Finland

February 16-24, 2028

Veterinary Continuing Education

Where exceptional veterinary education meets Arctic adventure.

Registration Open

Why Finland

Finland is a place where snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and endless Arctic landscapes create a winter experience unlike anywhere else. In Finnish Lapland, reindeer roam beneath the northern sky, huskies race through the snow, and the Northern Lights may dance overhead.

This Beyond Scrubs experience combines meaningful veterinary continuing education with the adventure of Finland in winter—giving you the opportunity to learn, explore, and experience the Arctic alongside a small group of fellow veterinary professionals.

Experience Highlights

Private Reindeer Farm Experience
Husky Sled Safari
Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari
Arctic Wildlife Experience
Aurora Cabin Stay
Sámi Culture & Reindeer Experience

Itinerary

Day 1 — Helsinki
Arrive in Finland, private transfer to Helsinki and welcome 3- course dinner.

Day 2 — Helsinki → Rovaniemi
Guided Helsinki city tour including the Rock Church, then fly north to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. CE during dinner.

Day 3 — Rovaniemi
Winter gear fitting, private reindeer farm experience, free afternoon and an evening Northern Lights snowmobile safari. CE during the afternoon.

Day 4 — Rovaniemi
Private husky farm and sled safari followed by an Arctic wildlife experience at Ranua Wildlife Park. CE during breakfast and dinner.

Day 5 — Rovaniemi → Saariselkä
Journey deeper into Finnish Lapland, check into your Aurora Cabin and spend the evening at an Aurora Camp by the lake.

Day 6 — Saariselkä
Morning CE followed by free time or your choice of optional Arctic adventure: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

Day 7 — Saariselkä
Sámi culture and reindeer management experience followed by an evening Northern Lights hunt by heated sleigh. CE during lunch

Day 8 — Saariselkä → Helsinki
Fly back to Helsinki and celebrate the journey with a three-course farewell dinner. CE during free time.

Day 9 — Departure
Breakfast and private transfer to Helsinki Airport for your journey home.

Continuing Education

Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD

Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw is a small animal surgeon and rehabilitation specialist with specific interest in orthopedic surgery and osteoarthritis management. Kristin received her DVM, MS and PhD, and completed a small animal surgical residency at the University of Florida. She spent 2 years as a clinical instructor at the University of Florida, 9 years in specialty referral practice in Seattle and 3 years as a Pain Specialists with Zoetis. She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Orthopedics at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Kristin is past- president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians and immediate Past- President of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. She is the co-editor and a contributing author of the textbook Canine Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain and the founder of CARE (www.CanineArthritis.org and www.CatArthritisCare.org), websites dedicated to providing practical, evidence-based resources and tools for pet parents and veterinary professionals caring for dogs and cats with osteoarthritis.

Beyond the Limp

Practical Pain, Mobility & Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner

This 12-hour RACE Approved CE program takes a practical approach to managing osteoarthritis, chronic pain, lameness, and mobility challenges in dogs and cats. From orthopedic exams and multimodal pain management to exercise, rehabilitation, feline arthritis, and post-operative recovery, attendees will leave with strategies they can immediately apply in everyday practice.

What’s Included

  • 8 nights accommodations

    • Helsinki – Scandic Grand Marina or similar

    • Rovaniemi – Scandic Pohjanhovi or similar

    • Saariselkä – Northern Lights Village Aurora Cabin or similar

  • 8 breakfasts

  • 3 hotel dinners

  • Three-course welcome dinner in Helsinki

  • Three-course farewell dinner in Helsinki

  • Local Tour Director throughout the 9-day journey

  • Private coach transportation and airport transfers as outlined in the itinerary

  • Guided Helsinki city tour

  • Entrance to the Rock Church

  • 6-day winter gear rental

  • Private reindeer farm experience

  • Private Northern Lights snowmobile safari

  • Private husky farm & sled safari

  • Ranua Wildlife Park admission

  • Aurora Camp by the Lake

  • Private Sámi culture & reindeer management experience

  • Northern Lights hunt by heated sleigh

Trip Excludes

  • International and domestic airfare

  • Domestic flights within Finland – estimated at $400-600 per person. This will be charged once flights become available.

    • Helsinki (HEL) → Rovaniemi (RVN)

    • Ivalo (IVL) → Helsinki (HEL)Airport taxes, fuel surcharges & seat selection fees

  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Passport & visa fees, if applicable

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Optional excursions & activities

  • Personal expenses

  • Tips & gratuities

  • Porterage unless otherwise noted

  • Early check-in & late check-out

  • City or resort taxes unless otherwise stated

  • Any items not specifically listed under What’s Included

Optional excursions: Snowshoeing in the Fells, Cross-Country Skiing Lesson, and Snowmobile Adventure

Trip price

Travel Package
$9800 per person
Based on double occupancy

Single Room Supplement
+$3000

Veterinary CE Registration
$1150
12 hours of CE • RACE Approved

Veterinarian attending CE: $10,950 + airfare based on double occupancy

Single room supplement (no roommate): $13,950 + airfare

Non-veterinary travel companion: $9800 + airfare based on double occupancy

Register Now!

CE registration is purchased separately from the Finland travel package. After registering for CE, you will receive an email within 24 hours from beyondscrubsvet@stephtravelsllc.com to complete the booking process.

Is this experience right for you?

This trip is designed for veterinary professionals who:

  • Love to travel

  • Prefer small groups

  • Enjoy authentic cultural experiences

  • Want more from continuing education

  • Value meaningful connections

  • Can handle higher levels of activity

  • Can handle cold weather

FAQ

  • YES! 12 hours!

  • All Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants along with their adult travel companion.

    Travel companions are welcome and do not pay the CE registration fee.

  • This will be a very physically active trip . It will also be a very cold trip.

  • Yes! Please do! They will not be able to attend the CE sessions. All other excursions are for everyone on the trip.

  • I am sorry. All guests must be 18 or older.

  • Yes. Most definitely. Please make sure it is valid for 6 months after date of travel.

  • Helsinki Airport

    If you need help booking flights, please let us know.

  • CE will be an additional $950. Only veterinarians need to pay the CE fee and attend the lectures.

  • Absolutely. Please let us know on the reservation form and we can accommodate you!

  • Not a problem. We want you to be comfortable. You will be placed in a room with a member of the same gender.

  • Yes. We will discuss payment plans if needed at time of book.

  • Travel will be booked and managed by Steph Travels LLC and operated by GoWay travel.

Ready to reserve your spot or learn more?