7 Days: Saariselka, Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village, Kemi

Tour Overview:
Experience this unique journey to lapland and be amazed by a blend of first class travel and the most fascinating and invigorating winter activities in the region. You will stay in saariselka with its dazzling with landscape as well as in rovaniemi. You will be treated to a night in a glass igloo, and weather permitting, you will see the magnificent northern lights from your bed. Santa claus will be expecting you at santa claus village. You will also experience a visit at the sami reindeer farm and sleigh ride, as well as a husky safari. The highlight of this winter adventure is the ‘sampo’ icebreaker safari, where you have a chance to take a swim in the fresh arctic waters of kemi.

Day 1 – Friday December 27th Saariselka

Arrival to Ivalo Airport and regular transfer to the hotel for check-in. In Saariselka, in the far north of Finnish Lapland, lies the popular resort of Inari-Saariselka. 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 Saariselka is the northernmost travel destination in Finland and boasts a variety of services. In Inari and other villages in the area, the Sami culture is still very much in evidence in everyday life. Here is where you find the genuine Lapland. Please consult the Borealis Destination Management welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director. Overnight at Santa´s Hotel Tunturi.

Day 2 – Saturday December 28th Saariselka (B)

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

Snowshoes Safari – 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 Saariselka. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel. Overnight at Santa´s Hotel Tunturi.”

Day 3 – Sunday December 29th Saariselka – Rovaniemi (295 Km) (BLD)

“In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour.

Sami Reindeer Farm Visit & Sleigh Ride – Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, the Sami and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). 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 three course lunch is included at the farm. Overnight in a Glass Igloo.”

Day 4 – Monday December 30th Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village- Rovaniemi (BPL)

“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 New Year adventure can begin with a visit to the Husky Farm & Safari. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna included.

Husky Farm & Safari – 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. He will also provide you with brief instructions on how to ride the sleighs. Riding in pairs you will embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes.

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 you can 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 can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland. From Santa Claus Village it is a short ride to the hotel for check in. The rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.”

Day 5 – Tuesday December 31st Rovaniemi (BD)

“Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet and prepare to welcome a new year. Take the opportunity to explore the small and picturesque town at your own leisure. Around 18:00 Santa Claus will pay a visit to the hotel 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, that Santa Claus special delivers a present to their children on their own behalf.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner – New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included.

Overnight at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.”

Day 6 – Wednesday January 1st Rovaniemi – Kemi (ice-breaker Cruise) – Rovaniemi (BL)

“Time for a swim as we head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First a visit to the Snow Castle* with its special snow slide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as we board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 3 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Prior to the cruise you will enjoy lunch onshore in the Seaview Restaurant.

*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.

Samoi Ice Breaker & Ice Swimming – This extraordinary experience beings with a lunch served onshore in the Seaview Restaurant and includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge and ice swimming. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you have the opportunity to 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 by the ship authorities to attest your courage. An unforgettable experience. Return to Rovaniemi with early evening arrival at your hotel.

Overnight at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.”

Day 7 – Thursday January 2nd Rovaniemi – Departure (b)

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

Note – The Northern Lights are weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed as they are a natural phenomenon

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