The Trip of a Lifetime

Finland | Jul 23 - Aug 7, 2026

Chic decor. Great location. Wonderful buffet breakfast. Great way to spend last night in Finland

Hotel Haven in Helsinki was wonderful. The hotels throughout the trip were excellent, and the breakfast buffets were incredible, offering a great way to sample Finnish cuisine. The accommodations were comfortable and added to the overall positive experience of the trip.

The bike ride followed by a visit to the public sauna was a wonderful experience, especially for someone like me who hadn't been on a bike in years and was initially nervous. Our guide Olga was incredibly calm, kind, and patient, which helped me feel comfortable and enjoy the ride. The public sauna was a new and somewhat intimidating experience, but the whole process was fascinating and memorable. I highly recommend this activity for those who might be hesitant about biking or trying a Finnish sauna.

The overnight bear watching experience was truly unique and adventurous. We saw two bears and many other wildlife, which was amazing. However, the experience was a bit challenging and stressful, especially for older travelers like us. The cabin was stuffy, and we had to remain very quiet, which was hard to fully understand beforehand. Also, the lack of cell phone coverage and the uncertainty about the pickup time added some anxiety. Despite these challenges, it was a memorable and worthwhile experience, but I would suggest better preparation and clearer information for future travelers.

The midnight sun photography tour was an amazing and surreal experience. We were out at around 1:30 AM, and even though it was late, it was not dark because of the midnight sun and a full orange moon rising. Walking on the boardwalks over marshy areas filled with blueberries was eerie but beautiful. The guide made a campfire with birch wood and grilled Finnish sausages, which was a lovely touch. We got some great photos, including professional ones from the photographer, which made the experience even more special.

The canoe trip in Lapland was a peaceful and breathtaking experience. We were out in the middle of a large lake with no other people around, which made it feel very serene and mind-blowing. It was a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the pristine wilderness of Finland.