Reindeer husbandry

Prices from £1119 per person
Period: November – April, Thursday-Sunday
4 day guided tour

The village of Inari is Finland’s centre for Sámi culture, as the surroundings and nearby villages have kept the Sámi folklore alive. During our four-day (three nights) trip to this fascinating North Eastern corner of Europe, you will discover many things about the Sámi way of life and northern nature.

This relaxing break gives an opportunity to enjoy unspoilt nature and learn about the traditions of Sami people. On one day the only way to reach our destination, the “Old Man Island” is to ride on snowmobile through the frozen landscape.

Hotel Kultahovi

Hotel Kultahovi is a small, privately owned hotel located by the river Juutua in Inari. The rooms you will be staying in, are recently built and have riverside views. They are en-suite and equipped with a television, radio and private sauna.

Rooms at Hotel Kultahovi

A comfortable lounge with an open fireplace, a library with Internet connection and the lobby bar are pleasant places to relax. The hotel dining room has a fine view to the lowest rapids of River Juutua. The restaurant serves food made from pure local ingredients. The fish comes directly from the local fishermen, sea fish and crustaceans from the fishing village in nearby Norway and reindeer from local herders. Mushrooms and berries are locally harvested.

Example itinerary

Thursday – Arrival day
Upon arrival at Ivalo airport, you will be met by the local guide and transferred to your hotel. The journey will take about half an hour. After settling into the hotel, dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. Our chosen hotel, Hotel Kultahovi, is renowned for its good food made from fine and pure local ingredients.

Friday – Introduction to the Sámi culture
After breakfast, you will walk with the local guide to the nearby Sámi museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre “Siida”, where a guided tour takes place. The exhibitions show how nature and people have adapted to the extreme conditions of the Northern environment. Wonderful photographs, videos, sounds and original artefacts guide you between the seasons and the past times.

Traditional dress

The tour continues to Lemmenjoki where you will visit a Sami reindeer herding family. The mother, a felt artesan and a Sami craft master will show us the different ways Sami artisans work today. In their home farm we will see how her felt art takes shapes and colours from the surrounding nature and how she has clothed her family from head to toe with traditional Sami clothing. Your host will also tell you about reindeer husbandry and you will have possibility to see reindeer at their home farm and hear about their reindeer work during the year. Coffee during the visit.

In the evening dinner is served at the hotel.

Saturday – Getting to know your arctic surroundings
After breakfast, it is time for your trip to the vast Lake Inari, the 6th largest lake in Europe. You will be provided with warm thermal clothing and instructions as to how to drive a snowmobile, the modern means of transport of the local people. Your destination is the legendary island Äijih (Ukko – “An old man”), an ancient sacrificial site of the Inari Sámis. On the way you will visit the wilderness church of Pielpajärv (build in 1760) and try your hand at ice fishing. Camp lunch will be served during the safari.

After the winter safari, you will visit some local handicraft studios and shops in Inari. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about Sámi handicrafts using reindeer bone, wood, wool and silver.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Sunday – Good bye Sámi land
After breakfast, it is time to say good-bye to Hotel Kultahovi. You will be transferred to Ivalo airport to take a scheduled Finnair flight from Ivalo to Helsinki, and further to the United Kingdom.

Please note that we can arrange a visit to a husky dog farm and a 10km (6 miles) husky safari before your flight to Helsinki, and onwards to the United Kingdom.

Extra nights in Inari or Helsinki are also available.

Package prices

Travel period 2011-2012 winter

From London Heathrow, starting from: £1119 /person/two sharing
From Manchester, starting from: £1154 /person/two sharing

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled Finnair flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Ivalo (via Helsinki)
• Three nights accommodation at the Hotel Kultahovi, Inari
• Buffet breakfast and a dinner on a daily basis
• Transfers between Ivalo Airport and the hotel
• Programme as described in the program

Please note that this package is arranged for a minimum of two passengers.
Child and group (min. 4 people) discounts are available on request.

Please note also that extra nights either in Inari or Helsinki are available on request. As the flights to Ivalo are via Helsinki, you may wish to extend your visit to Finland by staying in Helsinki. If you wish to spend some time in the Finnish capital, call our office for further details and price.s.

Optional extras

Please ask for quotation.

Visit to a wild animal park and husky safari
After checking out on Sunday, you can visit a wild animal park and husky farm on the way to the airport. You will also join a one-hour husky safari. Two persons drive one sledge as a team. Coffee will be provided by an open fire. Thermal clothing will be provided.
Duration: 2 hours + transfers

Snowshoe search for the Northern Lights
Our guide will take you for a snowshoe trek to places in the village where the Northern Lights are most likely to be seen. You will experience the arctic nature, snow and frost while the guide tells you about the Northern Lights.
Duration: 2 hours

Cross-country skiing school for beginners
Learn how to ski using a cross-country technique in the skiing stadium in Inari.
Duration: 2 hours

Inari offers excellent hiking possibilities with vast scenery

Lapland invites you to a unique weekend break this summer. Stay on the shore of the huge Lake Inari, tailor-make your trip according to your interests: learn about local culture, go fishing or on a quad bike safari, cruise on the lake, hire a boat or a canoe, enjoy Lappish restaurant and shop local crafts. Be active or just relax. Finland’s Lapland is magical all year round.

