Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport, where you collect your luggage and meet your driver. You are privately transferred to your centrally located hotel in Rovaniemi. After checking in, you have time to settle in and acclimate to your new surroundings.

Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and sits directly on the Arctic Circle, making it a key gateway to Finnish Lapland’s wilderness.

You have a full day to spend in Rovaniemi as you wish. You can take the city bus to Santa Claus Village, located at the Arctic Circle Marker, for a self-guided visit.

Several optional tours are available. In the morning, from 9:30 to 12:30, you may join a wellness experience focused on Finnish nature. A local guide introduces you to the Finnish lifestyle through berry picking and wild water fishing in the forest. Depending on the season, you might find cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, crowberries, or edible mushrooms. After gathering these local superfoods, you relax by a campfire as your guide prepares traditional Finnish pancakes topped with fresh berries. You also have the chance to try fishing with a simple rod and hook, a common local technique, while enjoying the tranquility of the forest.

From 12:00 to 14:00, you can choose a forest walk with huskies. At the husky kennel, you are greeted by eager sled dogs. Your guide explains the life of the dogs and offers handling instructions. You learn your dog’s name and some of its tricks before heading out on an easy hike through the forest, where you might spot Arctic shrubs, berries, birds, and possibly other wildlife. After the walk, you return the dogs to the kennel and enjoy snacks and drinks around a campfire.

In the evening, from 18:30 to 20:30, you can participate in a summer biking experience using e-bikes. A local guide introduces you to electric fatbikes and leads you through Rovaniemi City, the Ounasvaara hillside, and along the riverside. The wide tires of the bike provide stability on all surfaces, making the ride comfortable and enjoyable. The guide shares insights about the area and points out natural highlights along the way.

Later, from 19:00 to 22:00, another optional activity takes you on a catamaran boat journey through serene Arctic landscapes. You reach Kotisaari, a small river island, where you prepare Lappish snacks together with your guide by an open fire. You experience the quiet brightness of an Arctic summer night, even if the sun is hidden by clouds.

Rovaniemi’s forests have been central to Finnish culture, providing food, shelter, and a sense of peace for centuries.

You have the day to explore Lapland’s natural beauty with walks, hikes, or other activities of your choice. An optional excursion is available from 13:00 to 15:30: take a riverboat cruise along the Arctic Circle to a riverside reindeer farm. During the cruise, you travel through peaceful landscapes in a long wooden riverboat. At the reindeer farm, you learn about reindeer herding traditions, practice using a reindeer lasso called a ‘suopunki,’ and cross the Arctic Circle. The visit includes Lappish hospitality with coffee and traditional Finnish pastries before returning to Rovaniemi.

In the evening, you transfer to Rovaniemi Railway Station for the overnight sleeper train to Helsinki. The train features a dining car with meals and drinks available for purchase. You spend the night in a twin bunk cabin equipped with a private toilet and shower.

The overnight train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki is a classic route, connecting Lapland’s Arctic wilderness with Finland’s southern capital since the early twentieth century.

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you are met by a private car for transfer to your centrally located hotel. Breakfast is provided upon your arrival. You have time to acclimate before beginning to explore Helsinki. With your 24-hour Helsinki Card, you can access various city attractions and public transportation. You may choose to visit the Helsinki City Museum as part of your introduction to the city.

Helsinki, established in the 16th century, is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and vibrant design scene.

This day is set aside for you to discover the highlights of Helsinki’s Design District, known for its galleries and cafes. You may visit the Design Museum, the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. The Oodi Library, often called Helsinki’s Living Room, is another recommended stop. You can also explore the city’s parks and coastline at your own pace. For a change of scenery, take the streetcar to Sibelius Park, or consider a visit to the residence and studio of architect Alvar Aalto.

Helsinki’s Design District has played a key role in making the city a UNESCO City of Design, reflecting Finland’s strong tradition in architecture and creative industries.

Today, you can further explore Helsinki or venture into the surrounding areas. Options include visiting Nuuksio National Park or Sipoo National Park, both located within the greater Helsinki region and offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Alternatively, you may travel to Porvoo, a charming small town known for its wooden houses and riverside setting, or take a train to Tampere, an inland city noted for its post-industrial character.

Porvoo is one of Finland’s oldest towns, with roots dating back to the 14th century and a well-preserved medieval old town.

In the morning, you are collected by taxi and transferred to the ferry terminal. You board a midday ferry for the Gulf of Finland crossing to Tallinn. Breakfast is served on board, and you have time to enjoy the sea views during the journey. Upon arrival at the port of Tallinn, a driver takes you to your hotel in the Old Town. You settle in and begin to explore the Estonian capital, taking in the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, the impressive Dome Church, and several scenic viewpoints.

Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its intact medieval walls, cobbled streets, and historic architecture.

