Chasing the Northern Lights: A Winter Adventure in Finland and Norway

On arrival at Helsinki Airport, you'll make your way to the city, taking a taxi to the 4-star Hotel Pier 4, where your pre-trip adventure begins. Once you check in, you'll have time to settle in and relax at this comfortable, modern hotel located centrally right at the waterfront. 

In the evening, we'll meet to savor a delightful dinner at the hotel's Harbore restaurant, with its cozy atmosphere and delicious local cuisine. It's the perfect way to kick off your journey in Finland, surrounded by great food and the warmth of a welcoming hotel.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to set the stage for an exciting day. We'll take a scenic taxi ride to the heart of Helsinki for a guided walking tour, exploring the city’s rich history through the stories of the women who shaped it.

Next, we'll head to Löyly, an unusual restaurant, sauna, and spa offering an authentic Finnish experience. Enjoy a delightful lunch incorporating fresh, local flavors with stunning views of the Baltic Sea. Afterward, unwind in the sauna and refresh with a refreshing swim in the sea—immersing yourself in nature like the Finns do. 

In the late afternoon, return to the hotel for free time. As evening arrives, enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurant Nolla, a Michelin-recommended green star restaurant known for exceptional dishes crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients by Chef Terhi V. 

If you're on the pre-trip extension, we will head to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for our flight to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland.

The core trip starts today. For those on the core trip only, be sure you arrive at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport no later than 11:00 am for our 1 pm flight to Rovaniemi, Finland. 

A local guide will meet you when you arrive in Rovaniemi. The guide will accompany us on a private transfer to Restaurant Santamus. Here, we'll enjoy a cozy lunch of local Lapland flavors. It's the perfect introduction to the region’s cuisine.

Next, we’ll make our way to the award-winning Arctic Light Hotel. It's an enchanting blend of contemporary style and Arctic charm. Known for its individually designed rooms and warm, welcoming atmosphere, this boutique hideaway is a favorite among travelers seeking comfort with a touch of magic. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll have free time to relax and soak in your surroundings.

As evening falls, we'll indulge in a memorable dinner at the Invisible Restaurant & Spa, where you’ll savor exquisite local dishes in a charming, rustic setting. The peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the winter forest will make you feel welcome and at home. 

We will start the day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, then head to the Arktikum Museum for an intriguing tour covering the Sami people and the nature of the North. Here you’ll learn about the region’s history, traditions, and landscapes.

After the tour, we'll savor a delicious lunch at the museum before heading to the Snowhotel Lehtojärvi. The ice sculptures, ice bar, and magical atmosphere are mesmerizing. This is a truly unforgettable Arctic experience.

Next, try your hand at ice sculpting during a workshop, guided by experts, before returning to the lodge for free time to relax or explore. Note: We do not stay at the Snow Hotel because temperatures inside are too cold for an overnight stay. Most clients find it too uncomfortable for long periods. 

In the evening, we'll meet for a special candle-lit dinner at Sky Kitchen, where you'll linger over exquisite dishes like local reindeer while taking in stunning winter landscape views. 

After breakfast, we head to a local Husky farm, where you'll meet Ms. Erika Zopf, an inspiring entrepreneur who runs the authentic Arctic farm. We'll take a thrilling husky sled ride across a frozen lake, surrounded by breathtaking winter landscape views. Erika will share her life experiences with the dogs, offering insight into a unique way of life in the Arctic.

Next, we’re off to the city center, where you’ll have free time to explore and soak in the charm. Whether you wander through local shops or relax, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the city's essence.

Indulge in a delightful lunch at Gustav Kitchen, known for its delicious dishes and warm ambiance. Then, relax and enjoy free time back at the lodge. 

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a memorable dinner at the Arctic Restaurant, known for its refined Lappish cuisine. Savor dishes featuring the finest Finnish beef, reindeer, moose, salmon, and king crab—each thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.

Rest will be easy after today's adventures. 

Wake up to your final morning in the Finnish Lapland with a cozy takeaway breakfast, perfect for the scenic ride to the airport. Soon, you’ll be soaring across Arctic skies on your way to Tromsø, Norway, one of the world’s best places to witness the Northern Lights. You’ll head to the hotel on arrival to drop off your bags and settle in, if the rooms are ready.

This afternoon promises an unforgettable experience as you join our Sami guides for a 25-30 minute reindeer sledding adventure. Afterward, visit the Sami camp to feed the reindeer herd. Gather inside a traditional lavvu (Sami tent) for a warm meal and immerse yourself in Sami culture. Enjoy stories and the soulful sounds of joiking (a traditional form of song in Sámi music) and learn about the ancient Sami heritage.

Next, we'll check into the inviting 4-star St. Elisabeth Hotel & Spa. It's in a serene setting with stunning city views, offering a relaxing escape just moments from the vibrant heart of Tromsø. Your evening wraps up with a delicious dinner at De Tre Nonner Sky Bar & Restaurant, featuring local flavors and Arctic specialties with gorgeous city views. This is an elegant, relaxed close to a day full of new sights, traditions, and landscapes.

Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast as the Arctic light begins to glow over the city. Once you’re fueled up, we'll take a scenic cable car ride up to a mountaintop viewpoint where sweeping panoramas of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords unfold before you. At the top, warm up in the cozy cafeteria and enjoy the stunning views—perfect for photos or soaking in the serenity.

Next, head down to the harbor for lunch at Full Steam, known for local seafood and flavors of the North. From there, let's step into the stories of remarkable women who’ve shaped Tromsø on a guided walking tour that explores the city through a female perspective. It's empowering, insightful, and full of hidden gems.

In the afternoon, take free time or treat yourself to an optional spa treatment back at the hotel. As night falls, the adventure continues on an enchanting Aurora Dinner Cruise. Glide through icy waters aboard a warm, comfortable boat, with a delicious meal as you watch for the Northern Lights. If the skies cooperate, you'll witness the aurora dancing overhead—a thrilling end to a full day of Arctic culture and charm.

Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast, setting the tone for a day of discovery. Afterward, you’ll check out of your accommodation and transfer to the airport, ready for the next leg of your journey.

Before your flight, grab a snack or meal at Tromsø Airport. There are a variety of cafes and eateries where you can enjoy a light bite before you board your flight to Oslo. Once you arrive in Oslo, you’ll have a short, scenic trip to your 4-star hotel, where you can check in and settle in comfort at the historic Karl Johan Hotel.

The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. You can dine at the hotel, or your guide can provide walkable restaurant ideas. 

Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a full day of shopping along vibrant Johans Street. Explore local shops, boutiques, and charming cafes as you take in the city's lively atmosphere. 

Lunch is on your own, allowing you to find a cozy spot in town to enjoy a leisurely meal.

In the afternoon, we'll take a scenic taxi ride to Holmenkollen, where you'll experience an inspiring speech and introduction to famed athlete Annika Malacinski, a pioneer in women’s Nordic combined sports. Originally from Colorado and now living in Norway, Annika will share insights into her career and the progress of women’s sports in this exciting discipline.

After the talk, we'll settle in for our final farewell dinner at the renowned Holmenkollen Restaurant. It's known for its stunning city views and excellent cuisine and is set in a wooden building dating back to 1892. 

It's just a short taxi ride back to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

After a lovely breakfast, our fabulous journey comes to an end. As we head to Oslo Airport, we reflect on the unforgettable memories we've created together. This trip has brought new friendships, shared laughter, and cherished moments, leaving us with lasting recollections that we will carry with us.