Experience the best of winter in two unforgettable destinations: Finland and Ireland. This journey weaves together the best of both worlds for a winter getaway like no other.
Start your journey in Finland, where Rovaniemi’s snowy landscapes welcome you to Santa’s Village, a place that feels straight out of a storybook. From chasing the Northern Lights to snowmobiling through untouched wilderness, each experience is as thrilling as it is memorable. Try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen lake, or float in safety and warmth under the Arctic sky while gazing at the stars and auroras.
Then, fly to Ireland and dive into the festive spirit. Explore Galway, sampling local flavors on a guided food tour, and soak up the magic of Christmas markets with twinkling lights and unique gifts. In Dublin, enjoy the lively atmosphere with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where a perfectly poured pint and sweeping city views await. With adventure, tradition, and seasonal charm at every turn, this trip offers something truly special for winter travelers.
Welcome to the Nordics! Get ready as your adventure kicks off in the magical city of Rovaniemi. After arriving, head to your centrally located hotel and take some time to explore the city on foot. Stroll through the charming streets, filled with unique gift shops and cozy cafes.
In the evening, prepare for a Northern Lights experience like no other. You’ll float in a tranquil, ice-cold lake, surrounded by the vast Arctic landscape, all while gazing at the stars and the mesmerizing auroras above. Sounds adventurous? Don’t worry – this guided experience is completely safe, with a high-quality rescue suit that keeps you dry and afloat. No need to know how to swim, and the suit ensures you stay warm while you float beneath the northern lights. Let yourself be immersed in this unforgettable moment.
Today, you have the full day to explore Santa Claus’s Village. Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus in their cozy office and home, and even visit their friendly reindeer. But there’s so much more to discover! Head over to Santa’s farm, where you’ll find reindeer, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, sheep, and goats, all waiting for you.
Next, venture to one of the world’s largest Snow Hotels—Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Lehtojärvi, just 25 minutes from Santa Claus Village. During the tour, explore the stunning Ice Restaurant, Ice Chapel, Ice Bar, and the unique rooms of the SnowHotel. If you like, enjoy a refreshing drink at the Ice Bar before continuing your magical journey.
After breakfast this morning, meet your guide who will bring you on an epic Nordic adventure. Today, you’ll experience two thrilling activities: snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Hop on a snowmobile and head to a secluded spot for ice fishing, where your guide will teach you how to drill a hole in the ice, set up your rod, and bait the line. Will you catch the biggest fish of the day?
After your adventure, return to your accommodation and unwind, enjoying your final night in the magical capital of Lapland.
Touch down in Ireland and catch the train to the vibrant West Coast, where you’ll settle into Galway City for the next three nights. Known for its lively atmosphere, cobbled streets, and live street music, Galway exudes charm at every turn. After a long day of traveling, take the evening to relax and soak in the city’s ambiance.
Whether you opt for a cozy dinner or a drink at a traditional pub, Galway’s warmth and welcoming character are sure to make you feel at home.
Well-rested, dive into the heart of Galway and make the most of today. To truly immerse yourself in the city’s flavor, why not take a food tour? As you wander through Galway’s streets and along its picturesque waterways, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating facts and stories. The tour offers a perfect introduction to the passionate people and beautiful local produce that make Galway one of Ireland’s culinary gems. Along the way, you’ll meet artisan producers, sample their delicious creations, and gain insights into the region’s treasured ingredients.
Spend today picking up one-of-a-kind gifts from the market’s many stalls or enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine. There’s plenty of entertainment throughout the city, with live performers, puppet shows, and comedians bringing joy to all. Food lovers can indulge in bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels, crêpes, waffles, and more. For families and friends, stroll through the enchanted light gardens, capture the perfect Christmas Market photo, and stop by Santa’s postbox, making this a memorable day full of holiday cheer.
After breakfast, board the train to Dublin and take in the lush Irish countryside as you travel back to the capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head to the Guinness Storehouse for a self-guided tour. Learn about the rich history of Guinness and its brewing process before enjoying a pint of the ‘Black Stuff’ at the Gravity Bar with stunning views of Dublin City.
For your final night, immerse yourself in the festive spirit by exploring Dublin’s charming Christmas markets. Start with the Dublin Castle Christmas Market, a vibrant and magical setting, then wander through the city’s smaller, scattered stalls, each offering a delightful mix of unique gifts and seasonal treats. End your day in a cozy traditional Irish pub, where you can unwind with a pint and some authentic live music, rounding off your time in Ireland with warmth, joy and a bit of ‘craic’.
Your Finnish and Irish adventure concludes with one final breakfast. Following your meal, a complimentary transfer will take you to Dublin Airport for your onward journey.
(For all Trans-Atlantic flights, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.)
All hotels and accommodations included in your trip are carefully selected to meet a 4-star standard or higher. While we occasionally book 3-star hotels or B&B properties, they must meet our high standards of quality and comfort. To ensure consistency, we strive to have a team member visit each property regularly or conduct a thorough site inspection.
The tour package does not include flights to and from the tour’s starting location, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip to Finland, along with travel protection for the duration.
Although booking flights might seem straightforward, hidden fees or service classes without seat assignments, meals, or checked bags can arise. With our experience since 1985, we are familiar with the best routings and have access to great contracts, often offering better prices than those available online.
If you would like to create a custom itinerary before or after the tour to extend your trip, we would be happy to assist with this.
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