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Christmas in Lapland

Spend a white Christmas in wonderful Finnish Lapland, overnight in a Glass Igloo
Santa, Finland © Juho Kuva/Visit Finland

What better way to spend a white Christmas than in wonderful Lapland! Spend Christmas itself at Rovaniemi, Santa's Home Town, plus visit Saariselka, enjoy an overnight in a Glass Igloo, a reindeer farm visit with sled ride, Snowshoe Walk, Husky Safari, a visit to delightful Santa Claus Village, a trip to Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park and more.

Itinerary

Day 1 Saariselka Arrival 

On arrival into Ivalo Airport, transfer by airport coach to your hotel in Saariselka. Here in the far north of Finnish Lapland is an area of National Parks, lakes, rivers and highland fells, where the Northern Lights can dance across the sky up to 200 days each year, and the ancient Sami culture is still very much alive. Time at leisure and two overnights at Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna or similar.

Day 2 Saariselka: Snowshoe Walk + Optional Aurora Safari by Heated Sleigh

This morning, enjoy something that literally has you following in the Sami's footsteps! Snowshoes are one of the oldest forms of transport in the world and when you wear them, you can capture the true feeling of winter in the woods. Explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. Afternoon is at leisure - perhaps try a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel. Tonight you may like to join the optional Evening Safari by Heated Sleigh. Discover the silent and peaceful mystique of the snowy forest. Your guide tows the sleigh by snowmobile through the lunar and starry landscape, to the top of the fall, away from the light pollution. After arriving, we set up our cameras and take pictures of the northern night sky. Wait comfortably by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and listening to tales until someone hopefully sees the first Aurora. Second night at Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna or similar.

Day 3 Saariselka - Santa's Igloos: Reindeer Farm & Sleigh Ride and overnight in a Glass Igloo; Optional Aurora Ice Floating 

Today, en route to Rovaniemi, enjoy a delightful visit to a traditional Sami reindeer farm. Meet the farmers who will tell you the cultural importance of the reindeer. Then relax with a short reindeer sleigh ride, moving over white landscapes, where the only sound you will hear is the music of the reindeer bells. Lunch is included at the farm. Later we continue our journey south through the snowy forest to Santa's Igloos, located approximately 10km from downtown Rovaniemi. Check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you may have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comfort of your bed. A traditional Lappish three course dinner is included. 

This evening you might like to join an optional Aurora Ice Floating excursion. Experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Let your body and mind float, enjoy this frozen adventure. You will be provided 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 0º water. Lying down in the lake's ice hole, is definitely something worth trying. The circumstances truly are arctic!

Day 4 Rovaniemi: Optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile

After your wonderful overnight stay at Santa's Igloos we head into downtown Rovaniemi. Check in to the hotel and then some free time - explore the town, browse the shops or perhaps visit the fabulous Arktikum Museum. Tonight enjoy a traditional buffet of Lappish specialities at the hotel. Three overnights at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar.

This evening, you might also like to join an optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile. Driving through snow-covered forests and over treeless fells (with a little luck), if the sky is clear, the moon, stars and Northern Lights may show you the way. Enjoy a warm drink and snack by the open fire before returning to the hotel. 2 persons share each snowmobile and each driver must have a full valid driver's license.

Day 5 Rovaniemi: Husky Safari, Santa Claus Village, Santa's Visit & Gala Dinner

Today we visit the Husky Farm - the barking of happy dogs will welcome you, and the head 'musher' will tell you all about the life of these hard working Arctic dogs. Then enjoy a short 3km sled ride, riding in pairs, with one person driving and the other seated in the sleigh, on trails through the forest. Then the day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, the official home of Santa Claus. Take a step into this magical world and meet the man himself, send a letter from his Post Office, step across the Arctic Circle and more. Then at approximately 16:00, the children are invited to participate in the traditional activity of decorating the Christmas tree. At around 18:00 Santa himself will visit the hotel, to bring special Christmas wishes and to deliver a small gift for each child. There is also the possibility for families to arrange that Santa Claus delivers a special present to their children on behalf of the family.  A Christmas Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel. Merry Christmas to all! Second night at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar.

Day 6 Rovaniemi: Ranua Wildlife Park

Another day of adventure! This morning we visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80km south of Rovaniemi. Established 1983, specialises in Arctic and northern animal species and the zoo sits amid northern conifer forests, the natural habitat of most of the animals. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful park and visit the different animals and birds which include wolverine, deer, bear and of course the King of the Arctic, the polar bear. After lunch at the restaurant in the park there is time to further explore - visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer factory and the local wine shop with their unique selection of wines made from berries – before we return to Rovaniemi. In the evening enjoy a Christmas Gala dinner buffet at the hotel. Third night at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar.

Day 7 Rovaniemi Departure

Transfer to Rovaniemi airport and end of arrangements.


Departure: 20 December 2024

Notes:

Maximum Group Size: 25 persons

All optional excursions must be pre-booked. Some excursions subject to minimum age and height requirements.

Airport transfers are shared with fellow arriving/departing passengers. Minor waiting times may occur.

Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase plus 1 piece of hand luggage per person.

Services of a bi-lingual tour escort, English and Spanish or Portuguese.

Child policy: children aged under 4 years are not permitted on this tour.

Up to 1 child 4 years and over can share a room with 2 adults and will sleep on a sofa bed.

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated