5-Nights Finland Beneath the Northern Lights from $5,592

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1719392

Finland Beneath The Northern Lights
Chase the Northern Lights, sleep beneath the Arctic sky and experience Finland from Helsinki to the snowy wilderness of Lapland. This winter journey pairs the capital’s harbourfront sights and rock-cut Temppeliaukio Church with husky sledding, a reindeer safari, Santa’s Home and time at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. You’ll learn the science and stories behind the aurora, head out with a Local Specialist in search of the lights and stay in a glass igloo surrounded by snow and pine forest.

Dining Summary

5 Breakfast (B)
4 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch (L)

Must-see Highlights

Vist Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki, Kakslauttanen Planetarium, Santa’s Home, a husky safari and an Arctic reindeer sleigh ride in Lapland
View Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, Market Square, the waterfront and the Northern Lights, weather permitting

Iconic Experience

Helsinki: Get your bearings in Finland’s capital with an orientation that takes in Senate Square, the cathedral, the waterfront and market area. See how Helsinki fits together, from its neoclassical center to its harbourfront streets, giving you an easy first feel for the city.
Helsinki: See Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral before continuing to Market Square and the waterfront. You’ll pass neoclassical facades, harbor stalls, tramlines and ferry piers, with the Baltic close to the streets.
Kakslauttanen: Inside Kakslauttanen’s planetarium, you’ll learn what creates the Northern Lights, from charged solar particles to the Earth’s magnetic field, alongside the stories that have surrounded the aurora in the north for generations.
Kakslauttanen: Join your Travel Director for an Aurora hunt in Finnish Lapland, where clear skies, low light and local knowledge matter. You’ll look for the aurora borealis beyond the resort’s glow, reading cloud cover, weather and northern conditions while snow, pine forest and open ground surround you.
Visit Santa’s Home in Finnish Lapland and meet Santa himself in his Arctic. You’ll step inside, see the details of his Lapland home and spend time with one of Finland’s best-known festive figures, surrounded by the snowy scenery of Kakslauttanen.
Kakslauttanen: Travel by reindeer-drawn sleigh through the snow as your reindeer guide leads the way across the Arctic landscape. You’ll meet the animals up close, hear about Sámi traditions linked to herding and see how reindeer remain part of daily life in Finnish Lapland.

Dive into Culture

Kakslauttanen: Take the reins of your own husky sled team and follow the snowy trail through Lapland’s winter landscape. After instruction on handling the sled, braking and working with the dogs, you’ll guide the team across packed snow, sharing the run between musher and passenger as the huskies lead you through the forest.

Trafalgar Difference

Kakslauttanen: Sleep in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, set among snow and pine forest in Finnish Lapland. From the warmth of your room, the curved glass roof opens the view to the Arctic sky above your bed, with the chance to watch for the Northern Lights without stepping outside.

Be My Guest

Ivalo: Step inside the home of local hosts Kati and Juha near Ivalo for a warm Be My Guest experience. Hear stories of everyday life in Finnish Lapland, share a delicious homemade lunch of Finnish soup prepared with locally sourced ingredients and try the traditional wilderness skill of feather-stick crafting. You’ll take home your creation after enjoying tea or coffee and a typical Finnish sweet treat.

5 nights from $5,592 per person

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Finland Beneath the Northern Lights

Day 1 - Welcome to Helsinki
Helsinki gets straight to the point: sea-facing streets, clean design and one of Europe’s most unusual churches. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, then follow an orientation of Finland’s capital that takes in Senate Square, the cathedral, the waterfront and market area. Visit Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock and topped with a copper-lined dome, a bold piece of Finnish architecture. Return to the hotel for small bites and get to know your fellow travelers and Travel Director over a drink.
Accommodations: Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti

