Northern lapland Awesome group tours beyond the Arctic Circle

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1 Northern lapland Awesome group tours beyond the Arctic Circle

2 Kindly note! Prices and availability of activities mentionned in this brochure may vary according to the destination and departure date. Please check the final itinerary and prices upon the booking.

3 tour overview Northern Lapland Discover the magical Lapland on famous Timetravels tours! Visit the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, Kemi Snow Castle, a reindeer farm hosted by saami people, see the beautiful Arctic landscape, and if you are lucky, the Northern lights! There is also a variety of winter sports you can try snowshoes, skiing, husky sledding, snowmobile driving, ice karting, swimming in the Arctic Ocean and all this with student discounted prices! Northern Lights are the most active in the polarzone, where Timetravels destinations are located. By statistics, the lights are visible 200 days in a year. The group will accommodate in atmospheric cottages or wooden dorms surrounded by the beautiful nature. perfect place for spotting the Aurora Borealis! This is one of the most popular student trip in Finland, so do hurry to sign-up! 3 / 16

4 What s included Services & activities of the base fare TRANSPORTATION Round Trip to Lapland by Bus from chosen departure place ACCOMMODATION Accommodation 4 nights in cabins for 6-14 ppl SIGHTSEEING Santa Claus Village, Arctic Ocean*, Kemi Snow Castle REINDEER FARM Visit of a Reindeer Farm hosted by saami people GUIDE Professional guide services SEE ALL ACTIVITIES ON PAGES * Varies on different tours 4 / 16

5 transportation Coaches & departure places 1100 Charter buses are inexpensive, and fun way of getting beyond the Arctic Circle. Our comfortable coaches stop at all interesting sites on the way up North: Ranua WildLife Park, City of Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village. Buses from Vasatokka Saariselkä Levi Arctic Circle Rovaniemi Oulu Helsinki Riihimäki Hämeenlinna Tampere Jyväskylä Oulu Rovaniemi Turku Tampere Helsinki km 5 / 16

6 accommodation Cabins for your choice but previous driving experience is ed snowmobile (2 persons), each can u to the top of the fell through self risk (deductible*) is 600 if the on. (*The part of the damage, which is y and has to be paid by the client). You do not need a driver's licence for this, but previous driving experience is recommended. The price is given for a shared snowmobile (2 persons), each can drive about 30 minutes. The route takes you to the top of the fell through beautiful landscapes. Please mind that the self risk (deductible*) is 600 if the snowmobile is damaged during the excursion. (*The part of the damage, which is not compensated by the insurance company and has to be paid by the client). THE HUSKY SAFARI 1,5 hrs 65 ogs those really like to pull the sledge! will take you for a tour through the two people, each can drive about 20 snack and tea in the base camp. Option 1 Siberian huskies and cheerful and strong dogs those really like to pull the sledge! After a short instruction lesson the huskies will take you for a tour through the snowy landscapes. The sledge is shared for two people, each can drive about 20 min. After the safari you will enjoy a warm snack and tea in the base camp. Cabins for 8-10 persons, 55 m2 Ü the Two rooms RANUA WILDLIFE PARK ( inclusive) rctic animalsüin snowybed nature. The al species, most of them the with fire place famous Living room In Ranua Wildlife Park you can observe the arctic animals in the snowy nature. The park consists of approximately 50 wild animal species, most famous of them the Sauna, Shower, Bathroom Tv, Radio, Cd-player Polar bears. Kitchenette, Dishwasher ACCOMMODATION OPTION # 1 commended max 8-9 people/cabin. forcoffee machine, Microwave tv, Wood for the fireplace is inclusive. kitchenette, coffee machine, shower, bathroom, radio, cd-player, Atmospheric log cabins for 8-10 persons, 55 m2. Recommended max for 8-9 people/cabin. ce is inclusive. Two bed rooms, living room with fire place, sauna, shower, bathroom, tv, radio, cd-player, kitchenette, coffee machine, PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COTTAGE microwave oven, dishwasher. Wood for the fireplace is inclusive. DISH WASHER Please see, that the tap is switched on, otherwise the dishwasher will not start the program SAUNA In order to heat the sauna, please notice that the white numbers start sauna heating immediately. You can choose how long the sauna is on (1-4 hrs). You can also program the sauna to be heated by using numbers the dark numbers (1-10 hrs). The other switch must be set to maximum in order to get the sauna hot! HOT WATER BOILER There is a hot water boiler, which can heat up 200 liter water at once. Do not take too long showers using all the water at once, or else the rest will have to wait about 1 h for hot water. LOCKED YOURSELF OUT? You can get a new key from the PANIMO reception, which is open until 2 AM. Panimo locates opposite to the Holiday Club SPA. PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COTTAGE that the taphowever, is switched on, otherwise DISH WASHER Please just above thesee, cottages. if you wantthe dishwas NORTHERN 16 LIGHT GAZING The Northern lights have been visible many nights 66 //16 to take a walk to the hill, walk left (up) from the bus parking place and walk as long as there will be a pedestrian path traffic SAUNA In order to heat the sauna, please notice that the white numbers star

