Tour Description

Take the family on the ultimate cool-cation during this seven-day adventure through Finland and discover why Lapland is the perfect summer destination. Start in Helsinki, exploring the capital and Suomenlinna Fortress, then take the Santa Claus Express overnight train to Finnish Lapland. On this family adventure, there's plenty of opportunities to relax and immerse yourselves in nature. Whether it's wrapped in a hammock between the trees in an arctic cocoon in Halipuu Forest, spending time with a local family's therapy sheep in Rovaniemi, or learning about Finnish culture with felting and baking – you're bound to have an amazing getaway!

Priced From:

$ 4765.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2026

Valid To: 31DEC2026

Start Location: Helsinki

End Location: Rovaniemi

Countries: Finland,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Find out why Finland is known as the happiest country in the world as you travel from Helsinki to the northern regions of Finnish Lapland.

Watch the landscapes whizz by onboard the comfortable Santa Claus Express overnight train – an activity the kids are sure to love.

Discover the midnight sun on a gondola ride and short guided walk in Levi with your local leader.

Try your hand at some traditional hands-on workshops like felting and baking with a local family in their home. Then, toast marshmallows over a campfire and spend time with their farm animals.

Find a moment of calm as you’re guided through a tree-hugging forest in Levi, then be wrapped in a hammock for a Finnish experience of arctic cocooning.

Itinerary

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your family adventure kicks off in Helsinki with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Helsinki Cathedral, wander through the Kauppatori Market Square or soak in a Finnish Sauna with the locals. After your meeting, maybe head out for a group dinner to get to know the other families travelling with you.

After breakfast, join your local leader on a walking tour of the capital city. Then, visit the Suomenlinna Fortress – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the sea fortress with your leader, take in the panoramic views of the city and surrounding water and learn about Helsinki’s rich history. After, you’ll take a ferry back to Helsinki’s city centre. There will be some free time in the afternoon to grab some snacks, explore the town further and have dinner before boarding the overnight Santa Claus Express train to Kolar.

After an exciting train journey, you'll disembark this morning in Kolari where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Levi. There will be some time to rest and recharge before joining your leader in the afternoon for a gondola ride and short guided walk to explore the surroundings and beauty of the midnight sun. Tonight, why not continue to explore Levi and find somewhere to try some local dishes for dinner.

Today is free day for you to enjoy Lapland in summer at your own pace. Maybe join a canoeing adventure on one of the many lakes, hire bikes for a cycling adventure or take things at a slower pace and explore the town and museums of Levi. Later, why not hike through Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, cycle the scenic trails on a mountain biking trip or take in the scenic views from above on a zip-line adventure. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

This morning, travel to Halipuu Forest. When you arrive, meet the family that owns the land and hear about their efforts to spread awareness of nature conservation and how they work to save trees from being cut down. Hug a few trees (as the locals do) before being wrapped in a hammock for a Finnish experience of arctic cocooning. After, sit down for a warm cup of hot chocolate and a lunch around the fire of lapp-dogs (reindeer sausages wrapped in bread dough, roasted on the campfire). Later, travel to Rovaniemi, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

After breakfast, you’ll visit a local Finnish family for a day of activities, getting to know their way of life. Get hands-on with a needle-felting workshop, a baking class where you’ll make traditional kampanisu (scones) and learn about Finnish history and culture. You’ll also be able to spend some time with the family’s animals, including their therapy sheep! Later, sit down for a delicious lunch and indulge in the kampanisu pastries that you baked earlier. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner – a great way to spend your final night in Finland!

