Winter Northern Lights Tour of Finland & Sweden

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Helsinki, Finnish Lapland, Swedish Lapland, Stockholm

This private tour combines the highlights of Helsinki and Stockholm and the natural beauty of Lapland. It features exciting outdoor winter activities in Lapland, including hunting for the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

Begin in Helsinki, the beautiful seaside capital of Finland. During flexible touring of Helsinki 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 an igloo and also 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 through exciting outdoor 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.

Next, transfer to Swedish Lapland in the remote far north of the country. Stay in a riverfront spa hotel and enjoy time at leisure to book spa appointments or perhaps arrange additional outdoor activities according to your interests.

Conclude in Stockholm, the seaside capital of Sweden. With your own private guide, explore the many highlights of Stockholm, the seaside capital of Sweden. Walk the medieval streets of atmospheric Gamla Stan (Old Town) to see the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum and other interesting places. Visit the city's best food hall, and perhaps have lunch at one of its renowned restaurants. Tour City Hall, where the Nobel Prize dinner is held, to see its magnificent interiors, including the Gold Room, which sparkles with mosaics. Visit the best-known boutiques for Swedish design, including Svenskt Tenn. Also see the impressive and well-preserved 17th-century ship at the Vasamuseet. If desired, learn about traditional rural Swedish life at Skansen, an open-air museum filled with historic buildings from around the country. Also enjoy a cruise on the harbor and along the Djurgarden Canal. Other touring options include visiting Rosendal's Garden, Haga Park, Hallwyl Museum, ABBA The Museum or the National Museum.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Helsinki, Finland Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Helsinki Full-day private tour Day 3 Helsinki – Levi Private transfer to airport (flight to Kittila not included). Private arrival transfer to glass igloo for 1 night. Evening private Northern Lights excursion Day 4 Levi – Rovaniemi Private transfer to arctic resort for 2 nights. Seasonal activities personalized to your interests. Evening private Northern Lights excursion Day 5 Rovaniemi Seasonal activities personalized to your interests. Evening private Northern Lights excursion Day 6 Rovaniemi – Harads, Sweden Private overland transfer to spa hotel for 2 nights Day 7 Harads Day at leisure Day 8 Harads – Stockholm Transfer to airport (flight to Stockholm not included). Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 9 Stockholm Full-day private tour, including tickets for canal cruise Day 10 Depart Stockholm Private airport transfer

Hotels

Helsinki: Hotel Kamp Levi: Levin Iglut Rovaniemi: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel *OCTOLA can be booked for exclusive-use or partial exclusive-use at a supplement Harads: Arctic Bath Stockholm: Grand Hotel Stockholm or Hotel Villa Dagmar

Cost

From $25,200 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) From $28,660 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)