Scandinavian Northern Lights
Scandinavian Northern Lights
Scandinavian Northern Lights
9 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting: Helsinki, Saariselkä, Rovaniemi, Luleå, Kiruna, Stockholm
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WSNLN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Finland and Sweden with the Scandinavian Northern Lights tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, exploring iconic sites like the Sibelius Monument and Finlandia Hall. Fly north to the Arctic Circle, where you'll delve into the rich traditions of the Sámi people at the Siida Sámi Museum in Saariselkä. Experience the magic of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, and venture into Swedish Lapland to discover the UNESCO-listed village of Gammelstad. In Kiruna, connect with locals and learn about the town's unique relocation project. Conclude your journey in Stockholm, wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Throughout the tour, enjoy expertly guided sightseeing, luxury accommodations, and the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. With a blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty, this tour promises an extraordinary Scandinavian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Clarion
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Journey To Saariselkä Dive Into Culture
Location: Saariselkä
Accommodation Name: Santa's Tunturi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 3: Discover The Arctic Dive Into Culture
Location: Saariselkä
Accommodation Name: Santa's Tunturi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Off To Santa Claus Village And Rovaniemi Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Santa's Hotel Santa Claus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 5: Venture To Luleå In Swedish Lapland
Location: Luleå
Accommodation Name: Elite Stadshotellet
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Onwards To Kiruna Connect With Locals
Location: Kiruna
Accommodation Name: Scandic Kiruna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venture north to Kiruna, a unique town in the far north of Sweden, is renowned for its breathtaking Arctic landscapes, the mesmerizing 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.
Day 7: Kiruna Your Way
Location: Kiruna
Accommodation Name: Scandic Kiruna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have a free day to get acquainted with this Swedish mining center, 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.
Day 8: Enjoy Stunning Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: Clarion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Farewell Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Flight from Helsinki to Ivalo
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Flight from Kiruna to Stockholm
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy flights from Helsinki to Ivalo and from Kiruna to Stockholm. Experience seamless transfers and flexible sightseeing with audio headsets, ensuring a comfortable journey across the stunning landscapes of Finland and Sweden.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and charm at cherry-picked hotels like Clarion in Helsinki, Santa's Tunturi in Saariselkä, and Scandic Kiruna in Kiruna. Enjoy trusted accommodations with all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes included, ensuring a seamless stay throughout your Scandinavian adventure.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
Dive Into Culture
- Rovaniemi: Visit Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, and meet its famous resident.
- Rovaniemi: Ride an authentic Sámi reindeer-drawn sleigh, the traditional means of transport in snowy northern Finland.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as learning about the Sámi people's traditions, culture, and history at the Siida Sámi Museum in northern Finland. You will also have the opportunity to join a Sami reindeer herder family in Kiruna for a traditional meal in their lavvu (tepee) and gain insights into the way of life of a reindeer herder.
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Will there be opportunities to see the Northern Lights during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to see the Northern Lights, weather permitting. The itinerary includes a magical Northern Lights hunt as an optional experience.
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What unique experiences can I expect in Kiruna?
In Kiruna, you can experience the town's unique relocation project due to land sinking caused by the iron ore mine. You also have the option to join a husky safari, navigating the snowy landscape with eager dogs racing across the white landscape.
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What is the significance of the visit to Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus. During the visit, you will have the chance to meet Santa at his post office and visit a reindeer farm to meet Santa's sleigh-pullers.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, as well as flights from Helsinki to Ivalo and from Kiruna to Stockholm.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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