Your Finland adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. This doesn’t mean your trip has to come to an end! Your local leader will have the best recommendations if you are looking for more to see and do in town. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

18DEC2025

Return Date :

23DEC2025

4905NZD

available

Departure Date :

28JUN2026

Return Date :

04JUL2026

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

05JUL2026

Return Date :

11JUL2026

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

19JUL2026

Return Date :

25JUL2026

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

02AUG2026

Return Date :

08AUG2026

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

27SEP2026

Return Date :

03OCT2026

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

27JUN2027

Return Date :

03JUL2027

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

04JUL2027

Return Date :

10JUL2027

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

18JUL2027

Return Date :

24JUL2027

4765NZD

available

Departure Date :

01AUG2027

Return Date :

07AUG2027

4765NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Finland Family Holiday

Trip code

BMFI

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Family

Transport

Private vehicle,train

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

Joining point

Hotel Arthur

Vuorikatu 19

Helsinki

FINLAND

Phone: +358 09173441

Joining point description

Hotel Arthur is located close to the railway station in the heart of Helsinki. The main sights, shopping district and theatres are just a short walk away. The recently refurbished rooms are cosy and brightly coloured. All rooms have a private shower/toilet, telephone, TV, and hair dryer - some also have a minibar. If you choose to arrange additional accommodation at this location you may be required to change rooms for the nights which are not included as part of your Intrepid itinerary.

Joining point instructions

From Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (airport code HEL), your best option is to take the train to the main railway station in Helsinki. Alternatively public bus No. 615 or the Finnair Bus go to Rautatientori (railway square). The train/bus journey takes about 35 minutes and both modes of transport depart frequently. From the railway station it's a 5 minute walk to our hotel. Go to the square on the eastern side of the railway station. Take Vilhonkatu Street which leads off the top left corner of the square with the railway station behind you. You will come to a metro station at the corner of Vilhonkatu and Kaisaniemenkatu, Here turn left and head towards Kaisaniemi Park. Our hotel is located on the next corner on the right hand side. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport directly to the hotel. Pre booked arrival transfer from Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (HEL): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall in front of the airport's exit doors, holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name on it. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +358 50 545 5454.

Finish point

Hotelli Aakenus

Koskikatu 47

Rovaniemi

FINLAND

Phone: +358 16342205

Finish point description

Hotel Aakenus is located 500m from central Rovaniemi and just around the corner from the bath house Vesihiisi. It offers freshly decorated rooms with TV, desk, fridge, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers access to their sauna (at an additional cost) and serves home cooked meals at their in-house restaurant.

Finish point instructions

The hotel will be able to organise a taxi to the airport or the railway station for you. The ride to the airport takes about 15 minutes, and to the railway station its about a 5-minute drive. Alternatively you can walk to the railway station in about 20 minutes. Pre booked departure transfer to Rovaniemi Airport (airport code RVN): Please double check with your tour leader for the exact pick up time for your transfer from the hotel. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +358 50 327 27 88.

Important information

1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old unless otherwise approved by Intrepid. 3. DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves and applies to all nights excluding the overnight train (Day 2). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Though obvious please don't allow your children to carry their own passports while on tour. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. When travelling in private mini vans or trucks all children (and adults) must wear a seat belt. No children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. LIFE JACKETS: While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water with your children, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Find out why Finland is known as the happiest country in the world as you travel from Helsinki to the northern regions of Finnish Lapland.

Watch the landscapes whizz by onboard the comfortable Santa Claus Express overnight train – an activity the kids are sure to love.

Discover the midnight sun on a gondola ride and short guided walk in Levi with your local leader.

Try your hand at some traditional hands-on workshops like felting and baking with a local family in their home. Then, toast marshmallows over a campfire and spend time with their farm animals.

Find a moment of calm as you’re guided through a tree-hugging forest in Levi, then be wrapped in a hammock for a Finnish experience of arctic cocooning.

