ESN Malmö TRIP TO NORTHERN LAPLAND FALL 2014 Discover the magical Lapland in the northernmost ski resort in Europe! Visit the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, a reindeer farm hosted by Sami people, the beautiful Arctic landscape and if you are lucky, the Northern lights! There is 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! The group will accommodate in atmospheric cottages on the slope of the Kaunispää- mountain, which is a perfect place for spotting the Aurora Borealis! This is one of the most popular student trips. So do hurry to sign- up! BUS TRIPS TO LAPLAND Trips to Lapland, destination Saariselkä From Helsinki PRICE FROM With default accomm. 315 /p.p. Package price includes: A round trip by bus Helsinki- Saariselkä- Helsinki Accommodation in 6-14 person cabins 4 nights Visit of the Ranua Zoo Visiting the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi Visit of a reindeer farm VAT 24 % Package price does not include: Catering, meals, breakfasts Extra activities as described in the default itinerary Transportation to Helsinki from Malmö See the route in Google maps here >>>>
PRELIMINARY ITINERARY DAY 1 DEPARTURE 22:15 Bus Departure from Helsinki RW Station (Mikonkatu 17) Click here for the google map 23:30 Departure from the Helsinki Vantaa Airport (tourist bus stop at parking lot outside of Terminal 2) DAY 2 ARRIVAL IN LAPLAND 08:30 Arrival in Ranua. A stop in ABC Pyhäjärvi. 10:00 Visiting the Ranua Zoo until 11.30. Meet the Polar bears and other Arctic animals. Inclusive for all. 13:00 Arrival in Rovaniemi. Shopping in CITYMARKET for 1,5 hours. 15:00 17:00 Visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. In Santa Claus village you can take pictures with the SANTA, cross the magical Arctic circle, have lunch in one of the restaurants, buy souvenirs, send post cards from the, Santa s official post office and have a lunch (we recommend SHELL gas station across the street). 20:00 Arrival in Saariselkä, briefing and lodging in cabins. Free time for saunas etc Hint! In the evening the best place to see Northern lights is the local mountain, from the top of it you can see 360 degree panorama all over. You can easily reach the mountain by foot from your cottage DAY 3 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES HUSKY AND SNOWMOBILE SAFARIS, DOWNHILL SKIING 09:30 Meeting at the cabins, transportation to the Husky and Snowmobile activity 10:00 Husky Safari 65, over all duration with briefing, kennel tour etc. 1,5 hour. after this transportation back to cottages or to snow mobile Free time for example for DOWNHILL SKIING 3 hrs (2 hour ticket+gear 35, 3 hour 45, 5 hour 55 ) Paid to 14:00 ski- resort. In order to get this discounted price, please say Aikamatkat when paying for the ski pass and the gear. Slopes open daily 10-17.00. Weather permitting. 19:00 Night snow- shoe trek to the Saariselkä fell 35 A snow- shoe trip to the top of the Kaunispää mountain for observing the Northern lights. DAY 4 CROSS- COUNTRY SKIING, SMOKE SAUNA +REINDEER FARM 10:00 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. 14:30 End of the program 17:00 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) 20:00 Night Snowmobile Safari 85. Duration about 3 h. DAY 5 TOUR OF THE ARCTIC OCEAN IN NORWAY 07:00 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. Swim in the Arctic ocean! Back to Finland, last break in Näätämö village (shopping). 20:00 Arrival back to Saariselkä. Free time. 22:00 Get- together party in Tunturihotel or Teerenpesue night club (until 3.00). Free entrance, cloak room 3. DAY 6 FREE TIME IN SAARISELKÄ +DEPARTURE HOME 12:00 Check- out. You must clean the cabins and wash the dishes! All luggage in the bus. 11:00 Free time for own activities eg. downhill skiing, SPA, sledding, shopping, dining 11:00-17:00 Free time for own activities, you can go shopping, dining, sledding, SPA, downhill skiing. No structured activies. 17:00 Departure from the meeting point for home journey. Gas station stop at 21.00 in Rovaniemi for 45 minutes. DAY 7 ARRIVAL HOME (arrival times are estimations) 08:00 Arrival in Helsinki around 8:00am, Stop at the Helsinki Vantaa airport and Helsinki Train station. This trip itinerary is preliminary, Timetravels Ltd. Reserve the right fo make changes before the trip departure. NEXT PAGE ACTIVITIES & PRICES
ACTIVITIES DURING THE TRIP SAARISELKÄ SKIRESORT & DOWNHILL SKIING or TELEMARK or SNOW BOARD ( 1h 35 / 2h, 45 / 3h 55 ) The Saariselkä village locates beside the Saariselkä fell region and Urho Kekkonen national park. It's one of the most popular and exotic ski resorts of Finland. There are six slopes for downhill skiing / telemark or snowboarding but there are several other activities to be chosen from (husky and snowmobile safari).the landscapes, they are simply breathtaking! http://www.saariselka.fi Timetravels students will get discounted rates, by mentioning our discount code at the entrance of the ski resort. THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Saariselkä locates in the polar zone, where Aurora Borealis is most active in Scandinavia. According to the statistics, it's visible 200 days during the active season, from September to April. This means at least a 80 % possibility for their appearance. Only thing which can prevent you from seeing the Northern lights is cloudy weather. However, during the week a possibility of a cloudless night is pretty good. If you want to see a forecast for polar lights, check The Space Weather Prediction Center websites. THE SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE (inclusive) Have you ever dreamt of meeting the REAL Santa, who actually lives in Rovaniemi? It's possible in Santa's village, Joulupukin pajakylä,right on the crossing point of the arctic circle. In the Village you can take pictures with the SANTA, cross the magical Arctic circle, visit the restaurants, buy souvenirs, send post cards from the Santa s official post office and have a lunch (we recommend SHELL gas station across the street).duration 2h. TOUR OF THE ARCTIC OCEAN 50 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. 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 day you will feel yourself Finnish!
