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Price from £2,385pp
VISITING: Finland BROCHURE CODE: 5026
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, guided activities, meals and cold weather clothing; all as listed.
Saija is not about going wild, but about being free. Escape to this snowy wilderness over seven nights and enjoy an epic dog sledding adventure. You’ll return home feeling refreshed and invigorated having recharged your batteries Saija-style.

What's included?

  • Transfers: return group airport transfers*
  • Accommodation: 6 nights’ in en-suite wooden cabin with sauna, 1-night wilderness cabin
  • Activities (order subject to change): introduction day, 2-3 hour husky safari, 4-6 hour husky safari and overnight husky safari, visit the smoke sauna and a Northern Lights information session (departure dates after 15/01/2024 also include a night in a snow igloo, subject to availability)
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during activities
  • *Arrivals and departures which don't meet the group transfer times will be subject to a private transfer supplement. 

Saija is a vision of just how you imagine the Finnish wilderness to be. Located on the shores of Lake Jokijärvi, this trip combines the excitement of dog sledding with spectacular surroundings and time to relax.  

When it comes to the husky safaris, you will take charge of a team of four to six dogs. You will drive with the same husky team for the duration of the trip so that you can build a trusting relationship with them throughout the week. You will never forget the thrill of driving with these eager, dedicated animals through North-East Finland's huge forests and over its frozen lakes and marshes.  At Saija, the scenery is ever-changing and awe-inspiring all the way.

Around the lodge, there are many cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for exploring on your free day. There's also a chance to try out additional activities – see the ‘Personalise’ tab for more details. A highlight among these is snowmobiling, which is a thrilling option.

From the moment you step through the door of Saija Lodge, you will sense the restful and homely atmosphere that the team here work so hard to maintain. Instant relaxation is inevitable, as you are welcomed into what feels like home and introduced to the other guests. From meals to activities, and even during your free time, you will feel part of a community in this cosy accommodation.

Staying in pretty log cabins at the all-wooden Lodge, your own private sauna helps you unwind and feel even more refreshed. The cosy restaurant is a short walk away and is where you will enjoy traditional Finnish home-cooked specialities and can chat with other guests after a day of dog sledding adventures. 


©Saija.fi, Taipale brothers, Daniel Ernst, Juho Kuva
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Key facts

Duration: 7 nights
Pace: Active
Suitable for: Anybody over the age of 18. See our terms for further information.
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We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

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.

Departure day: Saturday

Next season’s dates and prices

You can make a pre-reservation to secure your holiday at this stage by paying an initial deposit of only £50pp. The provisional departure dates, prices and itineraries remain subject to change. We will contact you when the final dates, prices and itineraries are confirmed, and you will have 14 days to decide if you would like to go ahead. You will then need to pay the remainder of your deposit to confirm your booking in full. If you decide not to travel, we will refund your initial £50pp payment. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with full terms and a complete quotation. 

Please note: where listed in the What’s Included section, pre-sales prices include return UK flights.

Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.

 

Departure dates between
Sat 30 Nov 2024
to Sat 21 Dec 2024
Adults £ 2,385 To £ 2,675
Sat 21 Dec 2024
to Sat 11 Jan 2025
Adults £ 2,385 To £ 3,385
Sat 11 Jan 2025
to Sat 15 Feb 2025
Adults £ 2,725 To £ 3,055

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Approximately 2 - 8 people

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

  • You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred directly to Saija Lodge. After some time to settle in, your welcome dinner will be served in the main building. Enjoy Finnish homemade food and the chance to meet fellow guests about to embark on a week of – what is for most – first-time experiences and adventure.

    During your stay at Saija, the guides will gather the group to host a discussion about the Northern Lights. They will speak to you about the science of the Northern Lights and some of the fascinating myths and legends the local people believed before science was able to explain this incredible natural phenomenon. This special evening will be confirmed upon your arrival at Saija.

    An afternoon in a smoke sauna is also included in your holiday price and will be arranged on arrival. From 14th January, Saija builds a small snow igloo and the chance to spend a night in the igloo is included in the cost for all guests staying at the lodge. The night it is available to you will be confirmed upon arrival (subject to availability) – this truly unique experience really is yet another memorable highlight for many of our guests in Saija.

    Included Meals:  Dinner
  • Your guide will discuss your itinerary with you and get you kitted out in all of the cold-weather clothing that you require for the duration of your stay. You can also join a tour of the facilities with your guide and see what there is to do in and around Saija – now is a good time to book any extra activities for your last day back at the lodge. 

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • After breakfast, your guide will take you through all aspects of the husky safari, outlining the all-important safety and giving advice on how to best work with and guide your dogs. You will then get to meet your eager team of huskies.

    Each participant has a team of four to six huskies. You are responsible for the dogs' care throughout the safari. You will have the chance to practice with them and begin to build up a relationship on a 13km training run in the area around the lodge.

    The feeling you get from working with and encouraging your dog team is something that will stay with you forever. The adrenalin and the feeling of excitement as you head away from the husky farm and into the wilds is second to none. In an intriguing contrast, there's an intense feeling of peace and serenity that most people experience at the same time.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • You've had the training, now it's time for the real thing. Step up the pace on your first full-day safari, driving your team through snow-laden forests and across frozen lakes and rivers. Lunch will be served en route around an open fire. By the end of this thrilling day, you will have covered 25km to 35km with your team of huskies.and across frozen lakes and rivers. Lunch will be served en route around an open fire. By the end of this thrilling day, you will have covered 25km to 35km with your team of huskies.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Taking full responsibility for your dedicated dog team, you head out on an overnight trip into the wilderness. Driving through this unforgettable landscape, with the gentle swish of the sled's runners and the padding of the huskies' paws on the snow, you know you're creating memories that will be very hard to beat. As you and your dogs cross this dramatic winter world, add a little extra momentum by pushing off with your feet on the inclines and you will enjoy the boost in reaction from your team.

    At your overnight base, you are in charge of caring for the dogs; they need to be fed, watered and settled in for the night. At your cabin, once you collect firewood and water, the hard work is rewarded with a delicious dinner cooked over an open fire. There's a sauna you can use and the cabin is really cosy once the fire is blazing. After such an exciting day and in the quiet of the wilderness, you should enjoy a blissful night's deep sleep.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Your team will probably wake you with impatient barks. Once you and your dogs have had breakfast, it's back out onto the sled for more breathtaking scenery. There will be a lunch stop around an open fire and more mushing all the way back to the lodge. A shower and a hot dinner will feel like luxuries after your time in the wilds.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • A final full day to spend however you please – and you may well want to just take it easy and relax after your husky adventure. If you still have some energy and want to make the most of every moment, take advantage of the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails which surround the hotel, exploring the landscape on a guided tour (see the ‘Personalise’ section). You can also try an additional guided activity such as snowmobiling and visiting a reindeer farm.

    Whatever you do, make sure you take some time to sit back, relax, and just "be" in one of our planet's most enchanting places.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Say goodbye to Saija and transfer to the airport for your return flights.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Included in price

Saija Lodge

Nights: 1-7

Delightfully located on the shores of Lake Jokijarvi, Saija Lodge offers the much-welcomed guest a genuine sense of peace and quiet in the remote wilderness of Northeast Finland. The lakeside location also offers astounding views of snow-covered fells.

Crafted completely from wood, Saija Lodge has a cosy, homely and comforting feel. A roaring fire and candlelight really set the tone. This ambience is accompanied by welcoming staff, wonderful home-cooked food and plentiful space for unwinding after activities.

All in all, it is the ideal location to really escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and serves as an excellent base for either a multi-activity adventure or a specialist husky safari into the surrounding wilderness.

Hotel facilities

  • With traditional Finnish style, the main building of the lodge and its cabins are constructed entirely from wood, offering guests a rustic and warm charm.
  • The restaurant is located in the main building, where your meals will be served. Here you can enjoy a variety of dishes including local produce such as reindeer and fish, in addition to delicious homemade pastries and bread.
  • The lodge also boasts an on-site husky farm.
  • With over 25km of managed cross-country ski trails close by, you can hire skis for a small fee from reception if you have some experience.
  • There is also a traditional smoke sauna on-site, which can be heated on request for guests to enjoy.

