Arctic New Year in Lapland

DAY 1 Saariselka
On arrival at Ivalo Airport, you will be met for a group transfer to your hotel. Saariselka 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.

Stay at: Santa's Hotel Tunturi (3 star)

DAY 2 Saariselka
Capture the true feeling of winter in the northern woods as you explore, with snowshoes, the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. The afternoon is free for you to spend so maybe step into the Finnish sauna available at your hotel, or later join the optional Aurora Borealis Sleigh Ride by snowmobile in search of the Northern Lights.

Stay at: Santa's Hotel Tunturi (3 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 Saariselka – Santa's Igloos (Rovaniemi)
Continue your adventure by making your way to Rovaniemi. Along the way, stop by a Sami Reindeer Farm where you will meet traditional Sami farmers who will speak to you about the reindeer and their importance to 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 snow landscape where the only sound you will hear is the jingle of reindeer bells. A typical three-course lunch is included at the farm. Afterwards, arrive at Santa's Igloos and check into your private glass igloo cabin. At night, enjoy a traditional Lappish dinner before marveling at the night sky from the comforts of your bed.

Stay at: Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 4 Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before heading to a Husky Farm and Safari. The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. After brief instructions, you will embark, riding in pairs, on a ride through the forest behind your pack of huskies (3 km). The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Meet the man himself at his house which no words can describe the emotions of this fairytale-like moment. But if you missed it, you can welcome him at your door when he pays a visit! The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the magic of Santa Claus Village.

Stay at: Santa's Hotel Santa Claus (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 5 Rovaniemi
Arrange your day as you wish to explore this small and picturesque town that is known as the capital of Lapland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it's a modern city and the best base for exploring the Arctic region. Visit Arktikum science museum for regional history or Culture House Korundi for local modern art, but if you prefer the outdoors, venture to Auttikongas (scenic point) or Ranua Zoo. To take it easy, simply wander downtown to Lordi's Square, full of cafes, restaurants and gift shops, before a New Year's Eve Gala Dinner at your hotel, followed by an optional Mystical New Year's Party.

Stay at: Santa's Hotel Santa Claus (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and New Year's Eve Gala Dinner

DAY 6 Rovaniemi - Kemi - Rovaniemi
Set forth to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First, a visit to the Snow Castle* and enjoy its special snow slide, snow sculptures and the complex as a whole. Have lunch onshore in the Seaview Restaurant then experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure. Board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 3 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking through the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Begin with a guided tour of the ship and for those brave enough to jump into the sea and float, you will be fitted with a warm survival suit and receive a certificate for it.

*The construction of the Snow Castle is dependent on the weather conditions and therefore not guaranteed to be open.

Stay at: Santa's Hotel Santa Claus (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 7 Rovaniemi
Your tour concludes after breakfast with a group transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast