with ultimate arctic ADVENTURE 11 S 10 NIGHTS PRE-TOUR EXTENSION IN TROMSO WINTER GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Arctic Norway Tromso Icebreaker cruise Bus Plane JANUARY 03, 17, 31 FEBUARY 07, 14, 28 MARCH 07, 21 Kirkenes Tromsø NORWAY Saariselkä Sinettä Rovaniemi Kemi RATES er person in P double/twin room: EUR 4,285.00 Supplement for single room: EUR 865.00 3rd adult in extra bed sharing double/ twin room: EUR 3,978.00 hild (7 12 years), C per child when sharing room with parents: EUR 3,676.00 * Please note! Arrival and departure transfers in Tromso are by a regular (public) airport bus service Flybussen. Departure Regular Transfer Service included in the program is only available for transfers to Rovaniemi airport and only on the published official date of end of the tour. The departure transfer is escorted by an English-speaking representative from Borealis Destination Management and is shared with other fellow passengers; therefore, minor waiting time at the airport may occur. This transfer service is not valid for passengers with pre/post nights or passengers who require private transfers for a supplement, private transfers can be reserved. EXPERIENCE THIS UNIQUE JOURNEY TO LAPLAND AND BE AMAZED BY A BLEND OF FIRST CLASS TRAVEL, WITH THE MOST FASCINATING AND INVIGORATING WINTER ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION. IN KIRKENES CHOOSE TO TRY ONE OF THE DELICACIES OF THE NORTH ON A KING CRAB SAFARI OR EXPERIENCE A MAGICAL OVERNIGHT STAY IN A SNOW IGLOO. YOU WILL STAY IN SAARISELKA WITH ITS DAZZLING WHITE LANDSCAPE AS WELL AS IN ROVANIEMI AND SINETTA, WITH ONE NIGHT IN THE EXTRAORDINARY ARCTIC GLASS IGLOOS. WEATHER PERMITTING, YOU WILL SEE THE BREATHTAKING NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM YOUR BED. EXPERIENCE SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE AND VISIT THE HOME OF SANTA CLAUS IN ROVANIEMI. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS WINTER ADVENTURE IS THE SAMPO ICEBREAKER SAFARI WHERE YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE A SWIM IN THE FRESH ARCTIC WATERS OF KEMI. FINLAND PRE-TOUR TROMSO UNESCORTED 1 WEDNES ARRIVAL TROMSO Radisson Blu Tromso or similar central hotel HIGHLIGHTS: Activities everyday 1 night in a Glass Igloo King Crab Safari Reindeer farm visit with sledge drive Snowshoes Safari Visit Arctic Snow Hotel and dinner Husky farm visit with sledge drive Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village Arrival at Tromso airport. When you exit the airport, proceed to the bus stop of Flybussen (regular airport express bus). Please show your voucher to the driver, which is valid for the arrival and departure transfers. The Flybussen will transfer you the 5 km to the center, within walking distance of your hotel. Check-in at your hotel* (guaranteed from 15:00). Sampo Icebreaker cruise & ice swimming Kemi Snow Castle visit Visit and Dinner at Kirkenes Snow Hotel (optional) 1 night in a Snow Igloo (optional) TOUR INCLUSIONS 10 nights in First Class hotels in standard double/twin rooms with private facilities * The name of your hotel in Tromso will be indicated upon confirmation of your reservation. 2 THURS TROMSO Radisson Blu Tromso 10 breakfasts, buffet style 2 dinners, 5 lunches & 1 picnic as mentioned in the program or similar central hotel Bi-lingual Tour Escort (English & Spanish or Portuguese) from day 5 to day 10 inclusive Arrival transfer in Tromso by public service Flybussen Departure transfer to Rovaniemi Airport All tours and transportation, as mentioned in the program Visits, excursions and entrances as mentioned in the program After breakfast, please go to the reception of the Hotel Radisson Blu Tromso for the morning activity. We recommend being at the starting point 15 min before the tour starts. Outdoor clothing for winter activities mentioned in the program. NOTE: As indicated in the program on Pre Tour day 4 the flight Tromso Kirkenes and arrival transfer in Kirkenes are not included. These reservations remain the responsibility of the passenger. HUSKY SAFARI (REGULAR SERVICE) 3:30 HOURS (09:45 13:15) 2 PERSONS PER SLEDGE 22
Today you will have the opportunity to experience a great adventure and enjoy time with the huskies, which are part of the heart and soul of Tromso. Take a transfer of 30 min arriving to the enthusiastic welcome of over 300 friendly huskies. After a short briefing, meet your team of Huskies who will take you on a brisk run of 4 km on Kvaloya Island, one of the largest islands in Norway. During your visit, you will be served a typical Norwegian stew of reindeer & vegetables followed by coffee & pastries. Returning back to Hotel Radisson Blu Tromso at 13:15. The afternoon is at your leisure. NORTHERN LIGHT DINNER CRUISE (REQUIRES 175 EUR /PERSON MIN 2 PAX 20:00 23:00 Join a dinner cruise on a local family owned catamaran, with good deck space and a warm cozy lounge. This is a very local way to hunt for the lights. The owners live on board in the winter season. We stay in protected waters, and we find a secure place for the Northern Lights. This depends of course if nature is with us or not. Northern Lights from the seaside are spectacular and beautiful. Even the light pollution from the town disappears into the black sea. You also get a fabulous view of the Tromso area in the beautiful Arctic winter night. Knowledgeable hosts with years of experience will do their utmost to give you a memorable experience. During the trip you will be served a North-Norwegian traditional fish dinner made with the best ingredients, including a dessert and hot drinks. 