ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to Medium

                    Come to Lapland and cuddle a Husky puppy!

Enjoy a customized small group tour (8 pax min. to 14 max.) to the often misunderstood region of Swedish and Finnish Lapland (5 nights), including an additional 3 nights in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, and 2 nights in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

We’ve got lots of great experiences planned, including exploring both Stockholm and Helsinki with local guides, witnessing and photographing the incredible natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), dog sledding, ice fishing, an introduction to the sauna culture of these parts, great food including a traditional bread-baking experience, and so much more.

After exploring Stockholm (watch this extremely entertaining video from 2015) we’ll fly up to Luleå, Sweden, where we’ll be transported in private vehicles up to Swedish and Finnish Lapland. 

Then, we’ll head back to the big city as we fly to Helsinki for two nights and conclude our trip.

Welcome to Lapland!

• Travel Logistics:
  
  • Fly into Stockholm, Sweden (ARN), and depart from Helsinki, Finland (HEL).
  • Internal flights (not included*) are required and consist of a flight from Stockholm to Luleå, Sweden, followed by a 90-minute private vehicle transport to Swedish and Finnish Lapland (included).
  • Departure flight from Oulu, Finland, to Helsinki after a 5-night stay in Lapland (not included*).
  • * Cost estimate for internal flights in Sweden and Finland is approximately US$300.

• Destination Overview:
  
  • Lapland is a remote, untouched region where the night sky displays pastel colors and local lore enriches the experience.

• Scheduled Activities and Experiences:
  
  • Opportunities to see and photograph the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), noting that visibility depends on weather conditions.
  • Dog sledding adventure.
  • Meeting with a local shaman for a unique cultural experience.
  • Ice fishing activity.
  • Introduction to the sauna culture prevalent in the region.
  • Learning to make local bread in a traditional hut.
  • Enjoying the region’s cuisine and other local experiences.

See the more detailed itinerary below summarizing each day's activities.

• Keeping our travel schedule, safety, and local weather conditions in mind, participants will have a chance to explore and experience the highlights of Swedish and Finnish Lapland, including its people, food, country life, and other cultural wonders.
  
• Detailed information about how to best photograph the Northern Lights will be provided in advance of the trip.  No special equipment is required (other than a tripod and a camera allowing for slow shutter speeds).  Please understand that seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed.
  
• Participants can look forward to ample free time to explore and discover each location on their own, as well.

" Hi, I'm literally chilling here in Lapland.  We've had a kickass time checking out the local reindeer and scenery.  We went dog sledding and met a local shaman and we just baked bread in a traditional way with a local woman.  You have to check it out!"

~ Jen B.

"I'm here on my 3rd trip with Ralph and we're in beautiful Lapland and it's exquisite.  We saw the Northern Lights, we went dog sledding, as well as ice fishing, and I've eaten more reindeer than I've ever had in my life!  So come on Ralph's trip, you'll have a great time!"

~ Beverly H.

"This is my first international trip and I'm here in Lapland with Ralph.  I'm enjoying it very much, it's great and I'm so glad I came!"

~ Margie B.

ALL ACTIVITIES, LOCATIONS, DAYS, AND TIMING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Meals that are included are designated by B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, and D = Dinner

Meals: D

Once you collect your luggage at Arlanda airport, you'll board the high-speed train known as the Arlanda Express (~$59 R/T - tickets not included) that takes you to the city center in around 20 minutes. Exact details to follow.

Your hotel is conveniently located just next to the railway terminal (~50 meters walking), and upon arrival, you’ll have some free time and later can enjoy an included drink at the infamous ICEBAR (if it's open) with your tour leader and fellow travelers. 

A Welcome Dinner is included this evening at a nearby restaurant, after which you’ll have time to explore the surrounding area on your own or with others on the trip.

Meals: B

During your first two days, you’ll have ample time to enjoy Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and its largest city.  