Guest bedroom types

Lodge accommodation

The accommodation at Saija consists of 20 suites, which are located in several winter cottages, separate to the main building. Each suite consists of a living area, shower room, toilet and private sauna. The sleeping area is situated on a separate mezzanine level.

Wilderness cabins

For trips including an overnight husky safari, one night will be spent at Harjajarvi wilderness cabin. This is a very remote site with no electricity or running water, however, you will experience instant warmth from a log burning fire and the sauna. Experience a wonderful sense of escapism. All meals will be prepared by your guide over the open fire.

During your time in the wilderness, you will also be responsible for your own team of dogs and will prepare their food.


Special Nights

Sky Cabins

From: £160pp

Why not spend an evening gazing at the Arctic sky from the warmth of your bed by staying overnight in one of Saija’s ‘Sky Cabins’?

Designed with a panoramic window that stretches to the roof and with a double bed positioned beneath it, the cabins provide excellent views of the firmament above.  There is something wonderfully relaxing about watching snowflakes drift past the glass roof, or on a clear night, admiring the glittering stars from the warmth of your cabin. Add the excitement of watching out for the Northern Lights into the mix, and you have yourself a perfect evening.

Saija’s cabins are positioned on a lakeshore, offering a vast expanse of the non-light polluted sky to act as the perfect backdrop for a potential display. They are just as well-equipped as a hotel room would be, with a double bed, a sofa bed, an ensuite bathroom and a private sauna.

Please note: prices are based on you spending any night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and keeping your original accommodation.


©Saijia Lodge

Personalise this tour


Our pick

Fat Bike Rental

From £28pp

The landscape surrounding Saija is full of fantastic trails to enjoy. Fat bikes can be hired for either 4 hours, or the whole day, however, we recommend taking part in the guided fat biking activity, prior to renting your own equipment.

Please make sure to speak with the lodge staff about the local conditions, inform them of your plans and take a mobile phone with you on any trip that you take independently.

4 hours: £28 per person per day

Day rental: £44 per person


Other options

Activities

Snowshoe hike

From: £75pp

Snowshoeing offers the chance to get up close to nature and experience it at a slower pace. On this trip, your guide will lead the way on snowshoes and you will be out in the wilderness for around three hours. Your guide will highlight any animal tracks and provide you with information about the region as you walk amongst the snow-covered trees. En-route you will break for warm drinks around the campfire.

Duration: Approx 3 hours

Visit to a reindeer farm

From: £116pp

Reindeers are synonymous with Lapland and have been herded for centuries, forming an intrinsic link with both the Sámi people and North Finland. This insightful activity will allow you to experience a working reindeer farm.

At the farm, you will be able to get up close with these gentle creatures and there will be opportunities to take photographs. You can also ask the herder any questions you may have about his reindeer and life up here above the Arctic Circle. This is sure to be an interesting experience for the entire group.

Ice fishing

From: £53pp

Venturing to the frozen lake you will be given an introduction to the classic Nordic pastime of Ice Fishing. Your guide will explain the techniques which include drilling a hole through the ice and setting up a line. Hot Drinks will be served around a campfire as you wait patiently for a fish to bite. It is incredibly rewarding to make a catch, but the surrounding scenery and stunning snow-covered horizon add to this unique experience.

Duration: Approx 2.5 hours

Guided Fat Biking

From: £87pp

For those who desire a more unconventional method of exploring the snowy wilderness then why not enjoy a unique tour by Fat Bike.

This relatively new activity has grown in popularity over the last few years and allows for cycling through deep snow, on frozen lakes and through forested tracks. The chunky tyres have extra grip and allow you to cut through the snow with relative ease. This unique activity will allow you to cycle towards spectacular snow-covered horizons with incredible views of Finnish Lapland.

The tour will include a stop for a coffee break near the rapids where you can spot various birdlife and other natural wonders in this stunning winter wonderland.

