Delve Deep: Lapland (Winter)
Delve Deep: Lapland (Winter)
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure with the "Delve Deep: Lapland" tour, exploring the enchanting landscapes of Finland and Sweden. Begin your journey in Stockholm with a guided walking tour, then travel overnight to the coastal city of Lulea. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gammelstad and hunt for the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Cross into Finland to visit the magical Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where you'll stay in a stunning glass igloo. Experience the thrill of a husky ride and meet arctic wildlife at Ranua Park. Conclude your adventure in Helsinki, exploring its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks. This tour promises a blend of cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking natural phenomena, all under the guidance of an expert Trip Leader. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Stockholm (Sweden)
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Delish food, fascinating culture and the most attractive people you’ve ever seen – welcome to Sweden! Pull on your beanie and your biggest coat and meet us in the iconic city of Stockholm. First things first: say ‘hej’ (pronounced ‘hi’ = win) to your fellow explorers and then get pumped for the adventure ahead over an included group dinner. This is gonna be EPIC... ...more ...less
Day 2: Stockholm – Lulea
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: overnight train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dust off those brekkie crumbs and pull on some warm and comfy shoes – today, we’re kicking things off with a morning walking tour with our Trip Leader. Check off Gamla Stan, Parliament House, Riddarholmen Church and The Royal Palace – then, the rest of the day is up to you. Ready for your next feed? Seek out some authentic Swedish meatballs – ‘nuff said. Later, we’ll get cosy in our bunks on the overnight train. Our destination? The BEAUT coastal city of Lulea – aka the getaway to Swedish Lapland...
Day 3: Lulea
Location: Lulea
Accommodation Name: hotel
Rise and shine! You’ll have a few hours to gaze out the train window at some seriously eye-popping views before we roll into Lulea around midday. Then, stash your luggage at the hotel and grab a snack at a local bakery (cinnamon bun, anyone?) before we hit up the city’s best bits on a walking tour with our Trip Leader. Fun fact: Lulea is built on an archipelago made up of over 1000 tiny islands just below the Arctic Circle. Plans for this arvo? You’ve got options. Check out the city’s 6-kilometer-long ice track for ice skating and sledding. Or pull on some snowshoes and head out into the snowy wilderness. There’s also an optional icebreaker cruise with some insane highlights. Think: walking on the frozen sea and swimming in an ice-free patch of water that’s been cleared by the ship’s path (don’t worry, you’ll be wearing an insulated floatation suit). Tonight, you’ll have your first opportunity to see the Northern Lights on an optional snowmobile tour. Prepare to be WOWED.
Day 4: Lulea – Gammelstad – Lulea
Location: Lulea
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wrap up warm, we’ve got another day of outdoor discovery. First up is screen-saver worthy Gammelstad – a UNESCO World Heritage church town packed with quaint 16th century buildings. We’ll soak it all in on a walking tour with our Trip Leader, including a stop at Nederluleå Church to check out its beaut medieval interiors. And later? There’s an optional visit to an authentic Sami village on the cards where you can meet the indigenous community (and their reindeer herds) and tuck into some traditional snacks. Tonight, if the skies are clear, we’ll hop on the coach and go hunting – for the Northern Lights, that is! Keep your eyes peeled for those dazzling colours (and don’t worry if they''re feeling a lil shy – there’ll be more chances to spot them later in the week).
Day 5: Lulea – Rovaniemi (Finland)
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: glass igloo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s an early start – but we promise it’ll be 100% worth it. Shotgun a window seat and watch out-of-this-world scenery whizz past as we cross the border into Finland. Our destination? Rovaniemi – aka the official home of Santa Claus (yep, really!). Your inner child will be crying tears of joy cos we’ve got an entire afternoon in the town’s storybook Santa Claus Village. Meet the man himself in Santa’s Office. Step over the official latitude line into the Arctic Circle. Or shop for handmade (sorry, elf-made) souvenirs at Santa’s Gift House. Got an appetite after all that excitement? We don’t blame you. Luckily, there’s an included dinner on the agenda at a local restaurant. Then, you’ll probably wanna hit the hay early. Why? Cos we''re snoozing in I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E glass igloos. Enjoy a relaxing sesh in your own private sauna and then keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights (or just the stars) while snuggled up in bed. Fact: it’ll be a true pinch-yourself experience either way.
