Family adventure in Helsinki and Lapland

A city of historic and modern architectural marvels, Helsinki is a visually exciting place. Its position on the Gulf of Finland gives the city a relaxed, maritime feel and an abundance of green space and forests makes it wonderful for those that love the outdoors. After a fire in 1808, much of the city was rebuilt with wide avenues and neoclassical brick buildings the order of the day. You may have spotted some of its architecture doubling as Soviet Union locations in films from the 1970s and 80s.

Although in many ways Helsinki is a thoroughly modern city, there is an incredible sense of history that you can get to grips with that at its many museums. And of course, like any good Scandinavian city, the foodie scene is something to write home about. Dip in and out of its cafes and bars and set aside some time to simply sit and watch the world go by.

Discover the highlights of Helsinki on this private tour. You will be driven through the city and will see places like Senate Square which was designed in the neoclassical style by Carl Ludvig Engel in the mid-1800s. It is surrounded by the Government Palace, the main building of the University; the enormous Helsinki Cathedral and Sederholm House, the oldest stone building in Helsinki. See the Presidential Palace, the Parliament building and the modern City Hall and Finlandia Hall. You will also visit the monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and tour Temppeliaukio Church, which was quarried out of the natural bedrock with a design that gives it excellent acoustics.

Discover the magic and magnificence of Finnish Lapland – whether you’re on a quest to find the real Father Christmas, bask in the midnight sun, hit the slopes, or gaze up at the dancing Northern Lights. This sparsely populated area is known for its natural beauty and ski resorts. For almost three months a year, you can enjoy continuous daylight in Finnish Lapland, especially in the northern areas where the sun stays above the horizon for more days in a row. It’s the best time of year to enjoy being outdoors, either on the ski slopes or hiking trails. In turn, the winters are cold and dark, and the skies perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Learn about the indigenous Sámi people and their ancient traditions, endangered language and culture. Their history stretches back to prehistoric times, and today’s community is working hard to ensure their customs, music and beliefs are not forgotten.

Embark on a snowmobile safari with a break for an ice fishing experience. Before the adventure begins, your guide will give you a safety briefing and driving instructions. Then you will head out on snowmobiles through the beautiful fells and wilderness. At a private lake, you'll be given all of the equipment you need for ice fishing, and with some helpful advice and pointers you can test out your new skills. After a lunch prepared by your guide you will either carry on fishing for a while, if there's time, or start to head back to Saariselkä on your snowmobiles.

Head out into a wintery forest on a sleigh pulled by reindeers. This is a traditional and peaceful way of moving through snowscapes where the only sound you will hear is the light ringing of reindeer bells. The starry northern sky is already a magical experience and hopefully you will be lucky enough to see the northern lights. Tuck into a special open-fire Lappish dinner in a kota (log hut) at a reindeer farm. Your guide will tell you about Sámi culture and reindeer herding, and a Sámi woman will sing traditional Sámi songs, “Joiku”.

Mush along beautiful forest trails and enjoy lunch around a campfire on this husky safari. One person will pilot the sled, while the other sits in the sled as a passenger, switching places in the middle of the route. The distance driven will depend on the weather conditions and the skill of guests. However, no prior experience is needed and beginners are welcome. When you get back to the farm you can spend time with the huskies before lunch.

Today will be full of adventure for the young travellers in your group as they head out onto the snow for a mini-snowmobile experience. Children from four to 13 years old will be able to choose between two models of snowmobile, according to their height and age. Then, under their parents' or guardians' watching eye, they'll take to a snowmobile track. There will be a guide on hand to teach the kids how to drive their own snowmobiles.

Wrap up warm and visit Kaunispää Hill where you will enjoy the breathtaking views over Saariselkä area and where you can all enjoy the fun of tobogganing. The slope is the longest in Finland and it offers fun for all ages. After you've worked up an appetite, you can grab a quick lunch in Saariselkä itself, or in a cafe at the top of the hill.

As evening falls and the stars begin to come out, you will go in search of Santa Claus. The only way to reach Santa's secret home is on snowmobiles, so enjoy the ride on the sleigh or drive your own. You will get to meet elves and reindeer in the forest, and finally the man himself - Santa Claus.