Fully equipped log cabins on the Iso-Syöte fell

8 day package: Saturday – Saturday
Period: 31.5.2010 – 31.10.2010 (package is also valid during colourful autumn Ruska season)

Explore the beautiful Lapland region by car and try out various outdoor activities. Stay in a Lappish log cabin, visit a reindeer or a husky farm, go hiking, canoeing and go for a quad bike safari in an ancient forest. Summer holiday in Northern Finland means midsummer nights, unspoilt nature, splendid views over the hills and forests, crystal clear lakes, and plenty of freedom and space to relax.

Finnish summer offers an opportunity to enjoy the best of the bright months. This eight-day summer package to Iso-Syöte area includes flights, car hire, log cabin accommodation and activities. Iso-Syöte resort is located on the top of the most southern fell in Lapland. Hotel and cottages overlook the forest and valley area of the surrounding Syöte National Park with its rugged hills, unique marshes and old spruce forests.

During this one week’s holiday, you can enjoy activities offered by Iso-Syöte and drive around the neighbouring villages, towns and countryside. The pure, unspoilt nature all around welcomes you to explore. Since the resort is located in a triangle of three popular tourist areas of Rovaniemi, Oulu and Kuusamo, you can plan your weekly itinerary independently.

Day 1: Settle in your log cabin

Arrival to Oulu airport late afternoon and car pick up. After two hours of drive, arrival to Iso-Syöte. Check into your fully equipped log cabin with a kitchen, a fireplace and a sauna. Evening is spent relaxing, trying out sauna, and enjoying a dinner at the local restaurant.

Day 2: Visit Arctic museum and Santa Claus

Breakfast is served at the Hotel Iso-Syöte restaurant. Sunday is free for your own activities. You can either enjoy the nature of the Syöte National Park and learn more about the area at the visitor centre, or drive to the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is located only two hours’ drive away from Iso-Syöte offering an excellent day out!  Get acquainted with the local culture and history in the Arktikum Museum, or visit the Santa Claus village, open all year round! Rovaniemi also offers excellent possibilities for a river cruise on a sunny summer day. On your way back to Iso-Syöte, you can visit the Ranua Wild Life Park, an hour’s drive from Iso-Syöte.

Day 3: Guided quad bike drive

After breakfast, you will enjoy an exciting 2.5 hour quad bike safari at 10am. On this guided tour, you will drive your own squad bike through the nature, forest and swamps of Iso-Syöte area. What an excellent way to start the day! During the afternoon, it is time to explore the area on your own. We recommend visiting the open air museum in Pudasjärvi, only half an hour’s drive away from Iso-Syöte, together with the village of Taivalkoski, displaying the old village store dating back to 1882.

Day 4: Canoe safari

Tuesday morning begins with a canoe safari to the Lake Naamanka at 10am. This is a perfect, peaceful place to paddle around and learn the basics of canoeing with the help of your local guide. Lakeside offers a great spot for a coffee break by a camp fire. In the afternoon, you can drive to Puolanka to see the highest waterfall in Finland. Enjoy a walk in beautiful surroundings, only an hour’s drive from Iso-Syöte, or go golfing in the nearby golf-course.

Day 5: Visit the Bear’s Trail

Wednesday is a day for your own activities. We recommend driving to the town of Kuusamo, located 1.5 hours from Iso-Syöte. The area of Ruka-Kuusamo invites you to another nature adventure with all it has to offer. The Oulanka National Park is worth a visit for its excellent Karhunkierros hiking trail (Bear’s Trail). This 80 kilometre route with ravines, Arctic fells and primeval forests provides an unforgettable experience. There are several short hikes to choose from with raging rapids, wonderful views and fell sides.

Day 6: Nordic Walking and Design

After breakfast, the morning is free for your own activities. You can take your hired car and visit the Finnish design centre, Pentik in Posio, located an hours’ drive from Iso-Syöte or just relax in the fell surroundings.In the afternoon, it is time for guided Nordic walking! Nordic walking tour takes you around Kellarilampi, through the natural scenery of Syöte area with a coffee and cake stop during the journey.

Day 7:  Meet huskies and reindeers

During your last full day in Iso-Syöte, you can take part in optional safaris; visit a local reindeer farm, try out fishing on the river banks or visit a husky farm. Alternatively you can have your second go on the activities introduced to you during the week, have a final challenge at the Syöte fell or make your way to Ruka area for longer Karhunkierros hiking tour.

Day 8: Returning home

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye! You will drive to Oulu airport, return your hired car and fly back to UK in the afternoon.

Prices from London Heathrow:

from £1044/person, when two persons share a cabin
from £854/person, when three persons share a cabin
from £754/person, when four persons share a cabin

What is included in the price?

• Return flights from London Heathrow to Oulu (or Kuusamo when available)
• Hired car (A class, Nissan Micra or similar), unlimited mileage, insurance and taxes
• One week’s stay in fully equipped Iso-Syöte cottages (living-room, kitchen, sauna, fireplace)
• Breakfast each morning
• Car hire for the whole week (pick up and drop off at the airport)
• Activities: Quad bike safari, canoeing safari, Nordic walking
• Equipment and guidance during safaris
• All taxes and fees

Optional extras:

• C class vehicle (extra cost £66/person/day)
• Hotel accommodation

Please note:

Driver must be at least 25 years old
Valid driving licence required when picking up the car
Credit card is obligatory to receive the car at the airport

Enjoy the Finnish summer at the terrace of Hotel Kalevala

Prices from £768/adult when sharing twin room, from £505/child
Travel period: May – October 2010

Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, Finland, is a unique attraction for the whole family. It offers relaxation and wellbeing as well as culture and heritage. The hotel, by the lake and near museums, offers an excellent base for exploring the Wild Taiga region either on guided short tours or independently.  

Hotel Kalevala offers a full programme of guided activities like hiking, cycling and canoeing in the summer. And between the activities you can pamper yourself in different types of saunas, swimming in the lake or having a relaxing herbal bath.

The hotel restaurant overlooks the Lammasjärvi Lake, and offers meals made from local ingredients in the Kainuu region. On the menu are many local delicacies like fish soup, wild boar filet and smoked reindeer, and also a good selection of vegetarian alternatives. There is a special wellbeing-menu for those aiming to eat healthily. In the summer you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink on the terrace enjoying the view to the lake.

Culture and heritage

Kuhmo is world famous for its chamber music festival, and there are concerts and other events around the year at the local arts centre Kuhmo-talo. It promotes the spiritual development of people through arts and science. The building hosts concerts, meetings, a dance studio and a music school. The Winter War Museum reminds of the closeness to the Russian border. Many battles took place on Kuhmo soil during the war, and the village was bombed several times. The Petola nature centre tells of local predators brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. The centre provides an insight to the life of these species. The Kalevala information centre Juminkeko is a masterpiece of modern wood architecture, and presents Finnish history and folklore with multimedia shows and exhibitions. It also has one of the largest collections of editions of Kalevala.

Wellbeing

Besides the traditional Finnish and special smoke sauna available, Hotel Kalevala has offers two other types of sauna for wellbeing. Infrared sauna helps to detoxify body, improves the heart and vessels, helps to lose weight and cellulite, and helps to unwind. You burn about 600 calories in a 30 minute session, more than during a 30 minute run. Infrared radiation causes heavy perspiration without uncomfortable feeling of high temperature. Peat sauna relaxes, helps your metabolism and leaves your skin soft and firm. The whole-body peat mask also helps with allergies. The hotel also offers various herbal baths including a romantic bath with champagne for two!

Summer programme 2010
Group size: min. 2 persons
Valid: 1.5.-30.10.2010

Day 1
Arrival to Kuhmo, accommodation in double rooms/family rooms with connecting door. Dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2
After breakfast Kuhmo’s area information and hotel hostess introduces week’s program. Short hiking tour with a guide in the Kalevala area including a visit to Petola Nature Centre with Large Carnivore Exhibition (duration about 2 hours). Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 3
Breakfast. Guided bicycling and hiking tour to Lauttavaara area, incl. appr. 7 km bicycling tour/direction and 2,5 km hiking tour. Picnic by the fire (duration about 3 hours). Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 4
Breakfast. Guided Canoeing tour towards Harakkasaari island where we make coffee by an open fire. Beautiful sandy beach for swimming (duration about 3 hours). This is a day for leisure or optional activities. Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 5
Breakfast. This is a free day for optional activities, please take a look at our summer weekly programme. Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 6
Breakfast and departure.

What is included in the price?

