Rukan Salonki - December 18
Ruka Village is one of the largest alpine ski resorts in Finland, located in the northwest of the country, right on the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle and next to the border with Russia. The Rukan Salonki accommodation complex is surrounded by nature. It is an ideal and exclusive place perfect for exploring on snowmobiles, taking rides on husky or reindeer sleighs... or simply relaxing in the sauna. You might even have the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights. Welcome to Lapland! We look forward to seeing you!
Take advantage of this special pre-Christmas trip to experience this fantastic journey to Lapland with your family. We will be staying at the Rukan Salonki resort, probably the best in Finland when it comes to authenticity, space, comfort, service, and location. Its enormous log cabins are practically unique constructions in Lapland. There is no other resort in all of Lapland with cabins like these. Inside the cabins, the decoration is carefully designed, always staying true to the customs and folklore of the local Sami (Lapland) culture. It would be hard to find a better place to stay in Lapland than Rukan Salonki, but it's important not to make comparisons with other destinations or countries because, despite being a "snow" destination, the style of accommodation in Lapland differs significantly from the more elegant standards found in exclusive Alpine resorts or American mountains.
Day 1. Spain / Kuusamo / Ruka
Arrival at the airport. Meet with Catai staff who will assist you with the simple check-in procedures. Departure on a special direct flight to Kuusamo. Snack on board included. Meet your guide and transfer to the Rukan Salonki resort (approx. 20 min). Arrival. In your accommodation, you will find thermal suits in your size that you can use throughout your stay in Lapland. Once settled, we will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 2. Ruka. Arctic Animals: Husky and Reindeer Safari
Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin our adventure in Lapland with a visit to a husky dog farm. Upon arrival at the camp, we will be greeted by the enthusiastic barks of the dogs. Surrounded by nature, they will explain the instructions for driving and safety before starting the sleigh ride. The team consists of two people, a musher and a passenger (they can switch places during the ride). After the excitement and speed at the start, you will soon relax and enjoy the surroundings. Once back at the camp, we can enjoy a comforting hot drink in a kota. Light lunch during the excursion. Traveling through beautiful forests and over ice-covered lakes, we will arrive at a traditional reindeer farm. We will take a sleigh ride pulled by these endearing animals while the herders tell us stories about their life and sustenance, the oldest in Lapland. Free time until dinner to enjoy the hotel facilities or play in the snow. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 3. Ruka. Meeting Santa Claus
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the day that the little ones have been waiting for. We will transfer to a secret location near Ruka, a small complex of houses and cabins with wonderful winter views. There is a slide area where children can play while waiting to see Santa. In his house, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting for us. We will have the opportunity to prepare cookies and Christmas decorations with them and learn about life in Lapland. Each family will have time to chat with Santa, take photos, and receive a gift from this endearing character (for children under 11 years old). With the unforgettable memories of this visit, we say goodbye to Santa Claus and return to our accommodation. Return to the Rukan Salonki complex and enjoy a light lunch at the hotel restaurant. Rest of the day free. In the complex, you have access to an illuminated slide track and free-use floats. On the frozen lake, you can try the Finnish carousel, where one person sits and the other spins, or use the traditional "kick-sledges," a type of sled. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 4. Ruka. Snowmobile Safari and Optional Sauna Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to put on your thermal clothing again and enjoy an incredible day outdoors. We will embark on one of the most comprehensive excursions of this trip. First, the guides will explain how to use the snowmobiles (they are very easy to drive), and we will begin our journey. The adults will drive the snowmobiles (2 people per snowmobile, with the option to take turns driving), while the children ride in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile. We will enjoy a light lunch during the excursion. You will have free time to enjoy the sauna or perhaps take advantage of the opportunity to do some downhill skiing at the Ruka alpine ski resort, located 15 minutes from your accommodation. Skiing here is easy, as Ruka usually keeps its slopes open from October until almost the end of May, with many of them illuminated. Your guide can provide advice on schedules, prices, and more. Lift tickets and ski equipment can be purchased by the hour. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 5. Ruka. Ice Fishing, Lunch in a Kota, and Snowshoeing
Breakfast at the hotel. We will start another day full of adventures by engaging in an activity that both adults and children enjoy: snowshoeing to one of the best spots for ice fishing in Ruka, Lake Veskajärvi. We will meet the fishing guide at the laavu, a shelter they have on the shore. First, we will receive instructions on how to use the small fishing rods, bait, and the "kaira," which is the drill for making holes in the ice. Then it's our turn to find the best spot and try our luck on the ice. The lake is home to perch and pike, both natural inhabitants. In the laavu, we can enjoy a hot drink around a campfire to warm up. We will have a light lunch in a traditional Lappish kota, which is a typical tent of the Sami people (also known as Laplanders) with a shape similar to teepees or Native American tents. Afterward, we will return to the accommodation and have free time until dinner. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / Spain
Buffet breakfast. Free time until the designated transfer time. We cannot leave Lapland without experiencing a relaxing sauna. Sauna in Finland is a tradition. Although the Finns did not invent it, they are the country with the highest number of saunas per capita, with almost one sauna for every two inhabitants, and they are the ones who use it most frequently. Departure to Kuusamo Airport. Check-in procedures and departure on a direct flight to Spain. Snack onboard included. Arrival and end of our adventure in Lapland.
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