Lapland 3.0 - Northern Lights & Arctic Circle
Schedule
Tue Mar 18 2025 at 11:00 am to Mon Mar 24 2025 at 10:00 am
UTC+02:00Location
Helsinki, Finland | Helsinki, ES
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BOOK HERE: https://www.womenwhoexplore.com/lapland3-winter-northern-lights-20252025 is forecasted to be the pinnacle of an 11-year solar cycle and the Northern Lights won't reach this level of intensity again for another 22 years so NOW IS THE TIME to visit Lapland!
Join us on an unforgettable 7 day tour where you’ll experience all the adventure this arctic wonderland has to offer! From taking an epic snowmobile ride through the Arctic Tundra, to sleeping on a bed of ice, to a thrilling sled dog ride, to marveling at the starry sky under a glass roof cabin, to a relaxing Finnish spa, this trip is truly a magical winter adventure!
On this journey you visit multiple locations along the Arctic Circle. Along the way you will be delighted with traditional Finnish food, an epic once in a lifetime experience, and a chance to visit Santa Claus to put in a good word or two for the year to come!
Day 1:
WELCOME TO HELSINKI!
Upon arrival at Helsinki, we'll be greeted by a private driver for a transfer to the stylish and contemporary Glo Hotel Art in the trendy Design District.
We'll have the rest of the day to explore Helsinki, a city that marches to its own beat with unique food, design, architecture, and saunas. A few places to visit include famous landmarks such as the Helsinki Cathedral or the Sibelius Monument, wander through the Old Market hall searching for trinkets and souvenirs, or explore one of the local museums.
We'll end the day with a group welcome dinner at the world’s most famous tractor restaurant, Zetor. Here we will enjoy a delicious meal together where we will have the time to visit with our fellow explorers and share our stoke for the epic adventures that lie ahead.
Day 2:
A COZY NIGHT UNDER THE STARS!
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Helsinki International Airport to catch our flight* to Ivalo to explore the Lapland region, north of the Arctic Circle.
Upon arrival, a private driver will greet us at the airport to transfer us to our accommodations where you are in for a special ARCTIC treat!
Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to transfer us to our accommodations for the next two evenings which will have you total geeking out! You’ll sleep under the stars in a glass roof cabin built perfectly so you can relax under the starry skies and those beautiful Northern Lights.
Once we settle into our accommodations, the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. If you’re looking for a little extra relaxation, we suggest booking some time in the on-site barrel sauna next to a river for a cold plunging or enjoy a walk around the property.
We will meet back at the hotel at 6:00 p.m. for a 3-course dinner at the onsite restaurant. After a delicious meal, we have an add-on activity for those ready for a true Arctic adventure!
Later in the evening, opt to join in on the fun and strap on a pair of snowshoes as you follow your professional guide out to the snowy forest for a exciting nighttime adventure. This is a two hour tour that includes hot drinks, a snack and with luck an incredible show brought to you by Mother Nature’s Northern Lights.
*Please note your domestic flight to Ivalo is booked separately. We will provide you with the flight number and details for booking.
Day 3:
DOGSLEDDING ADVENTURE – MEETING WOMAN’S BEST FRIEND IN LAPLAND!
Wake up and enjoy breakfast and coffee at your leisure. After a slow morning, we’ll meet in the lobby to embark on an exhilarating adventure! Together we will travel to a local husky farm where we'll have the opportunity to learn all things dog sledding. We'll spend the morning taking a husky snow dog ride through the snowy winter landscapes, feeling the rush of the sled and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Afterwards, we'll visit the husky’s home and the lead musher where we'll learn about the lives of these amazing animals and have a chance to take sooo many photos with our new furry friends!
When we finally say goodbye to all the dogs and give them all the pets, we'll return to our accommodations where the rest of the day is on our own. For those looking for an afternoon adventure, the property offers optional add-on activities that you can register for such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing or secure yourself some time to relax in the river sauna.
In the evening, we will enjoy another 3-course dinner together before heading back to our rooms to relax and unwind under a star filled sky.
Day 4:
SNOW MUCH FUN - SLEEP ON A BED OF ICE
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before we pack up and check out of our hotel. Today we have a special ARCTIC treat in store for you!
Our day begins with a pick up at 10 a.m. for a scenic 4 hour driver to our next destination, the Arctic SnowHotel. Each year, since 2008, this hotel has been freshly carved to include 30+ rooms, Ice Chapel, Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar. It is one of the largest like this in the entire world! We will stop to enjoy lunch along the way.
