Santa's Magic

Day 1 – Welcome

Having just flown across the Arctic Circle, the children will love being greeted at Ivalo Airport by my reindeer and friends, the Samis and one of my elves, presenting a delightful photo opportunity to capture your family’s first few minutes in my homeland!

A short, comfortable 25-minute coach-ride transfers you to your chosen hotel or cabin in Saariselkä – just enough time to see if the children can spot more reindeer or maybe my little log-cabin home through the forests bordering the road.

Time for your ‘Michelin-man’ impressions, as my helpers get you fitted with your complimentary thermal over-suits, boots, socks, gloves and hats.

Then it’s fun-time – a chance to explore and get your bearings on arrival in my winter wonderland, make snowmen, borrow the free toboggans from all my partner hotels or cabins, or just relax in a fragrant Finnish sauna – the choice is yours!

For hotel guests who have booked my great value half-board option, a wonderful first Lapland night dinner sets the scene for tomorrow’s excitement, whilst those in my Christmas Cabins will enjoy a home-cooked family meal!

Day 2 – Search for Santa

My helpers will pick you up for the ultimate Christmas adventure, enjoying all the following exciting activities at some point throughout the day, all of which are included in my prices!

Reindeer Sleigh Ride – meet your reindeer and your local Sami guide, learn the Lappish reindeer names, then take a wonderful 7-10 minute ride into the picturesque woods, with the ‘swish’ of the runners across the snow, and children and parents cuddled together under blankets in the sleigh.

Husky Sled Ride – where the children get to ride with a parent (and shout ‘mush mush!’ at every opportunity!), and grown-ups can all take a turn at actually ‘driving’ your own sled! Imagine your sled, drawn by five or six eager huskies, straining at the leash and eager to run, then released – and you’re off! Racing across the snow and through the woods is the most perfect way to experience Lapland’s winter wonderland.

Lunch is also included, to ‘recharge your batteries’ for the afternoon. This will be a simple and warming 2-course meal, with plenty of hot berry juice, squash, tea and coffee also available.

A host of Snow and Ice Fun Activities are provided for you to enjoy, such as ice-fishing, snow-hockey, kick-sledding (a crazy Finnish cross between a scooter and a toboggan!), tandem skiing, mini-skidoo rides for the children, and my favourite – tobogganing.

See your children’s faces light up with wonder, as you fulfil your family’s Search for Santa, and meet me in an Exclusive Private Family Meeting in my hideaway log-cabin home, with my elves on hand to make you welcome and ensure there is magic in the air!

Refreshments are included too, and are available throughout the day, for those times when a few minutes warming up round a crackling log fire is welcomed.

Finally, back ‘home’ in your hotel, why not finish the day with a wonderful optional Gala Dinner (included on our half-board option). In my Christmas Cabins meanwhile, a special festive dinner rounds off the day, while you re-live every unforgettable moment of your biggest ever Christmas adventure!

Day 3 – Grand Finale

Fun-time again, with the chance to thrill to another big adventure, whether pre-booked in the UK or chosen locally the day before from my range of Optional Adventures – see page 20. You may have fallen in love with the huskies and want to enjoy an even longer Husky Sled Ride, or relax on Rudolph’s Reindeer Run, or perhaps take off on a Snowmobile Safari for high-octane thrills – there are plenty of options to choose from.

This morning also gives you a chance to browse the village’s souvenir shops, to choose from their range of traditional hand-made Lappish items and clothes, Christmas gifts and toys.

My helpful team will collect you from your doorstep by coach for the short ride to the airport to catch your flight home, to a chorus of fond farewells!

QUICK LINKS
> Saariselka Resort
> Saariselka Accommodation
> Why Santa's Lapland
> Frequently Asked Questions
> Booking Conditions

* In hotels the Gala Dinner is not applicable to 23rd and 24th December departures due to special menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Images © Esprit Holidays

AVAILABILITY
All the dates above are available as of our last update. However the prices and tours are subject to availability and availability cannot be guaranteed for late bookings made betwen Oct-Dec where availability will be extremely limited with most tours likely to be full. Alternative tours will be offered should this tour be fully booked.

All prices and offers are correct as of 21 November 2011. Offers: Family of 3 offers are only available to 2 Adults and 1 child up to and including the age of 11 years old. Family of 4 offers are based on 2 Adults sharing a Type A room with 2 children up to and including the age of 11 years old. Room supplements are applicable for suites/apartments subject to availability. Room supplements, Half board supplements, optional activities and insurance are all in addition. These offers are strictly limited and can be changed or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Full booking terms and conditions apply.