With nearly a million inhabitants, Stockholm was founded in 1252 and this vibrant city is built on 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges. The medieval city center, Gamla Stan, is incredibly beautiful with its narrow cobblestone streets and quaint cafes that contrast with grand buildings. 

Highlights include the main Cathedral (Storkyrkan), the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the Nobel Museum (closed on Mondays), and countless palaces, such as the Bonde Palace (Bondeska Palatset), the House of Knights (Riddarhuset) and the Chancellery House (Kanslihuset). 

A guided walking tour lasting about 2 hours will take you through the main sights of this wonderful place, after which you can explore on your own. The main square, Stortorget, is the beating heart of Gamla Stan, and you’ll certainly find yourself gazing at some of the picturesque houses, or simply people-watching while you sip a cup of strong Swedish coffee. 

Other areas worth exploring on foot are Norrmalm, Östermalm, and Södermalm. Each of these has a particular feeling, and you may just end up preferring one or the other, according to your taste. 

Another option is the incredible Vasa Museum which is open M - Su from 10 am - 5 pm (Weds. till 8 pm) and costs approximately US$30. This is a truly incredible site to see and shouldn't be missed on any trip to Stockholm.  

And while at the Vasa, those of you who are fans of the Swedish super-group ABBA may enjoy a visit to see its interactive displays (no joke!).  Both the ABBA and Vasa museums are located within 10 minutes walking distance of each other and should be planned for this day.

Other than all breakfasts and your Welcome Dinner, meals are not included during these two days in Stockholm although there are countless dining options near your hotel, as well as in the Old Town.

Meals: B, D

After breakfast, you'll take the train back to Arlanda airport as a group where you'll check-in for your flight to the Luleå airport in Swedish Lapland. You’ll be welcomed at the airport by one of our representatives and then transferred by private vehicle (about 1h 30m) to Kukkola, on the shore of the River Torne.

Upon arrival, you’ll try on the Arctic gear (heavy boots and overalls) which are included and at your disposal for this whole part of the trip.

During the tour, you’ll stay in recently built mini apartments in a typical rural environment at the Kukkolankoski river resort, run by an amazing brother and sister team. Each apartment is equipped with an independent entrance, private WC, and shower.

The resort includes a restaurant where you'll enjoy breakfast each day and it's situated on a beautiful stretch of the River Torne, with breathtaking views. In the winter season, the river is almost entirely frozen over, but not at this point where rapids keep it ice-free. 

The first evening you’ll be served a typical dinner, and then, with the right conditions, we’ll guide you nearby to try and observe the Northern Lights. Low light pollution in this area lets us avoid lengthy night transfers and we should be able to witness the lights right on the resort grounds.

Meals: B, D

After breakfast, we take a short walk through the fishermen’s village in Kukkola, on the Swedish side of the Torne River, which is where you'll be staying. The village is expertly preserved and still inhabited by families who've lived here since antiquity (one of which runs the nearby resort, overlooking the spectacular river rapids, the largest in this part of the world at over 3,500 m in length). 

Here you'll be guided to the small but very interesting fish museum where you'll learn how people thrived in this area before technology. You’ll see old buildings, like the two mills, the old sawmill, and the miller’s house. 

Next, you'll learn how to make bread in the traditional Lappish way and taste it while seated around an open fire – a very special way to have a light lunch! Then there'll be some free time after baking to take pictures and enjoy the landscape made of snow, ice, wooden houses, and amazing colors. 

In the evening you can enjoy a traditional sauna, equipped with a hot tub – a very special experience of arctic wellness! Be sure to bring along your swimsuit and enjoy the heat.

A special buffet dinner will be served in the same building and may be followed by a northern lights viewing session if conditions allow.

Meals: B, LL, D

After breakfast, we’ll search for some scenic spots in this beautiful land. 

