1. Husky Sleds, Reindeer & Santa's Village — Three experiences packed into one day. Meet the huskies, take a reindeer sleigh ride, and visit Santa Claus Village right in the Arctic Circle.

2. Northern Lights on Snowmobiles — Ride electric snowmobiles through the forest at night hunting for the Northern Lights, with a campfire stop to warm up along the way.

3. Cozy Cabin on New Year's Eve — Sauna, ice swimming, dinner in a cabin in the woods, and the Northern Lights as your backdrop heading into the new year.

4. Finnish Cooking Class — Small group, hands-on, and you're making traditional salmon soup with a local. Good food and good conversation.

5. Auttiköngäs Canyon — Most tourists never make it here. You hike through old Arctic forest, hit a scenic viewpoint, and end at a frozen 16-meter waterfall.

Bookbag Tours was built specifically for educators, by people who understand that your time and money matter. We take the learning outside the classroom and into the world, making sure every trip feels as rewarding as it is memorable. From the moment you book to the day you return home, our focus is on creating meaningful, manageable travel that fits your life as a teacher. And the best part? You don't have to go alone. Bring your spouse, a friend, or anyone else who wants to tag along, non-educators are always welcome on our trips too.

✅ Travel With Confidence — Every detail is handled, every partner is vetted, and help is always a message away

✅ Interest-Free Payment Options — Keep your budget stress-free with zero-interest financing

✅ Customizable Payment Plans — Pay on a schedule that actually works for you

✅ 20+ Hours of Professional Development — Built into every trip, ready to document

✅ Graduate Credits Offered — Turn your travel experience into academic credit

✅ Personalized Pre & Post Trip Extensions — Want to explore more? We'll help you plan extra time before or after the group tour

✅ Limited Spots Available — Every trip is intentionally small so every traveler gets the attention they deserve

Terrain:  Mostly flat with some hills

School Visit:  No

Professional Development – Medium Level

This trip includes educator discussions, offering authentic opportunities for cultural exchange and professional growth. While you may not be matched with your exact grade level, you’ll gain meaningful insights to reflect on and bring back to your classroom. Participants will receive a certificate for 20+ professional development hours. The true magic of PD on this trip comes from the organic conversations and connections you make with fellow educators along the way.

Graduate Credits- In addition, we have partnered with an accredited university to allow participants to earn 1 graduate credit for an additional $100 or 3 graduate credits for an additional $300. 

Alex Just

We will make transfer arrangements based on arrival details

You may also arrive in Helsinki and make your way to Rovaniemi on your own via train (Not Recommended).

Explore the town as other travelers arrive.

In the evening we will provide essential information about the itinerary, safety guidelines, and cultural expectations, ensuring you feel prepared and confident to explore the city independently.

• We start gently with a reindeer sleigh ride — lay back and relax as your reindeer carries you through nature. Then it’s time for some speed with an exciting short husky ride. But our day is not over! We continue to Santa Claus Village, where you will have free time to walk around and do some shopping. Don’t forget to meet Santa Claus and send your postcards from the Arctic Circle!

What's included?

Transfers, thermal clothing, short reindeer ride (400 m), Short husky ride (800 m), transfers to Santa Claus Village and back, guiding in English.

BBT leaders will help assist you to the hotel.

A half-day wilderness adventure is our way to experience the remote and untouched nature of Lapland.

Hike through authentic Arctic nature in a small team led by a professional guide specialised in wilderness photography.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

This tour takes place around 25km away from Rovaniemi and we will travel there by car and then continue our journey on foot to reach the most beautiful natural locations away from the crowds. Throughout the hike you will come upon unparalleled opportunities to photograph and experience Lapland’s unique nature.

As active nature photographers, we know countless serene and hidden spots, so we can make the experience that you are looking for. During the tour we will cross the bridge over the wild running river, hike through the forests of snow crowded trees and finally reach the sightseeing tower on top of the Arctic fell.

Join us to experience the magic of the northern nature in the evening twilight. Drive through the beautiful, winter landscape in snowmobile headlights before stopping for a break in the middle of the pitch-dark forest. While the guide makes a camp fire, listen to the stories and facts about the Northern Lights. Enjoy a Lappish snack break and barbeque sausages on the fire while observing the skies above you. With good luck, we catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

What's included?

Winter clothing, snowmobile instructions and safari 2 persons per snowmobile, grilled sausage, pastry, hot drinks, guiding.

BBT leaders will help assist you to the hotel.

Enjoy a free day to explore Rovaniemi, the charming capital of Lapland! Wander through the picturesque streets and discover unique shops, local art, and delightful cafes. For nature lovers, take a stroll along the river or explore nearby parks.

Lappish Cooking Master Class
Experience Finnish culture through the lens of its traditional cuisine with this hands-on, small-group cooking class just a 30-minute drive outside of Rovaniemi. Meet with your host and cooking instructor to learn how to make traditional salmon soup (known in Finnish as "lohikeitto"). This healthy and tasty dish is a staple in many households, and is a go-to recipe for busy weekends and family parties. Sample your handiwork at the end of the class and come away with new kitchen skills.

• Learn about classic Finnish cuisine with an interactive cooking class

• Prepare a traditional recipe that's unique to the area

• A small-group class ensures personal attention from your instructor

• End with a tasting of the dishes you’ve prepared together

Traditional Finnish Sauna and Ice Swimming in Rovaniemi
This experience offers you the possibility to enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna in beautiful scenery. This renovated 1958 sauna is at a 20-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center and is situated 150 meters from the bus stop. The private session is split between relaxation times in the steam bath, rocked by the crackling of the wooden stove, the sauna scent, and refreshing times bathing in the freezing water of the river. The alternance of warm and cold will relax your body and mind. A guide will show you the facilities and their use before giving clogs, towels and drinkable water. He stays available anytime in a way to insure you the best sauna conditions possible.

