Swedish Lapland, Icebreakers & Northern Lights

Your Scandinavian vacation begins as you land in the Swedish capital. A transfer is on-hand to take you to your four-star hotel in the center of Stockholm.

The rest of the day is free and you might like to explore Gamla Stan, the old medieval center of Stockholm. Stroll through this well-preserved district along cobblestone streets, admire the Old Town's most notable sights, including the Storkyrkan Lutheran cathedral and the Royal Palace.

This evening, seek out a taste of the region as you dine independently. You could look for iconic Swedish meatballs, or kjøttboller, served with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber. Stockholm also offers fantastic seafood, or you might be interested in finding the traditional Sámi dish 'renskav', a creamy reindeer stew with delicious lingonberry jam. Overnight Stockholm

With a transfer to Stockholm airport after breakfast, you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the traveling group ahead of a flight to Luleå, a town just below the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, the town is particularly striking in winter when the surrounding waters freeze, and you can even walk on top. Luleå is also known for its old town - Gammelstad Church Town - which has well-preserved wooden cottages from the 15th century.

On arrival, a coach transfer takes us to our hotel, where we have dinner and time to relax after our journey, preparing for the exciting days ahead. Overnight Luleå.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we journey by motorcoach to Piteå. On arrival here, a vacation highlight awaits as we navigate frozen waters on an icebreaker cruise. From the deck, you can hear the deep cracks as the ship powers through the thick ice. There is even the option to walk on the frozen sea or swim in the dark, icy water while wearing a flotation survival suit - a unique and unforgettable experience.

Returning to Luleå by coach, you can enjoy the afternoon at your own pace and dine independently this evening. Regrouping later, we set out by coach for a magical evening of searching for the Northern Lights. After hopefully seeing this colorful spectacle, we return by coach to our hotel. Overnight Luleå.

• Breakfast

A scenic rail journey after breakfast takes us to Björkliden, a peaceful mountain village. As we make our crossing into the amazing Arctic Circle aboard the train, we marvel at stunning views of snow-draped forests. Nearing our destination, the train passes the town of Kiruna before a huge frozen lake guides us towards our arrival.

We're greeted by dramatic views of the Lapporten valley and the surrounding arctic wilderness. Our hotel here is nestled high in the Scandinavian hills with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Once we have checked in, we gather for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Björkliden.

• Breakfast, Dinner

During breakfast, we look forward to an excursion this morning - a unique husky safari experience. After a brief introduction and meeting our new canine companions, we set out on a sled through the snowy scenery with a pack of energetic huskies at the helm.

Our trip takes us through a winter wonderland on a ride that's been part of Scandinavia's snow-laden culture for generations. Huskies and sledding have been essential to life in the far north for centuries, serving as the primary means of transport in these remote, wintry regions. The scenery around us as we glide is magical with towering trees dusted with snow. Returning to our hotel, we have dinner together this evening. Overnight Björkliden.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We travel to Kiruna this morning to visit the world-famous Ice Hotel. This unique structure is rebuilt each year using ice from the Torne River. We are treated to lunch in its restaurant before a guided tour, marveling at the intricately carved ice rooms and sculptures.

After exploring the hotel, a visit to a Sámi cultural site awaits. Here, we learn about the traditions of the region's indigenous people - the ancestors of whom have lived in these areas for thousands of years. With their own languages and distinct culture, their lifestyle has seen a resurgence in recent years. During a traditional 'fika', we are joined by a Joik singer who channels deep emotions, nature, and ancestral spirits through haunting, melodic chants. This is a truly unique moment as their voice blends with the wind, embodying people, places, and animals in a spiritual expression of Sámi heritage, connection, and storytelling.

Following the Joik entertainment, we head out on our evening excursion for another chance to spot the Northern Lights. Overnight Björkliden.

• Breakfast, Lunch

With a free morning and afternoon, you can relax or explore the stunning surroundings of Björkliden. Our hotel's location offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. You could enjoy a peaceful walk through the snowy landscapes and admire the panoramic views of Lapporten valley - the 'Gate to Lapland'.

Abisko is a national park famed for its nature and ideal conditions for aurora viewing. Arriving by coach this evening, we ascend by chairlift to the Abisko Sky Station, one of the world's best spots for seeing the Northern Lights. After dinner at our hotel, we spend the evening in this remote location with breathtaking views of the night sky before returning to our hotel. Overnight Björkliden.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A morning flight from Kiruna airport awaits after breakfast as we return to Stockholm. Here, you say farewell to the Tour Manager and are transferred back to your first hotel in downtown Stockholm.

The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating city, renowned for its engaging museums. From Viking history to the interactive ABBA Museum, you can find many attractions on the island of Djurgården.

Stockholm has a reputation for stylish and inventive cuisine including seafood and unique seasonal produce. A hearty and warming stew such as beef kalops or seafood fisksoppa could be the perfect way to commemorate your time in Scandinavia. Overnight Stockholm.

• Breakfast

From historic and cultural Stockholm to the pristine wilderness of Swedish Lapland, this tour has explored the wonders of Sweden in winter. Once-in-a-lifetime moments such as an icebreaker cruise, a husky-hauled safari, a visit to the Ice Hotel and meeting Sámi people have elevated the experience of visiting Scandinavia at this magical time of year. As one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, an evening in Abisko will hopefully have produced the unforgettable sight of the aurora borealis dancing across the landscape.

It's time to say goodbye to Sweden after breakfast as you transfer to Stockholm airport to begin your journey home.

• Breakfast