After we arrive, we’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the property which offers activities like ice skating, sledding, tubing and more. Later in the day, we meet back at the hotel for a tour of our room at Arctic SnowHotel. We will receive instructions and special gear for our overnight on a bed carved from ICE**.
We will meet back up in the evening to enjoy dinner together as a group. Today’s dinner is brought to you on ICE! Yes, you read that right, we’ll be enjoying a 3 course dinner on tables and benches made from ice. Once our dinner is complete, we will have some time to relax and warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna before making our way to our room where we will snuggle into bed for a night of slumber on ice!
With luck we’ll get to see the glorious Northern Lights this evening. Our hotel has an aurora guide on watch who will alert us should the Northern Lights appear!
*There is an overnight lounge in a warm building connected to the village that is available 24/7 for guests to access. Additional outerwear is available upon request.
Day 5:
ICE FLOATING AND NORTHERN LIGHTS – AN ARCTIC EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
Wake up with a hot drink served to you in bed before you enjoy a delicious breakfast. You’ll check out and then the rest of the morning is yours to enjoy the amazing Arctic SnowHotel. Wander around and visit the ice sculptures, go ice skating or snowshoeing, try sledding or tubing, enjoy lunch at your leisure, and maybe even grab a drink at the ice bar before moving on to the next village.
A quick 30 minute driver on a private transfer brings you to the next stop, Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Here get settled into your accommodations at the Santa Claus Holiday Village and then enjoy a free afternoon to explore this magical place at your own pace.
Here you can check out Snowman World offering fun winter activities, explore the shops for traditional products and Lapland souvenirs like wooden kuksa cups and reindeer skirts, or try one of the other outdoor activities available in the village.
Tonight enjoy dinner on your own at one of the local restaurants or grab a cab and head into nearby Rovaniemi where you can check out a local establishment. At 8:30 p.m. in the evening, we'll meet to head to a super special venue where we'll be decked out in dry suits to experience Aurora Ice Floating. We'll dip ourselves into a frozen lake, gaze at the stars and let our minds rest. On a clear night, we'll experience ALL the stars, and if the conditions are just right, THE NORTHERN LIGHTS! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After a magical evening, enjoy a warm drink and snack before heading to your room where you can warm up in your private sauna before snuggling up in bed.
Day 6:
AN ARCTIC SNOWMOBILE ADVENTURE + SANTA CLAUSE VILLAGE
We'll start our day with a leisurely breakfast and some free time to explore Santa’s Village before our afternoon snowmobile safari adventure!
Send your morning visiting the resident reindeer where you will have an opportunity to feed them, and of course, take all the photos your heart desires. If you’re lucky you might even get a big smile or reindeer kiss. Trust us, this is a photo moment you don’t want to miss! After we will head over to see the big guy, Santa Clause himself! Don’t forget to bring along your Christmas wish list to pass to Santa when you get your photo with him!!
For those who are craving an extra adventure this morning, the property offers extra tours such as a guided cross-country ski or a reindeer sleigh ride. Alternatively if you want a little more relaxation in your life, enjoy a spa treatment or relax in your in-room sauna. Feel free to enjoy lunch today at your own pace.
In the mid afternoon, we’ll meet at our hotel and embark on an exhilarating adventure! We are off on a snowmobile safari through the beautiful winter landscapes. Cross a frozen river while admiring the stunning views over the vast Lappish wilderness. Along the way your guides will stop to get some great photos and share about life in Lapland.
In the evening, we will enjoy a final group dinner together as we reminisce on the incredible memories we have made together over the past week.
Day 7:
GOODBYE LAPLAND!
After a final breakfast together, it's time to say goodbye and depart for our respective destinations. We'll leave with unforgettable memories of our Women Who Explore Trip to Lapland, where we explored the beautiful winter landscapes, experienced unique and unforgettable accommodations, and made lifelong friendships along the way.
*Please note your trip ends in Rovaniemi (RVN) and domestic travel back to Helsinki is booked separately.
HELSINKI EARLY ARRIVAL & CITY TOUR
March 17 - 18, 2025
Day 0:
Welcome to Finland! (EARLY ARRIVAL)
Embark on an exciting journey through the vibrant heart of Helsinki with our exclusive add-on day for early arrivals.
