Itinerary – Helsinki and Northern Lights, Igloo Experience (7 days)

Day 1 – HELSINKI

Welcome to Finland, the Land of a Thousand Lakes!
Your private transfer will take you to your hotel in the city centre upon arrival.
Check into your hotel and rest of the day is at leisure.
Take a stroll around the vibrant seaside city, the beautiful islands and great green urban areas. Helsinki marches to a wonderful and unique beat of its own with dynamic food, design, architecture – and sauna!

Overnight in the Sokos Presidentti Hotel or similar

Day 2 – HELSINKI

Breakfast at your hotel.  Today you will enjoy a Panoramic tour of Helsinki (shared excursion) – a popular sightseeing tour showing you the most important sights and giving you an excellent view of Helsinki’s past and present. The tour takes you to the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. The bus stops at the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) or at the Sibelius Monument (if the church is closed) for 20 min.

Evening departure to Rovaniemi by train, the Santa Claus Express.

Overnight on board the train.

Day 3 – ARRIVAL IN ROVANIEMI

You may order breakfast on board the train (pay locally), on arrival transfer is provided to your hotel to join the ‘Aurora Borealis and Glass Igloo’ tour.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and Lapland is as close as it gets to reality for those who dream of a winter wonderland. Lapland is the place of contrasts, where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days and the hustle and bustle of towns is just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the wild wilderness.

Overnight at Sokos Vaakuna, Arctic City or Santa Claus Hotel (Please note you may not be able to check in before 15.00 hrs)

Day 4 – SANTA’S VILLAGE & REINDEER SLED RIDE

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your day by immersing yourself into the magic of Lapland. First stop today is Santa Claus Village located on the Arctic Circle. You will participate in the traditional ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle and receive a diploma certifying your visit.

After the ceremony, you will experience a reindeer sled at the Santa Claus Village and enjoy a hot drink around the fire. After the reindeer sled, there is free time for you to explore the village and meet the local star, Santa Claus, in his official home. Free time for lunch.

You can also visit Santa’s post office to send a letter to yourself or to a loved one, with the official stamp of Santa. Browse the souvenir shops and enjoy the magic atmosphere in the village.

Santa Claus Village

Transfer back to your hotel

Overnight at Sokos Vaakuna, Arctic City or Santa Claus Hotel

Day 5 – HUSKIES & THE POLAR ZOO OF RANUA

Breakfast in the hotel.

Our first stop today is a Husky Farm, where you will learn all you need to know about huskies and their way of living. After the introduction, take a ride on a mini husky safari (3 km) with a musher. After the ride you will have some time to meet and photograph these beautiful dogs and ask all the questions you may have with regards to the huskies and their role in Arctic life.

Free time for lunch (not included)

Our next visit is to the Northern-most zoo in the world, Ranua. Your guide will take you on a brisk walk outdoors to admire the Arctic wildlife in their genuine wilderness setting. elk, reindeer, wolverines, arctic fox and of course the impressive polar bear can be found in this Zoo.

Afterwards there is enough free time for chocolate lovers to visit the shop of the famous Finnish Fazer chocolates.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight at Sokos Vaakuna, Arctic City or Santa Claus Hotel

Day 6 – ROVANIEMI – NIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO

Breakfast in the hotel.

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy Rovaniemi and its surroundings! Why not discover the magnificent Arktikum museum and learn about the Sami, the original people of Lapland. Another option is to enjoy one of the many activities offered in the area. You can also go shopping in town or take a walk along the banks of the Ounasjoki River where you can enjoy the winter landscapes of Lapland. Do not hesitate to ask your tour escort for advice.

Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights

Free time for lunch (not included).

Afternoon transfer to your heated GLASS IGLOO. Here you can enjoy a magical night under the starry skies. Hopefully you will be lucky and witness the magnificent Northern Lights from the comfort of your warm bed!

Dinner is included.

Overnight at Arctic Glass Igloo or Santa Claus Igloo or Glass villa in Glass resort.
n.b. this may be on another night, subject to confirmation.

DAY 7 – ROVANIEMI

Breakfast in the hotel and check out.

Enjoy the last moments in this magical place. Make your own way to the airport (Private transfer can be pre-booked in advance).

Languages:
English, French, Italian and Spanish (all tours)

Helsinki and Northern Lights, Igloo Experience Optionals

AURORA BOREALIS SNOWMOBILE SAFARI (3 hrs)

Experience the Arctic night riding through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river.
With a little luck, you’ll travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way.
Sip warm beverages and savour a snack by a campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty of Lapland.
Each snowmobile is shared by two guests taking turns in driving.

