Lapland & Northern Lights

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• 1 x internal flight from Lulea to Stockholm

• 7 x nights in quality hotel accommodation
• 2 x nights in Glass Igloos

• Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour

• English-speaking tour leader (Day 2 - Day 10)
• Airport taxes and surcharges

• Transport by private air-conditioned vehicles

• Transfer from Helsinki airport to hotel (Day 2)
• Return transfers on Day 10 (Hotel to airport and airport to hotel)
• All other select transfers mentioned in the itinerary

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)

Today fly from Australia to Helsinki, Finland.

Please note: Some flights may depart on day 2 and arrive on day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to your hotel. If it is too early for check-in, luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is ready. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Finland’s southern capital city.

The tour leader will advise you on a time when everyone has arrived to enjoy a welcome drink and an exciting briefing about your upcoming trip!

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina, Scandic Park Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city encased by beautiful islands and great green parks. Enjoy a full day at leisure to independently explore this magnificent city, the museums, bustling bars and wonderful architecture in this sea-facing city situated on the peninsula in the Gulf of Finland.

Optional Activity: Helsinki city tour - $140 AUD per person
Enjoy this comprehensive tour taking in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki. Visit Helsinki Cathedral at the Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall, the Opera House, the Helsinki Music Centre and Central Library Oodi. 1-2 stops are possible during the tour, such as Senate Square and the Sibelius Monument. Please note: Entrances are not included.

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina, Scandic Park Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy breakfast before continuing your journey to Jyvaskyla (approx. 270km). Upon arrival, stop at a Winter sauna, Jacuzzi and bathing experience in the beautiful scenery of Lake Päijänne. The log-built saunas are in an idyllic setting surrounded by nature. After the memorable experience, enjoy some light snacks before continuing to the hotel.

After your relaxing day, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in the beautiful Lakeland region city in Finland. In these winter months, the landscape is covered in a blanket of snow and has breathtaking views, national parks and unique nature.

Overnight: Original Sokos Hotel Paviljonki, Jyväskylä or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, continue your magical winter wonderland journey to Oulu (approx. 340km). This snowy picturesque town is the gateway to the Lapland region. The town is full of thrilling winter activities including snowshoeing and ice fishing and has museums, shops, pure wilderness, fluffy snow and lots of excitement.

Your tour guide will be able to assist you in booking any additional activities in Oulu whilst you are on tour. In the evening, wrap up warm and be met by your tour guide. Journey by coach into the wilderness to find the northern lights, following the clear skies, looking for the natural phenomenon. Be prepared to witness this spectacular light show that covers the sky in magical colours.

Please note: The northern lights rely on good weather conditions and clear skies.

Overnight: Scandic Oulu City Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, continue your journey to Rovaniemi, the heart of Lapland (approx. 240km). Check in to Santa’s luxurious glass igloos, which are located at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This holiday village also includes reception and the Restaurant Arctic Eye. The new glass-roofed igloos offer a whole new opportunity to experience Lapland’s ever-changing nature whilst enjoying the comforts from inside.

Later, visit Santa Claus’s Village which is located on the Arctic Circle and pay a visit to the man himself, Santa Claus. Explore Mr & Mrs Claus' cottage along with their hardworking reindeer and catch a glimpse of Santa’s secrets. Head to Santa’s office and embrace the colourful world of beautiful cards, unique stamps and gifts. The cosy atmosphere invites you to write your greetings to friends and family all over the world. Here they will be stamped by hand with a special postmark of the Santa Claus Post Office. Browse the gift shops for unique Finnish handicrafts, souvenirs and gifts and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime Lapland Experience.

Optional Activity: Reindeer excursions & Sleigh Ride - $200 AUD per person
Enjoy a trip to the Reindeer Camp, this great trip gives you an insight into the tradition of reindeer herding in Lapland. For a few hours, you will take on this role as you feed the animals and enjoy a short sledge ride pulled by these magnificent animals.

This evening you see Lapland at night through your cosy glass igloos. This is the ideal way to watch the Northern Lights as you drift off to sleep.

Overnight: Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy breakfast before embarking on a two-hour snowmobile safari into the arctic wilderness. A safari guide will give you a briefing and driving instructions before you pair up to start your snowmobile safari. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you drive through the snowy forests and across the frozen marshlands and lakes. Breathe in the fresh icy air whilst appreciating your silent surroundings.
Enjoy another cosy night in the glass igloos in the heart of Lapland.

Overnight: Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle or Similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, check out of your igloos and continue your journey to Haparanda/Lulea, Swedish Lapland (approx. 255 km). Upon arrival, when the room is ready check in to your hotel.

Welcome to Swedish Lapland and the perfect place for another adventure with rolling hills, roaring rivers and vast woodlands covered in a blanket of white fluffy snow. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting Husky Safari. Wrap up warm with the additional winter clothing provided by your guide before embarking on this magical experience. Enjoy the breeze, hold on tight and dash across this magical winter wonderland. Your sled will be guided by strong, friendly Alaskan huskies, they will take you across snow-covered terrain, frozen lakes and through wild forests. Keep on the lookout for Moose and Reindeer whilst taking in the magnificent scenery.

