Arctic New Year in Lapland
07 Days

ITINERARY

07 Days: Saariselka, Santa´S Igloos, Rovaniemi. Santa Claus Village,Kemi, Rovaniem

Tour Overviews:

Experience this unique journey to Lapland. Visit Saariselka, the northernmost travel destination in Finland. Santa Claus will be expecting you at Santa Claus village. Learn about the Sami culture when visiting the Sami reindeer farm. Take a Husky sled ride. Sleep under the stars and the northern lights in a glass igloo.


Day 1 – Dec 27: Arrive Saariselka

Arrival to Ivalo Airport and private 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 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 Via Hansa & Borealis 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 – Dec 28: 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 Saariselkä. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel.

DURATION: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes ”


Day 3 – Dec 29: Saariselka – Santa´S Igloos (BLD)

“In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Santa´s Igloos, located 10 km from 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, 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.

DURATION: approximately 2 – 2,5 hours (12:00 -14:30)
INCLUDED: a traditional 3-course lunch, reindeer sledge ride, Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate”


Day 4 – Dec 30: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi (BD)

“In the morning after breakfast, you will travel by bus to the city center 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 at your Hotel.

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. After brief instructions you embark, riding in pairs, on a run through the forest behind your pack of 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 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.

DURATION: approximately 2 hours
INCLUDED: winter clothing”


Day 5 – Dec 31: 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.
Duration: 19:00 – 22:00”


Day 6 – Jan 01: 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.

Sampo 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.

DURATION: 14:00-17:00 HOURS”


Day 7 – Jan 02: Depart Rovaniemi (B)

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

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DATES/PRICING/ACCOMMODATIONS

2023
Departure Dates Dbl Occ Sgl Occ
Dec 27 - Jan 02 CAD 8,020 CAD 11,895
Optional Activities: Dbl
Aurora Borealis Sleigh Ride (No Driving) CAD 255 Per Person
Mystical New Year’s Party CAD 280 Per Person
Hotels:
Saariselka
Santa´s Hotel Tunturi
Santa´S Igloos
Rovaniemi
Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
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INCLUSIONS

Inclusions:

  • 6 nights in First Class hotels in standard double/twin rooms with private facilities
  • 6 breakfasts, buffet style
  • 4 dinners, 2 lunches as mentioned in the program (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
  • Private arrival and departure transfer
  • 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

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EMAIL US

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