Please note: The Single Room price displayed above is for a single room in conjunction with other travellers. A solo traveller price is available on request.
Independent Holiday
7 Days from Rovaniemi
Departs Daily - Winter 2024/2025
1 December 2024 - 27 March 2025
Embark on a wondrous journey into the heart of Rovaniemi, where vibrant Lappish urban culture harmonizes with breathtaking natural beauty. Here, amidst the captivating landscapes, lies the legendary home of Santa Claus himself! Immerse yourself in a tapestry of exhilarating experiences amid pristine snow-covered panoramas, forming lasting bonds with Arctic huskies and reindeer. Venture into the Arctic night to chase the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, feel the adrenaline surge on an exhilarating snowmobile ride through the winter wonderland, and discover the enchanting allure of Santa Claus Village, where the spirit of Christmas thrives. Retreat into the warmth and comfort of Santa's Hotel and indulge in the luxurious embrace of a Premium Igloo at Santas Igloos Arctic Circle
Highlights:
- Glide through pristine snowscapes on a thrilling Husky Safari, led by a team of eager and friendly huskies
- Experience the enchantment of the Arctic wilderness on a Reindeer Safari, guided by these majestic creatures through the snow-covered wilderness
- Embark on an exhilarating adventure to chase the illusive Aurora Borealis
- Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate the snowy trails on a thrilling snowmobile adventure
- Luxuriate in the comfort and magic of a Premium Igloo at Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Rovaniemi
Welcome to Finland. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred by private vehicle to Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus Hotel where accommodation is reserved for four nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.
In the heart of Rovaniemi, Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is and ideal place to stay on your visit to the Official Hometown of Santa Claus! Arctic adventures, Lappish culture, art and entertainment, as well as safaris and excursions under the midnight sun or the long polar winter are all steps away from the hotel.
Day 2: Rovaniemi (B)
This morning embark on a 2-hour Thrill of speed Husky Safari (shared tour).
Friendly barks of the huskies welcome you to the local farm but as soon as the safari of dogs depart from the farm, the dogs quiet down and start to work. Enjoy the surrounding nature and the sledge ride in silence. Stop for a break in the wilderness and take photos. You will drive two persons per team, but there is a possibility to change the driver along the way. The average length of the trail is 10 km, however the weather conditions and skills of the participants may affect the length of the ride.
The afternoon is at leisure for you to visit Rovaniemi City.
Day 3: Rovaniemi (B)
This morning depart on a 2.5 hour Along the reindeer path tour (shared tour)
Join an authentic reindeer safari! Sit comfortably in a sleigh and lay back, take photos of the nature around you, and listen to the sounds of the reindeer caravan. Your reindeer herder will prepare coffee with a cinnamon bun on a campfire for you while he shares his life story with the reindeer.
This evening head out on a 4 hour Aurora Hunting Photo Tour (shared tour)
Ride around the surroundings of Lapland in a bus to observe the auroras. The bus will take you to several different spots to give you the best chance to chase the northern lights. The guide will take some nice photos of you during the tour, playing with lights for funny photo effects! You will receive tips on how to set your own camera for night photography and if you are lucky, you may see the aurora dancing in the sky, in any case you will experience a lovely night with great photos as memory. Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies are included.
Day 4: Rovaniemi (B)
Today you get to experience a 2 hour Snowmobiling quick spin (shared tour)
This snowmobile adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to learn how to master the art of driving a snowmobile. During the safari you will stop for a break to enjoy hot drinks and the silence of the wilderness.
Two people will be sharing one snowmobile, and a valid drivers license is needed to drive the snowmobile. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Rovaniemi (B)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Santa´s Igloos Artic Circle where accommodation awaits you for the next two nights in a Premium Igloo. On arrival immerse yourself in the enchantment of Santa Claus Village.
Santa’s Hotels’ innovative glass igloos are designed for year-round use. These new air-conditioned igloos with glass-roofs offer a unique opportunity to embrace the ever-changing beauty of Lapland’s nature while relishing in the comforts akin to a hotel room. Depending on the season, you might be treated to mesmerizing displays of the northern lights, the magical glow of the midnight sun, vibrant autumn hues, or the serene splendour of winter’s polar nights right from the comfort of your glass igloo!
Day 6: Rovaniemi (B)
Day at leisure to relax or embark on one of the many other optional activities available (pre-booking is recommended).
Day 7: Rovaniemi (B)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Rovaniemi airport for your departure flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation with private facilities as follows - 4 nights Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus – Standard Room; 2 nights Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – Premium Igloo
- Breakfast daily
- Transfers by private vehicle Rovaniemi airport to Hotel; Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus to Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi airport
- Shared sightseeing tours as follows:
- 2hour Thrill of speed – Husky Safari
- 2.5hour - Along the Path Reindeer Tour
- 4hour Aurora Hunting Photo Tour
- 2hour snowmobiling quick spin tour
- 24/7 support in Norway
- Assistance of local representatives
- Finland Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International/domestic airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following or similar.
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Rovaniemi Hotel (4 nights)
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus - Standard Room
Rovaniemi Igloo Hotel (2 nights)
Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle - Premium Igloo
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The Northern Lights
Chasing the Northern Lights, also referred to as the Aurora Borealis, during winter presents an unforgettable journey. These regions are renowned for their pristine skies and minimal light interference, providing ideal settings for witnessing this natural wonder. Bundling up warmly and exercising patience are essential for fully enjoying this awe-inspiring chase.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the aurora's appearance can be unpredictable, appearing only when conditions are right (it needs to be cold and dark with clear skies). Thus, maintaining patience is crucial when seeking the Northern Lights and understanding that this phenomenon is unpredictable and sighting the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed.
Winter Sightseeing Activities
Please note sightseeing tours are weather dependent and may be cancelled if the weather conditions are not ideal.
Winter Weather Conditions
In winter, Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland experience harsh conditions with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Snowfall is common, blanketing the region in a thick layer of snow. Strong winds can further intensify the cold, making it feel even chillier. Daylight hours are significantly reduced, with the polar night phenomenon occurring in some areas, where the sun doesn't rise above the horizon for an extended period.
Dressing for Winter Tours
Dressing for winter requires layers to combat the extreme cold. Start with a thermal base layer, followed by insulating layers such as fleece or wool, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots are essential to keep extremities warm in subzero temperatures and snowy conditions.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.