✓ Small-group tour – up to 20 people
✓ Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo
✓ 15 nights in comfortable 4-star accommodation
✓ 1-night onboard the overnight Santa Claus Express
✓ Daily breakfast, 5 dinners
✓ Professional, English speaking guide throughout
✓ All transportation and sightseeing as per itinerary
✓ Unforgettable sightseeing
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Welcome to Scandinavia! Today is at your leisure to explore this quirky city. Please make your own way to the hotel.
Tonight you will enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner to get to know our fellow travellers a little better. This meeting commences at approximatively 7pm.
Hotel Check in:
Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Transportation:
Train connection between Helsinki city centre and Helsinki Airport is carried out by local commuter trains which run every 10 minutes on peak hours. Travel time from Airport Train Station to Helsinki Central Station is about 30 minutes. Single ticket fare from Helsinki Airport to city centre is € 4.10 from the ticket machines located at the station.
It's an early start today for an adventure to the Baltics and back. You will be transferred to a ferry and enjoy breakfast onboard as we cruise through a small stretch of the Baltic Sea, before arriving in the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia. We will then enjoy a guided tour of Tallinn's magical Old Town. An exceptionally well-preserved district that dates back to the 13th century, the old town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Later, we return to Helsinki by ferry, where we’ll be transferred to the hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner to get to know our fellow travellers a little better.
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Temppeliaukio Church, known locally as the 'Rock Church'. Excavated directly into solid rock and completed in 1969, this is one of Helsinki's star attractions.
This afternoon, get ready to board the ‘Santa Claus Express’. This iconic overnight sleeper train will take us from Helsinki into the heart of Lapland and the ‘official’ home of Santa Claus. The modern train has private twin-share cabins, onboard dining and is the perfect way to travel up to the untouched north.
In the morning, we’ll embark on a snowmobile-drawn sleigh ride to cross the ice to the Arctic Adventure Island. Embrace this nature-filled experience in the crisp air, with free time to explore the beauty of this Arctic forest. Enjoy a warm drink and sweet pastry in this serene setting before heading back on your sleigh.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit SnowCastle Resort located by the Bothnian Bay, where the sea freezes over during winter. It’s time to board the Sampo Icebreaker for an incredible adventure. Ploughing through the thick ice is not the only attraction for passengers onboard this powerful vessel: guests also have the unique opportunity to swim among the ice (in a full-body waterproof 'survival suit', of course). The boat has been in operation since the early 1960s, when it would break up the ice to allow trade vessels to pass through the otherwise frozen waters. Today, Sampo is like a moving museum, retaining its old-fashioned charm.
After an unforgettable day, we continue the journey north to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.
Today, visit Santa Claus’ Village for a couple of hours of Christmas magic. Here, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate to commemorate this. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the village’s many charms and fun activities, like meeting Santa’s reindeer, perusing the souvenirs or exploring Snowman World. You can even send a postcard home from the post office, staffed by Santa’s postal elves – it will have a special Arctic Circle postmark not available anywhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa.
Ice fishing safari to a wilderness lake. Head north on a snowmobile trail that takes you along the frozen River Ounasjoki and through snowy forests up into the hills, where you can admire the beautiful surrounding countryside of Lapland. Follow the trail through white, snow-covered fields to arrive at a small wilderness lake. The silence will envelop you as you prepare to go fishing. Try your hand at traditional ice fishing, then fry your catch over the campfire. Afterwards, return to town for a well-earned rest.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Clothing: included outer layer wind and water resistant one piece thermal suit (you will need to wear the appropriate winter clothing underneath the suit to keep you warm.)
NOTE: This is a self drive activity you will require to have your driver's license on tour to participate. (Min 2 people per snowmobile)
Please note the duration time outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Memorable reindeer sleigh ride. Transportation by car to a reindeer farm to try reindeer sleighing. This traditional way of travelling through snowy forests is a unique experience. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee with a bun around the campfire and learn about the life of reindeer herders.
Duration: 2- 2 ½ approx. hours
(Raindeer safari approx 1 hour)
Clothing: included outer layer wind and water resistant one piece thermal suit (you will need to wear the appropriate winter clothing underneath the suit to keep you warm.)
NOTE: This is a self drive activity (Min 2 people per sleigh)
Please note the duration time outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This morning we travel further north through the winter landscape, stopping at Sodankyla, where a quick outside visit to the old church is included.
Later, you’ll arrive at a husky farm to take part in your Inspiring Sight, a Husky Safari, where these friendly dogs will bark an enthusiastic welcome for you. Before departing on the 10km safari, you will be given instruction on how to control the sleds. Upon your return to the farm, enjoy some hot berry juice by an open fire and chat away with the head musher about these amazing animals.
Later in the afternoon, we leave Rovaniemi and continue our journey into Saariselkä for an Inspiring Stay. Tonight we are bedding down in an incredible 21st-century igloo. The glass-roofed structures let you sleep right beneath the starry skies, and hopefully the Northern Lights. Each igloo is extremely well-insulated to ensure guests are not bothered by the cold in even the coolest of temperatures.
Today, continue North, stopping in Inari, where a visit to the SIIDA Museum is included before crossing the border to breathtaking Norway, and a little later arrival to Karasjok.
Leaving Karasjok we continue our Arctic adventures to Norway's northern tip – the vast North Cape. Upon arrival you’ll be presented with a certificate to prove you've been to Europe's most northerly point. Here, you’ll also enjoy an Inspiring Taste of sparkling wine and caviar.
