A Very Scandinavian Christmas

Welcome to Sweden! Upon arrival at the Stockholm Airport, grab your bags, head through

customs and make your way to the city center via the Arlanda Express airport train. This capital city is built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges and often called “Beauty on Water.” Located directly in the stunning archipelago, Stockholm has an atmosphere that can be described as equally vibrant and cozy. The city embraces the contrasts of its history, including the 13th-century Gamla Stan (Old Town), and modern architecture and high-tech industry.. Highlights of Gamla Stan include narrow, cobblestone streets,  the 700-year-old Cathedral of Stockholm, the seat of the archbishop, the Royal Palace, and Stortorget square.

Visit one of the city’s best-known symbols, City Hall, with its Blue and Golden Halls, where the festive Nobel banquet is held each December. See the fascinating Vasa Ship Museum, built around the intact and preserved 17th-century warship. Vasa, at the time considered the pride of the mighty Swedish navy, sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628.  Its discovery in 1956 and subsequent restoration in 1961 is considered to be one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Now renovated to replicate the original masterpiece, the Vasa is a genuine example of living history. 

Overnight in Stockholm.

Enjoy a day of leisurely exploring the city! We suggest heading to Djurgarden, which is home to some wonderful museums including the Vasa Ship Museum and Skansen Open Air Museum. You’ll get in the Christmas spirit at Skansen which will be all decorated for Christmas, with bonfires blazing, vendors selling hot drinks and pastries, music and entertainment. Don’t miss ABBA The Museum, an interactive exhibit featuring fabulous costumes, music and memorabilia that made ABBA one of Sweden’s most famous exports. There are also festive Swedish Christmas markets to explore throughout the city. Nothing will get you more excited for the Christmas season than a little mulled wine!

Overnight in Stockholm.
(Breakfast included)

You have the morning to continue exploring Stockholm, in case there are any sites that piqued your interest yesterday but you did not have time to explore! Once you check out of your hotel, you can leave your luggage at reception before you begin your day of sightseeing. 

Mid-afternoon, make your way back to your hotel to grab your luggage and get a taxi to the pier to embark on your overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland!  You’ll want to be out on deck when you depart Stockholm to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the archipelago of thousands of islands, large and small. Tonight on board, there is plenty of entertainment including dining, shopping, sauna, music, and more! Relax and enjoy!

Overnight on board.
(Breakfast and dinner included)

As you enjoy breakfast, you’ll cruise along the coast of Finland and through the archipelago. Arrive in Helsinki, and transfer independently to your hotel. If your room is not yet ready, you may leave your luggage securely with the concierge to begin exploring the city. 

The sustainable Capital of Finland, the most Northern capital of continental Europe, is a vibrant seaside city surrounded by beautiful islands and great green urban areas. It has a unique beat of its own with delicious food, design, architecture and of course the amazing saunas! Helsinki is a local city packed with Nordic culture! 

Sauna culture is an essential part of the Finnish lifestyle – so essential that with 5.4 million residents, there are 3.3 million saunas! Many people have private saunas, but public saunas are  common in larger cities including Helsinki. You’ll have an opportunity to try the sauna experience for yourself in public. Löyly sauna today!  Relax and have a snack while enjoying the city views and atmosphere of the beautiful Helsinki waterfront. (Please Note: Appropriate swimwear must be worn in the sauna, and there are separate locker rooms for men and women. 

Overnight in Helsinki.
(Breakfast included)

Continue exploring the wonderful city of Helsinki today!

If you’re in need of inspiration, we suggest a visit to the library, Oodi. In addition to the usual makings of a library, Oodi also has sewing machines, recording studios, 3D printers, and a cozy community feeling – not to mention a wonderful view of the city. Plus, it’s free to visit.  

You may also wish to visit the medieval Suomenlinna Fortress, located in Helsinki harbor. This is one of the top things to do in Helsinki for locals as well as visitors, and you will soon discover why. Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a population of approximately 800 residents. With 6 kilometers of walls, 100 cannons, tunnels, a historic drydock, and beautiful parks, it’s living history! 

For the rest of your day in Helsinki, we recommend visiting the local Christmas markets! The main one is located in Senate Square (in the heart of the market sits an old-time carousel). Make sure you try the Nordic version of mulled wine called Glögi. Glögi is a hot spicy alcoholic drink just like mulled wine, but with a stronger taste. Perhaps you’ll even find some last-minute souvenirs or Christmas presents for family and friends back home.

