From cosmopolitan Helsinki to the remote reaches of Arctic Lapland, this 21-day private driver-guided tour offers a sweeping and immersive journey through Finland’s most iconic landscapes and traditions. Over three unforgettable weeks, you’ll travel through coastal cities, pristine lakes, boreal forests, reindeer territories, and Sámi heartlands—all while enjoying handpicked experiences tailored for comfort, culture, and authentic connection.
Along the way, discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, hike through national parks, share meals around forest campfires, soak in the silence of Arctic fells, and sleep under the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun. With every detail carefully curated and a private driver-guide throughout, you’ll experience the true soul of Finland—at your own pace, on your terms.
Destinations on Our 21-Day Finland Private Tour Itinerary
Days 1–4: Helsinki
Nordic design trails, grand cathedrals, waterfront saunas, and UNESCO Suomenlinna Fortress.
Days 5–7: Finnish Lakeland (Tampere/Lahti Region)
Lakeside cabins, smoke saunas, national parks, and forest cooking traditions.
Days 8–10: Eastern Finland (Koli/Kuopio Region)
Wilderness hiking, starlit saunas, Sámi-style forest dinners, and lakeside heritage.
Days 11–13: Northern Wilderness (Kuusamo/Ruka)
Arctic forests, wildlife encounters, frozen canyons, and Lapland ceramics.
Days 14–18: Lapland (Rovaniemi Base)
Reindeer safaris, husky adventures, Santa’s Village VIP visits, Arctic museums, and igloo nights under the auroras.
Days 19–20: Saariselkä or Inari (Mini-Base)
Sámi cultural immersion, gold-rush history, Northern hiking, and culinary workshops in Europe’s last true wilderness.
Day 21: Departure
Private transfer from Ivalo or Rovaniemi Airport with seamless travel support.
Day 1: Airport Pickup, Private City Drive, Finnish Tasting Dinner
Upon arrival at Helsinki Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private driver-guide, who will assist with your luggage and settle you into your private vehicle.
After checking into your boutique hotel in the heart of the city, your evening continues with a welcome dinner at a curated Finnish restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting menu that introduces you to the country’s signature flavors: wild mushroom soup, cured salmon, reindeer dishes, and tart cloudberry desserts, accompanied by local beers or berry juices. It’s a cozy, authentic start to your time in Finland.
Day 2: Design Trail (Aalto, Marimekko, Museum), Rock Church, Sauna
Today is devoted to Helsinki’s internationally celebrated design culture.
Our first destination of the day will be a guided tour of Alvar Aalto’s studio. Step into the world of the renowned architect and learn how his revolutionary ideas and legacy have come to shape not only Finland’s but also modern Nordic aesthetics.
Afterwards, stroll through the Design District, visiting Marimekko’s flagship store, independent jewelry designers, and galleries filled with beautiful Finnish craftsmanship.
After stopping at a local café, continue to the iconic Temppeliaukio Rock Church. This masterpiece of 1960s Finnish design, excavated directly into solid rock, offers a serene and acoustically perfect environment while your guide shares the story behind its unique architecture and symbolism.
In the late afternoon, experience one of Finland’s most important traditions with a private seaside sauna session. Relax in a historic or modern sauna overlooking the Baltic Sea, with the option to take a refreshing dip in the icy waters of winter or the summer-warm waters, depending on the season.
Day 3: Suomenlinna Fortress Tour, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, Coastal Boat Tour
Board a short ferry ride across Helsinki’s inner harbor this morning for a private tour of Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your guide will lead you through the fortress’s ancient walls, tunnels, and coastal defenses, sharing the dramatic history of how this island outpost protected Finland’s shores from the 18th century onward.
Returning to the mainland, you’ll visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Spread across a leafy island, this museum is a living tribute to Finland’s rural heritage, with original farmhouses, manors, and workshops relocated from across the country.
Your guide will illuminate how families lived, worked, and celebrated through the centuries. Later, take to the water once more for a private coastal boat tour of Helsinki’s outer archipelago, gliding past rocky islets, old pilot stations, and the summer retreats of locals, offering stunning perspectives of the city framed by sea and sky.
Day 4: Day Trip to Porvoo – Chocolate Workshop, Antique Shops, Riverside Lunch
Leave Helsinki behind for the day as you journey eastward to Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest and most atmospheric towns.
Begin with a private walking tour along Porvoo’s cobbled streets, passing charming wooden houses, the 15th-century cathedral, and the iconic red warehouses lining the riverbanks.
Next, step inside a local chocolate atelier for a private workshop where you’ll craft your handmade treats under the advice and guidance of a master chocolatier.
