11 Day Scandinavian Winter Odyssey with Oslo Extension

Welcome to Finland! Take this day at your leisure to discover the unique charm of this quirky city. In the evening, join the rest of the group and your English-speaking Tour Manager for a welcome dinner. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If you arrive before the standard check-in time of 3 PM local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with the hotel reception and explore the surroundings until your room is ready. Early check-in may be possible, but it is subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

This morning after breakfast, accompanied by our English-speaking Tour Manager, we will embark on a guided tour of the Temppeliaukio Church, locally known as the 'Rock Church.' This unique structure, completed in 1969, is one of Helsinki's most iconic attractions, carved directly into solid rock. Our local guide will lead us on a two-hour tour of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, often called the "Daughter of the Baltic Sea" or the "White City of the North." During this tour, you will gain insights into Finland's rich culture, history, and traditions. We will visit notable landmarks including Senate Square with its famous Cathedral, the Market Square, the orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament, Finlandia Hall, the Sibelius Monument, and the Temppeliaukio Church. Inspiring Highlights Temppeliaukio Church 2 hour City Tour

Start your day early with a 7:30am departure from the hotel to transfer to Helsinki Railway Station, where you will board the iconic ‘Santa Claus Express'. This modern and comfortable train will take us from Helsinki to the heart of Lapland, the official home of Santa Claus. Onboard dining is available at your own cost, making it a pleasant journey to the pristine north. Upon our arrival in Rovaniemi, we will transfer from the railway station to the hotel for check-in. Inspiring Highlights Travel on the 'Santa Claus Express' Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.

Spend the day exploring Rovaniemi at your own pace. You might visit the Arctium Museum, browse local boutiques, or relax in one of the cozy cafés. In the evening, step outside the city lights and keep watch for the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

This morning, depart Rovaniemi and make your way to Santa Claus' Village, where a few hours of festive wonder await. Here, you'll cross the Arctic Circle and have time to immerse yourself in the village's unique charm. Wander among the reindeer, explore the charming souvenir shops, or visit the post office, staffed by Santa's elves, to send a postcard bearing the special Arctic Circle postmark—an experience found nowhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa himself, completing the quintessential Christmas experience. In the afternoon, continue your journey north to Pyhä for an unforgettable stay. Tonight, rest in a modern glass-roofed igloo, designed to provide comfort even in the coldest temperatures, while offering unobstructed views of the starry sky—and hopefully, the Northern Lights. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy one of the most memorable experiences in Finnish Lapland: an exhilarating husky safari through the pristine, snowy landscape. This evening offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and the quiet magic of the Arctic. Inspiring Highlights Santa Claus Village Husky Safari Experience a night under the stars in a glass-roofed Igloo Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Important Information - Husky SafariPlease note that the husky safari is dependent on weather conditions. If the temperature rises above 10°C, the huskies are unable to run, and the experience will be limited to a visit around the husky farm. For Autumn departures, the huskies will pull an ATV, while for Winter departures, they will pull a traditional sled. Either way, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet these incredible animals and learn about their life in the Arctic. The Aurora Cabin overnight might take place in Saariselkä or Pyhä

After breakfast, we will depart from Pyhä and continue our journey north to Saariselkä. Along the way, we will make a quick stop in Sodankylä to view one of Finland's oldest wooden churches from the outside. Upon arrival in Saariselkä, we will check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this charming village at your leisure. You might also choose to join one of the many optional excursions available locally Inspiring Highlights Sodankylä Old Church Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, we will travel to Kirkenes, with a stop in Inari to visit the SIIDA Museum, which offers an insightful look into Sami culture and the natural environment of northern Finland. After exploring the museum, we will continue our journey, crossing the border into breathtaking Norway and eventually arriving in Kirkenes. Upon arrival, you will also have the opportunity to visit the SnowHotel Kirkenes, where you can enjoy an included ice drink. Inspiring Highlights SIIDA Museum Snow Hotel 365 Experience Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kirkenes, the gateway to the Arctic. Take time to explore this unique frontier town at your own pace—perhaps visit the Borderland Museum, wander along the fjord, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil northern landscapes. For those wishing to experience more, a range of optional excursions are available.

Make your way to Kirkenes Airport for your flight to Oslo. Upon arrival at Oslo Airport, make your own way to your hotel. The Flytoget Express Train offers the most efficient and cost-effective transfer, departing from Oslo Airport approximately every 20 minutes. The rest of the day is at leisure to immerse yourself in the captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Special Information Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (50 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted. Please note - the rest of the itinerary is unescorted, with local guides joining you for day tours along the way. You will make your way between destinations. A step by step guide will be included in your documentation. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Make your way to the meeting point for your adventure in Oslo. The day begins with a panoramic city tour, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Our first stop is the renowned Vigeland Sculpture Park, where we'll wander amidst Gustav Vigeland's mesmerising sculptures, each telling a unique story and reflecting the human experience in stunning detail. Next, we'll ascend to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump arena, an iconic landmark boasting unparalleled views of Oslo and its surrounding landscapes. From this vantage point, we'll marvel at the city's beauty and soak in the breathtaking panorama. After our guided tour, you'll have the remainder of the day to explore Oslo at your leisure. Whether you choose to stroll along the picturesque waterfront of Aker Brygge, delve into the city's history at the Oslo City Hall, or indulge in a culinary adventure at one of Oslo's many cafes and restaurants, there's no shortage of experiences awaiting you in this dynamic city. Enjoy the freedom to immerse yourself in Oslo's vibrant atmosphere and create unforgettable memories at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Vigeland Sculpture Park Holmenkollen Ski Jump Special Information Oslo Panorama Tour (3hr)Meeting Point: Haakon VIIs gate 1, next to the toy store "Sprell"How to get there: Own arrangementsMeeting time: 9:30-9:45amStart Time: 10:00amEnd Time: 1:00pm

Today marks the end of your unforgettable tour through Scandinavia. At the appropriate time, please make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.