Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki – Nordic Charm Begins

Arrive in Helsinki and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in the Finnish capital. Settle in and explore at your own pace — Helsinki is a stylish mix of neoclassical architecture, design-forward cafés, and icy seaside beauty. If time permits, take a stroll down the elegant Esplanadi, stop by the Oodi Library, or warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna.

Overnight in Helsinki

Hotel: VALO Hotel Helsinki

Room: Double Room

Day 2: Helsinki at Leisure – Design, Saunas & Nordic Cool

Enjoy a full day to uncover Helsinki’s relaxed rhythm. Take the ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, browse local fashion and design shops in the Punavuori district, or admire the bold architecture of the Rock Church and Helsinki Cathedral. Sample local treats like salmon soup or cinnamon pulla in the market square — winter in Helsinki is both cosy and captivating.

Overnight in Helsinki

Hotel: VALO Hotel Helsinki

Room: Double Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Board the Santa Claus Express – Into the Arctic

After breakfast, check out from your hotel by noon. The hotel offers luggage storage, so you can leave your bags and enjoy the afternoon hands-free. With the Santa Claus Express departing in the evening (typically between 8–10pm), you’ll have time to explore more of the city.

Relax in a waterfront café, visit the Helsinki Art Museum, or stroll along the snow-dusted Töölönlahti Bay. Later, head to the central station and board the Santa Claus Express — the scenic overnight train to Rovaniemi. Settle into your private sleeper cabin and drift off as snow-covered forests roll by under the stars (approx. 12 hrs).

Overnight onboard the Santa Claus Express

Accommodation: Private Sleeper Cabin

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Arrival in Rovaniemi – Arctic Magic Begins

Wake up to views of snow-laden trees as your train arrives in Rovaniemi — the official hometown of Santa Claus. After disembarking, make your way to your cosy hotel in the city centre and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure — visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle line, or explore the Arktikum Museum to learn about Sámi culture and Arctic science. Expect a magical winter atmosphere, with the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights right from the city.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

Hotel: Arctic City Hotel

Room: Classic Double Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Rovaniemi at Leisure – Husky Rides, Snow Trails & Santa’s Magic

Spend a full day in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Optional excursions include husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, or snowmobile adventures through the surrounding wilderness. For a slower pace, visit the snow-covered forests of Ounasvaara Hill or enjoy hot chocolate in one of the city’s cosy cafés. In the evening, you might join a guided aurora hunt — this far north, the skies often come alive.

Overnight in Rovaniemi

Hotel: Arctic City Hotel

Room: Classic Double Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Fly to Tromsø – Welcome to Arctic Norway

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Rovaniemi Airport for your direct flight to Tromsø. On arrival, make your way to your hotel in the city centre. Surrounded by fjords and snow-capped peaks, Tromsø is northern Norway’s gateway to the Arctic. 

Spend your afternoon getting to know the town — visit the Arctic Cathedral, walk along the harbour, or catch the golden winter light from a hilltop viewpoint.

Overnight in Tromsø

Hotel: Home Hotel Aurora

Room: Double Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Tromsø at Leisure – Fjords, Cable Cars & the Northern Lights

Spend the day exploring Tromsø at your own pace. This lively Arctic city offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and Nordic culture. Ride the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views, or visit the Polaria Centre and Tromsø University Museum to learn about local wildlife and Sámi traditions. Optional activities include whale-watching safaris (Nov–Jan), aurora photography tours, or a cruise through the icy fjords. Tromsø is one of the world’s best places to view the Northern Lights — so keep watch as night falls.

Overnight in Tromsø

Hotel: Home Hotel Aurora

Room: Double Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure from Tromsø – Arctic Dreams to Take Home

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Tromsø Airport for your return flight to London. Head home with magical memories of Arctic skies, Lapland landscapes, and the warm glow of Nordic hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast