Christmas In Lapland

( 5 Star )

Visit: Saariselka – Sinetta - Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village - Ranua

7 Days & 6 Nights Winter Guaranteed Departures 2019 Experience this unique journey to Lapland and be amazed by a blend of first class travel and the most fascinating and invigorating winter activities in the region. You will stay in Saariselka with its dazzling with landscape as well as in Rovaniemi. In Sinetta you are treated to a night in a glass igloo, and weather permitting, you will see the magnificent northern lights from your bed. Santa Claus will be expecting you at Santa Claus village. You will also experience a visit at the Sami reindeer farm and sleigh ride, as well as a husky safari. Round off your journey with a visit to the kings of the arctic, the polar bears, living in their natural northern conditions at Ranua wildlife park FEATURES • Winter activities • 1 night in a Glass Igloo • Dinner in a traditional Kota • Reindeer farm visit with sleigh ride • Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village • Husky Farm & Safari • A visit from Santa Claus at Santa Claus Hotel • 2 Christmas gala dinners • Ranua Wildlife Park.

Arrival to Ivalo Airport and regular transfer to the hotel for check-in. In Saariselka, in the far north of Finnish Lapland, lies the popular resort of Inari-Saariselka. The unique northern countryside, national parks, lake areas, rivers and highland fells offer a wealth of opportunities for year-round travel. In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky up to 200 days a year. The legendary Saariselka is the northernmost travel destination in Finland and boasts a variety of services. In Inari and other villages in the area, the Sami culture is still very much in evidence in everyday life. Here is where you find the genuine Lapland. Please consult the welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director. OPTIONAL: EVENING SAFARI BY REINDEER DURATION: approximately 2 hours (19:00 – 21:00) MEETING TIME: 18:45 at the hotel reception INCLUDES: transportation, guide, thermal outfit, juice Min 2 persons Get yourself ready for the unique experience of sitting in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. The journey will take you into the quiet evening forest and maybe you will even get to marvel at the beautiful Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Once you are back at the camp, a nice campfire and warm drink will be waiting for you to enjoy. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

In the morning, get ready for some fresh air activity literally following the footsteps of the Sami. SNOWSHOES SAFARI - INCLUDED DURATION: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes Put on your snowshoes and feel the crunch of snow under your feet. Capture the true feeling of winter in the northern woods as you explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel. OPTIONAL: SEARCH OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BY SNOWMOBILE DURATION: approximately 3 hours (19:00 – 22:00) MEETING TIME: 18:45 at the hotel reception INCLUDED: Thermal outfit, English guide, snowmobile ride & snack Snack included This evening safari takes you in the search of the Northern Lights by snowmobile. Your guide will lead the snowmobiles toward the best spots to admire the northern skies and seek for the Aurora Boreal. In the lightness of the Arctic night a stop is made to enjoy hot sausages and drinks by the open fire while sharing stories about the Arctic way of life. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Sinetta, located 25 km from Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour. SAMI REINDEER FARM VISIT & SLEIGH RIDE - INCLUDED DURATION : approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (11:30-14:00) INCLUDED: a traditional 3-course lunch Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, the Sami and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical three course lunch is included at the farm. OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO - INCLUDED The journey continues south to Sinetta following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you will have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course dinner in a magnificent wooden “Kota” where fresh salmon is slowly grilled over the fire on a huge fire pit in the center. OPTIONAL: SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI 22:00 – 23:30 EXCLUSIVE FOR OUR GUESTS Even the most enthusiastic sauna bathers are deeply impressed by the snow sauna with its walls made of snow and ice. Only the sauna benches are made of wood! The sauna bathing experience is an astonishing combination of thick steam within intimate snow walls. Afterwards jump into the outdoor Jacuzzi and admire the Northern Lights or the spectacular starry night skies of Lapland. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING OPTIONAL: OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE with EVENING SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI EXPERIENCE PRICE: 125 EUR /PERSON OVERNIGHT INCL. SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI 22:00 – 23:00 SAUNA & JACUZZI ARE SHARED WITH OTHER GUESTS Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each Snow Suite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with special arctic sleeping bags keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

