European Christmas Wonders: Escorted Journey Itinerary 2027

Your journey begins!

Your dedicated Helloworld Mornington tour escorts will be with you from your home (conditions apply), ensuring a seamless start to your holiday. Meet at Melbourne Airport for departure with your Emirates Airways, a quality airline offering excellent service, entertainment and comfort for the long-haul flight. Settle in, enjoy gourmet meals, and begin your adventure bound for enchanting Stockholm, Sweden — the gateway to our magical Northern Lights and Christmas Markets journey.

Overnight: In flight

Welcome to Finland
Our local guide will meet us on arrival and assist with our transfer

to the hotel. After a brief orientation of Helsinki we will enjoy a

welcome dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Overnight: Scandic Grand Central Helsinki (B, D)

Helsinki Sightseeing
Helsinki greets you with measured composure: elegant promenades, modernist squares and unexpected wooden churches. After arrival and transfer, begin with the broad openness of Senate Square where Neoclassical façades frame a winter sky; the square’s hush, pierced by the soft tap of walkers’ boots on paving stones, feels contemplative. The Market Square bustles with stalls selling smoked fish, berries preserved in jars, and steaming bowls of soup — a sensory primer to Finnish flavours. Walk to the extraordinary Temppeliaukio (Rock Church), where the sanctity of stone and the warmth of the copper dome create an acoustic wonder — time seems to slow as your guide explains the building’s radical design.  Tonight, Savotta offers a rustic, candlelit meal that transports you to Finland’s forests: reindeer tender and expertly prepared, crisp fish dishes, wild mushrooms and lingonberries.  This evening, stroll back to your centrally  hotel as the city lights begin to glow along the waterfront. The cool winter air makes for a peaceful end to the day. 

Overnight Scandic Grand Central Helsinki (B, D)

 Day Trip to Estonia, Helsinki-Tallinn
 Cross the Gulf of Finland by ferry to Tallinn, a beautifully preserved medieval city of cobbled streets and red-tiled rooftops. Enjoy a guided city tour of the Old Town, exploring Toompea Hill for panoramic views before wandering down into the Lower Town with its artisan shops and historic laneways. Conclude your tour at Town Hall Square, home to Europe’s first commercial Christmas tree, where the festive market awaits with gingerbread aromas, roasted chestnuts, and traditional folk music. Enjoy free time to browse the stalls, relax in cosy cafés, or capture the charm of this winter wonderland. Return to Helsinki by ferry and enjoy a relaxed dinner back in the city.

Overnight Scandic Grand Central Helsinki (B, D)

  Helsinki → Kemi

This morning, take a short walk to the Helsinki Railway Station and board the famous Santa Express. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey north through Finland’s snowy forests, frozen lakes, and charming villages. On arrival in Kemi, transfer by private coach to the Seafront Glass Villas overlooking the icy Gulf of Bothnia. This evening, enjoy a special three-course dinner beside a glowing log fire in a private Kota hut at the family-run Arkadia Reindeer Farm, before returning to your villa to relax beneath the glass roof, the perfect spot for stargazing and perhaps glimpsing the Northern Lights.

Overnight: Seafront Glass Villas at Kemi Snowcastle Resort (B,D) 

Kemi → Rovaniemi

Wake to the serene beauty of the frozen Bothnian Bay and enjoy a leisurely morning at the stunning Seafront Glass Villas. Your stay includes entry to SnowExperience 365, an incredible indoor world of ice and snow sculptures. Slide down a frozen slide or capture fun photos among the shimmering carvings. Late morning, travel by private coach to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Enjoy time to explore this charming Arctic town, filled with cosy cafés, boutique shops, and festive cheer. Later, check into the spectacular Halo Igloos, nestled in the peaceful snowy wilderness just outside Rovaniemi. Each modern glass igloo offers floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, plush Nordic furnishings, and the magical chance to watch the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed. Relax, unwind, and soak in the beauty of Lapland’s winter night.