A private transfer will be waiting at the airport when you arrive. At 4 p.m. meet your trip host and fellow travelers for a welcome reception. After you’ll have the evening to relax with dinner at the hotel or head out to a local restaurant of your choice.
Day 1:
HELSINKI CITY TOUR - EARLY ARRIVAL
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. If you opted to arrive early, you’ll have an opportunity to explore Helsinki today.
On our walking tour, you’ll dive into the city's rich history and modern charm as you explore iconic landmarks like the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, the bustling Market Square, and the architectural marvel of the Rock Church with a local guide. After our tour, enjoy lunch and dive deeper into Finnish culture with visits to captivating museums, such as the National Museum of Finland or the contemporary Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
In the evening, you’ll meet up with the rest of the group for our welcome dinner at the world’s most famous tractor restaurant, Zetor. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner together where we will have the chance to visit with our fellow explorers and share our stoke for the epic adventure that lies ahead.
Unwind in the evening with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shores of the Baltic Sea, soaking in the atmosphere of this dynamic Nordic capital before your main adventure begins.
Questions? Please reach out to us at [email protected]
Cost
$3,995 for double occupancy. Single occupancy upgrade may be available at request.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
Inclusions
• 7 days/6 nights accommodations in a variety of Finnish accommodations including an ice hotel, glass roof cabins and a cozy cottage with private in room sauna.
• Private airport transfers from Helsinki International Airport (HEL), to Ivalo Airport (IVL) and to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
• Guided arctic snowmobile adventure through the Lapland wilderness
• Aurora ice floating experience including guide, specialized gear and hot drinks
• Mushing (dog sledding) experience and visit to a local husky farm with hot drinks
• Enjoy a 3-course dinner at a restaurant made of ICE!
• Visit the world famous tractor restaurant in Helsinki for a 2-course dinner
• Free time to explore Helsinki’s museums, cathedrals, and world renowned saunas
• Explore one of the world's largest ice hotels to spend the night in a room carved from ice, even your bed is made of ice! Additional outer gear provided for your overnight and a warm room is available on a first come basis.
• Entrance to the Arctic SnowHotel to view ice sculptures, go ice skating, tubing, sledding and visit an ice bar.
• Spend the night in a glass roof aurora cabin under a star-filled sky with a chance to view the Aurora Borealis (northern lights)
• Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience and enjoy two evenings with a private sauna in your room
• Visit the hometown of Santa Clause and get a photo when you meet the jolly old fella in person
• Free time to check off your own Arctic Circle bucket list activity like winter a reindeer safari, nighttime sleigh ride, ice fishing and more!
• Private driver and transportation between domestic airports, destinations, to tours, etc.
• Meals included are 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners
• Women Who Explore trip host with you and available for 24/7 support
• Trip checklists including a detailed packing list and pre-travel support provided in a private WhatsApp group
• WWE Swag to make your heart happy!
HELSINKI CITY ADVENTURE ADD-ON
Same as trip inclusions above plus the following:
• One night double occupancy in a 4-star hotel in Helsinki
• Airport transfer from Helsinki International Airport (HEL)
• Breakfast (Day One)
• Welcome drink reception
• Guided two hour city walking tour visiting local attractions
Exclusions
• International flights to Helsinki International Airport (HEL) and flight from Rovaniemi Airport (IVL)
• Domestic Flight from Helsinki to Ivalo Airport (IVL) average cost $100-$130 USD
• Guided evening snowshoe experience to search for Northern Lights
• Tips and gratuity for local guides and drivers (at the discretion of the guest)
• Airport transfers if arriving outside of designated transfer times or locations as noted
• Alcohol, specialty beverages and meals as noted (4 dinners and lunches)
• Any other additional or add-on excursions or activities not included above
• Visa and entry requirements as applicable. Learn more here.
• Any travel related medical expenses such as immunizations, vaccinations and any Covid-19 required testing
• Travel insurance (required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, etc.
Meals
All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
Trip Confirmation
This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook.
Cancellation Policy
Please see our Terms of Service.
Covid-19 Policy
Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
Travel insurance
Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.
Northern Lights Disclaimer
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. While we make every effort to predict and locate the Northern Lights, they are a natural occurrence and cannot be guaranteed.
The visibility of the Northern Lights is heavily dependent on weather conditions, including cloud cover, atmospheric activity, and light pollution. Despite our best efforts, viewing opportunities may be limited due to adverse weather conditions beyond our control.
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Where is it happening?
Helsinki, FinlandEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