THE NIGHT SNOW SHOE TRIP TO THE SAARISELKÄ FELL 35 In this program (weather permitting) you will go for a snowshoe 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. THE REINDEER FARM (inclusive) There's a reindeer farm hosted by Sami 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. THE SNOWMOBILE SAFARI 3 h 85 You do not need a driver's license 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 insurance company and has to be paid by the client). THE HUSKY SAFARI 1,5 h 65 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. RANUA WILDLIFE PARK (inclusive) 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 Polar bears. ACCOMMODATION OPTION # 1 Atmospheric log cabins for 8-10 persons, 55 m2. Recommended max for 8-9 people/cabin. Two bed rooms, living room with fire place, sauna, shower, bathroom, tv, radio, cd- player, kitchenette, coffee machine, microwave oven, dishwasher. Wood for the fireplace is inclusive.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COTTAGE 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. 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. NEXT PAGE ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION OPTION #2 (COTTAGES VUORSA, HIRVAS & KERMIKKÄ ETC)
Well- equipped wooden semi- detached houses for 4-14 people, about 30-150 m2. Wooden cottages on the Southern Slope of Mountain Kaunispää, 1-2 km from the Saariselkä centre, close to Panimo log cabins. Kitchen, living room, two bed rooms, upstairs, bathroom and sauna. Equipment Dishes for 4-16 people Dish washer Fridge and freezer Stove Microwave oven Microwave oven, foffee machine and toaster Washing machine and drying closet TV, Radio, Cd- player Fire place and wood. Plan of the cottages may vary.
GENERAL INFORMATION GROCERIES CROSS - COUNTRY SKIING SPA, RESTAURANT, ANGRY BIRDS THEME CLUB AND NIGHT CLUB PUB SLEDDING SOUVENIRS EATING OUT SKI RESORT DOCTOR AND EMERGENCY For grocery shopping we recommend Tarmo (9-20) or K- market Kuukkeli (9-21). Prices are the same like elsewhere in Finland, but assortment contains a lot of Lappish specialities. You can rent cross- country skis (and other equipment e.g. snow shoes) in RIEKONLINNA HOTEL, Lapin Safarit shop. (10-17.00) Holiday club offers services for leisure gym, spa, saunas, restaurants and night club RAIKU. SPA is open daily 15.00 20.30 until end of November and from 12.00-20.30 from December, restaurant until 22.30. If you want to meet the locals, we can recommend you the local pubs PANIMO (open 10-02) and TEERENPESÄ (12.00 04.00) Sledding is fun and doesn t cost anything. Get free toboggans from Holiday Club SPA and enjoy the Europe s longest sledding hill (1,3 km) You can find interesting souvenirs at affordable pricee in Hippupuoti - shop located in Siula.(10-18.00) Reindeer dishes are probably the most traditional Lappish food. Stewed reindeer comes with smashed potatoes and lingonberry jam it costs 14-17 /portion depending on the place. For lunch we recommend K- market kuukkeli (around 8 ) with student card 10 % discount. Ski resort is opened 23.11. at 10.00. After this it is open daily until 17.00. Could be closed if it gets too cold (- 30 degrees) or when the wind is too strong. For gear rental use password Timetravels/ Aikamatkat in order to get student discounted rates! Nearest health centre is located in village IVALO, 30 km away from Saariselkä. Few times a week doctor is available in Saariselkä too. Timetravels staff will help you with the transportation and arranging doctor s appointment. Costs for treatment are usually to be covered by the client or client s personal insurance card, unless it is due to accident during an activity (insurances of service providers covers these cases in most of the case). In case of sickness, accident etc. please call ANY TIME your guide or Timetravels hotline +358 10 421 8991. In very urgent cases call 112 ( emergency number)
NEXT PAGE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Q: Are there any meals included? A: In order to get the trip price as low as possible, we stay in cottages with self- catering. Lunches or breakfasts are not inclusive. There are good kitchen facilities in every cabin and groceries are not 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 cabin with. Arctic Ocean tour includes a warm lunch. Q: How can I pay for the trip? A: 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. Q: Is there a possibility to travel by train? A: 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 www.vr.fi and join the trip in Rovaniemi, for instance. Q: We are a group of 8 people, can we stay in the same cabin? Should we book the trip together? A: All rooming wishes will be accommodated via google document, sent about 7 days prior to the trip. Q: What if I forgot to pay for the trip on time? A: 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. Q: I paid my trip by IBAN. Do I get some sort of receipt of my payment? A: As soon as the payment is registered in our system, you will receive a notification from our reservation system. This may take 3-7 days after payment, sometimes longer. Q: What should I bring with me? A: At least the following: Warm clothes Bedlinen or sleeping bag Swimming suite (unless you want to do it the Finnish way) Anything else you may need during the trip, money, medicine etc. Student card for discounts Cash or credit card for program payments A small pillow or a special neck cushion for the bus trip. Flip flops for Arctic swimming and jumping in the snow after sauna.
Q: What if there is no snow? A: 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. Q: Should I go to Lapland in fall or spring semester? A: 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. Q: What if the flight company cancels my connecting flight prior to departure? 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: 1. Refund the cost of the flight ticket +the trip if you would like to cancel your reservation 2. Alternatively, offer replacing trip with the next flight (if available), depending on the rescheduling possibilities of the flight company we have used. 3. Ask flight company to arrange hotel accommodation if the trip is postponed by one day 4. 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. 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. Q: What if I want to cancel my trip? Please read the cancellation terms from the following link: http://www.aikamatkat.fi/kbase/special_terms_for_timetravels_package_and_group_tours.html