From PP Twin Share
✓ Includes Return Economy International Airfares
✓ Small group tour – up to 24 people
✓ Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo with a local carrier
✓ 15 nights in comfortable 4-star accommodation throughout Finland and Norway
✓ 1-night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
✓ Daily breakfast, 5 dinners including memorable welcome and farewell dining
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Including husky sledding, an icebreaker cruise, Santa's Village in Rovaniemi and the Lofoten Islands
✓ All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per the itinerary
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
Included
Fully Escorted
Small Group
7 Days
This tour includes return international airfares with a full service airline.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the 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 between 10-26 other guests depending on your selected tour. Enjoy 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.
Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period.
✓ Includes Return Economy International Airfares
✓ Small group tour – up to 24 people
✓ Internal airfares from Evenes to Oslo with a local carrier
✓ 15 nights in comfortable 4-star accommodation throughout Finland and Norway
✓ 1-night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
✓ Daily breakfast, 5 dinners including memorable welcome and farewell dining
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Including husky sledding, an icebreaker cruise, Santa's Village in Rovaniemi and the Lofoten Islands
✓ All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per the itinerary
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
From PP Twin Share
Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through the backroads of provincial towns, Inspiring Vacations trips offer amazing value and will leave you inspired.
Get ready! Today you are departing for Finland to begin your unbelieveable Winter Wonderland experience to search for the Northern Lights.
Welcome to Scandinavia! Today is at your leisure to explore this quirky city. Please make your own way to the 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, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. 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.
Early morning arrival to Kemi, where a morning visit and breakfast is served at the SnowCastle Resort. A little later, we’ll embark on a snowmobile-drawn sleigh ride to cross the ice to the Arctic Adventure Island. Embrace this naturefilled 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 travel to the Ajos pier 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.
2022 Departures Only - Includes 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.
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.
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling. The best way to get to the heart of nature – and back. During this fun safari, you’ll learn how to ride a snowmobile along frozen rivers and through snow covered forests. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river valley from the hilltops. A break with hot beverages will keep your motor running.
Duration: approx. 2 hours (14:30 – 16:30).
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) Supplement for solo driving: EUR 45,00 p.p. collected locally.
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.
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.
2022 Departures - 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.
2023 Departures - Today we enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, enjoy a scenic drive through Oslo, passing such national landmarks as the Parliament building, with its two imposing lion statues at the main entrance, the National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch. Next stop is the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval fortress built by King Håkon V, in the 14th century, which is a today seen as a national symbol for Norwegians and today a popular place for recreation.
Viking Ship Museum is closed for renovations in 2023.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring Winter Wonderland experience. At the appropriate time please make your way to the airport for your onward journey.
There are various options to reach Oslo airport. The Flytoget Express train is convenient and efficent. Trains get to Oslo Central Station 6 times/hour (weekday, 3 times/hour during weekends) every 20 minutes more or less. Adult single ticket cost is NOK 198 (Approx. AUD $30pp)
Please note: Most flights will arrive home 1 day later.
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Sight
Inspiring Taste
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Installment Payment Option:
Full Payment Option
Booking Process
Premium Economy or Business Class Upgrades;
Please specify this in the “Special Request” field when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare at the time of booking your flights.
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 ₹123,540.00 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.
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.
Indian passport holders may require a visa to enter Finland and Norway.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.vfsglobal.com/ 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
10-24 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).
Northern Lights
Please note, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomena and can't be guaranteed. The dates provided will give you the best chance of hopefully viewing the lights during your trip, but Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any departures which unfortunately don't see the Northern Lights during their trip.
To enhance your journey, we're offering a choice of the following optional activities:
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.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
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.
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