Reviews
-
Probably one of the best holidays I have ever experienced
by Peter HowlettProbably one of the best holidays I have ever experienced. And I have been to Australia, NZ, Bali, Thailand, Egypt, Florida, Mexico, Cruising etc.The holiday from start to finish (Prior to arriving in Heathrow) was nothing short of fantastic. Not even the flu on my last 2 days could dampen the experience.Heathrow departure was good no hiccupsFlight with Finnair was good, overnight stay in Helsinki…
Read more Hilton airport - I would recommend this as it breaks up a long day and you arrive in Harriviva fresh.Arrival at Kittila airport very smooth and bus and driver already waiting, driver helped with all bags and never even held his hand out for a tip (What a great start)Excellent trip through the wilderness on snow-covered roads, driver pointing out areas of interest.Arrival at Hotel. Greeted with a very warm welcome, politness and efficiency and this continued throughout the holiday.Rooms and Cabins are basic (But you are in the Arctic Circle)Hotel was very friendly and cosy it was like walking into your own home, but remember it is an activity holiday so people are wearing anything from tracksuits and their slippers, to full-on winter suits and boots. Two internet PC`s free of charge. Small shop for essentials, but there is a supermarket and Pharmacy about 5km walk away. A lounge for relaxing with pretend fire. Suana (seperate mens and ladies). Restaurant serving a good selection of breakfast, dinner and evening meal (selection limited) but quality excellent. Bar area with open fire, beer reasonable, wine slightly more expensive, spirits expensiveAmenities - Equipment store for Cross Country skis, Snowshoes, toboggans, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Ice Karts (very expensive), Ice Fishing, Kotas (somewhere to go and have your own open fire and a couple of bevvies)Activities - Snowmobiling Safaris including different tours of varying distances/time. We did the 80km which included lunch out. Excellent tour and would recommendHuskies Safari including different tours of varying distances/time. We did the 2 day overnight which included luuch on both days, dinner int he evening, your own team of huskies and sledge which you are responsible for hitching and feeding. Excellent tour and would recommendReindeer Safari including lunch. Excellent day out and would recommendDont go on this holiday if you are chasing the northern lights, remember they are a living thing and you may or may not see them. It was one of our reasons for going, but even though we didn't see them it did not spoil our holiday one bit. In fact the further into the holiday the less important it became.Travelling home. Kittila airport is a pleasure to pass through, Helsinki is a very nice and efficient airport, Heathrow is a disgrace to international air travel. They need a serious look at their Operations processes and procedures and forget about another runway.
Read less -
Nothing was too much trouble
A review of Harriniva - Winter Adventure by Peter HowlettHotel was excellent, staff could not have been more helpful or friendly (nothing was too much trouble). Not your typical 5* luxury in the sun, far better. You were made to feel so welcome it was like being in your own home. Food was excellent but limited but that did not spoil anything. (Lots of Fish and Reindeer, which is very nice). Accommodation - Rooms very spacious, Cabins basic but superb…
Read more all very clean and warm. Activities - Snowmobile Safari - Brilliant fun and so much of the area covered; Husky Safari (2 day overnight) - What an experience, every minute brilliant; Reindeer Farm - Brilliant and fun; Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing - Hard work but also fantastic fun; Staff/Guides - There was not one member of the staff (Bus driver, guides, hotel, equipment) that could not do enough for you. All people should be like this the world would be a better place. I would like to thank all the staff for making the holiday so enjoyable.
Read less -
Reindeer experience was fantastic
A review of Jeris and Harriniva - Winter Adventure by Hayley BriggsI thought the reindeer ride/experience was fantastic as this is not something that is readily available and accessible which makes the activity much more special. For me (the least enjoyable) was probably the snowshoeing and that was because it was quite hard work! The walk was brilliant and there was nothing wrong with the trip.