After that, we reach Juoksenki, a small village crossed by the Arctic Circle: a great place to take memorable pictures. We continue our journey to Övertorneå.  Here, one step away from the border between Sweden and Finland, we visit Forest Jewel, an artisan lab, which specializes in the production of wooden objects such as traditional cups and caps, knives, and kitchen utensils. Here you can buy beautiful and authentic souvenirs and have a light lunch of hearty soup and breads.

In the evening, we get closer to the ancient shamanic culture of Lapland. As we gather around the fire, the shaman reads the message that transmits over the energy that springs from our bodies. However you perceive this type of experience it's exciting, intense, and all positive!

Then, a typical dinner will be served in the wonderful restaurant of Hulkoffgården, one of the best in the area. This is followed by a short transfer back to your hotel, where, once you arrive you'll have time for a northern lights viewing, weather permitting.

Meals: B, D

After a buffet breakfast, we’ll reach a suitable spot in the Torne River, close to our resort. Here we'll spend some time on the ice, learning some of the traditional ice fishing methods and trying to catch some fish. In case we have good luck, we can enjoy the freshest fish of our lives, but a snack will be served in any case as the local prey is not guaranteed. 

We close the day with a visit to the river rapids, where countless interesting photographic spots can be found. 

Dinner is then served in the restaurant, followed by a Northern Lights hunting session, conditions permitting.

Meals: B, D

                                       Come to Lapland and cuddle a Husky puppy!

After a buffet breakfast, we leave for Keminmaa (~ 1-hour transfer), where we can enjoy a safari with sleds pulled by Siberian huskies. This is a wonderful experience as we'll be in close contact with beautiful animals and untouched nature. 

Upon arrival, we’ll meet Simona and Massimiliano, the owners, who came here from Rome. The dogs howl and bark at your arrival, but don't be threatened, it's a sign of their willingness to start the ride.  These animals live to work and can't wait to pull you through this winter wonderland!

Check out Ralph's video on this experience on his YouTube channel: 

                             How to Have Fun Dogsledding in Lapland, Finland 

After a thorough explanation of the driving technique and safety procedures, we'll start a wonderful trip through the snowy forest, for about 30 minutes (duration can vary depending on the weather).

If this experience made you hungry lunch can then be ordered from the restaurant (not included).

Dinner will be served in Kemi, after which we go back to the hotel and try and observe the northern lights for the last time.

Meals: B

Breakfast. Transfer (~60 minutes) to the Oulu airport, where you’ll board your flight to Helsinki. 

The capital of Finland, also nicknamed the Daughter of the Baltic, awaits in all its majesty. The city center was built in the late 1700s and 1800s, and the metropolitan area is home to nearly a million people, or a fifth of the total population of Finland. 

After collecting your luggage you’ll be transferred with the group (included) to your hotel (Glo Hotel Art or similar). You’ll then have free time to relax and explore the central areas of this fascinating city.

Meals other than breakfast are not included for this day. 

Meals: B, D

Breakfast on your own. 

This morning after breakfast you'll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour where you can learn all about this amazing Baltic capital. 

Ending up at a beautiful indoor market where you can enjoy an optional lunch, in the afternoon you'll have free time to visit the Temppeliaukio church, a mesmerizing place built under a rocky hill along with other highlights. The rest of the time is free for you to explore the many sights, including the massive Lutheran Cathedral, the imposing Orthodox Cathedral, the art nouveau quarters of Eira and Ullanlinna, the working-class district of Kallio with its thriving evening life, and the many parks that make Helsinki one of the greenest capitals of Europe.

A Farewell Dinner will be served in a typical restaurant.

Meals: B

Thank you so much for joining us!

Unfortunately, your trip to Lapland ends today, and after breakfast, you can take a train or share a taxi to the airport (not included), and upon arrival check-in for your return flight home.

If you'd like a leisurely morning in Helsinki you should arrange your flight out of HEL to depart after 2 pm local time, otherwise, taxis can be arranged by the hotel's reception to get you to the airport at any time.

Safe travels!