Day 2 - Fly to the Arctic Circle and Witness the Aurora
Fly north from Helsinki to Ivalo, gateway to Finnish Lapland, and continue to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, tucked deep in the Arctic wilderness. Settle into your surroundings before heading to the resort’s planetarium for a Northern Lights presentation, learning the science and stories behind the aurora borealis. Later, gather at the hotel for dinner, before you join your Travel Director for an Aurora hunt, heading into the Arctic darkness to watch the sky for shifting color above the snow and open northern landscape.
Accommodations: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Chalet – East Village)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - See Lapland’s Famous Residents
Dive into Culture on a husky safari, learning how to guide your own sled team through the snow in the Finnish wilderness. With the dogs ready to run and the trail stretching ahead, you’ll take the reins for a classic Lapland experience. The rest of the day is free to relax at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or choose from guided Optional Experiences, including cross-country skiing, a horseback riding trail or ice karting. Later, visit Santa’s Home and meet Santa himself before gathering at the hotel for dinner. Keep watch again for the Northern Lights over the Arctic sky.
Accommodations: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Chalet – East Village)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Spend the Night in a Glass Igloo
Meet the reindeer of Finnish Lapland on a reindeer safari, learning about Sámi traditions and the role these animals have played in Arctic life before taking a sleigh ride through the snow. Near Ivalo, join local hosts Kati and Juha in their home for your Be My Guest experience. You’ll try tasty family recipes, learn about life in Lapland and even get stuck into some crafting. The afternoon is yours at Kakslauttanen. Walk the snowy resort paths, relax in the quiet of the forest or choose an Optional Experience, from snowmobiling across frozen trails to ice fishing. Check into your glass igloo for your Stays with Stories experience, with the curved glass roof framing the Arctic sky above your room.
Accommodations: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Glass Igloo – East Village)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - From Snowy Lapland to City Lights in Helsinki
Say goodbye to Lapland and fly south to Helsinki, swapping Arctic wilderness for Finland’s capital. With time at leisure, perhaps head back out into the city for a final look at the waterfront. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner, raising a glass to your Arctic adventure from Helsinki to the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland.
Accommodations: Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Farewell Finland
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before saying goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow travelers. Leave Helsinki with memories of rock-cut architecture, Arctic skies, husky trails, reindeer sleighs and nights spent watching for the Northern Lights.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Lapland

North of the Arctic Circle, Lapland is the home of the Sami people, who refer to the land as Sapmi. It's a forest-filled wilderness that accounts for almost one-fourth of Finland's territory, and it stretches across much of northern Norway, Sweden and western Russia. The region's complete quiet will bring you peace—or drive you crazy. Many visitors go May-July to see the midnight sun. The Polar Night, when the sun never completely rises, happens north of the Arctic Circle from the end of November to mid-January. Just as many flock to the ski trails and slopes in winter, and there is a thriving Santa Claus business, with several venues, some tacky, some with a genuine charm, vying for position as the "authentic home" of Father Christmas.

Many prefer to visit in the spring or fall—during the summer, mosquitoes and blackflies can be unbearable for some, and winter brings darkness 24 hours a day, albeit relieved by reflected light from the snow. But in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors, a drive through the forests is very pleasant and fell hiking across well-marked trails is popular.

Local outdoor activities include cross-country skiing, canoeing, panning for gold, camping, hiking and white-water rafting. We advise spending most of your time in the far-northern areas around Levi (a resort offering great winter sports, and a few summer ones, too), Inari and Ivalo. Lapland also caters to skiers with its high-quality ski resorts. (Don't go expecting Aspen-like bowls or faces, as the mountains are more like hills.) The resort of Saariselka, close to Ivalo, is a busy winter resort with plenty of slopes and trails, a magnet for Finns on winter holidays.

In the heart of Lapland, Levi (450 mi/725 km north of Helsinki) was founded in the 16th century. It's primarily a logging town set beside both a river and lake, but it also offers a variety of winter sports, including snowmobile safaris and cruises on an icebreaker (complete with a dip in the sea—you must wear a survival suit). In summer, canoeing and sailing are popular.

The regional capital of Rovaniemi (445 mi/715 km north of Helsinki), almost astride the Arctic Circle (the town is just a few miles/kilometers south), is primarily a jumping-off point for other areas of Lapland. After the town was nearly destroyed in World War II, functionalist architect Alvar Aalto redesigned many of the buildings. The graceful architecture in town contrasts beautifully with the scenic countryside.

