Christmas in Lapland

Arrival to Ivalo Airport and regular transfer to the hotel for check-in. In Saariselkä, in the far north of Finnish Lapland, lies the popular resort of Inari-Saariselkä. 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 Saariselkä 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. 

Overnight in Saariselka

In the morning, get ready for some fresh air activity literally following the footsteps of the Sami.

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  (optional)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours
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! REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

Overnight in Saariselka (B)

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to 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 (12:00 - 14:30)
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, the journey continues south to Santás Igloos following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Santa´s Igloos, 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.

AURORA ICE FLOATING (optional)
DURATION: 3 hours (18:30-21:30) / MEETING TIME: 17:55 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, hot drinks
Dip yourself into a frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind rest, sounds bizarre doesn’t it! Tonight, this is possible! This guided floating is totally 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. The circumstances are truly arctic! If the weather is clear, we can see beautiful stars and may even get to marvel the magnificent Northern Lights.

Overnight in Santa's Igloos (B, L, D)

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.

AURORA BOREALIS SAFARI BY SNOWMOBILES  (optional)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (18:00 – 21:00)
MEETING TIME: 17:45 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, snack, hot beverage
Drive through the wilderness and discover the phenomena of the northern sky at our Northern Lights base. Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you will travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages and savor a snack by a campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty of Lapland. 

*Note: To drive a snow mobile in Finland you must have a valid driver’s license from a country of issue which has signed the Road Traffic Convention of Geneva. 

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, D)

This morning your day starts with a 2 hours Husky Safari.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI - 2 persons per sledge self-driving (included)
DURATION: approximately 2 hours
INCLUDED: winter clothing
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).

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.

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

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, D)

Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing on another day of adventure.

RANUA WILDLIFE PARK (included)
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.

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. 

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, L, D)

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