4-Nights Escape to Helsinki and Finnish Lapland from $1,216

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722622

Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks From stylish Helsinki to a glass igloo in Lapland, this independent trip blends design, nature, and Northern Lights in the heart of Finland’s winter wonderland.

Trip Overview:

This 5-day tour takes you from the upscale modernism of capital Helsinki to the remote northern paradise of Finnish Lapland.

Helsinki is one of the world’s most modern cities with a vibrant arts culture. Whether you’re a design aficionado who admires cutting-edge artwork or simply love relaxing in cafes and enjoying some of Europe’s best coffee, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. Visit the imposing Suomenlinna or “Fortress of Finland,” a massive stone structure straddling a cluster of islands. Stroll through the Design District and treat yourself to antiques, art galleries, and some of the world’s leading design exhibitions. Take in an opera at the Finnish National Opera House or admire the craftsmanship of the Temppeliaukio or “Church of the Rock,” a stunning sanctuary carved out of solid rock.

After enjoying the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Helsinki, head up to the far north of the country in Finnish Lapland. Stay at Kakslauttanen, the world’s foremost arctic resort. Visit nearby Urho Kekkonen National Park and drink straight from the crystal clear streams. Go for a dip in the icy water or relax in the world’s largest smoke sauna. Or simply enjoy the comforts of your glass igloo and gaze up through the skylight at the majesty of the Northern Lights. Bask in an environment where the sky seems to reach down and touch you. It’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else in the world.

Highlights:

Discover Helsinki’s vibrant heart, where Nordic design meets history in its elegant streets and landmarks.
Explore Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and the Rock Church on a panoramic tour of Finland’s capital.
Fly north to Lapland’s wilderness and settle into your glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.
Watch the northern lights shimmer across the Arctic sky from the warmth of your private retreat.
Depart Finland with memories of serene cities, icy landscapes, and the magic of the far north.

Included Services:

Private arrival and departure airport transfers
2 nights premium accommodation in Helsinki
2 nights premium accommodation in Finnish Lapland
Small Group Helsinki City Tour
Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

Excluded Services:

Travel insurance
International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
Gratuities
Optional excursions
Items of a personal nature
Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

4 nights from $1,216 per person

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki

Transfer: Helsinki Airportto Helsinki - City Centre

Hotel: Scandic Simonkentta (4 Star Rating)

A modern city- centre hotel in the best spot in Helsinki. The rooms have been stylishly refurbished and most have amazing city views. Here you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life close to the best shopping.

Day 2: Half Day Panoramic Helsinki City Tour

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing is a popular sightseeing tour showing you the most important sights and giving you an excellent view of past and present of Helsinki.

The tour takes in the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical center, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Stop at the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) or at the Sibelius Monument (if the church is closed).

The tour ends near the Esplanade Park. The tour includes sound effects and commentary in 10 languages with headphones. The tour is operated by a comfortable double decker bus with good views! There's heating, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and room for your personal luggage in the bus.

Day 3: Helsinki to Lapland

Transfer: Helsinki - City Centre to Helsinki Airport

Transfer: Ivalo Airportto Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Hotel: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (4 Star Rating)

Kakslauttanen is Europe's leading premium arctic resort located 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. On offer is four seasons of incredible beauty of arctic wilderness in high-quality facilities with the midnight sun and northern lights. The resort is world-famous for the glass igloos, Northern lights and Midnight sun. Add to this a wide array of winter and Finnish activities on hand and you have the perfect platform to head north of the Arctic "bathe" under the Northern Lights!

Day 4: Day at Leisure in Lapland

Day 5: Depart from Lapland

Transfer: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort to Ivalo Airport

Featured Destinations

Lapland

North of the Arctic Circle, Lapland is the home of the Sami people, who refer to the land as Sapmi. It's a forest-filled wilderness that accounts for almost one-fourth of Finland's territory, and it stretches across much of northern Norway, Sweden and western Russia. The region's complete quiet will bring you peace—or drive you crazy. Many visitors go May-July to see the midnight sun. The Polar Night, when the sun never completely rises, happens north of the Arctic Circle from the end of November to mid-January. Just as many flock to the ski trails and slopes in winter, and there is a thriving Santa Claus business, with several venues, some tacky, some with a genuine charm, vying for position as the "authentic home" of Father Christmas.

