2027 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Wild Finland Exploration

2027 Wild Finland Exploration:
A Women’s Journey into Nature & Nordic Soul

Daily Itinerary
September 20 – 28, 2027

Step into nature and the Nordic soul on my 2027 Wild Finland Exploration for Women. Discover why Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for nine consecutive years as we immerse ourselves in one of the most nature-centered cultures on Earth.

Inspired by my own travels, this thoughtfully curated journey showcases Finland’s most distinctive experiences—from vibrant Helsinki and charming Porvoo to ancient forests, Nordic wellness traditions, and meaningful connections with nature. We’ll savor fresh Nordic cuisine, experience the healing power of sauna, embrace Finland’s deep commitment to sustainability, and discover the cultural values that shape this remarkable country.

Join me for a journey that invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the heart of Nordic life alongside an inspiring community of women.

Explore the day-by-day itinerary below and discover the exceptional experiences included in this Essential Earth Explorations program.

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 ‐ Monday, Sept 20 – ARRIVAL, TRADITIONAL FINNISH WELCOME DINNER

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Finland, Helsinki – where your journey begins with ease and style! Get ready to explore the “Happiest Country in the World” nine years running!

You’ll enjoy a private transfer to the beautiful St. George Hotel from Helsinki airport. Meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall, holding a personalized name sign for easy recognition. They will assist you with your luggage and provide a smooth, comfortable transfer directly to your accommodation and check in. The Hotel St. George Helsinki is a full‐service luxury hotel with holistic care for a healthy mind, heart and body. The hotel is located right across the beautiful Old Church Park in the heart of Helsinki. Meet the group for our Welcome Dinner where tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional Finnish restaurant buffet with a maritime twist at Konstan Möljä by the old docks. Get ready to sample traditional Finnish delicacies with a large selection of salads & appetizers, traditional Finnish meat, fish and vegetable main courses plus a soup of the day.

Overnight: Hotel St. George Helsinki
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 ‐ Tuesday, Sept 21 – HELSINKI: HISTORIC TOUR, FOOD EXPLORATION & PRIVATE SEASIDE SAUNA

Begin our day with breakfast at the hotel. Later, we’ll begin a 2-hour walking tour in Helsinki to explore classic Finnish foods and key sights along the way. We’ll start our Helsinki exploration into the city center’s main sights including the Esas planadi Park, Bulevardi Street, Fazer Sweet Shop, the liquor store Alko and the traditional Finnish restaurant Kappeli. We’ll have the chance to enjoy local gastronomy at a restaurant and at the market hall where our guide will tell us about Finnish food history and culture, the influence of Russian and Swedish traditions, the celebration of local holidays, and Finnish alcohol and drinking culture. During the tour we’ll taste a variety of Helsinki food and beverage specialties and have a chance for a bit of shopping for Finnish taste treats to bring home or enjoy during our Exploration.

Afterward we’ll stop at the fascinating stone-hewn Temppeliaukio Church whose unique architecture and church organ has “wowed” visitors from all over the world.

Then it’s time to relax and unwind with our group’s private 2-hour visit to Löyly sauna and an exploration of Finnish sauna culture. Set right on the waterfront in Helsinki, we’ll have exclusive use of a traditional wood heated sauna, a private terrace and direct access to dip into the sea to cool off, the Finnish way! This intimate wellness experience blends Finnish sauna culture with serene seaside views ‐ an unforgettable and unique opportunity for relaxation during our visit to the capital city.

Overnight: Hotel St. George Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast, Food Sampling Experience on Tour

DAY 3 ‐ Wednesday, Sept 22 – HISTORIC PORVOO TOUR

Start our day with breakfast at the hotel.  Then it’s off to Finland’s second oldest town, Porvoo, a beautiful city full of history, shops and streets to explore.  We’ll join in a half-day tour of Porvoo to get insights into the history and modern-day focus in this timeless and unique atmosphere. The settlement in the Porvoo region began in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Old Town is a colorful, photo-friendly area famous for its narrow lanes and brick‐colored riverside warehouses. You will hear fascinating stories about people who have lived in and visited the town. Then enjoy the chance to grab a late lunch or coffee, peek into the boutiques and explore on your own until we regroup for the ride back to our hotel in late afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel St. George Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 ‐ Thursday, Sept 23 – JOURNEY TO LAPLAND, NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT

Enjoy breakfast at our hotel before check out and travel to the Helsinki airport. Flying north from the city life of Helsinki to Finland’s wilderness in Northern Lapland, we’ll begin our exploration in a magical setting just 5 miles south of the Arctic Circle.  Get ready for stunning natural landscapes, crisp fresh air, and the chance to witness the enchanting Northern Lights. A journey full of beauty and unforgettable moments awaits!

