2024 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Nordic Christmas Exploration

2024 Nordic Christmas Exploration:

Daily Itinerary
December 11 – 20, 2024  –  10 Days/9 Nights

Prepare for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the heartbeat of Nordic culture this December. Join us to explore the unique Christmas traditions and foods, the historic sites and creative accommodations that dot the winterscape of Sweden and Finland. This will be a trip like no other for those who are ready to venture into the snow to play and try unique experiences, and to travel toward the darkest skies to see thousands of twinkling stars and perhaps the Aurora Borealis itself! Take a look at what I have planned for you with the help of my incredible travel partners at Learning Journeys.

DAILY ITINERARY

Wednesday, December 11 – DAY 1 – ARRIVE STOCKHOLM

Welcome to Stockholm and Sweden for the start of your Nordic Christmas Exploration! You will be met at the airport by our Learning Journeys Representative and taken by private transfer to The Sparrow Hotel – a delightful, boutique hotel just minutes from Stureplan and located in the heart of central Stockholm.  You’ll love the warmth and personal service of this home base for our first few nights in the city. After getting settled, enjoy dinner at the hotel wine bar and bistro or stroll the area to find nearby restaurants.

Overnight in Stockholm, Sweden at The Sparrow Hotel. (Meals are not included)

Thursday, December 12 – DAY 2 – CITY TOUR & CHRISTMAS MARKETS

After enjoying breakfast, get ready for our private Stockholm City Tour with stops for capturing beautiful photography.  Visit the Sodermalm district, significant sites throughout Stockholm and learn about the history of Swedish royalty and landmarks.  We’ll walk through the cobblestone streets, old homes and monuments of the Old Town of Gamla Stan which is truly one of the most beautiful and famous places in Stockholm to witness as it helped found the capital city in 1252.  Here we’ll enjoy one of Stockholm’s largest and most well known Christmas Markets with time to explore and find some treasures to take home!

Overnight in Stockholm, Sweden at The Sparrow Hotel.  Breakfast included.

Friday, December 13 – DAY 3 – SANTA LUCIA, MUSEUMS and CHRISTMAS MARKET

Following breakfast at our hotel, join in today’s tour of discover Sweden’s history during our private guided tour of the Nordiska and Skansen Museums. Learn how Swedes once lived according to the changing seasons.  Discover the customs and traditions, work, celebrations and activities of daily life in times gone by. Known for its festive celebrations throughout the year, we’ll enjoy the opportunity to attend a traditional Santa Lucia concert at the Seglora Church.  This magical setting is home to a beloved Christmas market that dates back to 1903.  Explore among the holiday lights to buy everything from traditional handicrafts and design to sweets and home-made candles. Afterward, return to our hotel for dinner on your own.

Overnight in Stockholm, Sweden at The Sparrow Hotel.  Breakfast included.

Saturday, December 14 – DAY 4 – KIRUNA, ICE HOTEL, SAMI VILLAGE, ICE CARVING

After breakfast and check out, our private driver will take us to the Stockholm Arlanda Airport for our flight up north to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. On arrival, it’s off to a delicious local lunch before a 3-hour tour of Kiruna and its historic highlights, including the Kiruna Church which in 2001 was awarded as Sweden’s most beautiful building! There is a fascinating background story to Kiruna including its focus on sustainability and the fact that they are literally moving the city eastward to make space for its citizens and commerce.

Next stop? The Icehotel – the most remarkable seasonal structure and the world’s original Icehotel!

Every year when winter comes, the pristine waters of the meandering Torne River slow down and freeze into ice. On one chilly day in 1989, the first ever Icehotel was hand-sculpted out of these massive ice blocks harvested from the very Torne River that runs alongside its location today. Over three decades later, the Icehotel has become a must-visit Swedish landmark for travelers from all parts of the globe. You will be amazed at the carvings and sculpture uniquely created each winter!

This afternoon and early evening we’ll explore the Icehotel’s rooms and the nearby Sami Village. Prepare for a private ice carving workshop! Try your hand at natural ice carving as our instructor talks about the tools and techniques used as you work with your block of crystal-clear ice, harvested from the Torne River.

