Aurora Encounter
- Tour ID: PS1
Tour Info:
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Seasons: Winter
- Travel Style: Independent, Northern Lights
- Countries: Finland, Lapland
- Available: Mid November - End March
Of nature’s many spectacular sights the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is undoubtedly one of the most awe inspiring. Finnish folklore tells of a fire fox scampering across the snow, sending millions of snowflakes adrift as his tail sweeps across the snow. It’s these snowflakes which fill the sky with celestial lights creating the Aurora Borealis. To increase your chances of seeing the Lights, you’ll be accommodated in the countryside away from city light pollution and spend one night in an Aurora hut.
Highlights:
- Night in Aurora Cabin
- Snowmobiling
- Aurora hunting
- Wilderness experience
- Snowshoeing in pristine forests
Price Includes:
Accommodation based on twin/double share. Single Supplement applies
- Transfers
- Four nights accommodation – Wilderness or Superior Rooms
- Overnight in Aurora Cabin
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Snowshoe Walking
- Cross country skiing
- Aurora campfire night
- Husky Safari
- Reindeer farm visit by snowmobile
- Snowmobile Safari
- Aurora Alerts
- Outdoor suit and boots
Itinerary:
Welcome to Ivalo! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the Wilderness Hotel. Before dinner this evening, a programme schedule will be provided. Depending on your arrival time, cold weather gear is given to you either upon arrival or the following day.
Transfer to the reindeer farm to meet Lapland’s most famous animal. After a welcome from the reindeer herder you’ll have a presentation on the Sámi culture and the life of a reindeer herder and have a chance to feed the reindeer by hand. To round off your experience, enjoy a plate of soup around the fire.
After dinner this evening, comfortably seated in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile, you can enjoy the northern sky views all the way to the camp area. Without city light pollution to spoil your views of the sky, this is a wonderful pristine place to experience Nature’s fireworks, the Aurora Borealis. Relax around the fire with a hot drink whilst your guide explains this amazing natural phenomenon.
Prepare yourself for the excitement of a husky safari through the snowy forest. Each sled carries two guests, with one taking the reins as musher while the other relaxes in the sleigh. Halfway through, swap places and experience the thrill of guiding your own team of huskies.
This evening, it’s time for an exhilarating adventure across the vast Arctic wilderness. With endless snowy landscapes, winding trails and spectacular scenery, snowmobiling is the perfect way to experience Lapland’s great outdoors. Following a safety briefing and driving instructions, climb aboard your own snowmobile and set off into the wilderness. As darkness falls, keep your eyes on the sky – you could be riding beneath the magical glow of the Northern Lights.
The forest’s a beautiful winter wonderland, the silence therapeutic and you’ll be taking a walk through the forest this morning with your guide. Along the way, your guide will explain life in this environment. Take a break and relax around the fire with hot drinks and lunch. This eco-activity’s perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Feeling energetic and ready to try the most traditional of Finnish winter sports? Under instruction from your guide, clip your boots onto your cross country skis and off you go, ‘skating’ along on the groomed ski tracks. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked and ready for more.
By this time you’re going to be an expert on the Northern Lights and what could be a more perfect way to end a perfect stay than to spend your final night with the extraordinary experience of sleeping in an Aurora Hut – the perfect place for a clear view of the star-filled sky and Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed.
After five wonderful days enjoying the best of Lapland experiences, sadly, it’s time to leave Lapland behind. Check out and transfer to the airport.
Order of daily activities may vary.
Map:
Important Info:
An itinerary and quotation will be prepared for your consideration. Once accepted, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
For each traveller, we require:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
- Dietary, medical or other special requirements
No services are held at quotation stage and remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed. If a quoted service becomes unavailable, we will offer a suitable alternative where possible.
Deposit amounts vary by tour and supplier and will be advised before booking. Some accommodation, cruises, Christmas/New Year arrangements and special services may require higher deposits, full payment or non-refundable payment at booking.