Enjoy the evening at leisure and explore Swedish Lapland.

Overnight: Elite Stadshotellet, Haparanda Stadshotell Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure or choose to embark on an optional activity. Your tour leader will be available to assist you, giving advice on the best way to spend your day!

In the evening enjoy another excursion to follow the Northern lights and enjoy your last night in the heart of Lapland.

Optional Activity: Approximately 4-4.5 Hour Sami Visit - $435 AUD per person
This tour is an experience of a lifetime. Go deeper into Sami culture and spend a couple of relaxing hours for all your senses. Listen to the sparkling fire while you enjoy a three-course dinner from Sami cuisine. This will be a genuine gathering around the fireplace in the lavvu (tent house) where you will learn about the Sami history and culture. Take part in the Joik – the traditional Aami way to musically tell a story and to remember the old ways. In the corral, you will be able to feed the reindeer. With some luck, you might also get to view the northern lights.

Overnight: Elite Stadshotellet, Haparanda Stadshotell Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and be transferred to Lulea Airport in time for your domestic flight to Stockholm.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred from Arlanda Airport to your hotel. Luggage can be stored at the hotel if the room is not ready for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or choose to embark on an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Stockholm City Tour - $170 AUD per person
The city of Stockholm, built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges, exudes a unique charm in its combination of 13th-century Old Town with modern high-tech architecture. Stockholm’s islands are bordered by Lake Mälaren in the west and the Baltic Sea in the east, where the archipelago with its 30,000 islands awaits exploration. It is not surprising that the city has earned the nickname 'Beauty on Water'. Renowned for its beauty, Stockholm is also the hub of the Baltic area with easy access to the Nordic capitals as well as the Baltic countries. The capital is a big city with a small-town personality. With its handy size and short walking distances, it is easy to cover a lot in a short amount of time. The sightseeing tour, which includes outside visits to the Old Town and the City Hall with its blue and golden halls known for hosting the Nobel festivities, makes for a memorable morning tour. Discover a city of contrasts. Go back 750 years in time and feel the medieval atmosphere as you wander the narrow and cobbled streets of Old Town, or as the locals say, 'Gamla Stan'. During the stroll through Old Town, pass by the seven-hundred-year-old Cathedral of Stockholm, seat of the archbishop, while also getting a chance to see Stortorget, where 'the Stockholm Blood Bath' took place.

Overnight: Scandic Malmen, Scandic Anglais, Stockholm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, check out of your hotel and make your own way to the airport to correspond with your international flight back to Australia.

Some guests may depart later in the day and will be able to store their luggage at the hotel until they are ready to depart.

Meals included: In-Flight

Please note: Some customers may arrive +1 day.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 19th of March 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,950 applies. 
 
Departure Dates       
2024:
March 19
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Perth or *Adelaide
 
Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide: $200 per person 
 

Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Airlines: Lufthansa, Swiss, Finnair, Scandinavian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Qantas and partners (subject to availability).
Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
 
Arrive early in Helsinki, Finland 
$250 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-out. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
 
Stay behind in Stockholm, Sweden
$250 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
 
Stopover Packages
Not available.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration. 
 
Domestic Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person:
1 x 7kg hand luggage
1 x 20kg of checked baggage 
 

Accommodation Used:
3 - 4 Star (self-rated)
- Helsinki: Scandic Park Hotel, Scandic Grand Marina 
- Jyväskylä: Original Sokos Hotel, Scandic Hotel Jyväskylä 
- Oulu: Scandic Oulu City Hotel 
- Rovaniemi: Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle Igloo 
- Swedish Lapland: Haparanda Stadshotell, Elite Stadshotellet 
- Stockholm: Scandic Malmen, Scandic Anglais 
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available.
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 6 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Double or Twin (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 36 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours / Activities
Day 3: Helsinki city tour at $140.00 AUD per person
Day 6: Reindeer Farm visit and sleigh ride at $200 AUD per person
Day 9: 4 - 4.5 Hour Sami Visit at $435 AUD per person
Day 10: Stockholm City Tour at $170 AUD per person
Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate. 

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• City Tax
• Winter Clothing Hire: Winter clothing will be included for the Husky and Snowmobile activities. Additional winter clothing can be hired in Rovaniemi for 2 days if required at approximately €35 per person/per day (Approx. $55 AUD) 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Finland & Sweden
In Finland and Sweden the average temperature between December and March is around -4°C. December can be quite cold, so travellers should be aware of this and pack accordingly with warm layers, coats and boots to get ready for this magical snowy winter experience.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
At Qantas Tours, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals:
Daily breakfast is included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility:
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required:
A moderate level of fitness will be required. 
May involve more physical activity, including biking, longer day hikes or extended walking and standing, low-altitude treks, and water-based activities such as canoeing or low-grade kayaking. Guests using any walking aid other than a walking stick would be advised to reconsider as surfaces may be uneven.
Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is €5 per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa for Europe is not required for stays up to 90 days if travelling on an Australian Passport.
 
Important: 
Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. 
 
Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.