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I N S E A R C H O F T H E N O R T H E R N L I G H T S HELSINKI Day 6: Friday 10 March If you're looking forward to exploring Finland outside the capital, you're in luck with a choice of plans to strike out further afield. Step back in time to the medieval town of Porvoo, exploring a legend where wooden houses and cobbled streets have stood the test of time. Or explore the mining heritage and natural beauty of the township of Lohja. If a history of a country is told in its food, you can look forward to a course by course lesson in Finnish culture over authentic local fine dining at A21 Restaurant this evening. ROVANIEMI Day 7: Saturday 11 March The excitement in the air is palatable as we embark on a journey frosted with promise this morning, onward to Lapland. Further towards the top of the world we go in search of the dazzle and luminescence of the elusive Northern Lights. A short flight takes us to Kemi, an important deepwater harbour and industrial centre for Finland. We uncover the hidden dazzle of this mineral rich landscape, discovering treasures aplenty at the Jalokivi Gemstone Gallery. The Sampo was a former charge of the Finnish government and now spends her days introducing curious landlubbers to the great white wilderness. Stepping aboard this decommissioned icebreaker, we cruise the rare wonders of the Gulf of Bothnia in a perfect portrait of steel and ice. A day to remember is finished with yet another highlight as we cosy up in style at the Arctic Light Hotel in Rovaniemi. Built during WWII by celebrated local architect Ferdinand Salokangas, you'll find original antique fixtures and fittings set to impress. ROVANIEMI Day 8: Sunday 12 March If you always wanted to know about the Arctic, you'll find all the answers you're looking for on a morning tour at Arktikum Museum and Arctic Science Centre. It may be March, but it's always Christmas in Lapland. Whether you've been naughty or nice, you're never too old to be charmed by Santa, especially in his own 'home' village, where a festive lunch awaits among twinkling lights and a dusting of snow. INARI Day 9: Monday 13 March The air is iced with anticipation as we begin the journey to Inari, land of the Sami people. As picture postcard views of the Lappish countryside unfold out the window, a morning coach journey becomes a snug scenic drive. Rolling into Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort later today, it's been worth the drive. What's the most unique hotel you ever stayed in? Prepare to raise the bar. For the next two nights, you will call a luxurious glass igloo home. Jutting out of the snow, they are warm and cosy private oases with an open view of the starry night sky – a perfect opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis if she dances her celestial ballet tonight. Warmly welcomed the Finnish way, you're at liberty to thaw your tootsies in one of the resort's spacious sauna rooms before a free afternoon to explore and convince yourself that this magical setting is not a dream. Reconvening for a traditional Lappish dinner tonight, it may be cold out there, but local hospitality and rich flavours will keep you toasty from the inside out. INARI Day 10: Tuesday 14 March With the Arctic playground at our disposal today, childhood dreams will be realised as you make footprints in the snow: Perhaps you will 'mush' your way through the day, feeling the adrenalin rush of a husky safari; or glide across the great white on a sleigh drawn by reindeer. Dinner is served by the fire back at the resort, before we look to the heavens for a night of guided Aurora hunting. Will the skies put on a show of lilac, emerald and midnight blue with Northern Lights for you tonight? KIRKENES JOIN MS NORDNORGE Day 11: Wednesday 15 March Our quest for the Northern Lights takes us to the icy ocean aboard the newly refurbished MS Nordnorge, a flagship in Hurtigruten's prestigious fleet and veteran of countless polar expeditions. We have secured the finest Expedition Mini Suite for our five night voyage to the northern reaches of the globe. Kirkenes is known as the gateway to the Barents Sea. You may while away an afternoon at Art Museum Savio, appreciating painted tributes to the region's reindeer. Back onboard for dinner we set sail through the evening. Spend an afternoon aboard the Sampo , a decommissioned icebreaker Opposite: Stargaze from your glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort The Arctic wilderness paints a soul stirring picture 20 CAPTAIN'S CHOICE | Europe 2017