Leaving the North Cape region today we begin our journey south, down the coast of Norway to Alta. Here we'll explore the Alta Museum and its World Heritage Rock Art Centre. Tonight we go on an evening drive around Alta to hunt for the Northern Lights again from a different perspective.
Today we leave Alta and continue south to Tromsø. Located 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway. The city is known for its lively nightlife, with many local pubs and a wide range of restaurants specialising in the fresh ingredients of the Arctic. En route, we travel via the Lyngen Alps. This mountain range dominates the landscape, bordered by the Lyngen fjord to the east, and Ullsfjorden to the west. On arrival, enjoy some time at leisure in this so-called Gateway to the Arctic.
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You'll have the opportunity to visit one of the many museums within walking distance of your hotel, or alternatively, why not join one of the optional tours on offer.
The Sami and their reindeer have been living and working on this land for centuries and have only recently invited guests to be part of their daily life. You will be hosted bya reindeer herder who will show and teach you about reindeer herding and Sami culture. With thousands of reindeer in the mountains and a herd of around 200 at the camp during the Winter months, you are guaranteed to experience the joy of being close to these wonderful creatures. Embrace the feeling of entering a warm Lavvu (Sami tent) and the sounds of the traditional Joik (Sami singing). This is a ritual which is an important way of life for the local Sami which is their pleasure to let you experience it. You will then get picked up in the city centre before enjoying a short, seaside drive to where the reindeer sleds are waiting. Join Sami guides for an unforgettable experience of reindeer sledding (approx. 35 minutes) and more Sami culture. After the sledding you will visit their camp and have a chance to feed the herd of around 200 reindeer. Then you will gather again inside the Lavuu (Sami tent) for a hot traditional Sami meal and listen to more stories about Sami culture around the camp fire.
Start Time: approx 10am
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Clothing: not included, warm jackets may be available on site but cannot be pre book and subject to availability.
NOTE: This is a self drive activity. (Min 2 people per sleigh)
Please note the start and duration time outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Aurora Safari - Embrace more of the Northern Lights by safari with local knowledge and years of experience in finding the best places to photograph the Northern Lights. This is a fascinating way of searching the Northern Lights and enjoying the beautiful landscape, deep in the Polar Night. Don’t forget that camera! Includes: transport by comfortable minibus, warm drink and local cake (Lefse), advice and help with camera settings, Aurora portrait (later sent to your email address), thermal winter suit and tripods to be shared during the safari.
Duration: approx. 5-7 hours
Clothing: Not included , however an outer layer wind and water resistant one piece thermal suit are available on a complimentary basis, but they may have to be shared as there is limited stock / limited sizes kept on the minibus. (you will need to wear the appropriate winter clothing underneath the suit to keep you warm.) Subject to availability on tour.
Please note the duration time outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast we leave Tromsø and make our way to Narvik, which sits on the doorstep of the beautiful Lofoten Islands. On arrival, we visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum. In the spring of 1940 Nazi Germany suffered its first defeat in Narvik at the hands of Norwegian, British, French and Polish forces. The Red Cross War Memorial Museum tells the full story of the epic Battles of Narvik.
Leaving Narvik, we make our way to the town of Svolvær, within the famous Lofoten archipelago. The setting surrounding the town is sublime with a backdrop of high mountains and iconic red wooden houses. Svolvær is the perfect base to explore the magical Lofoten Islands.
Today, we explore the stunning Lofoten Islands and their natural beauty, including a stop in the small village of Henningsvær. Set among a group of tiny islands seemingly dropped into the ocean at the foot of the imposing Vågakallen mountain, Henningsvær is one of Lofoten‘s best-known fishing villages. The stunning setting and mix of traditional wooden architecture and modern art galleries make this island village one of a kind.
After checking out of the hotel we head by bus to Evenes, where we'll board a flight to the captivating Norwegian capital of Oslo. After a short flight we arrive in Oslo where we'll be transferred to our central hotel. Oslo is known for its green open spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of your day or evening at leisure, exploring this pedestrian-friendly city.
Today we enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, including a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. All the Viking ships at the museum were once ocean-going vessels before they were hauled onto land to be used in burial rituals for their wealthy owners. In the burial mounds, archaeologists unearthed skeletons, beautiful wood carvings and a diverse range of artifacts from the fascinating world of the Vikings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time before tonight's farewell dinner to recount the incredible experiences you’ve had over the last few weeks.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring Winter Wonderland experience.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Sight
Inspiring Taste
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering a choice of the following optional activities:
Please note: on both Day 5 only one optional tour may be purchased, as they run simultaneously. Please note that all optional tours are subject to availability and weather.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
Tipping in Scandinavia is not compulsory, however, they are much appreciated, especially as a reward if guests feel someone has delivered good service. Tips and gratuities are not included for this package and are discretionary. If you wish to reward good service, the suggested amounts are:
Local assistant or guide transfer: EUR 10.00 per person, per service
Guide: EUR 5-6 per person, per day
Driver: EUR 2-3 per person, per day
Hurtigruten Cruise: There are no guidelines as such; tips and gratuities are appreciated but not expected. Please speak to cruise staff on-board for more information.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,900 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders will not require a visa to enter Finland and Norway.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
10-20 people.
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
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