Air is easy to arrange round-trip from USA to Helsinki.  Your adventure starts as you board your flight from the US to Helsinki. Settle in for an overnight journey across the Atlantic—watch a movie, relax, and try to catch some sleep before you land in Finland’s vibrant capital. Air and trip details will be coming in trip tips. Sam may want to arrive a day early to explore beautiful Helsinki. Visit the festive Christmas markets on Senate Square, experience public saunas, see the new Finnish art and design museums and so much more.

Arrive today at Helsinki Airport and step into the vibrant heart of Finland’s capital. Helsinki (or Helsingfors) is a unique blend of neo-classical charm, striking orthodox churches, and a buzzing scene of stylish bars and restaurants. You’ll notice the touch of Alvar Aalto, Finland’s world-famous architect and designer, whose functionalist buildings shape much of the city’s distinctivevibe — loved by some, challenged by others.  The Finnish capital of Helsinki is known for a great mix of neoclassic buildings, orthodox style churches and a chic bar and restaurants scene at night. This is a walking city with heated sidewalks in the main pedestrian area.

Next, settle in at your hotel, perfectly positioned right next to Terminal 2 at Helsinki Airport.  Connected by a partly covered walkway, this inspiring hotel is designed to meet your every need, making your stay comfortable and convenient.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. (Restaurant details to be shared closer to departure.)

Overnight: Scandic Helsinki Airport Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Depart Helsinki at 8:00 AM with Norwegian Airline, arrive Rovaniemi at 9:25 AM (subject to change).

This morning, we’ll take an early flight to Rovaniemi, the vibrant capital of Finnish Lapland.  Population of 60,000 makes it the largest hub in the Arctic circle. No wonder Santa chose this city for his official home and post office.  Here, snowy forests give way to bustling ski towns, and the magic of the Arctic is everywhere.  You’ll arrive in a place where the magic of winter wonderlands is very real. Lapland’s charm lies in its striking contrasts — endless summer sunlight gives way to dark, peaceful winters. Here, the lively towns and ski resorts sit just moments from untouched wilderness.

After checking into your hotel, prepare for a whimsical adventure deep in the Secret Forest, home to the Elves! Join the cheerful Professor Elves for Santa’s Helpers Training, where you’ll learn essential Elf skills and earn your very own Elf diploma. Wander through the enchanted forest to Santa’s special Christmas Command Center, where Elves are busy gearing up for Christmas.

Your magical activities include:

Warm welcome from the Elves
Santa’s Helpers Training & diploma
Gingerbread decorating
Stroll through the magical forest
Hot drinks by the fire
Elf-guided visit to the Christmas Command Center
Special meeting with Santa Claus

Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka is an exclusive destination where you can experience the magic of Christmas either privately or in small groups. The unique surroundings of the Lappish forest, our enchanting programs full of Christmas magic and surprises, conducted specially for you and your nearest and dearest with a touch of local traditions, are guaranteed to delight guests with the highest standards – kids and adults alike.

Come to visit us at Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka and enjoy an unforgettable private meeting with Santa Claus, discover the secrets of the real elves and take part in fun holiday activities!

Afternoon, visit a traditional Reindeer Farm where you’ll be welcomed by the herders themselves.  Get introduced to these gentle Arctic creatures, try your hand at throwing a Suopunki (a traditional Lappish lasso), and snap photos while feeding the reindeer their favorite treat — reindeer moss. Enjoy sleigh ride a reindeer sleigh ride.  Warm up inside a cozy Lappish hut with a hot drink and a sweet pastry.

Overnight: Scandic Rovaniemi City
Meals: Breakfast

We leave the day free with so much fun to be had here. Visit Ranua Wildlife Park, the Arctic Snow hotel, the iconic Santa's Village Park and shops, or the Arktikum Science Museum. Or try some snow tubing and ice fishing.

5 PM, we head out to a secluded frozen lake to experience a unique adventure. We gear up in special survival suits that cover your whole body to keep you warm and dry in the open Zero° water. (Wear your own clothes underneath). Guides will assist us into the ice hole to float under the serenity of the Arctic starry night.  If weather is clear, we may witness the northern lights dancing above us for a magical night. Afterwards, we gather in a cozy wooden cabin for warm drinks and cookies. It's an unforgettable and immersive time for great photos and your bragging rights.

Overnight: Scandic Rovaniemi City
Meals: Breakfast

After bidding farewell to Rovaniemi, embark on a scenic drive through the snowy wilderness to Ivalo—a journey that feels like stepping deeper into a winter fairy tale. Your destination is the enchanting Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where the true magic begins: your very own Glass Igloo awaits.  Time to indulge in the cozy warmth surrounded with enchanting beauty. This resort is famous for its igloos of unparalleled views of the sky and its crazy fun activities. Set in an unspoiled forest, the remote location ensures little light pollution for observing the Northern Lights.

You will be spending next two nights in a Glass Igloo, providing a unique opportunity to admire the Northern Lights and the millions of stars of the crystal clear sky in a comfortable room temperature. Built from a special thermal glass, the temperature inside the Igloo always stays at a normal level. It also prevents the glass from not getting white frosted, hence keeping the view clear even when the temperature outside drops to under -30°C.

Glass Igloos -   Upon check-in, the wonderful staff will give us a full briefing on procedures.

