DAY 1 ISTANBUL – ROVANIEMI – SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE – AURORA BOREALIS – KEMI
We depart from Istanbul at 09:45 AM on Turkish Airlines flight TK1749 to Rovaniemi. We arrive in Rovaniemi at 13:25. At the airport, we board our bus and head first to Santa Claus Village.
Santa Claus Village Visit
Santa Claus Village is known as Santa Claus' home and is particularly popular during the winter months. It is famous for its traditional Lapland houses and snow-covered landscapes. Visitors can visit Santa Claus' house and send their special wishes. Additionally, you can drop a letter into the red post boxes at Santa Claus' post office to be delivered to yourself or your loved ones next Christmas. The village is filled with souvenir shops, local handicrafts, and Christmas-themed cafes. Santa Claus Village is a great place for people of all ages to experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas; it is located where the Arctic Circle passes, marked by a blue light line representing the polar circle. After our visit to Santa Claus Village, we head to our hotel in the city center of Kemi. Before checking into the hotel, we stop by the safari office to pick up the thermal clothing we will use for our upcoming safaris and tours.
In the evening, you have free time or can join an optional bus tour to see the Northern Lights.
DAY 2 KEMI – HUSKY AND REINDEER SAFARIS
After breakfast, we head to the husky and reindeer farm.
Husky Safari
We arrive at the husky farm and visit some of the world's cutest dogs. Today, we will learn how to guide our own husky team and enjoy an unforgettable short sled ride (3KM) with these adorable friends. Afterwards, we head to a restaurant in Kemi for lunch. After enjoying the buffet-style lunch, we proceed to the reindeer farm.
Reindeer Safari
After receiving information about reindeer from our local guide, we take a short tour (400M) in sleds pulled by reindeer through the snow-covered forest. Following this unforgettable experience, we spend pleasant moments around a bonfire and receive a “Reindeer Ride Certificate” at the end of the tour. Finally, we return to our hotel by bus.
Free time in the evening.
DAY 3 KEMI – FREE DAY (OPTIONAL ICEBREAKER TOUR)
Free day in Kemi. Guests who wish may join the optional icebreaker tour.
Optional Icebreaker Ship Tour – 425 EUR per person
After breakfast, we head towards the Swedish town of Kalix, located 70 km from Kemi, for the icebreaker activity. During our journey, we cross the Sweden-Finland border and arrive at Axelsvik port. On our 3-hour journey aboard the world's largest tourist icebreaker ship, you will witness how ice is broken on the frozen sea. Halfway through our journey, in the middle of the icy sea, we put on thermal suits specially designed to help us survive in cold waters and keep us afloat, then swim in the pool created by the ship breaking the ice. After our tour, which is listed among activities one must try before dying according to National Geographic, we return to Kemi and have free time for dinner. Lunch is included in the icebreaker tour.
DAY 4. KEMI - ROVANIEMI – SNOWMOBILE – ICE HOTEL
After breakfast, we depart for a snowmobile safari and a visit to the Ice Hotel in Rovaniemi. After approximately 1.5 hours by bus, we arrive in Rovaniemi.
Snowmobile Safari
This morning, we will take an unforgettable tour on snowmobiles through frozen river valleys and snow-covered forests. During the journey, we will enjoy the frozen scenery and take breaks with hot drinks. Two people share each snowmobile, and you can switch drivers halfway through the route. After the snowmobile safari, you have free time for lunch in Rovaniemi city center. In the afternoon, we move from the meeting point designated by your guide to the Ice Hotel.
ICE HOTEL VISIT
The Ice Hotel is a popular attraction open to visitors every day between December 15 and April 1. It is one of the largest snow hotels located above the Arctic Circle. The Snow Hotel is built differently each year and decorated with ice and snow art. Visitors can explore ice rooms, ice sculptures, the Ice Bar, and the Ice Restaurant. After the visit, we return to our hotel in Kemi.
Free time in the evening.
DAY 5. KEMI – HELSINKI – ISTANBUL
After an early morning breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. Our journey begins with a train departing from Kemi around 06:30. For approximately 7 hours, we will enjoy a pleasant trip accompanied by Finland's enchanting snowy landscapes and unique northern nature.
Upon arrival in Helsinki, we take a short panoramic city tour with our private vehicle and then have free time to explore the city. After the free time, we transfer to the airport. After completing check-in and passport procedures, we depart from Helsinki to Istanbul at 19:00 on Turkish Airlines' direct flight TK1764. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport at 23:50, our tour concludes.