Jan
min : -7°C
max : -2°C
We love —
- Starting our Arctic adventure in Helsinki, where elegant architecture, Nordic design and a sparkling waterfront provide a perfect introduction to the country.
- Embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the overnight “The Santa Claus Express train”, watching Finland’s snow-dusted forests glide past your window as you travel north into the Arctic.
- Arriving in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, where the Arctic Circle marks the gateway to a landscape of frozen wilderness.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Helsinki sets the tone with its elegant waterfronts and unmistakable Nordic design. From here, the journey takes to the rails, with an enchanting overnight train carrying you north from the capital towards the vast wilderness of Lapland, as urban scenes give way to forests and snow-dusted landscapes beyond the window. On arrival, the magical Arctic SnowHotel offers another unforgettable experience, with a glass dome for watching the Northern Lights, a private sauna and even an ice bar. It’s a journey where the adventure is just as memorable as the destination.
Your itinerary in brief —
DURATION: 5 or 6 nights
BEST FOR: Once in a lifetime
PACE: Moderate
Discover the magic of Lapland:
Embark on a spellbinding Arctic adventure, from scenic landscapes framed by your train window to the otherworldly glow of the night sky above your glass igloo. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, where elegant architecture, lively harbourfronts and Nordic design set the scene for the journey ahead. Then board an overnight train bound for Lapland, settling into your cabin as the city lights fade and forests, lakes and snow-covered landscapes unfold beyond the window. This atmospheric rail journey is an experience in its own right: wake to a world transformed, with the wild landscapes of northern Finland stretching towards the Arctic Circle. Arrive in Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland, where snowy wilderness, Arctic traditions and the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights await. Your stay culminates in a glass igloo, offering the rare chance to retreat into cosy comfort while gazing through the glass roof at the star-filled Arctic sky.
Choose the length of your stay:
5-night tour
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Day 2: Helsinki → Rovaniemi (The Santa Claus Express train)
Day 3: Rovaniemi
Day 4: Rovaniemi
Day 5: Rovaniemi
Day 6: Departure from Rovaniemi
6-night tour:
By opting for the 6-night tour, you’ll extend your stay with an extra night in Helsinki to explore at your own pace.
Please note that there may be slight adjustments to your itinerary, but the overall experience will remain as enchanting and magical.
Your itinerary in detail —
5-night tour:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HELSINKI
Arrive in Helsinki and settle into the centrally located hotel, your base for the night. With its elegant architecture, waterfront setting and distinctly Nordic atmosphere, Finland’s capital is an inviting introduction to the adventure ahead. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, from the striking Helsinki Cathedral to the bustling Market Square and the city’s design-led streets. As evening falls, consider enjoying your first taste of Finnish cuisine before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
Included:
- Arrive at Helsinki Airport (HEL)
- Night at Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti 4*
DAY 2: HELSINKI → ROVANIEMI (THE SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS TRAIN)
Enjoy breakfast before making your way to Helsinki railway station for one of the most memorable chapters of your Arctic adventure. Board the overnight train to Rovaniemi around 7pm and settle into your private cabin as the city lights gradually give way to Finland’s forests and snow-dusted wilderness. As night falls, the train carries you north through the heart of the country, turning the journey itself into an unforgettable part of the experience. Drift off to sleep as the landscapes of Lapland draw closer beyond the window.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night aboard The Santa Claus Express train
DAY 3: ROVANIEMI
Wake to the enchanting landscapes of Finnish Lapland as your train arrives in Rovaniemi. After your shared transfer, arrive at the extraordinary Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, where a glass igloo offers a magical setting for your three-night stay. If arriving early, breakfast at the hotel is included, giving you time to recharge before discovering your remarkable Arctic surroundings. As night falls, your Aurora Alarm offers an extra reason to keep your eyes on the Arctic sky.
Included:
- Breakfast included (if train arrives no later than 7:20am)
- Shared transfer from the train station
- Night at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Optional (can be booked at the next stage of the booking process):
- Traditional reindeer farm visit (September 1st → November 30th)
- 2-hour traditional reindeer farm visit with sleigh ride (December 1st → December 14th)
- 1-hour ice fishing (December 1st → March 31st)
- 2-hour snowshoeing scenic excursion (December 15th → March 31st)
DAY 4: ROVANIEMI
Today, head by shared transfer to the enchanting Santa Claus Village, where the Arctic Circle meets the magic of Christmas. Wander among snow-covered pathways, visit Santa Claus and browse the village’s charming shops and restaurants.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Roundtrip transfers to Santa Claus Village
- Night at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
DAY 5: ROVANIEMI
Enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by the pristine landscapes of Lapland, with the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos providing a wonderfully secluded base. Make the most of your complimentary benefits, or simply soak up the stillness of the surrounding wilderness. As evening arrives, look skyward and let the Aurora Alarm keep watch for a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Optional (can be booked at the next stage of the booking process):
- Traditional reindeer farm visit (September 1st → November 30th)
- 2-hour traditional reindeer farm visit with sleigh ride (December 1st → December 14th)
- 1-hour ice fishing (December 1st → March 31st)
- 2-hour snowshoeing scenic excursion (December 15th → March 31st)
DAY 6: DEPARTURE FROM ROVANIEMI
Enjoy a final breakfast before your shared transfer from the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos to Rovaniemi Airport. As you leave the Arctic behind, take with you memories of snowy wilderness, magical glass igloos and an unforgettable overnight journey through Finland.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Shared transfer to the airport
- Depart from Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
6-NIGHT TOUR:
By opting for the 6-night tour, you’ll extend your stay with an extra night in Helsinki to explore at your own pace.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each stop on this magical journey, you’ll stay in thoughtfully selected, cosy hotels, with one unforgettable night spent aboard an enchanting scenic train.