NOTES:
The driver of the snowmobile has to be at least 18 years of age with a driver’s license valid in Finland.
Please remember to bring your driving license with you.
Driving a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs is prohibited by the laws of Finland.
Child price entitles children to a seat in a sled pulled by a snowmobile driven by the guide.
Children over 140 cm in height are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, when paying the adult price.
Lapland Safaris AC Ltd reserves the right to deny the participation of small children due to safety reasons (e.g. demanding weather or trail conditions).
The Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and it can be predicted but not guaranteed.
Departure: MON, WED, SUN 18:00 Duration: 3 hours

Minimum: 2 persons, Maximum: 15 persons.
Included: Thermal outfit, guidance in English, snowmobiling 2 persons per snowmobile, fuel, traffic insurance (maximum personal liability €980),
snack by the fire, hot beverage, information about Northern lights.

Price: €155 per person (2 sharing)
€70 single supplement (your own snowmobile)
plus €20 per person booking fee

AURORA BOREALIS PICNIC (3 hrs)

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are to be observed only in the Polar zone of the world. Our location on the Arctic Circle gives us the best possibilities to try and see them. Our guide will drive you out of the city, reaching the perfects spots offering us the best open sky vision. Here we enjoy our Lappish picnic, hopefully under the Auroras!  If we are not lucky enough to see them, its still a fun event!  Transfers by car or bus.

Departure: Daily 20:30
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum: 2 persons, Maximum: 30 persons.
Included: Transfers, sausage and pastry by campfire, hot drinks, winter clothes and guiding

Price: €79 per person
plus €20 per person booking fee

SNOWMOBILE SAFARI (2 hrs) 2 persons per snowmobile

This snowmobile adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to learn how to master the art of driving a snowmobile and to explore the snowy expanse!
During the safari, we stop for a break to enjoy hot drinks with biscuits in the silence of the white wilderness.

NOTES:
Each person driving a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license (B).
Please remember to bring your driving license with you.
Two persons per snowmobile.
For groups of 3 persons or other odd number of people, we highly recommend purchasing one single driver supplement.
The snowmobile driver is held liable for any damages caused to the vehicle.
Personal self-liability is maximum €900/person/snowmobile/in case of accident.
By purchasing a €15 self-liability insurance before the start of the safari, you reduce the amount of self-liability
down to a maximum of €150/person/snowmobile/in case of accident.
Self-liability insurance is personal and valid for one snowmobile safari.
Children 0-14 years old are seated in a sledge behind the guide’s snowmobile.
We highly recommend one of the parents to sit with their small child in the sledge, for the child’s comfort and safety.

Departures: TUE, THU, SAT at 14:30 or 17:00
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum: 2 persons, Maximum: 15 persons.
Included: Winter clothing, snowmobile instructions and snowmobile safari for 2 persons per snowmobile, driving time approx. 1.5 hours, hot drinks with biscuits, guiding.

Price: €120 per person (2 sharing)
€60 single supplement (your own snowmobile)
plus €20 per person booking fee

AURORA  ICE-FLOATING (3 hrs)

Come and experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Don’t fear the cold as you are totally protected with high quality rescue suit. Let your body and mind float, enjoy this frozen adventure. This guided adventure is safe with a high-quality rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. As you have your own clothing under the suit you will not get cold even in the open 0-degree water. Lying down in the frozen lake between the ice blocks is something worth trying, the circumstances truly are arctic!

Departure: Daily, morning or evening
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum: 2 persons, Maximum: 15 persons
Included: Winter clothing, transfers, floating, hot drinks and guiding in English
Notice: Minimum height for floating is 120 cm

Price: €100 per person
plus €20 per person booking fee

THERMAL CLOTHES RENTAL (3 days)

Thermal clothing Includes: Thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, scarf, hat and gloves.
Overalls need to be taken from and returned to our office during our office working hours, for other times, please request, there will be an extra charge.
More information’s will be provided by Tour leader.

Price: €75 per person
plus €20 per person booking fee

Prices and Departure Dates – Helsinki and Northern Lights, Igloo Experience

2023/2024 Prices
All prices are in Euros, per person based on two persons sharing a twin/double room.

LOW SEASON 2023/2024:
30* November 2023
07 December 2023
04*, 11 January 2024
22*, 29* February 2024
07, 14** March 2024
*Sokos Vakuuna Hotel Rovaniemi
**Santa Claus Hotel, Rovaniemi
Other dates at Arctic City Hotel Rovaniemi

LOW SEASON PRICE:
EUR 2,035 per person in twn/dbl
Single Supplement EUR 1,090* per person
*for all dates except 14 March
14 March Single Supplement – €1,175 per person

CHRISTMAS DEPARTURE 2023:
14 December 2023
Arctic City Hotel, Rovaniemi

CHRISTMAS PRICE:
EUR 2,115 per person in twn/dbl
Single Supplement – EUR 1,275 per person

HIGH SEASON 2024:
25 January 2024
01, 08, 15 February 2024
Santa Claus Hotel, Rovaniemi

HIGH SEASON PRICE:
EUR 2,115 per person in twn/dbl
Single Supplement – EUR 1,090 per person

Price Includes:

• 1 night accommodation in Helsinki hotel, based on two persons sharing a twin
• 1 x Overnight on Santa Claus Express train Helsinki to Rovaniemi
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Rovaniemi hotel, based on two persons sharing a twin
• 1 night in a Glass igloo/Glass villa
• Breakfast daily (except Day 3 on train, pay locally)
• 1 Farewell Dinner
• Arrival Transfer from Helsinki airport to hotel
• Transfer from Rovaniemi rail station to hotel
• Panoramic tour of Helsinki by bus
• Transfer from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village and return
• Coach at disposal for the visit to the Ranua Zoo.
• Transfer from Rovaniemi to the Glass igloo hotel
• English speaking tour escort (day 4-6)
• Visit to Santa Claus Village
• Arctic Crossing Ceremony with certificate
• Reindeer Sledge Ride 1km
• Visit to a Husky Park
• Husky Sledge Ride 3km
• Visit to Ranua Zoo

Optional Supplements Helsinki and Northern Lights:

Whilst you may arrange them locally, optional tours may be sold out before your arrival.
To reserve your place, please request and pay with your balance.
We charge a booking fee of EUR 20 per person per service.

• Dinner Package (3 x dinners)
  EUR 105 per person (Sokos Vaakuna Hotel)
  EUR 140 per person (Santa Claus Hotel)
  EUR 165 per person (Arctic City Hotel)
  Plus EUR 20 per person, per service (booking fee)

• Airport departure transfer Rovaniemi
  EUR 75 per transfer (max. 3 passengers)
  Plus EUR 20 per transfer (booking fee)

• Thermal clothes rental for 3 days – (Days 4-6 Rovaniemi)
  EUR 75 per person
  Plus EUR 20 per person, per service (booking fee)

• Aurora Borealis Picnic by bus – (3 hours Day 4 or 5)
  EUR 79 per person
  Plus EUR 20 per person, per service (booking fee)

• Aurora Borealis Snowmobile Safari – (3 hours Day 5: 2 people per snowmobile)
  EUR 155 per person
  EUR 70 for Snowmobile single supplement
  Plus EUR 20 per person, per service (booking fee)

• Snowmobile Safari – (2 hours Day 6: 2 people per snowmobile)
  EUR 120 per person
  EUR 60 for Snowmobile single supplement
  Plus EUR 20 per person, per service (booking fee)

• Arctic Ice Floating – (3 hours Day 6 Day or Evening)
  EUR 100 per person
  Plus EUR 20 per person, per service (booking fee)

 Not included in price:

• International Flights
• Travel Insurance, Visa Costs (if applicable)
• Any meals, beverages, sightseeing entrance fees not specified in the inclusions
• Departure Transfer Day 7 (available at additional cost)
• Gratuities for guide and driver (at discretion)
• Luggage handling
• Extra personal costs incurred at the hotel

Notes – Helsinki and Northern Lights, Igloo Experience

• Tour operates with a minimum of two people
• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted with similar grade hotels
• Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room
• Please ask for supplement to upgrade your room type
• Helsinki – check in after 14.00 hours. Check out by 12.00 noon
• Rovaniemi – check in may not by possible before 15.00
• Tours and timings may vary and substitutions may be made, according to local conditions, if necessary
• Optional tours subject to availability/local conditions and may be substituted if necessary
• Please remember to check passport and visa requirements for entry
• Check current health requirements by looking at the official travel advice website of your country
• Northern Lights Alert
• Airport Information:
  Helsinki (HEL)
  Rovaniemi (RVN )

How to Book

• 20% non-refundable deposit upon confirmation
• Balance due by 56 days prior to arrival