Nordic Winter Explorer
- Tour ID: HAM10
Tour Info:
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Seasons: Winter
- Travel Style: Independent, Multi Country, Northern Lights
- Countries: Finland, Lapland, Norway
- Available: December to March
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day adventure through the heart of the Arctic. From the vibrant city of Tromsø, nestled in the Northern Lights zone, to the serene wilderness of Kilpisjärvi and the magical home of Santa in Rovaniemi, this journey promises unforgettable moments and breathtaking landscapes. Conclude your trip with a relaxing night train to the elegant capital of Helsinki, offering a perfect blend of Arctic thrills and urban exploration.
With the opportunity to upgrade to an Aurora Glass Cabin in Kilpisjärvi, this holiday ticks off all the bucket list items.
Highlights:
- Tromsø great place for Northern Lights spotting
- Visit the wilderness of Kilpisjärvi
- Visit medieval Tallinn, Estonia
- Three country snowmobile safari
Price Includes:
Prices based on 4* hotels and twin/double share. Single supplement available on request
- Airport express bus in Tromsø
- 2 nights Tromsø inclusive of breakfast
- Fjord cruise with lunch
- Aurora Photo tour in Tromsø
- Bus Tromsø – Kilpisjåarvi
- 2 nights Kilpisjärvi inclusive of breakfast
- Three border snowmobile safari
- Bus Kilpisjärvi – Rovaniemi
- 2 nights Rovaniemi inclusive of breakfast and dinner
- Husky Safari
- Reindeer farm visit and safari
- Visit Arctic SnowHotel
- Overnight train in sleeper compartment with ensuite
- 2 nights Helsinki inclusive of breakfast
- Day trip to Tallinn, Estonia
Itinerary:
Arrive Tromsø Airport and take the express bus directly to the city centre. The rest of your day is free to discover this charming Arctic city at your own pace. Consider visiting the Polar Museum to delve into Arctic exploration, the Northern Light Planetarium for an immersive celestial experience, or the Tromsø Museum to learn about local culture and history. Located deep within the Northern Lights zone, Tromsø offers one of the world’s best opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.
This morning enjoy a fjord cruise with lunch.
Evening Aurora photo tour with guide.
After breakfast, depart by comfortable coach from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi, a true hidden gem where Finland, Norway, and Sweden converge. This remote village is surrounded by untouched tundra, offering serene landscapes and an authentic wilderness experience. Take a walk with snowshoes to explore the silent, snow-covered surroundings. With very little light pollution, Kilpisjärvi is an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Dinner is included this evening.
NOTE: Accommodation, dependent on availability, can be upgraded to Aurora Glass Cabin.
After breakfast, depart by comfortable coach from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi, a true hidden gem where Finland, Norway, and Sweden converge. This remote village is surrounded by untouched tundra, offering serene landscapes and an authentic wilderness experience. Take a walk with snowshoes to explore the silent, snow-covered surroundings. With very little light pollution, Kilpisjärvi is an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Dinner is included this evening.
NOTE: Accommodation, dependent on availability, can be upgraded to Aurora Glass Cabin.
Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of Kilpisjärvi. After breakfast, it’s time for an adrenaline rush – set off on a snowmobile tour to the unique border point where three countries meet – a truly special experience. Afternoon at leisure to explore at leisure, soaking up the profound silence and beauty of Lapland. Dinner is included tonight.
Continue this morning by coach through the stunning tundra of Finnish Lapland, passing through Levi and Kittilä on your way to Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus and a lively hub for all sorts of Arctic adventures. The rest of your day is free to settle in. After dinner (included), join a Northern Lights search by coach taking you to areas outside of Rovaniemi, away from light pollution.
Start your morning at Santa Claus Village, right on the Arctic Circle. You’ll have time to meet the jolly man himself, send postcards from his official post office, and even step across the famous Arctic Circle line. It’s a truly magical way to begin your day in Rovaniemi.
Next, feel the exhilaration of a husky safari! You’ll head to a local husky farm, meet these incredible dogs, and then experience the joy of a sled ride through the snowy forests. Feel the crisp air and the thrill of the ride as the huskies lead the way, followed by a chance to warm up and get to know your furry friends better.
Cap off your day with a visit to the spectacular Arctic SnowHotel. This unique hotel is built entirely from snow and ice each winter, offering an incredible sensory experience. Explore the intricate ice sculptures and sip a drink at the ice bar. It’s the perfect way to end your action-packed Arctic day.
Dinner is included this evening.
Your day begins with a serene reindeer safari, a quintessential Lapland experience. After a brief introduction to these gentle creatures, you’ll settle into a cozy sleigh for a peaceful ride through the snow-covered forests. Glide silently across the pristine landscape, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Arctic wilderness, a truly authentic way to connect with nature.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy Rovaniemi at your leisure, exploring its other fascinating attractions. You might choose to delve into the rich history and culture of the Arctic at the magnificent Arktikum Museum and Science Centre, offering insights into the Northern environment and the indigenous Sami people. Alternatively, take a stroll through the city centre, browsing local shops for unique Finnish designs.
Early this evening, depart by train for Helsinki. Settle into your private compartment, complete with en-suite shower and toilet, allowing you to relax and unwind as the train carries you smoothly from the quiet of Lapland towards the vibrant Finnish capital.
As arrival in Helsinki this morning, make your way to the hotel where your luggage can be stored until check in time. A great way to get to know the past and present of the city is with a guided sightseeing tour taking you past the any of Helsinki’s key landmarks – the grand Senate Square, the majestic Helsinki Cathedral and the creative Design District.
To round off your magical holiday, your exploring today is going to take you on day trip to Tallinn, Estonia. Just two hours by ferry ride from Helsinki, Tallinn is an absolute delight. Its Old City buildings and cobbled streets are charming and well worth exploring. The ferry itself is quite an experience, more like a cruise ship featuring shops, entertainment, and restaurants, making the journey part of the fun! You’ll return to Helsinki from your cross-Baltic adventure early in the evening.
Finally, time to say goodbye to Helsinki. Check out and make own way to the airport or request for a transfer to be arranged.
Map:
Important Info:
An itinerary and quotation will be prepared for your consideration. Once accepted, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
For each traveller, we require:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
- Dietary, medical or other special requirements
No services are held at quotation stage and remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed. If a quoted service becomes unavailable, we will offer a suitable alternative where possible.
Deposit amounts vary by tour and supplier and will be advised before booking. Some accommodation, cruises, Christmas/New Year arrangements and special services may require higher deposits, full payment or non-refundable payment at booking.
Final payment is generally due 90 days before travel, unless an earlier date is required by a supplier. Your booking invoice will confirm the applicable payment schedule.
Where final supplier rates have not yet been released, provisional pricing may be provided. Any applicable conditions will be explained before booking.
Your confirmed itinerary will specify all inclusions. Unless stated otherwise, prices generally exclude:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as the deposit is paid, particularly where components are non-refundable.
Clients receive a 20% discount with GO Insurance. Please request a quotation.
Traveller names must exactly match the passport used for travel, including all given names and surnames. Incorrect details may result in fees or difficulties with travel arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring passports meet the validity and entry requirements of all countries visited. For the Schengen Area, Australian passports generally must:
-
- Be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
We recommend having at least 6 months’ passport validity remaining wherever possible. Travellers are responsible for obtaining required visas, travel authorisations and other entry documents. Requirements should be checked with relevant government authorities before travel.
Nordic itineraries may involve walking on snow/ice, uneven surfaces, stairs, boats, snowmobiles, carrying luggage and extended periods outdoors in cold weather. Activities may have age, height, health, mobility or licensing requirements.
Medical conditions, mobility limitations and accessibility needs should be advised at booking so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Dietary requirements and allergies should be advised at booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee this, particularly in remote or wilderness locations. Travellers with serious allergies should also confirm requirements directly with meal providers.
Travellers on self-drive itineraries are responsible for holding the appropriate licence for the destination and rental provider. A valid physical licence may also be required for activities such as snowmobiling.
Accommodation will be booked in the room category shown on your confirmed itinerary. Scandinavian rooms may be smaller than Australian equivalents and configurations can differ.
Twin rooms commonly have two single beds, sometimes positioned together. Additional beds may be sofa or rollaway beds. Double rooms may also use two single beds together, with separate doonas.
If accommodation must change due to circumstances outside our control, we will seek a similar or higher standard wherever possible.
Porterage is generally not included. Travellers should be comfortable managing their own luggage.
Some trains, flights, coaches, ferries, transfers and vehicles have luggage limits. Any applicable restrictions will be advised in your travel documents. One manageable suitcase per person is recommended. Excess luggage charges are the traveller’s responsibility.
Scandinavian and Lapland travel can involve very cold temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Appropriate thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats and suitable footwear are essential. Summer weather can also change quickly, so rain protection is recommended.
Weather, road conditions or operational issues may require activities or transport to be delayed, modified, rescheduled or replaced. Safety takes priority, and suitable alternatives will be arranged where reasonably possible.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on solar activity, weather, cloud cover and darkness. Tours are designed to maximise viewing opportunities but cannot guarantee a sighting.
Weather, transport schedules, supplier operations and other circumstances may require changes to accommodation, transport, activities or itinerary order. Where possible, comparable alternatives will be arranged and significant changes communicated.
Changes and cancellations are subject to supplier conditions and may incur fees. Some services are non-refundable from booking, with Christmas/New Year arrangements often having stricter conditions.
Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions and quotation for applicable cancellation conditions.
Unused services are generally non-refundable, including those missed due to late arrival, early departure or choosing not to participate. Where services are missed due to circumstances outside the traveller’s control, we will assist where reasonably possible, subject to supplier conditions.
A live digital itinerary will be provided before departure with confirmed arrangements, important information, contacts and relevant documents/vouchers. It may be updated in real time if arrangements change.
We recommend it is kept accessible and checked regularly. If an issue occurs during travel, contact the relevant supplier and our team as soon as possible so we have the best opportunity to resolve it. Delayed reporting may limit what can be done.
Travellers should provide a mobile number that will remain active while overseas. Suppliers such as hotels, transfer companies and activity providers may use this number to contact you.
WhatsApp may not be available with all suppliers, so travellers may sometimes need to make a direct local or international call. Before departure, check roaming, international calling, SIM and eSIM options with your mobile provider.
All phone, roaming, SIM and international calling costs are the traveller’s responsibility.
Price Includes:
Based on 3* twin share. Request pricing for other categories.
11 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities
Overnight cruise Copenhagen to Oslo
Overnight cruise Stockholm to Helsinki
Breakfast daily
Norway in a Nutshell to Oslo to Bergen