Spend the day exploring Tallinn on foot and by streetcar, focusing on the city’s western neighborhoods. Start in the Rotermann Quarter, known for its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, then make your way to Kadriorg Park, home to a landmark baroque palace and the Estonian Art Museum. Continue along the bedrock cliff to the Japanese Garden, and visit the Singing Revolution festival grounds. Enjoy a coastal walk at Pirita Olympic Harbor.

Explore the Kopli area, where you can browse the grocery market and visit Telliskivi Creative City, an area known for its lively cultural scene. Admire Kalamaja’s traditional wooden architecture and head to Port Noblessner, where you find the Maritime Museum and several inviting cafe terraces.

Kadriorg Palace was commissioned by Peter the Great in the 18th century and remains a symbol of Tallinn’s historical ties with Russia.

In the morning, your rental car is delivered to your hotel. You set out on a road trip to Lahemaa National Park, one of Estonia’s most celebrated natural areas. Here, you hike the Viru bog and visit the fishing villages of Kasmu, known for its rocky shore and captain’s museum, Vosu with its notable beach, and Altja, which preserves local fishing traditions. You also explore the wilderness trails of the Oandu area, and visit Sagadi Manor and Palmse Manor, learning about regional distilling traditions. On your return journey, you may stop at Jagala Waterfall.

Lahemaa National Park, established in 1971, is one of Europe’s largest national parks and is renowned for its coastal landscapes, forests, and cultural heritage sites.

Begin your long-distance road trip across the Baltic region. Your first stop is Rummu quarry, notable for its submerged prison ruins. Continue to Haapsalu for a historic walk and lunch. Next, visit the Matsalu National Park visitor center, an area renowned for birdwatching. Afterward, take the ferry to Muhu, a picturesque fishing island in the Baltic Sea. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional guesthouse, enjoy a walk in the surrounding nature, and relax with a sauna. Dinner is available as an option.

Muhu Island is known for its preserved rural traditions and distinctive wooden architecture, offering insight into Estonia’s island culture.

Today you explore Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, where Nordic landscapes blend with a rich medieval heritage. In Angla, visit the windmill hill, then continue to Karja to see the medieval church. For those interested, additional stone churches can be found in Kaarma and Valjala. In Panga, admire expansive views from the abrupt cliff, and spend time in Kuressaare, the island’s capital, known for its castle and lively main street. If time permits, you may visit a local farm or brewery to further experience Saaremaa’s culture.

Saaremaa has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has a long history as a center of seafaring and trade in the Baltic region.

Continue your road trip by taking the ferry from Saaremaa back to the mainland, passing through Parnu. Along the way, consider stopping for short hikes on the Tuhu and Tolkuse trails, which offer a break from driving. Once in Latvia, visit the town of Limbazi, home to an impressive silver museum. Arrive in Ungurmuiza, where you stay for two nights in Latvia’s oldest wooden manor, dating to the 18th century. The manor features preserved wall paintings and is surrounded by a park with centuries-old oaks. You can visit the Manor Museum and enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Ungurmuiza Manor is a rare example of wooden baroque architecture in Latvia, reflecting the country’s aristocratic heritage.

Spend the day exploring Gauja National Park, Latvia’s renowned natural area that stretches along both sides of the Gauja River. In Cesis, wander through the picturesque old town and explore the castle ruins, finding a local spot for dinner. Continue to Ligatne, where you walk nature trails along the river, discover rock exposures and caves, and observe historic wooden architecture linked to the area’s paper mill legacy. Visit the Turaida Museum Reserve, which includes a red-brick castle and a sculpture park. In the Gauja Valley, see Gutmanis Cave and the Sigulda castle ruins. Afterward, travel to Riga and settle into your hotel in the Hanseatic Old Town, marking your first experience in Latvia’s largest city.

Gauja National Park, established in 1973, is Latvia’s oldest and is celebrated for its sandstone cliffs, medieval castles, and diverse wildlife.

Today you embark on a self-guided walking tour of Riga’s Old Town, once a major Hanseatic port. Explore Town Hall Square, the House of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, the Dome Cathedral, and the Castle of Riga. Wander the cobblestone streets and open squares at your own pace. Visit Riga Central Market and the old ghetto area, then enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Riga Canal and River Daugava. Take time to admire the city’s renowned Art Nouveau architecture.

Riga holds one of the world’s largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings, many dating from the city’s economic boom in the early 20th century.

Travel south to Lithuania, passing through the Zemgale Region, historically part of the Grand Duchy of Courland. Visit Rundale Palace, a notable example of baroque architecture. Once in Lithuania, stop at the Hill of Crosses, a significant pilgrimage site. Continue through the towns of Telsiai, known for its scenic lakeside setting, and Plunge, where you find Oginski Park and a historic clock tower that houses a local library. Arrive at Zemaitija National Park and settle in the village of Plateliai, located on the shores of Lake Plateliai.

The Hill of Crosses near Siauliai has been a symbol of Lithuanian faith and national identity since the 19th century, with thousands of crosses placed by pilgrims over generations.