Winter Nordic Discovery

Get ready to explore Finnish Lapland, where long winter nights create a dreamy setting to search for the northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky. Your journey begins in Helsinki, the “Daughter of the Baltic.”

Hei Helsinki! Get to know Finland's capital, where historic landmarks, modern design, and island scenery come together. With a free afternoon, explore the city at your own pace before meeting your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the city center. Hyvää ruokahalua! (bon appétit!)

This morning, join a local expert to discover Helsinki on foot. Wander through the city's historic landmarks and quieter corners while learning about Finnish culture, architecture, and daily life. Stop at the Empire-style Senate Square, home to the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, before enjoying a free afternoon to explore independently.

Fly north to Ivalo and arrive in Finnish Lapland, where local traditions and the Arctic landscape set the pace of life. Share a home-hosted lunch for a firsthand introduction to the region's culture and hospitality before checking in to your hotel, nestled among the pine forests for a relaxing Arctic retreat.

Spend the morning at a reindeer farm, where local herders share the traditions and cultural significance of reindeer in Sámi life. Take a ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh before returning to Saariselkä for free time and lunch on your own starting at approximately 12:45 p.m. After dinner with your fellow travelers, join an Aurora photography workshop and learn techniques for photographing the northern lights* should they appear.

Take the reins of your own dog sled team this morning and experience one of Lapland's most iconic winter traditions. Lead a team of huskies across snow-covered trails before returning to the hotel at approximately 3:15 p.m. for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner.

Leave Finland behind and cross the Arctic frontier into Norway, taking in the changing northern landscapes along the way. Visit the Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre for a guided introduction to Sámi history, traditions, and connection to the land. After approximately 45 minutes of free time for lunch, continue to Kirkenes. This evening, consider an optional king crab safari to learn about this local specialty before enjoying a fresh king crab meal.

Begin the day with a visit to Andersgrotta, a World War II bomb shelter where Kirkenes' wartime history comes to life. Then, fly to Oslo and enjoy a panoramic tour of Norway's capital before free time to explore over lunch. This evening, experience the Nobel Peace Center during a private visit that offers a closer look at the people and ideas behind the Nobel Peace Prize.

This morning, set out on an Oslo Fjord cruise and see the city from the water, passing nearby islands and waterfront views along the way. Return around 12:45 p.m. and enjoy approximately two hours of free time to explore Oslo at your own pace, whether visiting a museum, browsing local shops, or relaxing at a neighborhood café. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, marking the close of your Nordic journey.

Set out for home with incredible memories and a longing to return.