Winter Highlights of Lapland

(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 with your own private guide, experience the city’s lively culture, interesting architecture and excellent museums. Visit Temppeliaukio, the famed "Rock Church" hewn from solid stone. Tour outdoor markets, indoor food halls and historic squares, and see landmark buildings such as Finlandia Hall, the Railway Station, the Olympic Stadium, Amos Rex and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Drive along the coast to see beautiful historic villas and the unusual 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 nearby Studio Aalto. There will be time to visit renowned cafes and Finnish design shops along Esplanadi Park in central Helsinki. Other touring options include Suomenlinna, the Arabia porcelain factory, the Design District, art museums such as Kiasma and Ateneum, Kaivopuisto Park and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Artisans of Leisure can also arrange reservations at top Helsinki restaurants, in-depth shopping for the best Finnish design, cooking classes, 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 luxurious log chalet on a private wilderness preserve or in modern cabins 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 city's many highlights. 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. Artisans of Leisure can arrange reservations at the top restaurants in and around Stockholm.