Compare Finnish Lapland in Winter by Intrepid Travel vs Helsinki & Tallinn by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,115 | $ 1,953 |
| Price Per Day | $ 514 | $ 279 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Lapland, a magical place of pristine Arctic landscapes and snow-dusted woodlands. In this winter wonderland, the cold air is cut only by the sound of rushing rivers and panting huskies as they prepare to rush across this impossibly vast, white wilderness. Strap on your hiking boots and crunch a path through Finland’s spectacular taigas, get cosy with the locals over a glass of salmari and experience the rush of a real dog-sled. From the docks of Helsinki to remote Yllastunturi and Santa’s workshop in Rovaniemi – witness a beautiful part of the world where Christmas feels always close. Learn how people in the North cope with extreme temperatures. You may even find your inner Finn enjoying the solitude while in pure pristine nature. |
Begin your Northern Europe vacation in the capital of Finland, Helsinki! Walk across Senate Square, explore the 18th-century Suomenlinna fortress, and gaze up at the incredible Uspenski Cathedral. From Helsinki, take a ferry across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn in Estonia. Stroll through the capital's untouched medieval Old Town, then see the Russian influence at the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. |
Day 1 Helsinki
Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. If you’re in the city early, head out and discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Maybe check out the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre. You may want to consider purchasing the Helsinki Card – an economical way to travel on Helsinki City Transport (HKL) services, as well as free admission to the main Helsinki sights and nearly 50 museums. Throughout its 450-year history, the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes with the other members of your group.
Day 2 Helsinki / Overnight Train
Join your leader on an orientation walk around Helsinki in the morning. Once you get the lay of the land, the rest of the day is completely free for you to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the Design Museum. Don't miss the historic harbour-side market and market hall for local oddities. If you didn’t have time yesterday make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city and often referred to as the Gibraltar of the North. Later in the evening, you’ll board the famous 'Santa Claus Express', a comfortable overnight train to Rovaniemi (approx 12 hours), known to many as the hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a quaint town in Finland’s far north, located just 6 km south of the Arctic Circle.
Day 3 Rovaniemi / Yllastunturi
The train arrives in Rovaniemi early this morning. Continue by private vehicle to a family-run guesthouse deep in the Finnish forest (approximately 3 hours). This location will be your base for the next four nights, situated near Yllästunturi, a popular cross-country and downhill skiing destination. If the skies are clear tonight, why not take a stroll out into the snow and look skywards for the dancing green lights of the Aurora. Far away from the city lights, the guesthouse is an ideal base to see the Northern Lights. The natural display of coloured lights in the night sky are often visible in the high northern hemisphere, and there is even an open-top shelter nearby from which to observe the lights. Grab a hot drink, rug up and head out into the winter wonderland. Alternatively, spend the evening playing your favourite travel games with your fellow group mates.
Day 4 Yllastunturi
Make sure you rug up for today’s adventures, as you’ll be pulled across the landscape at high speed on the back of a dog sled. These incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before rushing along sprawling trails. With the wind in your hair, ride through the snow as your new four-legged friends pull you onwards in a truly memorable experience. After the ride warm yourself by an open fire and chow down on sausages and drink some hot berry juice. If you’re lucky, you might get to give the dogs a pet and a cuddle – just be sure to ask the sledmaster first!
Day 5 Yllastunturi
Your next adventure in Yllästunturi takes you on a visit to a traditional local family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. Their reindeer farm has been operating since 1861 and you may have the opportunity to feed and watch these cute animals go about their daily routine. You will be shown their skills in reindeer herding with the option to get close and personal with some of the animals on the farm. Then why not experience a traditional Finnish bath on the farm? Finnish sauna has a millennia old history, and is integral to the Finnish national identity. Locals swear by the cleansing, healing and meditative properties of having a steam and a wash in the sauna. There is also an opportunity to try ice swimming afterwards!
Day 6 Yllastunturi
Yllästunturi is home to the largest skiing resort in all Finland, boasting some of the longest downhill skiing runs through its rolling snow parks. Today you’ll have a free day to explore this winter wonderland with plenty of optional activities that your leader or the accommodation owners can help organise for you. You may want to explore the snow-dusted wilderness with a snow-shoeing expedition, or alternatively ice fishing is also an option for anyone who’s after a more relaxing experience, with the added bonus of a self-caught dinner to boot. If it’s very cold (around minus 30 degrees C) try throw boiling water in the air and see it freeze before it hits the ground. It’s called the ‘Mpemba effect’ and it’s free to try.
Day 7 Rovaniemi
Depart in the morning to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, by private vehicle (approx. 3 hours). This city is an urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, full of culture and stunning scenic hikes. With a free afternoon to explore the city and its surrounds, you have the option of visiting Santa’s workshop, or taking part in the numerous activities that the city has to offer. Maybe go hiking and witness spectacular rapids and aapa mires, or stay in town and visit the Arktikum, the Museum of Finland. It’s a place to learn about the nature and history of the north, where modern technology is being used to have the exhibits come alive. Alternatively you may want to visit the Rovaniemi Art Museum Korundi. Make the most of your time here as tomorrow is your departure day – perhaps meet up with your group afterwards for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 Rovaniemi
Your adventures through Lapland come to an end today after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in the region we are happy to book additional nights for you (subject to availability).
Day 1 Welcome to Helsinki, Finland!
Say "hei" to Finland when you arrive at Helsinki airport, then enjoy a transfer to your accommodation. Once you've settled in, get out and explore Finland's capital! Pop into boutiques, workshops and galleries in the city's famous Design District, then enjoy a meal of kalakukko, a traditional fish pie baked in a loaf of rye bread!
Day 2 Helsinki
Utilize your Helsinki Panorama Bus Tour today! Enjoy a full loop for panoramic views of the city while taking in some of the city's best attractions. After a full day of exploring, treat yourself to sweeping views of the city from atop the city SkyWheel!
Day 3 Helsinki
Today, consider hopping on the ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (ferry and admission are included with your city card). Spend a few hours exploring this fascinating fortress set on a cluster of islands connected by bridges and built by the Swedish in the mid-18th-century. After a day of sightseeing, unwind at Kotiharjun Sauna, Helsinki's only remaining traditional public wood-fired sauna.
Day 4 Helsinki - Tallinn, Estonia
Today you will cross the Baltic Sea on a 2-hour ferry to your next destination, Tallinn! As the capital of Estonia, Tallinn buzzes with activity year-round. Formerly under Soviet rule, Tallinn has blossomed into one of Europe's prettiest medieval cities. Take time today to walk around the UNESCO-certified Old Town. Its Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets and enchanting architecture will amaze you!
Day 5 Tallinn
Embark on your three-hour Tallinn Walking Food Tour today! Experience the unique Estonian cuisine while exploring the old town and city center.
Day 6 Tallinn
Consider a visit to Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great in 1718 and now housing the Estonian Art Museum's foreign collection. Weather permitting, relax in the handsome French-style formal garden at the rear of the palace. Later, visit one of Tallinn's most striking structures, the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral. This magnificent, onion-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral was completed in 1900 as Russia expanded its influence on its Baltic provinces.
Day 7 Depart Estonia
Your Northern Europe adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a transfer to Tallinn airport at the appropriate time for your flight home.
