NEW YEAR'S EVE IN LAPLAND

Arrival at Ivalo Airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Welcome to the Inari–Saariselkä region, in the heart of Finnish Lapland, a unique destination of Arctic landscapes with national parks, lakes, rivers, and fells, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. In winter, it is possible to admire the Northern Lights on up to 200 nights per year.

Saariselkä, the northernmost tourist destination in Finland, offers excellent infrastructure for visitors. In Inari and nearby areas, the rich Sámi culture remains alive in every detail, providing an authentic and memorable Lapland experience.

Rest of the day at leisure to relax or enjoy the surroundings.

At the scheduled time, we will begin with a welcome meeting with the Tour Director, who will present the details of the itinerary and provide the included thermal clothing, available for your comfort throughout the entire Arctic experience. Afterwards, we will carry out the following activities:

• Snowshoe safari: Get ready to venture into the snow-covered forest and enjoy an unforgettable experience! This snowshoe adventure will take you through stunning landscapes, combining marked trails with areas of soft, deep snow. With a bit of luck, you may spot tracks of rabbits, foxes, or grouse along the way. During the journey, we will take short breaks to take photos and enjoy a delicious hot fruit juice while you take in all the magic of the Arctic winter.
• (Includes: English-speaking guide, thermal clothing, photo and juice break, equipment).
• Aurora hunting in a heated sleigh: The silent snow-covered forest, the lonely hill at the edge of the Arctic wilderness, and the magical Northern Lights dancing above you. Sit back in a heated sleigh and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. Guided by your tour leader on a snowmobile, the sleigh glides through the snowy landscape, bathed in moonlight and starlight, up to the top of the hill, far from any light pollution. Once there, we prepare our cameras to capture the Arctic sky’s spectacle. In the comfort of a campfire setting, we enjoy hot drinks and listen to fascinating stories while waiting for the Aurora Borealis to appear. And then, when the first glow emerges, your only limit is imagination: the Northern Lights dance across the sky, constellations shine brightly, and snow-covered trees create a scene of pure magic and wonder. (Includes: English-speaking guide, thermal clothing including snowsuit, boots, and mittens, hot berry juice, cookies and marshmallows, seating in a heated sleigh).

Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

Today we will continue this adventure toward the magical Santa’s Igloos.

• Our first visit will be the Sami reindeer farm, reindeer sleigh ride & lunch. Meet a traditional Sámi host, who will share stories about their culture, the reindeer, and the importance these animals have in their way of life. In sleighs for two people, you will enjoy a short but enchanting experience (approximately 400 meters) in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, an authentic and peaceful way to glide through the white landscape, crossing frozen lakes and silent forests, where the only sound is the soft jingling of the reindeer bells. During the visit to the farm, a traditional two-course lunch will be served, featuring local flavors and rich tradition. (Includes: traditional 2-course lunch, water and juice included)
• Afterward, we will enjoy a night in a glass igloo. The journey continues south along scenic roads that pass through snowy forests until reaching the Arctic Circle, where you will check in to your exclusive private glass igloo. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your glass igloo and, if the sky allows, marvel at the breathtaking Northern Lights and the glow of millions of stars illuminating the Arctic night, all from the comfort of your bed. In the evening, you are invited to enjoy a three-course dinner, the perfect ending to an unforgettable day in Lapland.

Overnight accommodation.

Optional excursion available: “OPTIONAL SHARED TOUR – SNOWMOBILE SAFARI” (not included, available at an additional cost) (Approximate duration: 4 hours). Driving a snowmobile through the silent and mysterious winter wilderness is a truly unique experience. The headlights illuminate the path as you cross snow-covered forests, marshes, and hills, revealing the full magic of the Arctic landscape. Halfway through the tour, we will stop to light a campfire, a perfect moment to grill sausages, warm up, and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. With a bit of luck, the sky will turn into an unforgettable spectacle, with the Northern Lights dancing above you. Return to the hotel.

• Meeting point: hotel reception.
• Includes: English-speaking guide and snack (pre-booking required).

Important note: To drive a snowmobile in Finland, a valid driver’s license from a country that has signed the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic is required. We cannot take responsibility for driver’s licenses that are not accepted. Please check if you have any doubts.

