2012 SUMMER FINLAND TOURS

Tour 2. Lapland Summer Experience
6 Days / 5 Nights from $2320 per person twin

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

Departures:
Daily departures on request June 01 - September 30

Duration:
6 days / 5 nights

Prices per Person in USD in Shared Twin Room - Land only
One passenger $3460
Two or more passengers $2320 per person
Child under 12 years in extra bed sharing the room with two adults $1140

Tour Includes:
· accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with bath or shower including breakfast
· 1 lunch
· airport transfers in Ivalo and Rovaniemi by private car and driver
· sightseeing, visits, excursions, and entrance fees according to the program
· transportation from Ivalo to Rovaniemi by private car and driver
· service charges and taxes on included items

NOTE! This is a non-escorted tour. Services of a tour leader, and domestic airfares Helsinki-Ivalo and Rovaniemi-Helsinki are not included in the price.

Day 1: Ivalo-Inari
Day 2: Inari-Sevettijärvi-Kirkenes-Utsjoki-Inari
Day 3: Inari
Day 4: Inari-Tankavaara-Rovaniemi
Day 5: Rovaniemi
Day 6: Departure

Day 1: In the Heart of True Lapland
(Private car)
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

Day 2: Experience Lapp Culture
(B, car, 400 km / 250 miles)
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 / 70 miles 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. Overnight at Hotel Kultahovi

Day 3: A Visit to a Reindeer Farm
(B, car)
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

Day 4: Lapland's Gold Rush
(B, coach, 390 km / 244 miles)
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 Quality Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi

Day 5: The World of Good Old Santa
(B, L, private car, boat)
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 Overnight at Quality Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Day 6: Goodbye to Lapland
(B, private car)
Transfer from hotel to Rovaniemi airport by private car with English speaking driver.

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