Christmas in Rukan Salonki[COMPLETO]
Living the magical Christmas days in Lapland is an experience you will never forget. Stunning snowy landscapes, sleigh rides pulled by reindeer, huskies... We will even get to meet Santa Claus in his secret cabin.
Located in the northwest region of Finland, right on the border of the Arctic Circle and near the Russian border, you will find Ruka Village, one of the largest alpine ski resorts in Finland. The Rukan Salonki accommodation complex is surrounded by nature, making it an exclusive and ideal place for those who want to explore on a snowmobile or enjoy a sleigh ride with huskies or reindeer. It is also perfect for those seeking relaxation in the sauna or waiting for the breathtaking Northern Lights. Welcome to Lapland! We look forward to your visit.
Day 1. Barcelona / Kuusamo / Ruka
Meeting at the airport. You will 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 minutes). Arrival. In your accommodation, you will find thermal suits of 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, we will be given instructions on driving and safety before starting the sleigh ride. The team consists of two people, a musher and a passenger (you can switch places during the ride). After the excitement and speed of 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 frozen lakes, we will arrive at a traditional reindeer farm. We will take a sleigh ride pulled by these charming animals, while the herders tell us stories about their life and livelihood, the oldest in Lapland. Free time until dinner to enjoy the hotel facilities or play in the snow. Special Christmas Eve dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 3. Ruka. Snowmobile Safari
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 start our journey. Adults will ride the snowmobiles (2 people per snowmobile who can take turns driving), and children will ride in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile. We will enjoy a light lunch during the excursion. Free time to relax in 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 will be easy for you. Ruka usually keeps its slopes open from October until almost the end of May, and many of them are illuminated. Your guide can provide advice on schedules, prices, etc. Ski lift tickets and ski equipment can be purchased by the hour. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 4. Ruka. Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing, and Lunch in a Kota
Breakfast at the hotel. We will start another day full of adventures by engaging in an activity that is enjoyed by both young and old. We will walk through the snow with snowshoes to reach 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 and bait, as well as the "kaira," which is the drill used to make 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 similar in shape to teepees or Native American tents. Return to the accommodation and free time until dinner. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 5. Ruka. Meeting with 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 for children to play while waiting to see Santa. In his house, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting for us. We can prepare cookies and Christmas decorations together, and they will tell us about life in Lapland. Each family will have some time with Santa to chat and take photos. Every child (under 11 years old) will receive a gift from this beloved character. With the unforgettable memory of this visit, we say goodbye to Santa Claus and return to our accommodation. We will return to the Rukan Salonki resort and have a light lunch at the hotel restaurant. The rest of the day is free. In the resort, you have access to an illuminated toboggan slide and free-use floaters. On the frozen lake, you can try the Finnish carousel, where one person sits while the other spins it around, and you can also use kick-sledges, the most traditional and authentic means of transportation, similar to sleds. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / Barcelona
Buffet breakfast. Free time until the indicated time for transfer. We can't leave Lapland without enjoying a relaxing sauna. Sauna is a tradition in Finland. While the Finns didn't invent it, they are the country with the highest number of saunas per inhabitant, with almost one sauna for every 2 inhabitants, and they are the ones who practice it most regularly. Departure to Kuusamo airport. Check-in procedures and departure on a direct flight to Barcelona. Snack on board included. Arrival and end of our adventure in Lapland.
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