Overnight in Helsinki.
(Breakfast included)

This morning, say goodbye (for the day) to Helsinki as you head to the pier to board the 2-hour ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin your tour of the city!

The sightseeing tour starts with a panoramic tour of the city by car/minivan in the Kadriorg and Pirita area. Once you arrive at Toompea Hill, a walking tour starts. Vanalinn, the Old Town of Tallinn, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Your guide will introduce you to the interesting mixture of German, Scandinavian and Russian influences here. In Upper Town, enjoy a walk along cobblestone streets and a view of the interesting Toompea Castle, which was built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 18th century.

You will also taste claret, a distinguished libation made from red wine and spices. This drink is a fairly potent, mouth-warming concoction created at the Raeapteek apothecary shop in Tallinn in 1467. Also included is a marzipan tasting, which once was sold as a cure for heartache and to strengthen memory.

After a fun day in Tallinn, head back to the ferry pier to board the two-hour ferry back to Helsinki.

Overnight in Helsinki.
(Breakfast included)

This morning, you will check out of your hotel and take the metro to the Helsinki airport where you will board a flight to Kittila. Once here, you will take a shuttle bus to the Northern Lights Village in Levi where you will stay for Christmas Day.

Levi is a city that was created around a ski resort but is now so much more! From its river valleys and frozen lakes to the spectacular views over the arctic landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. Once you are in Levi, you will check into your next magical accommodation. During your stay, breakfast and dinner are included as this remote location is far from nearby restaurants and dining options.

In the evening, you’ll take a snowmobile through the snow-covered forest, far away from residential areas and their light pollution, until you reach the slopes of a silent snowy clearing. Warm up by the fire (with an evening meal and drinks) under the starry night sky and wait for a spectacular setting. Are you the one who sees the first flare of the Northern Lights? Compose your photos to include the Northern Lights or simply enjoy the moment. While the snowmobiles are new, extremely easy to use, and safe, you can also choose to ride in the sleigh towed by a guide and focus on enjoying the experience.

Overnight in Levi.
(Breakfast included)

Another day in Lapland means another adventure! Today is all about reindeer. What does a reindeer eat in the wintertime? What does a reindeer’s muzzle feel like? How does a reindeer survive outside at -45 degrees Celcius? It is time to find out!

You’ll meet with a reindeer breeder who will inform you about the reindeer as well as the indigenous Sámi people. And of course, you also get to feed the reindeer and drive a reindeer sleigh through the snowy forest. Sit down, signal the reindeer – and hold on! Now you get to see how Laplanders used to move around before snowmobiles arrived in the northern wilderness. Riding a reindeer sleigh through the wintery forest is an experience that seldom comes around in one’s life! The reindeer ride starts and ends in the reindeer paddock at the Northern Lights Village.

Overnight in Levi.
(Breakfast included)

Merry Christmas! Today you will have a calm day to enjoy the Christmas holiday. The only thing you have booked today is a private 2-hour sauna experience at your hotel. The rest is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight in Levi.
(Breakfast included)

It’s time to say goodbye to Finnish Lapland and hello to Norwegian Lapland! You will have a transfer from your accommodation to the Kittila airport where you will board the Arctic bus toward Tromsø. This journey is around 6 hours, but the bus is very comfortable and you will see some spectacular scenery.

Once in Tromsø, make your way to your central accommodation and check-in. Tromsø is a hidden gem in northern Norway and is particularly known for wonderful views of the Northern Lights as well as a fabulous food scene. Here you can experience easy access to nature and activities while also getting the benefit of soaking up Norwegian culture in this university town.

This afternoon you may wish to wander some of its art galleries and museums or check out a public sauna. Enjoy your stay in the “Paris of the North!”

Overnight in Tromsø
(Breakfast included)

Time for your first tour in Tromsø – dog sledding! Are you looking for excitement and a challenge? Try your hand as a musher! The experienced guides will teach you the basics of dog sledding and then you set off into the wilderness. You will share the sled with another guest (each other); one driving, one riding it as the passenger, and at the halfway point you will switch.

After a 25 minutes drive from Tromsø city, you will arrive at the center. Here you will be fitted with thermal overalls and boots to keep you warm and cozy in the polar temperatures. You only need to bring warm underwear, a hat and gloves. One of the experienced guides will give you an introduction to dog sledding before you take off, so do not worry if you have never done it before! You will be on the sled for about 45-60 minutes total depending on the weather conditions.

