Christmas in Scandinavia & Polar Express

Package

Celebrate and immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you wander through Santa Claus Village aboard the Santa Express Rail. Also, board the Icebreaker Cruise and enjoy an overnight stay in a Glass Igloo to sleep under the Northern Lights or experience the Aurora Borealis.

Tour Highlights:

  • Overnight in Kakslauttanen Igloo Village
  • Dinner at Igloo Resort
  • Overnight cabin on the Santa Express railway
  • Xmas Dinner at the Santa Claus village
  • The Ice & Snow Restaurant
  • Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Ice & snow restaurant
  • Day cruise on the Sampo Icebreaker
  • Overnight Ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm
  • Oceanview Cabin with Dinner

Extra Enhancements!! All these additional experiences have now been added:

  • Husky Safari
  • Aurora Hunting with Reindeer
  • Salmon feast dinner
  • King crab dinner
  • Buffet in 7 Star Burj al Arab (Dubai)
Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Liberty Tours
Number Of Days
15
Price From
$12,980
Price per person, twin share
Start Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
End Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
20 to 40
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure, Day Tour, Family, Festival, Polar
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Includes Flights
Yes
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1: SYD/MEL/BNE

Copenhagen - Board your international flight with Emirates from Australia to Copenhagen, Denmark, via Dubai.

Day 2: Copenhagen, Denmark

Upon arrival in Copenhagen, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for a restful afternoon.

Hotel: Scandic Sydhavnen or similar

Day 3: Copenhagen, Denmark (B)

After breakfast, we'll embark on a sightseeing tour in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. We'll visit iconic landmarks such as The Little Mermaid, a sculpture inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairytale, now symbolizing Denmark's heritage. Next, we'll explore Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, and if fortunate, witness the changing of the royal guards in the palace square.

Our journey continues through the city centre, where we'll admire the Hans Christian Andersen Statue, the City Hall, and Nyhavn (New Harbour).

Later, we'll head to one of the world's most renowned beer brewers - Carlsberg, and tour their visitor center. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample freshly brewed beer and gain insights into the brewing process. Copenhagen is renowned for its festive atmosphere during the Christmas season, so to enhance the holiday spirit, we'll visit the famous Christmas Market in the early evening.

Hotel: Scandic Sydhavnen or similar.

Day 4: Copenhagen - Helsinki (B/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board the plane departing for Helsinki. Upon arrival, you'll have a leisurely afternoon to explore. Christmas in Helsinki offers more than just jingles and bells. The dark winter days and cold temperatures provide an opportunity to experience the serene and peaceful side of the city. In contrast to the glitz of other Christmas destinations worldwide, the Finnish capital welcomes you with its comforting saunas, stunning natural surroundings, and a blend of new and old traditions.

End the day with a sumptuous group dinner (either the King Crab or Salmon Feast)

Hotel: Holiday Inn or similar.

Day 5: Helsinki - Rovaniemi (B)

After breakfast, explore the city of Helsinki. First, we shall go to "The Church of Rock,” Temppeliaukio Church. The interior was excavated and built directly out of solid rock and is bathed in natural light that enters through the glazed dome. The church is used frequently as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics. Later, proceed to visit the Sibelius Monument. Later in the evening, board the overnight Santa Claus Express to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, today also officially known as the hometown of Santa Claus.

Hotel: Santa Claus Express Rail

Day 6: Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village (B/D)

Upon arrival at the train station, you will be picked up and proceed to the Santa Claus Village, located in the Arctic Circle. The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is known as "Santa's official North Pole residence" and is one of the most popular travel destinations in Finland. The village is open year-round for kids of all ages to see Santa and his elves. Visitors can also send postcards - with Santa's special postmark - from the Santa Claus Post Office, shop for souvenirs at the various handcraft shops, or learn about Finnish Christmas traditions at the Christmas exhibition. You could even have your photo taken with Father Christmas himself. Enjoy the rest of the day in the Santa Village for more photo sessions. In the evening, dinner will be arranged at the Ice/Snow Restaurant (exclusively for Liberty Tours).

Hotel: Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar

Day 7: Rovaniemi - Kemi - Sampo Icebreaker - Rovaniemi (B/L/D)

After breakfast, head to Kemi to embark on the Sampo Icebreaker Cruise. When discussing Kemi, it's essential to highlight its sea, frozen for nearly half of the year, which enables remarkable winter adventures even for the most seasoned travelers. A cruise aboard the Sampo promises the most thrilling and memorable moments amidst the Arctic nature. This historical vessel, the Sampo, is akin to a moving museum. It stands as a unique Icebreaker worldwide, offering an incredible adventure with its icebreaking experience. Feel the Arctic freedom on deck or relax indoors in the comforts of the vessel, savoring hot beverages at the Icebreaker bar.

