Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Finland's beautiful capital city of Helsinki

Arrive in Finland's beautiful capital city of Helsinki. Make your way to your hotel in the heart of the city. Helsinki is truly the place where Eastern and Western cultures meet. Spend your first day exploring this wonderful city or just relax and maybe take in a sauna at your hotel.

Day 2: In the Heart of True Lapland

Make your way to the airport for your flight from Helsinki to Ivalo. Upon arrival transfer from Ivalo airport to Saariselkä by private car with driver. Surrounded by gently rolling hills, the northern village of Saariselkä offers a wealth of overwhelming experiences in an unspoiled wilderness, yet it has all of today's modern conveniences.

Day 3: Experience Lapp Culture

Today's excursion will acquaint you with the Sami 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 shoreline of the vast Lake Inari. In Inari, pay a visit to the Sami museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre, which displays the life of the nomadic, reindeer herding Sami as it was in the past. A boat cruise along the River Ivalojoki allows you to savor the stunningly beautiful arctic landscapes. Go ashore next and enjoy lunch around an open fire on one of the rivers small islands. Duration of the excursion: 5 hours.

Day 4: A Visit to a Reindeer Farm

Herding reindeer is an integral part of the Sami heritage, and even today reindeer farming provides some 2000 Sami families with a livelihood. The host of a local reindeer farm will tell you more about this old tradition and the Sami lifestyle while you visit his farm. Try throwing a reindeer lasso and enjoy coffee with cake in a Sami tepee. Duration of the excursion: 2 to 3 hours.

Day 5: Lapland's Gold Rush

Today head by private motor coach towards Rovaniemi, a town on the Arctic Circle and the capital of Lapland. 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 6: The World of Good Old Santa

You start the day's program with a sightseeing tour, which takes in the key sights of Rovaniemi. We will 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 of reindeer farming are shown to you in practice. You will also participate in a special Sami ceremony commemorating your historical crossing of the Arctic Circle. Return to downtown by boat. Duration of the excursion: 6 hours

Day 7: Transfer from your hotel to the Rovaniemi

Transfer from your hotel to the Rovaniemi airport by private car with English speaking driver. Enjoy your flight back to Helsinki. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy your last night in this unique city.

Day 8: Helsinki Departure

Helsinki Departure Enjoy your last Finish breakfast and take one more glance at Finland's capital city. Make your way to the airport for your return flight home or call Runic Travels for suggestions on extending your stay.