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Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter

Resort:Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter
Operator:
Destination: Finland
Price From: £4369.00

Overview

From snow-covered landscapes and otherworldly icy seas to magical natural light shows, Lapland is the perfect place to experience the breathtaking nature of the Arctic Circle. On this winter adventure, we’ll see it all – travelling from enchanting Oulu to Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi and back again (and stopping off at a reindeer farm, a scenic UNESCO geopark and a castle made entirely from snow along the way). Ready for a taste of adventure?

Inclusions

  • Enjoy a once in a lifetime cruise on the Sampo Icebreaker (with the chance to try a spot of ice floating)
  • Hunt down the mesmerising aurora borealis on a snowmobile or sleigh excursion
  • Discover a local way of life and spot magnificent Arctic creatures at Ranua Wildlife Park

Itinerary

Day 1 Oulu

What better way to get to know the snow-dusted city of Oulu (and your fellow travellers) than by diving into a first-day orientation tour? Along the way, our local guide will introduce us to the idyllic Pikisaari district. Later on this afternoon, well travel to the mystical Rokua Geopark where well set out to explore the magnificent landscape on a snowshoe excursion. After rounding off our adventure with a hot drink in a traditional Finnish hut, well return to Oulu where well enjoy a delicious welcome dinner back at the hotel.
Accommodation: Lapland Hotels Oulu (or similar)

Day 2 Oulu – Kemi

After this mornings breakfast, well move on to Kemi where weve an appointment to keep at the world-famous SnowCastle. Well have plenty of time to explore the resorts fairytale-like chapel and ice sculptures before we transfer to the pier where well climb aboard the mighty Sampo Icebreaker for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise. If you like, you can even take to the Arctic waters to float amongst the ice! This evening, well come together for a memorable dinner in the Ice Restaurant.
Accommodation: Kemi SnowCastle – Seaside Glass Villas (or similar)

Day 3 Kemi – Rauna – Rovaniemi

Today we set our sights on Ranua where well have the opportunity to see some fascinating Arctic species up close at Ranua Wildlife Park. Later this afternoon, theres a quintessential Lapland experience on the cards: a snowmobile (or, if you prefer, sleigh) safari to a traditional reindeer farm, where well meet a family of third generation reindeer herders. Then: onwards to our hotel in Rovaniemi.
Accommodation: Arctic City Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Rovaniemi

A magical morning at Santas Village awaits us! While here, well have the chance to wander the many charming shops, take a look around Santas Post Office or even pay a visit to the man himself. The remainder of the afternoon will be yours to spend as you please in Rovaniemi before we reconvene for an after-dark snowmobile safari. As we ride through the snow-covered forest and along the frozen river, we may be lucky enough to catch glimpses of the enchanting Northern Lights. When the safari is over, well warm up with a snack and hot drinks by the campfire before resting our heads back at the hotel.
Accommodation: Arctic City Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Rovaniemi – Kemijarvi – Kuusamo

Today theres a treat in store for the gastronomes among us: a special wild food experience at a wonderful lakeside restaurant in Kemijrvi. Well then press onwards through the skiing village of Ruka towards Kuusamo, where youll be free to make your own dining arrangements before we gather together to enjoy one of the highlights of our tour: a snowshoe excursion in search of the Northern Lights. Well stop to take in the breathtaking views as our guide tells stories of the famous natural light display and the local Arctic wildlife.
Accommodation: Holiday Club Kuusamo (or similar)

Day 6 Kuusamo – Syte

Theres no better way to get to the heart of Kuusamo than with a visit to a husky farm. While here, well learn how to drive a traditional husky sleigh like a local with the opportunity to embark on a thrilling ride through the snow-covered landscape afterwards. Later on this afternoon, well travel deeper into the wilds of Lapland as we set a course for Syte. Dinner tonight will be another group affair.
Accommodation: Hotel Iso Syte & Safari (or similar)

Day 7 Syte

Todays first activity? An ice fishing experience on a scenic frozen lake including fireside drinks in a traditional Finnish hut. After drilling holes into the ice, well lower our lines, cross our fingers and wait for a bite! After that, youll be free to relax and soak in your stunning surroundings before we come back together this evening for our grand finale: a farewell dinner back at the hotel. Its the perfect opportunity to share photographs, stories and contact details!
Accommodation: Hotel Iso Syte & Safari (or similar)

Day 8 Syte – Oulu

One last breakfast, then its time to hit the road. After journeying back to Oulu, well say farewell.