Chasing the Northern Lights

February 4 – 10, 2025

This is one of our annual key trips, but this year we are doing it longer and even more magical. There is probably no other trip that would evoke feelings of awe and wonder as this one. Reaching 250 km above the Arctic circle, enjoy rides pulled by reindeer and huskies in search of the magical Northern Lights; experience a Finnish sauna and outdoor hot tub, get immersed in the Sami herding culture, and take exhilarating rides in the Lappish winter wonderland landscapes.

The trip begins with a day in Helsinki and a tour of the city, and this year we are also adding two days in Rovaniemi, the Lapland capital of Finland, and home to the famous Santa Claus Village. As an option, a day can be added to cross the Baltic Sea and visit Talinn, Estonia.

Accommodation in Rovaniemi is in a modern Scandinavian-inspired suite hotel, walking distance from Santa Claus Village. In Saariselka, accommodation is in an intimate hill-top glass roof cabins and scenic view suites, with panoramic views of the Lappish landscapes.  You will be able to see the Lights from the comfort and warmth of bed. An experience of a lifetime that should not be missed!

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Feb 4Arrival in Helsinki. Transfer to hotel; rest and a private city tour including the Rock Church and tastings in the local market. Optional dinner.

Day 2 Feb 5A few hours in the morning for additional visits and shopping in Helsinki before heading to the airport for the flight to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Transfer and checkin at the hotel in Rovaniemi. Free dinner, followed by the first excursion in search of the Aurora!
Day 3 Feb 6Head to Santa Claus village for a day of officially crossing the Arctic Circle, meeting Santa, and exploring the various charming locations in the village. Free evening to explore the city center or take another aurora excursion.
Day 4 Feb 7We take a private bus this morning further up north to our main destination, the Star Arctic Hotel at Saariselka, at 250 km above the Arctic Circle. We will immediately kick off with a reindeer sleigh ride and lunch, followed by proper check in and some rest. Dinner will be served at the Wilderness Center, where we have a chance to keep an eye out for the northern lights!
Day 5 Feb 8On this day we have the chance to participate in an authentic cultural immersion experience, where we will join actual Sami reindeer herders in the forests where they keep the herd for the winter, and observe as they feed and take care of them. Surrounded by hundreds of reindeer coming out of the forest, we will have the chance to get up close with some of them. After returning to the hotel, we take an excursion to the nearby Saariselka village for a walk and some time to shop. In the evening, we go on the hunt for aurora by car, crossing forests and frozen lakes, to search for the spots where we have the best chance of finding her!
Day 6 Feb 9This morning, enjoy one of the highlights of the trip, a husky-sled ride in the forest. After lunch, head to the private sauna and jacuzzi to experience a true Finnish tradition. After dinner, we once again hit the road by car in search of more northern lights.
Day 7 Feb 10Checkout and transfer to Ivalo airport for the flight back to Helsinki, and catching the ongoing flights to the final destination.

Price Options

The price per person is Euros 5450 for double occupancy, and Euros 6750 for single occupancy. The price includes accommodation, domestic flights, private tours and transfers, most meals, and all activities.

Price Includes:

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Helsinki.
  • One night in Helsinki at the Hotel Haven  5 * boutique hotel, bed and breakfast.
  • Two nights in Rovaniemi at the Sky Ounasvaara Rovaniemi  hotel, bed and breakfast.
  • Three nights in a the Aurora Glass Cabin or Scenic View Suite at the Star Arctic Hotel.
  • Private guided city tour of Helsinki including all entrance fees and food sampling.
  • Round-trip domestic flight Helsinki – Lapland – Helsinki.
  • Transfer from Rovaniemi to Saariselka.
  • All dinners at the Star Arctic Hotel.
  • Light lunches during activities in Saariselka.
  • All activities including reindeer safari, herding experience, husky  safaris and aurora activities.
  • Private use of the Finnish sauna for the group.
  • Rental of thermal clothing and gear.

Price Does Not Include:

  • International airfare from your point of departure to Helsinki.
  • Dinners in Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
  • Lunches in Rovaniemi.
  • Transfers by taxi during free times.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned above.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Visa processing.

Payment and Terms

Min group size: 10    Max group size: 12

  • To reserve your spot, a 25% downpayment (Euros 1450) is requested.
  • A second payment of 50% by Sept 30.
  • Remaining balance by Dec 1.
  • All downpayments are fully refundable before October 15., unless a group of 10 has already been formed.
  • After a group of 10 is formed, cancellation is 30% if before October 15.
  • Cancellation is 50% if after October 15.
  • Cancellation is 100% if after December 1.
  • There are no penalties if a replacement guest is found except for the refund of the domestic flights.
  • As always, every effort will be made to minimize penalties in case of a cancelation.

Please note:

  • The aurora is a natural phenomena and its appearance is weather dependent. While we have selected peak viewing season with the most probability for viewing, aurora activity cannot be guaranteed,
  • You must have, or be able to get, a Schengen visa to join this trip or be in possession of a passport that is exempt.