Have you ever dreamed of waking up in a place where winter is more than just a season - it's a way of life? Now is the perfect time to turn that dream into reality and join us in exploring Rovaniemi, the enchanting gateway to the heart of Lapland.

From the thrill of racing through pristine snowy landscapes on a husky sled to the peaceful silence of Arctic nights illuminated by the dancing Northern Lights, every moment of this November 2026 adventure is an invitation to experience something extraordinary.

Together, we'll discover the ancient traditions of the Sami people and soak up the festive atmosphere of Helsinki's Christmas Market, on a journey that captivates travelers of all ages.

ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

  • Santa Claus Village: The symbolic heart of Rovaniemi, where Santa's official office and the magic of Christmas come to life in a truly enchanting setting.
  • Northern Lights: One of nature's most spectacular phenomena, with shimmering waves of green and violet light painting the Arctic sky on clear winter nights.
  • Santa Express Train: The iconic overnight train that travels through Finland's frozen landscapes, carrying passengers across the Arctic Circle into the heart of Lapland.
  • Husky & Reindeer Safaris: Unforgettable adventures through snow-covered forests, from exhilarating husky sled rides to peaceful journeys led by Lapland's iconic reindeer.
  • Ice Fishing & Sami Culture: Authentic northern traditions, including ice-fishing techniques and fascinating insights into the heritage and lifestyle of the indigenous Sami people.
  • Helsinki Christmas Market: A festive winter wonderland in the heart of Finland's capital, filled with twinkling lights, handcrafted decorations, and seasonal treats.
  • Local Gastronomy: A taste of the North, featuring traditional salmon soup, cinnamon-flavoured pastries, and warm cups of glögi, Finland's beloved spiced winter drink.

TRIP DETAILS
- Meeting place: 28.11.2026, 06:00 p.m, at the hotel in Helsinki (If you require transfer to/from the airport, please mention it at the time of booking)
- Tour starts: 29.11.2026
- Tour Ends: 06.12.2026

ACCOMODATION
- Helsinki: Scandic Simonkenttä 4*, or similar
- Rovaniemi: Scandic Rovaniemi City 4*, or similar
- Santa Claus Express: Overnight train accommodation in a Twin Sleeper Cabin

ITINERARY

Here is a day-by-day description of the tour:

Day 1 – Helsinki
Meet your guide and the rest of the group at the hotel in Helsinki in the afternoon. Those who wish can enjoy a stroll through the city centre, where streets adorned with festive lights create a truly magical atmosphere. In the evening, we may savour traditional Finnish cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 2 – Helsinki
We begin the day with a guided walking tour of Finland’s capital. We explore Senate Square, dominated by the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral, admire the contemporary architecture of the Oodi Library, and visit the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into solid rock. Later, we stroll through Market Square (Kauppatori), filled with handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies, where we can shop or relax in a traditional Scandinavian café. In the evening, we board the Santa Express, the train that will take us across the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi on a memorable journey through Finland’s frozen landscapes.

Day 3 – Rovaniemi
We arrive in Rovaniemi in the morning, welcomed by the crisp northern air and snow-covered scenery. Those eager to explore can visit the Arktikum Museum, a fascinating place where they can learn about life in Lapland, Sami culture, and the natural phenomena of the Arctic region. In the evening, we may choose to enjoy a traditional Lappish dinner featuring local specialties.

Day 4 – Rovaniemi
This morning, we visit the famous Santa Claus Village, where the magic of Christmas comes to life. We symbolically cross the Arctic Circle and send postcards bearing Santa Claus’s official postmark directly from his post office. We also meet Santa in person and discover the elves’ workshops filled with toys and festive decorations. The afternoon is free to explore the souvenir shops or enjoy a walk through the surrounding snow-covered forests.

Day 5 – Rovaniemi: Reindeer Safari (Optional Excursion)
Today offers the chance to experience an authentic Lapland tradition: a reindeer safari. We visit a traditional reindeer farm, where we learn about Sami culture and the lifestyle of reindeer herders. We enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride, just as the people of Lapland have done for centuries. In the afternoon, those interested can try ice fishing on a frozen lake, a traditional activity that allows us to experience the tranquillity and beauty of northern nature.

Day 6 – Rovaniemi: Aurora Ice Floating (Optional Excursion)
Another unforgettable experience awaits today: Aurora Ice Floating. Dressed in special thermal suits, we float in icy waters beneath the Arctic sky while watching for the mesmerising dance of the Northern Lights. This unique activity offers a relaxing yet spectacular way to admire the beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Alternatively, those seeking a different adventure may choose a husky sled ride.

