The Northern Lights of Finland with a Day Trip to Estonia- A Small Group Exploration Tour

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport
• Roundtrip airfare to Helsinki, Finland
• Flights within Finland
• Roundtrip transfers - airport/hotel
• Eight-night accommodations
• Services of a AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and driver
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary 
• Tallinn, Estonia sightseeing excursion 
• Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 5 Dinners
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Helsinki
• Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia
• Tallinn City Tour
• Senate Square
• Helsinki Cathedral
• Lapland Region
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
• Finnish Sauna
• Meet & Greet with Santa
• Reindeer Safari
• Northern Light Searches
• Husky Safari
• Glass Igloo Accommodation

Itinerary

Tuesday, January 27: Depart for Finland 

Transfer by motorcoach to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Helsinki, Finland. 

Anticipated Group Air Schedule:*
Air schedule will be provided once available. 

*Air Schedule will be shared once available. Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed.  Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Air upgrade requests may not be on the same flight schedule as the rest of the group and must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

Wednesday, January 28: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Welcome to Finland! Check in to your hotel, freshen up and enjoy a free day and evening to explore Helsinki as you wish. Your AAA Journey Manager will be able to share some ideas and help with any questions you may have. Hotel: Lilla Roberts Hotel, Helsinki

Thursday, January 29: Helsinki - Tallinn City Tour Excursion

Today we've added a special excursion exclusively for this trip! Transfer to the Helsinki port for a ferry ride to the city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Here we will enjoy a two-hour city tour with a local guide along with a special group lunch. This afternoon we'll take the ferry back to Helsinki. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch) 

Friday, January 30: Helsinki

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 awaits you. Spend the day exploring the city at leisure. This evening, gather with new friends for a welcome dinner in the city center. Hyvää ruokahalua! (Bon appetit!) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, January 31: Helsinki

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 most famous international market. See the steel monument dedicated to the composer Sibelius. During your leisure time, explore more of Helsinki independently. (Breakfast)

Sunday, February 1: Helsinki - Kakslauttanen - Northern Lights Search

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 encounters 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 personal Finnish sauna and other unique fixtures. Trek north toward Inari on a chase for the northern lights. Stops along the pursuit allow you the chance for a front-row seat at nature’s dazzling, electric light show.* Hotel: Kakslauttanen Artic Resort-West Village, Kakslauttanen*** (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

*As this tour is weather dependent, sightings of the northern lights are not guaranteed. No refunds or compensation will be provided if they are not visible throughout the tour.

**Finnish log cabins (small cabins) are equipped with 1 double bed, 1 bunk bed, a dining space, two bathrooms (inclusive of sink, toilet, and shower), private sauna and private fireplace.

***Ask your Travel Advisor about upgrading to Deluxe accommodations while staying at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort- West Village

Monday, February 2: Kakslauttanen - Santa Claus’ Home - Reindeer Safari - Northern Lights Search

If you choose, hit the snow and mush to breakfast aboard an authentic Finnish sleigh. From Kakslauttanen, head to the home of Santa Claus, an epicenter of Christmas cheer. Among prancing reindeer, learn about Santa’s origins during a meet and greet at his house. Under the Arctic moonlight, a reindeer farmer introduces you to some friendly Lappish reindeer that will escort you on an exhilarating reindeer safari through remote Kakslauttanen. Gain insight into the importance of reindeer herding to the Sámi indigenous culture. Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish tradition, under the cover of blankets in the surround of northern Finland’s unspoiled wilderness as you continue the search for the elusive northern lights.* (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, February 3: Kakslauttanen - Husky Safari - Northern Lights Search

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 are 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 private – glass igloo.*** You may even see the northern lights* dancing overhead. (Breakfast, Dinner)

***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. 

Wednesday, February 4: Kakslauttanen - Helsinki

Today, 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 at a farewell dinner. Hotel: Lilla Roberts Hotel, Helsinki (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, February 5: Tour Ends - Depart for Central, PA

Transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA (Breakfast)

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation. 

Tour Activity Level:4

To truly experience the program and destination, you will need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer with selective included activities occurring later in the evening. 

General Information

Travel Documents:

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this trip.  As of the printing of this brochure, all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) Travel Authorization for travel to Europe's Schengen Zone. (Not included in the price of the trip) Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

As travel policies are rapidly changing, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

Payment:

A deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by   October 17, 2025.

Cancellation Penalties:

Deposit date to date of departure                                             $25 per person plus...

From June 30 - October 28, 2025                                              $698 per person; plus any additional suppliers' fees

From October 29, 2025 - January 11, 2026                                40% of total price per person; plus any additional suppliers' fees

From January 12 - January 26, 2026                                          75% of total price per person; plus any additional suppliers' fees

After January 26, 2026                                                               100% of total price per person
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight:

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance:

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate:

Temperatures for Finland in January average in the mid 20s with cooler evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. As the northern lights are a winter event, you will be walking and waiting outdoors while looking for them. It is recommended that you wear sturdy non-slip snow footwear and warm clothing including thermals, hat, scarf, and gloves.

Baggage:

One suitcase per person will be allowed. you may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or the airport.

Travel Assistance:

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing those needing assistance.

GRP1026

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