• Small Glass Igloos have 2 single beds, each igloo has a small toilet and a wash basin inside. It is possible to add an extra bed.

• Public showers and saunas located in a building within walking distance. Guests can enjoy the evening sauna from 17:00 to 22:00 while shower is operating 24 hours a day. There are towels, body wash, shampoo, and hair dryer available.

• There are power sockets inside each igloo, please bring along any adaptor if needed.

• The temperature inside the Glass igloos is set at around 72 degrees.

Afternoon get ready for today's Husky Safari - an unforgettable journey through breathtaking winter scenery.  An arctic adventure with the huskies! The guide will piek guests up from Kakslauttanen and provide thermal outfits at the husky farm. Then it is time to meet the friendIy dogs who are eagerly waiting in front of the sledges. Husky dogs love running and can’t wait to get going! The guide wilI give instructions on how to stop, turn and drive the husky sledge pulled by several dogs. The sled is for two people, unless you wish to have your own sled only for yourself (for extra cost). The other person is seated in the sleigh, the other is standing and driving in the back, you can swap drivers half way. You will enjoy riding in the wintery forest as much as the dogs! After arriving at the farm and thanking your dogs for the adventure together it’s time for a hot drink and some husky stories.

So much to do in your free time at this fab resort. Visit the new art gallery, the Igloo Tower with unique Sky Bar, or the Planetarium which is the biggest in northern Europe, impressive 18 m diameter dome theater with celestial documentaries to watch.  A very Finnish thing to do is enjoying evening sauna. Finns take saunas seriously for the healing warmth it brings both physically and spiritually. There are three different of smoke saunas here, one is the largest in the world holding up to 80 bathers at a time, each with a fireplace and dressing rooms. Afterwards you can take a dip in the cold spring water pool for total rejuvenation. There's also an Ice Bar and two restaurants offering the freshest fish, salmon, reindeer and local delicacies. Check out the gift shops for local handicrafts.

Overnight: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Kick off your day with an adrenaline-pumping 2-hour Snowmobile Safari through the breath-taking Arctic forest. There’s no better way to uncover Lapland’s rugged fell landscape than tearing across snowy trails on a powerful snowmobile. You’ll be picked up from Kakslauttanen and whisked to the activity base, where you’ll gear up in cozy thermal outfits and receive expert guidance to get you ready for the ride.
Each snowmobile seats two — one driving, one riding — with the chance to switch halfway through. Want the full thrill solo? You can ride alone, or choose to relax in the back of a sleigh instead (available for an extra cost). Feel the rush as you speed through pristine wilderness, soaking in the raw beauty of the Arctic. After the ride, warm up with hot juice and a traditional Finnish treat before returning to the resort.

As night falls, brace yourself for a spellbinding Aurora Hunting tour by bus. Journey into the darkest corners of Lapland, far from all light pollution, and watch in awe as the Northern Lights ignite the sky in waves of green and purple(subject to weather Gods and Northern lights making an appearance). This magical spectacle under the Arctic stars will leave you breathless.

Dinner awaits you back at the hotel.Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Ivalo Airport for your 10 AM flight back to Helsinki.  Upon arrival, dive into a guided city tour lasting 2 to 3 hours, exploring Helsinki’s most iconic sights. Wander through Senate Square to admire the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, glimpse the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the stunning Temppeliakion Church and Parliament building.  Marvel at architectural gems like Finlandia Hall, the Opera House, Helsinki Music Centre, and the innovative Central Library Oodi.

After the tour, check in to your hotel and unwind. Our 10 past groups loved this hotel with fabulous Saunas located in the heart of town, walking distance to everything.

Later in the afternoon, you may opt to join the new Taste Helsinki Food Tour (3 hours), a flavorful journey through Finnish culinary traditions. Savor the pure, fresh flavors of Finland’s forests, lakes, and fields — from wild berries and mushrooms to fresh fish, dairy, and hearty rye bread. Taste classic treats like Karelian pies and irresistibly soft cinnamon buns, while your local guide shares stories of Helsinki’s history and vibrant culture. Along the way, soak in the city’s stunning architecture and design, and get insider tips on where to shop for Finnish fashion and how to make the most of your stay. Just google visithelsinki.com to discover plenty of ways for you to enjoy nightlife in this city..

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, head to Helsinki Harbour and board the ferry for a scenic two-hour journey to Tallinn, Estonia’s captivating medieval capital and one of the country’s top tourist destinations! As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Tallinn’s enchanting Old Town, where cobblestone streets and historic buildings create a timeless atmosphere unlike anything in Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, or Copenhagen. The city’s distinctly Eastern European character calls to mind the charm of Prague, Krakow, and Riga, reflecting Estonia’s unique position at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Scandinavia. This day trip offers a fresh and fascinating contrast to your travels so far and we'll give you some free time to wander on your own or delightful shops and cafés.

In the evening, we’ll board the ferry back to Helsinki.  The day wraps up with a Farewell Dinner at the hotel, a perfect chance to celebrate the memories of your Arctic adventure.

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina     Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, it’s time to say farewell as you transfer to Helsinki Airport for your journey home. As you leave behind the snowy landscapes, the dancing Northern Lights, and the warm moments shared, carry these memories close to your heart. Finland’s magic will stay with you long after the plane takes off — a beautiful chapter in your story that will call you back someday.

Meals: Breakfast