Duration: Approx 3 hours

Cross-country ski tour

From: £56pp

Cross-country skiing is nothing short of an obsession for many Finns and it is only when you experience the joy of gliding through the silent forests and fells that you really begin to understand why it is such an addictive pastime. Your guide will provide you with complete instruction so no experience of any kind of skiing is required. You will head out onto the trail for around two hours and explore the stunning scenery around Saija Lodge.

Duration: approx 2 hours

Snowmobile safari (60km)

From: £291pp

If you are keen to keep the adventure going following your husky safari then why not try a thrilling snowmobile safari on your free day – a completely different way to experience this landscape? Following a full safety briefing, you'll depart on a safari covering around 60km with two people travelling per snowmobile. There will be spectacular views as you travel across frozen lakes and over the tops of fells. You will enjoy lunch around an open fire in a traditional wooden kota before returning to Saija lodge.

Please note: You must be 18 years old or over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.

Duration: 60km (the time on the trail depends on conditions)

Drive your own snowmobile: £66 per person supplement

 

Snowmobile safari (30km)

From: £193pp

If on your free day you would like to try something completely different to dog sledding, then a snowmobile is not only an efficient way to make the most of the vast scenery here but also exceptionally good fun. Following a full safety briefing, you will set off on one of the many trails that criss-cross the forests and fells, travelling two people per snowmobile. This 30km safari is a great introductory snowmobile tour and there will be a break for coffee around a campfire.

Please note: You must be 18 years old or over and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.

Duration: 30km (the time on the trail depends on conditions)

Drive your own snowmobile: £44 per person supplement

Little Extras

Snowshoe and cross-country ski hire

From: £22pp

Saija has a range of snowshoes and cross-country ski tracks on the doorstep with various lengths from 4km to 25km. The incredible landscape of frozen lakes and forest-covered fells provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a scenic route across the snow. The snowshoes or cross-country skis will be yours for the day. You must speak with the staff about the local conditions, inform them of your plans and take a mobile phone with you on any trip that you take independently. You should have completed a guided snowshoe or cross-country ski trip previously if you would like to hire the equipment.

Hire for the day: £22 per person per day

Weekly rental: £110 per person

Special Nights

Sky Cabins

From: £160pp

Why not spend an evening gazing at the Arctic sky from the warmth of your bed by staying overnight in one of Saija’s ‘Sky Cabins’?

Designed with a panoramic window that stretches to the roof and with a double bed positioned beneath it, the cabins provide excellent views of the firmament above.  There is something wonderfully relaxing about watching snowflakes drift past the glass roof, or on a clear night, admiring the glittering stars from the warmth of your cabin. Add the excitement of watching out for the Northern Lights into the mix, and you have yourself a perfect evening.

Read more about this activity

Saija’s cabins are positioned on a lakeshore, offering a vast expanse of the non-light polluted sky to act as the perfect backdrop for a potential display. They are just as well-equipped as a hotel room would be, with a double bed, a sofa bed, an ensuite bathroom and a private sauna.

Please note: prices are based on you spending any night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and keeping your original accommodation.


©Saijia Lodge

Traveller Reviews

It couldn't have been better 14 December 2019 by The Lockwood Family

Our guide was excellent. So organized, friendly, knowledgeable, really cared for us well. We waited 14 years for our son to be old enough to drive his own husky sled so for us it was all about the dogs. The set up of the dog experience was perfect. From the care of the dogs, the build up of the sledding to the overnight trip it couldn't have been better.

The Best. Holiday. Ever. ! 14 December 2019 by Kirsty, Nathaniel and Cameron Lockwood

As reviewed by our teenage son. We waited many years for him to be old enough to drive the husky sled himself and it was everything we hoped and more.   We had confidence when booking that we were choosing a company that had high welfare standards for the dogs - they were indeed very well cared for.   Everything was done online and was very efficient and easy. Everything went
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smoothly.  Saija 'lodge' was perfect with everything we needed,  it was beautiful,  small enough,  comfortable,  everyone was incredibly friendly,  the food was exceptional and we even had a sauna in our rooms! The equipment we were lent was perfect for the activities and so much better than anything we owned or could buy.   The husky sledding experience was perfectly judged and executed.  Warming us up perfectly so that we had confidence on our ability to manage on the sled.  We were fully involved in looking after the dogs.  Our guide Laurie was perfect; organised,  managed us well,  knew the dogs well,  he talked to us about lots of very interesting things like history of Finland,  nature,  the dogs,  tracks and of course the activities being run there in the summer.  We had an amazing time and would highly recommend this specific holiday to anyone.
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Whenever we needed to speak to Artisan travel the staff were always very knowlegable and helpful. 30 November 2019 by Rachel Phillips & Derek Taylor

