2007-08 Winter Finland Tour Descriptions

Dog sled adventure	Visit Santa's workshop in Rovaniemi	Northern Lights

 

Night In An Ingloo Under The Northern Lights 5 days/4 nights Ivalo	The Winter's Tale 6 days/5 nights Ivalo - Rovaniemi - Kemi
Polar Safari Adventure 4 days/3 nights Rovaniemi - Kemi

Night in an Igloo under the Northern Lights 2007-2008
5 days / 4 nights

Hotel Kakslauttanen, half an hour drive from Ivalo airport, is the perfect location for an exotic holiday experience, far away from the rush and bustle of city life. It has a beautiful location amidst the untouched Lapp wilderness, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Far away from city lights, the place is excellent for viewing the aurora borealis, whenever they adorn the dark sky with their colourful waves. Guests will enjoy comfortable lodgings in rustic log cottages, which reflect the traditional Lapp style. There are 25 cottages, a restaurant with souvenir shopping facilities and two saunas. Each cottage has a peaceful location not too close to the other ones. The resort also offers an unusual highlight: accommodation in genuine igloos made of snow. Sleep in a temperature below zero, warm and snug in your padded sleeping bag, breathing in crisp, fresh air. Or you can choose to experience the polar night sleeping under the stars in a glass igloo, which has normal temperature. There are a couple of them in the igloo village. Here you can experience the true nature of the Arctic winter and still enjoy modern conveniences.

Departures
On request from December 01, 2007 to April 30, 2008 excluding Christmas season
December 23-26, 2007.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights

Prices per Person
- In shared twin room $2145 pp
- Single supplement $525
- Third adult in extra bed $1790
- Child under 12 years sharing room with 2 adults $1295
- Supplement per person for overnight in a glass igloo instead of snow igloo (max 2 persons/igloo) $100
Supplement for New Year Eve's dinner with programme
- Adult $215
- Child under 12 years $160

CALL FOR AIR INCLUSIVE RATES FROM U.S OR HELSINKI.

Tour Includes
· accommodation for four nights in log cottages with own sauna and fireplace, two persons in a cottage
· one night in an igloo made of snow, double occupancy (the cottage is also at your disposal for this night)
· half board (4 breakfasts & 4 dinners)
· airport transfers between Ivalo airport and Kakslauttanen by hotel shuttle bus
· Dog sled safari with picnic lunch· Reindeer safari with coffee and light refreshments

NOTE! This is a non-escorted tour. Services of a guide and domestic air fares are not included. A minimum of two (2) passengers are required for the operation of the tour.

Day 1 - Arrival in the Land of Snow
Transfer from Ivalo airport to Kakslauttanen Igloo Village. Overnight in traditional log cottages with private facilities, kitchenette, fireplace and own sauna. You have an excellent opportunity to try the Sauna, which is an integral part of the Finnish lifestyle.

Day 2 - Dogsled Adventure
Buffet breakfast is served in the beautiful log restaurant, located within walking distance from your accommodation. After breakfast meet a team of friendly husky dogs who are eager to take you on a dogsled adventure. These northern dogs are perfectly suited to the Arctic conditions and they enjoy pulling the sledge to their hearts' content. A stop is made to enjoy a picnic lunch in open air. Duration of the excursion is 4 hours. Overnight in log cottages.

Day 3 - Reindeer Excursion
Breakfast. Excursion to a local reindeer farm, where you will learn about the culture and lifestyle of the local Sami people. You also have a chance to try a ride in a reindeer sledge.
A stop is made to enjoy a picnic lunch/snack in open air.
Duration of the excursion: 4 hours.
Overnight in log cottages.

Day 4 - Igloo Night
Today is a day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful, peaceful settings. The more energetic may want to try cross-country skiing or ice-fishing.
There is a real arctic, yet perfectly comfortable experience in store for you tonight, as you have a rare opportunity to try sleeping in an igloo made of snow. Reindeer hides and woollen rugs will keep you warm. The temperature inside the igloo varies between minus 3 and minus 6 degrees Centigrade, but the padded sleeping bags would keep you warm even at much lower temperatures. Optionally, you can choose to spend the night in a glass igloo with normal room temperatures. Your log cabin is also at your disposal should you not prefer to stay all night in the igloo.

