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Private Journeys to Finland

A Journey into Forest Lakes, Northern Lights and Quiet Design

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Finland is a country shaped by forests, water and light. Endless forests stretch toward the horizon, thousands of lakes mirror the sky and the changing seasons bring dramatic shifts from summer’s endless days to winter’s snow-covered silence. Cities feel moderate in scale and design forward, while the countryside offers cabins, saunas and star filled nights.

Begin in Helsinki, a seaside capital where modern Nordic design meets historic architecture. Tram lines curve past parks and harbours, and cafés spill onto squares in warmer months. Churches carved into rock, market halls full of produce and waterfront promenades set up a relaxed inviting scene.

Travel into the Lakeland region where cabins perch on shores and boats bob gently by wooden jetties. Here days may be spent paddling, walking forest trails, sitting around a fire or moving between sauna and cool lake water in a rhythm that feels both simple and restorative.

Further north in Lapland, reindeer graze on the tundra; rivers cut through wilderness and in the darker months the northern lights dance across the sky. In summer the midnight sun hovers above the horizon, bringing long bright evenings. Sami culture and traditions add depth to the landscape, with stories and handicrafts shaping an understanding of this northern region.

Finland is a journey into calm, clarity and quiet connection with nature. It invites travellers to slow their pace and notice how light, water, and forest can shift the way you feel.

Featured Private Journey Itineraries

These itineraries can focus more on summer lakes and islands or winter Lapland magic depending on preference.
Grand Journey Through Finland, Norway & Denmark – 15 Days
Helsinki • Finnish Lapland • Oslo • Norwegian Fjords • Bergen • Copenhagen
Highlights of Finland – 12 Days
Helsinki • Porvoo or Nuuksio National Park • Lakeland Region • Finnish Lapland
Glimpse of Finland – 8 Days
Helsinki • Forest and Coastal Day Trip • Finnish Lapland

Top Experiences

We like to highlight experiences that capture the essence of each destination and reflect what’s trending with today’s curious travellers. Each one offers a special glimpse into the character of the country and can be woven into your custom itinerary.
Visit Porvoo with its pastel wooden houses
Watch the northern lights or enjoy the midnight sun in Lapland
Relax in a lakeside sauna followed by a cool plunge
Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress by ferry
Stroll along Helsinki’s harbour and through its design quarter

Good to Know

Finland embodies a deep connection to nature through “everyman’s rights,” allowing visitors to roam freely across most natural areas, pick wild berries and mushrooms, and immerse themselves respectfully in its wilderness. Saunas hold a sacred place in Finnish life, serving as havens for relaxation, reflection, and social bonding beyond mere warmth. The country’s thousands of shimmering lakes and vast, whispering forests create an extraordinary sense of expansive space and serene quietude, even amidst modern, well-connected cities. Dramatic seasonal light shifts-from endless summer days to introspective winter nights-subtly shape daily rhythms and enhance the magic of everyday experiences.

Best Time to Visit

Finland offers very different experiences across the seasons. Summer from June to August brings long days, warm temperatures and ideal conditions for lakeside stays, island hopping, and urban exploring. Late spring and early autumn can be particularly beautiful with milder temperatures and colourful foliage. Winter from December to March transforms much of the country into a snowy landscape, especially in Lapland, offering opportunities for skiing, husky or reindeer experiences, the Ice Hotel and viewing the northern lights. A lesser-known delight is the shoulder seasons in May and September, when days feel quieter, yet nature shows subtle dramatic changes.

What to Eat

Finnish cuisine is honest, seasonal and firmly grounded in local ingredients. Forests and lakes supply berries, mushrooms and freshwater fish, while farms contribute rye breads, root vegetables, dairy and meats. Classic dishes include salmon soups, rye bread with butter and cheese, reindeer or game meats in Lapland, and a variety of simple baked goods. Coffee culture is strong and pastries such as cinnamon buns are widely enjoyed. In cities, contemporary Nordic restaurants reinterpret traditional flavours with modern presentation, while in the countryside meals often feel like an extension of the surrounding landscapes.

Favourite Accommodations

We like to recommend accommodations that reflect the spirit of each destination and meet our standards for warmth, authenticity, and service. Each one offers a distinctive sense of place and a memorable experience that complements your journey.
Rovaniemi. Comfortable lodge style hotel
Lapland. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Lakeland. Lakeside cabin style retreat
Helsinki. Hotel St George Hotel Kamp

Itineraries at a glance

We like to recommend itineraries that showcase the best of each destination, balancing iconic highlights with meaningful local experiences. Each journey offers a blend of history, landscapes, and discovery, and can be tailored to suit your personal interests and travel style.

Timeline

Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki and transfer to your central hotel. Enjoy a first evening walk past the harbour and lively boulevards.

Day 2
Helsinki Highlights and Nordic Design

Explore key sights such as Senate Square, the cathedral and the market hall. Discover the Design District and learn how everyday objects and architecture reflect Finnish aesthetics.

Day 3
Island Fortress and Sauna by the Sea

Visit the island fortress of Suomenlinna for sea views and historic ramparts. Return to the mainland for a traditional sauna experience followed by a relaxed dinner.

Day 4
Fly to Finnish Lapland

Travel north to Finnish Lapland and check in to your Arctic lodge. Settle in with views of snow-covered forest or summer fells stretching to the horizon.

Day 5
Arctic Nature and Northern Light Possibilities

Spend the day enjoying gentle winter or summer activities in the landscape. In the darker months, head out after nightfall in search of the Northern Lights when conditions are right.

Day 6
Quiet Morning and Journey to Norway

Savour a final northern morning, then fly onward to Oslo. Arrive in Norway's capital and take an evening stroll along the harbourfront.

