This wonderful tour with unique accommodation starts in Helsinki then continues north to Rovaniemi, the Arctic city in the heart of Lapland and the official home of Santa Claus. Stay four nights in a glass roofed Aurora Cabin at Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi. Visit Santa Claus Village by Snowmobile, Reindeer Safari and Northern Lights hunt by Snow Train excursions are included.
Itinerary
Day 1 Helsinki Arrival
Upon arrival in Helsinki, make your own way to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore. The many famous sights of the city include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more.
Day 2 Helsinki - Rovaniemi, overnight train
After breakfast at the hotel, day at leisure. Perhaps explore the market place area down by the harbour, where there are food, souvenir and handicraft stalls, and fine old timber boats. Evening self transfer to the train station for overnight train to Rovaniemi in a private sleeping compartment with ensuite.
Day 3 Rovaniemi - Apukka
Early arrival by train to Rovaniemi, private transfer from the railway station to Apukka Resort. Here you will stay the next four nights in a cosy Aurora Cabin with a panoramic glass roof and private facilities. Apukka Resort is located about 15 minutes outside Rovaniemi city centre in the middle of peaceful nature, in between two lakes. The remainder of the day is at leisure - explore your surroundings, with Mother Nature at her Arctic best. Or ask Reception about purchasing tickets on the shuttle bus, which runs regularly from the resort into the town centre and also to Santa Claus Village. Optional resort sauna and ice sauna. Dinner each evening is at Restaurant Aitta at Apukka Resort. Enjoy evening views of the starry sky from the comfort of your cabin.
Day 4 Northern Lights Hunt by Snow Train
Day at leisure for optional activities such as visit Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park, Husky Safari, Snowshoeing or Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise with ice swimming in a floatation dry suit.
In the evening, board the Snow Train into the wilderness, where your guide will light a campfire and tell you many interesting stories about the Northern Lights. You will be seated in a warm carriage, pulled by the guide's snowmobile. Keep looking up, the Aurora might just want to appear. Dinner and 2nd overnight at Apukka Resort.
Day 5 Snowmobile Safari to Santa Claus Village
This morning get ready for a fun excursion by snowmobile to Santa Claus Village. Adults will drive a snowmobile and children will travel in the warm and covered sled, pulled by the guide. It is possible for adults not able to drive a Snowmobile to also travel in the covered sled. Ride through the wintery landscape from Apukka Resort to Santa Claus Village. Time to explore the shops and the village, send postcards and letters with unique Arctic Circle stamps from the Santa Claus main post office and cross the Arctic Circle line. During the day you will have lunch in a cosy restaurant and meet Santa Claus himself. Return to Apukka Resort by Snowmobile.
Evening at leisure or perhaps add an optional Northern Lights Hunt by Reindeer Sleigh, Husky Sled, Snowmobile or Horse Sleigh. Dinner and 3rd overnight at Apukka Resort.
Day 6 Reindeer Safari
Take a ride to history today as you travel through the snowy forests on a reindeer sleigh. This traditional, arctic way of transportation allows you to experience the peace and purity of the Lappish nature all around you. Afterwards, relax with a hot drink by an open fire. Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner and 4th overnight at Apukka Resort.
Optional overnight in an Ice Cabin (from early January onwards). Apukka Resort has four of them and they are built from logs that are 100% pure ice. Snuggle in a thermal sleeping bag on top of luxurious reindeer hides and enjoy the silence.
Day 7 Rovaniemi Departure
Breakfast then shared transfer to Rovaniemi Airport and end of arrangements.
2024-2025 departures: daily 01 December - March (except 20 December-03 January)
*sold out from 01 December 2024 to 08 January 2025*
Notes:
The order of the excursions will alter according to the day of the week your arrangements start.
Some excursions subject to minimum age and height requirements.
Snowmobile Safaris: To drive a snowmobile you must have a valid driving license and be 18 years of age, or over. All single travellers must drive their own snowmobile solo. Children over 140cm may sit as a passenger behind an adult driver on a snowmobile, only if the child is paying the adult price. Children under 140cm sit in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile. Children under 2 are not permitted on snowmobile safaris.
