Day 1 – 10th Dec | Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Arrive in Finland’s vibrant capital, Helsinki, and check into your premium hotel for two nights of festive indulgence. After settling into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, maybe explore the city’s famed Christmas markets, stroll through Senate Square and the Old Market Hall, and soak up the warmth and wonder of the Nordic holiday spirit.
Included: Accommodation, airport transfers. Dinner is own cost tonight due to everyone arriving at different times.
Day 2 – 11th Dec | Explore Helsinki at Leisure
Today is at your own leisure, giving you the full day to discover Helsinki’s magical winter atmosphere. Wander through the city’s charming design district, admire the festive lights, and soak up the cosy Nordic spirit. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner hosted by Lesley Whyte, where you’ll receive your special Travel With Lesley Whyte gift — a thoughtful keepsake to begin your journey.
Included: Accommodation & welcoming dinner
Day 3 – 12th December | Embark Le Commandant Charcot – Helsinki, Finland
Transfer from your hotel to the port where the magnificent Le Commandant Charcot awaits. Step aboard your home for the next 10 nights and settle into luxurious comfort as the ship sets sail through the frozen Gulf of Finland.
Included: Hotel–ship transfer, all meals onboard.
Day 4 – 13th December | Tallinn, Estonia
Explore Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town — cobblestoned streets, Gothic spires, and one of Europe’s most picturesque Christmas markets. Capture medieval charm dressed in winter white.
Day 5 – 14th December | Riga, Latvia
Discover Latvia’s Art Nouveau capital, rich in history and Christmas cheer. Wander festive market stalls, taste spiced mulled wine, and photograph architectural treasures bathed in golden light.
Day 6 – 15th December | Visby, Sweden (Gotland Island)
Step ashore in the storybook town of Visby — a perfectly preserved medieval walled city. Explore narrow lanes, ancient ruins, and seaside views as soft snowflakes fall.
Day 7 – 16th December | Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive in the Swedish capital spread across 14 islands. Visit Gamla Stan’s Christmas markets, photograph snow-covered bridges, and enjoy festive music echoing from grand cathedrals.
Day 8 – 17th December | At Sea – The Gulf of Bothnia
Sail north aboard Le Commandant Charcot, breaking through ice fields and experiencing the magic of the polar night. Enjoy photography sessions, lectures, and fine dining as you glide across frozen waters.
Day 9 – 18th December | Luleå, Sweden
Discover this charming Arctic gateway, home to UNESCO-listed Gammelstad Church Town and the serene beauty of Lapland. Photograph frozen harbours and traditional red cottages dusted with snow.
Day 10 – 19th December | Oulu, Finland
Continue along the northern Finnish coast to Oulu — a lively winter city known for its friendly locals, festive lights, and stunning coastal scenery.
Day 11 – 20th December | Kemi, Finland
Visit Kemi, famous for its snow castle and crystal-clear ice sculptures. Experience a true Arctic wonderland before cruising south.
Day 12 – 21st December | Return to Helsinki, Finland
Le Commandant Charcot returns to Helsinki this morning for a farewell breakfast. Disembark and transfer to your hotel — carrying with you cherished memories of a truly magical winter voyage.
Included: Ship–hotel transfers, Helsinki accommodation, Farewell dinner (drinks own cost).
- Day 13 – 22nd December | Depart Helsinki
Farewell Helsinki after a festive breakfast — the perfect end to an unforgettable Christmas adventure, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport. - Included: Breakfast, hotel-airport transfers
