Reindeer Experience
Northern Lights Village
Tromso Bridge and Arctic Cathedral
Haparanda Stadshotell

Into the Arctic

From: 
Regular price
$11,255.00
Sale price
$11,255.00

Small Group Tour (min 2 / max 24 passengers)
11 Days Saariselka to Posio
Departs: Winter
2026 Departure Dates: Dec: 06, 23
2027 Departure Dates: Jan: 17 | Feb: 03-(full) 19, 25 | Mar 02-(full), 16-(full)
 
Saariselka (1) | Kirkenes (1) | Hurtigruten Cruise (1) | Tromso (1) | Kilpisjarvi (1) | Levi (1) | Haparanda (2) | Posio (2)
 
An unforgettable 11-day Arctic Odyssey, weaving through the enchanting landscapes of Finland, Sweden and Norway. This immersive journey promises a captivating exploration of the Arctic Circle's wonders, from Finland's snow-laden Lapland to Sweden's ice-carved wonders and the mesmerizing Northern Lights and will leave you with indelible memories of the world's northernmost wonders.
 
Highlights of this tour:
  • 24/7 service and full local backup
  • Visit the SnowHotel 365 - discover the ice suites, icebar and Santa's workshop and explore the park with its reindeer, huskies and puppies
  • Sail along the Norwegian Coast
  • Discover Tromso, capital of the Northern Lights
  • Discover Kilpisjarvi where the three nations of Norway, Finland and Sweden
  • Head out to view the Northern Lights (dependent on weather and nature conditions)
  • Embark on a thrilling husky safari over the untouched snow of the forests of Levi
  • Discover Rovaniemi, the official Home of Santa Claus
  • Sleep under the Arctic Sky in an Aurora Gem

Day 1: Saariselka (Finland)

Arrival to Ivalo Airport - Welcome to the Arctic! Transfer by shared shuttle to the Santa’s Hotel Tunturi in Saariselka. This evening, meet your guide for a welcome drink and a briefing about the program of the following days. If the weather allows and there is auroral activity, your guide will take you out to see the Northern Lights. Overnight Santa's Hotel Tunturi.

Day 2: Saariselka - Kirkenes: Travel to Norway and Experience the Snowhotel (BLD)

This morning cross the border between Finland and Norway to reach Kirkenes, a small town facing the Barents Sea. Here you will have lunch in the restaurant of the SnowHotel, followed by a visit of the SnowHotel 365 itself. Marvel at the ice and snow art and discover all the ice suites; you can also visit Santa`s workshop and the icebar, taking all the time you need to explore the park with huskies and reindeers. Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Kirkenes.

Optional Tours (supplements apply):
For those who want, it’s possible to join the king crab safari at 5:00pm
For those interested in history instead, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta. For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground.

Day 3: Sail along the Norwegian Coast (BLD) 

Transfer to the Hurtigruten pier and board the ship for your voyage along the Norwegian coast. Lunch on board as your journey on the famous Hurtigruten starts. In the port of Vardø, you will find the star shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. Cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4: Sail along The Norwegian Coast - Tromso (Norway) (BLD)

Stops are made at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund. Lunch on board. In the early afternoon, you will spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world until Longyearbyen in Svalbard claimed the title. Check out the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen. Continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. Dinner on board and late evening arrival in Tromsø. Check-in and overnight at your hotel in Tromso.

Day 5: Tromso - Kilpisjarvi (Finland): At the border of the three Laplands (BD)

Embark on a panoramic walking tour of Tromsø that will take you through the center of this town in the Arctic. A charming blend of old and new, where modest wooden houses sit alongside the modern architecture of this university city. Your guide will give you a true sense of the city who carries the nickname “Paris of the North”. Cross the Tromsø Bridge which connects Tromsø Island to the mainland, and see the Arctic Cathedral reveal itself on the way over. Tromsdalen Church, also known as Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) was built on November 19, 1965. The cathedral is a landmark visible from the Tromsø Sound, the Tromsø Bridge and when landing in Tromsø by aircraft. For those who want to walk a little more, it is possible to reach the cable car and go all the way to the top of Mount Storsteinen, 421 meters above sea level in just four minutes, for a bird’s-eye-view of the city and its impressive surroundings.

