Lapland Summer Experience 2010
6 days / 5 nights, Ivalo - Saariselkä -Tankavaara Gold Village - Rovaniemi - Santa Park | Lapland is a perfect retreat from the hectic city life. This tour allows you to experience the peace and tranquility of pristine wilderness, take part in exciting nature-bound activities and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Lapps. And in summer you have 24 hours of daylight to enjoy it all! A warm visit to the village of Santa Claus, an excursion to a reindeer farm, a glimpse of local Sami culture make the trip complete. The legendary magic of Lapland has cast a spell over many a visitor, and you may also yearn to come back after your first visit.
| Departure | Daily, June 1st - August 31st |
| Price | $2,005 per person in double room $3,135 single room $940 extra bed in double room, child under 12 years $2,005 extra bed in double room, adult |
| Included | Airport transfers in Ivalo and Rovaniemi by private car with driver Accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with bath or shower Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily 2 lunches Sightseeing, visits, excursions, Entrance fees according to the program Transportation from Ivalo to Rovaniemi by private car with driver speaking English Taxes & service charges |
| Not Included | International airfare & Airport taxes Domestic air fares Helsinki-Ivalo & Rovaniemi-Helsinki Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items Alcoholic beverages $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | This is a non-escorted tour. Services of a tour leader is not included. There is a tour guide at your service in Rovaniemi, but there is no tour guide in Helsinki. |
| Tour Options | Additional nights in Helsinki St. Petersburg Art & Ballet Silja Line Cruise, Helsinki - Stockholm |
Day 1 IN THE HEART OF LAPLAND
Transfer from Ivalo airport to Saariselkä by private car with driver. Girdled by a chain of gently rolling fells, the holiday village of Saariselkä offers a wealth of overwhelming experiences in unspoilt wilderness. Yet, it has all the modern conveniences.
Day 2 LAPP CULTURE (B)
(car, 160 km)
Today's excursion will acquaint you with the Lapp culture and history. You set off with a safari guide by jeep bound for Inari village, 80 km away. The road winds through the forests and along the shore-line of the vast Lake Inari. In Inari, pay a visit to Siida, the Lapp museum, which displays the life of the nomadic, reindeer herding Lapps as it was in the past.
Duration of the excursion: 6 to 7 hours
Day 3 VISIT TO REINDEER FARM (B)
Herding reindeer is an integral part of the Lapp heritage, and even today reindeer husbandry provides some 2000 Lapp families with a livelihood. The host of a local reindeer farm will tell you more about this old tradition and the Lapp lifestyle, while you visit his farm. Try throwing a reindeer lasso and enjoy coffee with cake in a Lapp tepee.
Duration of the excursion: 2 to 3 hours
Day 4 LAPLAND GOLD RUSH - ROVANIEMI (B, L)
(coach, 310 km)
After breakfast head by private car towards Rovaniemi, a town on the Arctic Circle. Stop on the way in Tankavaara Gold Village, south of Saariselkä. Lapland's first gold rush took place here in the late 19th century after the first discovery in 1868. You, too, are sure to get "gold fever", as you try your luck in panning for gold. Lunch will be taken on the way in Luosto.
Day 5 ROVANIEMI - SANTA VILLAGE (B, L)
(private car, boat )
You start the day's program with a sightseeing tour, which takes in the key sights of Rovaniemi. Then pay a visit to the Santa Claus Village. Here, on the Arctic Circle, the Christmas spirit is kept very much alive every day of the year. Drop by Santa's workshop, meet the jolly old man in person, do some souvenir shopping and enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant. A boat trip along the River Kemijoki is scheduled for the afternoon. After an exhilarating passage in a wooden river boat, you go ashore and visit a local reindeer farm, where the secrets or reindeer rearing will be shown to you in practice. You will also participate in a special Lapp ceremony commemorating your historical crossing of the Arctic Circle. Return to downtown by boat. Duration of the excursion: 6 hours
Day 6 GOODBYE TO LAPLAND (B)
(private car)
Transfer from hotel to Rovaniemi airport by private car with English speaking driver.