A Love Story Under the Aurora Borealis
In late 2023, AK approached Epic Travel Designer to craft an unforgettable 20th wedding anniversary experience. Fresh from a family trip to Japan, he envisioned a romantic journey to Lapland, Finland, with one ultimate goal—witnessing the elusive Northern Lights.
We were deeply honoured by his trust. AK and his family had previously engaged us twice, first for a customised Taiwan Free and Easy Travel experience years ago, and later for a Japan tour that had to be postponed due to COVID-19. We upheld our promise—holding their travel credits for three years until they could finally embark on their long-awaited trip in late 2023. This level of commitment is the foundation of our service—we always keep our word.
Crafting a Once-in-a-Lifetime Finland Tour Package
As with our valued clients, AK promptly paid the upfront travel proposal fee, confident in our expertise. This fee allows us to meticulously design tailored experiences that align with our clients’ dreams.
His anniversary trip was unique. Unlike the typical winter expeditions, he wished to visit Lapland in autumn, aligning with the September school holidays. However, this came with a challenge—while many assume winter is the prime season for Aurora Borealis tours, the best time to catch the Northern Lights is often between late September and October. Despite his inflexible dates, we meticulously planned an itinerary to maximise his chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle.
Travel Details
- Travel Dates: 1st Week of September
- Duration: 10 Days, 9 Nights
- Key Requests: Stay in igloo/aurora cabins, experience the Northern Lights, enjoy quality time together, and maintain flexibility for free exploration.
Highlights of Their 20th Wedding Anniversary Tour
A Fairytale Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia
To make their adventure even more special, we incorporated a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia. A short boat cruise from Helsinki transported them to this medieval wonderland, where cobbled streets, fairy-tale towers, and charming Old Town cafés set the perfect scene for a romantic stroll. Tallinn is a hidden gem, offering stunning panoramic views, historic landmarks, and a taste of Estonia’s rich culture.
(Travel Tip: Helsinki’s strategic location makes it a perfect base for boat cruises to Sweden, Norway, and Estonia. For adventurous travellers, we can curate multiple day trips to explore diverse cultures.)
Lapland: A Journey into the Arctic Wonderland
For this milestone celebration, we ensured an exclusive experience far from the crowds. Instead of stopping at the well-trodden Rovaniemi, we ventured further north to Saariselkä, where minimal light pollution meant a higher probability of catching the auroras.
Saariselkä: A Northern Lights Paradise
In this pristine Arctic wilderness, AK and his spouse stayed in luxurious aurora cabins, designed with glass ceilings for unparalleled Northern Lights views—right from their bed!
A Visit to Lake Inari
This vast, unspoilt lake is one of the largest in Finland, offering unparalleled tranquillity and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to hundreds of islands, many with historical Sámi significance. AK and his spouse took a scenic boat trip across the lake, soaking in the untouched Arctic landscapes, and enjoyed a peaceful moment by the water’s edge, away from the modern world.
Sámi Museum and Cultural Exposure
The couple visited the Siida Sámi Museum, an immersive centre showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and history of the indigenous Sámi people. They explored exhibits on Sámi handicrafts, ancient nomadic lifestyles, and reindeer husbandry, gaining a deeper appreciation for Lapland’s indigenous culture.
Autumn Hiking & Foraging
The couple explored golden-hued trails, picking wild berries and mushrooms to create a self-cooked meal—a truly immersive nature experience. The crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage made for a picturesque adventure.
Northern Lights Hunting to Nellim
Close to the Russian border, Nellim offers some of the darkest skies, perfect for aurora chasing. They joined an expert-led expedition, venturing into the wilderness for the best possible view of the Northern Lights.
Rovaniemi: The Heart of Lapland
After days of Arctic bliss, AK and his spouse travelled to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Here, they indulged in more bucket-list experiences:
Santa Claus Village
While this is a winter wonderland in December, even in autumn, visitors can meet Santa, visit Santa’s pets (huskies and reindeers), and post a letter from the Santa Claus Post Office—a whimsical touch to their celebration.
Husky Carriage Ride & Aurora Hunting
The couple embarked on a thrilling husky ride under the Arctic sky, adding an adventurous twist to their romantic escape.
Stay in an Igloo Hotel
Their final nights were spent in an igloo hotel, where, if the skies were clear, they could marvel at the auroras from the warmth of their glass-domed suite.
The Grand Finale: Chasing the Northern Lights
Throughout their journey, we kept in close contact with AK, monitoring aurora activity and ensuring they had the best possible chance of witnessing the spectacle. Though their initial sightings were faint, we weren’t ready to give up. On their last night, we arranged a Northern Lights tour with a top expert and professional photographer. The guide, using real-time solar readings, led them to the perfect vantage point. And finally—it happened! The sky ignited in breathtaking hues of green and purple, fulfilling their dream. The moment was beautifully captured by the photographer, preserving their anniversary memories forever.
Client's Feedback
AK and his spouse were overjoyed. They loved the seamless organisation, the unique experiences, and, most importantly, the dedication we showed in making their dream a reality. Their heartfelt gratitude reaffirmed why we do what we do.
Your Personalised Northern Lights Adventure Awaits
At Epic Travel Designer, we tailor every aurora light tour to ensure the best chances of witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon. If we were to pick the ideal time to visit Lapland, autumn would be our top choice—vibrant foliage, fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and optimal Northern Lights conditions.
Planning a Family Trip? Consider Winter!
For families with kids, we recommend visiting Lapland from mid-December onwards. Children can experience:
- Magical Santa Claus encounters
- Dog sledding & reindeer rides
- Building snowmen and experiencing a real-life winter wonderland
Lapland is in high demand, so book early! Speak with us to create your bespoke Finland tour package, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime journey with minimal crowds and maximum magic.
📩 Contact us today to design your perfect Northern Lights adventure!