Finland's Autumn Aurora and Arctic Adventure

Arrive in Helsinki and settle in with a private transfer from the airport to your comfortable city-center hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and get your first taste of the Finnish capital before the journey north begins.

After breakfast, set out on a walking tour of Helsinki, then hop a short ferry across the harbor to Suomenlinna, the sea fortress spread across a cluster of islands and one of Finland's most popular sights. Spend the day exploring its ramparts and shorelines before returning to the city.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a free day to explore Helsinki at your own pace. In the evening, make the short trip to the nearby train station and board an overnight sleeper train bound for Rovaniemi, drifting off in your cabin as the city gives way to the forests of the north.

Arrive in Rovaniemi and head to Santa Claus Village, one of Finnish Lapland's most beloved destinations. Meet Santa in his office, cross the official Arctic Circle line, stop by the Elves' Post Office to send postcards home, and sit down to a hearty lunch buffet. Afterward, transfer to your luxury igloo and spa resort in Rovaniemi's snowy forests, where your junior suite frames woodland views made for watching the aurora. As night falls, head deep into the Arctic wilderness with an expert guide on a Northern Lights hunt. Warm up beside a campfire with a Lappish barbecue of pork sausage, marshmallows, and hot blueberry juice, with a vegetarian or vegan option on request. Northern Lights sightings depend on weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.

After breakfast, take a gentle walk through the Arctic woodlands alongside reindeer, Lapland's most beloved animal. Get close to these docile creatures, learn about local herding traditions, and trek the forest by their side. Later, slip into a warm, dry immersion suit for a Northern Lights floating experience, drifting silently on the lake beneath the stars with gingerbread and blueberry juice to keep you cozy.

Following breakfast, spend the day at the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine set amid beautiful Arctic scenery. Learn the story of the mine, then dig for your own amethyst to keep as a souvenir. A reindeer sandwich and juice are included, with a vegetarian or vegan option on request.

After breakfast, visit Ranua Wildlife Park to meet Finland's only polar bear along with more than 50 northern species, from moose and wolverines to wolves and impressive owls. Large enclosures set in the Arctic forest closely mimic the animals' natural surroundings, letting you watch Arctic wildlife up close. A lunch buffet is included.

Enjoy a final breakfast and check out of the resort. Your guide collects you from your accommodation and drives you to the airport, sending you home with plenty of unforgettable memories from the far north.