Day 1 -
(Dec 22) Arrive Finland
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On arrival at Kajaani Airport you will be met by Santa’s friendly elf and transferred by coach (journey time approximately one-and-a-half hours) to the Hotel Kalevala which has been decorated for Christmas, On the way 'Glogi' and gingerbread will be served.
Meals included:
Dinner
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Day 2 -
(Dec 23) Winter Fun Christmas Carols
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After breakfast and a short programme briefing, your winter adventure begins with a morning of outdoor activities including tobogganing and kick-sledding. Following a light lunch in the hotel restaurant we embark on the highlight of the trip – a visit to Santa’s workshop. We walk through the snowy pine forest along a beautiful trail lit by candles and bonfires. There are surprises along the way with music and singing by Santa’s elves. In Santa’s workshop you can learn how to make gingerbread cookies and in the Forest Lodge you will hear more Christmas stories from the elves. The children’s eyes will sparkle with delight and excitement as each of them meets Santa Claus and experiences a fantasy moment that they will treasure for a very long time. Santa will have a small gift for each child. Later there will be time for a sauna before an option of a Christmas concert with local young musicians performing at the Kuhmo Arts centre -bus transfer.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 -
(Dec 24) Christmas Eve
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After breakfast we walk through the snowy forest and bring the Christmas tree back to the hotel where we decorate it. We then enjoy traditional Christmas rice-porridge with a special prize for the person who finds the hidden almond and join Santa’s elves to bake Christmas pastries. In the afternoon there is an optional visit for the grown-ups to the nearby Chapel where candles are lit for loved ones far away. A visit from Santa Claus and Rudolph (Parents can arrange their own presents to be delivered by the big man himself)
After a relaxing sauna it will be time for this evening’s festivities. A fabulous Christmas Eve buffet dinner is followed by traditional Finnish entertainment.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 -
(Dec 25) Christmas Day
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Finally the most magical day of the year has arrived and each family can choose how to spend this very special time together. You can enjoy optional winter activities (not included in the price) such as horse sleigh riding, a snowmobile safari, cross country skiing, a snowshoe tour, ice sculpting, ice-skating, kick sledding and ice-fishing (see below for list of optional activities), or simply relax and soak up the festive atmosphere.
After tonight’s buffet dinner and enjoy dancing until the early hours.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 -
(Dec 26) Boxing Day
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Following breakfast there’s a morning of winter fun activities including a taster horse sleigh ride, an enjoyable husky sleigh ride, reindeer sledding and a short snowmobile ride with hot juice served by an open fire.
In the evening there will be time for a sauna before dinner and a late night outside by the fire where drinks will be served . Later in the evening you will experience a Samporite. During this fascinating Samporite, you will hear the story of Sampo. The story is based on Finnish National Epic Kalevala and is told by the Kalevala Shaman. During this rite you will receive one piece of this Sampo but you will have to wait till after the shaman has gone to find out what this piece will bring you.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 -
(Dec 27) Day for Relaxing
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After breakfast enjoy a day of optional activities, shopping or just relaxing.
In the evening there will be time for a sauna before dinner and a performance of a folklore program by the traditional Helka group. (local group of boys and girls, performing traditional dances and songs)
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 -
(Dec 28) Depart Finland
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After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kajaani Airport for your return flight home.
Hotel Kalevala
This comfortable, cosy hotel enjoys a peaceful location on the shores of Lake Lammasjärvi in the small town of Kuhmo. The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge and saunas, while each of the 44 rooms is equipped with private bathroom (shower & wc), TV, telephone and minibar. Children are well catered for with special menus and a playroom where they can enjoy Playstation2 and DVD-movies.
Flying to Finland
Our Festive season break includes scheduled flights via Helsinki from London Heathrow. Local time in Finland is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
What To Bring
We will provide you with the winter outer clothing (thermal overall, woollen socks, boots, gloves and balaclava) that are required for the extremely cold conditions (-20° to -30°C is common). You should bring with you adequate clothing (several layers may be required) to wear under your thermal outer clothing (cotton, wool and fleece are the best materials) including long thermal underwear. We strongly recommend extra socks, gloves, scarves and balaclavas especially for children.
Meals included:
Breakfast
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