Day 5
Transfer to Ivalo airport for the flight back to Helsinki.

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The Winter's Tale 2007-2008
6 days / 5 nights

Saariselkä ski resort in northern Lapland is famous for its gently rolling fells and unspoiled wilderness. The optional excursions offer the possibility to experience the real winter, as you travel by snowmobile through forests and over fells, covered by a mantle of pure snow. At a local reindeer farm, you will learn about the culture and traditions of the indigenous Sámi people. You can also visit a husky farm and get to know the friendly husky dogs. Rovaniemi is known as the home town of Santa Claus. In Kemi, you will travel by snowmobile on the vast expanse of ice for a rendezvous with icebreaker Sampo and take part in its journey through the frozen sea. During this excursion you will also visit a site of Lapp "kota" tents and get a chance to drive a sledge pulled by a reindeer.

Departures
December 2007: 17, 18, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
January 2008: 1*, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
February: 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26
March: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31
April: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21

Duration
6 days / 5 nights

Day 1: Helsinki-Ivalo-Saariselkä (air is not included)
Days 2-3: Saariselkä
Day 4: Saariselkä-Rovaniemi
Day 5: Rovaniemi-Kemi
Day 6: Kemi-Helsinki (air is not included)

Prices per Person in Shared Twin Room
Minimum 2 persons $2595 pp
Minimum 4 persons $2240 pp
Minimum 6 persons $2095 pp
Single Supplement $445
Child under 12 years in extra bed sharing the room with two adults $575
Supplement for the departures on 27, 28, 29, 30, 31Dec. & 01 Jan. (New Year): $335

CALL FOR AIR INCLUSIVE RATES FROM U.S OR HELSINKI.

Tour Includes
· accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with bath or shower. Evening sauna is included at Hotel Riekonlinna.
· 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
· transportation by private car with driver
· icebreaker cruise with snowmobile safari on day 5
· service charges and taxes on included items

Note! This is a non-escorted tour. Services of a guide, optional tours and domestic air fares Helsinki-Ivalo and Kemi-Helsinki are not included in the price. A minimum number of two (2) passengers are required for the tour to be operated.

Day 1: A Land of Snow and Fells
(D, Private Car)
After a short ride from Ivalo airport, you arrive in Saariselkä. After check-in, you can relax in the warmth of a genuine Finnish sauna. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Riekonlinna.

Day 2: Travelling Through Winter Wonderland
(B, D)
Optional Tour, Snow mobile safari to the fells: You will be shown how to drive a snowmobile. Two persons to a snowmobile. ( One person per snowmobile available at an extra charge). During this brisk safari you will drive around the area of Saariselkä to see all the beautiful fell scenery. You will also enjoy a coffee break by an open fire in the nature. The driving distance is about 20km/13 miles.
Duration: 2 hours, Price $150 pp
Sauna, dinner and overnight at Hotel Riekonlinna.

Day 3: Husky safari throug the fells
(B, D)
Optional Tour, Husky safari: You will speed through the spectacular forest and fell area by sledges pulled by 5-7 husky dogs. The silence around you is amazing as all you hear is the skis and sledge against the snow. Along the way you will have lunch by the warm open fire in Papp "kota" tent. After lunch return to hotel.
Duration: 4 hours, Price $270 pp
Sauna, dinner and overnight at Hotel Riekonlinna.

Day 4: Across the Land of the Lapps
(B, L, D, Private Car)
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Rovaniemi. Enjoy lunch on the way in an idyllic log house restaurant at Hotel Luosto. Before arrival in Rovaniemi, you cross the Arctic Circle and visit the Santa Claus workshop, meeting Santa in person. In the shopping village, you can make a browse around for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Dinner and overnight at Sky Hotel Rovaniemi or sim.

Day 5: Through Arctic Ice
(B, L, D, Private Car)
Transfer by private car to Kemi, Finnish Lapland's seaport situated on the Gulf of Bothnia. Leave your luggage at your hotel and walk a few steps to the Safari Office, where you will be equipped with appropriate clothing. Set out, two persons to a snowmobile, for a ride to meet up with the Arctic Icebreaker Sampo. Step on board and take part in a memorable cruise through the frozen sea. After lunch on board, a guided tour of the ship will be given. The brave can experience a dip in the sea amidst the freshly broken ice, safe and warm in a special survival suit. After the cruise continue by snowmobile to the site of a traditional Lapp "kota" tents for a chance to drive a sledge pulled by reindeer.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Merihovi in Kemi.

