Lapland - Northern Lights & Arctic Circle

March 8-14, 2027

Tervetuloa Suomeen!!!

Join us on an unforgettable 7 day tour where you’ll experience all the adventure this arctic wonderland has to offer! From taking an epic snowmobile ride through the Arctic Tundra, to sleeping on a bed of ice, to a thrilling sled dog ride, to marveling at the starry sky under a glass roof cabin, to a relaxing Finnish spa, this trip is truly a magical winter adventure! 

On this journey you visit multiple locations along the arctic circle. Along the way you will be delighted with traditional Finnish food, an epic once in a lifetime experience, and a chance to visit Santa Claus to put in a good word or two for the year to come!

Four people wearing helmets and winter gear standing with mountain bikes on snowy terrain in a forested area.
Five women enjoying a hot tub outdoors on a wooden deck, with a snowy wooded background, smiling and having fun.
Group of people dressed in red spacesuits with helmets and gloves inside a wooden room, possibly preparing for a space simulation or themed event.
Multiple people in red suits lying on the ground in a star pattern in a dark outdoor setting.
Five women sitting at an outdoor table near a body of water, with a city skyline and Ferris wheel in the background on a sunny day.
A group of people riding snowmobiles on a snow-covered trail with bare trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Group of women snowboarding or skiing on a snowy hill, holding a sign that says 'Women Who Explore,' with trees and lake in the background.
Group of people gathering around a campfire inside a dimly lit shelter, some sitting and some standing, dressed in winter clothing with hats and scarves.
Group of people inside an ice hotel or ice structure with colorful lighting and large ice sculptures.
Group of people in winter clothing outdoors in snow, holding puppies and kittens, with snow-covered ground and trees in the background.
A person standing outdoors in winter clothing with arms raised, watching the Northern Lights in the night sky over a snow-covered landscape.
A person standing in the doorway of a snow-covered wooden cabin at night, with the northern lights visible in the sky above, surrounded by snow and trees.

ITINERARY

    • Upon arrival at Helsinki, we'll be greeted by a private driver for a transfer to the stylish and contemporary Glo Hotel Art in the Design District. 

    • We'll have the rest of the day to explore Helsinki.

    • A few places to visit include famous landmarks such as the Helsinki Cathedral or the Sibelius Monument, wander through the Old Market hall searching for trinkets and souvenirs, or explore one of the local museums. 

    • We'll end the day with a group welcome dinner at the world’s most famous tractor restaurant, Zetor.

    • Meals: Dinner

    • After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Helsinki International Airport to catch our flight* to Ivalo to explore the Lapland region, north of the Arctic Circle.

    • Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to transfer us to our accommodations for the next two evenings!

    • Once we settle into our accommodations, the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. If you’re looking for a little extra relaxation, we suggest booking some time in the on-site barrel sauna next to a river for a cold plunging or enjoy a walk around the property.

    • Tonight we will meet at 6:00 p.m. for a 3-course dinner in the hotel’s onsite restaurant. After dinner, we’ll gear up for our first Arctic adventure.

    • Strap on a pair of snowshoes and follow your professional guide for this adventure, a two hour tour that includes hot drinks, a snack and with luck an incredible show brought to you by Mother Nature’s Northern Lights.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

      *Please note your domestic flight to Ivalo is booked separately. We will provide you with the flight number and details for booking once the trip is confirmed.

    • Wake up and grab breakfast at your leisure.

    • If you are craving extra adventure this morning, the property offers extra tours such as a guided cross-country ski or a reindeer sleigh ride. Alternatively if you want a little more relaxation in your life, relax with a spa treatment or schedule time to enjoy their on-site panorama glass roof sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.

    • Lunch is on your own today.

    • Mid-afternoon, we’ll meet at our hotel for our snowmobile adventure! Along the way your guides will stop to get some great photos and share about life in Lapland.

    • Tonight we will meet at 6:00 p.m. for our 3-course dinner together at the hotel’s onsite restaurant.

    • The rest of the evening is yours to relax in your glass roof cabin or schedule an additional night time adventure like a star-gazing tour or Sleigh Ride adventure as you search for the Northern Lights.

    • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast before we pack up and check out of our hotel.

    • After breakfast, we’ll be picked up at 10 a.m. for a scenic 4.5 hour driver to our next destination, the Arctic SnowHotel. Each year, since 2008, this hotel has been freshly carved to include 30+ rooms, Ice Chapel, Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar. It is one of the largest like this in the entire world!

    • We will stop to enjoy lunch along the way.

