Helsinki & the Northern Lights

(7 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Helsinki, Finnish Lapland

This private Finland tour combines the cultural highlights of Helsinki and the natural beauty of Lapland and the Arctic Circle. It includes private touring with your own guide and driver in Helsinki and private outdoor activities in Finnish Lapland, including husky dog-sledding in the winter and enjoying the midnight sun in the summer. This Finland tour is also ideal for travelers wanting to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) during the winter months.

Begin in Helsinki, the beautiful seaside capital of Finland. During flexible touring with your own private guide, experience the lively culture, interesting architecture and excellent museums of Finland's dynamic waterfront capital. Visit Temppeliaukio, the famed "Rock Church" hewn from solid stone. Tour outdoor markets, indoor food halls, historic squares and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and see landmark buildings such as Finlandia Hall, the Railway Station and the Olympic Stadium. Drive along the coast to see beautiful historic villas and the impressive Sibelius Monument, which is dedicated to Finland's most beloved composer. Artisans of Leisure will arrange for you to have a private tour of the Alvar Aalto House, the home of the most important Finnish architect of the 20th century. If desired, also visit the nearby Studio Aalto. There will also be time to visit renowned cafes and Finnish design shops along Esplanadi Park in central Helsinki. Other touring options include the Arabia porcelain factory, the Design District, art museums such as Kiasma and Ateneum, Kaivopuisto Park and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Upon request, private excursions can be arranged to the most interesting places surrounding Helsinki, such as the island of Suomenlinna, the Iittala glass factory and museum, beautiful Aulanko Park, Lake Tuusula, and the atmospheric artist house-studios of Visavuori and Halosenniemi. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange access to a traditional Finnish sauna, reservations at top Helsinki restaurants, in-depth shopping for the best Finnish design, cooking classes, touring related to Jean Sibelius, tickets to performances at Finlandia Hall or the Savonlinna Opera Festival, and more.

Next, fly to Finnish Lapland, a wild and remote region above the Arctic Circle. Stay in a modern cabin with large windows for viewing the Northern Lights from your bed (depending on the season and conditions). Experience the natural beauty of Lapland year-round through exciting outdoor activities. During the winter, enjoy activities such as snowmobile tours, husky dog-sledding excursions, reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowboarding, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, a visit with Santa, a private gingerbread class, tobogganing and more. One evening, embark on a hunt for the magical Northern Lights by snowmobile, dog sled, or reindeer- or horse-pulled sleigh. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange an ice-fishing excursion or a traditional smoke sauna experience. During the summer and fall, interact with adorable husky puppies, go hiking or horseback riding in the forest, pick wild berries, explore the landscape by ATV, and enjoy the unique light and atmosphere of the midnight sun.

Return to Helsinki for a night.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Helsinki Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Helsinki Full-day private tour Day 3 Helsinki – Finnish Lapland Private transfer to airport (flight to Rovaniemi not included). Private arrival transfer to arctic resort for 3 nights. Afternoon seasonal activities personalized to your interests Day 4 Finnish Lapland Seasonal activities personalized to your interests. Evening private Northern Lights excursion Day 5 Finnish Lapland Seasonal activities personalized to your interests. Evening private Northern Lights excursion Day 6 Finnish Lapland – Helsinki Private transfer to airport (flight to Helsinki not included). Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 7 Depart Helsinki Private airport transfer

Hotels

Helsinki: Hotel Kamp Lapland: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel *OCTOLA can be booked for exclusive-use or partial exclusive-use at a supplement

Cost

From $23,075    Per person (based on double occupancy)