Swedish Lapland, Icebreakers & Northern Lights

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow where we meet the Tour Manager. We board our flight to Stockholm, followed by a connecting 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.

• Dinner

This morning, we travel by coach to Piteå to 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. Later, we set out for a magical evening of searching for the Northern Lights. After hopefully seeing this colourful spectacle, we return by coach to our hotel.

• Breakfast

A scenic rail journey 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.

• 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.

• 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, marvelling 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 Sámi 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 with experts.

• 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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to say goodbye to Swedish Lapland today. From Kiruna Airport, we fly to Stockholm, where you can reflect on your incredible journey through Swedish Lapland before catching our connecting flight to London. After saying goodbye, you can make your way home with lasting memories of Sweden's stunning landscapes, rich culture, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

• Breakfast