Overnight: Halo Igloos, Rovaniemi (B,D)

  Rovaniemi  

Today is pure Christmas magic. Begin your adventure as reindeer carry you across the Arctic Circle to Santa Claus Village, marking this special moment with an official certificate to treasure. Visit Santa in his official office, explore the charming timber chalets, and stop by the Arctic Post Office to send postcards stamped from the North Pole itself. Enjoy free time to wander through the snow-dusted village, browse boutique shops filled with festive souvenirs, or warm up with hot chocolate and sweet pastries in cosy cafés. As the day draws to a close, return to your luxurious Halo Igloo for a relaxing evening beneath the stars. With a little luck, the Northern Lights may appear, painting the sky above your glass-roofed retreat in dazzling colour. The perfect finale to a truly unforgettable day in Lapland

Overnight: Halo Igloos, Rovaniemi (B,D)

   Rovaniemi -Levi

After a relaxed morning in Rovaniemi, travel west through stunning Arctic scenery to Levi, a picturesque ski resort surrounded by rolling fells and snow-covered forests. On arrival, check into the elegant Levi Panorama Hotel, where warm timber interiors and sweeping views of the valley create the perfect alpine retreat. Breathe in the crisp Lapland air and enjoy the peaceful beauty around you. This evening, gather for dinner at the hotel. The glow of the village lights below and the stillness of the snow-clad landscape make for an unforgettable winter’s night.

Overnight: Levi Panorama Hotel (B,D)

 Levi
 Today is yours to embrace the magic of Levi, Finland’s premier winter playground. Choose from a range of optional adventures. You might like to hit the ski slopes, join a snowshoe walk through the fells, or simply unwind in the hotel’s sauna. Warm up over lunch in a cosy local tavern serving traditional Lapland dishes, then continue your winter adventures. This evening, enjoy a relaxed group dinner at a local restaurant, the perfect opportunity to share stories, laughter, and photos from your Arctic journey so far.

Overnight: Levi Panorama (B,D)

  Levi → Saariselkä

This morning, embark on a spectacular journey across the untouched wilderness of Finnish Lapland. As you travel east toward Saariselkä, the scenery unfolds like a winter postcard. Endless snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and charming villages where time seems to stand still. Keep your camera ready; this is one of the most breathtaking drives in the Arctic. Arrive at the Northern Lights Village where our glass igloos offer the perfect view to the northern skies. Settle in and soak up the silence of the surrounding wilderness. As evening falls, gather for dinner in the cosy lodge and savour authentic Lappish flavours. Later, step outside and gaze upward, with luck, the Northern Lights may dance above your cabin, completing a day of pure Arctic wonder.

Overnight: Northern Lights’ Village (B, D)

 Regensburg

Step ashore in Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Enjoy a guided walking tour through its cobblestone lanes and Gothic spires, then immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at the Thurn & Taxis Castle Market, set within the illuminated palace courtyard often called the most romantic market in Germany. Sip steaming Glühwein, sample spiced pastries and browse for handmade ornaments. This evening, return onboard for a festive dinner.

Overnight: Onboard Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

Passau 

Wake to the beautiful baroque city of Passau, where three rivers meet. Enjoy a guided tour including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ. Afterwards, stroll through the charming Christmas market set in the cathedral square, a wonderland of candlelight, carols, and handcrafted gifts. This evening, enjoy dinner as the ship continues toward Austria’s magical Wachau Valley.

Overnight: Onboard Amadeus Star (B,L,D) 

  Melk / Dürnstein – Wachau Valley

Today, enjoy a visit to magnificent Melk Abbey, a baroque masterpiece overlooking the Danube. Back onboard, join your fellow travellers for a lively Glühwein party on deck as the ship glides through the snow-dusted Wachau Valley, an unforgettable moment of winter magic. This evening, enjoy a classical recital celebrating the musical spirit of the region.

Overnight: Onboard Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

  Vienna

Arrive in the imperial city of Vienna, where grandeur and festivity blend perfectly. Your guided morning tour showcases the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the city’s dazzling architecture. In the afternoon, stroll through the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, framed by the palace’s golden façade and filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Tonight, celebrate your final evening onboard with the elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner, a fitting finale to your Christmas Market cruise.

Overnight: Onboard Amadeus Star (B,D)

 

  Vienna

Disembark the Amadeus Star and journey through the scenic Vienna Woods, stopping at Liechtenstein Palace and Heiligenkreuz Abbey. Enjoy lunch at the Abbey’s restaurant followed by a local wine tasting before checking into Le Méridien Vienna. This evening, gather for dinner at a traditional Viennese tavern, the perfect blend of warmth, music, and old-world charm.

Overnight: Le Méridien, Vienna (B,D)

 Homeward Flight 

  Transfer to Vienna International Airport for your homeward flight. Depart with a heart full of Christmas spirit and memories of glittering markets, twinkling towns, and the magic of winter along the Danube.

Overnight: In-flight

arriving home 20 December (B)