    • After we check in, an Arctic SnowHotel guide will give you a tour of the area where you’ll receive instructions for your overnight on a bed of ice.

    • After you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the entire hotel visiting the different rooms, admiring the ice sculptures and learning about the artists. You can also enjoy the activities like ice skating, sledding, tubing and more which are available on the property.

    • Tonight dinner is at your leisure, and there are a few restaurants onsite to choose.

    • If you are up for a really COOL experience, then reserve yourself a spot for an optional dinner on ICE, a 3 course dinner on tables and benches made from ice.

    • With luck we’ll get to see the glorious Northern Lights before we snuggle into our beds made of ice.

    • Meals: Breakfast (and optional dinner on ice)

      *There is an overnight lounge in a warm building connected to the village that is available 24/7 for guests to access. Additional outerwear is available upon request.

    • Wake up with a hot drink served to you in bed before grab breakfast.

    • We’ll check out and then the rest of the morning is yours to enjoy the Arctic SnowHotel.

    • Wander around and visit the ice sculptures, go ice skating or snowshoeing, try sledding or tubing, enjoy lunch at your leisure, and maybe even grab a drink at the ice bar before moving on to the next village.

    • We will take a 30 minute drive on a private transfer to our next stop, Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.

    • Here get settled into your accommodations at the Santa Claus Holiday Village and then enjoy a free afternoon to explore this magical place at your own pace.

    • You can check out Snowman World offering fun winter activities, try ice fishing, explore the shops for traditional products and Lapland souvenirs like wooden kuksa cups and reindeer skirts or try one of the other outdoor activities available in the village.

    • Tonight, dinner is on your own at one of the local restaurants or grab a cab and head into nearby Rovaniemi where you can check out a local establishment.

    • At 8:30 p.m., we'll meet to head to a private venue where we'll be decked out in dry suits to experience Aurora Ice Floating. We'll dip ourselves into a frozen lake, gaze at the stars and let our minds rest.

    • After, we’ll enjoy a warm drink and snack before heading to your room where you can warm up in your private sauna before heading to bed.

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • We’ll enjoy breakfast before departing for the day’s adventure, Mushing!! 

    • The morning is free though so you can visit Santa, head over to Snowman World, explore local shops or visit the resident reindeer.

    • Enjoy lunch at a place of your choice today.

    • At 1:40 p.m. we will meet at the hotel and travel to a local husky farm. We'll have the opportunity to learn all things dog sledding.

    • We'll spend the day taking a husky snow dog ride through the snowy winter landscapes. 

    • Afterwards, we'll visit the husky’s home and the lead musher where we'll learn about the lives of these amazing animals and have a chance to take sooo many photos with our new furry friends! 

    • We’ll (eventually) say goodbye to all the dogs and return to our accommodations.

    • The rest of the day is on our own. We're free to visit the famous Santa Claus Village, where we can meet Santa Claus himself, shop for souvenirs or cross the Arctic Circle. 

    • Tonight, we will enjoy a final group dinner together at a charming local restaurant before heading back to our rooms to relax and unwind in our private in-room saunas.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • After a final breakfast together, it's time to say goodbye and depart for our respective destinations.

    • Three group transfers will be provided to Rovaniemi International Airport (RVN) this morning.

    • Meals: Breakfast

EARLY ARRIVAL - EXPLORE HELSINKI

MARCH 7- 8, 2027

    • A private transfer will be waiting at the airport when you arrive.

    • At 4 p.m. meet your trip host and fellow travelers for a welcome reception.

    • After you’ll have the evening to relax with dinner at the hotel or head out to a local restaurant of your choice.

    • Meals: Welcome reception drink

    • Wake up and enjoy breakfast. If you opted to arrive early, you’ll have an opportunity to explore Helsinki today.

    • On our walking tour, you’ll dive into the city's rich history and modern charm as you explore iconic landmarks like the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, the bustling Market Square, and the architectural marvel of the Rock Church with a local guide.

    • After our tour, enjoy lunch and dive deeper into Finnish culture with visits to museums.

    • In the evening, you’ll meet up with the rest of the group for our welcome dinner at the world’s most famous tractor restaurant, Zetor. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner together.

    • The rest of the evening is yours to unwind a stroll along the picturesque shores of the Baltic Sea.

