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Finnish Wilderness Week

Resort:Finnish Wilderness Week
Operator: Exodus
Destination:
Price From: £2199.00

Overview

Mixed activity week in a remote part of Finland

In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings in a truly stunning location. In one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe, you are able to enjoy a variety of winter activities in this beautiful landscape and hardly ever see another soul. Dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests, you couldnt feel more removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp.

Highlights

* Enjoy ahost of winter activities in magical surroundings * Stay in fantastic lodge accommodation * Experience an evening Northern Lights snowshoe

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45mins).

Fly from Gatwick to Kuusamo, transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx 45 mins). Lunch is included for clients booked on the group flights for departures from Dec. 15th to Feb. 16th (included) due to a lunchtime arrival inbound flight.

Day 2 Snowshoe hike in Oulanka National park walking through snow-caked trees and along the Kitka River

In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of activities in arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes we head straight out into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary skills for this activity. Our route today will take us through forests and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the dramatic Myllykoski rapids (approx 2 hours). After lunch, there will be the chance to do some further exploration on snowshoes (self-guided) of the surrounding area or relaxin the sauna or hot tub.

Day 3 Cross-country skiing in the morning heading down to the Juuma lake; free afternoon.

Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby JuumaLake, our instructor will literally walk us through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to start with, but in the soft snow this is half the fun! After becoming more confident on the skis we then head out onto the lake, gliding through the virgin powder. During your stay at Basecamp, there is the option of further unguided skiing in the area during your free time.Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal framesledyou can use on your own and venture out around Basecamp.

Day 4 Half day dogsledding instruction and tour (about 10km) in Riisitunturi National Park; optional ice climbing.

After breakfast,we take a bus transfer to the husky farm on the edge of the Riisintunturi National Park where we meet up with our dogsledding guide. The day begins with tuition on how to ride on the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then head off into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forested trail into the wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you are able to really appreciate the serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape. Today we will have lunch at the husky farm. The afternoon is free to experience some of the optional activities that Basecamp has to offer such as ice climbing (min 4 persons). This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search for the Northern Lights.

Day 5 .. Morning visit reindeer farm and museum with a ride on a reindeer sleigh; free afternoon in Ruka for optional activities.

In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round an open fire. We spend the rest of the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, it is advisable to check at reception before making your activities booking.Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See the ‘Optional excursions’ section below. Please note that due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.

Day 6 Wilderness skills including quinzee building and fire-making; optional night in the quinzee.

Today we are taught the ancient art of quinzee building. Issued with shovels and spades and in groups of four, we create a mound of snow, which is later hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons per quinzee). You have the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.

Day 7 Optional activities including ice climbing, dogsledding or unguided cross-country skiing; dinner around a campfire.

Today we have a free day with several options on offer to make the most of the magical Finland Wilderness. Some of the activities available include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner around a campfire on the edge of the National Park.

Day 8 End Basecamp Oulanka.

Trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.