3 FRI TROMSO (BREAKFAST & DINNER) Radisson Blu Tromso or similar central hotel The day is at leisure to enjoy Tromso also known as the Paris of the North. We recommend a visit to Polaria, just five minutes walk from the center of Tromso. Housed in a building that represents ice flows pressed up on land by the rough seas of the Arctic. Polaria offers an Arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits and a panoramic cinema where you can see the Ivo Caprino film Svalbard - Arctic Wilderness and the Ole C. Salomonsen production Northern Lights in Arctic Norway. In the evening, you will join the search for the northern lights starting from the reception of the Hotel Radisson Blu Tromso. We recommend being present latest at 18.00 hours. AURORA BOREALIS (REGULAR SERVICE) 4:15 HOURS (18:15 22:30) Transfer to the base camp and meet the professional Northern lights hunters who will be your guides. From the camp, located in an uninhabited area with no artificial lights to disturb the experience or the chance to capture the Aurora Borealis on camera. With a great view of the skies there is also time to sit around the open camp fire inside a Sami tent and grill sausages, visit the huskies and 23
Finnmark Norway their puppies or warm up indoors. Due to the stable climate at this location and with some personal persistence, there are excellent possibilities to see even the weakest of lights. Included is a traditional dinner of Finnbiff (beef & mushroom stew) followed by coffee and cake. Return to the Hotel Radisson Blu Tromso at 22:30. WHALE SAFARI ON RIB BOAT (REQUIRES 160 EUR /PERSON After checking-in at the hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure to explore the small town of Kirkenes, capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the north east of Norway, close to the Russian border. 5 SUN KIRKENES Thon Hotel Kirkenes Optional: Kirkenes Snow Hotel Snow Igloo 24 3 6 HOURS This is a trip that is highly recommended for photo enthusiasts or anyone that wants to enjoy close encounters with the whales. You will be picked up in Tromso by bus and driven to a base camp located north on Whale Island. Enjoy your adventure exploring the fjords by boat with breathtaking scenery. The most common whale species are humpback whales and orcas, but there are also chances of seeing fin whales and possibly harbor porpoises and other species. Don t forget to keep your eyes open for other wildlife such as white-tailed eagles and different seabirds, e.g. shags, guillemots, little auks, and the seals that sometimes can be seen resting on the cliffs. Insulated body suits will be provided (included). * Only available until the 10th of February or as long as the whales are there. 4 SATUR TROMSO KIRKENES (BREAKFAST) Thon Hotel Kirkenes Departure transfer by regular Flybussen to Tromso Airport to take the domestic flight* to Kirkenes. This flight and the arrival transfer in Kirkenes are not included. * Flight not included. There are various options of direct flights between Tromso (TOS) and Kirkenes (KKN) with SAS/Wideroe and Norwegian. Today your Tour Director, who will escort you for the rest of the tour, will arrive with fellow travelers to Kirkenes. We kindly ask you to be present at the hotel lobby at 12.30 for a welcome meeting. Today you will enjoy the amazing experience of the KING CRAB SAFARI, departing from your hotel at 13.00 hours. KING CRAB SAFARI APPROX. 3 4 HOURS RATED ONE OF THE BEST 25 EXCURSIONS IN THE WORLD BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out on the Kirkenes Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab found in the Barents Sea can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weigh up to 15 kilos. Depending on the weather and ice the trip might be by boat or snowmobile drawn sleigh. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch. All equipment and clothing will be provided. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. VISIT THE SNOW HOTEL & DINNER (REQUIRES 175 EUR /PERSON OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW IGLOO WITH DINNER & VIS- IT (REQUIRES 325 EUR /PERSON Enjoy a visit to the Snow Hotel and a delicious dinner in true northern style. After dinner, for those who are game, there is also an opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience and choose to stay in a Snow Igloo with its unique snow wall carvings and sculpted ice bed. Each bed has a mattress and thermal sleeping bags so you can sleep warmly while the room temperature will be -5 degrees Celsius. 6 MON KIRKENES SAARISELKA Santa s Tunturi Hotel Depart Kirkenes travelling south through the northern Lapland landscape to the center of Sami world at Inari, the capital of Lapland. Here we visit the Sami culture centre and parliament set in the heart of Sapmi in a unique