    • Meals: Breakfast

Snow-covered landscape with a small pond, trees, and a wooden platform with a black structure and orange lights on a dark evening.
Group of women in winter clothing standing outside an ice hotel, holding a blue banner that says 'Women Who Explore', with snow and ice structures in the background and a digital temperature display showing -5°.
Night sky with bright green aurora and a few visible stars.
Person in blue winter jacket, black hat, and face mask standing outdoors on snow with a red snow tube labeled 'Skinny Hawk' beside them, in a snowy forested area with cabins in the background.
Person in winter gear sitting on a black snowmobile on snow, with a sunset sky and forested landscape in the background.
A person cross-country skiing on a snowy trail in a forested area under a partly cloudy sky.
Five women in white robes posing playfully in front of an ice cave or snow structure.
Six women standing on snow outdoors holding a green snow tube, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
Group of people standing in a circle outdoors, smiling, wearing winter coats and hats, looking down at camera.
Two people in winter gear on a snow-covered sled with a dog, in a forested area during winter.
Snow-covered landscape with a small wooden cabin illuminated from inside, surrounded by tall pine trees during twilight.
A smiling woman in a brown jacket and patterned leggings is feeding a young reindeer in a snowy forest setting.

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

  • $4,995 for double occupancy. Single occupancy upgrade may be available at request.

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

  • • 7 days/6 nights double occupancy in a variety of Finnish accommodations including an ice hotel, glass roof cabins and a cozy cottage.

    • Private group airport transfers from Helsinki International Airport (HEL) and to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). Up to three transfers will be provided each day.

    • Guided arctic snowmobile adventure through the Lapland wilderness

    • Aurora ice floating experience including guide, specialized gear, hot drinks and Finnish snacks (experience may have extra guests not in group)

    • Mushing* (dog sledding) experience and visit to a local husky farm with hot drinks (experience may be mixed with other guests not in group)

    • Enjoy a guided nighttime snowshoe experience through the Lapland forests with hot drinks and snacks

    • Visit the world famous tractor restaurant in Helsinki for a 2-course dinner

    • Explore one of the world's largest ice hotels to spend the night in a room carved from ice, even your bed is made of ice! Additional outer gear provided for your overnight and a warm room is available on a first come basis.

    • Entrance to the Arctic SnowHotel to view ice sculptures, go ice skating, tubing, sledding and ice bar.

    • Spend the night in a glass roof aurora cabin under a star-filled sky with a chance to view the Aurora Borealis (northern lights)

    • Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience and enjoy two evenings with a private sauna in your room

    • Visit the hometown of Santa Claus and get a photo with the jolly old fella in person

    • Entrance to Snowman World in Rovaniemi

    • Free time to check off your own Arctic Circle bucket list activity like winter a reindeer safari, nighttime sleigh ride, or ice fishing.

    • Free time to explore Helsinki’s museums, cathedrals, and world renowned saunas

    • Private driver and transportation between domestic airports, destinations, to tours, etc.

    • Meals included are 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners

    • Women Who Explore trip host with you and available for 24/7 support

    • Trip checklists including a detailed packing list and pre-travel support provided in a private WhatsApp group

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

    HELSINKI CITY ADVENTURE ADD-ON

    Same as trip inclusions above plus the following:

    • One night double occupancy in a 4-star hotel in Helsinki

    • Airport transfer from Helsinki International Airport (HEL)

    • Breakfast (Day One)

    • Welcome drink reception

    • Guided two hour city walking tour visiting local attractions

  • • International flights to Helsinki International Airport (HEL)

    • Flight or train transfer from Rovaniemi International Airport (RVN) (may fly back to take a flight out of Helsinki later on the departure day).

    • Domestic flight from Helsinki to Ivalo Airport (IVL) average cost $140-$200 USD (required)

    • Optional early arrival package - one night hotel, group airport transfer, welcome drink reception, breakfast and guided Helsinki city walking tour

    • Optional 3-course dinner at the Ice Restaurant for a unique dining experience

    • Tips and gratuity for local guides and drivers (at the discretion of the guest)

    • Airport transfers if arriving outside of designated transfer times or locations as noted

    • Alcohol, specialty beverages and meals as noted (4 dinners and lunches)

    • Any additional or add-on excursions or activities not included above

    • Visa and entry requirements as applicable. Learn more here.

    • Any travel related medical expenses such as immunizations, vaccinations and any Covid-19 required testing

    • Travel insurance (required)

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, etc.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.

  • The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. While we make every effort to predict and locate the Northern Lights, they are a natural occurrence and cannot be guaranteed.

    The visibility of the Northern Lights is heavily dependent on weather conditions, including cloud cover, atmospheric activity, and light pollution. Despite our best efforts, viewing opportunities may be limited due to adverse weather conditions beyond our control.