Deal

On arrival at Ivalo Airport you’ll be met for a group transfer to Saariselkä, approximately thirty minutes south through the heart of Finnish Lapland. This region lies well above the Arctic Circle and is known for its vast protected wilderness, sparse population and exceptional Northern Lights visibility. The drive itself is an introduction to the landscape, passing through snowy forests and open tundra. You will check in to Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, one of the most established properties in the village and particularly well suited to winter stays. Your Superior Room in the Gielas building includes a private sauna, an essential part of Finnish culture and an ideal way to unwind after time outdoors. Saariselkä is a compact Arctic resort community, making it easy to explore on foot this evening as you acclimatise to the polar night atmosphere. Welcome dinner at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi

After breakfast, you begin your introduction to Lapland’s winter landscapes with a guided snowmobile safari. Two guests share each snowmobile, with approximately one and a half hours of driving time. The tour includes winter clothing, full snowmobile instructions, and is guided in English. The route is selected according to snow and weather conditions, which play a significant role in daily operations in the far north. A stop is made along the way for hot drinks and biscuits, offering time to appreciate the silence and scale of the surrounding wilderness. A valid driving licence is required for drivers, and travel conditions depend on weather and snow conditions. In the afternoon, it’s time for the Santa Experience! Step into a world of holiday magic in a cosy Lappish hideaway cottage, where elves are busy with festive activities. During this festive time, the elves are up to all sorts of fun things. Let Santa’s helper lead you to the cottage, where you will enjoy the magic of powdered snow and decorate gingerbread to your liking. Hot drinks are served throughout the excursion. The highlight is meeting Santa in a log cabin for a chat and photos. Each child will receive a small gift straight from Santa himself.

This morning you travel by bus to a local reindeer farm for an introduction to one of the defining traditions of Lapland. Reindeer herding is closely connected to Sámi culture, the Indigenous culture of northern Europe, and remains both a livelihood and a cultural cornerstone in the region. During your visit you will enjoy an approximately 15-minute reindeer sleigh ride through the forest and hear about seasonal migration, herding practices and life in Arctic conditions. Winter overalls are provided, and hot drinks are served during the visit. Return transfers by bus are included. In the evening you head to the slopes of Kaunispää Fell for an Aurora tobogganing experience. A chairlift carries you to the summit, where you gain elevated views over Saariselkä and the surrounding fells, rounded Arctic hills that define this landscape. Tobogganing down Finland’s longest run under the polar night sky combines gentle adventure with the chance, weather permitting, to experience Aurora light art along the slope and possibly witness the Northern Lights away from village light sources. Toboggans, helmets and a 3-hour chairlift pass are included. This is a self-guided experience with optional guided runs available for added comfort and safety. Minimum age is 7 years (children under 130 cm must share a toboggan with an adult).

Today begins with a visit to a husky kennel for a 5-kilometre sled safari through the surrounding forest. Huskies have high endurance and thrive in cold climate performance, and their enthusiasm before departure is part of the experience. The tour includes a guided kennel visit, thermal clothing, and information about huskies, with transfers done by car. After the safari, you can relax with a hot berry juice while learning more about the daily life and training of these working dogs. Later, you travel to a frozen lake for a relaxed introduction to traditional winter activities. Ice fishing remains a common pastime across Finland, and your guide will demonstrate how to drill through the ice and try your luck beneath the surface. Guests can also try snowshoeing on an easy track across the lake. An open fire is prepared for marshmallow grilling, offering a cosy moment outdoors together. Hot drinks are served during the program, with winter clothing and equipment provided.