Lapland is a perfect retreat from the hectic city life. This tour
allows you to experience the peace and tranquillity 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! 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.
Transfer from Ivalo airport to Inari by private car with driver.
Surrounded by a chain of gently rolling fells, the village of Inari
offers a wealth of overwhelming experiences in unspoilt
wilderness. Yet, it has all the modern conveniences. Overnight at
Hotel Kultahovi by the river Juutua.
Experience Lapp Culture, (400 km by car)
Today’s excursion will acquaint you with the Lapp culture and
history. You set off with an English speaking guide by car bound
for Sevettijärvi village, 110 km away. The road winds through the
forests and along the shoreline of the vast Lake Inari. We will stop
for taking photos in panoramic sites.
The drive takes you through the Skolt Sami region. Your guide will
explain about the Skolt Sami tradition and history. In the
Sevettijärvi village, the Skolt Sámi centre, there is a small tradition
house (open 1.6.-15.9. free entrance) with an outdoor museum
area and an orthodox church. Free time for coffee break.
We continue towards Kirkenes along the Neiden fjord. It will be a
one hour drive from the border to reach Kirkenes. You will have
some free time to get acquainted with Kirkenes.
We will drive along the Neiden Fjord back to Neiden village. There
we will make a stop at a small waterfall of a salmon river. In
summer time with some luck one might see the salmon jump.
We head along the Varangerfjord towards Nuorgam through vast
peat lands, passing roughly weathered rocks and cliffs. We will
drive through the beautiful Tana valley westward to Utsjoki. In
Utsjoki the “Sámi bridge” connects Norway and Finland across the
border river. We will be stopping at the church in Utsjoki, which
was built during the years 1850 – 53. Originally 22 buildings, the
so-called church huts, belonged to the church which was in use
until the 1930’s. Today, the 14 remaining huts are protected as
cultural heritage.
From Utsjoki the journey will lead towards south through
marvellous fell landscape. You will find yourself in the kingdom of
reindeer. In many areas there are more reindeer than people. In
the early evening we reach finally your hotel.
Duration of the excursion: 7-8 hours.
A Visit to a Reindeer Farm
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 – dressed in coulourful Sámi costume - 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 with transfers.
Overnight at Hotel Kultahovi.
Lapland’s Gold Rush
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. We will
stop for lunch (not included) in a restaurant on the way to
Rovaniemi, where arrival early evening.
Overnight at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.
The World of Good Old Santa
After breakfast we welcome you to come and experience the most
important elements of the magical ambience of Lapland!
Your adventure begins with a refreshing cruise on a traditional
riverboat along the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. A visit to the
home of Lappish family and their workshop is the first stop on our
cruise. After this, the riverboat will take you to a local reindeer farm,
where you can learn about Lappish culture and reindeer rearing.
Enjoy a delicious Lappish lunch and participate in a ceremonial
crossing of the Arctic Circle during your visit to the farm. In the
afternoon, the tour continues by car to the Santa Claus Village for a
meeting with Mr. Claus himself, after which you have a chance to
do some shopping before returning to the city. Duration of the
excursion: 6 hours
Goodbye to Lapland
Transfer from hotel to Rovaniemi airport by private car with English
speaking driver.
This is a non-escorted tour. Services of a tour leader, and domestic air fares Helsinki-Ivalo and Rovaniemi-Helsinki are not included in the price.
MINIMUM OF 2 PERSONS NEEDED.