Welcome to Lapland! With highlights of the local area described to us as we pass scenic landscapes en route, our driver will take us to our next amazing hotel property – The Invisible Forest Lodge.  This is truly a unique lodge and a a hidden gem, a testament to harmonizing with nature while offering an unparalleled escape into the Arctic wilderness. As its name suggests, the lodge is designed to seamlessly blend into its surroundings. From a distance, it appears as an organic extension of the landscape, almost invisible against the backdrop of towering trees. Its architecture, crafted with natural materials like timber and glass, mirrors the surrounding environment, allowing us to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Lapland without disturbing its natural balance.

This evening, we’ll head out for a very special 3-hour Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi, where we’ll journey deep into the Arctic wilderness in search of the aurora borealis. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll drive to the best possible viewing spots, far from city lights, maximizing our chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Along the way, our guide will share insights into the science and myths behind the Northern Lights! Enjoy warm drinks and snacks under the starry sky by campfire as we wait for the auroras to light up the night. This adventure offers a comfortable and easy way to experience the magic of the Northern Lights in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

Overnight: Invisible Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks by the campfire

DAY 5 ‐ Friday, Sept 24 – REINDEER FARM, FORAGING WORKSHOP, SPA & BATHROBE DINNER

Let’s start our morning with a gentle yoga practice together in the woods! We’ll then enjoy breakfast at our hotel as we await a day filled with unique northern Finland experiences. We’ll start with a visit to an authentic reindeer farm. Here we’ll learn about the significant role that reindeer play in the lifestyle and economy of the people of Lapland – the Sami. We’ll experience the charm of an authentic Lappish reindeer farm in autumn and meet our sleigh‐pulling reindeer enjoying their fall season break. We’ll even get the chance to feed them as we discover the life of traditional reindeer herders and learn about the annual cycle of the reindeer. Local families have been practicing reindeer herding in Rovaniemi for generations, dating back to at least the 1800s and this experience will be a fascinating way to understand more about these important cultural practices.

Next we’re off for a foraging workshop where we’ll learn all about the local practice of hunting for, and picking, wild berries and mushrooms.  Lapland is the world’s largest region for picking organic berries and mushrooms. The berries grown in nature under the midnight sun of the summer in the northern climes are definitely considered the tastiest ‐ so get ready for this special treat!  Finland allows everybody to freely pick wild berries and mushrooms in the forests – the key is finding them!  Our experienced guides will take us to secret berry and mushroom locations where we’ll find plenty of them as they teach us the key things to know (to avoid the poisonous ones!) about Lappish nature. During our walk we’ll fill up our baskets and of course taste some berries. We’ll then take a break to taste some local snacks with coffee and juice.

Back at the hotel, it’s time to enjoy the spa experiences at the Invisible Forest Lodge.  Donning our spa bathrobes, we’ll have a special treat tonight with a Bathrobe Dinner together!  This is a truly unique and relaxed experience where guests move directly from the spa to the restaurant to enjoy a Hot Rock Grill meal, savoring premium ingredients cooked on a sizzling stone while remaining comfortably in our bathrobes!  How’s that for a comfy + tasty dining adventure!

Overnight: Invisible Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Foraging workshop snacks, Bathrobe dinner

DAY 6 ‐ Saturday, Sept 25 – JOURNEY TO LEVI, ANTLER CRAFT WORKSHOP

Begin our day with a gentle yoga practice (optional), followed by breakfast before we check out. Today we’ll take a 2+ hour, scenic drive through the countryside and mountains toward Levi, Finland.

Before we check in to another incredibly unique forest hotel, we’ll test our crafting skills at a Reindeer Antler Workshop – a meaningful hands-on experience inspired by Lapland’s traditions. We’ll get the chance to create unique keepsakes as we step into a cozy candlelit space filled with the scent of spruce and
the soft textures of reindeer hides. Here, surrounded by Arctic mystique, you will choose a symbol that resonates with you — perhaps an ancient motif symbolizing nature, an animal, or a trait you also possess. Before inking your design, you’ll practice on paper, getting comfortable with the symbol. Then, with steady hands, you’ll bring your vision to life with a glass pen and ink on the antler itself. The final touch is a protective varnish ensuring your creation lasts for years to come. This isn’t just a craft — it’s a moment to slow down, create, and take home a piece of the Arctic’s timeless spirit.

Get ready to enter a world-class setting at the Balder Luxury Lodge’s exclusive Glass Igloos in Levi, Finland. This is truly the best of Lapland! Nestled in the peaceful forested landscape of Levi, this exclusive lodge combines rustic charm with luxurious amenities and offers a true escape into the Arctic stillness.  The Lodge was designed to blend modern comfort with nature’s magic. In fact, the Balder Luxury Lodge igloos offer a front‐row seat to the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed. Each space is thoughtfully crafted with Finnish design, featuring heated glass roofs, plush interiors, and peaceful privacy.  This is your invitation to slow down, connect with nature, and embrace the quiet luxury of Lapland.