• accommodation at Kalevala-Hotel in double rooms (5 nights) (bathrobe, hairdryer, minibar, TV, shower/VC)
• small welcoming gift in a room on the arrival
• evening sauna and jacuzzi daily
• meals (5 x buffet breakfast, 5 x half board 3 course dinner)
• small hiking tour around the area with visiting Petola Nature centre
• bicycling and hiking tour
• canoing tour
• free use of rowing boats, canoes, kick-boards, badminton, beach volley, DVD-movies, Playstation and Nintendo Wii games, wireless internet access
• transfers from/to airport (Kajaani)
• flights from/to London Heathrow

Not included: Wild Taiga summer weekly programme – optional extras (pdf format)

Moominworld

Prices from £334 /adults, £294 /children

When the Independent on Sunday newspaper ranked the world’s best theme parks in 2005, Moominworld in Naantali was in the top ten. You will understand why when you come to the fairytale home island of the Moomins.

Fly from London to Turku, spend three nights in a luxurious Naantali Spa Hotel, and have a two-day Moominworld pass included in the package.

For parents, Naantali offers charming narrow streets with old wooden buildings, President’s summer residence Kultaranta, historic convent church and beautiful seaside landscapes. In nearby Turku, adults can join children for a tour of the medieval castle, visit the handsome cathedral, se the interesting museums, and enjoy friendly cafes and restaurants. Most of the attractions are suitable for the whole family.

Moominworld is located in Naantali, only 10 miles from Turku. You can travel from Naantali to Turku on the Moominbus or the steam ship Ukkopekka. Near the Moominworld is the adventure island Väski offering fun challenges for children. In Turku, you can visit the medieval castle on Little Knight’s Tour or have a fun at the Kupittaa Adventure Park.

Now, that’s what we call a family adventure holiday!

Meet the Moomins

The Moomins live on an island in front of Naantali Old Town. They invite you to meet Moominpappa as he looks back on his youth and exciting adventures. Did you know that he lived in an orphanage as a youngster? Or that he looked just like Moomintroll when he was a child?

There’s so much to do and see in Moominworld: Moominhouse, Theatre Emma, Story Path, Hemulen’s House, the swimming beach and many other sites are waiting for you. And don’t forget – meeting the Moomin characters is the highlight of the summer for many small visitors!

Adventure Island Väski

Moominworld is even more fun this year. While the smallest members of the family hug the Moomins, their older siblings can head for Väski to find some fun challenges. The ferry to Väski leaves from in front of Naantali Old Town, close to the bridge leading to Moomin Home Island.

You need to use your brains and your muscles at Adventure Island Väski. The redesigned island now has five fascinating adventure worlds where kids can test their skills. Conquer a ship at Pirate Harbour and slide down a cable at Smuggler’s Fortress. Learn more about domestic animals and visit the village shop at Fisherman’s Village. Try panning for gold at Hermit’s Hut under the taciturn guidance of the hermit himself. The island also has a Hunter’s Camp where you can practice your archery skills. There’s plenty to keep you busy!

Little Knights tour at Turku Castle

Little Knights tour

Children find Turku castle fascinating – after all, it is a genuine medieval castle! Children and childlike persons will get an introduction to the world of knights on the Castle’s Little Knight Tour. The main castle’s toy exhibition includes toys from the last 150 years. A renaissance miniature model about life in the 14th century has been built to the castle’s tower. The tower also includes King Erik XIV’s dungeon and the castle elf’s treasury. There are more dungeons in the Round Tower and the castle’s medieval parts.

You will learn and experience more if you join one of the guided tours (in Finnish, English or Swedish) held at the Turku Castle: the Middle Ages and Renaissance come alive and stories get new meanings. Guided tours in Finnish, Swedish and English for adults and children are held every day during the summertime. There are things to see and experience for children at the Turku castle.

Kupittaa Adventure Park

Located in Kupittaanpuisto, Adventure Park provides the ideal environment for creative activities and active family fun. Children can bounce, climb, wade, slide, crawl into the stomach of a giant sculpture or try their skills in the summer atelier. Adventure Park is full of things to do! In the Traffic Park kids can drive pedal cars just like in a real town, and take the safari car outside the city as well. You can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.

Pampering in Spa Hotel

Naantali Spa provides luxurious accommodation and treatment packages in seaside surroundings. You are invited to relax in the pools of our five-star Spa and enjoy the treatments available to pamper your whole being.

The Spa is located in the picturesque historical town of Naantali. The town’s atmosphere is a mixture of the charm of the archipelago, the diversity of history, and the idyllic present day. Arts and music are essential part of Naantali, as is the sea, with yachts sailing right to the very heart of the Old Town.

Naantali Spa offers high standard accommodation in three different types of hotels. Spa Hotel is situated adjacent to the Spa’s Pool Complex and has 86 spacious double rooms. Suite Hotel is your choice is between high-standard mini-suites and even classier Presidential Suites. Sunborn Princess Hotel is a floating yacht hotel anchored in the bay at the front of the Spa.

Package prices

Prices 8.-30.6.2010 & 1.-29.8.2010 (based on two adults and 1-2 children sharing):

from £334/adult, £294/child

Prices 1.-31.7.2010 (based on two adults and 1-2 children sharing):

from £354/adult, £314/child

Please ask for prices from other airports.

What is included in the price?

• scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Turku
• three nights in Naantali Spa hotel, buffet breakfast included
• 2 day entrance to Moominword
• use of pool and sauna
• Naantali Spa leisure program both for adults and children

Husky safari

Prices from £1489
Period from January to April

Northern lights and wonderful snowy surroundings are just two good reasons to visit Finnish Lapland this winter. You can learn cross-country skiing, take a snowmobile or husky safari, visit a reindeer farm, visit an Amethyst mine or go ice-fishing.  The small village of Luosto, surrounded by the Pyhä-Luosto national park, offers wide variety of winter activities and relaxation possibilities with breathtaking scenery.    

Pyhä-Luosto area comprises of two fell resorts in the middle of Finnish Lapland, only 90 minutes from the Arctic Circle. Modern hotels, spa facilities, well groomed downhill and cross country ski slopes and tracks, outdoor fun and adventure can be combined with fine wine and cuisine. This eight-day activity package offers a varied daily programme with breakfast and dinner included. Season lasts from 2 January to 4 April. You can stay in a cosy log cabin, a Lappish-style lodge, or in an atmospheric hotel accommodation near all services and events, and still enjoy the peace and beauty of Lapland. 

Itinerary

Day 1, Sunday – Arrival in Lapland

Upon arrival to Rovaniemi airport, you will be transferred to Luosto resort by bus, where you will be greeted upon arrival to your accommodation. After check- in, you will receive an introduction to your active holiday week, including information on weekly excursions. You will also receive a map and a brochure of Luosto area.  Later in the evening you will enjoy dinner in your chosen accommodation. 

Day 2, Monday – Snowmobile safari

10.30 – 13.00 Your active week begins with a scenic snowmobile safari through the beautiful wintry landscapes. You will enjoy a camp fire stop with coffee and biscuits. Later on in the afternoon you can try optional excursions and go on an ice-fishing sledge tour or after dinner, opt for a snowshoe search for the Northern lights. 

Day 3, Tuesday – Reindeer farm

10.45 – 12.15 In the morning, you will get to visit a local reindeer farm. You will meet the local reindeer herders and hear their stories about the Lappish life and reindeer herding. After the visit you will enjoy a coffee break in a Lappish tent “kota” and get to earn yourself a reindeer driving licence as a souvenir. You can try optional extras, Aurora safari and visit to Aurora Kota later on in the evening.  

Day 4, Wednesday – Cross-country skiing school

9.30 – 11.30 On Wednesday you will learn all the basics of a cross-country skiing with a local instructor while enjoying the snowy and peaceful Lappish nature. After this morning exercise, you can choose optional excursions from snowmobile to husky safaris or try the snowshoe search for Northern lights in the evening.

Day 5, Thursday – Snowshoe hike

10.00-13.00 Snowshoe hike in the national park takes you among the ancient spruce forest in Luosto. During the trek you can enjoy the stillness of the nature and the beauty of the landscape. Small snacks will be served during the safari. In the afternoon you can join an optional reindeer safari. 

Day 6, Friday – Amethyst mine

13.30 – 15.30 On a Friday, guided tour to the Amethyst mine will reveal the secrets of this fascinating stone. In the mine, you will able to search for your own lucky stone to take home with you. Transfers during this safari are completed by snowmobile drawn sleds. In the evening you can go for a snowshoe hike in search of the Northern lights.

