12-Day Northern Lights & Scandinavia Tours

As you step off the plane in Stockholm, you’ll be greeted by the inimitable Nordic air. It’s crisp, refreshing and an experience in itself. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, you can check in, drop your bags and start exploring the charming city right away.

Take some time to wander the cobbled and tree-lined streets as you soak up the sights and sounds of Stockholm. The evening is yours to get a taste of the local culture with a wide selection of fabulous bars and unique restaurants on your doorstep.

Start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before checkout. Then it’s time to visit one of Stockholm’s leading attractions.

A local guide will escort you to the majestic Drottningholm Palace, situated on the peaceful Lovön island. Currently home to the Swedish Royal Family, this 17th-century palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s a definite must-visit in the capital. Expect stunning Renaissance architecture, grand halls, a theatre and a Chinese Pavilion. Not to mention the incredible Baroque gardens, which you’ll also explore on your visit.

If Drottningholm Palace is closed during your Northern Lights Scandinavia tours, you’ll see Stockholm’s historic City Hall instead. Visit the impressive Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held annually. Then head up to the imposing tower, topped with three golden crowns, for panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget the elegant Golden Hall, adorned with over 18 million gold mosaic tiles, depicting fascinating scenes from Swedish history and culture.

At 4pm, you’ll head to the harbor for a luxury overnight ferry from Stockholm to Tallinn. Depart at 5.30pm with a sea-side cabin for spellbinding views of the Baltic Sea before a relaxing sleep. That’s paired with a choice of restaurants, an onboard bar, duty-free shopping and even a sauna. Take your pick from live music, a casino and a children’s play area, topped off with internet access throughout the ferry.

Note: When the Stockholm to Tallinn ferry is unavailable, your itinerary will be seamlessly adjusted. The visits to Helsinki and Tallinn are switched for an equally memorable experience.

Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast on board, gearing up for your Tallinn adventure. Feel the thrill building as you approach the harbor to see red-tiled roofs, towering spires and distinctive stone walls. 

At 10:45am, you’ll reach the harbor and meet your guide who’ll escort you to your centrally located hotel. After dropping off luggage, your Tallinn city break commences with an enthralling walk through the medieval Old Town‘s enchanting streets.

Your guide will share intriguing stories of Tallinn’s rich history, pointing out hidden gems and architectural wonders. The Estonian capital offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, from ancient city walls to lively market squares.

Next stop? Kadriorg Palace. This striking 18th-century Baroque palace was the summer residence of Russian Tsar, Peter the Great. Take a leisurely stroll around its beautiful exteriors, including picture-perfect gardens with manicured flowerbeds, a serene pond and wonderful sculptures.

Post-tour, you’ll head back to your hotel, marking off some of the best things to do in Tallinn from your list.

After a bountiful buffet breakfast, it’s time to leave behind the charming streets of Tallinn and set sail for the Finnish capital of Helsinki. You’ll be transferred to the harbor, where you’ll board your ferry across the Gulf of Finland. This is the perfect chance to see the stunning Baltic Sea in the daytime, feeling the fresh breeze on your face and the sun on your skin.

At 12.30pm, you’ll arrive in Helsinki, greeted by the bustling energy of the Finnish capital. Enjoy swift transfers to a comfortable 4* hotel in the city center, where you can check-in and settle into your new surroundings. The rest of the day is yours to explore Helsinki’s smorgasbord of top-class eateries, iconic landmarks and unique attractions.

Fuel up with a mouth-watering breakfast at your hand-picked hotel, ready for your absorbing Helsinki walking tour. Expect stunning architecture, rich culture and vibrant energy with iconic landmarks along the way. The Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square and Market Square will all be brought to life by your local guide, who knows the capital like the back of their hand. 

As the afternoon approaches, you’ll have some free time to explore more of what makes Helsinki a must-visit. Take a stroll along the gorgeous waterfront, visit a bustling local market, or check out one of the many enchanting museums and galleries.

But the whirlwind adventure doesn’t stop here. Later that evening, you’ll board an overnight Santa Claus Express train to Lapland for the next unbelievable chapter of your Scandinavia Northern Lights tour.

As the train chugs through the matchless Finnish countryside, you’ll relax in your comfortable sleeping cabin, dreaming of the unforgettable adventures and the magnificent aurora borealis that lie ahead.

As the morning light breaks over picturesque Rovaniemi, you’ll arrive at the one true land of Santa Claus. A comfortable transfer will take you swiftly to your hotel, where you can freshen up and check in.

