Step beyond the ordinary and into the wild heart of the Arctic on this unforgettable women’s adventure through Finnish Lapland. From crossing the Arctic Circle and meeting reindeer, huskies, and Sámi culture to riding snowmobiles across frozen landscapes and sailing through sea ice aboard a legendary icebreaker, this journey is designed for women who crave discovery, challenge, and connection. Each day blends cultural immersion with adrenaline-fueled experiences—gold panning in the far north, snowshoeing beneath towering frozen waterfalls, and exploring pristine wilderness few ever see.

As night falls, the magic deepens. You’ll hunt the Northern Lights with expert guides and photographers, chase clear skies into remote wilderness, and—if conditions allow—witness the aurora dancing overhead in brilliant waves of color. Between adventures, unwind in handpicked Arctic accommodations featuring private saunas, glass-roof igloos, and cozy wilderness lodges, offering comfort without losing touch with nature. Shared moments, laughter, and resilience create a powerful sense of sisterhood throughout the journey.

This is more than a trip—it’s an initiation into Arctic life. Bold, beautiful, and deeply empowering, this Lapland adventure invites you to slow down, step up, and reconnect with your wild spirit at the edge of the world.

This adventure is ideal for women who are comfortable staying active and embracing the outdoors in winter conditions. Activities include snowmobiling, husky sledding, guided hikes on snow and ice, and extended travel days by coach through remote regions. While no technical skills are required, participants should have a reasonable level of fitness, good balance, and a sense of adventure, along with the ability to walk on uneven or icy terrain and tolerate cold temperatures.

January in Finnish Lapland is deep winter—cold, snowy, and unmistakably Arctic. Expect temperatures typically between –10°C and –30°C (14°F to –22°F), with very short daylight hours, icy terrain, and frequent snow. Guests should come fully prepared for extreme winter conditions with insulated, waterproof boots, thermal base layers, warm mid-layers, a heavy-duty winter jacket, snow pants, a hat, scarf or neck gaiter, and high-quality gloves or mittens. Proper layering is essential, as many activities take place outdoors, often in the evening, and embracing the cold is part of the adventure and magic of traveling in the Arctic at its most authentic.

All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items. You can either order Euros from your bank at home or use an ATM on arrival in Finland to get some cash. Exchanging USD to Euros at the airport or at a bank in Finland is not always easy and doesn't give the best exchange rates.

All gratuities are included in your adventure, with the exception of tips for your Chicas Abroad Tour Leader. While tipping your Tour Leader is entirely optional, it’s a meaningful way to show appreciation for the care, energy, and behind-the-scenes magic they bring to your trip.

If you’ve had an exceptional experience, a typical gratuity for a trip of this length ranges from $250–$350. In cases where more than one Tour Leader is present, you’re welcome to give your tip to one of them—they’ll ensure it’s shared among the team.

A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.

Your Arctic adventure begins as you arrive in Rovaniemi, the heart of Finnish Lapland and gateway to the far north. After meeting your Tour Director at the airport, travel by coach into this legendary winter landscape where wilderness, culture, and magic collide. Step across the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village and dive into one of Lapland’s most iconic experiences—meeting Santa himself, exploring the rustic cottages of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and learning the secrets behind the world’s most famous post office, where letters are hand-stamped with a special Arctic Circle mark.

From here, discover Rovaniemi through the eyes of a local during a guided orientation, uncovering a city shaped by resilience, Nordic design, and Arctic life. Spot Alvar Aalto’s architectural influence, pass the striking Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge, and feel the raw energy of the north. As night settles in, the real adventure begins—Rovaniemi sits beneath one of the world’s most active aurora zones, offering thrilling chances to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Tonight, relax and recharge in true Finnish style, knowing your Lapland journey has only just begun.

Accommodations: Hotel in Rovaniemi  

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Some winter clothing provided, more details forthcoming on what you need to pack

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading north by coach toward the frozen coastline of the Bothnian Bay. Today is all about stepping far outside your comfort zone. Upon arrival in Kemi, check in and explore the otherworldly SnowExperience365, where ice sculptures and Arctic artistry set the tone for what’s ahead.

