Winter week in Sami land

Northern lights search by snowmobile

Prices: from £1471 per person when two sharing
Period from January to April 2013, departure day Sunday
8 days (7 nights) guided holiday on full board basis

This winter holiday week in Nellim in Finland’s Lapland is ideal for adventurous couples, families, individuals or groups of friends looking for an active holiday in real Lappish surroundings. See the Northern lights, meet the cute huskies, hop on a sled pulled by a reindeer, enjoy an exciting snowmobile drive, try out snowshoe walking, tobogganing, or just relax.

Wilderness Hotel Nellim is beautifully located next to Lake Inari, one of the deepest lakes in Scandinavia and only 6 miles from the Russian border. Area offers visitors the opportunity to experience the fascinating culture and life of the local Sámi people while enjoying exciting winter activities.  Hotel is located only 45 minutes’ drive from Ivalo Airport. Nellim offers accommodation is in cosy hotel rooms and in fully equipped holiday apartments.

Example itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Lapland

On arrival at Ivalo, the northernmost airport in Finland, you will be transferred to the Wilderness Hotel Nellim. The journey takes about 45 minutes. After settling into your hotel, dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 – Cross-country skiing and snowshoes

In the morning you will receive cross country skiing tuition before venturing out on a ski tour for 2-3 hours. Lunch will be served at the restaurant. Afternoon is free for your own activities or you can just relax. Dinner and sauna at the hotel. In the evening at 10pm you will go to the Aurora Camp on Lake Inari to search for the Northern Lights for 2 hours. Hot juice will be served in the camp.

Day 3 – Day with a reindeer herder

Visit to a local reindeer farm where you can see and feed the animals, and also learn about the Lappish way of life. The herder tells about reindeer husbandry, and how it affects local culture. You can also try ice fishing after checking the fishing nets under the ice. If you are lucky, some fresh fish will be served with the lunch by an open fire. The day includes about 30 km ride on a snow mobile, and lasts about five to six hours.

Day 4 – Snowshoeing and ice fishing

Today you will have a 4-hour snowshoe trek in surroundings of Nellim. Picnic lunch will be served outdoors. In the afternoon you can try some ice fishing and try your luck in catching the fish. In the evening dinner and sauna.

Day 5 – Snowmobile safari

Your experienced guide will show you how to drive a snowmobile and gives you the safety information (please note that valid driving license is needed). You will start this 5-hour snowmobile safari and drive app. 80 km (2 persons per snowmobile). A picnic lunch will be served during the safari by campfire and you will also stop for ice fishing. The afternoon is free for your own activities. Dinner in the hotel and evening sauna.

Day 6

Free day and optional safaris. Full board at the hotel.

Day 7 – Husky safari

After breakfast it is time to meet the huskies. You will be taught how to handle the sled and then start this half day husky safari (2 people /dog team). During the safari you will have a stop for packed lunch. Driving distance is about 17 km. Evening is free for your own activities.

Day 8

Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Flight back to London Heathrow. (Flights available also from Manchester, please ask for a quote)

Prices

From London Heathrow: £1471 /adult (two sharing), £1164 /child (4-12 years when sharing a room with two adults)
From Manchester: £1554 /adult (two sharing), £1174 /child (4-12 years when sharing a room with two adults)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Ivalo airport
• Transfers from/to Ivalo airport
• Accommodation in twin rooms in Wilderness Hotel Nellim
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on daily basis
• Programme as described (when using snowmobiles, 2 persons share one snowmobile)
• Thermal clothing

Please ask for a price for

• Single supplement
• Shorter duration
• Package without flights

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.