Norway

Tour Highlights -  Unique Scandinavian Experience

This fascinating 7 day tour takes you into the innermost regions of Lapland and introduces you to the Sami culture and their way of living inside the Arctic Circle. This region, contrary to popular belief, comes alive in winter each year and you will participate in a snow mobile safari, a reindeer ride, stay in an Ice Hotel and do things you only dreamt of in your wildest dreams! So, go on, be a Wanderer.

Day 1: Ivalo – Inari, Finland

Arrive at Ivalo airport, Finland’s Northern most airport in the Arctic Circle! Meet up with your local guide for transfer to your hotel in Inari village. Upon check-in, your guide will give you info about the village and activities planned out especially for you. Dinner and overnight in the village of Inari.

Day 2: Inari

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a day filled with exciting activities and visits. Start your tour with a visit to SIIDA – The Sámi Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre. Upon reaching your guide will give you a short introduction to SIIDA after which you are free to explore it at your own pace. The exhibitions will show how nature and people have adapted to the extreme conditions of the Northern environment. Wonderful photographs, videos, dioramas, soundscapes and original artefacts guide you between the seasons and back through the past times until today.

After SIIDA, visit local reindeer farm where you can feed the reindeer. Try your hand at throwing the “suopunki” (Lappish lassoing), a traditional reindeer herder’s skill.  Learn how to drive the Reindeer Sledge from an expert. And earn your Reindeer Driving License as a memory keepsake! Cosy up in a Kota, a Lappish hut where you will be told stories about reindeer herding and Sámi while having snacks by open fire.

After Reindeers, it’s time for you to try your hand at snowmobiling. You will get warm clothing and driving instructions for snowmobiling. Drive along the frozen Lake Inari, the 6thlargest lake in Europe. Visit the Island of “Ukko”, an ancient sacrificial site of the Sámi people in Inari area.

Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in the village of Inari.

Day 3: Inari - Kirkenes

Breakfast at the hotel. Today travel by car to Kirkenes in Norway. Drive through a scenic road following Lake Inari and other 50 lakes in the area. Every now and then, stop at places of interest.

The drive takes you through the Skolt Sámi Region. Your guide will explain about Skolt Sámi life and history. In the Sevettijärvi village, the Skolt Sámi centre, there is a small tradition house with an outdoor museum area and an orthodox church. Stop for a visit to the Orthodox Church. Continue your drive towards the Arctic Ocean and Kirkenes along the Neiden fjord. It will be a one hour drive from the border to reach Kirkenes. You will gain one hour as you cross the border.

In Kirkenes, a special experience awaits you. A stay at Snow Hotel and a ride on a typical kick sled! Two unique experiences together just for you. As the name suggests Snow hotel is built entirely of snow! Its 20 rooms are individually decorated with furniture, sculptures and wall paintings all made out of ice carvings.  There’s a snow bar where you can enjoy a shot or two.  Even the vodka glasses are made out of ice.

Enjoy dinner in a Lappish Hut by open fire. Return to your hotel for overnight on ice beds. Warm thermal sleeping bags are provided for sleeping in and if needed warm clothing are also available. Overnight in Kirkenes.

Day 4: Kirkenes - Helsinki

Enjoy a hot shower (sauna) and breakfast early this morning after which you return back to the centre of Kirkenes by car. Pick up your luggage and transfer to Ivalo airport for your flight to Helsinki. Arrive in Helsinki and check into your hotel.

Helsinki, the capital of the Republic of Finland, is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. Helsinki’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.

Overnight in Helsinki.

Day 5: Helsinki - Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a panoramic Audio-City Tour (1.5 hrs). This tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre and the Senate Square, the diplomatic quarters, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House.

After the tour you have free time to visit the museum and sights with the help of a Helsinki Card. Late afternoon check-in for your overnight cruise to Stockholm. Overnight onboard the cruiseliner.

Day 6: Stockholm – Helsinki

This morning wake up in Stockholm. Enjoy a whole day at leisure to explore the city at your pace. The capital and the largest city of Sweden, Stockholm has long been Sweden’s cultural, media, political and economic centres. There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Stockholm area: The Royal Palace Drottningholm (within Ekerö Municipality) and the Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery).

Visit the Royal Palace. Built during the eighteenth century in the Italian Baroque style, The Royal Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden and one of the largest palaces in Europe, with over 600 rooms. Not to miss is the Vasa Warship Museum. The Vasa is the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world, and a unique art treasure. More than 95 percent of the ship is original, and it is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures.

Visit Stockholm City Hall. Climb the City Hall tower for a fantastic view of Stockholm. Don't miss Gamla Stan, Stockholm's oldest attraction and one of the best preserved medieval city centres in the world. Walk through small winding streets lined with stores full of handicrafts, antiques, art galleries and cafés. The Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral are also located in Gamla Stan. Go shopping along Drottninggatan. A major pedestrian street, the major part of the street is car-free and lined-up with numerous stores and shops.

Afternoon return to the ship for your overnight cruise back to Helsinki.

Day 7: Helsinki - Departure

Arrive at Helsinki and transfer to Helsinki Vantaa airport for your flight back home.