Next, transfer to the harbor for the main event: the legendary Icebreaker Sampo. This four-hour expedition is a true bucket-list Arctic adventure as the ship crushes its way through solid sea ice—an experience few travelers in the world can claim. Go behind the scenes on a guided tour of the vessel, walk directly on the frozen sea, and for the bravest among you, suit up for the unforgettable ice-floating experience, drifting effortlessly in the icy water beneath the vast northern sky. Warm up onboard with a welcome drink and a hearty buffet lunch while soaking in the raw beauty of the Arctic seascape. Each guest receives a commemorative diploma, marking your official initiation into icebreaker life.

After returning to the pier, travel back to Rovaniemi, where adventure gives way to comfort. Enjoy dinner at the hotel before settling in for a night beneath the Arctic sky—your premium igloo offering front-row views of the wilderness and, with a bit of luck, the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead.


Accommodation: Igloo in Rovaniemi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, set off on a powerful northbound journey—nearly 380 km into the wild heart of Lapland. Today is about exploration and endurance, with stops that bring you face-to-face with the Arctic. Encounter native wildlife at Ranua Wildlife Park, feel the rush of nature at the Puuor Köngäs Rapids, and step into Lapland’s frontier past at Tankavaara Gold Village, where you’ll try your hand at traditional gold panning. A visit to the historic Sodankylä Old Church offers a glimpse into life in the far north centuries ago.

In the afternoon, slow things down with a Reindeer Express ride through snowy landscapes, connecting with Sámi culture and the deep rhythms of Arctic life. As darkness falls, the adventure reaches its peak with your guided Northern Lights hunt, traveling deep into the wilderness in search of clear skies and dancing auroras—a moment that’s equal parts thrilling and unforgettable.

Accommodation: Hotel in Saariselka
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and travel north with your Tour Director into the cultural heart of Lapland. Begin the day at the Sámi Museum & Northern Lapland Nature Centre (SIIDA), where powerful stories of Indigenous Sámi life, Arctic survival, and northern landscapes set the tone for the adventures ahead. Continue by coach to Saariselkä, surrounded by vast wilderness and snow-covered fells.

This afternoon, trade wheels for adrenaline during a two-hour snowmobile adventure, carving through frozen forests and wide-open Arctic terrain on a shared ride—an unforgettable rush in the far north. As night falls, head deep into the wilderness for your second Northern Lights hunt, guided by a professional photographer who will help capture the moment as the aurora—weather permitting—ignites the sky in waves of color.

Accommodation: Hotel in Saariselka
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel by coach back to Rovaniemi, where an unforgettable Arctic adventure awaits. At a local husky farm, meet your energetic sled team and set off on a thrilling 10 km husky safari through snow-covered forests. Take turns driving and riding the sled, then warm up by the fire with a hot drink while learning about life with these incredible dogs—an authentic Lapland experience and a true highlight of the journey.

This evening, unwind in nature just outside the city, surrounded by river views and forested hills, with time to relax and reflect after an adrenaline-filled day.

Accommodation: Hotel in Rovaniemi with private saunas and a hole for ice swimming for the brave!
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, set out by private coach through the Lapland wilderness for a powerful final adventure before returning to Rovaniemi. En route, your local guide shares insight into Korouoma Canyon, winter safety, and what lies ahead, setting the stage for one of northern Finland’s most breathtaking natural experiences.

Upon arrival, gear up with snowshoes or crampons and begin a guided hike descending gently into the canyon, following a frozen river through silent, snow-laden forests. Towering frozen waterfalls, some reaching up to 60 meters, glimmer in the winter light as your guide explains the canyon’s geology, ice formations, and how Arctic wildlife survives the extreme cold. Midway through the hike, pause at a firepit to warm up with hot drinks and local Finnish snacks, surrounded by untouched wilderness and dramatic icefalls such as Myllykoski and Jänkäjärvi.

The final stretch leads back up to the canyon rim, with optional panoramic viewpoints offering sweeping views across the frozen landscape—an unforgettable farewell to Lapland’s wild beauty. Return to Rovaniemi with a comfort stop along the way before enjoying dinner and a final overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in  Rovaniemi with private saunas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Hot Drinks & Snacks, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say farewell to Lapland. Enjoy a final morning with your group before meeting your Tour Director for a coach transfer from the city hotel to Rovaniemi Airport. Depart on your scheduled group flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Arctic adventures, shared moments, and the magic of the far north—until the next journey calls.

Meals Included: Breakfast