Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction

Your holiday begins at Ivalo Airport from where our transfer takes you through some stunning scenery to Nellim. A welcome drink and meal await you at your cosy new home.

Day 2: Snowshoes and cross country skiing

This morning is all about learning new skills. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are on the agenda and the adults will also receive a short snowmobile driving lesson. After lunch the skills are put into practice during either a skiing or snowshoe trip lasting 1 to 2 hours.

Day 3: Husky safari and ice fishing

Dog sledding is one of the most memorable winter activities and today you will head out onto Lake Inari with your team of huskies for a 10km safari - just magic. In the afternoon you will be taken by snowmobile-pulled sleigh to try your hand at ice fishing - good luck!

Day 4: Snowmobile safari

Today you will explore the landscape by snowmobile. You will whizz across frozen lakes and through snowy forests travelling around 30km. Children will ride in a sleigh pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. You will break for hot drinks and snacks before heading back to Nellim.

Day 5: Lappish activities

This morning there will be fun and games during a variety of tasks. There will be ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, lasso throwing competitions and a fire making lesson; Ray Mears eat your heart out. The afternoon will be free for you to try extra activities or relax.

If you are travelling on the 20th December departure then there are some real festive treats and a few surprise visits today as well as a delicious Christmas dinner.

Day 6: Reindeer farm visit and Sami culture

No visit to Lapland is complete without reindeer. Today you will visit a local reindeer farm, feed the reindeer their favourite snacks and meet with the Sami herder who will tell you about their culture and way of life. You will also visit the Russian border area - it's very James Bond. You will travel by snowmobile sleigh throughout the day and there will be some free time this afternoon.

If you are travelling on the 26th December departure then tonight there will be celebrations to welcome in 2012.

Day 7: Departure

Today it is time to head home or you may wish to extend your stay at Kakslauttanen Igloo Village.

The Kakslauttanen Igloo Village

Hotel Kakslauttanen

Kakslauttanen is about getting away from it all and certainly isn’t the place if you’re looking for wild nightlife. Our advice is to take a good book and revel in the peace and quiet of your log cabin. But don’t forget to pop your head out the door and look skyward from time to time, we don’t want you missing the Aurora!

In a central log building you’ll find reception, a small souvenir shop and the main restaurant. From there, all snowy
paths lead to the log cabins, the snow igloos and the hugely popular (and warmer) glass igloos. Amongst the different accommodation you’ll find the world’s largest smoke sauna, a wedding chapel and ice bar.

Kakslauttanen Log Cabins

There are 40 very cosy and comfortable cabins here at Kakslauttanen. We recommend the “standard” cabins which vary in size making them suitable for groups of two to ten people. Each cabin has an open plan kitchenette and lounge area with fireplace, shower/toilet room, bedroom or bedrooms and sauna.

Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos

Fabulous idea! Take an isolated site in the Aurora Zone and build glass igloos with unbelievable views of the Arctic night sky. Even better, use special thermal glass that ensures the igloos stay at a comfortable room temperature and prevents the windows from frosting over. Each igloo has two luxury beds with remote control positioning (so you can prop yourself up to watch the Aurora) and a discreet toilet and wash room.

Kakslauttanen Snow Igloos

For a slightly more extreme bedtime why not try a snow igloo? As the name suggests, they are built entirely from snow but the temperature inside is always between -3°C and -6°C. However, everything has been done to make sure that you remain warm as you’ll be provided with a down sleeping bag, woollen socks and a hood.

Nellim Apartments

For an even cosier option amidst your wilderness surroundings the newly built apartments are a warm and welcoming retreat from the sub zero temperatures outside. Situated on the opposite side of the courtyard from the hotel the apartments feature all the modern conveniences in almost startling contrast to the snowy wilds beyond their doors.

They vary in size with two, three or four bedrooms and extra sleeping space on a sofa bed in the lounge area if required. Two of these apartments have their own private sauna and another two have a fireplace. They are distributed on a strictly first come, first served basis.

Where better to return after a day driving your husky team than to a snugly heated apartment, for a warm shower and a snooze before crossing the courtyard to the restaurant for dinner?

Nellim Wilderness Hotel

Built in traditional Finnish style, this one storey hotel was formerly the village school. It offers cosy, clean and very comfortable accommodation in just 18 double and three single en suite bedrooms. There are also a few larger bedrooms which are suitable for families. These rooms are all housed in the main building which is the hub of the hotel’s activity.

To be honest staying at the hotel is more like being part of the family than enduring a sojourn in some characterless and standardised chain hotel. After dinner in the restaurant, why not get a drink from the bar and join the rest of the family watching the unfathomable Finnish TV?

Nightlife is not high on the agenda here so you may want to take a few books or games as additional entertainment. However, after exploring the amazing Lapland vistas, a drink and sheer relaxation are more likely to be the preferred option. You are right in the Aurora zone at Nellim so be sure to keep one eye on the night sky.

All the food is home cooked and, as far as possible in this far flung corner, locally sourced and produced. Suppliers include local reindeer herders and fishermen. Generally speaking, the dishes will be pretty much what the family would eat on a daily basis.

There are two saunas and a well stocked bar in the main building but make sure you keep your coat on the pegs near the main entrance. That way you can grab it quickly for the dash outside when the Aurora Borealis start dancing across the night sky.

As you will doubtless have gathered, this is not a large establishment so places on our trips are often limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment.