Based at a cosy and secluded wilderness lodge deep in the boreal forests of Finnish Lapland, this enchanting family break is filled with festive cheer and thrilling outdoor adventures amid snow-blanketed Arctic landscapes. As well as meeting Santa himself, you’ll get up close to reindeer, try your hand at snowmobiling and learn the art of ‘mushing’ with huskies. And, with a slice of good fortune, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights rippling across the star-studded night sky. Throughout, you’ll be treated to hearty, full-board dining based on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Lappish cuisine.
Santa Break at Wilderness Hotel Muotka
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A family break filled with festive cheer and exhilarating excursions in the untamed Arctic wilderness.
» 4 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £2,220 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Ivalo
Your festive escape begins by flying from the UK to Ivalo in Finnish Lapland – either directly or via Helsinki. On arrival, a shuttle transfer will be waiting to take you from the airport to Wilderness Hotel Muotka, around 30 minutes away. This cosy wilderness lodge is totally immersed in nature, perfectly showcasing the beauty and tranquility of the Arctic. Settle into your chosen accommodation – options include traditional log cabins, wilderness rooms, riverside suites and aurora cabins – and collect your outdoor thermal clothing for the duration of your stay.
You’ll also receive your individual programme schedule and have the chance to hand over any gifts or letters to reception in advance of your Santa visit. Later on, enjoy your first delicious dinner at Restaurant Tuisku, which specialises in traditional Lappish cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced products.
Stay: Wilderness Hotel Muotka, Finnish Lapland
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 » Reindeer visit, snowmobiling & Santa
Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning as you prepare for an action-packed day ahead. First, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a local reindeer herd and learn all about their importance to the region’s deeply rooted Sami culture. Your guide will share stories about these beautiful creatures and you’ll also get the chance to feed them before returning to the lodge for lunch.
Then, in the afternoon, you’ll get to try your hand at snowmobiling, gliding across the frozen Arctic landscapes in exhilarating fashion. Two people share a snowmobile, with one person driving and the other person sitting behind, with a chance to swap roles half-way through. The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Children under 14 will sit on a sled pulled by one of the guides.
Your day comes to an exciting conclusion as you get to meet Father Christmas at his secret hideaway. Everyone will receive small gifts from the man himself, and he’ll read out any letters that have been provided to reception in advance, adding a personal touch to this special occasion.
Stay: Wilderness Hotel Muotka, Finnish Lapland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 » Husky safari & aurora camp
Having experienced the thrill of snowmobiling yesterday, today you’ll venture out by husky sled, winding between frozen lakes and snow-blanketed forests in the company of these energetic, furry creatures. Before you set off, you’ll be shown how to handle the sled, with one person ‘mushing’ and the other sitting down. Along the way, there will be a chance to switch roles so each person has a go at ‘mushing’.
Afterwards, return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure, perhaps making use of toboggans and kick sleds which are available to use for no extra cost. Snowshoes and cross-country skis can also be hired for an additional supplement.
Come nightfall, you’ll head out on a sleigh ride, pulled by your guide on a snowmobile, as you go in search of the Northern Lights. You’ll soon arrive at the aurora camp, situated in an area with minimal light pollution. Enjoy some hot drinks as you wait for the green flicker of the aurora to make an appearance. It often requires plenty of patience, and, of course, a slice of good fortune regarding clear skies – but, with luck, you’ll get to witness one of nature’s most majestic spectacles.
Stay: Wilderness Hotel Muotka, Finnish Lapland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 » Return to UK
Enjoy one final breakfast and a last chance to play in the snow this morning before returning to the airport via shuttle transfer in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A family break filled with festive cheer and exhilarating excursions in the untamed Arctic wilderness.
» 4 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £2,220 pp incl. flights
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