natural landscape on the shore of Lake Inari and serves as a centre for Sami self-governance, culture, education and know-how. Modern conference premises, facilities and technology go hand in hand with genuine, living Sami culture. Lunch is included. After the visit, onto the tiny village of Saariselka, the centre of Finland s winter sports. Check-in to the hotel and the rest of your day is at leisure. SNOWMOBILE SEARCH FOR AURORA BOREALIS (REQUIRES 150 EUR /PERSON. SNACK INCLUDED 18:00 22:00 Come and experience an exotic Arctic evening by driving through snow-covered forests and over treeless fells. With a little luck, if the sky is clear, the moon, stars and even the Northern Lights may show you the way. The safari is heading to the Igloo site, where you have the possibility to roam around the forest nearby, and watch the Northern Lights show inside the igloo. During the trip your guide will build an open fire and you can enjoy a snack by the camp fire. * NOTE: To drive a snow mobile in Finland you must have a valid driver s license from a country of issue which has signed the Road Traffic Convention of Geneva. Borealis Destination Management cannot accept responsibility for licenses that are not accepted. Please consult if you have any doubts. 7 TUES SAARISELKA (BREAKFAST) Santa s Tunturi Hotel In the morning, get ready for some fresh air activity literally following the footsteps of the Sami. SNOWSHOES SAFARI 1:30 1:45 HOURS Put on your snowshoes, feel the crunch of snow under your snowshoes and capture the true feeling of winter in the northern woods as you explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, which surrounds Saariselka. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING TRIP (REQUIRES 68 EUR /PERSON 10:00 12:00 Fasten the skis, lean on the ski poles and glide along the tracks through the pure whiteness. If you are a first timer on skis, there will be an introduction on the basic techniques of skiing. A stop is made to have a cup of warm berry juice. The price includes the equipment rental until 17:00, so you can go skiing on your own time and pace afterwards. AURORA BOREALIS SLEIGH RIDE, PULLED BY SNOWMOBILE (REQUIRES 88 EUR /PERSON. MIN 4 PERSONS 19:00 22:00 25
During this brisk safari you can just sit back and enjoy the view and ride! Your guide will take you up to the fell district to see the beautiful hilltop scenery with unlimited views of the northern sky. Your journey will head towards a beautiful fell cabin where you can enjoy warm berry juice while admiring the nature. If you are lucky, the sky will be clear to see the moon, the stars and even the Northern lights may appear! 8 WEDNES SAARISELKA SINETTA (BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER) Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Sinetta, located 25 km from Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour. SAMI REINDEER FARM & SLEIGH RIDE 2:00 2:30 HOURS SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI (REQUIRES 65 EUR /PERSON. EXCLUSIVE FOR BOREALIS DESTINATION MANAGE- MENT GUESTS 22:00 23:30 sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each Snow Suite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with special arctic sleeping bags keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and -5 C. Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, the Sami and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). On sleighs for two people, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience this traditional and peaceful way of moving through white landscape over the lake and through the forest where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical three course lunch is included at the farm. The journey continues south to Sinetta on the twisting roads through the snowy forest to arrive at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting, you can marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course dinner in a magnificent wooden Kota where fresh salmon is slowly grilled over the fire on a huge fire pit in the center. 