TOP OF SCANDINAVIA WITH ARCTIC CIRCLE

Chance to see the Northern Lights

10 Day Tour from Helsinki to Tromso

September 2 - 12, 2024

VACATION OVERVIEW

We’re on the top of the world on this 10-day escorted tour of Scandinavia—the Arctic Circle to be exact. Explore the Land of the Midnight Sun as you travel into the exquisite beauty of from Finland to Norway. Along the way, you’ll be warmed by the traditions, tastes, and legends. Begin in Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki poised on the country’s gulf peninsula, where Nordic cuisine is as hearty as the generations of tradition here. Visit Santa at the village of Rovaniemi, just across the Arctic Circle, once you’re sure to be on the “good list,” head through Lapland to the North Cape of Norway to discover the Sámi culture alive today in Karasjok. Call in a husky farm to learn about the life of mushers and sled dogs. Continue to Tromsø where the glow from the Arctic Cathedral adds a shining light to the end of your amazing arctic adventure!

Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles

VIP Access -- Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.

Perfect Hotels -- We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.

Tour Directors -- Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.

Transportation -- Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Learn how Globus is reducing transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

ITINERARY


DAY 1 ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND Welcome to Helsinki! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Dinner
DAY 2 HELSINKI–OULU Perfection on the Peninsula HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki is poised on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, where striking architecture and Nordic cuisine delight visitors. See the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument in this historic and picturesque setting. Breakfast Dinner
DAY 3 OULU The Creative Edge OULU Orientation. Free time. ENHANCED FREE TIME FREE TIME TIP Consider an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. The island started to rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland’s national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality. Breakfast
DAY 4 OULU–ROVANIEMI Santa Claus is Coming to Town ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and get the Arctic Circle Certificate 127 mi / 205 km LOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDS & LORE About a hundred years ago, a passer-by started spreading the word about the true location of Santa’s real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line. Breakfast Dinner
DAY 5 ROVANIEMI–LUOSTO–IVALO North to the Cape LUOSTO Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture. 196mi/ 315km LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with the sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you’re a passionate dog-lover, you’ll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers. Breakfast Dinner
DAY 6 IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNINGSVAG Norwegian Good KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park. 242mi/ 390km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Get a comprehensive insight into various aspects of Sami culture, history, and traditions when visiting the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok. Explore exhibitions that feature Sami art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts and learn about the history of the Sami people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition. Breakfast Dinner
DAY 7 HONNINGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTA The Old Men & The Sea HONNINGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center. 168mi/ 270km TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The North Cape cliff has long been a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor to find the North-East passage to China. They did not succeed, but the old sea charts after this expedition are the first to mention the name, North Cape. The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone. The globe at the top of the building has become the symbol of Nordkapp. It marks that you are at the end point of Europe - the northernmost of the continental mainland. This is a treasured place for photography and contemplation. This is the culmination of all journeys. Breakfast
DAY 8 ALTA–TROMSØ Written in Stone ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum 186mi/ 300km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT TREASURES Experience Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area. Fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. The rock carvings in Alta were made on the smooth rock surfaces at the water’s edge. As the land gradually rose, and new rock surfaces came to light, the artists made use of these for their carvings. Breakfast
DAY 9 TROMSØ Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days. Breakfast Dinner
DAY 10 TROMSØ Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Breakfast

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND

Welcome to Helsinki! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Dinner

DAY 2 HELSINKI–OULU

Perfection on the Peninsula HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Finland’s southern capital of Helsinki is poised on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, where striking architecture and Nordic cuisine delight visitors. See the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument in this historic and picturesque setting.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 3 OULU

The Creative Edge OULU Orientation. Free time.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
FREE TIME TIP Consider an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. The island started to rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland’s national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality.

