Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

   
 
 

Arctic Christmas

12 Days / 6 locations in Norway and Finland

Begin your Christmas adventure in Tromso and continue through beautiful northern Norway.

Visit the city of Alta and the north-eastern town of Kirkenes. You will stay in Saariselka with its dazzling landscape, as well as in Rovaniemi.

In Sinetta you are treated to a night in a glass igloo, from which, weather permitting, you will see the Northern Lights from your bed.

Santa Claus will be expecting you at Santa Claus Village and you will experience a sleigh ride at the Sami reindeer farm, as well as a husky safari.

Round off your journey with a visit to the kings of the Arctic, the polar bears, living in their natural environment at Ranua Wildlife Park.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Tromso
Meals: Breakfast

Arrival to Tromso airport. Upon exiting the airport, please proceed to the Flybussen bus stop (regular airport express bus) and present your voucher to the driver. Your voucher is valid for both the arrival and departure transfers so please be sure to keep it safe. The Flybussen will transfer you the 5 km distance to the centre of Tromso and drop off is within walking distance of your hotel. Check-in at your hotel (guaranteed from 15:00). The rest of the day is at leisure. Please consult the Borealis Destination Management welcome letter, which you will receive upon check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your Tour Director. Overnight at Scandic Ishavshotel or similar

 
Day 2     Tromso
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour. This tour will be the perfect introduction to Tromso where you will visit the world’s most northern Botanical gardens. Here you can enjoy the views of the mountains to the east and south. Tromso enjoys a subarctic climate, its location corresponding to the northern coast of Alaska. Visit the Tromso University Museum where you will learn fascinating facts on nature and culture in northern Norway. Learn about the indigenous Sami people, their traditional culture and recent history. Following this, you will continue on a tour around the island, passing Lake Prestvatn where the Meteorological Institute is situated. Travel across the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral for a visit to this masterpiece by Jan Inge Hovig. Built in 1965, the cathedral reflects north Norwegian nature, culture, and faith with a monumental stained-glass window. We end the city tour with a visit to the Arctic experience centre POLARIA, where the co-dependency of sea- and land life is both seen and felt. Polaria is located in walking distance from the hotel, should you wish to extend your visit. Overnight at Scandic Ishavshotel or similar

AURORA HUSKY VISIT and LIGHT DINNER, Included

DURATION: approximately 4 hours (18:45-22:45)

MEETING TIME: 18:30 at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: transportation, guide, warm overalls, traditional Norwegian dinner

Be ready for a pick-up right outside your hotel at 18:30 where you will be met by a representative from Tromso Villmarkssenter and taken on a 25-minute bus ride to the Aurora Camp. At the camp you will be equipped with thermal overalls and boots to keep you nice and warm all evening. 300 friendly Alaskan huskies are waiting to greet you and enjoy some cuddles, followed by an affectionate and playful visit to the puppy enclosure. Once you have filled up on puppy love, it is time to enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner in our cosy Gamme-hut (turf home). You will be served Norwegian Bacalao, prepared with locally sourced cod and tomato sauce, and for dessert their savoury signature chocolate cake. As it is impossible to predict when the Aurora will appear during the evening, your guide will keep a close eye on the sky for you and the program will be adjusted accordingly. For those of you who wish to sit outside and wait for it to appear, a bonfire will set the mood and keep you toasty.

 
Day 3     Tromso - Alta
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. The ride from Tromso to Alta is breath-taking regardless of the time of year. Stunning scenery and magnificent nature ensure that this trip will stay with you for a long time. The distance between Tromso and Alta is about 300 km, a route travelled in approximately 8 hours, and include two ferry crossings. Lunch (included) in route. Arrival in Alta and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Thon Hotel Alta

OPTIONAL: SLEIGH RIDE UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

PRICE: $325/PERSON

Min 2 persons

DURATION: approximately 4 hours (20:00 – 24:00)

MEETING TIME: 19:45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: Transportation, traditional dinner including dried meat chips w/dip, reindeer meat, lingonberry sauce, homemade cinnamon rolls, bonfire-coffee and glogg

Dinner included

This tour offers you an evening of cozy adventure. You will be picked up in Alta and driven to a farm in the nearby countryside where you will climb aboard a sleigh and get bundled up in warm blankets. Your sleigh is then pulled by a Norwegian Fjord Horse through the forest and along the Alta River, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty all around you. Near the end of the ride, you will stop at a wilderness shelter where a light dinner will be served around a warm fire. Under the right conditions you might also be able to captures some beautiful images of the Northern Lights.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

 
Day 4     Alta
Accommodation: Thon Hotell Alta
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for the prestigious EMYA award-winning Alta museum. The museum is situated at the site of early settlement of Finnmark dating from around 11,000 years ago and presents exhibitions on local culture and historic industries. A must-see for anyone visiting the area. Afterwards we will pay a visit to the modern Northern Lights Cathedral located in the central part of town.

