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Christmas in Lapland - I

Christmas in Lapland - I - Photo 1
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Christmas in Lapland - I - Photo 8

Tour Itinerary

Arrival at Ivalo Airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
In the far north of Finnish Lapland lies the enchanting region of Inari–Saariselkä, a true natural haven. National parks, crystal-clear lakes, winding rivers, and gentle fells form a stunning landscape that invites exploration all year round. During the winter months, the Arctic sky offers an unparalleled spectacle — the magical dance of the Northern Lights, visible up to 200 nights a year. The legendary village of Saariselkä, Finland’s northernmost tourist destination, boasts excellent infrastructure and a wide range of services. In Inari and nearby towns, the rich Sámi culture is present in every detail, offering visitors an authentic and memorable Lapland experience.

Rest of the day at leisure.

  • Overnight in Saariselka: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or similar iconOvernight in Saariselka: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or similar

We will begin the day with a welcome meeting hosted by the Tour Director, who will present the itinerary details and distribute the included thermal clothing for your comfort throughout the Arctic experience.

SNOWSHOES SAFARI (included)
Approx. Duration: 2 hours
Includes: guidance in English, thermal outfit, juice, and photographing break, equipment    
Get ready to venture into the snow-covered forest and experience an unforgettable adventure! This snowshoeing excursion will take you through breathtaking landscapes, combining marked trails with areas of soft, deep snow. With a bit of luck, you may spot tracks of rabbits, foxes, or capercaillies along the way. During the journey, you will make short stops to take photos and enjoy a delicious warm fruit juice while soaking in the full magic of the Arctic winter.

AURORA HUNTING ON HEATED SLED  (optional)
Approx. Duration: 3 hours
Includes: guiding in English, thermal clothing inc. overalls, boots, and Mittens, warm berry juice, cookies and marshmallows, seat in a heated sleigh  
The silent snow-covered forest, the solitary hill at the edge of the Arctic vastness, and the magical Northern Lights dancing above you. Sit back in the heated sleigh and let yourself be carried away by a truly unforgettable experience. Driven by your guide on a snowmobile, the sleigh glides across the snowy landscape, bathed in the light of the moon and stars, all the way to the top of the hill—far from any light pollution.
Upon arrival, we get our cameras ready to capture the spectacle of the Arctic sky. Comfortably gathered around the campfire, we enjoy warm drinks and listen to fascinating stories while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. And then, as the first glow emerges, your only limit will be your imagination: the Northern Lights dance across the sky, the constellations shine brightly, and the snow-covered trees create a scene of pure magic and wonder.

  • Breakfast & Dinner iconBreakfast & Dinner
  • Overnight in Saariselka: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or similar iconOvernight in Saariselka: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi or similar
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, the adventure continues toward the fantastic Santa’s Igloos.
 
SAMI REINDEER FARM, SLEIGH RIDE & LUNCH                    INCLUDED
Approx. Duration: 2,5 hours
Includes: guided visit, reindeer sleigh ride, traditional 2-course lunch, water, and juice
 
Meet a traditional Sami host, who will share stories about their culture, the reindeer, and the vital role these animals play in their way of life. In two-person sleighs, enjoy a short but enchanting ride (approximately 400 meters) pulled by reindeer—a peaceful, authentic way to glide through the snowy landscape, crossing frozen lakes and silent forests, where the only sound is the gentle jingle of the reindeer bells. During the visit to the farm, a traditional two-course lunch will be served, prepared with local flavors and rich in heritage.
 
NIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO INCLUDED 
The journey continues south along picturesque paths that wind through the snow-covered forest until you reach the Arctic Circle, where you will check in to your exclusive private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your Glass Igloo and, weather permitting, be mesmerized by the stunning Northern Lights and the glow of millions of stars illuminating the Arctic night—all from the comfort of your bed.
In the evening, we invite you to savor a three-course dinner, the perfect finale to an unforgettable day in Lapland.
 
SHARED TOUR OPTIONAL – SNOWMOBILE SAFARI 
Price per person: USD225-Adult / USD175-Child
Approx Duration: 4 hours
Meeting Point: Hotel reception
Includes: English-speaking guide and snacks
 
Riding a snowmobile through the silent and mysterious winter wilderness is a truly unique experience. The headlights illuminate your path as you traverse forests, marshes, and snow-covered hills, revealing the full magic of the Arctic landscape. Midway through the journey, we will pause to light a campfire—a perfect moment to roast sausages, warm up, and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. With a bit of luck, the sky may transform into an unforgettable spectacle, with the Northern Lights dancing above you. Return to the hotel.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner iconBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle or similar iconSanta’s Igloos Arctic Circle or similar

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.

