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.
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.
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.
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.
Two nights at the Scandic Grand Helsinki
Four nights at the Scandic-Rovaniemi
Two nights in the famous glass igloos in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Daily breakfast buffet
As noted in the itinerary
As noted in the itinerary
Helsinki Walking Tour, Rock Church, Santa Claus Village, Arctic Snow Hotel
Rental of snowmobile suits
Two full-day snowmobile excursion. Two people per snowmobile.
Lapland storyteller and get your Reindeer Sleigh driving license
Tour and Dog Sledding Excursion. Two people per dog sled.
From USA to Helsinki, Finland
Feb 2: Helsinki to Rovaniemi Feb 8: Ivalo to Helsinki
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!
The day is at leisure for arrivals. Since most will arrange their own flights, arrivals may happen prior to today or at just about any time during the day.
Those that booked the pre-trip will be exploring Estonia today. Returning to Helsinki in the evening.
Go Exploring: Helsinki has the advantages of a big city in a smaller and compact package. In the city center, you can easily get from A to B by foot or by a rented city bike, but the city is also well served by public transportation. We will do a tour tomorrow so you can just wander and soak in this cool lil' city.
Dinner on own.
Overnight: Scandic Grand Helsinki (near train station)
Enjoy a breakfast buffet at the hotel. prior to meeting our English-speaking guide at the reception for a 3-hour walking city sightseeing tour in Helsinki. Includes tram ride and your English-speaking local authorized guide.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland is also known as “The Daughter of the Baltic Sea”. Our tour includes the Senate Square, the University and Lutheran Cathedral – all displaying neo-classical architecture of the 1840’s, the colorful Market Square by the sea in the South Harbour, Kaivopuisto Park and diplomatic residences, the imposing statue of Marshall Mannerheim, the Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall, the Orthodox Russian Church Uspenski and the Sibelius Monument (no entrances). A visit is also made to Temppeliaukio Church – called the “Rock Church” as it is carved into solid rock (entrance included).
Return back to our hotel at end of tour and rest of afternoon at leisure.
Dinner on own.
Accommodation: Scandic Grand Helsinki (near train station)
In search of fun-in-the-snow and the Northern Lights, we head further north into the Lapland region. to Rovaniemi.
Transfer from your hotel to Helsinki Airport in for your flight to Rovaniemi.
On arrival in Rovaniemi, you will meet with your local English-speaking guide. Depart from Rovaniemi Airport and stop at the Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus.
Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa’s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the feelings raised by fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. A must for any visit to Lapland. After your visit at the Santa Claus Village you will drive to your centrally located hotel in Rovaniemi.
Evening at leisure.
Dinner on own,
Overnight: Scandic Rovaniemi.
Meet your safari guides in hotel lobby, after your breakfast buffet and proceed on foot to the nearby Safari Club for picking-up the helmets. Shortly after briefing of driving technique and safety rules you start your day with snowmobile safari right from the city center. Two persons share one snowmobile, taking turns in driving. This is a modern way of moving in the snow-covered woods and has become also a part of everyday life for the Lapps.
Arrive at the local Reindeer Farm, where first upon arrival the mysterious Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. The personal certificates will be delivered. Then everyone can try their skills at reindeer driving and obtain an official driver's license. Lapp lasso casting and tobogganing are also worth trying.
Traditional Lappish lunch (included) is served at the farm before we continue back to town by snowmobiles.
Dinner on own - evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Scandic Rovaniemi
Have a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel and then gather in the lobby to proceed on foot to the nearby to snowmobile parking place - you start your snowmobile safari right from the city center. Two persons share one snowmobile, taking turns driving. Snowmobile safari to Arctic Snow hotel.
The Arctic Snow Hotel is an entire world of snow! Fascinating snow/ice architecture and art surrounded by picturesque and placid Lappish nature. We will have lunch at the Kota restaurant where you will experience Arctic specialties.
Menu: Salmon fried in the Lappish Kota, served with jacket potato and tartar sauce. Desert of oven baked apple delight, with a touch of syrup and served with custard
Snowmobile safari back to the town.
Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Scandic Rovaniemi
After your relaxing breakfast buffet at the hotel, your day is at your leisure. Many ideas on how to spend your day can be found on Viator and additional ideas will be shared. Please use the Alt Esc Viator link
OPTIONAL KEMI SNOW CASTLE & SAMPO ICE BREAKER USD $600 per person including transfer (min 10 guests).
Departure to Kemi to visit the Snow Castle and take a trip on the Sampo including ice swimming.
NOTE: 2025 Calendar is not yet open to make reservations. This price may vary slightly once registration is opened for these dates.
KEMI SNOW CASTLE
Time for a swim as we head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First a visit to the Snow Castle* with its special snow slide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as we board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 4 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking through the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia.
SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE SWIMMING (13:00 – 17:00)
*lunch included
This incredible experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge, ice swimming and a three-course meal at the on-board restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you can jump in the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those who dare will also be presented with a certificate by the ship authorities. An unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Scandic Rovaniemi
After breakfast, we board our cozy coach and travel further north, into the Arctic Circle for about 3 1/2 hours. The winter wonderland scenery is awe-inspiring - yet the unique trees and snow scenes look like something Dr. Suess would create. Photo ops abound as we head towards the pinnacle of our trip...the Glass Igloos of Kakaslautten and, if our prayers are answered, the Aurora Bourealis a.k.a the Northern Lights!
Afternoon and evening at leisure - we meet at the main lodge for dinner, while keeping an eye on the sky!
Accommodation: Kakslauttanean Arctic Resort
Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Drive from Kaksluttanen Arctic Resort to the husky farm.
HUSKY SAFARI
The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Lapland. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. After brief instructions and riding in pairs, you embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes. After the exciting husky safari, we drive back to the Kaksluttanen Arctic Resort.
Afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Kakslauttanean Arctic Resort –Small glass igloos
Revised itinerary for our last day.
Mon Feb 8 – IVALO / HELSINKI (B)
Breakfast buffet at the hotel (or boxed breakfast due to early departure).
Flight Info: AY 602 IVL HEL 0920 1050
Transfer from Kaksluttanen Arctic Resort to Ivalo Airport (leave the resort at 6:00 a.m.) for your flight to Helsinki. On arrival at Helsinki airport, you will make your way to your onward flight.
When booking your flights home. Just to be on the safe side, please do not book anything prior to 2:00PM on Feb 8.
