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Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Saariselka Saariselkä is a mountain area and a village in Finland. It is a popular tourist destination, providing activities such as skiing, hiking and a spa. It is located in Northern Lapland and belongs to the Inari municipality. Saariselkä is partly in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Soil in Saariselkä is mostly 2 billion year-old granulite. The last ice age ceased 9500 years ago in Saariselkä. Welcome to Ivalo. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Saariselkä, a small village surrounded by untouched wilderness. Hotel Gielas (4*) is located in a peaceful central village location with cozy wood-panelled public areas and good cuisine. The hotel boasts 84 very spacious bedrooms: 77 Superior rooms, 6 Junior Suites and one Geilas suite. Hotel rooms are located about 100 meters from the hotel reception and restaurants. Each one has been splendidly decorated and furnished to include sofa, television and Internet access. The ensuite bathrooms all have a bath/shower, hairdryer and, best of all, your own personal sauna. Gielas Hotel guests have breakfast in their own hotel but take dinner in the main reception building. Overnight at Hotel Gielas (4*). |
 Hotel Gielas |
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Day 2
Saariselka Early morning departure in your private car for your full day journey through the fascinating white countryside of Lapland to Kirkenes. Travel a short distance out of Kirkenes to Jarfjord, with a quick stop on the Russian border on the way. Once at Jarfjord you travel either by boat or snow mobile, depending on ice conditions, in search of the King Crabs. The King Crab Safari was voted as one of the 25 best new adventure trips by National Geographic in 2008 and rated the best experience in the World at the FITUR travel workshop 2009. You will have the opportunity to watch a diver catch the giant crab, giving you the chance to experience this giant of the sea, up close. You will also get to taste (King Crab lunch) this local delicacy while watching a unique multimedia lecture on this incredible creature. After your gourmet experience you will enjoy a leisurely car journey back to Saariselkä. The day’s safari ends back at your hotel, with early evening arrival. Overnight at Hotel Gielas (4*). |
 King Crab |
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Day 3
Kakslauttanen Kakslauttanen is located in North Eastern Lapland just 15 km south of the popular resort of Saariselkä. It sits on the edge of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Europe’s last extensive wilderness areas, with its excellent network of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Kakslauttanen provides perfect opportunities for observing Aurora Borealis, as there is virtually no light pollution and very few trees obscuring the sky nearby. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), one of the most magnificent natural phenomena, usually appears in the night sky between end of August and April. There is no better way to get acquainted with winter in Lapland than using the ancient method of the first settlers un Lapland. Fasten the skis to your skiing shoes, lean on the sticks and glide along the tracks through the pure whiteness. A stop is made to have a cup of hot berry juice. The price includes equipment rental until 17:00 o`clock so you can go skiing on your own afterwards. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the nearby Igloo Village in Kakslauttanen for checking to your private Glass Igloos. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass igloo and weather permitting, you can marvel the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from your bed. There is also an opportunity to choose to stay in a Snow Igloo, sleeping in a thermal sleeping bag in approximately – 5 degrees Celsius. Glass igloo provides a one of a kind opportunity to admire the northern lights and millions of stars of the crystal clear Lapp sky in a comfortable room temperature. Based on a groundbreaking idea and years of research and development, glass igloos are a marvel of modern technology. Built from a special thermal glass the temperature inside the igloo always stays at a normal level. It also prevents the glass from not getting white frosted, hence keeping the view clear even when the temperature outside drops to under -30°C. Please note that due to the size of the Glass Igloos there are no private facilities in the Igloo, however it is fitted with private separate toilet. Also the size restricts the amount of luggage so all guests must leave their main luggage at the main building a short walk away, however they are encouraged to bring an overnight bag with them to their Igloos. There are shower facilities and saunas next to the Igloo village, which are available for guests. Overnight at Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo. |
 Cross Country Skiing |
 Glass Igloo |
 Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo |
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Day 4
Kakslauttanen Depart Kakslauttanen on a private vehicle and travel south towards Rovaniemi with a memorable stop on the way. A few kilometres outside of Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus, you will visit the Santa Claus Village where you will enjoy lunch at the Aurora Café and Restaurant, and free time to experience this unique attraction including the possibility of having quick visit with Santa Claus himself. After some free time you board your coach and continue to Rovaniemi for early evening arrival. Overnight at Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo. |
 Santa Claus Village |
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Day 5
Rovaniemi Rovaniemi is a city and municipality of Finland. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated close to the Arctic Circle and is between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara, at the confluence of the Kemijoki River and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Rovaniemi's most prominent landmarks include the Jätkänkynttilä bridge with its eternal flame over the Kemijoki river, the Arktikum House which rises out of the bank of the Ounasjoki river, the Rovaniemi Town Hall and the Lappia House. Claimed to be the residence of Santa Claus, Santa Claus Village and Santapark, is located 8 km north of the centre. The perfect safari if you like snowmobiles and Husky dogs. After a brisk snowmobile ride you reach the husky dog farm where the dogs welcome you with friendly barking. Experience a quick thrill ride in a sled pulled by your very own team of huskies. Hot beverages are served around the campfire on the farm. Contact your travel advisor for a quote. Clarion Hotel Santa Claus (4*) is located in the very heart of Rovaniemi, in the same complex with a shopping mall. Their Lappish Restaurant Gaissa specializes in Lappish dishes in a trendy way. New Bar & Grill ZoomUp was opened in June 2008 and provides lunch, delicious large portions of grilled delicacies as well as small snacks until late hours. The street level Café & Bar ZoomIt makes the best variations of coffees and drinks. Despite the central location the unique Lappish nature is only a stone’s throw away. Safety and green values rate very high on their list of priorities, and the architecture shows special consideration for families with children and for the disabled. Overnight at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus (4*). |
 Clarion Hotel Santa Claus |
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Day 6
Rovaniemi Morning departure in your private vehicle travelling South to Kemi, where you will experience one of the highlights of your winter adventure. You board the Sampo Icebreaker at Kemi harbour and spend 4 hours on this unforgettable vessel breaking though the ice in the northern Gulf of Bothnia. This incredible experience includes a guided tour of the ship with its massive engine room and bridge, and a warm lunch in the on board restaurant. In the middle of the largest ice field in Europe, you also get the opportunity to jump in the sea and float! You will of course be fitted with a warm survival suit and those who dare will also be presented with a certificate by the ship’s Captain. One course lunch is included on the board. Return transfer to Rovaniemi with early evening arrival at your hotel. Overnight at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus (4*). |
 Sampo Icebreaker Tour |
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Day 7
Rovaniemi Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you have the bright sky, moon and the stars, maybe even the Aurora Borealis – Northern Lights – showing you the way. Sip warm beverages and snack by the campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and Lapland. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
 Northern Lights |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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