Transfer from the Glass Igloo Hotel to the hotel located in the city center.
 
SHARED TOUR OPTIONAL – ICE FISHING
Price per person: USD150-Adult / USD115-Child
Approx Duration:  2.5 hours
Meeting Point: Hotel reception
Includes: English-speaking guide, hot drink, and snack
 
Ice fishing—one of Finland’s most authentic traditions—offers a peaceful and genuinely Arctic experience for all ages. Sit comfortably on a reindeer hide while your guide skillfully drills through the ice. Enjoy a warm drink by the campfire as you eagerly wait for the first tug on the line. Imagine yourself there, seated above meters of crystal-clear water, surrounded by the pristine Arctic wilderness. And if you’re lucky, the guide may prepare your catch on the spot, turning it into a delicious local snack. 
 
SHARED TOUR OPTIONAL – DINNER AT THE ICE RESTAURANT
Price per person: USD250-Adult / USD175-Child
Approx Duration:  4.5 hours
Meeting Point: Hotel reception
Includes: arrival and departure transfers, a guided visit, and a three-course dinner
 
Experience Rovaniemi’s only Ice Restaurant, entirely built from snow and ice!
This extraordinary dinner, set in a magical and frosty environment, promises to exceed all expectations. Be enchanted by the delicate ice sculptures and capture every detail in photographs before enjoying an exquisite three-course gourmet dinner, served on ice tables. The experience begins with a guided tour of the Arctic SnowHotel, where your guide will reveal the secrets behind the impressive snow structures and the magic of the Ice Restaurant’s annual reconstruction
  • Breakfast & Dinner  iconBreakfast & Dinner
  • Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar iconSanta’s Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI    INCLUDED
Approx Duration: 1.5 hours
Include: self-driven, winter clothing, hot beverages    

Visit the home of these incredible sled dogs and enjoy an unforgettable ride! This 5 km husky adventure offers the perfect introduction to the thrill of mushing. The trail winds through forested areas with gentle ups and downs, providing a complete and exhilarating experience. Later, you will have the opportunity to meet more charming huskies at the farm and share a special moment with them. While enjoying hot drinks, you will hear fascinating stories and learn more about the lives of huskies and the exciting world of sled dog racing.

SHARED TOUR - SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE    INCLUDED
Approx Duration: 2.5 hours    

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, located just above the Arctic Circle—an unforgettable and magical experience! Visit Santa Claus’s home, where h e will personally welcome you. Words cannot capture the emotions felt during this fairytale moment, but we guarantee it will remain etched in your memory forever. During the visit, you can also send a letter to your loved ones, which will arrive at Christmas accompanied by greetings from Santa Claus. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon.

SHARED TOUR - EXCLUSIVE MEETING WITH SANTA CLAUS    INCLUDED
Approx Duration: 30 minutes    

At the beginning of the evening, experience the magic of Christmas like never before with an exclusive visit from Santa Claus at the hotel. This private and enchanting encounter allows you to meet him in person and enjoy an unforgettable moment filled with joy and warmth.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT THE HOTEL SANTA’S HOTEL SANTA CLAUS ROVANIEMI     INCLUDED

 

  • Breakfast & Dinner iconBreakfast & Dinner
  • Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar iconSanta’s Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar

VISIT RANUA ZOO INCLUDING LUNCH     INCLUDED

In the morning, we will visit Ranua Zoo (80 km – approx. 1 hour). You will enjoy an engaging tour where you can observe a variety of animals and birds. We will begin with several species of owls (snowy, Eurasian eagle-owl, tawny, etc.), eagles, hawks, ducks, and swans. Next, we will visit the rodent section before heading to the most beautiful part of the zoo, where brown and polar bears live in natural conditions typical of northern latitudes.

At midday, we will enjoy a self-service lunch at the zoo’s restaurant. After lunch, you will have one hour of free time to explore the surroundings—perhaps visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer candy factory workshop, or the local wine shop, which offers unique wines made from red berries such as bilberries, lingonberries, and others. Return to Rovaniemi

  • Breakfast & Dinner iconBreakfast & Dinner
  • Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar iconSanta’s Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time provided locally, you will have a private transfer to Rovaniemi Airport.

  • Breakfast iconBreakfast
  • Transfers iconTransfers

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