Experience the best of the Nordic North on this expertly curated 7-day private tour through Finland and Norway.
This journey takes you from the coastal beauty and cultural treasures of Helsinki, to the magical landscapes of Lapland, and onward into the majestic Arctic wonderland of Tromsø, Norway. Each day features three immersive, privately guided experiences, blending city sophistication, indigenous culture, and natural marvels like the Aurora Borealis.
Visit a UNESCO sea fortress, sled with huskies through snowy forests, cross the Arctic Circle, meet Sámi herders, and cruise fjords under the northern lights. With seamless transfers, premium accommodations, and personalized touring throughout, this itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking luxury and authenticity in the Arctic’s most captivating corners.
Destinations on Your 7-Day Finland & Norway Private Tour
Day 1: Helsinki – City Orientation, Senate Square & Esplanadi Park
Day 2: Helsinki – Suomenlinna, Rock Church & Design District
Day 3: Rovaniemi – Scenic Train, Arktikum & Northern Lights Hunt
Day 4: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, Husky Safari & Finnish Sauna
Day 5: Tromsø – Scenic Drive via Kilpisjärvi & Arctic City Tour
Day 6: Tromsø – Sámi Culture, Reindeer Sledding & Northern Lights Cruise
Day 7: Tromsø – Leisure Morning & Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Your Finnish adventure begins as you arrive in the Cpaital, Helsinki and become acquanited with some of the main sites in the centre.
Private Airport Transfer & City Orientation
Upon arrival at Helsinki Airport, your private driver-guide will be waiting to greet you with a relaxed and personalized welcome.
As you enter the city, pass by key districts such as Eira, Kaartinkaupunki, and the vibrant harborfront. Gain an overview of the city’s mix of classic Scandinavian design and modern energy, setting the tone for the experiences to come.
Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral Visit
In the afternoon, join your guide for a private visit to Senate Square, one of Finland’s most historically significant and visually striking landmarks.
The square’s neoclassical layout, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, is anchored by the imposing Helsinki Cathedral, whose white façade and green domes dominate the skyline.
Step inside the cathedral to admire its serene interior and learn about its role in Finnish national identity. Around the square, your guide will highlight notable buildings such as the Government Palace and the University of Helsinki, weaving together stories that bring the city’s political and spiritual heritage to life.
Evening Stroll in Esplanadi Park
Conclude your first day with a guided evening stroll through Esplanadi Park, a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors.
Your guide will share stories of the park’s cultural events, public art, and its role as a stage for performers and musicians. Pause for a coffee or Finnish treat on a terrace, as the late northern light casts a soft glow over the linden trees—a peaceful and elegant ending to your first day in Scandinavia.
Day 2: Helsinki’s Cultural Highlights – Heritage, Architecture & Design
Delve into Helsinki’s creative spirit and historic depth with a full day of discovery across land, sea, and stone.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Tour
Begin the day with a short ferry ride across Helsinki’s harbor to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across a cluster of islands. With your guide, explore the winding pathways, defense walls, and original bunkers that once served as vital military structures for Swedish, Russian, and Finnish forces.
Beyond its strategic history, Suomenlinna also offers a peaceful atmosphere filled with artists’ homes, galleries, and cafés. Visit the on-site museums and learn how this island community has evolved into a cultural and residential enclave, with your guide providing context that brings the cobbled paths and canons to life.
Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church Visit
Next, return to the city for a visit to the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Church, better known as the Rock Church. This unique structure is carved directly into a solid granite outcrop, with a copper dome and natural light filtering in through skylight slits.
Your guide will explain the story behind its design and construction, a marvel of modern Finnish architecture before it’s time to return to your accommodation for the night.
Day 3: Journey to Rovaniemi – Into the Heart of Finnish Lapland
Travel into the Arctic Circle, where wintry landscapes, indigenous culture, and natural wonders await.
Scenic Train Ride to Rovaniemi
This morning, board a comfortable train for a picturesque journey to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. As the scenery transitions from city skylines to boreal forests and snow-dusted plains, your guide will highlight points of interest and share stories of Finland’s northern regions.
Enjoy the relaxed pace of travel, with opportunities to enjoy onboard service, panoramic views, and regional insight. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your accommodation, where your Lapland adventure begins.
Arktikum Science Museum Visit
After settling in, head to the Arktikum Science Museum, an essential introduction to the Arctic region and its people. Walk through immersive exhibits that explore environmental change, Sámi culture, and Arctic wildlife, all housed in a striking glass structure that extends like a tunnel toward the north.
Your guide will offer thoughtful commentary on the exhibits, helping you understand the deep connection between this region’s history, environment, and way of life. It’s a meaningful foundation for the natural experiences to come.
Northern Lights Hunt
As night falls, set off on a Northern Lights excursion, guided by local experts who understand the science—and magic—behind this natural phenomenon. Far from city lights, your guide will take you to optimal viewing spots, where you’ll wait in warmth and comfort for the auroras to appear.
Whether the sky glows green, purple, or even red, witnessing the Northern Lights in Lapland is unforgettable. Along the way, your guide will explain local myths and camera tips and provide hot drinks to keep spirits high beneath the Arctic sky.
Day 4: Arctic Adventures in Rovaniemi – Snow Trails, Traditions & Festive Encounters
Step into the spirit of Lapland with a day filled with joyful winter activities and authentic Finnish wellness rituals.
