Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki

Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel in the heart of the city. Use the rest of the day to adjust to your surrounding and relax in this unique city. Helsinki has strong ties to both Eastern and Western cultures as can be seen in its architecture most notably.

Day 2: Architecture in Lapland

(Flight, coach, 171 km / 106 miles) After breakfast meet your guide at the airport holding the "North Cape Tour" sign. The early morning flight brings you to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. During the sightseeing tour you will see works designed by Finland's most famous architect Alvar Aalto. Crossing the magic line of the Arctic Circle is a great experience for any visitor. To make it truly exotic, you will take part in a Sami initiation ceremony as well as lunch at the Arctic Circle in a Sami tepee. Continuing northwards along the Ounasjoki River, stop at the Art Museum of Reidar Särestöniemi, the most notable Sami artist who found his motifs in Lapland's nature. His former studio and home, a complex of log houses, represent traditional Sami architecture.

Day 2: Shooting the Rapids

(Coach, boat, 343 km / 213 miles) Equipped with rain gear and a life vest, you set off from Harriniva on board a white water raft on an exciting, yet comfortable and perfectly safe one-hour journey through seven rapids. As you come ashore, nothing will taste better than a steaming hot bowl of soup served around a glowing campfire. Continue northwards via Kautokeino, the largest Sami cultural centre in Norway. As you travel, notice the rolling hills of the Finnish Lapland change into the barren Norwegian tundra. At last you reach the Arctic Ocean and the fishing port of Alta. Enjoy dinner tonight at your hotel.

Day 3: North Cape Panorama

(Coach, 254 km / 158 miles) Alta is famous for its 5000 to 6000 year-old rock carvings, which are so historically priceless that they have been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. A visit to the Alta museum gives you the unique opportunity to experience the world of the ancient Sami culture depicted in the rock carvings. You then continue towards Honningsvåg stopping for lunch on the way, reaching the North Cape in the evening. In front of your eyes opens the Arctic Ocean and the endless scenery. Standing on Europe's northernmost plateau you celebrate this unforgettable moment with sparkling wine and local caviar.

Day 4: The Past and Present of the Sami People

(coach, 393 km / 244 miles) Enjoy the last glimpses of the awesome northern landscape, as you head back south driving along one of the most beautiful Norwegian fjords. Lunch will be en route in the little village of Karasjok, the Sami capital of Norway. Back in Finland, visit an open air Sami museum in Inari where buildings and handicrafts have been collected from different regions of Lapland. The fascinating collection gives a look into the life of the nomadic Sami. Another highlight today is a visit to a local reindeer herder at his home. There you have the opportunity to see how a present day Sami family lives while still celebrating their ancient traditions. Listen to joiku-singing, a chant in the Sami language, as well as an explanation of modern reindeer farming.

Day 5: Gold Rush à la Tankavaara

(Coach, flight, 261 km / 162 miles) The last stop in northern Lapland is the Tankavaara Gold Village. Relive the thrills of the Gold Rush that once attracted hundreds of men into the region in the hopes of striking it rich. Today you will also have the opportunity to try your luck in panning for gold. Lunch will be taken in Luosto on the way to Rovaniemi airport. Evening flight back to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, make your way back to your hotel and enjoy your last night in this exciting city.

Day 6: Depart Helsinki

After breakfast, make your way to the airport for your flight home or extend your adventure with a trip to Tallinn, Estonia! It's only a 1 1/2 hour boat cruise to a whole new culture…ask Runic Travels for more information.