Day 6: Rovaniemi – Oulu
Location: Oulu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Still vibing from the dreamiest night of your LIFE? Laze around in your glass igloo a little bit longer or wrap up warm for an optional husky ride. You’ll soar across fresh powder and soak up views of enchanting snowcapped forests. Expect ALL the feels (and a full camera roll). Can’t get enough of Santa Claus Village? It’s only a five minute walk from the hotel if you still need to grab some souvenirs for the fam back home. Then, it’s nearly time to move on to the next stop on our wintery adventure. But first: a chance to meet some of the awesome locals at the Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park. We’re talking arctic foxes, grey wolves, snowy owls and polar bears. Next, it’s onwards to Oulu: Finland’s cultural capital that’s perched right on the mouth of the Oulujoki River. Gather your trip mates and seek out a bowl of rössypottu – a heart-warming Finnish stew flavoured with smokey bacon. Yum! And tonight? There’s yet another Northern Lights hunt with your Tour Leader on the agenda.
Day 7: Oulu
Location: Oulu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
What’s that? A free day to delve deeper in Oulu? And you’ve got plenty of options. Keep your eyes peeled for Rudolph at a local reindeer farm where you’ll have a chance to feed these majestic creatures. You could also hop on a snowmobile and explore more of Finland’s wild beauty. Expect views your mates back home won’t believe. Later, there''s an optional dinner and sauna sesh on the cards at Maikkula Mansion. You’ll tuck into some delish local grub – think fresh salmon and steak. After, pull on your bathers and prepare for total bliss in a relaxing wood-fired sauna just steps from the frosty Oulu River. Moments like these? Next level. Tonight, it’s our last opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Huddle together in the winter air as the skies *fingers and toes crossed* transform. Magic.
Day 8: Oulu – Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After another included brekkie, we’ll wave goodbye to Oulu and board the train for Helsinki – Finland''s quirky capital city. This is your chance to catch up with the rents and swap tales with your trip mates. When we arrive this afternoon, we’ll get our bearings on a city walking tour. Tick off the A-list sights with your Trip Leader, including the historic Senate Square, the eye-popping Uspenski Cathedral and the space-age Oodi Library. Tonight, we have one final dinner together. Cheers (soz, kippis) to a road trip none of us will ever forget!
Day 9: Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
9 unbelievable days. Two magical countries. Endless wintery vibes. And just like that, it''s time to say goodbye. Get down to breakfast and swap those socials – you’re gonna need them for next year’s reunion trip. Not ready for the adventure to end? Western Europe is just a stone’s throw away...
What's Included
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Transport
The tour includes transport via an air-conditioned minicoach.
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Guide
A guide is included to lead walking tours and provide insights throughout the trip.
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Walking Tours
Walking tours in Stockholm, Lulea, Gammelstad, and Helsinki with a Trip Leader are included.
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Northern Lights Hunting
Northern Lights hunting on the Topdeck coach with a Trip Leader is included, weather dependent.
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Visit to Santa Claus Village
A visit to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is included.
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Stay in a Glass Igloo
A stay in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi is included.
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Visit to Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park
A visit to Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park is included.
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Train to Helsinki
Train travel to Helsinki is included.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the starting and ending locations is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned minicoach transport, overnight train journeys, and scenic train rides through Finland and Sweden. Enjoy the convenience of guided walking tours and optional snowmobile excursions for a complete winter adventure.
Accommodation
Experience a unique stay in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi, offering a private sauna and a chance to view the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Enjoy cozy accommodations in Lulea and Oulu, with luggage storage and local dining options available.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation via an air-conditioned minicoach.
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Is there an opportunity to see the Northern Lights during the tour?
Yes, there are multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights, including a hunting trip on the Topdeck coach and an optional snowmobile tour.
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Will there be a chance to meet Santa Claus during the tour?
Yes, you will visit the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where you can meet Santa Claus in his office.
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What unique accommodation experience is included in the tour?
The tour includes a stay in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi, where you can enjoy a private sauna and possibly see the Northern Lights from your bed.
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Are there any wildlife experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park, where you can see animals like arctic foxes, grey wolves, snowy owls, and polar bears.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Gammelstad, a UNESCO World Heritage church town, and an optional visit to a Sami village to meet the indigenous community and their reindeer herds.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.
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Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?
Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
E-Documentation will be sent
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can on European Tours
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Saturday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topdeck charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Delve Deep: Lapland (Winter)
9 Days Starting in Stockholm, Sweden and ending in Helsinki, Finland
Visiting: Stockholm, Lulea, Rovaniemi, Oulu, Helsinki
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TLWSH4
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
24 - 48
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Northern Lights, Polar, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours