The Northern Lights of Finland
Overview
Hunt for the elusive northern lights and discover fascinating Finland, “Daughter of the Baltic.” Come to know Finnish culture and history on a tour of Helsinki with a local expert. Savour the local cuisine in Helsinki’s restaurants. Experience rugged Lapland during a 3-night stay in the north of Finland. Overnight surrounded by wilderness in a glass igloo and a Finnish log cabin. Embark on a reindeer safari with a local herder. Mush your way to breakfast in a Finnish sleigh, and lead your own dog sled team. One dynamic experience follows another on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Finland.
You're not just going on tour; you’re having a travel experience!
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across hundreds of destinations across the world.
Family owned Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you must do is enjoy the adventure!
Why choose Collette Tours?
- When Collette says guaranteed, we mean a guaranteed departure.
- Family owned Since 1918
- 24/7 Emergency Services
- Be immersed with fewer one-night stays and more 2 – 3 – 4 night stays.
- 5-Star Touring with 4-Star Plus Accommodation
- Includes both the must-sees and unique local experiences - not one or the other.
- Culinary Immersion dining at local restaurants unique to each region
- Location, Quality & Uniqueness of Accommodation staying in a grand castle, picturesque villa, glass igloo, private yacht, safari lodge, French chateau and more.
* Advertised price based on 4 & 16 March departures, correct as of 18 October 2024.
Inclusions
Meals
- 11 Meals
- 6 Breakfasts
- 5 Dinners
Must See Inclusions
- Tour Helsinki alongside a local expert
- Immerse yourself in Sami cultural traditions over the course of a 3-night stay in the north of Finland
- Set out nightly across Lapland in search of the northern lights
Culinary Inclusions
- Induldge in Finnish cuisine at Helsinki’s local restaurants
- Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish winter tradition
Cultural Experiences
- Introduce yourself to majestic Lappish reindeer and meet Santa Claus himself
- Lead your very own dog sled team
- Spend the night in a glass igloo amid the Lappish wilderness
Flights Included (up to the value of $2500pp)
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, Finland - Tour Begins
Hei Helsinki! Finland’s vibrant capital, where history converges with architectural style and combines with a laid-back vibe across beautiful islands and pristine public parks, welcomes you. This evening, gather with new friends for a welcome dinner in the city centre. Hyvää ruokahalua! (Bon appetit!)
Lilla Roberts Hotel
Day 2 - Helsinki
Join a local expert for an engaging city tour. If Finland’s heart beats in Helsinki, then Helsinki’s core is in Senate Square, home of Helsinki Cathedral, the city’s most iconic building. Walk the streets of empiric-designed Tori Quarters before enjoying some free time in Market Square, the city’s famous international market. See the steel monument dedicated to the composer Sibelius. During your leisure time, explore more of Helsinki independently.
Lilla Roberts Hotel
Day 3 - Helsinki - Kakslauttanen - Northern Lights Search
Escape to northernmost Finland’s winter wonderland on board a flight to Ivalo and magical Lapland. Like a storybook come to life, Lapland’s culture is steeped in myth and legend. Relish encounters with reindeer and unspoiled views of the northern lights.* At the breathtaking Kakslauttanen Resort, spend two nights in your very own Finnish log cabin** indulging in your personal Finnish sauna and other unique fixtures. Trek north towards Inari on a chase for the northern lights.* Stops along the pursuit allow you the chance for a front-row seat at nature’s dazzling, electric light show.*
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - West Village
Day 4 - Kakslauttanen - Santa Claus’ Home - Reindeer Safari - Northern Lights
Hit the snow and mush to breakfast aboard an authentic Finnish sleigh. From Kakslauttanen, head to the home of Santa Claus, an epicenter of Christmas cheer. Among prancing reindeer, learn about Santa’s origins during a meet and greet at his house. Under the Arctic moonlight, a reindeer farmer introduces you to some friendly Lappish reindeer that will escort you on an exhilarating reindeer safari through remote Kakslauttanen. Gain insight into the importance of reindeer herding to the Sámi indigenous culture. Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish tradition, under the cover of blankets in the surround of northern Finland’s unspoiled wilderness as you continue the search for the elusive northern lights.*
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - West Village
Day 5 - Kakslauttanen - Husky Safari - Northern Lights Search
Breathe in the fresh Arctic air this morning and step into the role as leader of your own dog sled team. Zoom through the wilderness on a husky safari, driving your husky guides that are as fast as they are adorable. Spend some time getting to know these amazing dogs and learn about their different commands. You’ll also be introduced to the equipment you’ll need to experience this incredible Arctic adventure at its best. Enjoy your last night in the heart of the Lappish wilderness, nestled in your incredible – and private – glass igloo.*** You may even see the northern lights* dancing overhead.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - West Village
Day 6 - Kakslauttanen - Helsinki
Say goodbye to enchanting Lapland and fly back to Helsinki. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city’s central squares and get in tune with the latest Finnish trends at a collection of charming shops. Tonight, in downtown Helsinki, toast to grand adventures and new friends.
Lilla Roberts Hotel
Day 7 - Helsinki - Tour Ends
Set out for home with incredible memories and a longing to return.
