Lapland & the Arctic Circle
SEMI-INDEPENDENT + FAMILY TOUR: Head to Finnish Lapland for 5 days with a difference. Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and become a reindeer driver all in five magical days. Families with children aged 4 yrs and above are welcome on this holiday.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
4 starStarts
RovaniemiEnds
RovaniemiMinimum Age
3 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Finland that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingCountry
FinlandMeals Included
Breakfast: 4Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 30
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A relaxed pace, with extended stays in one location and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at leisure.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 30Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A relaxed pace, with extended stays in one location and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at leisure.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Rovaniemi
Welcome to Lapland! Upon arrival at Rovaniemi airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Santa Claus & Rovaniemi city tour
This morning after breakfast we depart for a visit to see Rovaniemi's most famous resident - Santa Claus. Crossing the Arctic Circle we'll arrive at the village to meet the man himself.
Afterwards, enjoy a city tour where you have a chance to send Christmas greetings to loved ones from Santa's official Post Office, visit boutique stores and admire Lappish craftmanship.
Then, you will enjoy a self-guided visit to Artikum Museum, a science centre that allows you to experience Northern culture, nature and history up close. Spend as much time as you want here, then make your way back to your nearby hotel.
Optional: There is an option to take part in a Northern Lights Hunt tonight. You will be driven by car or bus to a remote spot. This adventure ups your chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural phenomenon. If luck is on your side you will get to experience an unforgettable display of the luminescent ribbon lights overhead.
Day 3 - Optional Reindeer Farm Visit
The next two days are free for you to choose from an exciting range of optional activities.
There is the option to visit a Reindeer Farm. You'll learn all about the daily life of the reindeer before receiving your reindeer driving license and heading out on the sleighs, stopping enroute by a toasty bonfire near a hut for a cup of hot juice. At this traditional Lappish hut you will be baptised according to the traditional rules of the north.
In the afternoon you have the option to embark on a Snowmobile Safari around Rovaniemi where you can drive along the wilderness forest trails, soaking in the Lappish nature and stunning scenery around you.
Please note: The optional activities noted in this package can be booked in advance or through our local representative when you arrive, subject to availability.
Day 4 - Optional Husky Farm visit
Today is a free day to spend at leisure to do as much or as little as you like in Rovaniemi.
Consider the option to visit a Husky Farm to learn about the daily life and hard work of these magnificent animals. After meeting the dog-breeders and becoming acquainted with the dogs, you’ll get the chance to take a “dog –breeder” course before embarking on a safari on dog sledge around the grounds, stopping for a rest and hot berry juice along the way.
Day 5 - Goodbye Lapland
Today marks the end of your Lapland adventure with included transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Head to a husky farm and meet some of Lapland’s favourite dogs. Once at the farm you will learn about the daily work of the dogs and what it is like to live on the farm. After passing a short course on how to be a young dog breeder you will leave on a 5km safari. The dog sleds hold between 1 and 3 people and you can always swap places from being the passenger to being the ‘musher’. There will be opportunities to rest and take lots of photographs. There will also be hot berry juice, tea, coffee and cookies before going back to your hotel.
Add-on
Experience the beautiful wilds of Lapland on a reindeer farm visit and safari from Rovaniemi or Levi. Earn your "drivers license," then hop aboard your reindeer sled complete with reindeer guide. Head off into the picturesque snowy forest lead by your reindeer. This sled-ride allows you to really admire the panoramic views of the Lappish countryside. Once back from your sled ride you can warm up with a hot drink by the fire and listen to lots of fascinating information from your guide about the reindeer’s role in Lappish society before returning to Rovaniemi or Levi.
Add-on
Spend the evening on the lookout for the magnificent Northern Lights in the dark Arctic sky. You will be picked up from your accommodation point in Rovaniemi or Levi and transferred by car to a remote area with a campfire. This spot is one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights as well as enjoying the Polar night's beauty. Whilst waiting for the lights you will also enjoy snacks prepared on campfire and traditional hot berry juice and cookies. There will be plenty of legends and fascinating stories about life beyond the Arctic Circle being told by your professional guide. He will teach you about lots of legends the Finnish people have about the Northern Lights like they were caused by the tail of a firefox who ran so quickly across the snow that sparks ignited the night sky! The Finnish word for Northern Lights is “revontulet” which translates to fire fox.
Add-on
This safari is a good option for those who want to get a real feeling for snowmobiling. Rushing through Rovaniemi centre, the wilderness surrounds you. We take it easy when departing from the base and ensure that you are comfortable with the snowmobile, making a few stops on the way. Feel free to ask your guide about snowmobiling in general or for some tricks on how to drive, unless you are busy taking pictures of the arctic beauty around you.
Add-on
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room. Twin share rooms can accommodate an extra bed for either an adult or child. Please contact us for pricing.
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