Return economy – class flights from Australia.
On tour flights
Travel Club Tour Host (when minimum numbers are met)

Finland

• Handpicked Accommodations
• 11 Meals
• Tour Helsinki alongside a local expert.
  Immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness and learn about Sámi cultural traditions over the course of a 3-night stay in the north of Finland.
  Explore Lapland in search of the northern lights.
• Introduce yourself to majestic Lappish reindeer and meet Santa Claus himself.
• Lead your very own dog sled team.
• Spend the night in a glass igloo amid the Lappish wilderness.
• Indulge in Finnish and Lappish cuisine.
• Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish winter tradition.

Magical Christmas River Cruise

• 2 hotel nights in Basel including breakfast.
• 1 guided tour: Basel Walking Tour & Christmas Markets
• Services of a Viking Host
• All transfers
• One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
• Port taxes & fees
• Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
• Visits to UNESCO Sites
• Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
• Onboard gratuities

Exclusions
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

*The northern lights are in the Northern Hemisphere from September through April and are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. As this tour is weather dependent, sightings of the northern lights are not guaranteed.

Because the northern lights are a winter event, you will be walking and waiting outdoors whilst looking for them. It is recommended that you wear sturdy non-slip snow footwear and warm clothing including thermals, hat, scarf, and gloves.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to Arctic terrain.

Outdoor activities and structures are weather dependent and may be unavailable or rescheduled. Outdoor activities in early November or April may vary depending on snowfall. If there is not enough snowfall, the husky safari will be substituted for a husky meet and greet and hike experience. The reindeer safari will be substituted with a horse drawn carriage northern lights search.

***Glass igloos are equipped with only a private sink and toilet. A privacy curtain lines the base of the bedroom inside the igloo. Guests will have access to a public sauna house to use the shower in the morning. Overnights in igloos may be on the first night or last night at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you’re an on-the-go traveller. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transport . You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travellers who require mobility assistance devices.

An ETIAS visa waiver will be required for travel beginning in May 2025, for a fee, when visiting a Schengen Area Country. To identify Schengen Area Countries and to complete the ETIAS application, please visit https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-australian-citizens.
Internal flights are required in order to participate on this tour and are included in the final price, quoted at time of booking.
**Finnish log cabins (small cabins) are equipped with 1 double bed, 1 bunk bed, a dining space, one bathroom (inclusive of sink, toilet and shower), private sauna and private fireplace (firewood not included).
The dog sledding activity requires you to be able to lower yourself into the sled.

ITINERARY

DAY 1, 22 NOV 2025: Helsinki, Finland – Tour Begins (D)
Lilla Roberts Hotel

Hei Helsinki! Finland’s vibrant capital, where history converges with architectural style and combines with a laid-back vibe across beautiful islands and pristine public parks, welcomes you. This evening, gather with new friends for a welcome dinner in the city centre. Hyvää ruokahalua! (Bon appetit!)

DAY 2, 23 NOV 2025: Helsinki (B)
Lilla Roberts Hotel

Join a local expert for an engaging city tour. If Finland’s heart beats in Helsinki, then Helsinki’s core is in Senate Square, home of Helsinki Cathedral, the city’s most iconic building. Walk the streets of empiric-designed Tori Quarters before enjoying some free time in Market Square, the city’s famous international market. See the steel monument dedicated to the composer Sibelius. During your leisure time, explore more of Helsinki independently.

DAY 3, 24 NOV 2025: Helsinki – Kakslauttanen – Northern Lights Search (B,D)
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – West Village

Escape to northernmost Finland’s winter wonderland on board a flight to Ivalo and magical Lapland. Like a storybook come to life, Lapland’s culture is steeped in myth and legend. Relish a sleigh ride with reindeer and unspoiled views of the northern lights. * At the breathtaking Kakslauttanen Resort, spend two nights in your very own Finnish log cabin** indulging in your own personal Finnish sauna. Take the motor coach north towards Inari on a chase for the northern lights. * Stops along the pursuit allow you the chance to witness nature’s dazzling, electric light show. *

DAY 4, 25 NOV 2025: Kakslauttanen – Santa Claus’ Home – Reindeer Safari – Northern Lights (B,D)
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – West Village

Hit the snow and mush to breakfast aboard an authentic Finnish sleigh. After a leisurely breakfast, meet Santa’s Elves who will escort you to meet Santa Claus in his own home. Learn about Santa’s origins during a warm and friendly conversation at his house. After dinner, under the Arctic moonlight, a reindeer farmer introduces you to some friendly Lappish reindeer that will escort you on an exhilarating safari through remote Kakslauttanen. Gain insight into the importance of reindeer herding to the Sámi indigenous culture. Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish tradition, around an open fire, inside a Lappish Tepee in the surround of northern Finland’s wilderness as you continue the search for the elusive northern lights. *

