Welcome to Finland! Upon arrival to the airport, make your way through immigration and customs before making your own way to your Helsinki accommodations. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy in this Northern paradise.

Helsinki

The Finnish capital of Helsinki (Helsingfors) is known for its great mixture of neo-classical buildings, orthodox style churches, chic bars and the restaurant scene. Alvar Aalto, a world renowned Finnish architect and designer has contributed to much of the functionalistic architecture in Helsinki that is loved and hated by so many. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. The city center has many beautiful parks, and the nearby forests offer an ideal setting for peaceful and quiet walks. Helsinki’s rhythm is laid back,yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.

Helsinki Uncovered

Today, you will have the use of a guide and driver who will pick you up from the hotel for a 3-hour private sightseeing tour of Helsinki! Your knowledgeable guide will take you around Helsinki, letting you experience the pulse of the city and giving you tips on what to visit, where to shop and eat. The freedom of having your own car and driver during your visit to Helsinki is wonderful- you can decide yourself which sights and museums you would like to check out. (This service is on a private basis.)

Today, you will make your own way to the airport in good time for your onward flight.

Upon arrival to Ivalo Airport, you will board your shared transfer to your Star Arctic Hotel accommodations! (This service is on a group basis.)

Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland lets your dream of a winter wonderland become reality. Contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days. The thrill of witnessing the Aurora Borealis is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Finland is one of the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights – they appear on more than 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland. In Finland, the Sámi population is approximately 6 000 strong, and the preservation of their endangered language and culture is governed by the autonomous parliament in Inari, Finland. Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the hometown of Santa Claus. Here you can enjoy plenty of activities with modern facilities and great infrastructure all year round. Saariselkä–Ivalo–Inari is Europe’s northernmost holiday resort where travelers can experience genuine hospitality and outstanding overnight possibilities like glass igloos.

Reindeer Herding & Feeding Experience

During the harsh winter times in Lapland, when the natural foods are scarce and difficult to access, the local Sámi herders visit their herds on a daily basis to provide extra portions of feed and hay. This traditional way of herding and feeding is passed from one generation to the next in the same family for hundreds of years, eventually becoming more modernized for present day. This morning at 9:00 AM, you have truly a special, once in a lifetime chance to participate in something only very few in the world have! Immerse yourself in the world of the reindeer herding life-style, hop on a sleigh and enjoy a true authentic Lapland experience! (This service is on a group basis.)

Aurora Hunting with Siberian Huskies

Experience the the wonders of the Finnish wilderness at night! This evening at 8:00 PM, your tour will commence under the canopy of millions of stars and with a bit of luck, it may be possible to see the magical Aurora Borealis dancing above you. This tour is perfect for those who want to combine a longer husky experience with the excitement of aurora hunting. (This service is on a group basis.)

Enjoy today at your leisure.

Saariselkä: Ice Fishing Safari

This morning at 10:00 AM, try your hand at traditional ice-fishing on your private Wilderness Center lake and maybe catch some arctic char or trout! Following the tour, a delicious lunch will be served at the Wilderness Restaurant. (This service is on a group basis.)

Enjoy today at your leisure.

From your hotel, you will be board your shared transfer back to Ivalo airport in good time for your onward flight. (This service is on a group basis.)

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will make your own way to your accommodations. Enjoy your final evening in this vibrant city!

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Once you have checked out, you will make your own way to the airport in good time to board your departure flight.

We hope you had a wonderful trip and we wish you safe and happy travels home!