Ultimate Santa break in Inari

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Depart for Inari

  Your trip begins by flying directly from London Gatwick to Ivalo, deep inside the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. It’s also possible to fly via Helsinki with an internal connecting flight to Ivalo. On arrival, a shuttle transfer will take you to the Wilderness Hotel Inari, where you’ll collect your warm outdoor clothing (included throughout your stay) and check in to your stylish Arctic Chalet, which comes with an interior fireplace and a private sauna. There’s also the option of upgrading to a cosy log cabin if you’d prefer. Enjoy your first taste of authentic Lappish cuisine at Restaurant Ukko for dinner and of course, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.

  Stay: Wilderness Hotel Inari

  Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 » Reindeer experience & Santa visit

  Set yourself up for an exciting day ahead with a delicious breakfast. First, you’ll head out to a local reindeer farm to learn all about the tradition of reindeer herding and Sami culture, with plenty of time to spend with the beautiful creatures themselves. You’ll then return to the hotel for lunch. Later on, it’s time for the big event as you take a short walk to a ‘kota’ tent to meet Santa. During your private family visit, Father Christmas will welcome you with plenty of festive cheer and present the children with a gift. 

  Stay: Wilderness Hotel Inari

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 » Husky sledding, winter fun & aurora hunt

  Today, you’ll learn the art of mushing as you head out into the Arctic wilderness by husky sled. Typically, one person (aged 18 or over) controls the sled while the other person sits as you glide through the winter wonderland. Return for lunch and enjoy an afternoon making Christmas crafts or using toboggans, kick-sleds and snowshoes throughout the hotel’s grounds. This evening, you’ll venture into the forest in search of the Northern Lights. While you wait to see whether they make an appearance, keep warm by toasting marshmallows by a fire as your guide tells you stories about the aurora. With some good fortune regarding the cloud conditions and solar activity, you’ll hopefully see the Northern Lights casting their ethereal glow in the night sky. 

  Stay: Wilderness Hotel Inari

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 » Snowmobile safari

  Having tried your hand at mushing with huskies, today you’ll experience another equally exhilarating way of whizzing through Finnish Lapland’s snowy landscapes: snowmobiling. This excursion is ideal for beginners, as you’ll be shown how to drive a snowmobile and practice until you feel comfortable before setting off for a proper ride. In order to drive a snowmobile, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Children under 14, meanwhile, will sit on a sled pulled by the guide. The rest of the day is then yours to spend at leisure.

  Stay: Wilderness Hotel Inari

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 » Return to UK

  After one last breakfast and a final play in the snow, take a shuttle transfer back to Ivalo Airport to catch your flight home.

  PLEASE NOTE: The above itinerary is subject to change. The days and timing of your excursions will be reconfirmed to you on arrival at the hotel.

  Meals: Breakfast