Snowmobile safari to the Arctic Ocean
Snowmobile safari
Prices from £1464
Travel period: January – April, 2010
Duration 5 days, 4 nights
Join us for a Lapland safari that takes you all the way to the Arctic Ocean! In this 5-day programme, you get to drive through snow-covered forests and wilderness all the way to the Arctic Ocean and Norwegian Lapland. You will learn about the history of Sami culture, stay at the northernmost winter resort in Finland and enjoy the marvellous scenery of the north.
The snowmobile safari starts from Ivalo, located 250 kilometres north of Arctic Circle and 196 kilometres south of the Norwegian border. During the trip you can admire the beautiful landscapes, have lunches by a campfire and relax in the snowy and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening you will drive to a local reindeer farm to enjoy a Lappish dinner and sauna with an overnight stay in a cosy log cabin.
Driving distance for each day during the safari is proximately 110-170 kilometres. After the 3-day snowmobile safari, you will be guided back to your accommodation in the winter resort of Saariselkä for your final night of stay. This active break combines an arctic adventure with a two night’s comfortable stay at the Saariselkä Tunturi Hotel. You can relax by the largest wilderness area in Europe, visit the most northern spa in Europe, and try winter activities from ice-fishing to downhill skiing and even ice-karting. Located in the municipality of Inari, Saariselkä also offers you the chance to get acquainted with the fascinating culture of Inari Sami, the indigenous population of the northernmost Finland.
Example itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Lapland
Upon arrival to Ivalo airport, bus transfer to Saariselkä resort for your first night of stay. Check-in to the Tunturi Hotel apartment with en-suite facilities, kitchenette, and private sauna. During your first evening, you can enjoy local cuisine in the several restaurants on offer, experience Lappish evening entertainment, or search for the Northern lights with a short evening snowmobile excursion.
Day 2 - The safari begins
You will be picked up from your apartment and given full thermal clothing and driving equipment with an introduction to the safari. Ride through the snowy forests and icy landscapes towards Sevettijärvi begins at 9.00. On the way, you will stop on the Lake Inari to visit the island of Kärppäsaari, and have a light lunch by a camp fire. After the driving distance of approximately 170 kilometres, overnight will be spent in a local reindeer farm with dinner and sauna.
Day 3 – To the Arctic Ocean
Safari continues towards Norway and the village of Neiden with only 250 residents. The village is situated by the Ocean, and is known for its fascinating Sami culture and for the Neiden River, one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Norway.
You will have lunch in Neiden Fjellstue, a reindeer herders’ lodge located on an old trade route with a history dating back to 1876. Fjellstue offers an excellent setting for a lunch next to the Arctic Ocean, River Neiden and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, trip continues back towards Sevettijärvi reindeer farm for an evening dinner, sauna and overnight. Driving distance on this day is approximately 120 kilometres.
Day 4 - Back to Ivalo
The last day of safari will take you back to Saariselkä via Inari village. With the driving distance of 120 kilometres, there are plenty of scenic stops on the way with a coffee break by a camp fire. In the afternoon, you will be guided to your Saariselkä apartment with a free evening for your own activities.
Day 5 – Good bye Lapland
Bus transfer back to Ivalo airport for your flight back to the UK.
Prices
Heathrow from £1464 / person, Manchester from £1494 / person
Price includes
Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Ivalo, bus transfers from/to Ivalo airport, 2 nights in Saariselkä Tunturihotel apartment with breakfast (2 sharing), 2 night snowmobile safari to the Arctic Ocean with full safari equipment, cabin accommodation and full board
Included safari equipment: snowmobile/person, fuel, full safari gear (overall, helmet, baklava, boots and mittens), guide’s services, insurance, insurance excess being 500 Euros
Booking conditions: Booking requires minimum of 4 people, participants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driving licence in order to drive their own snowmobile during the safari
Not included: Optional excursions in Saariselkä (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.
