Tour Overview
Welcome to Finland! Come and experience Finland on this enticing 8-day active program to Lapland. Synonymous with Christmas and bleak Arctic landscapes, it comes as a surprise to many visitors that Lapland is also a thriving region of agricultural and fishing communities. Begin in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, which all but nudges the Arctic Circle, and an excellent base for our explorations. Experience the Arctic by night by driving through the silent, snow covered forests to see the northern lights… take a snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm where you can enjoy a reindeer ride and attend a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle.. go shopping and send some cards from Santa Claus Village- and meet the big guy himself! Visit a husky farm and experience a thrilling ride.. spend an unforgettable day on an icebreaker breaking through the ice in the Northern Gulf of Bothnia- along with a once in a lifetime opportunity to drop into the sea and float! A warm survival suit will of course, be provided to those who dare! Try your luck at ice fishing and walking in snowshoes. .. and enjoy a private tour of Helsinki.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rovaniemi, FinlandToday when you arrive in Rovaniemi, you will be met by an English-speaking iExplore Representative and driven to your hotel. Ounasvaaran Pirtit is located in the Kemijoki riverside landscape of the Qunasvaara Highland district of Rovaniemi, a 10-minute drive from the city center. A complete resort with restaurant services and activities, providing guests with the best of Lappish culture: generous hospitality, the tastiest delights of Lappish cuisine, and Arctic magical adventures in the surrounding countryside. You accommodations are log cabins- the cabin has two beds with an attic bedroom that has two extra beds. The cabins include a kitchenette with microwave, oven, hob, fridge, coffee maker, TV, telephone, internet connection, sauna and shower. This evening at about 5:30pm you will be picked up at the resort and head out in search of the northern lights. Experience the Arctic by night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you might have the bright sky, moon and the stars. Maybe even the Aurora Borealis- the northern lights- showing you the way. Sip warm beverages and enjoy snacks by a campfire and learn more about the northern lights and Lapland. Return to the resort about 11:00pm.
Ounasvaaran Pirtit Resort- Log Cabin Day 2: Rovaniemi
Enjoy breakfast at the resort. About 9:30am you will be picked up to depart for a Santa Claus Safari. The day starts with a snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm where you will learn about reindeer husbandry and Lappish culture. You can take a reindeer ride and attend a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the arctic- complete with diploma! After this visit we will go by car to a cozy restaurant for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon you will have some time for shopping in Santa Claus Village. You will also have an opportunity to send some postcards from Santa Claus’s main post office. During the day you will get to meet Santa himself! Return to the resort about 4pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Ounasvaaran Pirtit Resort- Log Cabin Day 3: Rovaniemi
Following breakfast at the resort, you will be picked up at about 8:30am for a visit to a Husky Farm. After a brisk snowmobile ride you reach the husky dog farm where the dogs will welcome you with their friendly barking. Experience a quick, thrilling ride on a sled pulled by a team of huskies. Hot beverages are served around a campfire on the farm. You will return to the resort about noon and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast
Ounasvaaran Pirtit Resort- Log Cabin Day 4: Rovaniemi- Kemi- Rovaniemi
Today you will be picked up at the resort after breakfast, about 9:15am and transfer to Kemi where you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure. We board the Sampo Icebreaker at Kemi harbor and spend the next four hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking through the ice in the northern Gulf of Bothnia. This incredible experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room and bridge, and a hot lunch in the on board restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you can drop into the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those who dare will also be presented with a certificate by the ship’s captain. You will return to the resort about 4:00pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Ounasvaaran Pirtit Resort- Log Cabin Day 5: Rovaniemi
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before you are met about 10:30am for a High Fells Safari! Deep forests, frozen lakes and rivers, wintry scenery and fells. During the day you will have the opportunity to try your luck at fly-fishing. You can also change the way of walking- by doing it with snowshoes! During the day you will enjoy a Lappish style lunch. You will return to the resort about 5:00pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Ounasvaaran Pirtit Resort- Log Cabin Day 6: Rovaniemi- Helsinki
After your breakfast, you will be met and driven to Rovaniemi Airport with an English-speaking driver, for your flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will be met at the airport and driven to the Radisson SAS Royal Helsinki Hotel. One of Helsinki’s most popular hotels, the stylish Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is located in the heart of Helsinki. The décor represents modern Finnish architecture and it has been a landmark since it opened in 1991.
Breakfast
Radisson SAS Royal Helsinki Day 7: Helsinki
About 10:00am, after breakfast, you will be met at the hotel for a private city tour of Helsinki with an English-speaking guide. During your tour, you will see the major sights of Helsinki including Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, the Parliament and Olympic Stadium. We will also stop at the Temppeliaukio Church (Church on the Rock) and time permitting, some free time at the open-air market. Return to the hotel about 1:00pm.
Breakfast
Radisson SAS Royal Helsinki Day 8: Depart Helsinki
Today you are privately transferred to Helsinki Airport for your flight home.
Breakfast