As the colossal vessel breaks through the ice, marvel at the beauty of vast open ice fields surrounding you, and observe the ever-changing sky above. The sun may reflect off the pristine snow cover, or as twilight sets in, it may illuminate the horizon in warm hues of yellow, orange, red, or even lilac. Before returning to port, the ship will pause for an hour, allowing each visitor to partake in the swimming event, comfortably attired in survival suits. At the conclusion of this unique cruise experience, the crew will present the Sampo Cruise Certificate to each participant. A lifetime experience is guaranteed!

End the day with a group dinner (either the King Crab or Salmon Feast) Then return to your hotel in Rovaniemi for a restful evening.

Hotel: Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar.

Day 8: Rovaniemi - Saariselka, Kakslauttanen (B/D)

After breakfast, the journey continues to Saariselka, a resort village in northern Finland. Serving as a gateway to the trails and ski areas of the mountainous Urho Kekkonen National Park, Saariselka offers a range of outdoor activities. The village's Destination Northernmost Europe exhibition features a panorama theatre showcasing films on the region's plant and animal life, including reindeer. To the north, the lakefront Sámi Cultural Center Sajos includes a craft shop and a library dedicated to the indigenous Sámi people, and participate in a unique adventure "Husky Safari." Tonight, we will be staying in the Kakslauutten Resort, a magical adventure where aurora displays are visible up to 200 times per year. It’s highly likely that you'll see a Finland aurora borealis on a clear night during the winter. 

Hotel: Kakslauutten Resort

Day 9: Kakslauttanen - Rovaniemi - Helsinki (B)

After brekkie, enjoy the last bit of the resort till early arvo. Sightseeing proceeds to Rovaniemi Station to board the Santa Claus Express (overnight rail) to Helsinki.

Accom: Santa Claus Express Rail

Day 10: Helsinki - Porvoo - Vantaa - Stockholm (B/D)

Upon arrival at the rail station in Helsinki, you will be picked up, and the sightseeing will take you to Porvoo, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Finland. Tourists flock to Porvoo for its Instagram-worthy cobbled streets and famous, red-painted waterfront houses. As Finland's second-oldest city, it's packed with history, from medieval times to the modern day. In the arvo, the tour will proceed to Vantaa. The significant attractions include the Vantaa River (Vantaanjoki), which flows through the city and flows into the Gulf of Finland. If time allows, you can take the optional visit to Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre, and Aviation Museum (Optional Excursions). In the early evening, you will be transferred to the cruise terminal to board the overnight ferry (buffet dinner will be served on board, as well as enjoying live music) crossing borders to Stockholm, Sweden.

Hotel: Overnight Ferry

Day 11: Stockholm - Orebro - Stockholm (B)

After breakfast, disembark the Ferry. You will be picked up and the terminal. The sightseeing proceeds to Orebro, located in the country, where proximity to nature and a long tradition as a trading town have characterized Orebro. A city that is also the birthplace of a member of the current Swedish royal family!

It has many popular attractions, including Orebro Castle, and Vattentornet Svampen, making it well worth a visit. Steeped in history, Orebro is a fascinating city to wander around, and Orebro Castle is its crowning glory. The castle started its days in the 14th century, as a stronghold with a prison, before morphing into a palace during the reign of King Gustav Vasa. Return to Sweden in the arvo.

Hotel: Scandic Infra City or similar

Day 12: Stockholm (B)

After breakfast, the tour will take you to explore the city of Stockholm, which is famed for its iconic city hall, the world's first open-air museum, and the fabulous Abba Museum. But there are plenty of little-known facts about this city that even some locals might not be aware of, including an unusual story about Frank Zappa. In the arvo, you will have free leisure time for yourself to ramble in this beautiful Scandinavian city that's full of amazing history, culture, and architecture, not to mention the tasty tucker. A visit to the Chrismas Market in the evening shouldn't be missed. Get in the spirit for Christmas at the markets with a gingerbread cookie in one hand, and a cup of warm glogg in the other. Here, you can taste Swedish seasonal delicacies, buy beautiful handicrafts and Christmas decorations, and of course, meet Santa.

Hotel: Scandic Infra City or similar

Day 13: Frankfurt - Dubai (B)

After breakfast, enjoy the last bit of Stockholm and its surroundings. You will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight via Dubai.

Hotel: Premier Inn Airport or similar

Day 14: Dubai (B)

Free at your own leisure to enjoy the modern city of Dubai, transfer to the Airport in the evening for the homeward flight.

Day 15: Arrive in Australia

End of the holidays. Arrive in Australia.

Exclusions

Travel Insurance

Personal Expenses

Meals not stated in Itinerary

Gratuity EUR10 per day

Optional Admission Fees

European Local City Tax

Single Supplement $2550pp

Inclusions Expand
12 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), 3 Dinners (D)
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Premium hotels with daily breakfast
Professional bilingual tour guide
Return flights from SYD/MEL/BNE
Sightseeing as shown in the itinerary
Departure dates Expand
Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
01 Dec 2025 15 Dec 2025 Enquire $12,980

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