March 29, 2006
You’ll begin the experience of a lifetime as you enjoy both the life and unique culture of northern Europe, while having a blast outdoors. Your Finnair flights leave from Toronto and New York to Finland’s capital city, Helsinki.
March 30
You’ll fly a connecting flight to Kittilä, in northern Finland, and go to your nearby Hotel with a guide and find out all about your snowmobile safari. Have an authentic Finnish dinner, and sleep soundly in double/twin rooms.
The next day, after breakfast, you’ll transfer to Harriniva Holiday Centre, Muonio by bus. Safari equipment will be provided (warm overalls, boots, socks, mittens, hat, gloves, helmet)… And now for your lesson! You’ll learn the essentials about how to ride a snowmobile, including safety rules.
Today we will ride approximately 210 km north to Kilpisjärvi (we’ll even teach you how to pronounce these Finnish city names!). The route follows the Finnish side of the border between Finland and Sweden. During our safari, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch and the requisite photo opportunities. In the evening, we’ll be having dinner in Kilpisjärvi village, close to the Norwegian border. Then it’s overnight in cosy cabins that sleep four to six persons each, and all have a sauna, shower and toilet.
April 1
“No fooling” — You’ll be riding up the highest mountain of Finland (Halti, 1320 m), which is about 140 km in distance. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a mountain cabin, and marvel at those views! In the afternoon, we’ll ride to a Swedish mountain area and visit the border monument of three Scandinavian countries – Sweden, Norway and Finland. Once again, we’ll be housed in relaxing, warm cabins overnight.
April 2
Sees us riding approximately 300 km to Kiruna, Sweden. There is a big ice hotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi and a visit is possible there on request for an extra charge. Tonight, after dinner, we’ll stay in hotel rooms or cottages in Kiruna.
April 3
We head back to Muonio, Finland, after breakfast. The riding distance is approx. 240 km., but as usual, we’ll be stopping for a picnic lunch. In Harriniva, relax in the sauna and enjoy a farewell dinner with Lappish specialities. Our accommodation will be in hotel rooms or cottages in Muonio.
April 4
Will be a flight from the Kittilä airport to Helsinki, and overnight in downtown hotel. The next day, after breakfast, you’ll get a chance to see the beautiful capital city with a two-hour city tour before your transfer to the international airport and your flight back to Toronto/New York.
RATE: CAD $4,599 (plus taxes & security charges of approx. $200). The price shown is per person based on double occupancy). Special prices can be arranged on request for a group with a minimum of five persons in February, March or April 2006.
Services included in the rate: Overseas and local airfares, Land transfers, Meals except dinner in Helsinki, Equipment, English speaking safari guides, 1 person per snowmobile, Accommodation according to itinerary. This tour is fully escorted from Toronto and New York. Riding distances depend on the weather conditions and skills of the group – we can ride even more than mentioned. The rate also includes the insurance for the snowmobile with a deductible of Eur 500 per snowmobile. On this safari we use following types of snowmobiles: Skidoo 500cc, Yamaha Venture 600cc.
For exact routing in Lapland and photos from along the trail, please see the Viking Escapades website at vikingescapades.com.
Contact Viking Escapades today for reservations and more information at our toll free number from North America 1-877-668-6155