Breakfast

DAY 4 OULU–ROVANIEMI

Santa Claus is Coming to Town ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and get the Arctic Circle Certificate
127 mi / 205 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDS & LORE About a hundred years ago, a passer-by started spreading the word about the true location of Santa’s real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 5 ROVANIEMI–LUOSTO–IVALO

North to the Cape LUOSTO Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture.
196mi/ 315km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with the sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you’re a passionate dog-lover, you’ll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 6 IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNINGSVAG

Norwegian Good KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park.
242mi/ 390km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Get a comprehensive insight into various aspects of Sami culture, history, and traditions when visiting the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok. Explore exhibitions that feature Sami art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts and learn about the history of the Sami people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 7 HONNINGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTA

The Old Men & The Sea HONNINGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center.
168mi/ 270km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The North Cape cliff has long been a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor to find the North-East passage to China. They did not succeed, but the old sea charts after this expedition are the first to mention the name, North Cape. The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone. The globe at the top of the building has become the symbol of Nordkapp. It marks that you are at the end point of Europe - the northernmost of the continental mainland. This is a treasured place for photography and contemplation. This is the culmination of all journeys.

Breakfast

DAY 8 ALTA–TROMSØ

Written in Stone ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum
186mi/ 300km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT TREASURES Experience Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area. Fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. The rock carvings in Alta were made on the smooth rock surfaces at the water’s edge. As the land gradually rose, and new rock surfaces came to light, the artists made use of these for their carvings.

Breakfast

DAY 9 TROMSØ

Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 10 TROMSØ

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast

HOTELS

Helsinki

RADISSON BLU ALEKSANTERI

Hotel as shown or similar

Superior First-Class

Located in the very heart of Helsinki, this hotel combines the best parts of a home-like boutique hotel and a major international chain hotel. The in-house restaurant offers a variety of dishes using seasonal ingredients while the bar offers a wide selection of exclusive wines and craft beers. Leisure options include a fitness center and a sauna. Complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel.

Oulu

RADISSON BLU

Hotel as shown or similar

Superior First-Class

This Stylish hotel combines a unique glamorous 70s design with modern details. The spacious guest room interiors are serene and stylish, designed in a medley of materials, colors, and motifs that flirt with the early 70s as well as the hotel¿s Northern Finland location. All rooms are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and air conditioning. Located in the center of Oulu, the hotel is close to the city's most popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Numerous technology centers and museums lie near the hotel's city-center location, and just across the square is Oulu Market Hall.

Rovaniemi

ORIGINAL SOKOS VAAKUNA

Hotel as shown or similar

First-Class

A contemporary 159-room property situated in the centre of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus offering warm hearted Lappish hospitality and Free Wi-Fi connectivity. The hotel's restaurants feature a wide range of specialties, from rustic French cuisine to Lappish delicacies, as well as the best Tex-Mex in town and a nightclub.

Ivalo

IVALO

Hotel as shown or similar

First-Class

A warm inviting atmosphere is present in this 94-room hotel, its main restaurant offers Lappish specialties with a peaceful view over the River Ivalo and there is a cozy lobby bar with a fireplace and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.

Honningsvag

SCANDIC HONNINGSVAG

Hotel as shown or similar

First-Class

A summer hotel centrally located next to the "Hurtigruten" quay and Honningsvag harbor. The area has a variety of experiences to offer. It is approx. 35 km to Nordkapp.

Alta

SCANDIC HOTEL ALTA

Hotel as shown or similar

First-Class

Modern business hotel; centrally located in the business district; one of the leading conference hotels of the region.

Tromso

SCANDIC ISHAVSHOTEL

Hotel as shown or similar

First-Class

Unique 4-story Hotel in the shape of a ship, located on the harbor front in the heart of city; near Polar Museum.

PRICING - If you have any WELCOME BACK CREDITS you can use them!!

$3,138.00 = Per person based on 2 people in a hotel room
$ 128.00 = Per person flights within Finland
$ 33.00 = Per person flight taxes
$3,299.00 = Total per person

$359.00 = Cost of Globus Travel Insurance
$530.00 = Single Supplement
$ 95.00 = Per person for 1-night in Helsinki before the tour starts
$250.00 = Per person deposit
$435.00 = Monthly Payment if you book in December and final payment by July 5, 2024