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Arctic New Year in Lapland
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Lapland
Northern Lights Lapland
Reindeer farm visit with sleigh ride
Sampo Icebreaker Cruise
Scandinavia

Arctic New Year in Lapland (Tour code: 12619)

Starts and Ends
Saariselka to
Rovaniemi
Travel Periods
27 Dec 23
Experience
Travel Style
Escorted Group Tour
Far north of Finnish Lapland lies the popular resort of Inari-Saariselkä, a stunning small village which is the ideal setting to admire the Northern Lights dancing across the sky!

Highlights

Guaranteed Departures

Small Group Tour up to 25 passengers

Enjoy the warmth of your Private Glass Igloo and weather permitting you will have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights!

Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, and its importance to the Sami culture!

Unique opportunity to attend the New Year's Gala dinner

Discover Rovaniemi and visit the Santa Claus Village!

Embark on the incredible Sampo Icebreaker cruise and jump into the open Artic sea for a unique floating experience!

7 days
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

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Overview

Stay in Saariselka with its dazzling with landscape as well as in Rovaniemi. You will be treated to a night in a glass igloo, and weather permitting, you will see the magnificent northern lights from your bed. The highlight of this winter adventure is the ‘sampo’ icebreaker safari, where you have a chance to take a swim in the fresh arctic waters of kemi.

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

5 nights in 4* hotels centrally located
1 night in Santa's Igloos Hotel in a Private Glass Igloo
Coach from day 2 - 6
Regular departure transfer to Rovaniemi Airport
6 Buffet Style Breakfasts
Meals: 2 lunches & 4 dinners (inclusive of New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner buffet)
All tours and transportation, as mentioned in the program
Visit from Santa Claus at Santa Claus Hotel
Bi-lingual Tour Escort (English & Spanish) from Day 2 to Day 7 inclusive
Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase & 1 piece of hand luggage per pe rson

Intro Map

Artic New year in Lapland

Map

Day 1 Ivalo Airport Saariselkä

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 welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director.

Overnight stay at Santa's Hotel Tunturi or similar.

Please note that the transfers are escorted by an English-speaking driver and are shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers.

Breakfast

Day 2 Saariselkä

In the morning, get ready for some fresh air activity literally following the footsteps of the Sami.

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.

Overnight stay at Santa's Hotel Tunturi or similar.

Breakfast
Saariselkä

Day 3 Saariselkä Santas Igloos

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Santa ́s Igloos, located 10km from Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour.

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.

The journey continues to Santas Igloos following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving atthe 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.

Overnight stay at Santa’s Igloos Hotel in a private Glass Igloo.

Breakfast, Dinner
Saariselkä → Santas Igloos

Day 4 Santa Claus Rovaniemi

In the morning after breakfast, you will travel by bus to the city center where you will check-in at Santas Hotel Santa Claus and your New Year adventure can begin with a visit to the 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. Nowords can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. Itis something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland.

From Santa Claus Village it is a short ride to thehotel for check in. The rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna at your Hotel (additional cost).

Overnight stay at Hotel Santa Claus or similar.

Breakfast
Santa Claus → Rovaniemi

Day 5 Rovaniemi

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet and prepare to welcome a new year. Take the opportunity to explore the small and picturesque town at your own leisure.

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 their own behalf.

New Year’s 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 included.

Overnight stay at Hotel Santa Claus or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Rovaniemi

Day 6 Rovaniemi Kemi & Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi

After breakfast at the hotel, it is time for a swim as we head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities.

First a visit to the Snow Castle* with its special snowslide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as we board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 3 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. 

This extraordinary experience beings with a lunch served onshore in the Seaview Restaurant and includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge and ice swimming. In the middle of the largest ice fieldi n Europe, you have the opportunity to jump in the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those of you who dare will receive a certificate by the ship authorities to attest your courage. An unforgettable experience.

Return to Rovaniemi with early evening arrival at your hotel.

*Please note that the construction of the Snow Castle is dependent on the weather conditions and therefore not guaranteed to be open before the 19th ofJanuary.

Overnight stay at Hotel Santa Claus or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch
Rovaniemi → Kemi & Icebreaker Cruise→ Rovaniemi

Day 7 Rovaniemi Rovaniemi Airport

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your departure flight.

Please note that the transfers are escorted by an English-speaking driver and are shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers.

Breakfast

Optional Extras

Day 1: Aurora Borealis Sleigh Ride (no driving)

Meeting Time: 19:30 at the hotel reception
During this brisk safari you can just sit back and enjoy the view and ride! Your guide will take you up to the fell district to see the beautiful hilltop scenery with unlimited views of the northern sky. Your journey will head towards a beautiful fell cabin where you can enjoy warm berry juice while admiring the nature. If you are lucky, the sky will be clear to see the moon, the stars and even the Northern lights may appear!
Inclusions:

  • Thermal outfit, English guide, snowmobile ride & juice break

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

3 hours

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Day 5: Mystical New Year's Party

At 22:00 take a transfer from the hotel to a Special New Year Venue just 20 minutes from town.
At Lapland’s magical border ofthe Arctic Circle, the festivities will be held for welcoming in the New Year. Fire, ice, darkness, snow, lights, music, dance are the combined elements that create a magical event for the whole family. The mysterious shamans fuel the atmosphere and as the New Year approaches Santa Claus himself will also pay us a visit! A giant snow disco, snow bars, massive fireworks display, and the spectacular New Year Dance Show definitely makes for a memorable experience. New Year’s tin casting is an old Finnish tradition to see what the future holds. Shamans-the fortune tellers-help you interpret the marks for the future in your tin. The event will take place by snowy banks, in idyllic wintersetting.
At 00:30/1:00 transfer back to the hotel.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Official language
Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese
Local currency
Danish Krone (DKK)
  • It is important to note that in all our winter programs can be lightly physically demanding and the passenger may be exposed to different kinds of light physical strain. Uneven grounds during walking tours, snow andice are common surface in the Nordic destinations. All activities involving arctic sailing, snowmobiling, reindeer sleighs, husky sleighs & ice breaker will include appropriate thermal equipment provided for each guest prior to the start of each activity. Warm winter clothing and suitable winter shoe ware are a must.
  • The Itinerary may change without notice due to weather conditions. The weather in Norway, especially on fjord area, can be unpredictable during the season and road closures may be enforced by local authorities.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

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