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

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

SNOWSHOES SAFARI

Duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes  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.

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

SAMI REINDEER FARM VISIT & SLEIGH RIDE

Duration: approximately 2 – 2,5 hours (12:00 -14:30)

Included: a traditional 3-course lunch, reindeer sledge ride, Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate 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.

OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO

The journey continues south to Santás Igloos following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the 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 morning after breakfast, you will travel by bus to Rovaniemi where you will check-in at Santa´s Hotel Santa Claus and your Christmas adventure can begin. Once you have settled into the hotel, you can enjoy a buffet dinner of traditional Lappish food. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna included.

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI

Duration: approximately 2 hours  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. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland. 

VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS & CHRISTMAS EVE GALA DINNER

At approximately

16:00

, all children are invited to participate in the traditional activity of decorating the Christmas tree. 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 behalf of the family.  Christmas 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 are included.

Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing on another day of adventure. This morning we will visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80 km south of Rovaniemi, 1 hour by coach. The Ranua Wildlife Park, established 1983, specializes in arctic and northern animal species. The spacious animal fencings are amid northern conifer forests, the natural habitat of most of the animals. You will be able to enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful park and visit different animals and birds. The guide will provide you with interesting and detailed information about the animals and their personalities, as well as answer whatever questions you might have about the animal life and artic nature. Enjoy a self-service lunch at the restaurant in Ranua Wildlife Park. After lunch, you will have one hour to visit the surroundings. You may want to visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer factory and the local wine shop with their unique selection of wines made from berries. Return to Rovaniemi, remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

CHRISTMAS GALA DINNER

In the evening enjoy a Christmas Gala Dinner buffet at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included.

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