The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Helsinki

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will be transferred directly to the Kalkkiranta pier, where you will embark on board a steel boat (if the sea is clear) or a hovercraft (if there is ice).

After a 40-minute ride, you will reach a private island where you can experience a true feeling of winter and see what the archipelago looks like during colder months.  

Your morning programme on the island includes a hike along a nature trail, as well as learning about cold water and survival skills in the water.

Then, a local buffet lunch will be served.  

During the afternoon, a sauna experience will be possible. For guests who don’t want to do the sauna activity, they can just do the Jacuzzi if they wish to (showers available) or enjoy the calmness of the nature – the hosts are also on the island the whole time and the guests can hear about the archipelago living from them.

Transfer back to the mainland and drive to Helsinki. Chek-in to your hotel in the city center (around 4 pm).

End of the day and dinner at leisure.

Day 2 – Helsinki

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

Immerse yourself in a chic, urban atmosphere rooted in Nordic culture at the 4-star Lapland Hotel Bulevardi, situated in Helsinki's vibrant Design District. Rooms equipped with all the modern comforts reveal a harmonious decor that pays tribute to nature. The restaurant offers cuisine with local influences, inspired by the Lappish forests.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Northern Comfort room at the Lapland Hotel Bulevardi 4*, (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 2.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        During December in Helsinki, the weather is usually cold, snowy and sometimes rainy. Temperatures range from -5 to +5. The days are short and dark, the sun sets in the afternoon. 

·        This programme requires you to be able to walk outside, in a forest, with a possibility of facing snowy and slippery conditions (cold and humid weather). We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes and bring a small backpack for your day of visit.

·        The Private Island has a main building, a summer café, indoor toilets.

·        Survival suits are provided during the boat trip.

·        Food is local archipelago style food, seating inside. 

·        2 separate saunas available and depending of the group size, sauna slots can be arranged for couples (towels provided, swimsuit not provided).     

·        Depending on the total number of participants, small groups will be set up and activities organized in rotation.

 

Contact of your hotel:

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Bulevardi 28
00120 Helsinki
Telephone: +358 9 25251111

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.

 

Day 1 – Helsinki

 

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

 

You will be drive to the downtown of Helsinki and your journey will start with a ride on the iconic SpåraKOFF pub tram, a one-of-a-kind experience combining sightseeing with local flavors. Sip on Finnish craft beer, cider, or soft drinks while the tram glides through the city’s streets, offering views of landmarks like Senate Square, Market Square, and Helsinki Cathedral. This charming vintage tram provides a cozy and unique way to see the city.

 

Next, indulge in an authentic Finnish lunch at Löyly, the city’s famous seaside retreat. Savor fresh, locally sourced salmon soup in a setting that combines modern architecture with natural beauty.

 

After lunch, immerse yourself in Finland’s cherished sauna culture. Löyly offers both a wood-heated and a smoke sauna, where you can relax and unwind. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea or simply enjoy the stunning views from the terrace.

 

You will be transferred to the airport of Helsinki-Vantaa in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

 

Your programme includes:

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the program.

·        Meals as mentioned in the program.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 local glass of beer or 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).

·        The services of a local French-speaking guide

·         The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the program.

 

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your program will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised program will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final program will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.

Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.