Overview
What's included?
- Flights: return from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights in twin/double hotel room
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
- Clothing: cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Aurora Hunt & Forecast, Snowmobile Safari, Aurora Camp with Snowshoe Trek, Husky Safari, E-Fatbiking with Electric Snowscooter, Sami Siida Museum and Winter Survival Skills, (order of activities is subject to change)
- Complimentary use of snowshoes, skis and toboggans
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
This getaway offers so much more than just a short break. Expect to fall in love with the majesty and beauty of Ivalo. Boasting enchanting landscapes and a high probability of glimpsing the Northern Lights, this region of Finland will capture your heart.
Conveniently situated in the serene town of Ivalo, the Pine Sky Suites provide a cosy sanctuary after a spell in the cold. Picture kicking off your snow boots and snuggling up with a hot drink and a good book.
The balanced itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to offer you a well-rounded programme of authentic activities led by passionate and knowledgeable guides. Every guest at Pine Sky Suites is treated to an Aurora Forecasting workshop on the first evening. This gives you the opportunity to ask lots of questions, discover the best methods to hunt this natural phenomenon, where the optimum viewpoints are and technology that can aid your quest.
A trip to Lapland wouldn’t be complete without snowmobiling and husky rides so you can rest assured your winter bucket list will be refreshed. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about ancient and vibrant Sámi culture and how to thrive in the snow with a workshop in Winter Survival Skills. Adventure awaits!
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity to secure the best possible fares and flight times.
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
Departure day: Tuesday
Next season’s dates and prices
Departure dates between | ||
---|---|---|
Tue 03 Dec 2024
to Sat 28 Dec 2024 |
Adults £ 2,605 To £ 3,125 | |
Tue 07 Jan 2025
to Sun 02 Feb 2025 |
Adults £ 2,415 To £ 3,095 | |
Tue 04 Feb 2025
to Sun 02 Mar 2025 |
Adults £ 2,245 To £ 2,835 | |
Tue 04 Mar 2025
to Sun 23 Mar 2025 |
Adults £ 2,405 To £ 2,965 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20
Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in our general booking terms and conditions.
- More than 84 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 84 to 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 32 days prior to departure - 75%
- 31 or less days - 100%
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Welcome and Aurora Forecasting
After landing in Ivalo, you’ll be transferred to Pine Sky Suites where a warm reception awaits. Once you’re settled into your accommodation, you’ll be invited to a welcome briefing accompanied by delicious Lappish Tapas. This evening, you’ll be taught how to forecast the Aurora Borealis and use your new knowledge on a quest to find them. Hopefully, the Northern Lights will perform a dazzling display of colours and patterns for you to marvel.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Snowmobile Safari and Aurora Camp with Snowshoeing & Open Fire Dinner
After a nourishing breakfast, served at a nearby restaurant, you’ll head out onto the unspoilt wilderness via snowmobile, an almost ubiquitous way to witness the enchanting scenery and travel like a local. Relish the pristine air and savour the incredible landscapes of Kaunispää, Palopää and Urupää fells. Lunch will be served at Kaunispää.
This evening, your expert guide will build an Aurora camp where they’ll prepare an aromatic dinner by the open fire. Look to the sky and anticipate the arrival of the spell-binding Northern Lights. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the magical forest by snowshoe – specialised outdoor footwear that allows you to travel on top of the fresh, powdery snow.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Dog Sledding with Taïmyr Dogs and E-Bike & Electric Snowscooters
A visit to Finland would be incomplete without a husky safari. Following breakfast at a nearby restaurant, discover the thrill of mushing in this dog sledding activity. The Taïmyr dogs and the Laïka Nenets will be delighted to see you and unlike most breeds, they are known for their minimal barking, creating a more peaceful and relaxed experience.
Today, lunch will be enjoyed in Ivalo before taking a spin on E-Bikes and electric snowscooters – a first of their kind. Your friendly guide will give you a short driving lesson and safety briefing before you set off along the trail. There is also the option to sit in a sledge if you prefer to be chauffeured. This activity lasts around two hours.
Dinner will be served in Hotel Kultahippu’s restaurant in Ivalo. Kultahippu translates to ‘gold chip,’ epitomising this small treasure in the far north. Expect fantastic hospitality and an extensive menu of delicacies.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Sámi Siida Museum and Winter Survival Skills
Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast at a nearby restaurant before today’s exciting programme. Opened to the public in 1963, the Sámi Museum exhibits an open-air museum and collection of pieces with the main purpose to support the identity and cultural self-esteem of the Sámi. This fascinating attraction will give you an insight into the interesting history and culture of the area and its indigenous people.
In the centre of Inari is Čaiju, your lunch stop today. Its name derives from a Skolt Sámi word meaning tea. Offering a variety of organic teas, including the exclusive chaga mushroom latte, sumptuous pastries, handmade sandwiches and savoury treats, Čaiju is a renowned spot.
Your authentic Finnish adventure continues this afternoon with a tutorial in winter survival skills. With an official wilderness guide degree, you can rest assured your instructor will ensure you gain practical, hands-on teaching and equip you with the skills and knowledge for any outdoor exploration.
Following dinner in Kultahippu, there is deliberate space in the itinerary for more Aurora hunting. Hopefully, the Northern Lights will perform a magical display for your final evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Departure
After breakfast at a nearby restaurant, it’s sadly time to check out from Pine Sky Suites and depart Ivalo, taking with you special memories that will last a lifetime.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Other options
Pine Sky Suites
Conveniently positioned in the heart of Ivalo village, just a short transfer from the airport and within walking distance of local amenities, Pine Sky Suites are a great location for travellers visiting Northern Lapland.
Guests can enjoy complimentary use of snowshoes, skis and toboggans to explore the surrounding area, with close access to Ivalo River and the nearby forest.
Breakfast is included each morning and will be served in a nearby restaurant, offering local and fresh produce. The restaurant is located just a short walk from the apartment block.
Guest bedroom types
Apartment
Pine Sky have 13 apartments located within the same building, all varying slightly in layout and décor, but each finished with the same modern Scandi style.
Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom and TV and Wi-fi is provided free of charge for all guests. Beds can be oriented as twin or double, which is standard in Finland and some of the larger apartments have a convertible sofa bed for additional guests.
Pine Sky Suites will provide you with a comfortable base for your stay.