Seeking the Northern Lights

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant seaside capital. Known for its design-forward architecture, lively café culture, and Baltic charm, Helsinki offers a warm welcome. Take time to explore the city’s waterfront, museums, and green spaces at your own pace. Overnight stay in Helsinki.

Day 2: Helsinki
After breakfast, the day is free to discover Helsinki’s highlights. Suggested sights include the Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Optional guided tours are available, including city walks, design and architecture routes, or food-focused experiences. Overnight stay in Helsinki.

Day 3: Santa Express to Rovaniemi
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Helsinki before boarding the iconic Santa Express overnight train in the evening. The train journey from southern Finland to the Arctic Circle includes a private sleeping compartment with en-suite toilet and shower. Overnight on the Santa Express train to Rovaniemi.

Day 4: Arrival in Rovaniemi
Arrival in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and official hometown of Santa Claus. Spend the day exploring this festive city or visit Santa Claus Village just outside the centre. Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.

Day 5: Rovaniemi to Saariselkä
After breakfast, travel by local bus to Saariselkä. Upon arrival, a transfer is arranged to the Northern Lights Village, where modern Aurora Cabins offer a peaceful escape from city lights. Dinner is included. Overnight stay in Saariselkä.

Day 6: Saariselkä
A day at leisure in the Arctic wilderness. Optional activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, or a Northern Lights hunt, depending on the season. Dinner is included in the evening. Overnight stay in Saariselkä.

Day 7: Saariselkä to Inari
Following breakfast, transfer to the bus station for the journey north to Inari. Upon arrival, check in at the Wilderness Hotel Inari, set on the edge of a pristine lake near the Sámi village of Inari. Dinner is included. Overnight stay in Inari.

Day 8: Inari
Spend the day enjoying the peaceful surroundings or take part in optional winter activities, such as snowshoeing or an aurora snowmobile safari. A visit to the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre is also recommended. Dinner is included. Overnight stay in Inari.

Day 9: Inari to Kirkenes
After breakfast, travel by bus across the border from Finland to Norway. The journey north brings ever-changing Arctic scenery before arriving in the coastal town of Kirkenes. Overnight stay in Kirkenes.

Day 10–15: Kirkenes to Bergen (Havila Coastal Cruise)
After breakfast, board the Havila Coastal Express for a scenic five-night cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen. The journey follows Norway’s breathtaking coastline, passing remote villages, narrow fjords, and snowy peaks. Accommodation is in a seaside cabin and full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is included. Overnight stays on board Havila.

Day 15: Arrival in Bergen
Disembark in Bergen, Norway’s charming second city. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Bergen is known for its colourful Hanseatic Wharf and lively harbour. Overnight stay in Bergen.

Day 16: Flåm Adventure
After breakfast, begin the journey to Flåm via train and bus. Travel first to Voss, continue by bus to Gudvangen, and then cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Flåm. Surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls, this village is a highlight of the Norwegian fjord region. Dinner is included. Overnight stay in Flåm.

Day 17: Flåm to Oslo
In the morning, board the famous Flåmsbana railway for one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Change trains in Myrdal and continue to Oslo, Norway’s green and modern capital city. Overnight stay in Oslo.

Day 18: Departure from Oslo
Breakfast is served at the hotel. Depending on departure time, explore Oslo’s waterfront or visit sights such as the Opera House or Vigeland Sculpture Park before heading to the airport by local transport or taxi.