The Lodge’s exclusive onsite restaurant, offers a carefully curated menu inspired by the flavors of the Arctic. Lodge chefs work closely with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers to bring you the freshest seasonal ingredients—wild‐caught fish from crystal clear lakes, handpicked berries from the forest, and organic reindeer sourced from sustainable herders.

Overnight: Balder Luxury Lodge Glass Igloo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 ‐ Sunday, Sept 26 – NATIONAL PARK HIKE, WILD FOOD COOKING CLASS & FEAST

Start the morning with a gentle yoga stretch (optional) followed by a lovely breakfast at the lodge.  Grab your gear for a guided forest hike in the Pallas–Yllastunturi National Park. Explore one of the oldest and most popular national parks in Finland in the grandeur of the pristine fells of Pallas‐Yllästunturi National Park in Lapland. Here the ancient, rounded fells, once as tall as mountains, are still massive and dramatic. What they lack in height, they make up for in untamed splendor. Clean fells, marshland and forests will clear your thoughts and refresh your spirit. It is a perfect time for a memorable trekking experience in nature.

Get ready for a very special treat tonight! It’s time for our exclusive Wild Food Feast and Cooking Workshop!  During this 5 hour workshop, we’ll have the chance to taste the magic of the Arctic and go wild with arctic flavors. Using fire and ice, we 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 plants, combine local wild mushrooms with dark chocolate and more. Cook and share these delicious dishes around a private dinner table with friends and family. We begin the workshop by making drinks with local berries, and then the cooking begins. Together,we learn to create a pie made from nettle leaves and seeds with a fresh salad. For our main meal, we prepare a wild mushroom sauce over the fire with two different cuts of local reindeer, one from Sweden and the other from Finland. Will you taste the difference? The feast continues with desserts created from locally foraged berries and frozen for the perfect sweet treat to end our meal.  Trust me – this is an unforgettable experience in Finland!

Overnight: Balder Luxury Lodge Glass Igloo
Meals: Breakfast, Wild Food Feast

DAY 8 ‐ Monday, Sept 27 – PRIVATE SAUNA EXPERIENCE & RELAXATION DAY

Let’s gather for a gentle yoga practice (optional) and then enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Today we take our time and explore the deep relaxation and unique wellness traditions offered by our private Finnish sauna experience.  Located on the shore  of Lake Immeljärvi, this rare traditional sauna offers a unique “löyly” – a blend of heat, steam, and atmosphere – for the chance to unwind on our final full day in Lapland.  We’ll enjoy an introduction on how to fully explore this unique löyly, and where to find different experiences for flushing the body using heat and cold.  Snacks, drinks and towels are provided.  Between sauna sessions (including a magical smoke sauna on the shore), cool off by dipping into the Arctic lake or enjoying the outdoor hot pool.

Return to the Lodge for a final evening in the forest and the classic cuisine of the lodge restaurant.

Overnight: Balder Luxury Lodge Glass Igloo
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks

DAY 9 ‐ Tuesday, Sept 28

Our final morning begins with breakfast at the Lodge before we check out and depart Levi for the Kittilä airport and our return flight to the Helsinki Airport.  Depending on your return flight plans, you can connect for late afternoon/evening flights, or choose to add a Post-Exploration hotel stay before departing on early-morning flights the next day.

Meals: Breakfast

Safe travels homeward. We hope you have truly enjoyed your stay in Finland and the chance to better know our journey into nature and Nordic soul!

PRE or POST-EXPLORATION HOTEL ROOMS – We are happy to help arrange additional Pre- or Post-Exploration hotel room reservations.  Details will be provided with confirmation that the trip will travel. These will be invoiced with your non-refundable payment final invoice.

RAPID TURNAROUND FOR COMMITMENTS: We have secured some incredibly unique hotel properties for the 2027 Wild Finland Exploration that you will love!  These are small, rural lodges in the forest where our group’s reservation constitutes the majority of their rooms.  To retain our reservation, we have a short deadline for Exploration commitments by a minimum of seven (7) women who have paid the initial, non-refundable deposit before August 20, 2026. So don’t delay – register TODAY! Less than seven will require rescheduling the group for a future date.  Please wait on booking airline reservations until Marty Harger provides written confirmation of trip 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 Finland. 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 should not register for the 2027 Wild Finland Exploration due to the nature of travel and experiences on this particular itinerary. 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.  Suggested Tipping in USD:  A detailed tipping guide will be provided to travelers prior to departure.

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 accommodation 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 each deposit or 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.

Choose the appropriate REGISTRATION BUTTON above the Terms & Conditions
to secure your place on my 2027 Wild Finland Exploration!

I hope you’ll join me on this amazing Essential Earth Explorations Nordic adventure!

—Marty Harger

801-712-5406 contact Marty with any questions