Day 7
Oslo’s Museums and Waterfront Neighborhoods

Visit highlights such as the Norwegian National Museum or the Viking Ship Museum. Explore modern waterfront districts with striking contemporary architecture and outdoor cafés.

Day 8
Train or Drive into the Fjord Region

Travel from Oslo into Norway's fjord country by scenic train or private transfer. Arrive in a village nestled between mountains and water and settle into your fjord side hotel.

Day 9
Fjord Cruising and Mountain Views

Glide along the fjord on a boat tour, passing waterfalls and sheer rock walls. Enjoy gentle walks or viewpoints that showcase the scale of the landscape.

Day 10
More Fjord Exploration and Travel to Bergen

Spend the morning hiking, visiting nearby farms or simply absorbing the scenery. Continue onward to Bergen, gateway to the fjords and a historic trading city.

Day 11
Bergen’s Harbour and Hills

Stroll through the old wharf quarter with colourful wooden warehouses. Take a funicular to a nearby hilltop for wide views over the city and sea.

Day 12
Fly to Copenhagen

Fly to Copenhagen and settle into your hotel near the historic centre. Enjoy an evening walk along Nyhavn or through cobbled streets and leafy squares.

Day 13
Copenhagen’s Royal and Historic Heart

Discover Copenhagen with a private guide including palaces, canals and bicycle friendly streets. Visit key sights such as Rosenborg Castle gardens, Amalienborg and the historic harbourfront.

Day 14
Neighborhoods, Cuisine and Coastal Paths

Explore character filled neighbourhoods, contemporary architecture and waterside promenades. Savour New Nordic cuisine from casual markets to refined restaurants.

Day 15
Depart Scandinavia

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to the forests, fjords and harbour cities of Finland, Norway and Denmark.

Cost Per Person

(minimum of two travellers)

From

C$12,900

Timeline

Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki

Arrive in Finland's capital and transfer to your hotel in a central neighbourhood. Unwind after your journey with a gentle walk and an early night.

Day 2
Helsinki Icons and Design District

Discover Helsinki's key sights including the Market Square, Esplanade and cathedral crowned skyline. Explore the Design District with its galleries, studios and Nordic lifestyle shops.

Day 3
Museums, Architecture and Seaside Saunas

Visit museums such as the Ateneum or Amos Rex and admire classic and modern architecture. End the day with a Finnish sauna by the sea, dipping into the Baltic for those who wish.

Day 4
Day Trip to Porvoo or Forest Escape in Nuuksio

Travel to the riverside town of Porvoo to wander its cobbled streets and colourful wooden houses or head into Nuuksio National Park for forest trails, lakeside views and picnic style lunch. Return to Helsinki for the evening.

Day 5
Journey to the Finnish Lakeland

Travel inland to the Lakeland region where water and forest weave together. Settle into a lakeside hotel or cabin and enjoy the slower rhythm of the countryside.

Day 6
Lakeside Relaxation and Gentle Activities

Spend the day paddling on quiet water, walking forest paths or simply reading on the dock. Experience a traditional lakeside sauna and, in warmer months, refreshing swims.

Day 7
Local Villages and Island Cruising

Explore nearby villages, visit a lakeside town market or take a short cruise among wooded islands. Savour local seasonal cuisine featuring fresh fish, berries and forest mushrooms.

Day 8
Fly to Finnish Lapland

Travel north to Finnish Lapland and arrive at your lodge set among fells and spruce forest. Enjoy an evening of stargazing and cozy fireside conversation.

Day 9
Arctic Activities and Winter Landscapes

Choose from winter experiences such as husky sledding, snowmobiling or snowshoe walks. Pause to listen to the deep quiet of the snow-covered landscape.

Day 10
Sámi Culture and Free Time at the Lodge

Learn about indigenous Sámi traditions, reindeer herding and Arctic crafts. Relax with unhurried time at your lodge, lingering over long meals and sauna sessions.

Day 11
Aurora Evening and Farewell to the North

Enjoy a final day of outdoor activities or rest. In the evening, join a guided excursion for a last chance to watch for the Northern Lights when they appear.

Day 12
Depart Finland

Fly south to connect with your international flight. Say goodbye to Finland's sea, lakes and Arctic light.

Cost Per Person

(minimum of two travellers)

From

C$14,160

Timeline

Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki

Arrive in the seaside capital and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Settle in with an evening stroll past harbourfront cafés and leafy parks.

Day 2
Helsinki Design and Seaside Promenades

Explore Helsinki with a private guide, from the neoclassical Senate Square to the contemporary Oodi Library and Design District. Pause for coffee and pulla in a cozy café and walk along the waterfront promenades.

Day 3
Island Fortress and Sauna Culture

Take a short ferry to the historic island fortress of Suomenlinna for cobbled lanes and sea views. Return to the city for a traditional Finnish sauna experience and a relaxed evening by the water.

Day 4
Into the North Finnish Lapland

Fly north to Finnish Lapland and arrive at your lodge surrounded by forests or open fells. Settle into the calm of the far north and enjoy your first evening under wide Arctic skies.

Day 5
Snow Adventures and Aurora Possibilities

Spend the day on gentle winter activities such as reindeer or husky sledding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. After dark, head out with a local guide in search of the Northern Lights when conditions allow.

Day 6
Arctic Nature and Local Traditions

Learn about Sámi culture, local reindeer herding or Arctic crafts. Savour slow moments by the fire and time in the sauna between outdoor excursions.

Day 7
Quiet Morning and Farewell to the North

Enjoy a final walk in the crisp air or a last sauna session overlooking the snow. Fly back to Helsinki for a relaxed final evening in the city.

Day 8
Depart Finland

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Leave Finland with memories of sea air, forest silence and star filled northern nights.

Cost Per Person

(minimum of two travellers)

From

C$9,440

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