We’ll fuel up with dinner nearby and learn all about the ins and outs of enjoying a very special night staying in your private room in the Icehotel…on a bed made of ice! This is a very special treat and you’ll love the adventure of cocooning in to the special bedding made to keep you toasty and warm!

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Visit to nearby Sami Village.

Overnight in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden  at the Icehotel.  Breakfast included.

Sunday, December 15 – DAY 5 – AURORA SPA EXPERIENCES

After hot showers, a hearty Swedish breakfast and check out, we’ll move on to the Camp Ripan hotel and enjoy their fabulous Aurora Spa and our own cozy cabins with private entrances. Camp Ripan is a family-owned company that is passionate about highlighting everything that makes the northernmost part of Sweden so fantastic: the meeting of the different cultures, the majestic nature and the availability of local wild produce that become delicious experiences in their kitchen. Their goal is to preserve the stories and culture for future generations while sharing the contrasts of the area in their Aurora Spa.  “Here you can wander between in and out, heat and cold, soothing water and crystalline snow. Relax indoors and enjoy the winter white lands­cape through panorama windows, or feel the cool caress of the polar winter across your cheek while en­veloped by the warming comfort of our outdoor pool. And if you are lucky, the colorful dance of the Northern Lights will entertain you!”

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Spa Services

Overnight in Kiruna, Sweden at Camp Ripan.  Breakfast included. Option: Spa treatments.

Monday, December 16 – DAY 6 – TRAVEL TO LEVI

After breakfast and check out, we’ll meet our driver for an approximately 4-hour drive to Levi, Finland. With stops along the way, we’ll arrive to check in to our hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in this World Cup ski resort community.  Levi is home to the first Women’s World Cup ski race of the season where every skier who wins a race at Levi is gifted a reindeer.  Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA has now won 7 races, and therefore owns 7 real-life reindeer! Our hotel is in the mountains of Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle, in the heart of the alpine village of Levi.

Choose to dine on premise at Kilsa, or you to explore Levi and other nearby options at your leisure.

Overnight in Levi, Finland at Break Sokos Hotel Levi.  Breakfast included.

Tuesday, December 17 – DAY 7 – HUSKIES, NORTHERN LIGHTS

Get ready for a very special day in Lapland! We’ll start with breakfast before our private Husky Safari Tour. We’ll meet the professional dog breeders who will introduce us to the life of the huskies on the farm, and we’ll complete a brief course of “ a young dog-breeder.” Then we’ll be off on a dog sled that holds 1-2 people for a guided adventure that includes a 5km husky safari and a hot drink to conclude our adventure.

Eager to see the Northern Lights? It’s time to go Northern Lights Hunting! Levi, Finland is known as one of the best spots in the world to offers the chance to see this extraordinary, natural phenomenon. Led by our guide, absorb the silent winter setting and stay warm with hot drinks and snacks around the campfire. Look for the lights, and if luck is on our side, enjoy a memorable display of the luminescent ribbons as they dance overhead.  While Mother Nature will offer what she can, no matter what the weather, this will be an experience to remember for all!

Overnight in Levi, Finland at Break Sokos Hotel Levi.  Breakfast included.

Wednesday, December 18 – DAY 8 – SNOWSHOE, COOKING WORKSHOP

Let’s get outside and play after breakfast and check out, it’s off for a private 2-hour snowshoeing tour this morning to experience the Lapland wintry wilderness, enjoy clean and fresh air, and get some exercise! People in the Artic have used snowshoes for centuries to help assist them when traveling through the snowy landscapes. Enjoy this guided, outdoor adventure with warming snacks in route.

Afterward, we’ll meet our driver to transfer to a special hotel – the Aurora Pyramids. The pyramids bring the balance and energy of nature’s forces to the overnight guest. Each pyramid has a bedroom with a panorama window to view the mystical Polar night with thousands of twinkling stars.  The pyramids are aligned with magnetic North. This strengthens energy and the formation of negative ions, which have a beneficial effect on the body. Although we are above the Artic Circle, we can not guarantee seeing the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis—but the possibility of seeing them will be multiplied when staying under the 360° glass roof of the pyramids.