7 accommodation Cabins for your choice Option 2 Cabins for 4-14 people, m 2 Kitchen: Dish washer, Fridge, Owen, Microwave, Toaster, Coffee machine Living room Two bed rooms Bathroom and sauna Washing machine and drying closet TV, Radio, Cd-player Fire place and wood 7 / 16

8 cottage info Practical information about the cottages DISH WASHER Please see, that the tap is switched on, otherwise the dishwasher will not start the program SAUNA In order to heat the sauna, please notice that the white numbers start sauna heating immediately. You can choose how long the sauna is on (1-4 hrs). You can also program the sauna to be heated by using numbers the dark numbers (1-10 hrs). The other switch must be set to maximum in order to get the sauna hot! LOCKED YOURSELF OUT? You can get a new key from the PA- NIMO reception, which is open until 2 AM. Panimo locates opposite to the Holiday Club SPA. HOT WATER BOILER There is a hot water boiler, which can heat up 200 liter water at once. Do not take too long showers using all the water at once, or else the rest will have to wait about 1 h for hot water. NORTHERN LIGHT GAZING The Northern lights have been visible many nights just above the cottages. However, if you want to take a walk to the hill, walk left (up) from the bus parking place and walk as long as there will be a pedestrian path traffic sign. Eventually you will arrive to the top of the hill. 8 / 16

9 trip itinerary 1/2 Sample programme for destination Saariselkä Day 1 Departure to Lapland Departures from Helsinki, Riihimäki, Hämeenlinna, Tampere Ü Ü Precise information about departure timetable will be announced as the trip dates approach Day 2 Kemi Snow Castle, Santa Claus Village Departures from Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Oulu Visiting Kemi Snow Castle Shopping in the Rovaniemi mall Santa Claus Village. Take pictures with the Santa Claus, cross the magical Arctic Circle, have lunch, buy souvenirs, send postcards from Santa s official post office. Arrival in Lapland, briefing and lodging in cabins. Free time for saunas etc Day 3 Husky, Snowmobiles, Downhill Skiing Meeting at the cabins, transportation to the Husky and Snowmobile activity Ü Ü Husky Safari, over all duration with briefing, kennel tour etc. 1,5 hour. after this transportation back to cottages or to snow mobile Snowmobile Safari. Duration about 1 h. Free time for example for DOWNHILL SKIING 3 hrs. Paid to ski-resort. In order to get this discounted price, please say Aikamatkat when paying for the ski pass and the gear. Slopes open daily Night snow-shoe trek to the Saariselkä fell. A snow-shoe trip to the top of the Kaunispää mountain for observing the Northern lights. 9 / 16

10 trip itinerary 2/2 Sample programme Day 4 Cross-Country Ski, Smoke Sauna, Reindeers Cross-county skiing+smoke sauna 35. Departure from the cottages by bus to the starting point. The program includes a two hour trek by skiing + visit of a traditional Finnish smoke sauna. End of the program Reindeer farm visit and BBQ on open fire. During this program we will visit the reindeer farm and learn more about the saami culture. You will have possibility to grill sausages on open fire and you can also bring your own goods for barbecue (Normal sausages are inclusive). End of the program, free time. Day 5 Tour of the Arctic Ocean in Norway Day trip to Norway 50. Departure from the cottages. Crossing the border to Norway. Near ocean coast we continue to village Bugoynes (60 min break, possibility to swim in the ocean). A soup lunch inclusive in a local cafeteria. Back to Finland, last break in Näätämö village (shopping). Arrival back to Saariselkä. Free time. Get-together party in Tunturihotel or Teerenpesue night club. Day 6 Free Time in Saariselkä + Departure Home Check-out. You must clean the cabins and wash the dishes! All luggage in the bus. Ü Ü Free time for own activities eg. downhill skiing, SPA, sledding, shopping. Departure from the meeting point for home journey. Gas station stop at in Rovaniemi for 45 minutes. Arrival in Oulu, Jyväskylä, Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, Helsinki 10 / 16

11 inclusive activities Activities included in the base fare Reindeer Farm There s a reindeer farm hosted by saami people on the other side of the mountain. During the excursion you will learn more about reindeers and also feed them. Afterwards you can have a ride on a reindeer sleigh. Finally, you will have a pleasant coffee break in a Lappish hut. Kemi Snow Castle The SnowCastle of Kemi by the Gulf of Bothnia in Finland is literally built of snow and ice only. It is a true showcase of architectonic snow-work of the local constructors. The SnowCastle offers Snow- Restaurant, SnowChapel and SnowHotel with great light effects inside. Santa Claus Village Have you ever dreamt of meeting the real Santa, who actually lives in Rovaniemi? It s possible in Santa s village or Joulupukin pajakylä, right on the crossing point of the Arctic Circle. Apart from the Santa s office, it houses all kinds of different attractions and shops. 11 / 16

12 extra activities 1/2 Optional activities for your choice The Saariselka / Levi Ski Resort DOWNHILL SKIING or TELEMARK or SNOW BOARD ( 1h 35 / 2h, 45 / 3h 55 ) Levi and Saariselkä are popular and exotic ski resorts in Finland. There are six slopes for downhill skiing / telemark or snowboarding Timetravels customers get discount by mentioning our discount code at the entrance of the ski resort. THE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING + SMOKE SAUNA 35 Cross-country skiing is Finnish national sport and a lot of fun. Our guides will show you the technics of the skiing and will take you to the famous track in the national park. If you want, you can continue skiing afterwards on your own. In the afternoon we will visit the traditional smoke sauna with possibility to bath in the ice cold water! After this you will feel yourself Finnish! Tour of the Arctic Ocean During this guided day bus tour you will learn more about the arctic nature, three sámi cultures and Finnish kven culture located in the Bygoenes village on the shore of the Arctic Ocean. In addition, you will see breathtaking landscapes, have a chance to walk on the shore of the Arctic ocean and even swim there. You have also a possibility to taste a salmon sandwich in local restaurant. The tour is about 550 km in total and takes about 8 hrs. 12 / 16

13 extra activities 2/2 Optional activities for your choice Snowmobile Safari You do not need a driver s licence for this, but previous driving experience is recommended. The price is given for a shared snowmobile (2 persons), each can drive about 30 minutes. The route takes you to the top of the fell through beautiful landscapes. Please mind that the self risk (deductible*) is 800 if the snowmobile is damaged during the excursion. *The part of the damage, which is not compensated by the insur- e w ance company and has to be paid by the client. Husky Safari Siberian huskies and cheerful and strong dogs those really like to pull the sledge! After a short instruction lesson the huskies will take you for a tour through the snowy landscapes. The sledge is shared for two people, each can drive about 20 min. After the safari you will enjoy a warm snack and tea in the base camp. Night Snow Shoe Trip In this program (weather permitting) you will go for a snow-shoe walk in the nightly Finnish forest. Our guide will tell you legends of Lapland and tell about the Lappish nature. Most likely you will spot animal tracks, petrified trees and if you are lucky the Northern lights from the places there is no light pollution! After the trip you will enjoy sausages on open fire. 13 //

14 questions & anwers 1/3 and groceries are not much more expensive than in Southern Finland. Good way to save in costs is to buy everything together with the people you are a sharing your accommodation with. How can I pay for the Trip? You can pay the trip by credit card via the booking system or print your self an invoice for a bank transfer. Please notice that the trip should be paid for by four weeks (28 days) prior to the departure. If you sign-up later than 28 days prior to departure, you should transact the payment in 48 hours after booking in order to keep your reservation valid. Are the meals included? In order to get the trip price as low as possible, dinners or breakfasts are not inclusive but you have possibility to purchase a half-board set, which includes four breakfast buffets and four dinners. Half board breakfast is served every morning at and Half board dinner is served from Two of the programs include lunches (Arctic ocean trip and sports and fishing day). There are good kitchen facilities in every cabin What should I take with me? At least, the following: Warm clothes Bedlinen or sleeping bag Swimming suit (unless you want to do Sauna in the Finnish way) Student card for discounts Sneakers for playing Volleyball/ Football In the Sports Hall A small pillow or a special neck cushion for the bus trip. Flip flops for Arctic swimming and jumping in the snow after sauna. 14 / 16

