January in Rukan Salonki
The first days of 2024 in Lapland are experienced in a very special way. That's why we propose this magical trip where you will meet Santa Claus and participate in activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and rides on reindeer and husky sleds.
Start off 2024 on the right foot and take advantage of the first week of January to embark on this fantastic trip 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 huge 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 crafted, always adhering to the customs and folklore of the local Sami (Lapland) culture. You will hardly find a better place to stay in Lapland than Rukan Salonki, but it's important to avoid comparing it to other destinations or countries because, despite being a "snow" destination, the type of accommodation in Lapland differs quite a bit from the more upscale standards found in exclusive Alpine resorts or American mountains. Expect a visit from the Three Wise Men in a truly unique place.
Day 1. Spain / Kuusamo / Ruka
Check-in 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 onboard included. Meet your guide and transfer to the Rukan Salonki resort (approximately 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's 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 barking of the dogs. Surrounded by nature, we will be given instructions on driving and safety before starting the sled ride. The team consists of two people, a musher and a passenger (you can switch positions 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 reach 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 with Santa Claus
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the day the little ones have been waiting for. We will be transferred to a secret location near Ruka. It's a small complex of houses and cabins with wonderful winter views. There is a playground area where children can 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 time to spend with Santa, chat, and take photos. Each child (under 11 years old) will receive a gift from this endearing character. With the unforgettable memories of this visit, we say goodbye to Santa Claus and return to our accommodation. Return to the Rukan Salonki resort and enjoy a light lunch at the hotel's restaurant. Rest of the day free. In the resort, you have access to an illuminated toboggan slide and free-use floats. On the frozen lake, you can try the Finnish carousel, where one person sits and another spins it, and you can also use the "kick-sledges," the most traditional and authentic means of transportation, similar to a sled. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 4. 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 begin our journey. Adults will ride the snowmobiles (2 people per snowmobile, taking 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 advise you on schedules, prices, etc. Both lift tickets and ski equipment can be purchased by the hour. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 5. 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 both adults and children enjoy: snowshoeing. 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 are typical tents of the Sami (Laplanders) with a similar shape to teepees or Native American tents. Return to the accommodation and free time until dinner. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / Spain
Buffet breakfast. Free time until the indicated transfer time. We can't leave Lapland without experiencing a relaxing sauna. Saunas are a tradition in Finland. Although the Finns didn't invent them, they have the highest number of saunas per capita, with almost one sauna for every 2 inhabitants, and they are the ones who use them most frequently. Departure to Kuusamo Airport. Check-in procedures and departure on a direct flight to Spain. Snack on board included. Arrival and the end of our adventure in Lapland.
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