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About this trip
Join us as we venture deep into the Arctic Circle in search of the Northern Lights. So much fun to have in the snow: Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, Ice Hotel, Reindeer sledding and more! We begin by exploring the city of Helsinki, by foot & by tram, before we fly up to the edge of the Arctic Circle. Once in Rovaniemi, we go on snowmobile safaris for the ultimate 'rush' of flying through the forests and fields covered in the crisp white snow.
Get to know the Sami people that have been in the region for generations. A mix of cultures and skills to survive in their drastic climate creates a resourceful, colorful and friendly way of life. Visit and learn about the Reindeer and how much it means to the locals. Toast your fellow travelers in an Ice bar and then explore the ice hotel with child-like wonder. Amazing what they can do with snow & ice!
The edge of the Arctic Circle is not far enough for us, we go further north, just outside of Ivalo, to the Kakauslatten resort to stay in the world famous Glass Igloos! The pictures have circulated the internet and so many say - 'I want to stay THERE!' - and we will for 2 nights. If we are fortunate (and the Weather & Sun Gods answer our prayers) we will experience the Northern Lights...one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world! Fingers crossed!
We cannot spend time in this part of the world without experiencing the Finnish sauna - that ends with a snow bath or ice water swim. Truly invigorating! We depart this amazing winter wonderland by flying back to Helsinki where we connect with our flights home.
Additional Options
Flights below are needed for this itinerary. Group tickets have been requested for both flights as soon as it is available, pricing, times and flight information will be shared. There may be a way to combine these internal flights with your international flights - more information to follow once available.
Required Flights
Feb 2 - Flight Helsinki (HEL) to Rovaniemi (RVN)
Feb 8 - Flight Ivalo (IVL) to Helsinki (HEL)
Single Room Supplement
Due to scarcity of lodging in Ivalo, there will be very limited (2) single room supplement options made available.
Single Driver Snowmobile Supplement
If you would like your own snowmobile on the Snowmobile safari days.
Kemi Snow Castle & Sampo Ice Breaker
Feb 5 - Full Day Excursion: round trip transfers, icebreaker cruise, lunch, ice float, admission to Snow Castle Winter Park.
Sampo Ice Breaker Cruise w/ ice float
The Icebreaker Sampo is the only A1 super-class passenger icebreaker in the world. The Bothnian Bay freezes over during the winter months, and the icebreakers keep the lanes open for traffic to the Arctic ports. Sampo operated for the Finnish government for 25 years.
After transportation from Rovaniemi, the icebreaker cruise includes a 3.5-hour trip on the vessel from the Port of Kemi to the frozen sea, where you can admire ice floating in the midst of the ice blocks next to the Icebreaker. Ice floating takes place during the cruise in small groups. You can get all the needed instructions for ice floating from our guides during the guided tour that is included in the cruise.
Join a guided tour with an onboard guide around the vessel. Walk from the captain's bridge to the control room, then enjoy a welcome drink and diploma showing you have taken this unique cruise. Your cruise also includes entry and a stop at the SnowExperience365 with its Snow Castle Winter Park.
Cost for transfer, ice breaker cruise, ice float, lunch buffet, visit to Snow Castle Winter Park and certificate of completion included for $600.
NOTE: 2025 dates are not yet open for reservations. Price may vary slightly once registration opens.
Payment and Refund/Cancellation Schedule
Due to the high interest, low inventory and strict supplier terms and conditions, the following deposit, payment and refundability schedule is necessary.
Payment Schedule
Registration $1,100
May 22, 2024 $1,624
July 22, 2024 $1,624
Sept 22, 2024 Remaining Balance
Refund/Cancellation Schedule
$1100 Registration/Deposit at registration
$100 Registration fee to Alt Esc is due at registration refundable for two weeks.
$1000 Deposit to supplier is due at registration and refundable until May 22, 2024.
Any payments made after May 22, 2024 are NON-REFUNDABLE.
What’s included
- Helsinki HotelTwo nights at the Scandic Grand Helsinki
- Rovaniemi HotelFour nights at the Scandic-Rovaniemi
- Glass IgloosTwo nights in the famous glass igloos in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
- 8 Breakfast BuffetsDaily breakfast buffet
- 3 Lunches & 2 DinnersAs noted in the itinerary
- Ground TransportationAs noted in the itinerary
- AdmissionsHelsinki Walking Tour, Rock Church, Santa Claus Village, Arctic Snow Hotel
- Snow GearRental of snowmobile suits
- Snowmobile SafariTwo full-day snowmobile excursion. Two people per snowmobile.
- Reindeer Farm VisitLapland storyteller and get your Reindeer Sleigh driving license
- Husky FarmTour and Dog Sledding Excursion. Two people per dog sled.
What’s not included
- International AirfareFrom USA to Helsinki, Finland
- Internal AirfareFeb 2: Helsinki to Rovaniemi Feb 8: Ivalo to Helsinki
- Meals not listed
- Tips & Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Available Packages
Pricing is based upon shared two-bed rooms and small igloo with half bath in Ivalo.
Due to the high interest, low inventory and strict supplier terms and conditions, the following deposit, payment and refundability schedule is necessary.
Payment Schedule
Registration $1,100
May 22, 2024 $1,624
July 22, 2024 $1,624
Sept 22, 2024 Remaining Balance
Refund/Cancellation Schedule
$1100 Registration/Deposit at registration
$100 Deposit to Alt Esc is due at registration refundable for two weeks.
$1000 Deposit to supplier is due at registration and refundable until May 22, 2024.
Any payments made after May 22, 2024 are non-refundable.
Available options
Flights below are needed for this itinerary. Price not available yet
Feb 2 - Flight Helsinki (HEL) to Rovaniemi (RVN)
Flights below are needed for this itinerary.
Feb 8 - Flight Ivalo (IVL) to Helsinki (HEL)
Single Room accommodations throughout the itinerary.
Your own snowmobile on the Snowmobile safari days in Rovaniemi. NOTE: 2025 dates are not yet open for reservations price may vary.
Feb 5 - Full Day Excursion
NOTE: 2025 dates are not yet open for reservations. Price may vary slightly once registration opens.
Larger igloo for up to four people with a shower inside the igloo.
$600/pp for 2, or $310/pp for 4 people. Only two large igloos available.
Itinerary
Most like to handle their own flights - to come earlier, stay later, use miles, etc. If you need help making your travel/flight plans or would like to find others to fly with, please let me know and I can help!