Top Of Scandinavia With Arctic Circle
Day 1 ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND Welcome to Helsinki! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
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Day 2 HELSINKI–OULU Perfection on the Peninsula HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki is poised on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, where striking architecture and Nordic cuisine delight visitors. See the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument in this historic and picturesque setting.
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Day 3 OULU The Creative Edge OULU Orientation. Free time. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
FREE TIME TIP Consider an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. The island started to rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland’s national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality.
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Day 4 OULU–ROVANIEMI Santa Claus is Coming to Town ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and [LF] get the Arctic Circle Certificate (B,D)
127 mi / 205 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDS & LORE About a hundred years ago, a passer-by started spreading the word about the true location of Santa’s real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line.
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Day 5 ROVANIEMI–LUOSTO–IVALO North to the Cape LUOSTO [LF] Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture. (B,D)
196mi/ 315km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with the sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you’re a passionate dog-lover, you’ll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers.
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Day 6 IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNINGSVAG Norwegian Good KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park. (B,D)
242mi/ 390km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Get a comprehensive insight into various aspects of Sami culture, history, and traditions when visiting the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok. Explore exhibitions that feature Sami art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts and learn about the history of the Sami people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition.
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Day 7 HONNINGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTAThe Old Men & The Sea HONNINGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center. (B)
168mi/ 270km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The North Cape cliff has long been a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor to find the North-East passage to China. They did not succeed, but the old sea charts after this expedition are the first to mention the name, North Cape. The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone. The globe at the top of the building has become the symbol of Nordkapp. It marks that you are at the end point of Europe - the northernmost of the continental mainland. This is a treasured place for photography and contemplation. This is the culmination of all journeys.
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Day 8 ALTA–TROMSØ Written in Stone ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum. (B)
186mi/ 300km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT TREASURES Experience Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area. Fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. The rock carvings in Alta were made on the smooth rock surfaces at the water’s edge. As the land gradually rose, and new rock surfaces came to light, the artists made use of these for their carvings.
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Day 9 TROMSØ Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.
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Day 10 TROMSØSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Honningsvag
The world's northernmost village, Honningsvag, the gateway to the North Cape, is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls, everything bathed in summer by the eerie light of the midnight sun. Only the chapel withstood the German destruction of 1944. It's some 50 miles nearer to the North Pole than Hammerfest, on the Alta-Hammerfest bus route.
Alta
The Rock carvings at Alta, dating from circa 4200 BC to 500 BC, are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. In additon, the Komsa culture was named after the Komsa mountain in Alta municipality, where the first archeological remains were discovered.
In World War II, the German battleship Tirpitz used Altafjord as a harbor, and was damaged here by attacking allied warplanes.
Altasaken in 1979 made headlines for weeks, as many people (especially environmentalists) demonstrated and used civil disobedience to prevent the building of a dam in order to produce hydropower. The dam was built, however, and the river still offers good salmon fishing.
Helsinki
Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.
Excursions
Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Start/End: |
3 hours. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Temppeliaukio Rock Church. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours
Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time. Suomenlinna, until 1918 Viapori (Finnish), or Sveaborg (Swedish), was an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands and which now forms part of the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular with tourists and locals. The guided walking tour takes you through the historic Susisaari and Kustaanmiekka areas and provides information on the colourful past of the fortress. The tour introduces, for example, the Great Courtyard and the dry dock, which once was one of the largest in the world.
The tour includes a return ferry service to / from Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, a guided tour with an official Suomenlina guide and an entrance to Suomenlinna Museum. You will meet the guide at Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, after disembarking the ferry. Depending on your accommodation in Helsinki, city transfers to and from the ferry port may need to be considered.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
3 hours. |
| Start/End: |
Helsinki Harbour. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English speaking Soumenlinna Guide. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Suomenlinna Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours
Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours
Porvoo is Finland's second oldest town and the most picturesque one. In other words, a beautiful area full of history. The town of Porvoo was granted town status in the 14th century and is one of the treasures of traditional Finnish architecture.
The original town plan from the Middle Ages, features the low, small houses, picturesque yards and narrow streets and forms a historically unique wooden town environment.
The symbols of Porvoo – the red warehouses on the riverbanks – tell tall tales of seafaring and trading. The guest marina and ferry dock at Jokiranta are humming with life, especially during the summer months.
The bridge at Aleksanterinkatu, completed in autumn 2004, and the newly restored Jokiranta area now encourage locals to take an evening walk and enjoy the latest improvements to the downtown area. Flower beds, fountains, cafés and sundecks have turned the shore into an attractive gathering place. The Market Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by City Hall, the bus station, specialty boutiques and services. The range of products at the marketplace varies by season.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Start/End: |
City center Hotel, Cruise Pier or address. |
| Duration: |
5 hours. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
None. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours
Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.
A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.
The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.
Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.
| Basis |
Private |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration |
4 hours |
| Vehicle |
01st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue. |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours
Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours
On this private, RIB-boat trip, you’ll see and experience the Helsinki archipelago and visit an island suiting your interests. During this fast and furious trip, you’ll see the main Helsinki attractions, such as the main market place, Kaivopuisto Park and the ice breakers. We will also land on an island of your choice – be it a remote islet or Suomenlinna fortress island! This tour is for 1-10 persons and our professional captain can tailor or extend it according to your interests.
Experience the beauty of Helsinki from the seaside and enjoy the convenience of the fast RIB-boat with a professional captain and guide. Welcome aboard!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking
Entrances: None
Meals: None
Notes: All passengers are provided with life jackets
Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours
Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours
Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.
For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.
During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.
The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.
The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration |
6 hours |
| Vehicle |
01st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrance |
Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour). |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours
Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours
Experience the best of the Finnish cuisine on this food walking tour. You will stroll around the streets of Helsinki´s center, getting a taste of the most traditional as well as fashionable flavors the city has to offer.
The tour includes the visit of some of the main gastronomical areas and spots of the Finnish capital, such as the Old Market Hall and the Market Square and also some bakeries and special food stores. You may taste some local bread, cheese, chocolate, fish, pastry, seasonal berry treat and famous Finnish salt licorice: salmiakki!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: The servings are equivalent to a light lunch/big snack. Veggie options available.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is offered everyday from May to September and on Mon-Sat during the rest of the year.
Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours
Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours
Our tour starts driving towards Nuuksio area in the district of Espoo. Our first stop will be at Nuuksio reindeer park, where will get to experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio. We will feed and learn about these characteristic animals.
In this tour you will explore the area of Nuuksio Hawk Nest, in Nuuksio National Park.
Once we get to the national park, our guide will provide you the necessary equipment and introduce to you the basics of canoeing, an old Indian way of moving along the waterways of wild nature. This first part of the tour will take place on The Hawk Lake which is only a very small lake, so the paddling distance is not long. Canoes are stable and fit two people each.
After canoeing we will go on a guided hike following the marked trails of Nuuksio National Park. The length of the guided hike is about 5km, and the pace is easy. This tour is more about enjoying the Finnish nature than covering long distance.
After the activities you will get a sandwich and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while resting after having explored the forest like a true Finn!
On our way back,
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 6 hours (3 hours canoeing & hiking, 1 hour visit to the Reinder park and time for transfers).
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking canoeing instructor and guide.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Water bottle and snack (sandwich).
Difficulty: Grade Moderate. Canoeing at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim. No previous paddling or hiking experience required. The canoes are stable and easy to paddle.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kids from 6 years are welcome. Canoeing equipment will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, Sunglasses, Waterproof Clothes, Spare Clothes, Swimming Suit, Towel.