There’s also time to browse Porvoo’s delightful antique shops and small artisan galleries, filled with Scandinavian ceramics, textiles, and unique vintage finds. Midday, enjoy a leisurely riverside lunch featuring local ingredients such as fresh salmon, root vegetables, and creamy wild mushroom soup before returning to Helsinki in the afternoon.
Day 5: Drive to Lakeland via Hämeenlinna Castle + Lunch; Check-In to Lakeside Villa
Today, your private driver-guide will escort you northwards from Helsinki into the peaceful expanse of Finnish Lakeland. Along the way, stop for a private guided visit to Hämeenlinna Castle, a formidable 13th-century red-brick fortress that once defended the Swedish Empire’s eastern territories. Walk through atmospheric dungeons, royal halls, and military towers while hearing about medieval life along the old trade routes.
After the castle visit, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a nearby lakeside inn, sampling local specialties such as creamy salmon soup, rye bread, and fresh berry desserts.
Continuing deeper into the lake district, you’ll arrive at your charming accommodation—a boutique villa, lakeside hotel, or private log cabin nestled by the water’s edge. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in, breathing the pine-scented air, and soaking in the tranquility that defines Finland’s beloved summer (and winter) escape.
Day 6: Canoeing or Snowshoeing, Smoke Sauna, Forest Dinner in Kota
This morning, venture out onto the water—or across the snow—with your private guide.
In warmer months, we suggest a gentle canoeing adventure across the mirror-like surface of one of the region’s countless lakes, gliding past reeds, islands, and bird sanctuaries. In winter, trade paddles for snowshoes and tramp through silent forests, with your guide pointing out animal tracks and sharing wilderness survival tips.
Later, indulge in an essential Finnish ritual: the smoke sauna.
Heated over hours to achieve a soft, fragrant warmth, your private lakeside smoke sauna offers the perfect restorative pause.
Brave a dip into the cool lake—or simply relax with warm herbal drinks by the crackling fire. As evening falls, gather in a traditional Lappish-style kota (wooden hut) for a rustic forest dinner.
Sit around an open fire while your local hosts prepare hearty dishes from wild game, mushrooms, and foraged herbs, ending the night with stories and laughter under the stars.
Day 7: Day Trip to Helvetinjärvi or Repovesi National Park, Crafts Studio Visit
Spend today immersed in the wild beauty of Finland’s protected landscapes.
Choose between Helvetinjärvi (“Hell’s Canyon”) National Park, known for its dramatic gorges and towering spruce forests, or Repovesi National Park, famous for its suspension bridges, quiet lakes, and dramatic rocky cliffs.
Your private hiking guide will tailor the route to your fitness level, whether that means a peaceful lakeshore walk or a more adventurous clifftop trail.
After a forest picnic lunch surrounded by ancient trees, return toward civilization with a creative stop at a local craft studio. Visit a ceramicist, woodcarver, or textile artisan to see traditional techniques passed down through generations—an inspiring glimpse into the soulful artistry of rural Finland.
Late afternoon, return to your lakeside retreat to enjoy a final evening of serenity by the water.
Day 8: Scenic Drive via Jyväskylä (Aalto Museum), Valamo Monastery Wine Tasting
On day 8, we depart from Lakeland and head deeper into Finland’s unspoiled east.
Along the way, enjoy a private guided stop in Jyväskylä, the heart of Finnish modernism. Visit the Alvar Aalto Museum, dedicated to Finland’s most renowned architect. Your guide will illuminate Aalto’s visionary blending of functionality, humanism, and natural inspiration across his designs—from furniture to civic buildings.
Continue the drive north through sweeping farmland and pine forests until reaching the serene Valamo Monastery.
Here, enjoy a private tour of the Orthodox monastic community, founded by monks who fled Karelia during wartime. In the monastery’s wine cellar, sample their handmade wines, traditionally crafted from local berries and fruits.
Your driver will then deliver you to your base near Koli or Kuopio, where you’ll check into a cozy lakeside lodge or boutique countryside hotel surrounded by wild nature.
Day 9: Hike in Koli National Park, Art Stop, Lakeside Sauna With Stargazing
Today is devoted to the breathtaking scenery of Koli National Park, one of Finland’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Set out with your private hiking guide on a trail suited to your group’s interests—whether it’s a gentle ridge walk with panoramic views over Lake Pielinen or a slightly more challenging forest path rich with wildlife and ancient legends.
Following your hike, stop at a local art gallery or atelier, where you can meet regional artists whose works are deeply influenced by the dramatic landscapes of Eastern Finland.
As night falls, relax between steamy sauna sessions and refreshing dips in the lake, then step outside to stargaze under some of the country’s clearest skies—perhaps catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights if conditions allow.