Your accommodation (or similar):
- Helsinki: Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti 4* (Standard Room)
- Night train: The Santa Claus Express train (Private Cabin)
- Rovaniemi: Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Glass Igloo)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy meals as per the itinerary, with breakfast included in Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
Enjoy a memorable three-course dinner in the unique setting of the Ice Restaurant, with a choice of hearty Arctic-inspired dishes and a vegan option.
Optional excursions —
Traditional reindeer farm visit (September 1st → November 30th)
This guided visit to a traditional reindeer farm offers the chance to meet and feed these gentle creatures while learning about the ancient traditions of reindeer herding and the way of life that has shaped the region for centuries. It’s an ideal experience for animal lovers and anyone curious about Lapland’s traditional culture and livelihoods.
1-hour ice fishing (December 1st → March 31st)
Few places embrace the cold quite like Finland, where ice fishing is not just a pastime but a cherished winter tradition. Join an experienced guide and head to a nearby frozen lake to discover this peaceful pursuit for yourself—perfect for nature lovers, those seeking a slower-paced winter experience, or anyone keen to experience an authentic slice of Finnish life.
Once at the lake, your guide will show you how to drill through the thick ice before you drop your line into the icy waters and wait patiently for a bite. Traditionally, ice fishing is a quiet affair, with minimal movement and conversation to avoid startling the fish. As you sit surrounded by Finland’s serene winter landscapes, it’s easy to see why the experience is often compared to meditation. Whether you catch a fish or not, you’ll have enjoyed a wonderfully tranquil experience and learned a new skill along the way.
Duration: 1 hour
Good to know: Available daily at 10:00 AM from 1 December, weather permitting.
Read more
2-hour snowshoeing scenic excursion (December 15th → March 31st)
Embark on a guided snowshoe hike through Lapland’s magical, snow-covered wilderness. Moving quietly through the forest on snowshoes, you’ll experience the peaceful beauty of the Arctic landscape up close - an ideal winter adventure for nature lovers, active travellers and families looking for a memorable way to discover Lapland’s pristine wilderness.
2-hour traditional reindeer farm visit with sleigh ride (December 1st → December 14th)
This guided visit to a traditional reindeer farm offers the chance to meet these gentle creatures, discover the ancient traditions of reindeer herding and experience the highlight of the visit: a peaceful ride through the snowy landscape in a reindeer-drawn sleigh. It’s a wonderful experience for animal lovers and anyone curious about Lapland’s traditional way of life.
Your journey —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Helsinki
Welcome to Finland
One of the world's most sustainable and eco-conscious destinations, Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is a beautiful seaside city that boasts urban charm, historic majesty and a dynamic dining scene. In addition to the urban elements of this destination, including the many museums, concerts, and Finnish flavours, Helsinki acts as a gateway to some of the country's most beautiful nature. While the Helsinki Archipelago is made up of over 300 unique islands, the city is also nestled less than two hours away from six spectacular national parks, making Finland's beautiful capital the ultimate base for a holiday that combines the best of both worlds.
Don’t miss
- Strolling around the Art Nouveau streets of Katajanokka and Eira
- Exploring Suomenlinna, the 18th-century sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visiting the striking Temppeliaukio Church, carved straight into solid rock
- Sipping coffee at the Design Museum Café, then browsing boutiques in the Design District
- Taking a sauna at Löyly, right on the waterfront, followed by a dip in the Baltic
Culinary scene
Local chefs turn Arctic ingredients, such as wild berries, reindeer, and mushrooms, into sophisticated dishes with minimalist flair. Food markets like Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Market Hall) offer an authentic taste of Finnish fare, from salmon soup and rye bread to smoked fish and cloudberry jam. Coffee culture runs deep; locals drink more than anywhere else in the world.
Good to know
The local currency is the euro. Summer (June–August) is the best time to visit for festivals and near-endless daylight, while winter offers magical snowscapes and Christmas markets. Trams, bikes and ferries make getting around easy and enjoyable.
Rovaniemi
