Charming Finland
Suomenlinna in the winter
Travel period 2.1.2012 – 18.4.2012
6 days (5 nights)
Take a proper winter holiday in Finland’s Lapland. Combine modern Helsinki, the World Design Capital 2012, with a trip to Kemi to visit the biggest snow castle in the world, and cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi for a unforgettable reindeer safari. Take a cruise on an icebreaker, try swimming in frozen sea (warm wetsuit provided), learn to drive a snowmobile, meet Father Christmas and just enjoy the magic of Lapland.
Our tour starts in the capital city of Finland – a very cool welcome to Helsinki. Helsinki is a vibrant, cultural and modern city, highly characterised by the presence of water.
From Helsinki you proceed north to Kemi. Kemi is located by the Gulf of Botnia, and is home of the biggest snow castle in the world and the magnificent Sampo Ice breaker.
After Kemi continue further north to Rovaniemi, the arctic capital of Lapland. Rovaniemi is the hometown of Santa Claus who has his own village on the Arctic Circle just outside the town.
Day 1: Sights of Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Our suggested top ten list includes: The Temppeliaukio Church (The Rock Church), Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanade Park, The Sibelius monument, Haves Amanda Fountain, Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Presidential Palace (Presidentinlinna), Kiasma Art Museum and Suomenlinna Maritime Sea Fortress (outside city centre).
Dine in one of the great Finnish or Russian restaurants. Overnight at the Sokos Hotel Presidentti in the city centre.
Day 2: Overnight train Helsinki – Kemi
After breakfast you have a full day to enjoy the capital: shops in the Design District, the old market hall, or one of the dozens of museums and galleries. The centre of Helsinki is very compact, and it is easy to walk everywhere. Just looking at the great art nouveau architecture is exiting or you can take the guided tour that is available in 11 languages, including Latin.
Departure from Helsinki to Kemi is approximately at 19.30. Meals are available in the restaurant car. Overnight in a sleeping compartment in the train.
Day 3: Kemi – Sampo Ice Breaker
The train arrives in Kemi at 06.30. Proceed to the Hotel Merihovi. Today you will create lasting memories with a four hour cruise on board the Sampo Ice breaker.
Depart Kemi at noon, and enjoy a traditional Lappish lunch (either reindeer or salmon) on board. During the excursion you will have an opportunity for ice swimming – definitely recommended and warmer than you think! Return to Kemi at approximately 16.00.
If you are still feeling adventurous, we recommend a dinner in the Kemi snow castle, located within close proximity of your hotel. The huge castle is built every winter, and has a hotel, a bar and a restaurant and a chapel. Overnight at the Hotel Merihovi.
Day 4: Kemi – Snow castle and gemstone gallery
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and spend the rest of this day visiting the gemstone gallery or the local historical museum. This afternoon your departure by train will be at 15.10. Journey time to Rovaniemi is about 75 minutes. Enjoy the Lapland scenery during this short journey. Arrival in Rovaniemi and check in at the Hotel Rantasipi Pohjanhovi for an overnight.
Day 5: Rovaniemi – reindeers and Santa’s village
A sturdy breakfast gives you energy to explore the capital of Finnish Lapland. Optional activities, like reindeer or husky safaris and snow mobile rides, are easily available. You also have an opportunity to visit the Santa Claus village. There is a lot to see and do in Rovaniemi from simply enjoying your surroundings or partaking in fun filled adventures. Overnight at the Hotel Rantaisipi Pohjanhovi.
Day 6: Goodbye to the Arctic Circle
After breakfast, say good bye to this magical country.
Package prices:
From London Heathrow: from £1032 / person
From Manchester: from £1136 / person
Package price per person when minimum of two persons share a room.
Packages also available without flights. Ask also for special offers!
What is included in the price?
- Scheduled Finnair flights from the United Kingdom to Helsinki returning from Rovaniemi
- 1 night accommodation in Helsinki
- Train journey with a sleeping compartment (en suite) upper deck from Helsinki to Kemi
- Sampo Icebreaker excursion with lunch (does not operate daily)
- 1 night accommodation in Kemi
- Train from Kemi – Rovaniemi
- 2 night’s accommodation in Rovaniemi
Please ask for a price for:
- The single supplement
- Extra nights
- The package without the flights
Please note that this is an unescorted trip and no guide services are provided.
Optional extras:
One Day Helsinki Card
This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions and free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.
Price: £33.00 per person
Safaris in Rovaniemi (in pdf format)
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in your holiday cost. It is strongly recommended that insurance be taken out to protect you and your group against any unforeseen insurable events.