ALTA MUSEUM , Included

Experience the Northern Europe’s largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area while enjoying a fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. You will have a guided tour at the museum with some free time afterwards to walk around at your own pace.

Overnight at Thon Hotel Alta, or similar.

NORTHERN LIGHTS CATHEDRAL, Included

The impressive Nordlyskatedralen is a result of an architectural competition launched in 2001. Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects in collaboration with architect Kolbjorn Jenssen of Link Arkitektur, the elegant and modern construction features concrete and wood with external cladding of titanium sheets. The central feature being the towering spiral with belfry. Inside the church you will find art work by Danish artist Peter Brandes.

OPTIONAL: NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR & SORRISNIVA ICE HOTEL

PRICE: $340/PERSON

DURATION: approximately 3 - 4 hours (20:00– 23:00/24:00)

MEETING TIME: 19.45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: transportation, guide, sweet snacks and soft drink

Min 6 persons

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for a 20 minute bus ride into the countryside. The family owned Sorrisniva adventure facility is perfectly located to maximize your chances of seeing the magnificent Aurora Borealis in the time between September and March. Experience the Igloo Hotel - the worlds northernmost ice hotel, built from ground every year with different themes. Get a break from your daily life and feel the serenity and silence the Igloo Hotel gives you. Wander among handcrafted ice sculptures or take an ice drink in our bar.

Everything is made from pure snow and ice. After the visit in the company of a knowledgeable local guide you will take on the Northern Lights chase. Along the way you will have an excellent opportunity to learn more about the natural phenomenon as well as the local history of Alta. Your guide will also be very happy to help you catch some beautiful images with your own camera.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

 
Day 5     Alta - Kirkenes
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel followed by an early departure. You will travel the 465 km east to Kirkenes by coach, an approximately 8-hour journey taking you through the beautiful northern Lapland. Your eyes will feast on breathtaking nature as you sit back and watch the landscape unfold. You will make a stop along the way in Karasjok for a 3-course lunch (included). Arrive in Kirkenes and check-in at your hotel before dinner (not included). Overnight & breaksast at Thon Hotel Kirkenes, or similar

 
Day 6     Kirkenes - Saariselka
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out at 08.30 and meet at the lobby at 08.45 for departure at 09.00 for the amazing experience of the “KING CRAB SAFARI”. Directly after the King Crab Safari you continue by coach towards Saariselka. Depart Kirkenes travelling south through the northern Lapland landscape to the centre of Sami world at Inari, the capital of Lapland. Here we visit the Sajos Sami Cultural Centre and parliament set in the heart of Sapmi in a unique natural landscape on the shore of Lake Inari, serving as a centre for Sami self-governance, culture, education and know-how. Modern conference premises, facilities and technology go hand in hand with authentic, living Sami culture. After the visit we continue onto the tiny village of Saariselka, the centre of Finland’s winter sports. Check-in to the hotel and the evening is at leisure. Overnight & breakfast at Santa's Hotel Tunturi or similar

KING CRAB SAFARI, Included

DURATION: approximately 3 hours (09:30-12:30)

MEETING TIME: 09:00 at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: transportation, thermal equipment, king crab lunch

“Rated one of the best 25 excursions in the World by National Geographic”

One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out on the Kirkenes Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab found in the Barents Sea can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weigh up to 15 kilos. Depending on the weather and ice the trip might be by boat or snowmobile drawn sleigh. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to a remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch. All equipment and clothing will be provided.

OPTIONAL: EVENING SAFARI BY REINDEER

PRICE: $210/PERSON

DURATION: approximately 2 hours (19:00 – 21:00)

MEETING TIME: 18:45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDES: transportation, guide, thermal outfit, juice

Min 2 persons

Get yourself ready for the unique experience of sitting in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. The journey will take you into the quiet evening forest and maybe you will even get to marvel at the beautiful Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Once you are back at the camp, a nice campfire and warm drink will be waiting for you to enjoy.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

 
Day 7     Saariselka
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

In the morning, get ready for some fresh air activity literally following the footsteps of the Sami. Overnight at Santa's Hotel Tunturi

SNOWSHOES SAFARI, Included

DURATION: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Put on your snowshoes and feel the crunch of snow under your feet. Capture the true feeling of winter in the northern woods as you explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel.