Is this trip right for you

The midnight sun in Finland lasts for approximately 45 days, from late May to mid-July. During this period, the sun doesn't set below the horizon, meaning there's continuous daylight. Lapland's vast forests, lakes, and fells become active with green landscapes, wildflowers and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, canoeing and cycling. It's also the perfect time to experience Finnish culture and traditions and relax in nature.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

Due to the remote northern location of this trip, most meals are included. Generous buffet style breakfasts and dinners are provided at your accommodation and we will have some lunch meals cooked outside on the fire for us. You will have the chance to try some traditional Finnish meals like smoked fish, salmon soup, reindeer stew and traditional cakes, however please be aware that fresh fruit and vegetables are rare in our isolated northern location. Dietary requirements will be catered for however, these must be provided at time of booking. While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. EUROPE The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. You can obtain EUR cash prior to arriving through normal outlets such as banks and currency exchange offices. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. We recommend budgeting approximately EUR 10-20 per person per week to tip local service providers for activities included in this trip, in local currencies. This doesn’t include a tip for your leader. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

Remember - the lighter you travel the better! A soft-sided duffel is the ideal form of luggage. A small or medium-sized backpack or dufel bag (45-50 litres) is another good option. It can get chilly between October and March in the hills and a warm jacket is recommended. When you pack your families clothing, consider the climate at the time of year you are travelling and any specific requirements for your trip as at certain times of the year some of the items suggested in the list that follow may not be necessary. Laundry facilities are available in most places we visit. Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday. Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip Notes Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets Spare passport photos Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card Money belt Small first-aid kit Daypack for use on day or overnight excursions Torch/flashlight (or your phone's light) Electrical adapter plug Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes Insect repellent Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat and sunglasses Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers) Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required) 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain) Refillable water bottle Warm clothes - when travelling in cooler months (Oct-Mar) Wind and waterproof jacket Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes that you can cycle in Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras) Phone and internet access With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.

What to pack: • Waterproof shoes, winter hiking shoes, sports shoes or snow boots (for evening wear) • Warm (wool) socks • A warm wind and waterproof jacket • Suitable warm trousers - windproof ski style, soft shell or fleece lined mountaineering trousers are ideal • Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s) • Warm base layer thermals - very important!(Thin technical fibers as Carline or Polartec are extremely efficient) • Gloves - multiple pairs for under and over • A warm hat • Appropriate neck wear like a warm buff • Swim suit (sauna) • Travel towel (sauna) The apartments: shared double or triple rooms with lake views, private bathrooms and sauna access. Sheets, blankets and bath towels are provided- we recommend that you bring a second towel for use in the sauna

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

WINTER TEMPERATURES During the winter months in Lapland, temperatures can drop to well below zero. Winter boots and overalls are available for hire in location for the included activities, however in order to ensure you have high quality equipment with the right fit for your entire time in Finland, we recommend to all our guests to bring these items from home. This includes good sturdy shoes for walking across snow or ice (good waterproof walking boots), warm wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, thermals underwear and base layers, extra wool or cotton socks, fleece, good head wear that covers your ears, scarf or other face protection, and sunglasses. DARKNESS We also suggest you bring along a torch/flashlight, as days are short, and street lighting in the village will be turned off in the evening to increase the chance of spotting the northern lights. RECOMMENDED - Personal medical kit. Your leader will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as blister relief, mild pain killers and bandaids. - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - Swimwear & flip-flops - for visits to one of Finland's famous saunas OPTIONAL - Camera with spare batteries. You won't be able to recharge during the day. Keep in mind that cold weather conditions drain batteries much quicker compared to warm weather. Keeping your camera or phone close to your body can be a solution. - Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)

Climate and seasonal

The winter months in Lapland can be extremely cold. The average temperature between November and March ranges from minus 5 to minus 15 degrees Celsius (5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit), but cold snaps of below minus 35 degrees Celsius (minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit) are possible. Heavy snowfalls are common, and snow remains on the ground until the thaw in spring. Please read the 'what to pack' section for information on how to stay warm.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above. In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below: Intrepid’s Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Intrepid Travel acknowledges Finland’s Indigenous Sami people as the traditional owners of Finnish Lapland and recognise their important connection to the land. The Sami people are known for their colourful cultural heritage. There are currently around 10,000 Sami living in Finland, with an autonomous Sami parliament tasked with preserving their endangered language and culture.

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

Accommodation notes

We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather small. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you and your family travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow families will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too (for both parents and children). We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow families is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you and your family have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow families booked on your trip prior to departure.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

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Extend validity

26 Sep 2027