15 questions & anwers 2/3 Is it possible to travel by train? Night train option is convenient only if using sleeping compartments, which is quite expensive. Travelling on seats mean the same or less comfort than overnight bus trip according to our experience. Travelling by train is therefore not possible to be ordered in our tours, but if you want extra comfort you can book the train with sleeping cabin yourself at and join the trip in Rovaniemi. What if there is no snow? The reason why we use North Lapland as our main destinations, is the fact that with high possibility there is plenty of snow there starting from the beginning of November. However, we cannot take responsibility for the weather conditions. If the snow depth will not allow to perform some activity, we will offer a substitute or possibility to have full refund for it. What if I forgot to pay for the trip on time? We don t cancel trips without notifying the customer first. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, please send us a message as soon as possible. Then we will have time to give your spot to someone else in the waiting list. We will send a message, if we haven t received the payment by three weeks before trip. We are a group of 8 people, can we stay in the same cabin? Should we book the trip together? All rooming wishes will be taken into consideration. If you know your roommates when signing up, just indicate their names in the message field but please notice they will have to book and pay for the same accommodation category to make this possible! If you want to book 8 places at once, you should pay everything in one invoice. If it is not convenient for you, please do separate bookings. I paid my trip by IBAN. Do I get some sort of receipt of my payment? As soon as the payment is registered in our system, you will receive a notification from our reservation system. 15 / 16

16 questions & anwers 3/3 What if the flight company cancels my connecting flight prior to departure? If you have booked the flight ticket on your own, Timetravels is not responsible for refunding costs for cancelled flight, a missed package tour or covering costs for postponing, rescheduling or any other possible costs. If you have booked your flight tickets via Timetravels and the flight is cancelled or rescheduled so, that the delay with the replacing flight would be more than 5 hours, we are responsible to: Should I go to Lapland in fall or spring semester? Spring semester is of course more enjoyable because there is more snow and more sunlight. Due to its popularity, the spring semester is slightly more expensive. If you can choose, we recommend traveling in February, March or early April. During fall semester there is a small risk of having less snow. Besides, the short period of daylight brings some restrictions to the schedule, for instance early wakings in the morning. Refund the cost of the flight ticket +the trip if you would like to cancel your reservation Alternatively, offer replacing trip with the next flight (if available), depending on the rescheduling possibilities of the flight company we have used. Ask flight company to arrange hotel accommodation if the trip is postponed by one day If the flight company cancels the flight without a proper force-majeure reason, such as terrorist attack, strike or weather conditions etc. you are entitled to seek for compensation directly from the flight company (250 ) using EU aviation authorities. Timetravels reserves right to changes in the program and prices. Itinerary is a preliminary one and final itinerary is sent to passengers a few days prior to the departure, as some activities are subject to weather conditions. 16 / 16

17 Weather in lapland Special Terms & Conditions Vasatokka is one of the most snow secure places in Finland due to its Northern location. Quite often the first snow falls already in October. Snow conditions and global climate change are unfortunately beyond our power, and that is why we cannot give 100 % snow guarantee. Complete lack of snow is highly unlikely to happen (has not happened yet), but in case of poor snow depth, some activities may not be able to be performed. In this case those activities will be fully refunded or replaced by another activity. Snow depth does not affect Snow depth affects Trip to the Arctic Ocean to Norway Visiting Santa Claus village Visiting Ranua Zoo Cross country Skiing (there is a ski track of 2.5 km since October Visiting the Reindeer farm (it may be not possible to ride on reindeer sleigh, but this will be replaced with soup lunch and the informational part of the tour will be more extensive) Seeing the Northern lights. Should there be clear nights according to the forecast, chances seeing the Northern lights are really high. (Please remember that this cannot be promised). Husky safari (should this happen, you get your money back for this activity) Husky safari does not need that much snow in order to be organised. For huskies it is also possible to pull sleighs with wheels. If there is not so much snow, the route for the husky ride may be simplified or shortened. Snowmobile safari. For safety reasons this activity needs enough snow. However, this activity can be replaced with AVT:s. 17 / 16