Many prefer to visit in the spring or fall—during the summer, mosquitoes and blackflies can be unbearable for some, and winter brings darkness 24 hours a day, albeit relieved by reflected light from the snow. But in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors, a drive through the forests is very pleasant and fell hiking across well-marked trails is popular.

Local outdoor activities include cross-country skiing, canoeing, panning for gold, camping, hiking and white-water rafting. We advise spending most of your time in the far-northern areas around Levi (a resort offering great winter sports, and a few summer ones, too), Inari and Ivalo. Lapland also caters to skiers with its high-quality ski resorts. (Don't go expecting Aspen-like bowls or faces, as the mountains are more like hills.) The resort of Saariselka, close to Ivalo, is a busy winter resort with plenty of slopes and trails, a magnet for Finns on winter holidays.

In the heart of Lapland, Levi (450 mi/725 km north of Helsinki) was founded in the 16th century. It's primarily a logging town set beside both a river and lake, but it also offers a variety of winter sports, including snowmobile safaris and cruises on an icebreaker (complete with a dip in the sea—you must wear a survival suit). In summer, canoeing and sailing are popular.

The regional capital of Rovaniemi (445 mi/715 km north of Helsinki), almost astride the Arctic Circle (the town is just a few miles/kilometers south), is primarily a jumping-off point for other areas of Lapland. After the town was nearly destroyed in World War II, functionalist architect Alvar Aalto redesigned many of the buildings. The graceful architecture in town contrasts beautifully with the scenic countryside.

But the main attraction in Rovaniemi is Santa Claus, who lives just outside the town. Thousands trek there every year to visit Santa, the elves and his workshop. An elf-training school has opened, and there are rumors that escorted visits may be allowed. (Parents of small children may wish to note that reindeer meat is featured prominently on most hotel menus.) There is also a Santa Claus Hotel in the city, and an underground themed Santa Park close to the airport.

After visiting Santa, go to the Arktikum, a science and culture museum depicting life in the Arctic region. Nearby activities and attractions include reindeer-driving lessons, the Museum of the Province of Lapland and a glass factory on the Arctic Circle. During the winter, the cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are excellent.

In March, the Santa Claus Ice Golf Tournament takes place on the ice and puts a new spin on the game—it's best to play with orange balls (they are allowed by the rules) as you'll incur a penalty stroke if you can't find your ball in less than three minutes.

In some smaller towns, the Sami still wear traditional clothing. Sodankyla has Lapland's oldest church and an interesting Sami art gallery. In the town of Tankavaara, 30 mi/50 km south of Ivalo, there is a tourist center with information on the northern lights (aurora borealis). Also in Tankavaara is the Gold Prospector Museum and the Finnish Gold Panning Championship (late July).

Urho Kekkonen National Park covers 975 sq mi/2,525 sq km in the northeastern part of Lapland. Southeast of Ivalo, between Saariselka Falls and Raututunturi Falls, there are splendid forests with interesting fauna, cabins, hiking trails and a good visitors center (it's an excellent area to see the northern lights—best seen in March or September, but visible on many cloud-free winter nights too). Plan to stay three nights in Lapland.

Helsinki

Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.

Excursions

Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.

Basis: Private tour.

Duration: City center Hotel or address.

Start/End: 3 hours.

Vehicle: 01^st Class.

Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.

Entrances: Temppeliaukio Rock Church.

Meals: None.

Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.

Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours

Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours

Interior of the Temppeliaukio Church, which was designed by ...
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.

A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.

A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.

The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.

Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.

Basis	Private
Start / End	City center Hotel or address.
Duration	4 hours
Vehicle	01^st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue.
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours

Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours

Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.

For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.

During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.

The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.

The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.

The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.

Basis	Private tour
Start / End	City center Hotel or address.
Duration	6 hours
Vehicle	01^st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrance	Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour).
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/16/2026 - 12/31/2028

from $1,216 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,216 per person

Length

4 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request - please inquire with your Travel Advisor.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1722622

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Sunny Hills Travel, Inc.

122 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 107
Fullerton, CA 92832
USA

714-879-8540
888-800-8540

Basis:	Private tour.
Duration:	City center Hotel or address.
Start/End:	3 hours.
Vehicle:	01^st Class.
Guide:	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:	Temppeliaukio Rock Church.
Meals:	None.
Difficulty:	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes:	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.