DAY 5, 26 NOV 2025: Kakslauttanen – Husky Safari – Northern Lights Search (B&D)
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – West Village

Breathe in the fresh Arctic air this morning and step into the role as leader of your own dog sled team. Zoom through the wilderness on a husky safari, driving your husky guides that are as fast as they are adorable. Spend some time getting to know these amazing dogs and learn about their different commands. You’ll also be introduced to the equipment you’ll need to experience this incredible Arctic adventure at its best. Enjoy your last night in the heart of the Lappish wilderness, nestled in your incredible and unique glass igloo.  You may even see the northern lights* dancing overhead from the comfort of your own bed.

DAY 6, 27 NOV 2025: Kakslauttanen – Helsinki  (B&D)
Lilla Roberts Hotel

Say goodbye to enchanting Lapland and fly back to Helsinki. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city’s central squares and get in tune with the latest Finnish trends at a collection of charming shops. Tonight, in downtown Helsinki, toast to grand adventures and new friends.

DAY 7, 28 NOV 2025: Helsinki – Basel (B)

After breakfast, you will board your flight from Helsinki to Basel. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Explore the charming riverside city at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic, tree-lined pathways of the Rhine promenade in Kleinbasel, or wander through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, where the festive holiday spirit fills the air. A Viking Host will be available to help you make the most of your time in Basel, offering recommendations for local sights and activities.

 DAY 8, 29 NOV 2025: Basel (B)

Take a guided walking tour through historic Basel, passing through Marktplatz, or Market Square, and visit the Christmas markets. Browse for handicrafts at Petersplatz and sip a warming mug of glühwein in Barfüsserplatz. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own; perhaps return to Münsterplatz, where the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral overlook the wooden chalets of its festive market or pick up a sweet treat at a Swiss chocolatier to take home.

DAY 9, 30 NOV 2025: Basel (B)

Discover more of Basel at your leisure today. Browse the extensive collection of the Museum of Fine Arts or take an entertaining walk through the Caricature & Cartoon Museum Basel. Or take a day trip to Lucerne and admire the snow-capped mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps. This afternoon, transfer to your awaiting ship to begin your cruise.

DAY 9, 30 NOV 2025 – Basel, Switzerland (B)

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.

DAY 10, 01 DEC 2025 – Breisach, Germany (B/L/D)

In the heart of Breisach’s old town with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The nearby Black Forest provides a fairy-tale atmosphere; its towering, snow-covered spruce trees resemble a winter wonderland.

DAY 11, 02 DEC 2025 –Strasbourg, France (B/L/D)

Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).

DAY 12, 03 DEC 2025 – Mannheim, Germany (B/L/D)

Mannheim’s Christmas market is a holiday season shopping extravaganza, centered around the city’s iconic water tower. One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colorful baubles and ornaments, all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are the ideal purchase to take home as gifts for friends and family.

DAY 13, 04 DEC 2025 – Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine (B/L/D)

The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.

DAY 14, 05 DEC 2025 – Cologne, Germany (B/L/D)

Themed winter markets feature across Cologne during the holiday season, inviting visitors to browse colorful market stalls for handmade gifts, beautiful artwork and colorful crafts. The towering Gothic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to the city’s festivities and array of offerings from its red wooden stalls. Beneath the pointed roofs of Cologne harbor’s tented market, unique crafted goods are displayed amid the twinkling lights of boats bobbing in the marina.

DAY 15, 06 DEC 2025 – Scenic Sailing: Waal & Merwede (B/L/D)

Sail the bucolic waters of the Rhine, deep into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, as classic Dutch landscapes unfurl all around. Flat farmland, charming windmills and svelte poplar trees line the shores, and vast tracts of land stretch in all directions, growing all manner of bounty, from tomatoes to tulips. Gaze upon Friesian cows and tidy villages with their neatly laid farmhouses and marvel at how much of this land was reclaimed from the sea, with the aid of traditional windmills and the construction of dikes.

Day 16, 07 DEC 2025 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the lush paintnigs of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseium, the Netherlands’ grand repository of art and cultural history. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot, visitors line the tranquil canals an dlinger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go. Bid

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this itinerary. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, changes may occur that are beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding.

Please note that the prices listed are based on Club Tours credits, and subject to availability. If you prefer to use fewer credits and more cash, we can adjust the pricing accordingly. Housekeeping tokens apply