Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Lapland is a perfect retreat from the hectic city life. This tour

allows you to experience the peace and tranquillity of pristine

wilderness, take part in exciting nature-bound activities and learn

about the culture and lifestyle of the Lapps. And in summer you

have 24 hours of daylight to enjoy it all! The legendary magic of

Lapland has cast a spell over many a visitor, and you may also

yearn to come back after your first visit.

Itinerary

Transfer from Ivalo airport to Inari by private car with driver.

Surrounded by a chain of gently rolling fells, the village of Inari

offers a wealth of overwhelming experiences in unspoilt

wilderness. Yet, it has all the modern conveniences. Overnight at

Hotel Kultahovi by the river Juutua.

Experience Lapp Culture, (400 km by car)

Today’s excursion will acquaint you with the Lapp culture and

history. You set off with an English speaking guide by car bound

for Sevettijärvi village, 110 km away. The road winds through the

forests and along the shoreline of the vast Lake Inari. We will stop

for taking photos in panoramic sites.

The drive takes you through the Skolt Sami region. Your guide will

explain about the Skolt Sami tradition and history. In the

Sevettijärvi village, the Skolt Sámi centre, there is a small tradition

house (open 1.6.-15.9. free entrance) with an outdoor museum

area and an orthodox church. Free time for coffee break.

We continue towards Kirkenes along the Neiden fjord. It will be a

one hour drive from the border to reach Kirkenes. You will have

some free time to get acquainted with Kirkenes.

We will drive along the Neiden Fjord back to Neiden village. There

we will make a stop at a small waterfall of a salmon river. In

summer time with some luck one might see the salmon jump.

We head along the Varangerfjord towards Nuorgam through vast

peat lands, passing roughly weathered rocks and cliffs. We will

drive through the beautiful Tana valley westward to Utsjoki. In

Utsjoki the “Sámi bridge” connects Norway and Finland across the

border river. We will be stopping at the church in Utsjoki, which

was built during the years 1850 – 53. Originally 22 buildings, the

so-called church huts, belonged to the church which was in use

until the 1930’s. Today, the 14 remaining huts are protected as

cultural heritage.

From Utsjoki the journey will lead towards south through

marvellous fell landscape. You will find yourself in the kingdom of

reindeer. In many areas there are more reindeer than people. In

the early evening we reach finally your hotel.

Duration of the excursion: 7-8 hours.

A Visit to a Reindeer Farm

Herding reindeer is an integral part of the Lapp heritage, and even

today reindeer husbandry provides some 2000 Lapp families with a

livelihood. The host – dressed in coulourful Sámi costume - of a

local reindeer farm will tell you more about this old tradition and the

Lapp lifestyle, while you visit his farm. Try throwing a reindeer lasso

and enjoy coffee with cake in a Lapp tepee.

Duration of the excursion: 2 to 3 hours with transfers.

Overnight at Hotel Kultahovi.

Lapland’s Gold Rush

After breakfast head by private car towards Rovaniemi, a town on

the Arctic Circle. Stop on the way in Tankavaara Gold Village,

south of Saariselkä. Lapland’s first gold rush took place here in the

late 19th century after the first discovery in 1868. You, too, are sure

to get “gold fever”, as you try your luck in panning for gold. We will

stop for lunch (not included) in a restaurant on the way to

Rovaniemi, where arrival early evening.

Overnight at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

The World of Good Old Santa

After breakfast we welcome you to come and experience the most

important elements of the magical ambience of Lapland!

Your adventure begins with a refreshing cruise on a traditional

riverboat along the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. A visit to the

home of Lappish family and their workshop is the first stop on our

cruise. After this, the riverboat will take you to a local reindeer farm,

where you can learn about Lappish culture and reindeer rearing.

Enjoy a delicious Lappish lunch and participate in a ceremonial

crossing of the Arctic Circle during your visit to the farm. In the

afternoon, the tour continues by car to the Santa Claus Village for a

meeting with Mr. Claus himself, after which you have a chance to

do some shopping before returning to the city. Duration of the

excursion: 6 hours

Overnight at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Goodbye to Lapland

Transfer from hotel to Rovaniemi airport by private car with English

speaking driver.

Notes