Later that day we have a VERY special experience planned for you.  Taste the magic of the Artic and go wild with artic flavors on an exclusive Wild Food Cooking Workshop!  Using fire and ice, we will create a feast in a traditional log cabin alongside a lake, surrounded by Finland’s most popular national park. Together we will prepare a three-course meal using wild, rare and locally found ingredients grown in a clean and pure environment.  Experiment with wild nettle seeds, combine local wild mushrooms with dark chocolate and more! Cook and share these delicious dishes around a private dinner table with friends and family. Make a drink to start with snow and local berries. This feast includes unique salads, entrees and desserts along with non-alcoholic beverages and an AMAZING experience in a unique kitchen!

Overnight in Levi, Finland at Aurora Pyramids.  Wild Food Feast and Breakfast included.

Thursday, December 19 – DAY 9 – KITTILA TO HELSINKI

Early breakfast and check out of the hotel, then transfer to the Kittila Airport for our flight to Helsinki.  On arrival at the Helsinki Airport we will gather our luggage and take the short walk under a covered walk way, to our hotel check in.  This stylish and modern hotel offers the perfect environment and location for a good night’s sleep before your flight home.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Helsinki has an interesting water front area and a well known “Tuomaan Markkinat” Christmas Market that features a beautiful wintry setting lit by thousands of twinkling lights. If time and interest permits – this area of the city is about a 30-minute taxi or 1-hour train ride from our hotel. Depending on departure times the following day, we will see if there is interest in exploring Helsinki.

Overnight in Helsinki, Finland at Scandic Helsinki Airport.  Breakfast included.

Friday, December 20 – DAY 10 – TRAVEL BACK TO THE USA

Enjoy a final meal in Finland before walking to your check in gates at the airport – attached to our hotel. We hope you take with you the warmth and memories of our Nordic Christmas Exploration together. Safe travels back to the USA and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

FINAL DOCUMENTS REVIEW. While Learning Journeys takes the utmost care in making sure the information on your itinerary and travel vouchers (collectively, “Final Documents”) is complete and accurate, it is your responsibility to carefully read and review the final documents upon receipt. Failure to contact us in time to allow for the correction and re-sending of the final documents could result in the loss or cancellation of your reservation, tickets or services listed on the documents for which Learning Journeys will not be responsible. In such a case, no refunds will be possible. Documents will not be issued unless full payment has been received. Your final travel documents will be emailed to you 14 days prior to departure.

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage and additional weight of luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 3 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT and VISA. For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. After your final payment (90 days prior to start of services), a $50 fee per person will be imposed for each change of service within your itinerary. These services include but are not limited to changes or cancellations of transfers, hotels, villas, train tickets, day tours and reservations or services of any kind. There is no additional charge for adding services to your itinerary at any time. Changes requested during travel will be considered as a new reservation, with new dates and products priced accordingly. Air ticket changes and cancellations carry different fees as shown above. Fees for itinerary changes are NOT covered by purchased travel insurance.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND and AIR SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land and supplemental air reservation after full payment, the cancellation charges shown below will apply. Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained above.

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. It is the passenger’s responsibility to travel with a collapsible wheelchair, if needed. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe ground transportation will be provided to you based on the number of participants in your party. Should the number of participants on any tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches do not have lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, there are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay an extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for Trip Delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in the itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost unless otherwise requested by the agent. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour.  Suggest Tipping in USD:  A detailed tipping guide will be provided to travelers prior to depature.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign heating and air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not always up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.

FORMS OF PAYMENT:  CREDIT CARDS.  We accept all major credit cards for the total amount of the cost of the tour.

Please note if you confirm and proceed with your booking you are automatically accepting these terms and conditions.

See the REGISTRATION BUTTON above the Terms & Conditions to secure your place on my 2024 Nordic Christmas Exploration!