Afterward, you can meet and cuddle their 200 Alaskan huskies and their puppies during a guided tour of the dog yard. Learn all about dog sled racing, the Alaskan Husky breed and animal welfare! You’ll then enjoy a hearty lunch of bidos, a traditional Sámi reindeer stew (vegetarian options are available upon prior request), something hot to drink and a piece of their signature chocolate cake in the Gamme-hut. Served around an open fire, it will warm you right up after your trip. After a goodbye to the dogs, you make your way back to Tromsø.

Overnight in Tromsø
(Breakfast included)

Another animal adventure in Tromsø, but this time, it’s whales! Get a unique perspective on the magnificent humpback and orca whales as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. The silent hybrid-electric boat you’ll be on minimizes the disturbance to both nature and whales.

You’ll depart Tromsø at 8 am and head out to the whales’ feeding grounds just in time to enjoy the few hours of polar daylight. On the way, you can take in the breathtaking views of frozen landscapes in comfortable, warm lounges with panoramic windows. You’ll find a selection of food and drinks for purchase on board. While you search for the whales, the passionate guides will share personal stories about interesting sights along the way and give you in-depth information about the Orca and Humpback Whales. Once the whales have been spotted, they will switch to the electric and silent engine.

This boat has multiple decks, giving you space and great views. After a wonderful day out on the water, return to Tromsø to explore for your last evening in the city.

Overnight in Tromsø
(Breakfast included)

On the move for the final time! Make your way to the Tromsø airport where you will board a flight to Copenhagen. 

Welcome to Denmark! Upon arrival at the airport, grab your bags, head through customs and make your way to the city center via the metro which only takes about 15 minutes.

It’s no surprise that Copenhagen has been labeled as “the World’s Happiest City.” From cuisine, coffee, craft and beer and more, it seems as though this city was literally made to put smiles on faces.

Overnight in Copenhagen
(Breakfast included)

Today is yours to explore Copenhagen! Make sure to swing by Tivoli Gardens. These aren’t your typical gardens, however. Founded in 1843, Tivoli offers beautiful gardens but also historic buildings, a wooden roller coaster from 1914, numerous rides and more than 30 restaurants!

Throughout the day, you may venture to a concert or play at one of the several music venues or pantomime theaters. At night, Tivoli will be decorated for Christmas, so thousands of lights will create an amazing and unique atmosphere. Keep the holiday cheer alive while you explore!

Overnight in Copenhagen
(Breakfast included)

It’s New Year’s Eve! You may want to sleep in today if you will be staying up late tonight. Today is yours to venture as you please, but we do have a few recommendations for you. 

The colorful Nyhavn harbor is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic places. Originally it was a commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock and were packed with sailors visiting its pubs, alehouses and ladies of pleasure. Today the beautiful old buildings have been renovated and restaurants dominate the old port. 

Another option for today is a day trip to Roskilde. It is only a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen and has so much to offer! At Roskilde Cathedral, experience an architectural masterpiece, where 1000 years of Danish history and 40 kings and queens lie buried under beautifully decorated vaults and in dark crypts. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Also in Roskilde is the Viking Ship Museum. Feel the presence of history when you stand before the five original Viking ships that bear witness to war, trade, and sea voyages to distant places. The Viking Ship Museum focuses on the Vikings’ maritime craftsmanship and their impressive ships. Follow the work in the Boatyard, visit the large boat collection in the Museum Harbor and even try your hand at Viking crafts. Whatever you decide to do today, I know it will be a great end to the year!

This evening, you’ll make your way to a viewing spot for New Year’s fireworks. The most common places in Copenhagen are the City Hall Square, Dronning Louises Bridge and the Copenhagen Lakes. While there are no regulations for who can set off fireworks in Denmark, we recommend watching rather than participating for safety reasons.

Overnight in Copenhagen
(Breakfast included)

Today is the final full day of your trip! You may wish to sleep in this morning if you stayed up late celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Today is a public holiday, so just enjoy walking around the city and take it all in. You have all day at your disposal to enjoy the last few hours of your Tenon Tours trip.

Overnight in Copenhagen
(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, make your way back to the Copenhagen airport either by metro or by taxi booked by your hotel. We wish you safe travels along your journey home and extend a warm “Kiitos/Tak” to you for your consideration of Tenon Tours!