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Christmas in Lapland 6 nights/7 days SAARISELKA – SINETTA - ROVANIEMI

  • Winter activities
  • One night in a Glass Igloo
  • Dinner in a traditional Kota
  • Reindeer farm visit with a sleigh ride
  • Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village
  • Husky Farm & Safari
  • A visit from Santa Claus at Santa Claus Hotel
  • 2 Christmas gala dinners
  • Ranua Wildlife Park

DAY 1: (MONDAY) December 20th SAARISELKA
Santa´s Hotel Tunturi ****

Arrival at 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 Finland's northernmost travel destination and boasts various services. In Inari and other villages, the Sami culture is still evidence in everyday life. Here is where you find the genuine Lapland. Please consult our welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director.


DAY 2: (TUESDAY) December 21st SAARISELKA
Breakfast
Santa´s Hotel Tunturi ****

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

SNOWSHOES SAFARI INCLUDED
DURATION: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

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 Saariselkä. The afternoon is at leisure, and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel.

OPTIONAL: SEARCH OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BY SNOWMOBILE
PRICE: on request
Single supplement: on request

Children 7-14 years: 1on request

DURATION: approximately 3 hours (20:00 – 23:00)
MEETING TIME: 19:45 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: Thermal outfit, English guide, snowmobile ride & snack
Snack included

This evening safari takes you in the search of the Northern Lights by snowmobile. Your guide will lead the snowmobiles toward the best spots to admire the northernskies and seek for the Aurora Boreal. In the lightness of the Arctic night a stop is made to enjoy hot sausages and drinks by the open fire while sharing stories about the Arctic way of life. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING.


DAY 3: (WEDNESDAY) December 22nd SAARISELKA –SINETTA (280 km)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloo

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Sinetta, located 25 km from Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour.

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 ofreindeer bells. A typical local three course lunch is included at the farm.

OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO INCLUDED

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-in toyour 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 (AuroraBorealis) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course dinner in a magnificent wooden "Kota", where fresh salmon is slowly grilled over the fire on a huge fire pit in the center.

OPTIONAL: SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI
PRICE: 96 EUR /PERSON
22:00 – 23:30
EXCLUSIVE FOR OUR TOUR GUESTS
Min 2 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 astonishing combination of thick steam within intimate snow walls. Afterwards jump into the outdoor Jacuzzi and admire theNorthern Lights or the spectacular starry night skies of Lapland. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

OPTIONAL: OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE with EVENING SAUNA &OUTDOOR JACUZZI EXPERIENCE
PRICE : 164 EUR /PERSONSinglesupplement: 84 EUR
OVERNIGHT INCL. SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI 22:00 – 23:00
SAUNA & JACUZZI ARE SHARED WITH OTHER OUR TOUR GUESTS

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 isdifferent 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 arctic sleepingbags keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. ONCE THE SNOW SUITE IS BOOKED, THE GLASS IGLOO IS NO LONGERAN OPTION.


DAY 4: (THURSDAY) December 23rd SINETTA – ROVANIEMI (21 km)
Breakfast & Dinner INCLUDED
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus ****

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. Onceyou 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 Finnishsauna included.

OPTIONAL: Arctic ice floating – Day floating
PRICE /PERSON : 113 EUR
Single supplement : 113 EUR
Children 7- 14: 85 EUR
Minimum height for floating is 120 cm
DURATION: 3 hours (14:00-17:00)
MEETING TIME: 13:45 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, hot drinks
Snack included

Come and experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Don't fear the cold as you are protected with high-quality rescue suits. Let yourbody and mind float, enjoy this frozen adventure. This guided adventure is safe with a high-quality rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. As youhave your own clothing under the suit you will not get cold even in the open 0-degree water. Lying down in the ice hole between the ice blocks is something worth trying, the circumstances truly are arctic! REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING.


DAY 5: (FRIDAY) December 24th ROVANIEMI – SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE -ROVANIEMI
Breakfast & Christmas Dinner INCLUDED
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus****

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI
INCLUDED
DURATION: approximately 2 hours
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 Arcticanimals 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 packof huskies (3 km).

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 youcan 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 candescribe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland.

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 thehotel 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, thatSanta 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 andone glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person are included.


