Overview:
Join this self-guided train journey across the land of thousand lakes and pristine nature. See the changing scenery from the comfortable and environmentally friendly trains while we travel from the buzzing Finnish capital, Helsinki, to Lapland through the lush forests and blue lakes and rivers. On the way you get to discover the unique wilderness, modern cities and established culture.
Some of the highlights on this tour are the modern capital city Helsinki, traditional Finnish sauna, cycling, lake cruise and of course Santa Claus and reindeer!
Holiday price is from £1,245 per person based on availability and two people sharing a standard twin/double room.
Departure dates:
| SEASON |
DEPARTURE |
| All year |
Daily |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki. Use the afternoon to stroll around the city.
Day 2: Helsinki - Kuopio with Train (~ 5 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. While the capital is waking up to a new day, go for a walk and explore the city centre’s main cultural attractions. You will also have time to do some shopping before you embark on a train to Kuopio, the heart of Finland´s lakeland. You’ll get to admire the beautiful scenery with countless lakes and lush forestlands, comfortably from the train, as well as enjoy a lunch in the train’s restaurant car.
Kuopio is the cultural centre of Eastern Finland and is surrounded by Lake Kallavesi. The city itself is partially built across the Lake’s islands.
Day 3: Kuopio - Oulu with Train (~ 4 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Your next leg on the train, from Kuopio to Oulu offers picture-perfect scenery of the Finnish countryside. Your destination (Oulu) is the largest populated city in these latitudes. Established in 1600 on the mouth of the Oulu River opening onto the Gulf of Bothnia; the city has served as an important trading port for hundreds of years. With a still very active marketplace in the port, Oulu’s historic buildings and multiple green and lush parks, are the gems of this Northern city. Oulu has the most extensive cycleway network in Finland, and so, to make use of this vast, wonderful network; why not to explore the city by bike?
Day 4: Oulu - Rovaniemi with Train (~ 2,5 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will start our journey towards the heart of Lapland – Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle.
Upon arrival in the city, we recommend a visit to the Arktikum Science Museum to learn about the environment and history of the Arctic as well as the local Sámi culture. The exhibitions provide an overarching view of the history and culture of Lapland as well as insight into arctic exploration and research of today and what’s to come.
Day 5: Rovaniemi - Turku with Night Train
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning you will time to visit the Arctic Circle and Santa Village. The Santa Village offers a wide selection of souvenir shops and cafeterias with the main attraction being Santa’s post office where you get to experience real Christmas spirit all year round. The postal elves will stamp your postcards with a special Arctic Circle postmark.
By late afternoon, head to the train station to embark on your overnight journey to Turku. Not only are trains an efficient mode of transportation, they are also an environmentally friendly way to travel. VR (Finnish State Railways) trains are modern, clean and comfortable. The double-deck sleeping cars have a wide range of modern services for all passengers. The compartments can accommodate 2-3 people and they have a small en-suite toilet/shower. The restaurant car offers a selection of warm meals, snacks and drinks, and dinner will be served here. As the train route passes through the country, you will be able to see more of the beautiful countryside with its lakes, fields and lush forests.
Day 6: Turku - Helsinki with Train (~ 2 hours)
Breakfast onboard the train. The train arrives in Turku in the morning and after disembarking, head out for a walk around Finland's former capital.
You have time to check out local shops showcasing the best of Finnish design, arts and crafts. Established in 1229, Turku has and is still a remarkable hub for travel, business and culture. It’s a wonderful combination of architectural heritage and modern urban atmosphere.
Return to the train station in the afternoon and onto your final leg to Helsinki
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and make your way back to Helsinki airport for your return flight.
Package Includes:
- Return flights from London to Helsinki (other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- 6 nights' accommodation at centrally located 3* hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Train travel between cities
- 24-hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
Enquire now »