Duration: 6 or 7 nights (depending on departure date)
Day 1 - Flights, arrival and introduction
On arrival at the airport, you will be driven directly to Hotel Aurora. The transfer normally takes about one and a half to one and three quarter hours but occasionally, reindeer block the road which can halt your progress. Welcome to Lapland.
On arrival at the hotel, there’ll be time to settle in before dinner in the excellent restaurant.
Day 2 - Snowmobile driving school
After breakfast, there will be a welcome meeting. This is where your guide will talk you through the programme as well as providing that all important information about the Northern Lights. You’ll also be kitted out with thermal overalls, an essential item for any Aurora hunter.
So, nitty, gritty out the way, on with the fun!
Snowmobiling is a way of life here in Lapland and a great way of seeing as much of the winter landscapes as possible in a short space of time. It can also be a daunting prospect if you are not used to such things. That’s why we’ve included a full safety briefing and instruction during your snowmobile driving lesson.
You’ll learn how to handle and control the snowmobile and also to read the signs and signals that pass from the guide to those following behind while on the trail.
Of course, you don’t have to do any driving if you don’t want to and can simply ride as a pillion passenger and enjoy the views.
A full driving licence is required to drive a snowmobile and we find that many of our clients choose to do a longer safari later in the week (payable locally).
Day 3 - Leisurely snowshoe hike and visit to the Aurora Kota
Snowshoeing is possibly Lapland’s most under-rated winter activity. Quite simply, most people don’t get particularly excited about it but the majority of people come back with a broad grin and a very surprised “Wow! That was great fun!”.
If you try to walk across deep, powdery snow you’ll usually find yourself sinking up to your knees or waist and it’s quite a task to extricate yourself.
With snowshoes everything changes, you can walk comfortably across the snow and explore silently (apart from the occasional shriek of laughter) into the forest. Your guide will point out any animal tracks and in this part of the world the chance of coming across an errant reindeer or two is very high indeed.
This evening, you’re off in search of the Northern Lights. You’ll be transferred by car or minibus to Aurora Kota. Once you arrive, you can see the Aurora Borealis even if it’s cloudy because a local expert will provide a video and image presentation about the phenomena which will include scientific information as well as some of the more traditional beliefs that are associated with the Northern Lights (you can also travel by snowmobile to the Aurora Kota, this is a fairly challenging route and we would recommend this for those with previous experience of snowmobiling- see price box for details).
Day 4 - Husky safari
Husky sledding in Lapland isn’t as traditional as some might think. Historically, it was reindeer which did the hard work on behalf of the nomadic Sami people and huskies weren’t introduced from North America until much later. We’re glad they were though!
Today, you visit a local husky farm where you’ll meet the dogs and learn about their lives as working animals here in Lapland. These huskies are born to run, they live to run and on arrival and as they are being tethered to the sleds, the noise is absolutely deafening but that’s all about to change.
After instruction and a safety briefing, you’ll get the chance to either ride in the sled or take the reins at the head of a team of four to six huskies. It’s when they set off that the huskies fall silent. Initially, they’ll try to set off at a blistering speed so our advice is to keep a foot on the brake. Once they are up and running, the animals find a nice steady pace which allows you to fully appreciate this wonderful experience during your short husky safari.
Day 5 - Reindeer safari and Aurora snowshoe
The reindeer are as synonymous with Lapland as snow. They have sustained the Sami people for centuries providing shelter, food, clothing and transport and are absolutely integral to the traditional Lappish way of life.
Today, you’ll visit a local reindeer farm where you’ll learn something of the reindeer’s importance in Lapp and Sami culture as well as taking a short sleigh ride (approx 30 mins) through the silent, snowy forest.
This evening, you’ll be strapping into the snowshoes again as you venture out with your guide on another search for the Northern Lights. Again, the pace will be gentle and hopefully, the Aurora Borealis will light your way.
Day 6 - Secrets of the Amethyst and teepee dinner
Apart from the Northern Lights, one of Luosto’s other key attraction is that it is home to Europe’s only operating amethyst mine. The entrance to the mine is at the top of Lampivaara Fell and you’ll be taken there in a snowmobile pulled sleigh. Before entering the mine be sure to admire the expansive views, this is a breathtaking viewpoint and worth the journey to the summit alone.
Once we’ve managed to drag you into the warmth of the mine’s Lappish Kota, you’ll hear how the amethyst was formed some 2,000,000 (that’s two million!) years ago as well as other fascinating tales regarding the mysticism and legends that have grown up around these precious stones. You’ll even have the chance to dig for your very own small amethyst to take away as a souvenir of the trip.
This evening’s dinner is just a bit special. You will be led on a short walk from the Hotel to a kota in the forest. This is your restaurant for the evening so settle in, take the weight off your feet and enjoy dinner in remarkable surroundings. Depending on the conditions occasionally this evening will be hosted in an ice restaurant – either provides a wonderful option.
It may be hard to pull yourself away from dinner but don’t forget to pop your head outside from time to time. After all, you are on a Northern Lights holiday.
Day 7 - Free day or departure (6 night duration)
If you travel on one of our 6 night departures then today it’s time to transfer back to the airport for your flights home.
If you are on a 7-night departure then you have one last day here in Lapland. Many of our clients choose to try their favourite activity again, try cross country skiing or take to Luosto’s pistes for some gentle downhill holiday skiing. Our absolute favourite is the sledging run next to the ski centre.....there’s nothing like whizzing down a snowy hill to make you feel like a kid again.
You may also want to take advantage of the pool and spa facilities over at the Tunturi Hotel and Amethyst Spa.
