Fabulous Lapland Winter Tour

Arrival to Kirkenes Airport and regular transfer to the hotel for check-in. This north eastern town lies a mere 15 km from the Russian border. The area offers a world of experiences for the adventurous traveler wanting to experience mountains, fjords, forests, lakes and the beautiful dancing northern lights. Approximately 10% of the population are Russians and you will find street signs in both Russian and Norwegian. Please consult your welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Kirkenes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for leisure. In the early afternoon we continue by coach towards Saariselkä, travelling south through the northern Lapland landscape to the centre of Sami world at Inari, the capital of Lapland. Here we visit the Sajos Sami Cultural Centre and parliament set in the heart of Sapmi in a unique natural landscape on the shore of Lake Inari, serving as a centre for Sami self-governance, culture, education, and know-how. Modern conference premises, facilities and technology go hand in hand with authentic, living Sami culture.  After the visit we continue onto the tiny village of Saariselkä, the centre of Finland’s winter sports. Check-in to the hotel and the evening is at leisure.

KING CRAB SAFARI (optional)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (08:00-11:00)
MEETING TIME: 07:15 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal equipment, king crab lunch
Rated one of the best 25 excursions in the World by National Geographic. One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out on the Kirkenes Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab found in the Barents Sea can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weigh up to 15 kilos. Depending on the weather and ice the trip might be by boat or snowmobile drawn sleigh. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to a remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch. All equipment and clothing will be provided". PREBOOKING REQUIRED - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

Overnight in Saariselka (B)

After breakfast, the adventure continues as you make your way to Santa Claus' Igloos (10 km from Rovaniemi), located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi the capital of the Finnish Lapland, has a population of about 60,000 people.  We will be welcomed to the Lappish capital by our Finnish hosts, reindeer herders.

SAMI REINDEER FARM VISIT & SLEIGH RIDE (included)
DURATION : approximately 2 – 2,5 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, and its importance to the Sami culture. Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical local three course lunch is included at the farm

AURORA BOREALIS SAFARI BY SNOWMOBILES (optional)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (18:00 – 21:00)
MEETING TIME: 17:20 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, snacks and hot beverages
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. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

*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. Via Hansa & Borealis cannot accept responsibility for licenses that are not accepted. Please consult if you have any doubts.

Overnight in Glass Igloo (included)

Breakfast at the hotel and late morning departure to the next stop on your winter adventure, towards the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village.

Explore 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. Time on your own for visiting the area and enjoy a local lunch.

In early afternoon continue to the banks of the Kemi-joki river to enjoy one of the highlights of the tour, one of the most idyllic Husky Farms in the region.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI (included)
DURATION: approximately 2 hours (14:30-16:30) 
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).

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and meet up at 08:45 in the hotel. First visit is to to the Snow Castle* with its special snow slide. Enjoy the magnificient snow sculptures in the park.

Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as you board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 4 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia.

SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE SWIMMING (included)
DURATION: approximately 3,5h (13:00-16:30)
INCLUDED: guided tour of the ship, ice floating event, 3-course or buffet lunch
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 Sinetta with early evening arrival at your hotel

*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

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, L)

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport for your departure flight (B). Thanks for traveling wth us!