26 Even the most enthusiastic sauna bathers are deeply impressed by the snow sauna and its walls made of snow and ice. Only the sauna benches are made of wood! The sauna bathing experience is an astonishing combination of thick steam within intimate snow walls. Then jump into the outdoor Jacuzzi and admire the Northern Lights or the spectacular starry night skies of Lapland. OVERNIGHT IN A SNOW SUITE WITH EVENING SAU- NA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI EXPERIENCE (REQUIRES 100 EUR /PERSON. OVERNIGHT INCL. SNOW SAUNA & OUTDOOR JACUZZI. SAUNA & JACUZZI ARE SHARED WITH OTHER BOREALIS DESTINA- TION MANAGEMENT GUESTS 22:00 23:00 Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall 9 THURS SINETTA SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE ROVANIEMI (BREAKFAST & OUTDOOR PICNIC) Santa s Hotel Santa Claus Depart late in the morning for the next step on the winter adventure. Heading towards Rovaniemi, you stop on the banks of the Kemi-joki river to enjoy one of the most idyllic Husky Safaris of the region. HUSKY FARM & SAFARI 2:00 2:30 HOURS 2 PERSONS PER SLEDGE The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about
Husky dogs Finland the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. After brief instructions and riding in pairs, you embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes. The day continues with a visit to the world famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the feelings raised by fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. A must for any visit to Lapland. From Santa Claus Village it is a short trip to the hotel for check in. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. EXCURSION AURORA BOREALIS CAMP BY SNOW MOBILE (REQUIRES 153 EUR /PERSON. SNACK INCLUDED. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 45 EUR 21:00 24:00 from the city lights with unlimited view to the northern sky. At the resort you will find the Aurora Borealis theatre built inside a massive snow igloo, presenting a film about the myths and facts of this natural phenomenon along with spectacular photos of the Northern lights. You will also have time to roam around the resort, take a brisk sleigh ride with snowmobile drawn sleigh, or you can just lay back in snow observatory by the open fire admiring the northern sky. And don t forget to enjoy the traditional reindeer burgers in the Kota (teepee) made by the open fire. Remember to bring your own camera! With a little luck the sky is clear and the moon, stars and even the Northern Lights may show up. Your guide will have tips on how to catch the Auroras with your camera, and also tripods are available! * NOTE: To drive a snow mobile in Finland you must have a valid driver s license from a country of issue which has signed the Road Traffic Convention of Geneva. Borealis Destination Management cannot accept responsibility for licenses that are not accepted. Please consult if you have any doubts. 10 FRI ROVANIEMI KEMI (ICE-BREAKER CRUISE) ROVANIEMI Santa s Hotel Santa Claus Time for a swim as we head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First a visit to the Snow Castle* with its special snow slide. Enjoy the snow sculptures and complex. Later you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure as we board the Sampo Icebreaker and spend 4 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. * Please note the Snow Castle depends on the weather to be built and is not guaranteed to be open before the 22nd of January. SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE SWIMMING 13:00 17:00 HOURS swimming and a three course meal at the onboard restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you have the opportunity to jump in the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those who dare will also be presented with a certificate by the ship authorities. An unforgettable experience. Return to Rovaniemi with early evening arrival at your hotel. THE MAGIC OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE (EXCLUSIVE FOR BOREALIS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT GUESTS) (REQUIRES 115 EUR /PERSON. MIN 6 PAX. DIN- NER INCLUDED. INCLUDES: PRI- VATE TRANSFER, GUIDE, TYPICAL 3 COURSE DINNER INCL. FRESH BREAD & CHEESE, WATER, COFFEE/TEA 19:30 22:30 You are invited to a perfect evening in Snowland, the first and only great Arctic construction in the capital of Lapland. Do not miss this unique opportunity to visit and dine in this idyllic igloo, which only opens its doors for special events. During this evening you will enjoy a dinner with local specialties and then sit on the white patio, around a bonfire, waiting for the Aurora Borealis. Snowland has been built in the vicinity of the city but with the purpose of offering the best conditions to appreciate the dance of the Aurora Borealis when it announces its arrival on the clear nights of Rovaniemi. * This optional will be operated on Thursday or Friday, the day will be advised at destination. 11 SATUR ROVANIEMI DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST) Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your departure flight. This excursion takes you to the Aurora Borealis camp located approximately 10 kms away This incredible experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room, communications room and bridge, ice 27