Day 8 - Departure (7 night duration)
Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction
On arrival at the airport, you will be driven directly to Hotel Aurora. The transfer normally takes about one and a half to one and three quarter hours but occasionally, reindeer block the road which can halt your progress. Welcome to Lapland.
On arrival at the hotel, there’ll be time to settle in before dinner in the excellent restaurant.
Day 2: Snowmobile driving school
After breakfast, there will be a welcome meeting. This is where your guide will talk you through the programme as well as providing that all important information about the Northern Lights. You’ll also be kitted out with thermal overalls, an essential item for any Aurora hunter.
So, nitty, gritty out the way, on with the fun!
Snowmobiling is a way of life here in Lapland and a great way of seeing as much of the winter landscapes as possible in a short space of time. It can also be a daunting prospect if you are not used to such things. That’s why we’ve included a full safety briefing and instruction during your snowmobile driving lesson.
You’ll learn how to handle and control the snowmobile and also to read the signs and signals that pass from the guide to those following behind while on the trail.
Of course, you don’t have to do any driving if you don’t want to and can simply ride as a pillion passenger and enjoy the views.
A full driving licence is required to drive a snowmobile and we find that many of our clients choose to do a longer safari later in the week (payable locally).
Day 3: Leisurely snowshoe hike and visit to the Aurora Kota
Snowshoeing is possibly Lapland’s most under-rated winter activity. Quite simply, most people don’t get particularly excited about it but the majority of people come back with a broad grin and a very surprised “Wow! That was great fun!”
If you try to walk across deep, powdery snow you’ll usually find yourself sinking up to your knees or waist and it’s quite a task to extricate yourself.
With snowshoes everything changes, you can walk comfortably across the snow and explore silently (apart from the occasional shriek of laughter) into the forest. Your guide will point out any animal tracks and in this part of the world the chance of coming across an errant reindeer or two is very high indeed.
This evening, you’re off in search of the Northern Lights. You’ll be transferred by car or minibus to Aurora Kota. Once you arrive, you can see the Aurora Borealis even if it’s cloudy because a local expert will provide a video and image presentation about the phenomena which will include scientific information as well as some of the more traditional beliefs that are associated with the Northern Lights (you can also travel by snowmobile to the Aurora Kota, this is a fairly challenging route and we would recommend this for those with previous experience of snowmobiling- see price box for details).
Day 4: Husky safari
Husky sledding in Lapland isn’t as traditional as some might think. Historically, it was reindeer which did the hard work on behalf of the nomadic Sami people and huskies weren’t introduced from North America until much later. We’re glad they were though!
Today, you visit a local husky farm where you’ll meet the dogs and learn about their lives as working animals here in Lapland. These huskies are born to run, they live to run and on arrival and as they are being tethered to the sleds, the noise is absolutely deafening but that’s all about to change.
After instruction and a safety briefing, you’ll get the chance to either ride in the sled or take the reins at the head of a team of four to six huskies. It’s when they set off that the huskies fall silent. Initially, they’ll try to set off at a blistering speed so our advice is to keep a foot on the brake. Once they are up and running, the animals find a nice steady pace which allows you to fully appreciate this wonderful experience during your short husky safari.
Day 5: Reindeer safari and Aurora snowshoe
The reindeer are as synonymous with Lapland as snow. They have sustained the Sami people for centuries providing shelter, food, clothing and transport and are absolutely integral to the traditional Lappish way of life.
Today, you’ll visit a local reindeer farm where you’ll learn something of the reindeer’s importance in Lapp and Sami culture as well as taking a short sleigh ride (approx 30 mins) through the silent, snowy forest.
This evening, you’ll be strapping into the snowshoes again as you venture out with your guide on another search for the Northern Lights. Again, the pace will be gentle and hopefully, the Aurora Borealis will light your way.
Day 6: Secrets of the Amethyst and teepee dinner
Apart from the Northern Lights, one of Luosto’s other key attraction is that it is home to Europe’s only operating amethyst mine. The entrance to the mine is at the top of Lampivaara Fell and you’ll be taken there in a snowmobile pulled sleigh. Before entering the mine be sure to admire the expansive views, this is a breathtaking viewpoint and worth the journey to the summit alone.
Once we’ve managed to drag you into the warmth of the mine’s Lappish Kota, you’ll hear how the amethyst was formed some 2,000,000 (that’s two million!) years ago as well as other fascinating tales regarding the mysticism and legends that have grown up around these precious stones. You’ll even have the chance to dig for your very own small amethyst to take away as a souvenir of the trip.
This evening’s dinner is just a bit special. You will be led on a short walk from the Hotel to a kota in the forest. This is your restaurant for the evening so settle in, take the weight off your feet and enjoy dinner in remarkable surroundings. Depending on the conditions occasionally this evening will be hosted in an ice restaurant – either provides a wonderful option.
It may be hard to pull yourself away from dinner but don’t forget to pop your head outside from time to time. After all, you are on a Northern Lights holiday.
Day 7: Free day or departure (6 night duration)
If you travel on one of our 6 night departures then today it’s time to transfer back to the airport for your flights home.
If you are on a 7-night departure then you have one last day here in Lapland. Many of our clients choose to try their favourite activity again, try cross country skiing or take to Luosto’s pistes for some gentle downhill holiday skiing. Our absolute favourite is the sledging run next to the ski centre.....there’s nothing like whizzing down a snowy hill to make you feel like a kid again.
You may also want to take advantage of the pool and spa facilities over at the Tunturi Hotel and Amethyst Spa.
Day 8: Departure (7 night duration)