Day 7 – Rovaniemi
Our final day in Rovaniemi gives us the opportunity to explore the city at our own pace. We may visit Snowman World, a winter-themed attraction where everything is sculpted from snow and ice, from slides to the furniture inside the ice bar. For those seeking a more active experience, snowshoeing through the forests of Lapland is also available. In the evening, we board the overnight train back to Helsinki.

Day 8 – Helsinki
Today is dedicated to Helsinki’s Christmas Market, one of the most beautiful festive markets in Northern Europe. Here, we enjoy the aromas of gingerbread and cinnamon, browse handcrafted souvenirs, and warm up with a cup of glögi, Finland’s traditional mulled drink. The afternoon is free for further exploration or last-minute shopping.

Day 10 – Departure
With the tour concluded, you are free to explore the city at your own pace. You may depart Helsinki at any time or extend your stay individually.

Terra Incognita - From Dream to Reality

The cost of the trip is 2950 euros per person and it includes:

Transport & Logistics
- Santa Express train tickets on the Helsinki–Rovaniemi and Rovaniemi–Helsinki routes
- Round-trip shuttle transportation between the hotel in Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village

Accommodation & Meals
- 6 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels (including breakfast)
- 2 nights aboard the Santa Express in twin sleeper cabins (breakfast not included)

Sightseeing & Excursions
Rovaniemi & Santa Express Experience:
- Entrance to Santa Claus Village
- Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate

Support and Guides
- English-speaking group leader

Special Rates for Children
Children benefit from special pricing. Rates are calculated individually based on factors such as the child's age and the number of children traveling within the same family.

* Optional Experiences:
- Reindeer Safari & Ice Fishing Experience, from €160 per person
- Aurora Ice Floating (floating in icy waters while watching the Northern Lights), from €90 per person

**Not included: additional meals, entrance fees not specifically mentioned, optional activities, personal expenses, or other items not mentioned in the trip cost.

! The price is per person for double occupancy. For a single supplement, please contact us privately.

Payment Terms:
- 50% of the trip cost due at the time of booking
- 50% of the trip cost up until the 01.09.2026

Payments can be made by transfer or bank deposit:
Terranienii Calatoresc SRL
Tax Code: 44036634
Registration number: J23/2103/2021
RO60BTRLEURCRT0596876701
Banca Transilvania
with the mention "Lapland".

Travel License: 2404/04.05.2021

- Please check entry conditions into Finland before traveling (this includes, but not limited to: travel insurance, visas; COVID vaccine/tests etc)
- This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. If in doubt, contact our service center regarding your individual needs before booking.
- Meals that are not included: free meal times, we provide recommendations for lunch and dining options during the tour.
- Hotels are classified according to national classification system.
- In case of unpredictable events which may occur before or during the trip (such as, but not limited to closure of sites and/or opening of new sites, the agency reserves its right to alter the original itinerary, in order to offer you memorable experiences throughout the trip).
- Please provide a copy of your passport at the time of booking. If the document is not available at that time, please make sure the agency will receive the document 3 months before departure.
- Minimum number of participants: 2. Maximum number of participants: 7


Notes:

  • During the trip, photos and video recordings will be made, and some of them will be published on Terra Incognita and Terra Trips' websites and social media pages. By registering and participating in the event, you agree to the recording of photo-video materials and the processing of personal data, in accordance with the law.
  • Terra Incognita trips are organized for energetic, cheerful, and well-mannered groups. Please keep in mind that the program is designed for a group, not for individual activities.
  • Depending on certain real-time situations, we reserve the right to adjust the program, while keeping the main idea intact.

Event images are for presentation purposes only.

  • Payments: Payments can be made in euros (cash) or by credit/debit card. Contactless payments are widely accepted throughout Finland, and cash is rarely required.
  • Electricity: Finland uses Type F electrical outlets with a standard voltage of 230V/50Hz. Travelers from Romania do not need a power adapter.
  • Weather: Temperatures typically range from -5°C to -25°C, with frequent snowfall and a thick snow cover throughout the region. During this period, daylight is limited to approximately 2–4 hours per day.
  • Clothing: Warm layered clothing is highly recommended, including thermal underwear, an insulating middle layer (fleece or wool), and a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Thick gloves, warm hats, and insulated winter boots are essential for staying comfortable outdoors.
  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, public transport areas, and near children's playgrounds.
  • Alcohol Regulations: Alcohol consumption is restricted in certain public areas. The legal age for purchasing alcoholic beverages is 18 years for drinks up to 22% alcohol content and 20 years for stronger alcoholic beverages.
28th of November - 06th of December 2026

Lapland – Santa Claus & the Northern Lights

2.950 

Experience the magical atmosphere of Helsinki’s Christmas Market before boarding the famous Santa Express and heading north to the land of the spectacular Northern Lights and Santa Claus Village.

7 Seats available