Summer is great — but what if you could add a little Christmas magic to it? Pack up the family and head to Finland, where holiday cheer shines bright even under the midnight sun. Kick things off in Helsinki with a dose of cool Nordic culture and science-fuelled fun before boarding an overnight train to the Arctic Circle. In Rovaniemi — Santa’s official hometown — you’ll visit his village, meet his reindeer and huskies, and soak up the magic of Lapland in the glow of the endless summer light. With hands-on activities, festive fun, and lots of wide-eyed wonder, this six-day adventure brings your family into the heart of a real-life winter wonderland… in the middle of summer.
Travel Style
Family
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. CEO-led orientation walk in Helsinki. Huereka Science Centre visit. Santa Claus Village visit. Husky experience at their kennel. Northern Reindeer experience. Midnight sun walk and picnic. Free time in Ranua. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Get curious and hands-on at the Heureka Finnish Science Centre, Wander the stalls of the lively Hakaniemi Market Hall, Ride an overnight train to the Arctic Circle like true adventurers, Visit Santa’s Village where it’s Christmas all year round, Meet real-life reindeer and huskies in the heart of Lapland, Have a picnic around a campfire under the midnight sun
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Overnight train, private transport, walking
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (4 nts), overnight train (1 nt)
Itinerary
Helsinki
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your family adventure kicks off in Helsinki with an evening welcome meeting at the hotel before a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out. If you arrive early, you can purchase a Helsinki travel card which allows unlimited use of the excellent public transport and free access to area museums.
Helsinki / Overnight Train to Rovaniemi
All aboard! Hop on a local train this morning for a short ride to the Heureka Science Centre, where the kids will love feeling like a mad scientist with all the interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Return to Helsinki in time for lunch before setting off on a walking exploration of the city centre followed by some free time to relax. In the evening, board the famous 'Santa Claus Express', a comfortable overnight train to the home of Santa himself, Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi/Ranua
Disembark at Rovaniemi station then drive a short distance across the Arctic Circle to Santa Claus Village. Keep an eye out for the big man himself and pen your holiday wishes on a post card; you could mail them home from Santa's own post office. Enjoy some free time in the village, then continue driving to Ranua, your home base for the coming days. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day and evening free.
Ranua
This morning, you'll get to meet the huskies bred for their amazing mushing skills! They love attention and you'll get the chance to interact with them and to get to know their unique personalities. In the evening, head out with a local guide under the midnight sun for an evening walk to learn about flora and fauna and to get familiar with the Lappish customs and lifestyle. Stop along the way for a picnic break to grill sausages and toast traditional sandwiches in a traditional Lappish hut before returning to the guesthouse.
Ranua
Today is yours to do as much or as little as you please on the final full day in Lapland. Optional outdoor activities abound like fishing, a fat bike excursion or book a sauna experience in the woods.
Rovaniemi
Depart Ranua in the morning after breakfast and transfer back to Rovaniemi, where the tour ends on arrival to either the train station or the airport.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
