2008 SUMMER FINLAND TOURS

Tour 7. Lapland Summer Experience

Lapland is a perfect retreat from the hectic city life. This tour allows you to experience the peace and tranquillity of pristine wilderness, take part in exciting nature-bound activities and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Lapps. And in summer you have 24 hours of daylight to enjoy it all! The legendary magic of Lapland has cast a spell over many a visitor, and you may also yearn to come back after your first visit.

Departures:
June 14, 28
July 4, 11, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 8, 11, 18 & 25, 2008

Duration:
6 days / 5 nights

Prices per Person in USD in Shared Twin Room - Land only.
One passenger $2045
Two or more passengers $1565 p.p.
Child under 12 years in extra bed sharing the room with two adults $ 730

Tour Includes:
· accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with bath or shower including breakfast
· 3 lunches
· airport transfers in Ivalo and Rovaniemi by private car with driver
· sightseeing, visits, excursions, and entrance fees according to the program
· transportation from Ivalo to Rovaniemi by private motor coach together with the North Cape Tour group
· service charges and taxes on included items

NOTE! This is a non-escorted tour. Services of a tour leader, and domestic airfares Helsinki-Ivalo and Rovaniemi-Helsinki are not included in the price.

Day 1: Ivalo-Saariselkä
Day 2: Saariselkä - Inari
Day 3: Saariselkä
Day 4: Saariselkä-Tankavaara-Rovaniemi
Day 5: Rovaniemi
Day 6: Rovaniemi-Helsinki

Day 1: In the Heart of True Lapland
(Private car)
Transfer from Ivalo airport to Saariselkä by private car with driver. Girdled by a chain of gently rolling fells, the holiday village of Saariselkä offers a wealth of overwhelming experiences in unspoiled wilderness. Yet, it has all the modern conveniences. Overnight at Hotel Riekonlinna.

Day 2: Experience Lapp Culture
(B, L, car, boat, 160 km / 100 miles)
Today's excursion will acquaint you with the Lapp culture and history. You set off with a safari guide by jeep bound for Inari village, 80 km / 50 miles away. The road winds through the forests and along the shoreline of the vast Lake Inari. In Inari, pay a visit to the Lapp museum, which displays the life of the nomadic, reindeer herding Lapps as it was in the past. A boat cruise along the River Ivalojoki allows you to savor the stunningly beautiful arctic landscapes. Then you go ashore on a small island and enjoy lunch around an open fire.
Duration of the excursion: 5 hours.
Overnight at Hotel Riekonlinna.

Day 3: A Visit to a Reindeer Farm
(B, car)
Herding reindeer is an integral part of the Lapp heritage, and even today reindeer husbandry provides some 2000 Lapp families with a livelihood. The host of a local reindeer farm will tell you more about this old tradition and the Lapp lifestyle, while you visit his farm. Try throwing a reindeer lasso and enjoy coffee with cake in a Lapp tepee.
Duration of the excursion: 2 to 3 hours.
Overnight at Hotel Riekonlinna.

Day 4: Lapland's Gold Rush
(B, L, coach, 310 km / 194 miles)
Join the North Cape Tour passengers, and head by private motor coach towards Rovaniemi, a town on the Arctic Circle. Stop on the way in Tankavaara Gold Village, south of Saariselkä. Lapland's first gold rush took place here in the late 19th century after the first discovery in 1868. You, too, are sure to get "gold fever", as you try your luck in panning for gold. Lunch will be taken on the way in Luosto. Overnight at Quality Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Day 5: The World of Good Old Santa
(B, L, private car, boat)
You start the day's program with a sightseeing tour, which takes in the key sights of Rovaniemi. Then pay a visit to the Santa Claus Village. Here, on the Arctic Circle, the Christmas spirit is kept very much alive every day of the year. Drop by Santa's workshop, meet the jolly old man in person, do some souvenir shopping and enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant. A boat trip along the River Kemijoki is scheduled for the afternoon. After an exhilarating passage in a wooden riverboat, you go ashore and visit a local reindeer farm, where the secrets or reindeer rearing will be shown to you in practice. You will also participate in a special Lapp ceremony commemorating your historical crossing of the Arctic Circle. Return to downtown by boat. Duration of the excursion: 6 hours Overnight at Quality Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Day 6: Goodbye to Lapland
(B, private car)
Transfer from hotel to Rovaniemi airport by private car with English speaking driver.

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