If your family could bottle up the magic of Christmas and turn it into a winter getaway — this would be it. Bundle up and head to Finland for a snow-dusted adventure that’s straight out of a holiday storybook. Kick things off in Helsinki, where you’ll sample local treats, explore hands-on exhibits, and wander bustling markets. Then, board an overnight train bound for the Arctic Circle and the official hometown of Santa Claus. In Rovaniemi, you’ll visit his village, meet real-life reindeer and huskies, and maybe even catch the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. It’s a heartwarming winter escape packed with festive fun, cozy moments, and plenty of reasons to believe in magic.
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. Aurora Borealis Picnic. Husky experience and sleigh ride. Northern Reindeer experience and safari. Dark sky hunt for the Northern Lights. Free time in Ranua. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Discover hands-on exhibits at the Finnish Science Centre and explore the iconic Helsinki Central Library, Wander the stalls of the lively Hakaniemi Market Hall, Ride an overnight train headed straight for the Arctic Circle, Explore Santa Claus Village where the holiday spirit never ends, Meet reindeer and huskies in their snowy northern home, Have a picnic around a campfire under the Northern Lights
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 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 some free time before heading out in the evening for an Aurora Borealis picnic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to eat around a fire under the dancing lights in the sky.
Ranua
Stroll to Lupland Activity Park this morning to meet the huskies, then join them on an exhilarating sleigh ride! The experienced husky musher will make sure your ride is safe and memorable, and you'll be immersed in the snowy, unspoiled nature of Lapland. Next, meet the gentle reindeer and learn from the Indigenous herders about the Lappish culture over generations. Enjoy a reindeer safari through the wilderness before lunch then explore with a free afternoon. Later, join your CEO into the dark-sky area to try and see the Northern Lights.
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 snowshoeing, visiting the icefalls in Korouoma, take another reindeer safari or book a sauna experience in the woods.
Ranua/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.
