Lapland & the Arctic Circle
SEMI-INDEPENDENT + FAMILY TOUR: Head to Finnish Lapland for 5 days with a difference. Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and become a reindeer driver all in five magical days. Families with children aged 4 yrs and above are welcome on this holiday.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Rovaniemi
Day 1 Rovaniemi
Welcome to Lapland! Upon arrival at Rovaniemi airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 Santa Claus & Rovaniemi city tour
Day 2 Santa Claus & Rovaniemi city tour
This morning after breakfast we depart for a visit to see Rovaniemi's most famous resident - Santa Claus. Crossing the Arctic Circle we'll arrive at the village to meet the man himself.
Afterwards, enjoy a city tour where you have a chance to send Christmas greetings to loved ones from Santa's official Post Office, visit boutique stores and admire Lappish craftmanship.
Then, you will enjoy a self-guided visit to Artikum Museum, a science centre that allows you to experience Northern culture, nature and history up close. Spend as much time as you want here, then make your way back to your nearby hotel.
Optional: There is an option to take part in a Northern Lights Hunt tonight. You will be driven by car or bus to a remote spot. This adventure ups your chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural phenomenon. If luck is on your side you will get to experience an unforgettable display of the luminescent ribbon lights overhead.
Day 3 Optional Reindeer Farm Visit
Day 3 Optional Reindeer Farm Visit
The next two days are free for you to choose from an exciting range of optional activities.
There is the option to visit a Reindeer Farm. You'll learn all about the daily life of the reindeer before receiving your reindeer driving license and heading out on the sleighs, stopping enroute by a toasty bonfire near a hut for a cup of hot juice. At this traditional Lappish hut you will be baptised according to the traditional rules of the north.
In the afternoon you have the option to embark on a Snowmobile Safari around Rovaniemi where you can drive along the wilderness forest trails, soaking in the Lappish nature and stunning scenery around you.
Please note: The optional activities noted in this package can be booked in advance or through our local representative when you arrive, subject to availability.
Day 4 Optional Husky Farm visit
Day 4 Optional Husky Farm visit
Today is a free day to spend at leisure to do as much or as little as you like in Rovaniemi.
This morning there is the option to visit a Husky Farm to learn about the daily life and hard work of these magnificent animals. After meeting the dog-breeders and becoming acquainted with the dogs, you’ll get the chance to take a “dog –breeder” course before embarking on a safari on dog sledge around the grounds, stopping for a rest and hot berry juice along the way.
Tonight, you have the option to go searching for the Northern Lights in a Snowmobile Safari. Leave the city lights behind and find the perfect spot to set up a campfire. Grill some traditional makkara sausages while you wait for the lights to appear. Good stories, a tasty snack, and hot beverages are guaranteed even if the auroras fail us tonight.
Day 5 Goodbye Lapland
Day 5 Goodbye Lapland
Today marks the end of your Lapland adventure with included transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Set in the heart of Rovaniemi - the official hometown of Santa Claus, this 4 star hotel is conveniently located for Arctic adventures, entertainment and visits to Santa Claus Village, which is just a 10 minute drive away. Guest rooms are spacious and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. All rooms offer en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV, a minibar, ironing facilities, a kettle and hair dryer. Most rooms are equipped with a twin beds and a sofa which can be made into an extra bed. Guests can enjoy tasty Finnish cuisine and Lapland specialities at Restaurant Gaissa and Bar & Grill ZoomUp, while light snacks and drinks are available at Café & Bar Zoomit which is open until late. The hotel also has a small casino and a sauna to relax in after an exciting day of winter pursuits.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
Northern Lights Hunting
Spend the evening on the lookout for the magnificent Northern Lights in the dark Arctic sky. You will be picked up from your accommodation point in Rovaniemi or Levi and transferred by car to a remote area with a campfire. This spot is one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights as well as enjoying the Polar night's beauty. Whilst waiting for the lights you will also enjoy snacks prepared on campfire and traditional hot berry juice and cookies. There will be plenty of legends and fascinating stories about life beyond the Arctic Circle being told by your professional guide. He will teach you about lots of legends the Finnish people have about the Northern Lights like they were caused by the tail of a firefox who ran so quickly across the snow that sparks ignited the night sky! The Finnish word for Northern Lights is “revontulet” which translates to fire fox.
Reindeer Farm & Safari
Experience the beautiful wilds of Lapland on a reindeer farm visit and safari from Rovaniemi or Levi. Earn your "drivers license," then hop aboard your reindeer sled complete with reindeer guide. Head off into the picturesque snowy forest lead by your reindeer. This sled-ride allows you to really admire the panoramic views of the Lappish countryside. Once back from your sled ride you can warm up with a hot drink by the fire and listen to lots of fascinating information from your guide about the reindeer’s role in Lappish society before returning to Rovaniemi or Levi.
Husky Farm Visit & Safari
Head to a husky farm and meet some of Lapland’s favourite dogs. Once at the farm you will learn about the daily work of the dogs and what it is like to live on the farm. After passing a short course on how to be a young dog breeder you will leave on a 5km safari. The dog sleds hold between 1 and 3 people and you can always swap places from being the passenger to being the ‘musher’. There will be opportunities to rest and take lots of photographs. There will also be hot berry juice, tea, coffee and cookies before going back to your hotel.
Northern Lights by Snowmobile Rovaniemi
Discover the magical winter wonderland of Finland at night time as you go in search of the beautiful Northern Lights. The reflection of the white snow and the stars and moon allow us to follow the snowmobile trails even in the dead of night. Once at our location our guide will light up a bonfire and we will enjoy a picnic whilst waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Good stories, a tasty snack, and hot beverages are guaranteed even if the auroras fail us tonight.
Snow Mobile Safari Rovaniemi
This safari is a good option for those who want to get a real feeling for snowmobiling. Rushing through Rovaniemi centre, the wilderness surrounds you. We take it easy when departing from the base and ensure that you are comfortable with the snowmobile, making a few stops on the way. Feel free to ask your guide about snowmobiling in general or for some tricks on how to drive, unless you are busy taking pictures of the arctic beauty around you.
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