DAY 6: (SATURDAY) December 25th ROVANIEMI – Ranua - ROVANIEMI
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus****

Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing on another day of adventure. This morning we will visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80 km south ofRovaniemi, 1 hour by coach. The Ranua Wildlife Park, established 1983, specializes in arctic and northern animal species. The spacious animal fencings are amidnorthern 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 haveabout 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.

CHRISTMAS GALA DINNER INCLUDED

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.


DAY 7: (SUNDAY) December 26th ROVANIEMI – DEPARTURE

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

THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Beverages or any extras
• Porter Service
  • 6 nights in First Class hotels in standard double/twin rooms with private facilities
  • 6 breakfasts, buffet style
  • 4 dinners, 2 lunches

(all lunches & dinners are 3-course meals or buffets including coffee, unless otherwise specified)

  • Bi-lingual Tour Escort (English & Spanish or Portuguese) from Day 2 to Day 7 inclusive
  • Regular arrival transfer from Ivalo Airport
  • Regular departure transfer to Rovaniemi Airport
  • The long-distance coach from day 2-6 offers WIFI
  • All tours and transportation, as mentioned in the program
  • Visits, excursions and entrances as mentioned in the program
  • Outdoor clothing for winter activities/safaris as mentioned in the program. For further information please consult the general conditions
  • Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase & 1 piece of hand luggage per person

Please note! Regular Transfer Services included in the program are only available for transfers from Ivalo Airport & to Rovaniemi Airport and only on the published official date of end of the tour. The transfers are escorted by an English-speaking driver and is shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers – for a supplement, private transfers can be reserved.

OPTIONAL: SEARCH OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BY SNOWMOBILE

PRICE: 186 EUR/PERSON

Single supplement: 58 EUR

Children 7-14 years: 138 EUR

DURATION: approximately 3 hours (20:00 – 23:00)

MEETING TIME: 19:45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: Thermal outfit, English guide, snowmobile ride & snack

Snack included

OPTIONAL: SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI

PRICE: 96 EUR /PERSON

22:00 – 23:30

EXCLUSIVE FOR OUR TOUR GUESTS

Min 2 persons

OPTIONAL: OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE with EVENING SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI EXPERIENCE

PRICE : 164 EUR /PERSON Single supplement: 84 EUR

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

SAUNA & JACUZZI ARE SHARED WITH OTHER OUR TOUR GUESTS

OPTIONAL: Arctic ice floating – Day floating

PRICE /PERSON : 113 EUR

Single supplement : 113 EUR

Children 7- 14: 85 EUR

Minimum height for floating is 120 cm

DURATION: 3 hours (14:00-17:00)

MEETING TIME: 13:45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, hot drinks

Snack included

Santa’s Tunturi Hotel

****
Santa's Hotel Tunturi offers cozy accommodation with 260 rooms and apartment suites. Sweet dreams in the silence of arctic wilderness. All rooms and apartments are located in six different blocks, reception being in the main building. The main building has a long history and its facade has functionalism features and was designed by awarded Finnish architect, Kurt Moberg. Santa's Hotel Tunturi has something to offer for all tastes. At their restaurants you can dine and dance from dusk till dawn. Whether you are fond of Lappish a la carte or Scandinavian fine dining you’ll find something for your taste.
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos


The Arctic Sno wHotel in Sinettä has since December 2014 offered unique Arctic Glass Igloos. They are ideally located next to the Snowhotel and optimized for the observation of the northern lights.
The glass igloos are located in the Arctic Circle, far from the city lights of the town of Rovaniemi, Finland. Although there is no way to guarantee an Aurora sighting – since a clear sky, geomagnetic activity and a dash of luck are all needed – the probability of a great northern lights show at the Arctic Glass Igloos is almost optimal. The glass igloos are private, comfortable and spacious (20m²). They are warmly insulated with thermal-glass roofs and heated floors. In addition, the hotel offers their guests an optional northern light “Aurora Alarm” service free of charge.



Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
****

Santa's Hotel Santa Claus is a modern hotel in the heart of the capital of Lapland as well as very close to nature. There is a total of 168 well-equipped, spacious rooms, decorated in Scandinavia style and with a fantastic room height of 3.5 meters in most cases. The hotel restaurant “Gaissa” offers an award-winning (Chaine des Rotisseurs) Lappish cuisine.
In addition, the hotel bar is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink.
Enquire book