Day 6: Good-bye to Lapland
(B, Private Car)
Transfer to Kemi airport for the return flight to Helsinki.

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Polar Safari Adventure 2007 - 2008
4 days / 3 nights

Lapland's winter is magic: blueish twilight, pure snow-white scenery and the spectacular Northern Lights provide a unique setting for a memorable adventure. The northern towns, Rovaniemi and Kemi, have a special arctic atmosphere combined with the charm of a small town. In Rovaniemi, which lies almost on the Arctic Circle, you will meet Santa Claus and attempt his method of moving - in a sled pulled by reindeer. Kemi, Finland's northernmost seaport, boasts a tourist icebreaker, which will take you on a one-of-a-kind arctic cruise.

Departures
Dec 2007: 19, 20, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Jan 2008: 1*, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
Feb: 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28
Mar: 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27
Apr: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22 and 23.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights

Day 1: Helsinki-Rovaniemi (air is not included)
Day 2: Rovaniemi
Day 3: Rovaniemi-Kemi
Day 4: Kemi-Helsinki (air is not included)

Prices per Person in Shared Twin Room
Minimum 2 persons $1675 pp
Minimum 4 persons $1560 pp
Minimum 6 persons $1495 pp
Single Supplement $540
Child under 12 years in extra bed sharing the room with two adults $690
* Supplement for the departures on 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 Dec. & 01 Jan. (New Year): $330

CALL FOR AIR INCLUSIVE RATES FROM U.S OR HELSINKI.

Tour Includes
· accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with bath/shower
· 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
· airport transfers in Rovaniemi and Kemi by private car with English speaking driver
· four-hour cruise on icebreaker with lunch
· transfer from Rovaniemi to Kemi before, and from Kemi harbour to hotel after the icebreaker cruise
· Safari to Arctic Circle including lunch, 2 persons per snowmobile
· service charges and taxes on included items

Note! This is a non-escorted tour to Lapland. Services of a guide and domestic air fares Helsinki-Rovaniemi and Kemi-Helsinki are not included in the price. A minimum number of 2 passengers are required for the operation of the tour.

Day 1: Sensational Lapland
(D, private car)
As your flight from Helsinki lands at the airport of Rovaniemi, you will find the arctic town folded in her snow-white winter attire. Transfer from the airport to Sky Hotel Rovaniemi or similar for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: The Land of Santa Claus and Reindeer
(B, L, D, private car)
Finnish Lapland is home to Santa Claus, and today you will have a chance to tell your Christmas wishes to the jolly old man in person. You will first travel by snowmobile to a local reindeer farm. After brief instructions and appropriately dressed in a warm clothing, you set out with a guide, two persons to a snowmobile. At the reindeer farm you will take part in the special Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony. Later you will learn about the Lapp culture and reindeer husbandry followed by a ride in a reindeer-pulled sledge. Back in Rovaniemi, lunch is served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, a car will take you to the Santa Claus Village, where you can say hello to Santa himself and mail a card or two from his post office.
Dinner and overnight at Sky Hotel Rovaniemi or similar.

Day 3: At the Head of the Gulf of Bothnia
(B, L, D, private car)
After breakfast, your driver will take you from Rovaniemi to Kemi, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia. Leave your luggage at your hotel in Kemi and continue to the home harbour of the Arctic Icebreaker Sampo. Throughout the winter, the shipping lanes to the northern ports are kept open by massive icebreakers. Now you have a unique opportunity to visit one of them and take part in its journey through the ice, so thick that you can drive a car on it. After lunch on board and exploration of the ship from the bridge down to the engine room, it is time to take a dip in the sea among freshly broken ice. You will find the experience very comfortable, though, as you wear a thermal suit that covers you from top to toe keeping you warm, dry and floating. After four hours on and among rocks, you will return by car to your hotel in Kemi. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Cumulus or Hotel Merihovi in Kemi.

Day 4: Good-bye to Lapland
(B, private car)
After breakfast transfer to Kemi airport by private car.