Special December 18 in Ruka
The month of December is one of the best times to travel to Lapland with the whole family. Take advantage of this exclusive departure from Madrid to enjoy all the proposed activities and accommodation at the comfortable Scandic Rukahovi hotel.
The Scandic Rukahovi hotel is located in Ruka Village Ski Resort, one of the largest alpine ski resorts in Finland, right on the edge of the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle. A perfect place to explore on a snowmobile, take husky or reindeer sleigh rides, meet Santa Claus in his house in the woods, or simply enjoy nature. You may even have the chance to see the impressive Northern Lights.
Day 1. Spain / Kuusamo / Ruka
Arrive at the airport with enough time to check in for your flight. Lunch will be served on your flight. Once you arrive to Kuusamo, you will meet your guide and will set off by bus to Ruka (approx. 30 min). Upon arrival at the accommodation you will collect the thermal clothing that you can use during the entire stay in Lapland. Once you have settled in, head over to a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2. Ruka. Ice fishing and Snowshoeing
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. You will start your adventure in Lapland with a fishing trip on a frozen lake. The experience begins once you arrive at the frozen lake, where a fisherman will teach you how to ice fish. Each participant will have time to try their luck at this activity. You will begin by making your own hole in the ice and you will be given a fishing rod to try and catch the fish below. In this lake you can find perch, pike and lake herring. After, you will carry out a fun activity, which both adults and children will enjoy; a snowshoe adventure through the snowy Lappish forest. Light lunch during the excursion. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You can take advantage of the nearby ski resort or do an optional activity. Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Optional excursion: Go-karting and Mini Snowmobiles
You will be transferred to the go-karting center, where you will enjoy an exciting new experience. Drive special made go-karts meant to move on snow or ice. In groups of 5 or 6 people, everyone will have a chance to drive their own kart. This fun and easy activity can be enjoyed by everyone. The minimum height requirement is 5 ft, the height at which the driver can reach the accelerator and brake pedals. Children who cannot drive the karts will be able to drive the mini-snowmobiles (ages 4 to 11 years old). Important: a minimum of 10 participants is required to carry out this excursion. Price per adult: $90 // Price per child (5-11 years old): $60
Day 3. Ruka. Arctic Animal Safari: Huskies and Reindeer
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Be prepared to spend another amazing day in nature. You will begin today's adventure by heading to a husky farm. Our furry friends are anxiously waiting for you to arrive. After the dogs are placed in their harnesses and separated into different teams (4-6 dogs per sled), you will start your sled ride. The guide will teach you how to handle and drive the sled. These well-trained huskies can pull up to seven times their weight. Experience the wind on your face as the huskies go racing through the beautiful Lappish white landscapes. There will be a light lunch during the excursion.
Then transfer to a reindeer farm where their Lappish herders will tell you about their way of life. You will take a sleigh ride and learn about the life of reindeer and their herders. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You can take advantage of the nearby ski resort. In just a couple of hours you can enjoy the slopes as many times as you like, since there are usually no lines at the lifts. Ruka usually has its slopes open from October, to almost the end of May and the majority of them are illuminated. The little ones will find fun skiing at the Rosa & Rudolf Family Park playground located in Ruka Valley which can be accessed by a scenic gondola from the town of Ruka. Dinner at hotel's restaurant.
Day 4. Ruka. Snowmobile Safari and Meeting with Santa Claus
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Today you are heading over to one of the most spectacular excursions of the trip, a snowmobile safari. To do this, you will be provided with helmets and gloves as well as instructions from the guides. The adults will drive the snowmobile (2 per snowmobile) and the children will be in a sled that is being pulled by the guide's snowmobile. Enjoy the amazing views that Lapland has to offer as you travel through the snowy forest and pass by frozen rivers. There will be a light lunch during the excursion.
In the afternoon, the moment that all the children have been waiting for is next. You will move to the village of Vuotunki where Santa Claus' house is located, next to a large frozen lake. When the snow falls on the slopes of the lake, large natural slides are formed, in which the young ones, and the not so young ones, can enjoy going down with the sleds that are provided. When the time comes, an elf will lead you through Santa’s house to a room where Santa Claus is waiting to meet you. He will receive you privately, family by family, and you will be able to spend a few very special moments with him. Take as many photographs and videos as you want. Mrs. Claus is an expert baker and today she will show us her famous recipe for Christmas cookies, which once made, you can bake in the house's large wood-burning oven. At the end of your visit, every child will receive their first gift of the season from Santa Claus himself. With the wonderful memory of this visit you will say goodbye to the Claus family and return to your accommodation. Dinner at hotel's restaurant.
Day 5. Ruka. Snowshoes in Oulanka National Park
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Today you will enjoy an unforgettable experience. You will take an excursion to the nearby Oulanka National Park, which is known for its impressive landscapes and waterfalls. The guide will tell you stories about the plants and animals of the area and visit the beautiful rapids of Myllykoski. You will then enjoy a delicious picnic lunch next to a bonfire. You will also carry out one of the activities that both adults and children will enjoy. You will walk with snowshoes through the snowy landscape of the National Park. Return to your accommodation. In the afternoon you will have free time to take advantage of the ski resort. You can also learn to glide down the snowy roads of Lapland just as the locals have been doing for years with cross-country skis. Cross-country skiing is quite a common practice in all the Nordic countries. It is very simple and in a short time, with the advice of the instructors, you will be able to learn to slide through the beautiful snowy landscapes. Or if you prefer, in the nearby village, close to your accommodation, you can go shopping or enjoy a hot drink in one of the bars. Dinner at hotel's restaurant.
Day 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / Spain
Breakfast buffet. Free time until the indicated time for the transfer. You can make your last purchases in the Village or perhaps enjoy a moment of relaxation before returning. You cannot leave Lapland without enjoying a relaxing sauna. Saunas are extremely popular in Finland and is something the Finns have been doing for thousands of years. Although the Finns did not invent it, they are the country with the highest number of saunas per inhabitant; there is almost 1 sauna for every 2 inhabitants in the country. Depart for Kuusamo airport. Check-in procedures and direct flight departure to Spain. Snack on board included. Arrival and end of our adventure in Lapland.
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