Lapland Circle Independent

Arrive into the small airport of Kittilä and transfer to your accommodation, check in from 4pm.

Each glass igloo has a kitchenette, shower and toilet. The windows are insulated and electrically heated to keep them from frosting. The kitchenette is equipped with a breakfast set for two, electric stove, microwave, coffee maker and kettle, toaster and fridge. In addition, the igloos have a radio/CD player, a hair dryer and a socket for car engine heaters.

At the centre of the igloo is a motorised double bed that can be converted into twin beds.

This evening, dine at your accommodation restaurant, Restaurant Aurora Sky - open from 6pm.

Mid morning, start your arctic experience with huskies! After the safety instructions start your 8km safari and enjoy the silence and beautiful winter scenery of Levi. Everyone will get a chance to mush their own husky team (one driving, one is sitting on a sledge). After the trip warm drinks will be served by the open fire.

Afterwards, why not spend the afternoon in Levi where you can enjoy the local restaurants and cafes or join more optional activities. Downhill Skiing is also an afternoon option!

Fat Bikes are bicycles with huge fat tires so they roll well even on snow! Electronic engine assists you as you pedal through the forest trails, taking the scenic route to see a perfect landscape view and to take some photos. Try to keep the smile off your face during this two hour adventure.

After resting this afternoon, head out for an evening snowmobile drive to search for Northern Lights. Your guide, a professional Aurora Hunter will lead you through the snowy forests and frozen waters away from any artificial lights. It’s really exciting to drive at night. You might even see some white rabbits or reindeer in your headlights. If lucky, there might be beautiful Northern Lights above you. Warm drinks served during the safari.

Return to your glass igloo.

After breakfast, board your bus to travel to Tromsø, 6-hours north across the Norwegian border. Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and one of the best and most cosmopolitan places to observe the spectacle that is called the Northern Lights. Tromsø is located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone, and following the planet’s rotation, Tromsø moves into the aurora zone from 6pm to midnight.

After breakfast, you are met by our guide at your hotel and brought outdoors on a historical and cultural city walk through Tromsø city. During this walk you visit the Polar Museum with your guide. This museum contains the history of the Arctic explorers Amundsen, Nansen and Scott. The walk ends at the Polaria aquarium and environmental centre.

The rest of the day is free to wander around in this Arctic capital  - if it is a bit fresh outside, explore the lovely cafes & galleries.

Clear night - be sure to head up to the cable car and observatory to look for the Northern Lights!

After breakfast, start your Sami experience by hand-feeding a herd of 300 reindeer before entering the gamme tent for a hot traditional meal cooked over the fire. Finish the day by gathering around the fire to enjoy joiking (traditional Sami songs), Sami history and stories.

In the evening, step aboard Stella Oceana, a custom built 32-meter luxury yacht, designed to host small groups of up to 12 guests. Settle into an evening of indulgence with a private hot tub experience and a traditional local dinner.

Being above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is an ideal destination for viewing the Northern lights. With minimal light pollution just outside the town, you don’t have to sail far for the opportunity to view the lights. Cruise out to the best place to see the lights depending on the weather. Your guides will share local stories and answer any questions you have about the aurora borealis or Northern Norway.  Enjoy a traditional dinner followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub. This is the best way to stay warm and keep an eye out for the auroras. Alternately, you can rent a thermal suit to stay warm while searching for the lights, or stay out as long as it's comfortable and then go inside to warm up.

In the mid-morning you will make your way to the port and board the express service along the coast south to Harstad. On arrival in Harstad you will be picked up by our local friends for a 3-4 hour minibus transfer through winter landscapes to Abisko in Sweden.

Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. This evening, join a snowshoe hike to search for the Northern Lights.

Head out this morning on a guided snow shoe hike around the surrounding lake and mountain areas. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the small village.

After dinner at the hotel, visit the Abisko Aurora Sky Station. Abisko, in the middle of the Aurora zone, is considered to be the best place on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. With its fresh, clean air and its practically permanent cloud-free sky, the prerequisites in Abisko are optimal. More or less active Northern Lights can be seen almost every night over the winter months, however they can never be 100% guaranteed.

If you wish to enjoy dinner at the sky station (not included in tour), we would recommend booking beforehand. We can do this for you if you would like.

Take the local train to Kiruna and transfer to the ICEHOTEL. Wander around the ICEHOTEL and check out all the different art suites.

Enjoy a drink in the uber-cool icebar before settling into your snow room at the ICEHOTEL. Choose between two restaurants: The ICE Restaurant with an "Ice Menu" or the Old Homestead with a more traditional feel.

This evening, you will settle into your ice room for the night. Sleep in thermal sleeping bags laid out on reindeer skins on a special bed made of snow and ice.

Inside ICEHOTEL, the temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, regardless of how cold it may be outside. Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat and slip into the cozy sleeping bag. You are awakened in the morning with a cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside. Breakfast buffet, morning sauna and towels are included in your stay.

Note: The ICEHOTEL loans you snow boots and for those who feel cold, onesie snow suits - both free of charge.

Today, led by local artists and using the ice from Torne River, let yourself be guided into the magical world of ice sculpting.

This evening you will stay in a warm room, i.e. a normal hotel room and enjoy a good long sleep.

After breakfast, transfer back to Kiruna for your departure.