Day 10: Ice Fishing or Summer Boat Cruise, Visit to Local Storyteller or Historian
Depending on the season, enjoy a classic Finnish outdoor activity today.
If your tour coincides with the winter months, then head out with your guide onto a frozen lake for a hands-on ice fishing experience, drilling through the thick ice and learning how locals have survived off these waters for centuries. In summer, opt for a peaceful private boat cruise across shimmering lakes, drifting past forested islands and sandy coves while your guide shares stories about traditional lake life.
Later, visit a respected local historian, storyteller, or folk musician in a nearby village.
Over coffee or a casual fireside chat, you’ll hear tales of Eastern Finland’s history—from the borderland battles with Russia to ancient myths about forest spirits and heroes.
Day 11: Drive via Kajaani + Vuokatti Ridge Hike
Today, you leave the tranquil lake districts behind and journey north toward the Arctic forests of Kuusamo and Ruka.
Along the way, stop for a private visit in Kajaani, a town steeped in poetic and political history, where your guide will share stories about the influential figures who shaped Finnish national identity. Stretch your legs with a gentle hike along the Vuokatti ridge trails, offering wide-open views over lakes and thick spruce forests—a remarkable transition into the wilder landscapes ahead.
Your driver-guide ensures a leisurely pace, with scenic photo stops and optional coffee breaks at local cafés tucked along the route. Arrive in Kuusamo by late afternoon, where your accommodation—a boutique lodge, wilderness hotel, or timber cabin—awaits amid the whispering pines and endless sky. Settle in and breathe the crisp northern air, surrounded by the serenity of Finland’s untamed frontier.
Day 12: Guided Adventure in Oulanka National Park or Bear Watching (Spring-Autumn)
Today invites you into the raw beauty of Oulanka National Park, one of Finland’s premier wilderness areas.
With your private guide, set out on an exploration of suspended wooden bridges, roaring waterfalls, and forest trails lined with cloudberry bushes and ancient lichens.
Depending on your energy level and the season, you can opt for a gentle riverside ramble or a more adventurous hike along part of the legendary Karhunkierros (Bear Trail), soaking in stunning views at every turn.
For those visiting in spring through autumn, an unforgettable alternative is an evening bear-watching experience.
Settle into a well-camouflaged hide in the heart of the taiga forest, accompanied by a specialist wildlife guide. With advice from a local bear trekking specialist, along with a bit of patience and luck, you may witness Finland’s brown bears as they emerge from the trees at dusk, along with wolverines, eagles, or lynx in this protected ecosystem.
Whichever adventure you choose, today promises an extraordinary immersion in Arctic nature.
Day 13: Pentik Ceramic Village, Korouoma Frozen Canyon, Sauna + Lappish Dinner
Begin the day with a private visit to Pentik Village, a charming artisan community known for its iconic ceramics and warm Nordic designs.
Meet local artists, watch as timeless pieces are crafted in the workshops, and browse beautiful galleries filled with pottery inspired by the surrounding wilderness. This encounter offers a delightful glimpse into how art and environment intertwine in Finnish life.
Afterward, continue to the breathtaking Korouoma Canyon. In winter, its towering cliffs transform into a wonderland of frozen waterfalls, creating an ethereal ice kingdom that is perfect for a guided canyon walk. In summer, enjoy a tranquil forest hike with panoramic views into the deep ravine.
Return to your lodge in the evening for an authentic taste of Lapland: a private sauna session followed by a traditional Lappish dinner featuring slow-cooked meats, Arctic berries, and rustic bread fresh from the oven—a perfect farewell to Finland’s silent north.
Day 14: Ranua Wildlife Park En Route, Arktikum Museum Arrival Tour
Today, your private driver-guide whisks you northward into true Arctic territory, bound for Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland.
Along the way, enjoy a stop at Ranua Wildlife Park, where you’ll join a guided walk through natural enclosures housing polar bears, wolves, lynxes, and Arctic foxes.
The setting among boreal forests provides a unique opportunity to observe northern species in environments that mimic their natural habitats. Your guide will share insights into conservation efforts and the traditional animal folklore of Lapland.
Arriving in Rovaniemi, settle into your hotel or Arctic lodge before meeting your guide for a private visit to the Arktikum Museum. This striking building, half-buried in the snow, offers an immersive introduction to Sámi culture, Arctic life, and the fragile beauty of northern nature.
Wander exhibitions on survival, traditions, and climate, finishing with a stroll along the snowy banks of the Ounasjoki River under the vast northern sky.
Day 15: Santa Claus Village VIP Experience, Snowshoe Hike, Reindeer Dinner
The magic of Lapland unfolds today with a VIP visit to Santa Claus Village.
Skip the lines and enjoy a private meeting with Santa himself, mail Arctic Circle-stamped postcards to friends back home, and cross the Arctic Circle during a special ceremony for a memorable experience filled with laughter, photo opportunities, and surprises for young and old alike!
After the festive morning, venture into a nearby national park for a private snowshoe hike through the hushed winter forests.
Your guide will lead you along soft, untouched trails where tracks of foxes, hares, and ptarmigan crisscross the powder. Pause for warming drinks and snow play before returning to Rovaniemi.
Tonight, savor a magical reindeer-themed dinner at a local farm or specialty restaurant, where you can sample traditional dishes such as sautéed reindeer with lingonberry sauce while stories of Arctic legends fill the air.
Day 16: Husky Safari, Crafts With Sámi Artist, Northern Lights Hunt by Sleigh
This morning, experience the thrill of a private husky safari.
After meeting your enthusiastic dog team, learn the basics of mushing before setting off into the silent, snowy landscapes. Glide through forests and across frozen lakes, guided by the powerful rhythm of the sled dogs—an unforgettable, heart-pounding adventure suitable for all ages.
Later, it shifted to a cultural focus with a private workshop led by a Sámi artist.
Create your small handicraft—perhaps a leather pouch, woven bracelet, or embroidered patch—while learning about the symbols and stories that are woven into Sámi art.
In the evening, bundle up for a private aurora hunting expedition by reindeer sleigh, snowmobile, or a cozy van, depending on the weather. Follow your guide to the darkest corners of the forest in search of the elusive Northern Lights dancing overhead.
Day 17: Snowmobile to Wilderness Kota Lunch, Forest Sauna
Today, adventure awaits with a private snowmobile journey deep into the wilderness.
After a briefing, set off over frozen lakes and through silent forests, reaching a secluded kota (traditional Lappish teepee) where a fireside lunch awaits.
Conclude the day with a restorative forest sauna session, a soothing reward after the day’s chilly adventures, complete with local herbal teas and a refreshing plunge in the snow for the brave.
Day 18: Optional Ski Day, Souvenir Shopping, Glass Igloo Overnight
Today offers a flexible program to suit your interests.
Active travelers might head to the nearby ski slopes for a day of alpine or cross-country skiing. In contrast, others might prefer browsing Rovaniemi’s craft boutiques for Sámi jewelry, Arctic design goods, and reindeer-themed souvenirs. Your private guide remains on hand to coordinate activities at your preferred pace.
As a grand finale to your Arctic journey, spend your final night in a glass igloo or luxury cabin with aurora views.
Relax in the comfort of your warm bed while gazing upward through the transparent roof, hoping for one last sighting of the ethereal Northern Lights as they ripple across the Arctic sky—a perfect farewell to magical Lapland.
Day 19: Drive North with a Stop at Tankavaara Gold Village, Sámi Museum (Siida)
Today, you continue deeper into Arctic Finland, leaving Rovaniemi behind and traveling north toward the Sámi heartlands of Saariselkä or Inari.
Along the scenic drive, pause at Tankavaara Gold Village, where your guide will share the fascinating story of Lapland’s little-known gold rush. You can try gold panning for yourself if you wish or simply enjoy a warm drink surrounded by tales of fortune seekers and pioneers who braved the Arctic wilderness.
In Inari, enjoy a private visit to the Siida Sámi Museum, the national center for Sámi culture and Arctic nature.
Your guide will lead you through exhibitions on traditional Sámi lifestyles, indigenous knowledge systems, and the close relationship between reindeer herding, storytelling, and the northern environment. As you continue northward, the landscape opens into expansive tundra and frozen rivers, signaling you’ve reached the true edge of Europe’s last great wilderness.
Day 20: Nature Hike, Sámi Food Workshop, Final Night in Aurora-Viewing Cabin
Begin your final full day in Finland with a guided nature hike through the quiet forests and open fells surrounding Saariselkä or Inari.
Depending on the season, you may snowshoe through powdery drifts, hike through blossoming tundra flowers, or follow ancient reindeer trails across the hills.
Later, join a private Sámi culinary workshop where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes using ingredients like reindeer, Arctic char, berries, and wild herbs. Gather around the fire to hear songs and stories passed down through generations, connecting food, land, and memory.
In the evening, check into your final Arctic accommodation: a luxurious glass-roofed cabin or panoramic view suite designed for aurora gazing.
Toast your final night in Lapland with local berry juice or a celebratory glass of Finnish schnapps, keeping watch for one last display of the magical Northern Lights.
Day 21: Return & Departure
After a leisurely breakfast surrounded by the Arctic stillness, your private driver will transfer you to either Ivalo Airport or back to Rovaniemi, depending on your onward travel plans.
