4 Days / 3 Nights - from £1,065 pp

The Polar Sarari Adventure is a truly unique experience, take a tour to South-West Lapland, and enjoy the thrill of a cruise on a working ice breaker ship, along with ice swimming, and a night at the magnificent Kemi Snow castle in a room of snow and ice. The Snow Castle of Kemi is a magnificent example of the great talent and skills of local architects and their builders.

Inside the towering walls of the Snow Castle both children and adults can find unforgettable experiences. The Artwork of ice and snow with lights and sound effects is a delight for the age and soul in this wintry scenery. Staying overnight in the Snow Hotel with its arctic surroundings is an excellent way to experience the remarkable arctic night.

Package price is £1,065 per person based on availability and two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplement is £300 p.p.

Package includes: 

• Direct return flights from London to Helsinki on Finnair 
• Domestic flights Helsinki – Kemi - Helsinki with FinnComm 
• Airport transfers in Kemi 
• Transfer by car from Wanha Pappila to Ice breaker 
• Transfer by car from Ice Breaker to Snow castle 
• 2 nights accommodation at Wanha Pappila’s high level cottages inc. half board 
• 1 night at Snow Castle in double or single rooms with buffet breakfast 
• 4 hour cruise by Ice Breaker Sampo with lunch 

2010 Departure Dates between 31 January and 12 April

POLAR SAFARI ADVENTURE ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Arrival by air to Kemi airport. Private transfer to Wanha Pappila cottages. Remainder of day at leisure. Dinner in the Old Vicarage restaurant and overnight in Wanha Pappila Cottages.

Overnight in Wanha Pappila Cottages

Wanha Pappila cottages are located by the Bay of Bothnia, in south-west Lapland, close to Kemi.

There are 10 high class cabins, situated by the sea, all with fabulous sea views.

Salmon fishing has been the tradition in the area since the 17th century and the cabins are designed to resemble the traditional fishermen’s storehouses.

Next to the cabins is a historic wooden house, The Old Vicarage, which today serves both as the general reception for the cabins, and as an a la carte restaurant serving fine Lappish cuisine.

Accommodation details

• Each cabin is 50 square metres, sleeping up to 6 persons.
• Direct sea view from each cabin
• Wooden interior with warm colours and plenty of textiles
• Under floor heating
• 2 bedrooms: 2 individual beds in each room which can either be joined together or kept separate; extra bed ( sofa for two, in the living room)
• Combined living room / kitchen
• WC, bathroom, and private sauna
• Fireplace

DAY 2 - Full day at leisure in Kemi with possibility to take optional tours including snowmobiling, and husky safaris. Dinner in the Old Vicarage restaurant and overnight in Wanha Pappila Cottages.

DAY 3 - Ice Breaker Cruise. After breakfast transfer to the working Ice Breaker ship “Sampo”, one of Finland’s unique traveller experiences. During the 4 hour cruise, crush through the ice on-board the vessel whilst enjoying a hearty salmon soup lunch. Then the highlight of the day, take a dip in icy Baltic Sea. Transfer on to the Kemi Snow Castle for your final night stay.

Snow Hotel, Kemi Snow Castle offers a unique overnight experience staying in rooms built entirely from snow and ice.  The Snow hotel is set in the grounds of Kemi Snow Castle, which also features a Snow Restaurant, an Ice Sculpture Gallery, and a Snow Chapel, popular for weddings.  Room temperatures reach around -5 degrees, but the comfort of each guest is ensure in classic thermal sleeping bags on beds of reindeer skins.  The 32 rooms are decorated individually with local wall textiles.  The Snow Hotel reception, open 24 hours, is designed prominently with Lappish-style wood, and has a bar where guests can take a warm drink before their sleep.

The Ice Restaurant offers an unforgettable experience for its visitors. Tables are made of ice and the seats are covered with reindeer fur.   There is also an excellent traditional wooden restaurant next to the castle serving high class Lappish cuisine.

DAY 4 - Morning departure transfer from Snow castle to Kemi airport for flight home.

Extra nights in Helsinki or Kemi can be added on request.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN KEMI (PRICES ARE VALID WHEN MINIMUM 2 PERSONS TRAVELLING) NOTE tours start from Kemi centre but we can add pick up & drop off from your accommodation for a supplement of 75 EUR per booking (not per person).

Nature safari by snowshoes Experience the snow-covered nature by snowshoes. Your guide will tell about the natural environment, the forests, and local wildlife.    Snacks are served along the route.
Duration:  2 hours, Price: 55 EUR pp

Snowmobile safari to reindeer camp Put on a warm safari outfit and head by snowmobiles towards a local reindeer farm situated on a beautiful
small island in the Gulf of Bothnia. You will get to try driving a reindeer pulled sleigh. Everyone receives a reindeer driving certificate as a memento of the memorable experience. Delicious sandwiches and coffee are also served.
Duration: 2½ hours, Price: 115 EUR per person 2 pax per snowmobile, 160 EUR per person 1 per snowmobile

Visit to Husky farm Transfer to a local Husky kennels where the dogs will bark a friendly welcome.   Learn about the life of the animals and then experience a  3 hour husky ride in the forest in a sledge pulled by a husky dog team. After the ride enjoy coffee and snacks.
Duration: 4 hours, Price: 158 EUR pp Operates Thu-Fri

Northern Lights snowmobile safari  We experience the arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen sea. With a little luck, we have a bright sky - the moon and the stars, and maybe even the Aurora Borealis -the northern lights - showing us the way. Sip warm drinks by  open fire and learn more about the northern lights and Lapland.
Duration: 2½ hours, Price: 105 EUR per person 2 pax per snowmobile, 150 EUR pp 1 pax per snowmobile

Joy of winter: Kick-sledging & ice-fishing Enjoy the traditional way of transport in Lapland – kick-sledge.  Moving this chair-looking sledge is easy, one leg rests on the foothold while the other one is kicking the ground for speed. Ride on the still, frozen sea to a fishing place. After drilling a hole through the ice, we will try our luck ice-fishing. Hot berry juice is served.
Duration: 2 hours, Price: 55 EUR pp 1 person per sledge

Ice-fishing safari by snowmobile Head across the frozen sea where the guide will show the best places for catching some fish. After drilling a hole through the ice, we will try our luck ice-fishing. Hot berry juice is served.   Return to Kemi by snowmobile..
Duration:  2½ hours Price: 110 EUR pp 2 pax per snowmobile, 150 EUR pp 1 pax per snowmobile

Wilderness barbeque Head by snowmobile across the frozen sea to a remote forest.  Build a fire and grill sausages.  Hot drinks served.   Return by snowmobile.
Duration:  2½ hours, Price:  100 EUR pp 2 pax per snowmobile, 140 EUR pp 1 snowmobile

Notes:  Prices include guiding in English and rental of thermal clothing: overalls, boots and socks, balaclavas, gloves and helmets.
Child prices : Children under 12  get 30% off from the above prices.   The driver of the snowmobile should be at least 15 years old. Snowmobile safaris are subject to change due to weather conditions. The driver of the snowmobile is held liable for damages caused to the vehicle. Self-liability is max EUR 505.