But the main attraction in Rovaniemi is Santa Claus, who lives just outside the town. Thousands trek there every year to visit Santa, the elves and his workshop. An elf-training school has opened, and there are rumors that escorted visits may be allowed. (Parents of small children may wish to note that reindeer meat is featured prominently on most hotel menus.) There is also a Santa Claus Hotel in the city, and an underground themed Santa Park close to the airport.

After visiting Santa, go to the Arktikum, a science and culture museum depicting life in the Arctic region. Nearby activities and attractions include reindeer-driving lessons, the Museum of the Province of Lapland and a glass factory on the Arctic Circle. During the winter, the cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are excellent.

In March, the Santa Claus Ice Golf Tournament takes place on the ice and puts a new spin on the game—it's best to play with orange balls (they are allowed by the rules) as you'll incur a penalty stroke if you can't find your ball in less than three minutes.

In some smaller towns, the Sami still wear traditional clothing. Sodankyla has Lapland's oldest church and an interesting Sami art gallery. In the town of Tankavaara, 30 mi/50 km south of Ivalo, there is a tourist center with information on the northern lights (aurora borealis). Also in Tankavaara is the Gold Prospector Museum and the Finnish Gold Panning Championship (late July).

Urho Kekkonen National Park covers 975 sq mi/2,525 sq km in the northeastern part of Lapland. Southeast of Ivalo, between Saariselka Falls and Raututunturi Falls, there are splendid forests with interesting fauna, cabins, hiking trails and a good visitors center (it's an excellent area to see the northern lights—best seen in March or September, but visible on many cloud-free winter nights too). Plan to stay three nights in Lapland.

Arctic Circle

Helsinki

Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.

Excursions

Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.

Basis: Private tour.

Duration: City center Hotel or address.

Start/End: 3 hours.

Vehicle: 01^st Class.

Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.

Entrances: Temppeliaukio Rock Church.

Meals: None.

Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.

Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours

Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours

Interior of the Temppeliaukio Church, which was designed by ...
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.

A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.

A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.

The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.

Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.

Basis	Private
Start / End	City center Hotel or address.
Duration	4 hours
Vehicle	01^st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue.
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours

Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours

Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.

For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.

During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.

The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.

The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.

The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.

Basis	Private tour
Start / End	City center Hotel or address.
Duration	6 hours
Vehicle	01^st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrance	Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour).
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/07/2027 - 11/12/2027

from $5,592 per person

11/14/2027 - 11/19/2027

from $5,647 per person

11/21/2027 - 11/26/2027

from $5,592 per person

11/28/2027 - 12/03/2027

from $5,792 per person

12/05/2027 - 12/10/2027

from $5,792 per person

12/12/2027 - 12/17/2027

from $5,872 per person

12/19/2027 - 12/24/2027

from $5,947 per person

12/23/2027 - 12/28/2027

from $6,472 per person

01/02/2028 - 01/07/2028

from $5,947 per person

01/09/2028 - 01/14/2028

from $5,792 per person

01/16/2028 - 01/21/2028

from $5,792 per person

01/23/2028 - 01/28/2028

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01/30/2028 - 02/04/2028

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02/06/2028 - 02/11/2028

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02/13/2028 - 02/18/2028

from $5,792 per person

02/20/2028 - 02/25/2028

from $5,792 per person

02/27/2028 - 03/03/2028

from $5,792 per person

03/05/2028 - 03/10/2028

from $5,792 per person

03/12/2028 - 03/17/2028

from $5,792 per person

03/19/2028 - 03/24/2028

from $5,592 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $5,592 per person

Length

5 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply. Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1719392

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

A2Z Cruise & Travel Experts

12021 Lakewood Preserve Place
Fort Meyers, FL 33913
USA

(941) 275-9002

Basis:	Private tour.
Duration:	City center Hotel or address.
Start/End:	3 hours.
Vehicle:	01^st Class.
Guide:	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:	Temppeliaukio Rock Church.
Meals:	None.
Difficulty:	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes:	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.