Arctic New Year In Lapland
Tour Itinerary
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. The rest of the day is at leisure. Please consult the our company welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in at to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director.
Overnight in Saariselka
Santa’s Tunturi Hotel
SNOWSHOES SAFARI (included)
DURATION: 1:30-1:45 HOURS
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
AURORA BOREALIS SLEIGH RIDE PULLED BY SNOWMOBILE (optional)
DURATION: 3 hours (20:00 – 23:00)
MEETING TIME: 19:30 at the hotel reception, 300 meter walk to activity
INCLUDED: Thermal outfit, English guide, snowmobile ride & juice break
During this brisk safari you can just sit back and enjoy the view and ride! Your guide will take you up to the fell district to see the beautiful hilltop scenery with unlimited views of the northern sky. Your journey will head towards a beautiful fell cabin where you can enjoy warm berry juice while admiring the nature. If you are lucky, the sky will be clear to see the moon, the stars and even the Northern lights may appear!
Overnight in Saariselka (B)
Breakfast- Santa’s Tunturi Hotel
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 & SLEIGH RIDE (included)
DURATION: 2:00-2:30 HOURS, TOTAL LENGTH OF THE VISIT
INCLUDED: a traditional 3-course lunch, reindeer sledge ride, Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate
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 this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape over the lake and through the forest, where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical three course lunch is included at the farm.
After the Reindeer excursion, you will travel by bus to the city center where you will check-in at Scandic Rovaniemi City and your New Year adventure can begin. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna at your Hotel.
Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, L, D)
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet and prepare to welcome a new year. Take the opportunity to explore the small and picturesque town at your own leisure. 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 their own behalf.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER (included)
19:00 - 22:00
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel.
An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included.
MYSTICAL NEW YEAR’S PARTY (optional)
At 22:00 take a transfer from the hotel to a Special New Year Venue just 20 minutes from town. At Lapland’s magical border of the Arctic Circle, the festivities will be held for welcoming in the New Year. Fire, ice, darkness, snow, lights, music, dance are the combined elements that create a magical event for the whole family. The mysterious shamans fuel the atmosphere and as the New Year approaches Santa Claus himself will also pay us a visit! A giant snow disco, snow bars, massive fireworks display, and the spectacular New Year Dance Show definitely makes for a memorable experience. New Year’s tin casting is an old Finnish tradition to see what the future holds. Shamans - the fortunetellers - help you interpret the marks for the future in your tin. The event will take place by snowy banks, in idyllic winter setting. At 00:30/1:00 transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, D)
- Breakfast, dinner
- Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
Time for a swim as we head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First a visit to the Snow Castle* with its special snow slide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as we board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 3 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Prior to the cruise you will enjoy lunch onshore in the Seaview Restaurant.
*Please note that the construction of the Snow Castle is dependent on the weather conditions and therefore not guaranteed to be open before the 19th of January
SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE SWIMMING (included)
DURATION: 14:00-17:00 HOURS
This extraordinary experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge, ice swimming and a three-course meal at the on-board restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you have the opportunity to jump in the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those of you who dare will receive a certificate by the ship authorities to attest your courage. An unforgettable experience. Return to Rovaniemi with early evening arrival at your hotel.
Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, L, D)
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
HUSKY FARM & SAFARI (included)
DURATION: approximately 2 hours
INCLUDED: winter clothing 2 persons per sledge (self-driving)
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. After brief instructions you embark, riding in pairs, on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies (3 km).
VISIT TO SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE (included)
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. From Santa Claus Village it is a short ride to the hotel for check in. The rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO (included)
Upon arrival at the unique Santa´s Igloos, 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.
Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, D)
- Breakfast, dinner
- Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your departure flight. (B)
- Breakfast
Transfers