At the scheduled time, transfer from the Igloo Hotel to the hotel located in the city center. Free afternoon to enjoy the city of Rovaniemi at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay.

Optional excursion available: “OPTIONAL SHARED TOUR – DINNER AT THE ICE RESTAURANT” (not included, additional cost) (approximate duration: 4.5 hours). Experience the only Ice Restaurant in Rovaniemi, entirely built from snow and ice! This exceptional dinner, in a magical, icy setting, promises to exceed all expectations. Be captivated by delicate ice sculptures and capture every detail in photos before enjoying an exquisite three-course gourmet dinner served on ice tables. The experience begins with a guided visit to the Arctic SnowHotel, where the guide will reveal the secrets behind the impressive snow structures and the magic behind the annual reconstruction of the Ice Restaurant.

• Meeting point: Hotel reception
• Includes: round-trip transfers, guided local visit, and three-course dinner (pre-booking required).

Breakfast and dinner at the hotel.

• Husky activity included. At the scheduled time, departure to begin today’s excursions: Husky activity Visit the home of these incredible sled dogs and enjoy an unforgettable ride! This 5 km husky adventure offers a perfect introduction to the excitement of mushing. The route passes through forested areas with gentle ups and downs, providing a well-rounded experience. Later, you will have the opportunity to meet more charming huskies at the farm and share a special moment with them. While hot drinks are served, you will hear fascinating stories and learn more about the lives of huskies and the exciting world of sled dog racing. (Includes: self-driving the sled, winter clothing, and hot beverages.)
• Santa Claus Village.The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, located just above the Arctic Circle. An unforgettable and magical moment! Visit Santa Claus’s house, where he himself will greet you. There are no words to describe the emotions felt during this fairytale-like experience—it will be forever etched in your memory. During the visit, you will also have the opportunity to send a letter to your loved ones, which will arrive at Christmas accompanied by a greeting from Santa Claus. Return to the hotel and free afternoon. At the end of the day, around 7:00 PM, we prepare for dinner at the hotel, Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Optional excursion: “UNFORGETTABLE SHARED TOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY” (not included, additional cost) At 10:00 PM, departure from your hotel to a unique location to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, just 20 minutes from the city. On the magical Lapland border of the Arctic Circle, the festivities come alive to welcome the new year. Fire and ice, darkness and light, snow, music, and dance blend harmoniously to create a fascinating atmosphere, perfect for families. Mysterious shamans enhance the magic of the night, and as midnight approaches, Santa Claus will make an appearance to share this special moment. A massive snow disco, ice bars, impressive fireworks, and a spectacular dance show will turn this evening into a truly unforgettable experience. According to Finnish tradition, casting a tin vessel is an ancient New Year’s ritual used to predict what the future holds. The shamans, true interpreters of the symbols of destiny, will help you decipher the shapes revealed in your own casting. The event takes place on snow-covered benches in an idyllic winter setting that evokes the true essence of Lapland. Return transfer to the hotel at 12:30–1:00 AM. (Includes: program transfers, thermal clothing, welcome drink, fortune reading, snow disco, dance performances, and fireworks.)

Important note: To drive a snowmobile in Finland, a valid driver’s license from a country that has signed the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic is required. We cannot take responsibility for licenses that are not accepted. Please check if you have any doubts.

Today we will head to the city of Kemi, where an exciting day full of activities awaits us.

• Icebreaker Sampo, floating in the frozen sea & lunch: This extraordinary experience includes a guided tour aboard the icebreaker, where you will have the opportunity to visit the engine room and the bridge.
• In the middle of the vast ice field of the Gulf of Bothnia—the largest in Europe—you will experience an unforgettable moment: plunging into the frozen sea and floating in its waters. You will be provided with a specially designed thermal suit for this activity, and those who choose to participate will receive an official certificate signed by the ship’s authorities as a keepsake of this unique experience. Return to Rovaniemi in the late afternoon.

Note: If weather conditions allow, it will also be possible to walk on the frozen sea and admire the majestic icebreaker from there—perfect for taking spectacular photos.

Please note that, for safety reasons, participants must be at least 140 cm tall to take part in this activity. Those who do not meet the minimum height requirement must remain on board accompanied by a responsible adult.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (Flight not included.)