Northern Lights Expedition—16 Days Across Iceland, Lapland, Scotland and Canada
TCS World Travel’s A Northern Lights Expedition is a 16-day private jet journey departing January 28, 2028, and returning February 12, 2028, visiting six destinations. Departing and returning from Boston, Massachusetts, the itinerary travels from Southern Iceland to the Highlands of Scotland, north to Finnish Lapland, across to Swedish Lapland and onward to the Northwest Territories of Canada.
This is a private jet expedition for travelers who want to pursue the Northern Lights across multiple prime aurora-viewing regions. This itinerary links several of the world’s high-probability aurora-viewing locations—from Iceland and Arctic Lapland to the Northwest Territories of Canada—without the commercial routing, layovers and logistics that make combining these destinations independently impractical, a combination rarely achievable without private aviation.
Key Highlights
The itinerary is organized around a single pursuit: the Northern Lights, from Iceland’s volcanic south to Finnish and Swedish Lapland’s deep-winter forests, and finally to the wide, dark skies above Canada’s Northwest Territories. Unlike most itineraries that visit either Scandinavia or Canada for the aurora, this expedition reaches all three regions in one journey, adding the Highlands of Scotland as a cultural and historical counterpoint between aurora windows.
Expedition Overview
- Dates: January 28, 2028 – February 12, 2028
- Duration: 16 days
- Destinations: Boston, USA → Southern Iceland, Iceland → Highlands of Scotland, Scotland → Finnish Lapland, Finland → Swedish Lapland, Sweden → Northwest Territories, Canada → Boston, USA
- Price: $135,000 per person, double occupancy
- Solo Supplement: $13,500
- Guests: 52
- Aircraft: Customized Airbus A321*
What Makes This Private Jet Expedition Unique?
Unlike traditional Northern Lights trips that are based in a single location, this expedition visits several destinations renowned for aurora viewing during the heart of winter. By traveling across Iceland, Lapland and northern Canada, the itinerary provides multiple opportunities to experience the phenomenon under different conditions.
The journey also showcases a wide variety of winter experiences. Guests can explore waterfalls and lava fields in Iceland, experience Scotland’s dramatic winter landscapes, meet Sámi reindeer herders in Lapland, drive a team of huskies, ride snowmobiles through snowy wilderness and discover life in Canada’s far north.
Equally important are the cultural experiences. Throughout the expedition, local experts introduce guests to Icelandic traditions, Scottish heritage, Sámi culture and the Indigenous history of Canada’s Northwest Territories, adding historical and cultural context to each destination.
South Coast, Iceland Experiences
The expedition spends three nights on Iceland’s South Coast, exploring volcanic, geothermal and coastal landscapes. At UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, guests see the rift valley formed between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The experience continues underground at Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s longest lava tubes. A tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula visits the Bridge Between Continents and the coastal headland of Reykjanestá. Another excursion explores Þjórsárdalur, including the reconstructed Commonwealth Farm at Stöng and views of Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes.
The Scottish Highlands
The two-night Scottish Highlands stay combines history, scenery and whisky traditions. At Culloden Battlefield, an expert guide introduces guests to the final Jacobite Rising and the battle that ended on Culloden Moor in 1746. Guests can also take a private cruise on Loch Ness beneath the ruins of Urquhart Castle. A curated whisky experience examines how water, grain, oak and distilling traditions influence the flavor and character of Scotch whisky.
Finnish Lapland
The expedition spends three nights in Finnish Lapland, surrounded by taiga forests, Arctic fells, deep snow and expansive northern skies. The itinerary pairs aurora viewing with Finnish sauna culture, which UNESCO recognizes as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Guests can travel through snowy forests on a reindeer-drawn sleigh and visit a local farm to meet the herd. A dedicated Northern Lights experience takes guests beyond village lights with an expert guide to locations selected according to the night’s conditions. A backcountry snowmobiling experience offers another way to explore the Arctic landscape beneath the night sky.
Swedish Lapland
In Swedish Lapland, guests spend three nights at ICEHOTEL 365 on the banks of the Torne River. An Arctic dogsledding experience travels through frozen trails and snow-covered forests, pausing for coffee and Swedish fika around a campfire. Guests can also take a Northern Lights snowmobile safari into the wilderness, stopping at a warming cabin while watching the sky for the aurora. The ten-step Jukkasjärvi sauna ritual moves between a wood-fired sauna, open-air hot tubs and an icy plunge into the Torne River. During an ice-sculpting experience, guests learn to carve a block of crystal-clear river ice with the guidance of an instructor.
The Northwest Territories, Canada
The final northern destination is Yellowknife, where the expedition spends two nights. Located in the Canadian Shield, Yellowknife is known for its expansive frozen lakes, boreal forest and intense Northern Lights displays. During a Dene cultural visit, guests spend an evening with local Indigenous hosts, sharing storytelling, music and regional cuisine. A Yellowknife tour explores Old Town and the city’s transformation from a remote gold-mining settlement into the capital of the Northwest Territories. The itinerary concludes its aurora experiences with an evening outside the city’s lights, where local guides help guests watch for green or violet bands moving across the northern sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Northern Lights Expedition focused on?
The Northern Lights Expedition is focused on maximizing opportunities to experience the aurora borealis while exploring some of the world’s most spectacular winter landscapes and Arctic cultures. The itinerary combines exceptional Northern Lights viewing with winter adventures, luxury accommodations and immersive cultural experiences across Iceland, Scotland, Lapland and northern Canada.
Who is this expedition best for?