In the afternoon visit a local brewery where you will learn about the ingredients in the beer and the brewing process that Norwegians use in the arctic region to produce a delicious beer. After some free time, depart for Kilpisjarvi. This is where the three nations of Norway, Finland, and Sweden meet. Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Kilpisjärvi hosts some of the best conditions for viewing the northern lights, so make sure to head out at night for a peak. Please keep in mind, seeing the Northern Lights is dependent on weather and nature conditions.  

Day 6: Kilpisjarvi - Levi (Finland): Snowmobiles at Three Borders (B)

This morning there is the possibility to visit Finland, Sweden, and Norway in less than one minute.
Optional Tour (supplement applies): This is a bucket list experience that is strongly suggested: a snowmobile safari for beginners and first timers, with a trail that runs on the frozen lake and through beautiful snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma where the yellow border cairn of three Nordic countries is located. It is called the most peaceful border in the world. Take your time to make pictures and mark your presence at the point of intersection of three European borders!
 

Embark for Levi and explore a different part of Finnish Lapland. Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. Dinner and overnight at the exclusive Design Hotel in Levi.

Day 7: Levi - Haparanda (Sweden) (BD)

Levi is very popular also among the locals because it’s the perfect place for skiing. Morning at leisure to explore this magical winter destination, to test your skiing skills or to join an ice-fishing experience. In the afternoon, depart for Haparanda to experience Swedish Lapland. Dinner and overnight at Haparanda.

Day 8: Haparanda (Sweden) Icebreaker – once in a lifetime experience (BD)

Optional Activity (supplement applies):  For those who want, another bucket-list experience is awaiting today: the Icebreaker! A 3-hour cruise in the frozen water of Bothnian sea in Lapland. During the 3 hours you will be a witness of a massive ice breaking power of the vessel, have a guided tour all the way down to the engine rooms and all way up to Captain’s bridge. You can relax in the cozy saloon, with warm juice or go for walk on the frozen sea ice during the stop. The icebreaker makes a pool free of ice and every visitor can take a swim in the dark icy water in flotation survival suit. The captain will present Cruise & Swim Certificate to everyone as a memorable gift.

In the afternoon you have some time to explore Haparanda Tornio, crossing the border between Sweden and Finland as you walk from your hotel to the local shopping mall, or to join one of the several available activities.  

Day 9: Haparanda - Rovaniemi (Finland) - Posio: Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi (BD)

Departure to Rovaniemi, in Finland, which is The Official Home of Santa Claus. Here he spends his time at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life: to enhance the wellbeing of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spreading the message of love and goodwill of Christmas Spirit throughout the globe.   A stop is made at the Santa Claus Village for a visit.

The afternoon leave towards the most authentic part of Lapland and reach the small village of Posio and the resort for the last two nights: Lights of Lapland. Indulge in the beauty of Finnish Lapland from the comfort of the Aurora Gems. You can admire the sky’s beauty from the comfort of your bed, or relax in the dedicated Aurora Room, a very exclusive and authentic experience that only this tour can offer. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Posio: Aurora Gem – Huskies & Reindeers (BLD)

During this day we’ll do two of the most iconic experience that Lapland can offer. In the morning we’ll visit a traditional reindeer farm and learn about reindeer herding. Take photos, feed them and enjoy a short sleigh ride through the forest. After a light lunch (soup) in a cozy Kota, we’ll continue to a husky farm. Here we’ll meet the dogs and go on a thrilling husky ride, with a break for photos and driver swap. End the day with hot juice and pastries by an open fire in a Lappish teepee. Return to your resort for the farewell dinner, and hopefully for another great night looking at the Northern Lights from your Aurora Gem.

