7 Days: Saariselka – Santa’s Igloo – Rovaniemi

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. Near rovaniemi you are 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. Round off your journey with a visit to the kings of the arctic, the polar bears, living in their natural northern conditions at ranua wildlife park.

Day 1 – Tuesday December 20, 2022 – Saariselka
Arrival to 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 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 – Wednesday December 21, 2022 – Saariselka
In the morning, get ready for some fresh air activity literally following the footsteps of the Sami. (B)

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

Optional: Evening Safari by Reindeer
This evening safari takes you in the search of the Northern Lights by Reindeer. Discover the silent and peaceful mystique of the snowy forest in a reindeer-pulled sleigh Sit back in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and start your journey into the quiet night forest. With some luck, you might even see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky! Enjoy the warmth of the campfire while sipping a hot drink, listen to the sounds of the forest and the open fire, and realize witness how quiet and bright the dark northern forest truly is. What is included: program transfers, thermal outfit, guidance in English, reindeer sleigh ride, juice break Good to know: – A grown reindeer can have 1700 hairs per square cenTimeter and the fur is 3-4 cm thick. – See also General Information for additional info Requires Pre-Booking
Duration: Approximately 2 Hours
Included: Thermal Outfit, English Guide

Day 3 – Thursday December 22, 2022 – Saariselka – Santa’s Igloos
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. (BLD)

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

Overnight In A Glass Igloo
The journey continues to Santa´s Igloos following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Santa´s Igloos where you will check-in to your 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 (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course.

Day 4 – Friday December 23, 2022 – Santa’s Igloo – Rovaniemi
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. Once you 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 Finnish sauna included. (BD)

Optional: Arctic ice floating – Day floating
Come and experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Don’t fear the cold as you are totally protected with high quality rescue suit. Let your body 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 you have 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
Duration: 3 hours (14:00-17:00)
Meeting Time: 13:45 at the Hotel Reception
Included: Transportation, thermal outfit, guide, hot drinks

Optional: Aurora Borealis Safari By Snowmobiles
Drive through the wilderness and discover the phenomena of the northern sky at our Northern Lights base. Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you will travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages and savor a snack by a campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty Of Lapland. REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING
Duration: Approximately 3 Hours (18:00 – 21:00)
Meeting Time: 19:45 at The Hotel Reception
Included: Transportation, Thermal Outfit, Guide

Day 5 – Saturday December 24, 2022 – Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari. (B&CD)

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
2 persons per sledge (self-driving)

Visit From Santa Claus & Christmas Eve Gala Dinner
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 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 behalf of the family. Christmas 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 are included.

Day 06 – Sunday December 31 2022, – Rovaniemi – Ranua – Rovaniemi
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 of Rovaniemi, 1 hour by coach. The Ranua Wildlife Park, established 1983, specializes in arctic and northern animal species. The spacious animal fencings are amid northern 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 have about 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. (BLD)

Christmas Gala Dinner
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 07 – Monday December 26 2022, – 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. (B)

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