This unforgettable summer holiday package gives you an opportunity to visit a reindeer farm, learn about the unique Sámi culture and cruise the magnificent Lake Inari. You can tailor the long weekend according to your own tastes with extra activities, including a boat rental, a quad bike safari, troll fishing on Lake Inari or try your luck with fly fishing in the Juutuanjoki River. You can also find a guide to take you bird watching, or you can rent a bike or a canoe to explore the neighbourhood. Feel relaxed, refreshed and inspired by the beauty of Lapland!

4 day package: Friday – Monday
Period: Mid-June to September 2012

Day 1 Friday: Welcome to Northern Lapland

Arrival at the Ivalo Airport, where a guide meets and greets the guests. Transfer to Hotel Inari, about 30 miles away. Hotel Inari is situated on the shore of Lake Inari close to all activities. The restaurant specialises in Lappish delicacies, like reindeer, local white fish, salmon and cloudberries. Enjoy a dinner at the hotel restaurant and get acquainted with your surroundings.

Day 2 Saturday: Sámi museum and reindeer farm

Guide will pick you up from the hotel, and take you to SIIDA- Sámi museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre. After a short introduction you can tour the exhibition showing how nature and people have adapted to extreme conditions of the Northern environment. There are wonderful photos and videos, dioramas, soundscapes and original artefacts to take you through the seasons and history. In the afternoon you will visit a local reindeer farm, where you can feed the reindeers and learn Lappish lassoing, a traditional herder’s skill. You will also hear stories about herding and Sámi culture, and enjoy a coffee/ tea break in a cosy local hut. In the evening you can enjoy dinner and sauna at the hotel.

Day 3 Sunday: Lake cruise and artisan trail

After breakfast it is time to hit the Inari Artisan Trail with local – both traditional and modern – handicraft studios and shops ranging from jewellery and silver to items made of reindeer bone, wood and wool. You can take this tour independently depending on your timings. In the afternoon, there is a two-hour cruise on the mighty Lake Inari on board of the M/S Inari. The huge Lake Inari is the sixth largest lake in Europe with 3,318 islands. According to a song, the lake is as deep as it is long. You will visit the ancient sacrificial site of Inari Sámis on the island of Ukko (Äijih). Refreshments are served onboard of the ship (not included in the package). Cruise starts at 13.00 daily from June until September, and also at 17.00 in July. Later on, you can take part in optional safaris, hire a rowing boat from the hotel, try fishing, biking, hiking or just relax in the beautiful lake surroundings. Enjoy a farewell dinner of Lappish delicacies in the evening at the hotel restaurant.

Day 4 Monday: Leaving Lapland

After breakfast, there is some spare time in the morning for last minute shopping and sightseeing. In the afternoon, transfer to Ivalo Airport for a flight to Helsinki. Feel free to return and enjoy the magic of Lapland any season!

Prices from London Heathrow:

from £804/person when two persons sharing a room

from £1013/person in a single room

What is included in the price?

• Return Finnair flights from London Heathrow to Ivalo
• Return airport transfers in Ivalo
• 3 night hotel accommodation with half board (breakfast and dinner)
• Visit to Sámi museum Siida, visit to reindeer farm, Lake Inari cruise, village map
• All taxes and fees

Not included: Optional extras in Inari (in pdf format)

Please ask a price for:

Extended stays in Inari and overnight trips to Norway
Departures from other UK airports
Stop-over in Helsinki (from £70/person/night)
Group travel options

Perfect setting for a holiday

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

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

From £349 per person when four sharing
From £650 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 contact our office.

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.

Fly fishing in Lapland

Prices from £1399 per person
Period:  June, July, August, mid September

During seven days you will try your hand in catching fish that have never seen an angler before. Trout, lake salmon, white fish, perch, pike, grayling and arctic char are some of the possible catches. Fishing by the lakes and rivers enables many different types of fishing in many different types of water.

Example itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival
Upon arrival at Ivalo airport, you will be transferred to the Wilderness Hotel Nellim. The journey will take about 50 minutes. After settling into your hotel, you will meet your guide and taste welcoming drink. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 – Fishing trip to the wilderness lake
After hearty breakfast, you will be ready for your first day of fishing. A fishing guide will collect you from the hotel and you will head for the wilderness lake. There are several unspoilt wilderness lakes near the village of Nellim – all abundant with native fish such as grayling, pike, perch and river trout. During the trip, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. The total duration of the tour is 8 – 10 hours. In the evening, the dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 3 – River Juutua
Today you will visit river Juutua, where only fly fishing is allowed. The number daily fishing permits is limited to twenty licences. River Juutua offers fantastic fishing for large river trout and grayling. The total duration of the tour is 8 – 10 hours. In the evening, hotel chef will prepare a delicious fish meal by the fire.

Days 4-5 – Lake Inari
Now it is time for real wilderness adventure. Lake Inari is teeming with lake trout and considered to be the best place in Finland to catch them. You will stay the night in a wilderness cabin on the shores of the lake and carry on fishing the following day.

Day 6 – Wilderness River
On your last day of fishing week, you’ll visit one of the wilderness rivers in Inari area. Apart from trout, the rivers also provide superb fishing for pike, grayling, perch and brown trout.

Day 7 – Goodbye Nellim
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Nellim. You will be transferred to Ivalo airport to take a scheduled Finnair flight from Ivalo to Helsinki, and thence to the United Kingdom. Extra nights in Nellim or Helsinki are also available.

Package prices

From London Heathrow: £1,399 /adult (when two persons sharing a room)
From Manchester: £1,435 /adult (when two persons sharing a room)

What is included in the price?

• Finnair scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Ivalo airport
• Accommodation as stated
• Full-board (breakfast, lunch often as a picnic, dinner)
• Guided fishing trips as described in the programme

Please note that you can purchase this package without flights or with flights from/to other airports. Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. We can also arrange this package without car hire and arrange airport transfers from/to the hotel. Please ask for a quote!

Please ask for prices for single rooms, family and group packages.

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  unforeseen insurable events.

Hiking in the scenic Eastern Finland

Prices from £1080 per person
Full board guided 8 day tour
Departures in May and September

Programme

Day 1 – Arrival
You will arrive at Kajaani airport where you’ll meet your local guide. Transfer to Martinselkonen Wildlife centre for dinner and accommodation.

Day 2 – 10 miles
After a hearty breakfast we carry on the tour, hiking through the Martinselkonen nature reserve towards Arola farm where we will be welcomed by friendly hosts. The nature reserve has been set up to protect Finnish wilderness, especially swamp areas. This area is important for many birds and insects as the normal Finnish forest industry does not reach these nature reserve areas. Martinselkonen has watery mires and small lakes, old forests with spruce trees draped in beard lichen. A special dinner made from local ingredients will be served after a sauna bath.

Day 3 – 12 miles
Today we head northwards along the Russian border. The close proximity of the Russian border adds something rather exciting and exotic to the atmosphere of the area. The border guard towers, the border zone, and the view over the Russian side is an experience in itself. We stop for a picnic at one of the wilderness huts operated by the Finnish Forest and Park Service. An open fire will be burning, and hot coffee brewed. Accommodation is in tents on the shore of Lake Kovajärvi.

Day 4 – 15 miles
Today’s wild landscape is home to a healthy wolverine population, and although these secretive predators are seldom seen, we may come across their tracks. Swans and cranes can be spotted on the lakes and mires as we pass by. There are many swamp areas, but they are easily crossed, using wooden planks. The surrounding forest has an abundance of vegetation such as blueberries, lingonberries and mushrooms. The blueberry season is at its best in August and can provide fresh snacks for hikers. Accommodation is provided in the twin rooms of Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus.

Day 5 – 8 miles
After the longest hiking day we take it easy today and receive a wake-up call rather later than usual. The trek continues along the paths of the Hossa recreational area. Hossa is known for its crystal-clear lakes and handsome pine heath lands. It is also known locally as a “fisherman’s paradise”. We will stop for the lunch at the visitor centre and have a look at the exhibition which tells about the nature and history of the surrounding area. Accommodation for the remaining three nights is at Tolosenvirta cabin where the lakeside sauna will be heated every night.

Day 6
For a change, we make a canoeing trip on the lakes and rivers nearby our accommodation. We will use open Indian canoes and all the necessary equipment, including life vests, will be provided. The tour will be on still water on a couple of lakes linked by small rivers. Reindeer are a common sight in Hossa and occasionally elks can also be seen. For those ones who prefer to stay on land there are plenty of well-marked hiking trails to explore in the area.

Day 7
On the last day of our tour we will visit Julma-Ölkky canyon lake and take a 30 minute boat trip to look at the cliffs. From here it is a 4km hike to the “Colour Rock” with rock paintings dating back 4,000 years. After picnic lunch we take a final hike of between 4 and 14 km. A sauna and farewell dinner will be given at the Tolosenvirta cabin.

Day 8
After breakfast we transfer to Kuusamo airport (100 km).

Package prices

From Heathrow, starting from: £1080 /per person when two sharing a room
From Manchester, starting from: £1180 /per person when two sharing a room

Guaranteed departure dates during summer 2012:
19.8.
26.8.

Other departure dates on request.

What is included in the price?

• Finnair scheduled flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Kajaani and from Kuusamo to London Heathrow
• Accommodation: in 2-4 person rooms on days 1 and 2. On day 3 accommodation in tents. Day 4 accommodation in twin rooms with private facilities. Days 5, 6 and 7 accommodation in shared cabin with toilet, dining room and lake side sauna with shower.
• Full-board (breakfast, lunch as a picnic, dinner)
• Sauna every night
• Transfers from Kajaani airport and to Kuusamo airport
• English speaking guide
• Canoe rental on day 6
• Mattresses and sleeping bags on day 3
• Bed linen on every day

Additional nights in Helsinki and/or Kajaani or Kuusamo available on request.

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 unforeseen insurable events.