Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle
10 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Tromsø, Norway
Visiting: Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Karasjok, Honnigsvag, Alta, Tromsø
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZK-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scandinavia with the "Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle" tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, where you'll explore the city's stunning cathedral and the Sibelius Monument. Travel north to the enchanting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive your Arctic Circle Certificate. Experience the unique culture of the Sami people at the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok and visit a husky farm in Luosto. Marvel at the breathtaking North Cape Hall in Honnigsvag and the ancient Rock Carvings Museum in Alta. Conclude your tour with an orientation walk in Tromsø, including a visit to the iconic Arctic Cathedral. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, and several dinners, making this a truly immersive cultural experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Helsinki,Finland
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aleksanteri
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Helsinki,Oulu
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
HELSINKI–OULU Perfection on the Peninsula HELSINKI Guided sightseeing. Flight to Oulu. (B,D) 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.
Day 3: Oulu
Location: Oulu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast
OULU The Creative Edge OULU Orientation. Free time. (B) 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.
Day 4: Oulu,Rovaniemi
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Original Sokos Vaakuna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
OULU–ROVANIEMI Santa Claus is Coming to Town ROVANIEMI Visit Santa Claus Village. Cross the Arctic Circle and [LF] get the Arctic Circle Certificate (B,D) 127 mi / 205 kmLOCAL 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.
Day 5: Rovaniemi,Luosto,Ivalo
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: Ivalo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ROVANIEMI–LUOSTO–IVALO North to the Cape LUOSTO [LF] Visit a husky farm and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture. (B,D) 196mi/ 315kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & 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.
Day 6: Ivalo,Karasjok,Norway,Honnigsvag
Location: Karasjok
Accommodation Name: Scandic Honningsvag
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNINGSVAG Norwegian Good KARASJOK Visit the Sami Cultural Park. (B,D) 242mi/ 390kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & 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.
Day 7: Honnigsvag,Excursion To The North Cape,Alta
Location: Honnigsvag
Accommodation Name: Scandic Hotel Alta
Meals Included: Breakfast
HONNINGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTA The Old Men & The Sea HONNINGSVAG Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center. (B) 168mi/ 270kmTOUR 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.
Day 8: Alta,Tromsø
Location: Alta
Accommodation Name: Thon Hotel Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast
ALTA–TROMSØ Written in Stone ALTA Visit the Rock Carvings Museum. (B) 186mi/ 300kmTOUR 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.
Day 9: Tromsø
Location: Tromsø
Accommodation Name: Thon Hotel Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TROMSØ Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. Farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D)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.
Day 10: Tromsø
Location: Tromsø
Accommodation Name: Thon Hotel Tromso
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel in Helsinki.
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Guided Sightseeing in Helsinki
Enjoy guided sightseeing in Helsinki, including visits to the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument.
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Flight to Oulu
Flight from Helsinki to Oulu is included.
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Visit to Santa Claus Village
Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and receive an Arctic Circle Certificate.
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Visit to a Husky Farm
Visit a husky farm in Luosto and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture.
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Visit to Sami Cultural Park
Visit the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok to learn about Sami culture, history, and traditions.
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Visit to North Cape Hall
Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center in Honnigsvag.
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Visit to Rock Carvings Museum
Visit the Rock Carvings Museum in Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Orientation Walk in Tromsø
Orientation walk in Tromsø, including a visit to the Arctic Cathedral.
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Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner at the hotel in Tromsø.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as a trip to Hailuoto, are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights to and from Starting/Ending Locations
Flights to Helsinki and from Tromsø are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Accommodation
Helsinki: Radisson Blu Aleksanteri, Oulu: Radisson Blu, Rovaniemi: Original Sokos Vaakuna, Ivalo: Ivalo, Honningsvag: Scandic Honningsvag, Alta: Scandic Hotel Alta, Tromso: Thon Hotel Tromso
UNESCO Sites
Rock Art of Alta
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a flight from Helsinki to Oulu and various road transfers between cities such as Oulu to Rovaniemi, Rovaniemi to Ivalo, and Ivalo to Honningsvag.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in various hotels including Radisson Blu Aleksanteri in Helsinki, Radisson Blu in Oulu, Original Sokos Vaakuna in Rovaniemi, Ivalo in Ivalo, Scandic Honningsvag in Honnigsvag, Scandic Hotel Alta in Alta, and Thon Hotel Tromso in Tromsø.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, daily breakfasts and several dinners are included throughout the tour. There is also a welcome dinner on the first day in Helsinki and a farewell dinner on the last night in Tromsø.
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What activities are included in the visit to Rovaniemi?
In Rovaniemi, you will visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive an Arctic Circle Certificate.
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What can I expect during the visit to the husky farm in Luosto?
During the visit to the husky farm in Luosto, you will learn about the special relationship between musher and dog, hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with the sled dogs. You will also visit the puppy yard and interact with the friendly adult racing dogs.
-
What will I experience at the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok?
At the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok, you will get a comprehensive insight into various aspects of Sami culture, history, and traditions. You will 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.
-
What is special about the visit to North Cape Hall?
The North Cape Hall complex is built mainly out of stone and features a globe at the top of the building, which has become the symbol of Nordkapp. It marks the end point of Europe, the northernmost of the continental mainland. This is a treasured place for photography and contemplation.
-
What will I see at the Rock Carvings Museum in Alta?
At the Rock Carvings Museum in Alta, you will experience Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The rock carvings, which are 2000 to 6200 years old, show the life of hunters and fishermen and are made on the smooth rock surfaces at the water's edge.
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What is included in the orientation walk in Tromsø?
The orientation walk in Tromsø includes a visit to the Arctic Cathedral, which is visible from all parts of Tromsø and represents the light in the long, dark winter days.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available, such as a trip to Hailuoto, which is not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
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