Scandinavian Northern Lights
Scandinavian Northern Lights
$4410
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 and enjoy the snowy wonderland of Saariselkä. Experience the magic of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, and venture into Swedish Lapland, visiting the historic village of Gammelstad and the vibrant city of Luleå. In Kiruna, connect with locals and explore the town's unique relocation project. Conclude your journey in Stockholm, where you'll wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy a panoramic city tour. With expert guidance, luxury accommodations, and the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, this tour promises a truly magical experience. ...more ...less
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: Helsinki, Ivalo, Saariselkä, Siida Sámi Museum
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, Ivalo River
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: Rovaniemi, Gammelstad, Luleå
Accommodation Name: Scandic Luleå
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: Luleå, 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, Old Town (Gamla Stan), 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
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a 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
The tour includes a flight from Helsinki to Ivalo.
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Flight from Kiruna to Stockholm
The tour includes a flight from Kiruna to Stockholm.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional experiences
Optional experiences are available at an additional cost and are not included in the base tour price.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy flights from Helsinki to Ivalo and from Kiruna to Stockholm, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey across the stunning Scandinavian landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including the Clarion in Helsinki, Santa's Tunturi in Saariselkä, Santa's Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Scandic Luleå, and Scandic Kiruna, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey.
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.
Iconic Experience
- Helsinki: Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbor 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 harbor of this fascinating city of design.
- 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.
- Stockholm: With your Local Specialist, visit the Stockholm City Hall and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with your fellow traveling companions.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the Scandinavian Northern Lights tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Siida Sámi Museum to learn about the Sámi people's traditions, culture, and history. In Kiruna, you will join a Sami reindeer herder family for a traditional meal and gain insights into their way of life. Additionally, in Rovaniemi, you will visit Santa Claus Village and meet Santa Claus himself. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional experiences available during the tour. In Saariselkä, you can join a snowshoeing excursion along the Aurora Path or participate in a snowmobiling adventure across the frozen Ivalo River. In Kiruna, you can opt for a husky safari to navigate the snowy landscape. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries. There are also flights from Helsinki to Ivalo and from Kiruna to Stockholm.
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What meals are provided during the Scandinavian Northern Lights tour?
The tour provides breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Specifically, there are 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners included.
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What is the significance of the visit to Gammelstad during the tour?
Gammelstad is a UNESCO-listed church village known for its 424 wooden houses built around an early 15th-century stone church. The visit provides insight into the customs and development of the region.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Scandinavian Northern Lights
9 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting: Helsinki, Ivalo, Saariselkä, Siida Sámi Museum, Ivalo River, Rovaniemi, Gammelstad, Luleå, Kiruna, Stockholm, Old Town (Gamla Stan) Stockholm ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WSNLN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided