Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle

Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle

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10 Days From

$3307

$3119

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:

Globus

Tour code:

ZK-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3307 $3119 Barrhead discount: -$188

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Welcome to Helsinki

  • Guided sightseeing in Helsinki, including the cathedral and Sibelius Monument

  • Visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and crossing the Arctic Circle

  • Visit to a husky farm in Luosto

  • Exploration of the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok

  • Visit to North Cape Hall and visitor center in Honnigsvag

  • Tour of the Rock Carvings Museum in Alta

  • Orientation walk in Tromsø, including the Arctic Cathedral

Places You'll See

Radisson Blu Aleksanteri

Radisson Blu

Original Sokos Vaakuna

Ivalo

Scandic Honningsvag

Scandic Hotel Alta

Thon Hotel Tromso

Itinerary

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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.ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND Welcome to Helsinki! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

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.TROMSØ Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Welcome Dinner

    Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel in Helsinki.

  • Guided Sightseeing in Helsinki

    Enjoy guided sightseeing in Helsinki, including visits to the beautiful cathedral and Sibelius Monument.

  • Flight to Oulu

    Flight from Helsinki to Oulu is included.

  • Visit to Santa Claus Village

    Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and receive an Arctic Circle Certificate.

  • Visit to a Husky Farm

    Visit a husky farm in Luosto and enjoy traditional snacks of the Sámi culture.

  • Visit to Sami Cultural Park

    Visit the Sami Cultural Park in Karasjok to learn about Sami culture, history, and traditions.

  • Visit to North Cape Hall

    Visit North Cape Hall and visitor center in Honnigsvag.

  • Visit to Rock Carvings Museum

    Visit the Rock Carvings Museum in Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Orientation Walk in Tromsø

    Orientation walk in Tromsø, including a visit to the Arctic Cathedral.

  • Farewell Dinner

    Farewell dinner at the hotel in Tromsø.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions, such as a trip to Hailuoto, are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights to and from Starting/Ending Locations

    Flights to Helsinki and from Tromsø are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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