This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
These tours allow you to experience the destination with a comfortable sized group. You will travel with between a maximum of 26-30 other guests depending on your selected tour. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as a wide range of included sightseeing, comfortable accommodation and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Add Return International airfares from only $799 per person
✓ Comfortable size group tour, up to 30 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including a Husky Safari, King Crab safari and snowmobile sledding
✓ 6 nights in comfortable 3-4-star accommodation
✓ 1 night on board the Santa Claus Express train to Kemi in a twin cabin
✓ Breakfast daily, 3 lunch, 2 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Helsinki, one of the northernmost capitals in the world.
Helsinki, the captivating capital situated among the northernmost capitals worldwide. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Helsinki, built on a peninsula encompassed by approximately 330 islands, bears a distinctive charm influenced by its abundant water presence.
Immerse yourself in the delights of Helsinki during the enchanting summer season. The Midnight Sun grants you the opportunity to relish the city's beauty and partake in cultural festivities. Moreover, the Christmas period bestows a heartwarming ambiance. As the snow blankets the streets of Helsinki, the city becomes a magical spectacle adorned with illuminations, casting a spell on all who brave the chilly weather.
Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel to start your day.
Embark on a guided tour of the Finnish capital, where you will witness the grandeur of Senate Square, known as Senaatintori. This magnificent architectural ensemble, reminiscent of the empire style, served as a filming location for scenes from the iconic movie "Doctor Zhivago."
Proceed to Kauppatori, a charming market square nestled on the port's edge. Here, you will encounter a vibrant atmosphere with abundant displays of flowers, fruits, and bustling merchants. Helsinki boasts a wealth of architectural treasures, including the 19th-century Tuomio Kirkko Cathedral, boasting an imposing copper dome. It is a venue that regularly hosts captivating concerts. Lastly, you will pass by the majestic Uspenskiin Katedraali Orthodox Cathedral, standing tall with its neo-Byzantine style and striking red brick façade on Katajaka Island.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch and savour a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.
As the early evening arrives, prepare to embark on an overnight train journey to Kemi.
Upon reaching Kemi, situated on the picturesque shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, enjoy a delightful breakfast at a hotel restaurant.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure amidst the icy waters of the Gulf. Witness the captivating spectacle as the mighty icebreaker confronts the formidable layer of sea ice. Take a leisurely stroll on the vast frozen expanse that lies before you, while enjoying the comfort and safety provided by the icebreaker. Prepare to immerse yourself in an exceptional experience, donning a survival suit and taking a plunge into the icy waters or disembarking from the boat to walk upon the frozen surface.
Next, venture to the SnowExperience365, an enchanting snowy wonderland accessible throughout the year. Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures, glide down the ice slide, and dine in the unique restaurant where the tables are entirely crafted from ice.
Continue your journey towards Rovaniemi, where you will be greeted by its charming ambiance upon arrival. Check-in at your hotel and prepare to embrace the enchantment of this captivating destination.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Ranua. Your first stop will be at a sled dog farm, where you will gain insights into these remarkable Arctic athletes. Embark on a mini-safari (3 km) alongside a knowledgeable musher and experience the thrill of gliding through the wintry landscape. Capture memorable photographs of the dogs and engage with the musher, who will gladly answer any questions about their fascinating work.
Next, immerse yourself in the wonders of the northernmost zoo in the world. Take a rejuvenating stroll at your own pace through the open-air sanctuary, surrounded by the untouched wilderness. Marvel at the authentic Arctic wildlife, including majestic moose, graceful reindeer, elusive wolverines, charming arctic foxes, and most notably, the impressive polar bears. This visit offers a unique opportunity to learn about animals that evolve in countries with extreme conditions.
For those with a penchant for gourmet delights, enjoy some leisure time to explore the renowned store of Finnish Fazer chocolates.
Optional Tour: Northern Lights Evening - Marvel at the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, on this nighttime picnic in the Lapland wilderness. Set off into the frozen tundra after nightfall with your guide and group of fellow adventurous travellers. Take advantage of Finland's geographical location, open sky and absence of light pollution, allowing you to see the Northern Lights in all their luminescence. Eat a traditional Lappish picnic, including hot beverages, as you relax and enjoy the ambiance.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a guided visit to Napapiiri. Explore a traditional reindeer farm nestled close to these majestic animals. This immersive experience grants you the unique opportunity to get up close with the reindeer and even try your hand at driving a reindeer team during an exhilarating mini-safari.
Indulge in a delightful lunch at the farm, savouring local flavours and traditional dishes.
In the early afternoon, venture further north beyond the Arctic Circle towards Inari. As you arrive, settle into your hotel and make yourself comfortable.
Enjoy a free evening to wander and discover the charming village of Inari. The landscapes of the far north, with their sprawling national parks, shimmering lakes, and majestic mountains, offer a plethora of opportunities to explore in all seasons. During the winter months, be enchanted as the Northern Lights grace the sky, captivating spectators for up to 200 nights a year.
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to the captivating town of Kirkenes. Situated in the far northeast of Norway, near the Russian border, Kirkenes proudly holds the title of the capital of the Barents region.
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in an unforgettable King Crab Excursion in the Barents Sea, lasting approximately 3 hours. Gain fascinating insights into the taming of the king crab and its remarkable expansion in the Barents Sea. Equipped with warm gear, you will be whisked away on a sled pulled by a snowmobile, traversing the frozen Langfjord. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will partake in the exhilarating experience of hauling giant crabs from their traps. Your guide will share intriguing information about these creatures as you witness firsthand how they are prepared. You will even have the opportunity to hold them and capture memorable photographs.
Following the fishing adventure, the excursion continues to a restaurant near the fjord, where you will indulge in a delectable feast of giant crab, served in traditional Norwegian style. The experience includes the provision of survival suits, refreshing drinks, and the opportunity for unlimited king crab tasting.
Optional Tour: Visit the renowned Kirkenes Ice Hotel, a must-see attraction in Kirkenes. This remarkable hotel is constructed entirely of snow and ice each year, welcoming guests from December to April. Venture inside, where the interior temperature of the hotel remains at a chilly -4°C, and marvel at the exquisite icy surroundings.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Inari, immersing yourself in the charm of this quaint village, which holds great significance as a centre of the Sami community. Take the opportunity to explore the village and discover its cultural treasures, including the parliament and the cultural centre.
A must-visit attraction is the remarkable Siida Museum, where you can delve into the rich history, vibrant life, and captivating culture of the Sami people. Immerse yourself in the exhibits that showcase the unique heritage and traditions of this indigenous community.
Later, transfer to Ivalo airport for your return flight to Helsinki, bidding farewell to the enchanting village of Inari.
For dinner, you have the freedom to make your own arrangements and choose from the various dining options available.
Today your Arctic experience comes to an end. You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
|
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
|
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $759.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
20-30 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Finland.
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