Finland – Lapland
Finland | The Magic of Northern Lapland
January 27 - February 2, 2018
$XXXX (double occupancy)
Experience the wonders of Northern Finland, from the Lapland Sami traditional culture, to reindeer and dog sled excursions and the natural beauty of the snow clad mountains and the Northern Lights.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 |Saturday, January 27 | Arrive in Finland Start your winter adventure by flying to Helsinki.Then we will take a domestic 2.5 hour flight to the northern town of Kittila. Upon arrival in Kittila, we transfer a short distance to your hotel in Levi. After checking into the hotel we will celebrate with a welcome dinner and drink with an introduction to the culture and magic of Lapland. Hullu Poro Hotel (D)
LEVI is a ski and winter sports resort town, located next to the Levi mountain (1740 ft above sea level. Its location about the Arctic circle guarantees snow throughout the winter and is a popular destination to view the Northern Lights.
Sunday, January 28 | Levi After breakfast at the hotel we will ride the heated gondola to the top of the Levi Mountain to take in the view. At the top we will explore the Luvattumaa ice hotel, made from 10,000 square meters of ice and snow. Grab a hot (or cold!) drink at the ice bar and try a seat on the ice chairs! It’s surprising warm. Then we will investigate the glass igloos that allow travelers to sleep directly under the Northern lights. After lunch on your own, we learn about the mystical, ancient Lappish culture with its enigmatic shamans by listening to stories and legends around a fire. After discovering the local secrets we will head back to the hotel for time to rest before dinner on your own. Hullu Poro Hotel (B)
Day 3 | Monday, January 29|Levi After breakfast we’ll take a short ride to our favorite husky dog farm for a 10km husky safari, complete with a tour of the kennels. It is interesting to learn how the older “retired” dogs teach the new puppies the proper way to do things! On the ride, you can experience the thrill of guiding your own dog team or just sit back and let the experts do all the work. Upon returning to the hotel, afternoon is free for your preferred activities. You can try cross-country or downhill skiing, or go for a swim or enjoy some of the spa treatments on offer. There are 17 ski lifts in the vicinity and and a complete equipment rental office just a few minutes away. In the evening we suggest you head out on a night walk while looking at the sky; you’ll probably catch the natural fireworks of the amazing Northern Lights! Hullu Poro Hotel (B
Day 4 | Tuesday, January 30 | Levi Be sure to eat a hardy breakfast before our wintery adventure! Today we will continue to explore the Lapland modes of transportation form the traditional and romantic reindeer sleigh ride and the more modern and practically snowmobile excursion. Heavy winter boots and thick snowsuits will be provided to keep us warm on these activities. Together we will ride through the beautiful snow covered forest and over frozen lakes on snowmobiles. Then we’ll switch modes and meet Rudolph and Blitsen on a reindeer sleigh ride. Local Sami(Lappish) guides will sing traditional ‘joiku’ songs and perform a small ceremony. There will be many photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner on your own. Hullu Poro Hotel (B)
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, and known as the “official” home town of Santa Claus. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, it has been rebuilt and functions as a gathering point for Northern Lights watchers and tourists.
Day 5 |Wednesday, January 31|Levi Breakfast at the hotel we head out on a trip to the city of Rovaniemi, to visit the Arcticum Forest Museum, where exhibitions illustrate how people, animals and nature can adapt to the extreme conditions of the Arctic areas. We’ll watch a video show of the Northern Lights –Aurora Borealis. This interactive and captivating museum illustrates the marvelous but thoroughly exhausting life of lumberjacks and raftsmen in modern history. We’ll see the famous ski jump hill at Ounasvaara and ride along the Lumberjack’s Candle bridge. Next, we’ll stop in Santa’s Village to meet the “real” Santa Claus. You can pose for pictures with him and mail a letter from his own post office. Santa’s helpers answer thousands of letters from around the world every year. The charming gift shops in Santa’s village offer a variety of beautiful glassware, jewelry and clothing items Hullu Poro Hotel (B)
Helsinki Founded in 1550, Helsinki is the biggest and most populous city in Finland. Famous for its architecture and design, the city has an emerging reputation for culinary delights, creating an atmosphere of innovation and creativity.
Day 6 | Thursday, February 1 | Helsinki Breakfast at the hotel there will be a little time for packing and perhaps a brisk walk or last minute shopping, before we say farewell to Levi. A short flight will take us back to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. On the way to the Scandic Park Hotel, we’ll see the most famous sights of this wonderful city, nicknamed the“Daughter of the Baltic”. We’ll pass the Senate Square with its majestic Cathedral, the packed open air Market (open even in the middle of winter), the Parliament Buildings, Atheneum, Kiasma (Modern Art Museum) and the Sibelius Monument. Before we arrive at our hotel, we’ll visit Temppeliaukio Church, a Lutheran church carved directly into the solid rock. Completed in 1969 this architectural marvel is topped with a glowing magnificent copper dome. We will wrap up our amazing trip with a farewell dinner at local restaurant. Scandic Park Hotel (B/D)
Day 7 | Friday, February 2 | Helsinki /Home After breakfast, we will have time to explore the center of Helsinki including the not-to-be-missed Stockmann’s Department Store, located in a 7 story Art Deco building. We say goodbye before connecting to independent transfers from the hotel to Helsinki airport for midday or afternoon flights homes.
Journey Notes:
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change to take advantage of the serendipity of the moment when we are in Lapland; to meet someone special, to engage in an activity that might occur unexpectedly, or to accommodate circumstances beyond our control. Restaurants or hotels may change in similar category.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate. This journey involves some walking on slippery or wet ground and snow. Concessions will be made to try and assist travelers who need more time.
INCLUDED: Round trip domestic airfare Helsinki to Kittila, All accommodations in Finland (double occupancy); full breakfast daily at the hotels, meals included on the itinerary as indicated (no lunches and 2 dinners), local English speaking guide; guest speakers; CCJ trip manager, all entrance fees on itinerary; preparation materials.
NOT INCLUDED: International air travel to Helsinki; alcoholic drinks not listed; meals not on itinerary (6 lunches and 4 dinners). Excursions not on the itinerary; tips for local guide and driver (optional, yet customary); travel cancellation and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended, information will be sent upon registration).
January 27 - February 2, 2017
$XXXXX (Double Occupancy)
ADD: $XXX (Single Supplement)
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