In the morning after breakfast you will travel by bus to Rovaniemi where you will check-in at Santa´s Hotel Santa Claus and your Christmas adventure can begin. Once you have settled into the hotel, you can enjoy a buffet dinner of traditional Lappish food. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna included. OPTIONAL: Arctic ice floating – Day floating DURATION: 3 hours (14:00-17:00) MEETING TIME: 13:45 at the hotel reception INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, hot drinks Snack included Come and experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Don’t fear the cold as you are totally protected with high quality rescue suit. Let your body and mind float, enjoy this frozen adventure. This guided adventure is safe with a high-quality rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. As you have your own clothing under the suit you will not get cold even in the open 0-degree water. Lying down in the ice hole between the ice blocks is something worth trying, the circumstances truly are arctic! REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari. HUSKY FARM & SAFARI - INCLUDED DURATION: approximately 2 hours (14:00-16:00) INCLUDED: winter clothing, outdoor picnic 2 persons per sledge The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. He will also provide you with brief instructions on how to ride the sleighs. Riding in pairs you will embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes. The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa’s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland. VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS & CHRISTMAS EVE GALA DINNER INCLUDED At approximately 16:00, all children are invited to participate in the traditional activity of decorating the Christmas tree. Around 18:00 Santa Claus will pay a visit to the hotel where he will deliver Christmas presents to our youngest guests. There will be a small gift per child from the hotel and the possibility for families to arrange, that Santa Claus special delivers a present to their children on behalf of the family. Christmas Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person are included.

Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing on another day of adventure. This morning we will visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80 km south of Rovaniemi, 1 hour by coach. The Ranua Wildlife Park, established 1983, specializes in arctic and northern animal species. The spacious animal fencings are amid northern conifer forests, the natural habitat of most of the animals. You will be able to enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful park and visit different animals and birds. The guide will provide you with interesting and detailed information about the animals and their personalities, as well as answer whatever questions you might have about the animal life and artic nature. Enjoy a self-service lunch at the restaurant in Ranua Wildlife Park. After lunch, you will have one hour to visit the surroundings. You may want to visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer factory and the local wine shop with their unique selection of wines made from berries. Return to Rovaniemi, remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. CHRISTMAS GALA DINNER - INCLUDED In the evening enjoy a Christmas Gala Dinner buffet at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included.

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your departure flight.

Inclusion

✓ 6 nights in First Class hotels in standard double/twin rooms with private facilities ✓ 6 breakfasts, buffet style ✓ 4 dinners, 2 lunches & 1 picnic as mentioned in the program (all lunches & dinners are 3-course meals or buffets including coffee, unless otherwise specified) ✓ Bi-lingual Tour Escort (English & Spanish or Portuguese) from Day 2 to Day 7 inclusive ✓ Regular arrival transfer from Ivalo Airport ✓ Regular departure transfer to Rovaniemi Airport ✓ The long-distance coach from day 2-6 offers WIFI ✓ All tours and transportation, as mentioned in the program ✓ Visits, excursions and entrances as mentioned in the program ✓ Outdoor clothing for winter activities/safaris as mentioned in the program. For further information please consult the general conditions ✓ Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase & 1 piece of hand luggage per person

Exclusion

Beverages or any extras Porter Service Any services not mentioned in the program

Note

HOTELS Santa´s Hotel Tunturi Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloo Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus Due to the nature of the tours and the destination, we are unfortunately not able to accept children younger than 4 years old on these programs. Child supplement cost is available on request Cost for Optional activities is available on request The Northern Lights are weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed as they are a natural phenomenon. Regular Transfer Services included in the program are only available for transfers from Ivalo Airport & to Rovaniemi Airport and only on the published official date of end of the tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking driver and is shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers – for a supplement, private transfers can be reserved.

Tour Category

Similar Tours From Finland