Arctic Highlights: Finland, Norway and Sweden

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At a glance…

Take in three Arctic countries in this special itinerary

» 10 day tailor-made break

» Accommodation: Standard A good standard of clean and comfortable accommodation with a reasonable range of facilities (typically 3 stars)

» Price from: £1,745

Adventurous December February Glass Igloos Ice & Snow Hotels Lapland Northern Lights Wildlife Winter

Making the most of new bus routes, this cross-border journey takes in three Arctic countries in one trip, and includes stays in a glass igloo and the world-famous ICEHOTEL. Beginning in Santa's hometown – Rovaniemi, you'll journey through wintery landscapes and add on exciting excursions such as husky sledding, ice fishing and snowmobiling. There's even a chance to ride Finn horses or brush up on your camera skills with a Northern Lights photography lesson before ending with your night on ice.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 » UK to Rovaniemi

Fly out to Rovaniemi and check into your contemporary hotel, located in the heart of the city. If you have some time to explore, visit the Arktikum Science Centre to discover more about the geography and climate of the region. Or if you're seeking adventure, you might wish to try out a husky-sledding or snowmobiling excursion into the snowy wilderness. And of course, this is Santa's official home town, so why not visit Santa Claus Village to meet Father Christmas himself? Tonight, return to your hotel for a nightcap in the bar and a cosy escape from the cold weather.

Stay: Arctic Light Hotel, Rovaniemi
Day 2 » Rovaniemi

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before a day at leisure in Rovaniemi; explore on foot or add on some classic winter activities. If you're hoping to see the Northern Lights at the end of your trip, a photography excursion is the perfect way to learn how to capture the aurora on camera – an expert guide will teach you all the tips and tricks you'll need to achieve incredible night sky images. Tonight, perhaps try an ice floating experience under the stars, with a survival suit to keep you warm and dry. Dine at one of many traditional Lappish restaurants before a well-earned night's sleep.

Stay: Arctic Light Hotel, Rovaniemi

Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 » Rovaniemi to Levi

After breakfast you'll check out of your hotel and begin your journey through Lappish countryside by bus or train. Heading for Levi, you'll start to spot changes in the scenery as you near your destination. On arrival, a short walk takes you to the Levi Summit Gondola – a convenient way to reach your hilltop accommodation. Take in panoramic views as you ascend, looking across the fjells and surrounding ski fields. Enjoy the rest of the day in Levi, perhaps adding on a horseback riding tour through the countryside on Finn horses. This evening you might choose to dine in the hotel, enjoying more spectacular views over Levi from the onsite restaurant.

Stay: Levi Panorama, Finnish Lapland

Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 » Levi

Today is yours to enjoy in Levi, another ideal spot to enjoy traditional Arctic activities such as husky-sledding and snowmobiling. Right outside your hotel are myriad ski runs and cross country trails if you're keen to hit the slopes. And if you're looking for something unique, an excursion to the Snow Village in Lainio is a great option. A fascinating guided tour of the incredible carvings and icy sculptures culminates with a hot drink in the frozen Ice Bar. There's also an Ice Restaurant onsite where you might choose to dine before returning to the warmth of your hotel.

Stay: Levi Panorama, Finnish Lapland
Day 5 » Levi to Kilpisjärvi

Check out of your hotel today and journey through Fjell Lapland's stunning national parks and reserves en route to Kilpisjärvi. You'll arrive at Vasara Reindeer Farm, where a local Sami herding family will host you for your stay. You'll have plenty of time to see the reindeer up close as you explore the ranch, which is nestled in a village of only 140 inhabitants. Close to both Sweden and Norway, you'll have Scandinavian mountains on one side of you and rolling fjells on the other – the scenery here is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy a hearty Lappish dinner before settling in for a night under the stars in your glass igloo accommodation.

Stay: Reindeer Ranch

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 » Kilpisjärvi to Tromsø

Today you can get a unique look at life as a reindeer herder as you tour the ranch. Add on excursions include a snowmobiling tour to the border of three Arctic countries – Finland, Norway and Sweden, or perhaps a spot of ice-fishing. This evening, you'll return to the Arctic Route bus to continue your journey towards the Artic Sea. Arrive in Tromsø and check in to your accommodation, ideally located near the sea and the city's buzzing centre.

Stay: Clarion Collection Hotel With, Tromso

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 » Tromsø

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before a day at leisure in Tromsø, city of the Northern Lights. Optional tours here include a visit to the Fjellheisen for panoramic views of Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps, or a cruise around the glacial waters of the fjords. Tonight, you might want to chase the Northern Lights on a guided tour – head out of the city with a local expert, and if the skies are clear, you might be lucky enough to see nature's most colourful light show.
Day 8 » Tromsø to Narvik

For your onward journey today, there are several travel options. You might wish to head to Narvik, enjoying light refreshments and a tour guide film on your bus, before catching a train to Kiruna, crossing the border into Sweden and the ICEHOTEL. Alternatively, stay a night in Narvik, perhaps with a stop to see bears and arctic foxes at Polar Park, the northernmost animal park in the world. While you're here, you could take the cable car to the top of Narvikfjellet – October to March – or dine at the Linken Restaurant before retiring to your hotel.

Stay: Scandic Narvik

Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 » Sweden and the ICEHOTEL

If you've spent the night in Narvik, this morning you'll catch the Arctic Circle train to Kiruna. Possible stops along the way include Abisko National Park, Bjorklinden ski resort and Riksgransen Mountain range where you can try snowmobiling, dogsledding, or take a breathtaking helicopter ride over the icy peaks. The remainder of your day and evening can be spent at leisure at ICEHOTEL, where warm clothing and a guided tour of the hotel are included. You may wish to participate in one of the many Northern Lights excursions available or simply relax with a drink in the ICEBAR. Tonight, sleep on a bed of ice covered in furs in your own spectacular Ice Room.

Stay: ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi

Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 » Return to the UK

This morning, you'll awake to a cup of hot lingonberry juice, and perhaps make use of shared shower and sauna facilities if you need to warm up. After breakfast, spend a little more time exploring the ICEHOTEL before taking a shuttle transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast