Finland: Arctic Magnificence

After landing at Helsinki Airport, meet your Travel representative, who’ll take you to Hotel U14 near the harbor. This afternoon, enjoy a short orientation stroll around the neighborhood with your Travel Director. Later, gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.

Internationally renowned for its influential design scene, Finland’s dynamic capital city is packed with stunning modern and historic gems. On a guided scenic tour, admire the green-domed Helsinki Cathedral built in 1852 and the sleek, airy Oodi Library which opened in 2018. See the Temppeliaukion Church, better known as Rock Church, a subterranean house of worship. After lunch on your own, learn why the sauna experience is integral to Finnish culture. Then soak up some soothing steam at Löyly Sauna, and if you’re game, cool off with a bracing dip in the Baltic Sea!

This morning, cross the Gulf of Finland on a two-hour ferry ride to visit lovely Tallinn, Estonia. On a guided walk through its picturesque old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, take in the delightful Gothic and baroque churches, elegant spires and red-tile roofed buildings that imbue this Baltic gem with a special romance. Afterward, make your own plans for lunch and more sightseeing along its winding, cobblestone lanes. Embark the ferry for your return to Helsinki and enjoy dinner on board.

Check out of the hotel this morning and fly to northern Lapland. After landing at Ivalo Airport, head to the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä. Here in these beautiful surroundings, you’ll appreciate the close bond the Finnish people have with nature and why they value the sense of calmness it instills. After getting settled in your cozy cabin, meet for a delicious dinner at the restaurant. Then venture off on an invigorating snowshoe hike under a moonlit sky amid the stillness of the pristine forest and fjells. Follow your guide to the best spots for your chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights, visible in the springtime approximately every second night, weather permitting.

Delve into Lapland’s rich heritage during today’s visit to Inari. Reindeer herding, an important element of Sámi culture, dates to the Middle Ages. At a farm owned by a Sámi family, ride through the forest to spot wild reindeer and hear about daily life. Later, at the fascinating Sámi Museum Siida, explore exhibits about traditional Sámi livelihoods, handicrafts and clothing, as well as an open-air area with dwellings, dugouts, turf buildings and traps. Savor a hearty lunch during the day’s activities.

Today, choose from two thrilling activities: 1) driving a team of eager, energetic huskies across the snowdrifts, or 2) zipping off on a snowmobile ride through the countryside. A professional guide will offer instruction and accompany you on either ride. This afternoon, a local expert reveals the reasons behind the Finns’ strong sense of well-being and why Finland consistently rank as the world’s happiest country. Then, follow her into the forest for a truly Finnish experience as you learn how to bask in the splendor of the natural world and connect to it on a deeper level.

Pursue your own passions today! Maybe you’ll relax in the resort’s sauna or take advantage of the free cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals for Village guests. The Village also offers many exciting optional experiences. Take a cross-country skiing lesson or travel by snowmobile to a secluded lake and try ice fishing. You might also stroll through the small village of Saariselkä. Tonight, celebrate your wonderful Finnish adventure with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Reception and Dinner.