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Lapland's winter is magic: bluish twilight, pure snow-white scenery and the spectacular Northern Lights provide a unique setting for a memorable adventure. The northern towns, Rovaniemi and Kemi, have a special arctic atmosphere combined with the charm of a small town. In Rovaniemi, which lies almost on the Arctic Circle, you will meet Santa Claus and attempt his method of moving - in a sledge pulled by reindeer. Kemi, Finland's northernmost seaport, boasts a tourist icebreaker, which will take you on a one-of-a-kind arctic cruise. Day 1: Sensational Lapland Transfer from Rovaniemi airport to Hotel Sky Ounasvaara or similar for dinner and overnight. (D) Day 2: The Land of Santa Claus and Reindeer Finnish Lapland is home to Santa Claus, and today you will have a chance to tell your Christmas wishes to the jolly old man in person. You will first travel by snowmobile to a local reindeer farm. Your safari guides will instruct you on how to ride a snowmobile and then, appropriately dressed in warm clothing, you set out driving two persons to a snowmobile. At the reindeer farm you will take part in a mysterious Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony. You will learn about the Lapp culture and reindeer husbandry, and experience a ride in a reindeer-pulled sledge. After the visit a car will take you to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, visit Santa Claus Village where you can say hello to Santa himself, do some shopping and mail a card or two from his post office. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Sky Ounasvaara or similar. (B,L,D,O) Day 3: At the Head of the Gulf of Bothnia After breakfast, your driver will take you from Rovaniemi to Kemi, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia. Leave your luggage at your hotel in Kemi and continue to the home harbour of the Arctic Icebreaker Sampo. Throughout the winter, the shipping lanes to the northern ports are kept open by massive icebreakers. Now you have a unique opportunity to visit one of them and take part in its journey through the ice, so thick that you can drive a car on it. After lunch on board and exploration of the ship from the bridge down to the engine room., it is time to take a dip in the sea amidst freshly broken ice. You will find the experience very comfortable, though, as you wear a thermal suit that covers you from the top to toe keeping you warm, dry and floating. After four hours on and among rocks, you will return by car to your hotel in Kemi. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Cumulus or Hotel Merihovi in Kemi. (B,L,D,O) Day 4: Good-bye to Lapland After breakfast transfer to Kemi airport by private car. (B) B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, O=Overnight fitstb6 |
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