A Northern Lights Expedition is designed for travelers who want to see the aurora borealis while also exploring the landscapes and cultures of the far north. It is particularly well suited to guests interested in natural phenomena, geology, history, Indigenous culture and active winter experiences. It appeals to guests who value structured access to remote locations, are curious about Arctic cultures and winter traditions, and are comfortable with cold-weather environments and limited daylight at high latitudes in winter.
The expedition also appeals to travelers who want the convenience of an all-inclusive private jet journey. TCS World Travel manages the flights, accommodations, ground transportation, activities, meals, luggage and other logistics throughout the trip.
This trip is not well-suited for guests seeking warm climates, beach or cultural city itineraries, or those with significant mobility limitations, as several activities involve snow terrain, cold temperatures and some physical movement in winter conditions.
How many opportunities will I have to see the Northern Lights?
The itinerary is designed to provide multiple opportunities to view the aurora across several destinations known for favorable viewing conditions. Guests spend time in Iceland, Finnish Lapland, Swedish Lapland and Yellowknife, increasing the likelihood of experiencing the Northern Lights during the expedition.
Why is Yellowknife considered one of the best places to see the Northern Lights?
Both Yellowknife’s location beneath the auroral oval, and its cold, dry climate, frequently create excellent conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Multiple nights in Yellowknife provide additional flexibility for aurora viewing.
What winter activities are included?
The itinerary includes experiences such as snowmobiling, dogsledding, meeting reindeer, snowshoeing and other winter adventures that showcase each destination’s Arctic environment.
What cultural experiences are included?
The expedition includes cultural experiences related to Icelandic settlement history, Scotland’s Jacobite past and whisky traditions, Finnish sauna culture, Swedish ice craftsmanship and the Indigenous cultures of Canada’s Northwest Territories.
In Iceland, guests visit the reconstructed Commonwealth Farm at Stöng to learn about Viking-era life. In Scotland, they explore Culloden Battlefield and participate in a private whisky experience. Finnish Lapland introduces guests to reindeer traditions and UNESCO-recognized sauna culture. Swedish Lapland includes the Jukkasjärvi sauna ritual and ice sculpting using ice harvested from the Torne River. In Yellowknife, guests spend an evening with Dene hosts through storytelling, music and regional cuisine.
Will I see reindeer?
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to a traditional Sámi reindeer camp where guests meet reindeer and learn about their importance to Sámi culture.
Will I have the opportunity to go dogsledding?
Yes. Swedish Lapland includes the opportunity to drive a team of huskies through the Arctic landscape.
Does the trip include sauna experiences?
Yes. The itinerary includes sauna experiences in both Finnish and Swedish Lapland. Finnish Lapland highlights the country’s UNESCO-recognized sauna culture, and Gáldu Hotel & Spa provides restorative spa amenities. In Swedish Lapland, guests can participate in the ten-step Jukkasjärvi sauna ritual, moving between a wood-fired sauna, open-air hot tubs and an icy plunge into the Torne River.
Are the Northern Lights guaranteed and when is it best to see them?
The itinerary is designed to maximize opportunities to see the aurora by visiting several premier viewing destinations. The Northern Lights are visible from late September through mid-March at the latitudes covered by this itinerary—Iceland, Finnish Lapland, Swedish Lapland and Canada’s Northwest Territories. January and February, when this expedition departs, sit within the peak aurora season, with maximum hours of darkness and excellent viewing conditions. However, aurora viewing depends on clear skies and solar activity, neither of which can be guaranteed. By visiting several different aurora-viewing destinations across 16 days, this itinerary significantly improves the probability of multiple successful viewing evenings compared to a single-destination trip.
What are winter conditions like across the destinations?
January and February bring deep winter conditions to all northern stops. In Finnish Lapland (Ivalo) and Swedish Lapland (Kiruna), daytime temperatures typically range from 14°F to -13°F with limited daylight of approximately 3–5 hours per day. Yellowknife, Canada, shares similar temperatures and darkness. Southern Iceland is milder by Arctic standards—temperatures hover near 32°F to 23°F in late January—but conditions are highly changeable, with wind, rain and occasional snow common at Keflavik. The Highlands of Scotland are cold and often wet in January, with temperatures between 42°F and 38°F. Guests should be prepared for all of these conditions and bring appropriate cold-weather gear; TCS World Travel provides detailed packing guidance prior to departure.
Will guests stay in an ice hotel?
Yes. The Swedish Lapland accommodation is ICEHOTEL 365. The property features individually sculpted ice suites, frozen art halls and an ice bar. The ice areas are kept at approximately 23°F, with warm bedding and reindeer hides provided for comfort.
What is included in the expedition price?
The all-inclusive price covers travel aboard the privately chartered jet, first-class accommodations, ground transportation, meals, beverages and scheduled activities.
All meals and beverages are included, including select beer, wine and spirits aboard the jet and at group lunches and dinners. The price also includes guided excursions, more active options, special events, private access, local guides, on-trip experts, expedition staff, gratuities and luggage handling.
What is not included?
The expedition price does not include commercial airfare between a traveler’s home city and Boston, optional accident, baggage or cancellation insurance, passport and visa fees, personal expenses, hotel minibar charges, unscheduled meals or beverages not specifically included by TCS. Inoculation and medication costs are also not included.
What is TCS World Travel?
TCS World Travel is a luxury travel company specializing in all-inclusive private jet expeditions and custom global journeys. Since 1991, the company has pioneered multi-destination travel by private aircraft, combining seamless logistics with expert-led programming and curated local access across more than 200 destinations worldwide.
Having operated over 300 private jet expeditions, TCS World Travel is recognized as a leader in the category, with honors from Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and Departures Legend Awards.
*Aircraft operated by Titan Airways Ltd