Spend a week at the Arctic Circle enjoying the best of Christmas and Lapland. This tour offers hotel accommodation in Rovaniemi together with some great winter fun and special Christmas treats.
"We booked the Christmas adventure week in 2017. It was an amazing experience. Each activity was exciting and fun. Front office staff was very helpful. I would highly recommend this package. It made the holidays magical." - R. Giddings, 2018
Itinerary
20 December Rovaniemi Arrival
Welcome to Lapland! Transfer from Rovaniemi airport to your hotel. On the way, stop at the safari office, where you will be fitted with outer thermal gear - overalls, hat, boots, socks and gloves - which is yours to use for the duration of the tour. Time to explore the town and visit the shops for last minute gifts. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
21 December Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park Visit
Today we visit the most northern wildlife park in the world, Ranua Zoo. See many of the wild animals living in Lapland – wolf, wolverine, lynx, bear, fox and polar bear. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the wildlife park and the beautiful winter scenery on the way - often wild reindeers are seen on the roads. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
22 December Snowmobile Safari And Ice Fishing
Today we learn to drive snowmobiles and try some ice fishing. After a safety briefing and driving lesson it's time to start your engines! Each snowmobile takes two – one driver and one passenger, with the opportunity to swap drivers half way through, so everyone can join in driving through the snowy landscapes. We travel to a local river or frozen lake, where your guide will show you how to use an ice drill, and hopefully you might catch some supper! A light lunch is included as is all ice fishing equipment. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
23 December Husky Safari And Snowshoe Walk
This morning after a quick lesson and an introduction to the huskies, we take a fun dog sled safari, driving into the wilderness. Each sled takes two so you can take turns being the "musher"! In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional snowshoe trip in the snowy forests, with a good chance to see wild animals and their footprints and to try this ancient and traditional way of getting around on the snow. A light lunch during the day is included. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
24 December Reindeer Farm Visit & Sleigh Ride and Christmas Eve Festive Dinner
Today take a trip to a local reindeer farm – meet the reindeer, learn about the life of the herders, the importance of reindeer in Sami life and experience a fun reindeer sleigh ride. After the safari the reindeer herder delivers special driving licences to all. After a light lunch help decorate a living Christmas tree at the reindeer farm, then relax in a welcoming, huge Sami tepee, sitting cosily around the open fire. This evening, enjoy a celebratory Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel, with traditional Lappish delicacies. After dinner, there will be a visit from the man himself, Santa Claus.
25 December Christmas Day at the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village
Today we visit Santa Claus Village, where we cross the Arctic Circle and get a certificate to mark this exciting event. Then we meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village. Don't forget to post your cards in Santa's Post Office, with a special Arctic postmark. Time to wander around the village on your own, perhaps meet Santa's reindeer, visit the Snowmobile Museum, Snowman World or the Elf Farm Yard (entrances not included). In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of charming Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and Santa's Official Home Town, and a real Christmas city, to see the Christmas lights and decorations, and other sights including the ski jumps and rivers. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
26 December Ice Restaurant, Arktikum Museum and Northern Lights Hunt
Today we visit a real “cool” ice restaurant where even the tables are made of ice. Warm beverages are offered in the bar, so you can stay cosy. In the afternoon we visit Arktikum Museum, the provincial museum of Lapland, for an introduction to Sami culture and life in the Arctic. In the evening, enjoy a search for the Northern Lights - hopefully Mother Nature will come out to play and you can witness this amazing and unique natural phenomena. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
27 December Rovaniemi Departure
Transfer to Rovaniemi airport and end of arrangements.
2024 departure: 20 December **SOLD OUT**
Notes:
Some excursions subject to minimum age and height requirements.
Accommodation options:
Hotel Aakenus is a family hotel located in a peaceful area adjacent to Rovaniemi town centre. The hotel has a restaurant, lobby bar, sauna and complimentary WiFi. 1 child up to 15 years of age can share a room with 2 adults and will sleep on a sofa bed, at a reduced rate.
Scandic Pohjanhovi is a hotel located in Rovaniemi town centre on the banks of the Kemijoki river. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant, lobby bar, sauna, lift, complimentary WiFi and ironing room. Up to 2 children under 15 years of age can share a room with 2 adults and will sleep on a sofa bed, at a reduced rate.
Snowmobile Safaris: To drive a snowmobile you must have a valid driving license and be 18 years of age or over. If there is an uneven number of adults in your party participating in the snowmobile safari, one adult must drive solo. Children over 140cm in height may sit as a passenger behind an adult driver on a snowmobile only if the child is paying the adult price. Children under 140 cm in height sit in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile. Children under 2 are not permitted on snowmobile safaris. Please note in the event of extreme weather or poor trail conditions small children may not be allowed to participate in safaris. The guide has the discretion to decide who may or may sit in a sled driven by adults and who must sit in the guide's sled for all safaris.
Husky Safaris: Children under 18 years usually travel in one big sled driven by the guide. During the shorter safaris a maximum of 2 adults + 2 children may be permitted to share one sled driven by the adults. During the longer safaris 2 adults usually drive each sled in pairs and all children sit together in one big sled driven by the guide. The guide has the discretion to decide who may or may sit in a sled driven by adults and who must sit in the guide's sled for all safaris. Children under 2 are not permitted on husky safaris. Please note in the event of extreme weather or poor trail conditions small children may not be allowed to participate in safaris.