Day 7, Saturday – Day at leisure

After an active week in the winter wonderland, you can relax, try downhill skiing, visit the local Lappish shops and the spa. Alternatively, you can continue your action packed week with an optional snowmobile safari to the reindeer park in the morning or try ice-fishing during the afternoon.

Day 8, Sunday – Departure

After breakfast, check out from your accommodation and departure towards Rovaniemi for your flight back to the UK.

Prices

From Heathrow:

from £1489 / adult (two sharing), £799 / child (4-12 years, when sharing a room with two adults)

Manchester:

 from £1519 / adult (two sharing), £819 / child (4-12 years, when sharing a room with two adults)  

Price includes

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Rovaniemi
• Bus transfers from/to Rovaniemi airport
• Accommodation in twin/double room in Aurora Chalet, Scandic Luosto or in Metsä-Luosto lodge
• Half-board at the accommodation
• Winter equipment for the entire stay (thermal overalls, socks, shoes, gloves, baclava and helmets)
• Daily programme and activities as described  

 Not included: Optional daily excursions (pdf)

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included in your holiday cost. It is strongly recommended that insurance be taken out to protect you and your group against any unforeseen insurable events.

Perfect setting for a holiday

Prices: from £349 per person
Period:  June – September 2010

Lake surroundings in Finland create a wonderful setting for a perfect summer holiday. You can swim in the lake, take a sauna bath, row a boat or just wander through the forest. And if you feel a bit adventurous, just explore the surroundings with your hired car.

Things to do in Ikaalinen

- Spa Ikaalinen is located 4 miles from the cottages. Plenty of fun water activities for the whole family, pampering and herbal baths. Read more at http://www.ikaalistenkylpyla.fi/ikaalisten-kylpyla!/en_GB/.

- Total relaxation. The rental price includes unrestricted use of private sauna, small private beach and a rowing boat. The majority of the cottages also have outdoor cooking facilities.

- Be close to the nature. Finland has “every man’s rights” so you can roam free in the nearby woods, go hiking or pick wild berries. How about making your own wild blueberry pie?

- The clean, pure waters of lake Kyröskoski are teeming with fish and provide an almost limitless variety of fishing opportunities. You do not need to be an expert, just push the rowing boat out and try your hands on old-fashioned line & hook

- Explore Ikaalinen area on horseback. The local riding centre provides horse riding, trekking and cart rides.

- Finland’s second largest city Tampere is located only 35 miles away. Things to do in Tampere: Tampere Cathedral, Pyynikki Observation Tower, Sara Hilden Arts Museum, The Lenin Museum and Amuri Museum of Workers Housing. Särkänniemi Adventure Park in Tampere is the largest in Finland and houses the tallest Observation Tower in Scandinavia, a Dolphinarium, Aquarium, Planetarium, Children’ Zoo, Kiddie Land and 34 rides for all ages!

Package prices June – September 2010

£349 per person when four sharing
£519 per person when two sharing

What is included in the price?

Package includes one week cottage rental, bed linen and final cleaning as well as car hire (VW Polo or similar) for a week from Helsinki airport or from Tampere airport.

Please note that most cottages sleep up to eight people, therefore discounts apply when there are more people travelling.

Please also note that flights are not included in the package prices, thus this package is ideal for e.g. customers travelling to Tampere by Ryanair. If you require a scheduled flight, please visit our online reservation system.

Typical cottage characteristics

Typical cottages have

- two to three bedrooms
- loft with sleeping areas
- lounge area
- fully equipped kitchen/diner area
- bathroom with shower
- private sauna
- log burning fireplace
- private beach, jetty and rowing boat

Location

Neighbour distance: 0.05 km
Nearest village: 13 km
Lake: 10 m (Kyrösjärvi)
Distance To Tampere: 55 km

Equipment

Electric heating, electric stove, microwave oven, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, radio, television, DVD player, iron, hair dryer, baby cot and high chair. 

What is included in cottage hire

The rent includes blankets, pillows and linen (sheets and towels), as well as final cleaning. Price also includes wood for fireplace and sauna. Each cottage has cooking equipment and basic tableware. Electricity and heating is also included.

Photos of the typical cottage

Cottage type 1
Cottage type 2

Please note that all cottages are individual and these photos should only give you a general idea of the cottages.