New Years at the Arctic Circle
5 days / 4 nights, Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Village - Snowmobiles - Reindeer | Our New Years celebration, an independent tour program, brings you to the heart of Finnish Lapland, the center of Sami life and culture. Winter begins early in Lapland, turning this exotic region know for its fells, lakes, rivers and forests into winter wonderland. The beautiful Lapp scenery covered in a mantle of dazzling white snow, the crackling frost and the magical winter darkness create a special atmosphere for the New Year's celebrations in Rovaniemi, Santa's home town at the Arctic Circle.
Travel by snowmobile through forests and over fells, learn about the culture and traditions of the indigenous Sami
people while visiting a local reindeer farm. Meet Santa Claus at his Santa Park, enjoy a dance spectacle and ring in the New Year, perhaps experience the magic of the Northern Lights.
Rovaniemi - show on Google Maps ™
| Departure | Departure: December 29th, 2009 - January 2nd, 2010 |
| Price | $2,725 per person in double room $3,195 single room $920 Child under 15 years, extra bed, sharing the room with two adults $2,725 Adult, extra bed, sharing the room with two adults |
| Included | Transfers between Rovaniemi Airport/Hotel by private car and driver 4 nights hotel accommodations with private facilities Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Hotel sauna at disposal daily 3 buffet dinners at the hotel New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Program as per itinerary Snowmobile excursion, 3-hours Visit to Reindeer Farm Husky sled ride Visit to Santa Park Taxes & services on included items |
| Not Included | International airfare & Airport taxes Flights to/from Rovaniemi Additional optional excursions Gratuities Lunch Personal insurance / personal items $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Minimum of 2 participants required. This is a non-escorted tour. Santa info |
| Tour Options | Additional nights Rovaniemi and/or Helsinki Flights Helsinki - Rovaniemi - Helsinki, please request Additional activities St. Petersburg Art & Ballet tour Silja Line Cruise, Helsinki - Stockholm |
Day 1 ARRIVAL IN ROVANIEMI Tuesday, 29 December Transfer from Rovaniemi airport to downtown hotel by private car with driver. Dinner and overnight
Day 2 ROVANIEMI - ARCTIC CIRCLE - REINDEER FARM (B) Wednesday, 30 December Discover the winter beauty of the surroundings on a thrilling snowmobile ride heading to a local reindeer farm. During the three-hour excursion you will be familiarized with the Lappish culture and reindeer husbandry, and everyone passing a reindeer driving test will be issued an international reindeer driver's license. While at the Arctic Circle, you should not miss the possibility to participate in a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the magic line. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or berry juice before returning to town. The rest of the day is yours to take advantage of the great opportunities that Rovaniemi offers for culture and recreation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3 HUSKY SAFARI - NEW YEARS EVE FESTIVITIES (B, D) Thursday, 31 December Start the day by making acquaintance with the nice and friendly huskies. The journey starts with obtaining safari outfits from the Safari Club! After this you will have short car transfer to the husky camp, where upon arrival the friendly huskies bark you welcome! The musher of the camp tells about the life of these wonderful dogs, their nature and training. You also take a short ride in the forest in a sledge pulled by husky dog team who all love running! When back in the camp you can enjoy a cup of hot berry juice before returning back to town. During the program you will also have a possibility to try the fun of snowmobiling. After a special New Year's dinner, which is served at the Rantasipi Pohjanhovi Hotel, transfer to Lapland Hotel Bear's Lodge (20 min from town). At Lapland's magical border of the Arctic Circle, the festivities will be held for welcoming in the New Year 2010. Fire, ice, darkness, snow, lights, music, dance - are the combined elements that create a magical event for the whole family. The mysterious shamans fuel the atmosphere as the New Year approaches - Santa Claus himself will also pay us a visit! A giant snow disco, numerous snow bars, massive fireworks display and the spectacular New Year Dance Show definitely conjure up a memorable entirety. The event will take place by snowy banks, in the immediate vicinity of Lapland Hotel Bear's Lodge. All hotel services and warm indoor spaces are at the disposal of the guests. 00h30 Transfer back to hotel by motor coach.
Day 4 NEW YEARS DAY - SNOWMOBILING - ICE FISHING (B) Friday, 1 January On an arctic picnic you have the chance to enjoy Lapland's fascinating scenery at its best. You start off with your guide and ride by snowmobile through the picturesque woods to a nice place where you can stop and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great Lapp outdoors. During the break try your luck in ice-fishing and fry sausages over a campfire. Overnight and dinner.
Day 5 DEPARTURE ROVANIEMI (B) Saturday, 2 January Transfer by private car from hotel to Rovaniemi airport.