Final payment is generally due 90 days before travel, unless an earlier date is required by a supplier. Your booking invoice will confirm the applicable payment schedule.
Where final supplier rates have not yet been released, provisional pricing may be provided. Any applicable conditions will be explained before booking.
Your confirmed itinerary will specify all inclusions. Unless stated otherwise, prices generally exclude:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as the deposit is paid, particularly where components are non-refundable.
Clients receive a 20% discount with GO Insurance. Please request a quotation.
Traveller names must exactly match the passport used for travel, including all given names and surnames. Incorrect details may result in fees or difficulties with travel arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring passports meet the validity and entry requirements of all countries visited. For the Schengen Area, Australian passports generally must:
-
- Be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
We recommend having at least 6 months’ passport validity remaining wherever possible. Travellers are responsible for obtaining required visas, travel authorisations and other entry documents. Requirements should be checked with relevant government authorities before travel.
Nordic itineraries may involve walking on snow/ice, uneven surfaces, stairs, boats, snowmobiles, carrying luggage and extended periods outdoors in cold weather. Activities may have age, height, health, mobility or licensing requirements.
Medical conditions, mobility limitations and accessibility needs should be advised at booking so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Dietary requirements and allergies should be advised at booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee this, particularly in remote or wilderness locations. Travellers with serious allergies should also confirm requirements directly with meal providers.
Travellers on self-drive itineraries are responsible for holding the appropriate licence for the destination and rental provider. A valid physical licence may also be required for activities such as snowmobiling.
Accommodation will be booked in the room category shown on your confirmed itinerary. Scandinavian rooms may be smaller than Australian equivalents and configurations can differ.
Twin rooms commonly have two single beds, sometimes positioned together. Additional beds may be sofa or rollaway beds. Double rooms may also use two single beds together, with separate doonas.
If accommodation must change due to circumstances outside our control, we will seek a similar or higher standard wherever possible.
Porterage is generally not included. Travellers should be comfortable managing their own luggage.
Some trains, flights, coaches, ferries, transfers and vehicles have luggage limits. Any applicable restrictions will be advised in your travel documents. One manageable suitcase per person is recommended. Excess luggage charges are the traveller’s responsibility.
Scandinavian and Lapland travel can involve very cold temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Appropriate thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats and suitable footwear are essential. Summer weather can also change quickly, so rain protection is recommended.
Weather, road conditions or operational issues may require activities or transport to be delayed, modified, rescheduled or replaced. Safety takes priority, and suitable alternatives will be arranged where reasonably possible.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on solar activity, weather, cloud cover and darkness. Tours are designed to maximise viewing opportunities but cannot guarantee a sighting.
Weather, transport schedules, supplier operations and other circumstances may require changes to accommodation, transport, activities or itinerary order. Where possible, comparable alternatives will be arranged and significant changes communicated.
Changes and cancellations are subject to supplier conditions and may incur fees. Some services are non-refundable from booking, with Christmas/New Year arrangements often having stricter conditions.
Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions and quotation for applicable cancellation conditions.
Unused services are generally non-refundable, including those missed due to late arrival, early departure or choosing not to participate. Where services are missed due to circumstances outside the traveller’s control, we will assist where reasonably possible, subject to supplier conditions.
A live digital itinerary will be provided before departure with confirmed arrangements, important information, contacts and relevant documents/vouchers. It may be updated in real time if arrangements change.
We recommend it is kept accessible and checked regularly. If an issue occurs during travel, contact the relevant supplier and our team as soon as possible so we have the best opportunity to resolve it. Delayed reporting may limit what can be done.
Travellers should provide a mobile number that will remain active while overseas. Suppliers such as hotels, transfer companies and activity providers may use this number to contact you.
WhatsApp may not be available with all suppliers, so travellers may sometimes need to make a direct local or international call. Before departure, check roaming, international calling, SIM and eSIM options with your mobile provider.
All phone, roaming, SIM and international calling costs are the traveller’s responsibility.
Price Includes:
Based on 3* twin share. Request pricing for other categories.
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