Then it’s onto a once-in-a-lifetime tour that combines the beauty of nature, rich Finnish culture and the magic of Christmas. Your aurora safari starts with a visit to a reindeer farm, where you’ll learn about reindeer husbandry and authentic Lappish culture. Not to mention the opportunity to take a short reindeer sleigh ride in Lapland. That’s all topped off with the ceremonial crossing of the Arctic Circle, complete with your own certificate.

Next up is the magical Santa Claus village, where you can meet the man himself as well as doing plenty of shopping and sending postcards from his official post office. As part of the tour, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch in a cozy restaurant. Naturally, winter is the best time to visit this area, with snowy landscapes, festive decorations and an inviting atmosphere creating a dreamlike ambience.

As your extraordinary day comes to a close, so too does your memorable safari. But it’s not the end of today’s adventure just yet. As night falls over the Lapland landscapes, it’s time to search for the elusive aurora borealis. Starting from one of the best countries to view the northern lights, you’ll venture further towards the darkest starry skies.

As far as northern lights Scandinavia tours go, this one is hard to beat. Once you reach the prime spot, your guide will light a campfire so everyone can fry sausages under a canopy of stars. With a bit of luck, you’ll get to see nature’s most famous theatrical performance lighting up the sky. It really is an unmissable and unforgettable experience.

What’s better than one chance to spot the magnificent northern lights? Two, of course.

Day 8 begins with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before check out at noon and stress-free transfers to a one-of-a-kind glass igloo hotel. Located in Rovaniemi, this iconic accommodation lets you admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed.

There’s no better way to increase your chances than spending the entire night beneath Lapland’s velvety skies. Nestle into your glass igloo and prepare for a night that will be forever etched in your memory.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, before embarking on a thrilling husky ride. Known for their strength, endurance and friendly personalities, huskies are a truly stunning sled dog that are native to Arctic regions. With that comes a beautifully thick coat of fur, keen sense of smell and graceful power.

The Husky safari in Finland is a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Lapland. Meet the sled dogs, learn about their character, then let them pull you through the spectacular surroundings on an authentic sled. You’ll get plenty of thick clothes to keep you warm, as is the case for all our Lapland safaris.

Room for more? As the evening approaches, you’ll be transferred to the train station for an overnight trip to Turku. Relax on this peaceful, modern train and enjoy the charming landscapes before drifting off to slumber en route to your next destination.

Welcome to historic Turku. You’ll arrive by train at 7am with a transfer ready and waiting to take you to your centrally located hotel. Settle in, then embark on a stimulating walking tour of the city at 10am.

Your attentive private guide will bring Turku’s key places to life, including charming streets, wooden houses and the remarkable Aura River. Visit the sacred Turku Cathedral and see the old market square, where you’ll learn all about the city’s maritime heritage alongside the eccentric local art and design scene.

Castle fans rejoice! At 12pm, you’ll visit Turku Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress that serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Marvel in its history and architecture with insights from your guide, plus the opportunity to explore the fortress and its grounds.

After the tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to relax and explore Turku on your own. Stroll through the city center, try delectable local cuisine like smoked fish or go shopping for souvenirs. Many travelers spend their time visiting a public sauna to enjoy the traditional experience, which is part of Finnish culture.

Rise and shine, ready for a full-day luxury cruise from Turku to Stockholm. After an early transfer to the harbor, you’ll travel with one of the region’s finest cruise operators. With a sea-view cabin and private facilities, you’ll have everything you need for an incredible journey. That includes a myriad of options for dining, shopping and entertainment, plus an onboard sauna.

Upon arrival in Stockholm, you might not want to leave the luxury liner. But remember that the wonderful city of Stockholm awaits! Our driver will take you to a city-center hotel for your last night of your 12-day Scandinavia northern lights tour.

Enjoy one last evening in the Swedish capital or just relax in your room and reflect on the most mind-blowing journey of a lifetime.

Your incredible journey through Sweden, Finland and Estonia comes to an end today. You’ll undoubtedly be left with countless cherished memories and unforgettable experiences. Not to mention a camera roll full of cities you’ve visited, breathtaking photos of the northern lights and so much more along the way.

After another tasty breakfast in the hotel, you can choose how to spend your free time in Stockholm before your airport transfer. Take a final stroll around the city, visit any remaining sights on your list or just soak up the charming atmosphere from a Swedish café.