Day 11: Posio - Kuusamo (B)

Transfer to Kuusamo Airport for your departure flight.
Note: Transfers are by shared shuttle with two guaranteed group transfers during the day

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • 24/7 local operator support
  • Accommodation with private facilities: 7 nights in hotel rooms; 2 nights in Aurora accommodation; 1 night on board the Hurtigruten from Kirkenes to Tromsø (Polar Outside cabin)
  • Breakfast daily
  • 8 dinners
  • 4 lunches
  • Arrival transfer on Day 1 of tour by shared shuttle from Ivalo Airport to Hotel; Departure transfer on Day 11 of tour by shared shuttle from Hotel to Kuusamo Airport (two transfer times guaranteed during the day)
  • English speaking Tour Escort from day 1 to day 10
  • Long distance coach from Tromsø to Kuusamo
  • Entrance to Snowhotel Kirkenes
  • Panoramic walking tour of Tromsø
  • Brewery visit with tasting
  • Reindeer safari
  • Husky safari
  • Santa Claus Village
  • Scandinavia Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfares
  • Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or 11 of tour
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Meals other than those specified
  • Drinks during meals
  • Luggage Handling
  • Tipping/Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

Saariselka (Finland)

First Class: Santa's Hotel Tunturi - Superior Room

Kirkennes (Norway)

First Class: Thon Hotel Kirkenes

Cruise (Kirkenes to Tromso)

First Class: Hurtigruten Cruise: Kirkenes-Tromso - Cabin with a view

Tromso (Norway)

First Class: Moxy Tromso

Kilpisjarvi (Finalnd)

First Class: Santa's Hotel Rakka - Superior Room

Levi (Finland)

First Class: Design Hotel Levi - Deluxe Room

Haparanda (Sweden)

First Class: Haparanda Stadshotell

Posio (Finland)

First Class: Lights of Lapland - Aurora Gems

Child Policy
Due to the nature of the tour and the destination, children under 7 years of age are not accepted on this tour.
 
Itinerary Amendments
The tour operator reserves the right to amend the itinerary and/or included activities/entrances without notice due to weather conditions. The weather conditions in the Arctic region can vary and road closures are sometimes enforced by local authorities, which is out of the control of the tour operator This could also lead to possible cancellatin of some activities. Should the itinerary be amended due to unforseen circumstances, a suitable alternative will be provided where possible.
 
Transfers
Airport transfers are included on the arrival and departure days of the tour. Transfers will be via scheduled shuttles with two transfer times available during the day. Private transfers at alternate times will incur a surcharge. If arriving or departing on any days other than the arrival or departure days of the tour, transfers are not included.
 
Triple Rooms and Extra Bed
Triple rooms in Scandinavia are very difficult to find: most hotels offer a double room with an additional extra bed, which drasticallay reduces the space in the room. Some hotels offer this solution only in superior or deluxe rooms in order to give more space to 3 people, however in general it is suggested to only book 3 people in the same room if the third person is a child or young adult.
 

The Northern Lights
Chasing the Northern Lights, also referred to as the Aurora Borealis, during winter presents an unforgettable journey. These regions are renowned for their pristine skies and minimal light interference, providing ideal settings for witnessing this natural wonder. Bundling up warmly and exercising patience are essential for fully enjoying this awe-inspiring chase.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the aurora's appearance can be unpredictable, appearing only when conditions are right (it needs to be cold and dark with clear skies). Thus, maintaining patience is crucial when seeking the Northern Lights and understanding that this phenomenon is unpredictable and sighting the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed.

Winter Sightseeing Activities
Please note sightseeing tours are weather dependent and may be cancelled if the weather conditions are not ideal.

Winter Weather Conditions
In winter, Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland experience harsh conditions with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Snowfall is common, blanketing the region in a thick layer of snow. Strong winds can further intensify the cold, making it feel even chillier. Daylight hours are significantly reduced, with the polar night phenomenon occurring in some areas, where the sun doesn't rise above the horizon for an extended period.

Dressing for Winter Tours
Dressing for winter requires layers to combat the extreme cold. Start with a thermal base layer, followed by insulating layers such as fleece or wool, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots are essential to keep extremities warm in subzero temperatures and snowy conditions.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Winter Arctic Adventure

Finnish Lapland - Rovaniemi

Arctic Wonders - Tromso and Kilpisjarvi

Norway Winter Adventure

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