'beauty on the water', built on 14 islands where the lakes meet the sea. Tonight, your journey across Lapland in search of the mystical Northern Lights comes to an end with a walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and a memorable Farewell Dinner with new friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Clarion

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.

Meals: Breakfast