Day 1 (Monday): Arrival Kirkenes

Arrival at Kirkenes Airport and regular transfer to the hotel for check-in. This northeastern town lies a mere 15 km from the Russian border. The area offers a world of experiences for the adventurous traveller 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 Russian and Norwegian. Please receive a 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.

Day 2 (Tuesday): Kirkenes – Saariselka

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for leisure. In the early afternoon, we continued by coach towards Saariselkä. Depart Kirkenes 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 to the tiny village of Saariselkä, Finland's winter sports centre. Check into the hotel, and the evening is at leisure.

*Optional Tour of King Crab Safari

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 face 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. The trip might be by boat or snowmobile-drawn sleigh, depending on the weather and ice. 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. IT REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Day 3 (Wednesday): Saariselka-Rovaniemi (260 km)

After breakfast, the adventure continues in the morning as you make your way to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi capital of Finnish Lapland, home of Santa Claus, has more than 60.000 inhabitants. Our Finnish hosts, reindeer herders, will welcome us to the Lappish capital.

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.

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 some 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, savour a snack by a campfire, and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty of Lapland.

The late evening also offers an optional tour of 3 hours of Aurora Borealis Safari by Snowmobiles!

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. We cannot accept responsibility for claims that are not taken. Please consult if you have any doubts. Breakfast

Activity INCLUDED: Sami Reindeer Farm Visit & Sleigh Ride DURATION:2-2.5 hours.

Activity includes a traditional three-course lunch, reindeer sledge ride, and Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate.

Day 4 (Thursday): Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Village - Sinetta

Breakfast at the hotel and depart late in the morning for the next step on the winter adventure. Heading towards the Arctic Circle for our first stop, Santa Claus Village. In the 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. Visit 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. 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 never forget—an absolute must for any visit to Lapland—time on your own to visit the area and enjoy a local lunch. In the early afternoon, continue to the banks of the Kemi-joki River to enjoy one of the tour's highlights, one of the most idyllic Husky Farms in the region; after the visit, check in at Arctic Snow Hotel.

Activity INCLUDED: HUSKY FARM & SAFARI

DURATION: approximately 2 hours (14:30-16:30)

Two 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 the run through the forest behind your pack of huskies (3 km).

INCLUDED overnight in a glass IGLOO

The journey continues south to Sinetta, following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check into your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo, and weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the fantastic Northern Lights (Aurora Boreal) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. Evening at leisure.

OPTIONAL TOUR, required pre-booking: SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI

DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes (22:00 – 23:30)

Minimum two persons

Even the most enthusiastic sauna bathers are deeply impressed by the snow sauna with its walls made of snow and ice. Only the sauna benches are made of wood! The sauna bathing experience is an excellent combination of thick steam within intimate snow walls. Afterwards, jump into the outdoor Jacuzzi and admire the Northern Lights or the starry night skies of Lapland.

OPTIONAL TOUR, required pre-booking: OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE with evening SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI

OVERNIGHT INCL. SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI 22:00 – 23:00

Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each Snow Suite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with special frozen sleeping bags keeps you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. NOTE THAT YOU WILL KEEP YOUR GLASS IGLOO AS WELL.

Day 5 (Friday): Sinetta-Kemi (Icebreaker Cruise) - Sinetta

Breakfast at the hotel and meet up at 08:45 in the hotel. Time for a swim as you head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First, a visit to the Snow Castle* with its unique snow slide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. 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 through the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia.

*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

Activity INCLUDED: SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE SWIMMING

DURATION: approximately 3,5h (13:00-16:30) INCLUDED: guided tour of the ship, ice floating event, 3-course lunch or buffet

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 onboard restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you can 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 from the ship authorities to attest your courage—an unforgettable experience. Return to Sinetta with early evening arrival at your hotel.

INCLUDED: FAREWELL LAPPISH DINNER IN KOTA

DURATION: approximately 1.5 - 2 hours (19:00 – 21:00) INCLUDED: 3-course dinner, prepared on an open fire, no drinks included

On your last evening in Lapland, you will join fellow travellers for a typical farewell Lappish dinner prepared by the open fire in a wooden kota. After dinner, you may even wish to enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar. We hope your journey in Arctic Europe has enchanted you, and we look forward to welcoming you back again!

Day 6 (Saturday): Rovaniemi

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