The equipment we hired was excellent, it all looked like it was new. The food at the resort and on the husky safari was delicious. The staff were brilliant. The guides who did the safari were great fun and very knowlegable, we felt very safe and well looked after. The food provided during the safari was outstanding. Whenever we needed to speak to Artisan travel the staff were always very
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knowlegable and helpful.
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Saija - Husky Safari 16 March 2019 by Rodney Kantor

Staff at the lodge were most accommodating when it came to dietary requirements, not just for me. Half the guests seemed to want something particular and the staff went out of their way to provide it. The food was good and plentiful and the accommodation was fine.

The whole holiday was wonderful and we enjoyed all the activities tried 12 January 2019 by Alexandra & Catherine Fowler

I absolutely adored the holiday and it’s magical being out in the Finnish winter wonderland with the dogs. It might be a good idea to note that some of the trails are tricky to drive and you do have to have a certain basic level of fitness to be out all day with the dogs. Really nice accommodation with our own sauna in the room. The food was delicious with vegetarians very well catered for.
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Guides and all staff at Saija were knowledgeable and helpful.
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Thoroughly recommended 05 March 2016 by Lee Tilson

Working with my own team of six huskies was so rewarding. Excellent facility and most enjoyable programme of dog sledding. Thoroughly recommended.

An amazing week at Saija with near perfect weather 22 March 2015 by Jane Stonehouse

We're just back from an amazing week at Saija with near perfect weather, Northern Lights, slept in an igloo and best of all, the dog sledding. We were so impressed by the care shown to all 155 dogs and the dog sledding was a fantastic experience, we didn't want it to end. The staff at Saija all worked hard to make our stay the best ever and nothing was too much trouble, especially Jari, our
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dog-sledding guide.
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Everything was unbelievable 27 February 2015 by Delyth Jones

Everything was unbelievable; the quality of this holiday cannot be exaggerated. The organisation of flights, transfers and accommodation was superb. The safari activity was beyond expectations in all aspects and the people we met could not have been more helpful and friendly. We enjoyed every minute of every day.

Fabulous holiday, activities and location 12 January 2015 by Danuta Marsden

Nice atmosphere at Saija. Friendly and welcoming. Not a large number of other guests which meant that one met just about everybody. We were glad it was not a hotel. Catered well for vegetarians - balanced diet with protein and not just omelettes or quiche. Huskies - small group, excellent guides (Jarno and Timo). Stunning location, mixture of pace and terrain. It was nice to have mostly the same
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dog team over the four days. We also did the long skidoo run. Great fun but we preferred the huskies because it was quieter. Fabulous holiday, activities and location. The lack of large numbers of holiday makers adds to the location's charm - sorry that sounds selfish!
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One of the best experiences we have had 16 March 2014 by Prita Daliya

Thank you for one of the best experiences we have had. A 2-night stopover in Helsinki and an extra night at The Saija Lodge - all arranged without problem!Everyone at The Saija Lodge were amazing - we felt well looked after. The accommodation and surroundings are just picture perfect! We loved every minute, even at minus 31 degrees celsius! Our accomodaton both at The Lodge & the wilderness cabin
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was much more luxurious than I had anticipated, a very welcome treat.Jano was our guide but they are all brilliant at what they do & really helpful and informative. All of the meals were included and were delicious - I am sure we all returned home a little fatter.We booked the Husky Safari which was truly amazing and definitely the best bit for me. There are about a 100 dogs there - all really well looked after, loved, happy to be there, and happy to work. It is amazing spending time with them and the sledging and overnight safari really were a once in a lifetime experience. It is brilliant seeing how the dogs and guides interact - this is truly a labour of love. Thank you for an absolutely amazing holiday!
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