Santa Claus Village Experience
Begin the day with a magical visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. With your driver-guide, explore the charming wooden buildings, twinkling lights, and bustling festive energy that fills the village year-round.
You’ll have the chance to cross the official Arctic Circle line, send postcards from Santa’s Post Office, and even meet Santa Claus himself in his cozy cabin. Along the way, your guide will share the history behind this beloved destination and ensure you have time to browse local handicrafts and seasonal treats.
Husky Sledding Safari
Next, prepare for one of Lapland’s most exhilarating experiences: a husky sledding safari.
After you get introduced to the bustling huskies and their handlers, you’ll be guided on a thrilling ride through snowy forests and across frozen trails, either as a passenger or learning to mush your own team!
Feel the power and rhythm of the dogs as they glide through the pristine wilderness, with your guide offering stories about husky training, Arctic exploration, and the deep bond between the animals and their handlers. This unforgettable adventure is both heart-pounding and deeply serene.
Traditional Finnish Sauna
As the day winds down, return to your accommodation for a relaxing session in a traditional Finnish sauna—a vital part of local culture and wellness. Your guide will explain the customs surrounding sauna rituals, including cool-down techniques like rolling in the snow or dipping in icy water (if you’re feeling brave).
In the warmth of the wooden room, let the heat and steam melt away any tension from the day. Whether shared quietly or followed by herbal tea and conversation, this quintessential Finnish experience is the perfect way to close out a day in the Arctic.
Day 5: Crossing into Norway – Scenic Drive to Tromsø
Travel through vast wilderness landscapes as you leave Finnish Lapland behind and journey into Norway’s Arctic capital.
Drive to Tromsø via Kilpisjärvi
This morning, join your driver-guide for a breathtaking drive from Rovaniemi to Tromsø, passing through the remote border town of Kilpisjärvi and some of the most untouched natural scenery in the Nordics. The route winds through forests, over frozen lakes, and alongside soaring mountain ridges—each turn revealing a new photo-worthy panorama.
Your guide will make stops at scenic lookouts, Sámi heritage sites, and perhaps a cozy café or roadside lodge, ensuring the drive is as memorable as the destinations. Along the way, learn how the Arctic landscape changes between countries and seasons.
Tromsø City Tour
Arrive in Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Known for its university town energy, polar history, and spectacular natural setting.
Visit the striking Arctic Cathedral, a modern architectural icon, and explore the Polaria Arctic Experience Centre, where interactive exhibits and panoramic films delve into local wildlife and polar exploration. Learn how this far-north city thrives in both the midnight sun and polar night.
Cable Car Ride to Mount Storsteinen
End your day with a scenic cable car ascent to Mount Storsteinen, which rises 421 meters above Tromsø. From the viewing platform, take in sweeping views of the fjords, city, and distant mountains bathed in Arctic light.
Your guide will point out key landmarks and share stories of Tromsø’s role in Arctic expeditions and northern resilience. Whether the landscape is glowing in late sunlight or dusted in snow, this is one of the best places to take in the vast beauty of Norway’s Arctic frontier.
Day 6: Exploring Tromsø’s Arctic Charms – Indigenous Wisdom, Winter Magic & Northern Lights
Immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and untamed beauty of Arctic Norway with experiences that connect you to the land and its people.
Sámi Culture Experience
Begin your day with an authentic encounter with the Sámi, the indigenous people of Northern Scandinavia. Visit a traditional Sámi camp just outside Tromsø, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by Sámi hosts who will share stories, songs, and insights into their way of life.
Your guide will help interpret as you explore the cultural significance of joik singing, reindeer herding traditions, and the Sámi connection to the natural world. Inside a lavvu (traditional tent), gather around the fire to hear ancestral stories passed down through generations—an intimate and enriching introduction to one of Europe’s oldest living cultures.
Reindeer Sledding Adventure
After learning about Sámi traditions, join your hosts for a reindeer sledding ride—a peaceful journey through snow-blanketed landscapes pulled by these gentle animals. With your Sámi guide leading the way, glide across open fields and through quiet forests, experiencing the Arctic’s silence and stillness in the most traditional form of winter travel.
This serene experience offers more than scenic beauty—it’s a chance to appreciate the deep relationship between the Sámi and their reindeer. After the ride, enjoy hot drinks and local snacks while warming up by the fire and chatting with your hosts about life in the Arctic.
Evening Northern Lights Cruise
In the evening, board a Northern Lights cruise for one final attempt to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. Setting sail from Tromsø’s harbor, your boat will drift into the calm, dark waters of the fjords, far from city lights.
Your guide and onboard crew will monitor the weather and solar activity to find the best viewing spots. With hot beverages, warm blankets, and panoramic views from the deck or cabin, this is a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to close your Arctic chapter—especially if the sky comes alive with swirling colors above.
Day 7: Departure from Tromsø – Farewell to the Arctic
Enjoy a gentle conclusion to your journey as you say goodbye to the snowy landscapes and warm hospitality of Northern Norway.
Begin your final day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, followed by time to enjoy Tromsø at your own pace. Take a last stroll through the harbor, pick up a few souvenirs, or savor a coffee with views of the fjord—whatever pace feels right after a week of rich experiences.
Private Transfer to Tromsø Airport
At your preferred time, your private driver-guide will assist with luggage and provide a smooth transfer to Tromsø Airport. Along the way, reflect on the incredible journey from Helsinki to the heart of Arctic Norway, and the many unforgettable moments you’ve shared.
