5 days / 4 nights from £895 pp

For this Lapland Winter Experience we recommend visiting Rovaniemi, the capital city of the Finnish Lapland, located on the Arctic Circle. It is a city where winter sports are never more than a step away. In the Arctic Circle the sun does not set in summer or rise in winter for at least one day.

Winter darkness is an ideal setting to see the magnificent Northern Lights dancing in the sky. After an active day outdoors, there's nothing better than to relax at the hotel, try traditional Lappish cuisine and the Finnish sauna.

PRICES START FROM £ 895 pp based on availability and sharing a twin room. Single supplement £ 275 pp.

2009 Departures: 1st – 22nd December 2008 / 2nd January - 31st March 2009


Package includes: 

• Direct return flights from London to Helsinki on Finnair 
• Domestic flights Helsinki – Rovaniemi - Helsinki on Finnair 
• Airport transfers in Rovaniemi 
• 4 nights accommodation in Hotel Santa Claus**** or similar, Rovaniemi 
• Private return transfers to Santa Claus Village 
• Breakfast at the hotel

Lapland Winter Experience Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival to Rovaniemi airport. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hotel Santa Claus or similar in the city centre.

DAY 2 - Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Visit Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle. Free time for visiting Santa Claus and for shopping. Overnight in Hotel Santa Claus.

DAY 3 - Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Free day for optional activities. Today you can choose optional activities like snowmobiling, husky dog safari, reindeer safari or ice fishing. Overnight in Hotel Santa Claus.

DAY 4 – Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Free day for optional activities.

DAY 5 - Journey home. Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Rovaniemi airport.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Santa Claus safari (10 a.m. – 16 p.m.) Every day Our most popular safari combines nature, culture and the spirit of Christmas. The day starts with a snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm where you will hear more about reindeer husbandry and Lappish culture. You can take a reindeer ride and attend a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. After the visit we go by car to a cosy restaurant for delicious lunch. In the afternoon you will have time to do shopping in Santa Claus Village. You will also have an opportunity to send postcards from Santa Claus’s main post office. During the day you get to meet Santa Claus himself. You will get a Diploma for crossing the Arctic Circle. DURATION: 6 hours PRICE: £ 145,- per person Note: shorter 5 hour version is available between 1.12.2008-11.1.2009.
• Highlights of Lapland (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Every day Santa Claus safari includes this safari! This safari introduces you to the most essential elements of Lapland. A snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm. You will be familiarized with our Lappish culture and reindeer husbandry. Everyone passing a reindeer driving test will be issued an international reindeer driver's license and you have a possibility to participate in a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or berry juice before returning back to the town.  DURATION: 3 hours PRICE: £ 105,- per person
• Visit to a husky farm (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Every day If you like huskies and snowmobiles, this is your safari! After a brisk snowmobile ride you reach the husky dog farm where the dogs welcome you with friendly barking. Experience a quick thrilling ride in a sled pulled by a team of huskies. Hot beverages are served around campfire on the farm. DURATION: 3 hours PRICE: £ 105,- per person
• Snowmobile safari to wilderness (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.) Every day The best way to get to the nature – and back. During this safari you learn the fun of snowmobiling along frozen rivers and through forests covered with snow. Enjoy the beautiful view of the river valley from the top of the hills. A pause and hot beverages keep your motor running. DURATION: 2 hours (or 25km) PRICE: £ 85,- per person
• Lappish way through nature (daily 6 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. & Fri 1.30 p.m. – 4 p.m.) Experience traditional ways of travelling through the snowy nature! Transportation by car to the Reindeer Farm to try reindeer sleighing. This traditional way of travel in a reindeer sleigh through snowy forests is a unique experience – in the evening you may even experience the Northern Lights blazing in the sky. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee with bun around the campfire and learn about the life of reindeer herders. DURATION: 2,5 hours (Reindeer safari 1h) PRICE: £ 90,- per person
• Husky Adventure (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Tuesday, Thursday After snowmobile ride you will start the real husky adventure! During this good hour husky safari the dog teams lead you through silent forest. Enjoy the peace of the nature and an outdoor snack served around campfire during the safari. Return to town by snowmobiles. DURATION: 4 hours PRICE: € 160,- per person
• Northernmost zoo in the world (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Wednesday This whole day trip takes you by car to Ranua Wildlife Park, the northernmost zoo in the world. The park is located about 80 km from Rovaniemi. Have a refreshing walk outside to see Arctic animals in their genuine wilderness surroundings. Lunch is enjoyed in a cosy restaurant, followed by a visit at Fazer candy shop. DURATION: 5 hours PRICE: £ 100,- per person
• Husky safari by car (9 a.m. and 2 p.m.) Every day After a short drive by car from the hotel, we arrive at the Husky Farm, where the barking of the enthusiastic dogs welcomes you to the safari. You will be given tuition on how to control the sledge that you ride in pairs (musher and passenger) before departing on the 2 hour journey. When returning to the Husky Farm, you will savour hot berry juice by an open fire and chat with the head musher about these amazing northern animals. DURATION: 3 hours PRICE: £ 105,- per person
• Search for the Northern lights (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) Every day Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you have the bright sky, moon and the stars. Maybe even the Aurora Borealis - northern lights - showing you the way. Sip warm beverages and snack by the campfire and learn more about the northern lights and Lapland. DURATION: 3 hours PRICE: £ 95,- per person
• Arctic Picnic (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Monday, Thursday Spend nice moment outside and enjoy the Lappish nature at its best. By snowmobiles with your guide you’ll find a nice place to try your luck in ice fishing, fry sausages by the campfire or just to enjoy the beauty and silence of the nature. DURATION: 4 hours PRICE: £ 100,- per person
• Snowmobile safari to high fells (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Every day - except Sunday This full day snowmobile safari shows you the true face of Lappish nature: deep forests, frozen lakes and rivers, wintry scenery and fells. During the day you will have opportunity to try your luck in ice-fishing . You can also change the way of walking; do it with snowshoes! During the day you will enjoy Lappish style lunch. DURATION: 6 hours PRICE: £ 145,- per person
• Moonlight walk on snowshoes (6 p.m – 9 p.m.) Every day - except Sunday (This safari is suitable for children over 12 years old) Capture the true feeling of winter night in northern woods. Your guide will take you by car to a place, where you can start learning the wintry way of movement with snowshoes. While walking on the snow, you will experience how the milky light of the moon and stars cast enchanting shadows through the snowfields. Have a break by open fire and enjoy some snacks while the only sound is the sough of the forest and fire. If you are lucky, you may even see the northern lights. DURATION: 3 hours PRICE: £ 65,- per person
• Learn cross country skiing! (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Every day - except Sunday Learn skiing tutored by a Finnish skiing instructor. Skiing tour through the silent white forest will be paused by break for hot beverages by campfire. DURATION: 3 hours PRICE: £ 50,- per person

Safari prices include: 

• Thermal clothing 
• Each snowmobile shared by two guests taking turns in driving 
• Solo driving possibility (cost varies depending on the safari) 
• Guiding in English 
• Traffic insurance

The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age and in possession of a valid driver’s license. Snowmobile safaris are subject to change due to weather conditions. Safari organiser reserves the right to change the routing, pricing and the duration of the excursions without prior notice. Pre-paid safaris will not be refunded. The driver of the snowmobile is held liable for damages caused to the vehicle. Self-risk amount is max € 505,- person/snowmobile/accident case. Pregnant women should not use the snowmobile or the sledge pulled by the snowmobile as the vibrations and exhaust fumes may be harmful.