Unmissable Lapland

Outbound flight from Birmingham. Please see below the outbound flight times for Lapland:
• 7th December 2018 – Departing Birmingham airport at 1300 and arriving into Kuusamo airport at 1840
• 10th December – Departing Birmingham airport at 0900 arriving at Kuusamo airport at 1440.

Arrive in Lapland, Finland at Kuusamo Airport and transfer to your hotel in Ruka.

Settle in at your hotel (Scandic Rukahovi or Ruka Village Resort) and wrap up in your thermal suits, boots and gloves all waiting for you on arrival - before exploring your surroundings. The hotel you are staying at will be confirmed to you in your final documents pack, posted (or electronic email if you prefer) one month prior to departure.

Your personal schedule will be determined on arrival. You’ll get to do all three of the excursions though!

Due to the group size, the activities included on days two and three
mean that the group will split and will enjoy these activities at different
times in the comfort of smaller groups. Upon arrival, an itinerary will be
waiting in your room outlining the times of the various activities, so you
can plan what to do with your free time.

REINDEER AND HUSKIES
Rudolph and his reindeer friends are almost as famous as Father Christmas himself. So, visiting them in their natural habitat (and that means lots of snow!) is an absolute must in Lapland. Learn interesting facts, ask questions, feed the reindeer and have your photo taken with them...before being transported on a magical reindeer ride through the woods.

Your party will be split into smaller groups to allow the best access to
the animals and activities.

MEET THE HUSKIES
Then it’s your opportunity to get to know the fastest dogs on snow – the
huskies. These high-speed hounds have been bred to pull sleds and act
as taxis and couriers.
After you‘ve been introduced to the dogs themselves, you‘ll get to
experience them in action... first hand! Your 2.5km husky sled safari
will take you through the beauty and serenity of the forest – a fantastic
experience for snow trekkers of all ages.

Duration approx. 2 hours (with lunch included)

SNOWMOBILING
You’ve seen snowmobiles flying through snow-covered landscapes,
across frozen lakes, and venturing far into forested wilderness in
James Bond films… and now’s your chance to try one for yourself!
Our snowmobiling trip is an unforgettable family experience and has
something for everyone – nature enthusiast or wannabe special agent…
Let us take you far into the dreamy surroundings of Lapland to enjoy
its silence and tranquility, only 30 minutes from your Ruka base.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you through beautiful
scenery, and you’ll stop off for a hot juice drink on the way.
For the snowmobiling tour, all participants must sign a €1000.00
disclaimer against any damages. Snowmobiling tour will be with
experienced guides. Children will sit on sleds pulled by the guides. All
drivers of snowmobiles must be at least 18 years of age and possess a
valid driver’s license. Any person who is under the influence of alcohol
will not be permitted to drive the snowmobiles.
Adults will be able to ride the snowmobiles themselves (easy there,
Dad!) after some tuition. Kids will sit on sleds pulled by the guides’
snowmobiles – great fun and just as bumpy!

Duration approx. 2 hours

FUN ON THE SNOW
As well as your husky and reindeer sessions, kids will get a chance to
ride skidoos, sled down the hill, climb ropes and speed through the
tunnel track. On top of all this fun, a delicious hot lunch is included,
which you’ll enjoy in a traditional Lappish hut.

Your personal schedule will be determined on arrival. You’ll get to do all three of the excursions though!

MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS
The real reason we’re all here (you too, parents and grandparents!) of
course, is to meet Father Christmas…Well it just so happens that he’s
taken a trip down from his secret home in the mountains to his holiday
hideaway. And he’s keen to meet some special guests.
YOUR VISIT WILL COMPRISE:
• Arrival to a warm welcome, a hot blackcurrant juice... and plenty
of tomfoolery from the elves
• Invitation inside from Father Christmas himself to hear all about
his life in Lapland and for kids to receive their elf hats!
• Families welcomed into Father Christmas’ study one by one... make
sure you’ve got your list as these individual meetings are
an Unmissable® special!
• Opportunity for photos with Father Christmas
• Buffet with tea, coffee, glög (a traditional Finnish Christmas drink),
kids’ drinks, gingerbread and chocolates
• Mrs. Christmas – she’ll be there to help with refreshments and
to show you her specialty – decorating cookies
• Look around the cottage’s tiny post office – where Father Christmas
sends and receives his summer mail. Send a postcard to your home
address for a great reminder of your magical holiday…
• Finnish lesson from Father Christmas as he teaches everyone how
to sing a Christmas carol in his own language
• Gift presentation to children… as long as they’ve been good!

Duration approx. 2 hours

This is your final day in the Finnish winter wonderland but it’s not over yet. This morning is free for you to enjoy activities, or simply wonder around for your final Lapland moments with the family before your flight from Kuusamo Airport back to Birmingham. Your coach pickup time will
be advised on the information sheet found in your room upon arrival.
• 10th December 2018 - Inbound flight will depart Kuusamo airport at 1730 and arrive into Birmingham at 1915
• 13th December 2018 - Inbound flight will depart Kuusamo airport at 1800 and arrive into Birmingham at 1945