HIGHLIGHTS OF FINLAND

Welcome to magical Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland! When you arrive at Rovaniemi Airport a private driver will meet you to take you to your accommodation in town. Then head out to explore the snowy city centre. It is small but charming, with children ice skating and sledging on the main streets. You’ll also find a shopping centre and lots of restaurants to try the local cuisine. Tonight, you have the option to join a wintry adventure to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights. Tours range from a family-friendly snow train to a thrilling snowmobile ride in the frosty forest. Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

This morning, you’ll join a 10-kilometre (6-mile) guided dog sledding excursion. When you arrive at the husky farm you’ll hear the excited huskies waiting for their chance to run through the snow-covered forest trail. Following a brief lesson at the kennel, you’ll drive your own sleigh, pulled by a team of energetic huskies, through the woods and over the snowy plains. There will be 2 people sharing each sleigh, taking turns mushing. In the afternoon you will visit the Arctic Snow Hotel. This complex is built entirely of snow and ice each year. Your guided tour will take you around the beautiful ice rooms as well the ice restaurant and ice bar. After the tour, tuck into a 3-course dinner based on local specialties at the Ice Restaurant. Later in the evening, you’ll return to Rovaniemi. Spend another night in Rovaniemi.

Start the day bright and early to join a bus tour to a reindeer farm*. Here you’ll learn about the Sámi people and their culture. Their way of life includes reindeer herding, so you’ll enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride. You’ll also join your hosts in a special ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Next up you’ll travel to the Santa Claus Village. This is a magical spot to do some souvenir shopping, send postcards from Santa’s main post office, and of course meet Santa Claus himself! Afterwards you’ll return to Rovaniemi, where you can spend the evening at your leisure. Spend another night in Rovaniemi.

You have the whole day to explore Rovaniemi as you wish. To learn more about the local history, nature and culture, including the Sámi nation, you can pay a visit to the Arktikum museum. Here you can browse interesting exhibits about the Arctic region. If you love wildlife, you might want to tour the Ranua Wildlife Park located about 1 hour south. If you’d like to take full advantage of your time in the Arctic, you can add more fun winter activities to your itinerary. Going snowmobiling along frozen lakes and through frosty woodlands is always a guest favourite. You could even opt to go ice fishing. To keep in the festive mood, you can also head back to the Santa Claus Village. Hop on a reindeer ride, dine at the charming Santamus restaurant or visit the Snowman World. For families travelling with children in December, we recommend a visit to the magical Santa Park, the home cavern of Santa Claus.

Today is your last day in Finnish Lapland. After an adventurous winter getaway, a driver will take you back to Rovaniemi Airport in time for your departure flight.