Finland’s Arctic Expedition in 10 Days

Activate your adventurous side during this ten-day Arctic expedition that starts in Helsinki and winds through Lapland, with Northern Lights, snowmobile safaris, and sauna sessions.

Country
Finland
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
From
$5,990 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

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Preview:

Helsinki Your Way and Sleeper Train to Lapland

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Overview

Today, enjoy a day in Helsinki 'a la carte' style. Meaning, after breakfast, you’ll have your pick of activities. You can start your day with an optional wilderness walk through the Helsinki forests, led by a local outdoors expert. Or, you can kick off the morning on the water during a scenic boat trip to Suomenlinna Fortress in the Helsinki Archipelago. Other options include following in the footsteps of architect Alvar Aalto on an architectural trail, or country hopping with a day trip to the medieval time capsule of Tallinn, Estonia — just two hours away, across the Gulf of Finland. You can also take a train trip to Tampere, Finland, the sauna capital of the world, or simply enjoy Helsinki’s most emblematic coffee shops, art galleries, spas, and saunas on your own. As evening descends, you’ll meet your driver for a transfer to the grand Helsinki Railway Station, where you’ll board the modern sleeper train to Lapland. Tonight, settle in a private compartment — a compact and cozy "roomette" — and enjoy your overnight ride on the so-called “Santa Express.” On board, you’ll find a dining car serving up soothing Finnish comfort food, like creamy salmon soup, meatballs, salad, pasta, blueberry juice, and local beer. (Breakfast)

Highlights

Day Trip to Tallinn or Tampere (optional)

With free time today, you can use Helsinki as your home base to explore nearby cities. For another perspective on Finland, head via train to Tampere for a wellness experience unlike any other. Or, cross the border to Estonia, where Tallinn's fairytale-like Old Town reflects centuries of wars and occupations. Explore this Middle Age gem of 15th-century merchant houses, towers, churches, and defensive walls during a guided walk, complemented by a local craft guild visit and traditional coffee break.

Wilderness Walk (optional)

This optional wilderness walk will lead you through Helsinki's surrounding landscapes, offering up a nature-forward perspective on the urban culture you’ve already seen. You'll follow your expert outdoors guide along wilderness trails, breathing in fresh air and gaining your first introduction to Scandinavian wellness in its most natural form.

Boat Trip to Suomenlinna Fortress (optional)

Interested in experiencing Helsinki by water? Lean in to the city’s coastal positioning with a fun and fast speedboat trip to the breathtaking Suomenlinna Fortress. This 18th-century landmark epitomizes the military architecture of the times and merges the well-designed fortress with the natural surroundings of picturesque Finland.

Accommodations

Finnish Intercity Sleeper Train (or similar)

Finnish Railways's comfortable sleeper cars take you to dreamland and your selected destination simultaneously. You can enjoy breakfast and evening snacks in the atmospheric restaurant car, while the upstairs sleeper cabins are akin to moving hotel rooms. The cabins are suitable for one or two people, with beds and an en-suite toilet and shower. In your cabin, you'll also find electric sockets, free Wi-Fi, and storage space for baggage.

Location:

Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Phone:

+358923192902

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Transportation

How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

Let our local experts plan your dream trip.

What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • Entry and exit information and assistance
  • All hotels, with breakfast included
  • All meals, experiences, tours, guides, and entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
  • All vehicle and bus transfers mentioned in the itinerary
  • Santa Claus Sleeper Train

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Flights out of Inari
  • Any activities or experiences listed as optional or not included in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Tervetuloa Helsinkiin!
Day 2:
Highlights of Helsinki With a Norwegian Insider
Day 3:
Helsinki Your Way and Sleeper Train to Lapland
Day 4:
Arctic Icebreaker Cruise and Welcome to the Snow Kingdom!
Day 5:
Life Above the Arctic Circle: A Cultural Expedition
Day 6:
Wellness in the Arctic Nature: Frozen Waterfall Hike and Sauna Session
Day 7:
Road-Tripping Toward the North Pole and the Aurora Lights of Lake Inari
Day 8:
Winter Wonderland Activities and the Northern Lights on a Nighttime Safari
Day 9:
Arctic Adventures, Continued
Day 10:
Until the Next Time!