Operated by G Adventures

Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure

From

CAD 3,399

Duration

6 days

Countries

Finland

Activity

easy

The adventure

If your family could bottle up the magic of Christmas and turn it into a winter getaway — this would be it. Bundle up and head to Finland for a snow-dusted adventure that’s straight out of a holiday storybook. Kick things off in Helsinki, where you’ll sample local treats, explore hands-on exhibits, and wander bustling markets. Then, board an overnight train bound for the Arctic Circle and the official hometown of Santa Claus. In Rovaniemi, you’ll visit his village, meet real-life reindeer and huskies, and maybe even catch the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. It’s a heartwarming winter escape packed with festive fun, cozy moments, and plenty of reasons to believe in magic.

At a glance

Duration

6 days

Route

Helsinki → Rovaniemi

Countries

Finland

Activity level

easy

Style

Culture & History, Family, National Parks & Wilderness, Polar & Expedition, Rail Journeys, Wildlife & Safari, Winter & Northern Lights

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Denmark

Day 1Tervetuloa! Welcome to FinlandHelsinki

Helsinki

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your family adventure kicks off in Helsinki with an evening welcome meeting at the hotel before a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out. If you arrive early, you can purchase a Helsinki travel card which allows unlimited use of the excellent public transport and free access to area museums.

Day 2All aboard! Hop on a local train this…Helsinki

Helsinki

All aboard! Hop on a local train this morning for a short ride to the Heureka Science Centre, where the kids will love feeling like a mad scientist with all the interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Return to Helsinki in time for lunch before setting off on a walking exploration of the city centre followed by some free time to relax. In the evening, board the famous 'Santa Claus Express', a comfortable overnight train to the home of Santa himself, Rovaniemi.

Tranquil Finnish island with lush trees and serene waters under a bright sky.

Your journey through

Finland

Day 3Disembark at Rovaniemi station then drive a short…

Rovaniemi

Disembark at Rovaniemi station then drive a short distance across the Arctic Circle to Santa Claus Village. Keep an eye out for the big man himself and pen your holiday wishes on a post card; you could mail them home from Santa's own post office. Enjoy some free time in the village, then continue driving to Ranua, your home base for the coming days. Settle in and enjoy some free time before heading out in the evening for an Aurora Borealis picnic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to eat around a fire under the dancing lights in the sky.

Day 4Stroll to Lupland Activity Park this morning…

Stroll to Lupland Activity Park this morning to meet the huskies, then join them on an exhilarating sleigh ride! The experienced husky musher will make sure your ride is safe and memorable, and you'll be immersed in the snowy, unspoiled nature of Lapland. Next, meet the gentle reindeer and learn from the Indigenous herders about the Lappish culture over generations. Enjoy a reindeer safari through the wilderness before lunch then explore with a free afternoon. Later, join your CEO into the dark-sky area to try and see the Northern Lights.

Day 5Today is yours to do as much or…

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you please on the final full day in Lapland. Optional outdoor activities abound like snowshoeing, visiting the icefalls in Korouoma, take another reindeer safari or book a sauna experience in the woods.

Day 6Depart Ranua in the morning after breakfast…Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi

Depart Ranua in the morning after breakfast and transfer back to Rovaniemi, where the tour ends on arrival to either the train station or the airport.