OPTIONAL: SEARCH OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BY SNOWMOBILE

PRICE: $210/PERSON

DURATION: approximately 3 hours (19:00 – 22:00)

MEETING TIME: 18:45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: Thermal outfit, English guide, snowmobile ride & snack

Snack included

This evening safari takes you in the search of the Northern Lights by snowmobile. Your guide will lead the snowmobiles toward the best spots to admire the northern skies and seek for the Aurora Boreal. In the lightness of the Arctic night a stop is made to enjoy hot sausages and drinks by the open fire while sharing stories about the Arctic way of life.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

 
Day 8     Saariselka - Sinetta
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as you make your way to Sinetta, located in the outskirts of Rovaniemi. Along the way, you will experience one of the highlights of the tour.

SAMI REINDEER FARM VISIT & SLEIGH RIDE, Included

DURATION : approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (11:30-14:00)

INCLUDED: a traditional 3-course lunch

Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, the Sami and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical three course lunch is included at the farm.

OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO, Included

The journey continues south to Sinetta following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you will have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Boreal) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course dinner in a magnificent wooden “Kota” where fresh salmon is slowly grilled over the fire on a huge fire pit in the center.

OPTIONAL: SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI

PRICE: $100 /PERSON

DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes (22:00 – 23:30)

EXCLUSIVE FOR BOREALIS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT GUESTS

Even the most enthusiastic sauna bathers are deeply impressed by the snow sauna with its walls made of snow and ice. Only the sauna benches are made of wood! The sauna bathing experience is an astonishing combination of thick steam within intimate snow walls. Afterwards jump into the outdoor Jacuzzi and admire the Northern Lights or the spectacular starry night skies of Lapland.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

OPTIONAL: OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE with EVENING SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI EXPERIENCE

PRICE: $190 /PERSON

OVERNIGHT INCL. SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI 22:00 – 23:00

SAUNA & JACUZZI ARE SHARED WITH OTHER BOREALIS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT GUESTS

Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each Snow Suite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with special arctic sleeping bags keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C.

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

 
Day 9     Sinetta - Rovaniemi
Accommodation: Santa Claus Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

In the morning after breakfast you will travel by bus to Rovaniemi where you will check-in at Santa´s Hotel Santa Claus and your Christmas adventure can begin. Once you have settled into the hotel, you can enjoy a buffet dinner of traditional Lappish food. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna included.

OPTIONAL: Arctic ice floating – Day floating

PRICE: $235 /PERSON :

Single supplement : $70

DURATION: 3 hours (14:00-17:00)

MEETING TIME: 13:45 at the hotel reception

INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, hot drinks

Snack included

Come and experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Don’t fear the cold as you are totally protected with high quality rescue suit. Let your body and mind float, enjoy this frozen adventure. This guided adventure is safe with a high-quality rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. As you have your own clothing under the suit you will not get cold even in the open 0-degree water. Lying down in the ice hole between the ice blocks is something worth trying, the circumstances truly are arctic!

REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING

 
Day 10     Rovaniemi
Accommodation: Santa Claus Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI, Included

DURATION: approximately 2 hours (14:00-16:00)

INCLUDED: winter clothing, outdoor picnic

2 persons per sledge

The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. He will also provide you with brief instructions on how to ride the sleighs. Riding in pairs you will embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes.

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa’s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment

It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland.

VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS & CHRISTMAS EVE GALA DINNER, Included

At approximately 16:00, all children are invited to participate in the traditional activity of decorating the Christmas tree. Around 18:00 Santa Claus will pay a visit to the hotel where he will deliver Christmas presents to our youngest guests. There will be a small gift per child from the hotel and the possibility for families to arrange, that Santa Claus special delivers a present to their children on behalf of the family. Christmas Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person are included.

 
Day 11     Rovaniemi
Accommodation: Santa Claus Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing on another day of adventure. This morning we will visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80 km south of Rovaniemi, 1 hour by coach. The Ranua Wildlife Park, established 1983, specializes in arctic and northern animal species. The spacious animal fencings are amid northern conifer forests, the natural habitat of most of the animals. You will be able to enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful park and visit different animals and birds. The guide will provide you with interesting and detailed information about the animals and their personalities, as well as answer whatever questions you might have about the animal life and arctic nature. Enjoy a self-service lunch at the restaurant in Ranua Wildlife Park. After lunch, you will have one hour to visit the surroundings. You may want to visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer factory and the local wine shop with their unique selection of wines made from berries. Return to Rovaniemi, remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening enjoy a festive Christmas Gala Dinner buffet at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included.

 
Day 12     Rovaniemi
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your departure flight.

 
Price Includes
Hotel Accommodation As in Itinerary With Daily Breakfast
Meals As Indicated in Itinerary
Bi-Lingual Tour Escort (english & Spanish or Portuguese) from Day 2-5
Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary
Price Does Not Include
 Optional Excursions
BOR-1269
1.28.15.WP26