Aurora Arctic Ice Floating in Rovaniemi
While most people experience the northern lights around a campfire, this unique experience takes things to another level. Experience Lapland’s aurora alongside an ice swimming excursion in an Arctic lake far enough from the city to guarantee dark skies. Don waterproof thermal suits and float serenely in an ice hole at the lake’s center while you stay warm and dry, gazing up at the stars from the water.

• Spot the northern lights while floating in the waters of an Arctic lake

• Enjoy a more personalized experience on this small-group tour

• Hot drinks and snacks, a campfire, and a heated cabin provided

• Round-trip transportation from Rovaniemi hotels for hassle-free logistics

Auttikongas Canyon and Waterfall Adventure

The Auttiköngäs nature trail, a captivating 3,5 km ring trail located only 1 hour away from Rovaniemi, Auttiköngäs is part of a forest protection program to for old-growth forests in Northern Finland. The Auttiköngäs adventure provides many photo opportunities and immersive nature exploration, led by a professional guide-photographer.

We hike to the summit of a small fell, where an inspiring view of the valley below unfolds before our eyes. We continue to a shelter next to a frozen river. Here, we will build a campfire and prepare a light lunch.

Finally we reach the Auttiköngäs canyon – itself a part of the wider canyon that includes the famous Korouoma valley. However, it is the 16-meter-high waterfall, running wild and strong despite the freezing temperatures, that is the star of the show.

The Auttiköngäs canyon is an often-overlooked gem of a hiking trail, where you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Arctic during this full-day adventure - away from the masses.

The evening includes many fun activities and surprises for all ages, such as snow disco, ice bar, mini snowmobiles for children, mystical workshop, the Shaman telling your fortune and of course visiting the spectacular hotel made of snow and decorated with beautiful ice sculptures*. The highlight of the evening are naturally the spectacular fireworks!

Tentative schedule (Updates are possible during Autumn):

before 18:00 Pick up thermal clothing from Safartica office (optional)

21:30 Early departure by busses (actual time depends on the pick up point)

22:30 Late departure by busses (actual time depends on the pick up point)

Arrival: Party Starter -drinks (1 x drink in the ice bar + 1 glass of sparkling wine, more drinks are possible to purchase at the bar) and free time to explore the venue. Mystical arctic shamans telling the fortune. Mini snowmobile, tobogganing, mystical workshop and other snow fun for children. ** Remember to see the spectacular sauna made entirely of snow!

23:30 Fireshow at the lake

23:55 Starting the final countdown

00:00 Firework and toast of sparkling for New Year

00:30 First busses leave to Safartica Office (Early Departure)

Return transfers go non-stop from the event venue to Safartica office, and separate continuation transfers from Safartica office to the hotels.

01:30 The last bus leaves to Safartica Office (Late Departure)

BBT leaders will help assist you.

If flight allows or if extending your trip

Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure with just a $300 nonrefundable deposit. From there, 40% of your trip cost will be due 6 months before your travel date, and the final payment will be due 3 months prior to departure. It’s a simple, flexible way to lock in your journey and start counting down to the experience of a lifetime!

• PD Certificate

  A certificate for 20+ hours of professional development

• Welcome Reception

  Welcome reception/orientation

• Accommodations

  Accommodations in 3 or 4 star hotels during the trip

• Meals

  Breakfast every morning

• Group Dinner

  One Group Dinner

• Group Activities

  Group activities included as per itinerary

• Ground Transportation

  All ground transportation in country for group activities

• BBT T-Shirt

  BBT T-Shirt will be sent to participants before the trip

• The BBT Team

  Your amazing trip leaders, your professional development facilitators, our trip managers, and our on-site and off-site team members!

• Airport Transfers

  Airport transfers if arriving on the scheduled day of arrival and the scheduled day of departure. (If you choose to arrive/depart on a different date, we are happy to help you navigate your way to the hotel or airport)

• Airfare

  Airfare is not included

• Optional Side Trips

  You will have a list of optional side trips for an additional fee at a later date

• VISA

  At the appropriate time, we will provide a link to the VISA application.

• Tips and Gratuities

  For in-country guides and drivers

• Early/Late Transfers

  If you are arriving or departing earlier/later than the scheduled Group dates, you will be responsible for your own transfers. We are happy to advise, but we will not cover the cost.

Perfect for travelers looking to save and connect. Share a comfortable room with another traveler and enjoy all the same great experiences at a lower cost. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know your roommate preference at checkout. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone of a similar age and teaching level.

Ideal for those who prefer extra privacy. Relax in your own room after each day’s adventure while still enjoying all group activities and inclusions. A great option for travelers who want a little more personal space.

Heads-Up, Snoozers!  If you snore like a bear, rock a CPAP machine, need white noise, or have any other quirky sleep habits, we totally understand — everyone has their bedtime vibe! But to keep things peaceful for your fellow travelers, please consider booking a private room.

Even better? Bring a friend you’ve already shared a room (and some laughs) with, and have them register too!

Let’s keep the Zzzs drama-free and the vibes just right. Thanks for being the considerate rockstar you are!

Bookbag Tours is dedicated to providing quality professional development through immersive travel experiences for educators and their family and friends. Our trips offer a truly global perspective, allowing participants to gain insights that enrich their classrooms and lives.

Our mission is to empower educators and their companions with hands-on global experiences, equipping them to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.

With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.

We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Phone or WhatsApp: +1 (864) 907- 9874

Email: contact@bbtglobal.us

DM us on Socials: @bookbagtours

Our team is available to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!

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Thank you to everyone who has shared their journey with us. Your stories inspire others to take the leap and explore with Bookbag Tours!

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