Arctic & Northern Lights Adventure

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

• 1 night onboard an InterCity train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Finland
• Stay in a twin-share cabin with shared facilities onboard the train

• 6 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation

• Enjoy 14 meals, including a traditional lunch feast on giant crab in Norwegian style

• English speaking tour leader and tour guide on selected days
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private vehicles and InterCity train

• Return airport and rail transfers

Today depart for 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 a representative and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, as tomorrow you will start your holiday!

Overnight: Scandic Grand Marina hotel or similar, Helsinki

Meals included: None

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day city tour of the Finnish capital with a local guide. See the colourful harbour market, the neo-classical Senate Square, the Cathedral, the Sibelius Monument and the Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral. Also, see the famous Church in the Rock; Temppeliaukio (entrance not included). Enjoy some free time in the afternoon. In the evening you will be transferred to the train station for an overnight train journey to Kemi. The train will depart in the evening. Dinner is available for purchase onboard (not included).

Overnight: Intercity train (twin share cabins with shared facilities)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

This morning you will arrive in Kemi. After disembarking, you will be transferred to a hotel to enjoy breakfast. After breakfast, go on an incredible adventure on the icy waters of the Gulf. Observe the clash between the powerful icebreaker and the thick layer of the ice of this sea. Stroll on the icy expanse that awaits you. Defy the laws of nature in comfort and safety aboard the icebreaker. Live an unusual experience by swimming in the icy waters with a survival suit or by getting off the boat for the time to walk on the frozen waters. 

Then you will visit the 'SnowExperience365', a snowy world open all year round, with its sculptures made of ice, its ice slide, and its restaurant with tables made entirely of ice (entrance included). In the afternoon, transfer to Rovaniemi for your overnight.

Overnight: Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel or similar, Rovaniemi

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today’s excursion is to the northernmost zoo in the world, Ranua Wildlife Park, where you can see up to 50 different species of Arctic animals. Start the day heading to Ranua, where you will begin with a discovery of the sled Husky farm. Leave for a mini-safari (3 km) with the musher. Enjoy time to take pictures of the dogs, and ask questions to the musher about his activity. Continue your Arctic journey to the most northerly zoo in the world and take an invigorating walk in the open air at your own pace to admire the Arctic fauna in its authentic wild setting: moose, reindeer, wolverines, arctic fox but especially the impressive polar bear. A great visit to discover and understand these animals that evolve in countries with extreme conditions. Enjoy some free time for gourmets to discover the store of the famous Finnish Fazer chocolates. In the afternoon return back to Rovaniemi. This evening you can take part in an optional activity.

Northern Lights Evening - $250 per person
In the evening, a guide will take you out of the city and into the light to a place where your chances are greatest for seeing the Northern Lights. You will enjoy a picnic there under the stars, and with a bit of luck under the Northern Lights too!

Overnight: Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel or similar, Rovaniemi

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, a new adventure awaits you, enjoy a guided visit to Napapiiri in a traditional Reindeer Farm. During the visit, you’ll get the chance to try your hand at driving a reindeer team during a mini-safari.

In the early afternoon, continue further north towards Inari, beyond the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival enjoy free time to explore the village of Inari. The landscapes of the far north, their national parks, their lakes and their mountains offer a multitude of opportunities in all seasons. In winter, the northern lights dance across the sky for up to 200 days a year.

Overnight: Inari Hotel or similar, Inari

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today, after breakfast, depart to the town of Kirkenes. Located in the far northeast of Norway, near the Russian border, it is known as the capital of the Barents region. On your arrival, take part in a King Crab Excursion in the Barents Sea (about 3 hours) to learn more about the taming of the king crab and its expansion in the Barents Sea. After being provided with warm gear, you will be driven over the frozen Lang fjord on a sled pulled by a snowmobile. Your guide will accompany you to the crab safari and you will participate in the giant crab hauling experience.

After the fishing, the excursion continues to a restaurant near the fjord, where you will feast on giant crab, served in Norwegian style. Survival suits, drinks and unlimited king crab tasting are included. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to a famous Kirkenes attraction: the Kirkenes IceHotel that offers frosty adventure 365 days a year. Return to Inari at the end of the day.

Overnight: Inari Hotel or similar, Inari

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy a morning at leisure at Inari to discover this small village, an important center of the Sami community, with the parliament and the cultural center. You can visit the remarkable Siida Museum, presenting the history, life and culture of the Sami people. In the afternoon be transferred to Ivalo airport for your return flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure in the Finnish Capital city.

Overnight: Scandic Helsinki Airport or similar, Helsinki

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back home, after one magical experience you won’t soon forget!

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later.

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

Covid-19 Booking Policy

• TripADeal Tour packages are non-refundable. If your 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 package available via the Qantas Tours website. 

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

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 direct to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 12th 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 $1730 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates

2024

March: 5,

Please note: see checkout for live dates and availability.

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, Perth or *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges

Brisbane, Adelaide: $200 per person

Auckland: $800 per person

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: Qantas, Finnair, Scandavian (SAS), Air France, KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Luftansa, Qatar, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Turkish Airlines and airline partners (subject to availability).

Domestic Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Route: Ivalo, Finland to Helsinki, Finland

• Airlines: Finnair (subject to availability).

Please note: TripADeal 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. 

Missed Flights 

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight on Day 1, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact TripADeal as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Guaranteed Airline surcharge

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Qatar: $600 per person 

• Emirates: $750 per person 

• Turkish Airlines: $500 per person

Please note: 

• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfill your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Arrive early Options

Helsinki, Finland: $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates: up to $800 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• You may book a date to arrive early via the TripADeal website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. 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.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

- 1st December 2023 - 9th February 2024

- 18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024

Stay behind Options

Helsinki, Finland: $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates: up to $800 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 TripADeal 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.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

- 1st December 2023 - 9th February 2024

- 18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024

Stopover Packages

* Dubai

Twin share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way 

* Doha, Qatar

Twin share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way 

* Singapore

Twin share: $1200 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1800 one way 

Includes:

• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation

• Daily breakfast

• Return airport transfers 

Please note: 

• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used

• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind

• Stopover packages are subject to availability.

Stopovers are not available during the following dates:

* Dubai

Twin share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way 

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 fulfill 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

23kg of checked baggage

7kg of carry on baggage

Accommodation Used:

4-star Properties (Self-Rated)

Helsinki, Scandic Grand Marina hotel

Rovaniemi, Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel

Inari, Inari Hotel

Helsinki, Scandic Helsinki Airport

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 at check-out. 

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 8 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 bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 35 per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities

Day 5 - Northern Lights Evening - $250 per person.

Please note:

• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.

• 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 

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

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/Lapland/Polar Arctic: 

In Finland and Sweden, the average temperature between December and February is around -4°C. Lapland in December can be quite cold, so travellers should be aware of this and pack accordingly with warm layers, coats and boots. The average temperature in Lapland in December is -6°C though temperatures do vary during the month; highs reach -3°C but lows can fall to -9°C, especially in evenings.

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

At TripADeal, 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:

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 TripADeal 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 unloading of bags from the vehicle.

Winter Clothing

As the temperature can get quite cold it is advisable to bring thermal clothing with you. Winter clothing will be provided for the activities (Huskies/Snowmobiles). However, a winter clothing kit (overalls, gloves, hat, boots, socks and scarf) is available to hire on tour. The clothing is payable upon hire at approximately €30 per person/day.

OTHER

Mobility:

If you would love to travel with TripADeal and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:

A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 

Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 

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 €6 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 or New Zealand Passport.

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• 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

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 + additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been advised to Qantas Tours, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer 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. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If Qantas Tours cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.