Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: return group airport transfers*
- Accommodation: 7 nights' en-suite hotel room
- Activities (order subject to change): cross-country skiing, introductory 2-hour husky safari, full-day husky safari (4-6 hours), 5-hour snowmobile safari, snowshoeing, visit a reindeer farm, visit to the smoke sauna and a Northern Lights information session (departure dates after 14/01/24 also include a night in a snow igloo)
- 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 which don't meet the group transfer times will be subject to a private transfer supplement. Please note that those departing on 6th April may have to wait for around an hour for their group transfer
Group transfer valid for the following flights: KAO arrival flight time 17:30, departure flight time 13:40
Group transfer valid for the following flights: OUL arrival flight time 16:55, departure flight time 14:20
The moment you arrive in Saija, you will feel at home. Saija Lodge exudes a rustic and traditional Finnish charm, as the crackling of an open fire and the smell of delicious home-cooked food greet you at the door. From then on, your experience will be one of trying fantastic activities, tasting exquisite local delicacies and feeling completely relaxed.
Our Saija Winter's Dream captures all that is magical about Northern Finland. Enjoy some of the region's most loved activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and husky sledding through the snow-coated forests of this perfect snowy playground. Wherever you go, you will find delightful scenery, as well as friendly locals offering a warm welcome.
During your time here, you will stay in your own pretty log cabin with private sauna. Meals are served in the restaurant a short walk away, where you can sample traditional Finnish home-cooked specialities and locally sourced food such as reindeer and Arctic char.
By the end of your week, you will have tried the most beloved Scandinavian pastimes. This trip offers a great encounter with the landscape of Northern Finland and an insight into the lives of the people who call it their home.
Key facts
Duration: | 7 nights |
Pace: | Active |
Suitable for: | Anybody over the age of 12. See our terms for further information. |
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Prices
Departure dates between | ||
---|---|---|
Sat 30 Nov 2024
to Sat 21 Dec 2024 |
Adults £ 2,235 To £ 2,405 | |
Sat 04 Jan 2025
to Sat 08 Feb 2025 |
Adults £ 2,445 To £ 2,570 | |
Sat 08 Feb 2025
to Fri 11 Apr 2025 |
Adults £ 2,495 To £ 2,660 |
Please note: 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 in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 2 people; maximum 24 people. However, on some dates, we require a minimum of 10 people for our flight allocation.
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
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Transfers
Welcome to Finland! Following your flight arrival you will be collected from the airport and transferred to Saija Lodge. On the way, you can admire the incredible scenery of this wilderness that will be your playground for the next week. After you have settled into your accommodation, a welcome dinner will be served in the main building. This first night is always a good time to get to know your fellow guests over the homemade Finnish food.
Whilst Saija is not set within the Aurora Zone it is possible to see the Northern Lights from the lodge when the sun's activity is extremely high. The complete lack of light pollution means that if there is strong Aurora activity then you have every chance of enjoying a wonderful Northern Lights display. One evening during your stay – decided when you arrive – the guide will speak to the group about the fascinating science behind the lights and also some of the wonderful myths and legends believed by the local people for many generations.
Spending time in a sauna is a classic national pastime, so we have included one afternoon in a smoke sauna in your itinerary – this 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 when you reach. This truly unique experience really is yet another memorable highlight for many of our guests in Saija.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Settle Into Saija
Looking out on the stunning landscape this morning, you'll understand why this Saija trip is called 'Winter's Dream'. Set on the shores of Lake Jokijärvi, the views are exactly how you would imagine this location to be – a snowy landscape waiting to be explored. You have the chance to walk around these beautiful surroundings on this relaxing first day. It is also a good time to book any other activities that you would like to try during your stay. There is a great selection to choose from to round off your Arctic adventure, available from 07 January onwards – see the ‘Personalise’ tab for further details.
Today your knowledgeable guide will present the upcoming schedule of activities. They are always happy to share their passion for the region, so this is a perfect chance to ask any questions. After you pick up the cold weather clothing – yours for the duration of your stay – you can venture out and take a walk around Saija.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Cross-Country Skiing, Husky Training Run
After breakfast, it is time to get to grips with the technique of cross-country skiing. This is a very popular Scandinavian pastime and you will see the locals out on trails around the region, going to and from work, taking exercise or just having fun.
After your briefing and out on the trail, your guide will lead the way, pointing out areas of interest and any local wildlife. After around two hours with your guide, you will have the opportunity to make use of the skis independently. It is quite an addictive activity as you will soon find out!
After lunch, there is an introduction to husky sledding in preparation for your full day husky safari later in the week. You will get to meet the eager huskies and enjoy a thrilling 13km run through the wilderness with these amazing dogs, travelling two people per sled.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Full Day Husky Safari
Put your dog sledding skills to the test today on a tandem 30km husky safari. This is always a highlight with guests who feel a real connection to their environment, whilst travelling with the dogs on their home turf in this traditional way. The huskies love to run and their enthusiasm is contagious, making you as excited and eager as they are. Out on the snow, the dogs soon settle into a steady rhythm and the only sound you will hear is their soft paws and the swish of the sled's runners.
The husky safari lasts around five hours including a campfire lunch.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Snowmobile Safari
Time to experience another highlight of this remote corner of the world: sensational snowmobiling. You will receive full instruction and a safety briefing from the experts before you set off travelling two people per snowmobile with a chance to swap drivers (you will both require a full driving licence). Snowmobiling is great fun and the fastest way to cover the most distance thus seeing more of the vast wilderness. This trail lasts around five hours with a traditional campfire lunch en route. An unforgettable day!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
Snowshoeing
Humble snowshoeing is an underrated activity that our guests instantly fall in love with once they try it out. Do not just go for the excitement and speed of snowmobiling and husky sledding, as an expedition on your snowshoes is a soothing, peaceful experience not to be missed in the remote wilderness around Saija.
This slower way to get around may not seem the most essential but when you try walking in the deep powdery snow without snowshoes, you will soon appreciate their necessity! The shoes will help you cross deep snow with ease, allowing you to travel deeper into the forests and areas you cannot access any other way. Your guide will talk to you about the wildlife in the Finnish forests and teach you how to read the different animal tracks. A great day for nature lovers!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Reindeer Day
You have experienced the other activities listed as "must-do" in this part of the world, so now it is time to meet the mascot: the beloved reindeer. Reindeer have been herded for centuries in Finland and are essential to the Sámi people and Northern Finland. Your last full day, therefore, includes a visit to the working reindeer farm, where you can see the gentle reindeer in their natural environment. It is an interesting insight into a significant part of the culture in this region.
At the farm, you will be able to get up close and take photos to capture the memory. The herders will answer any questions you may have about life above the Arctic Circle and how they and their wonderful creatures live and work in this part of the world.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
Departure
Today you bid a fond farewell to Saija and transfer back to the airport for your return flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
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
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
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Sky Cabins
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 moreSaija’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
Other options
Activities
Snowshoe hike
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
There aren't many unspoilt places left in the world, but this is one. It was great to be part of it and understand the history and culture. We'd love to go back and do something similar, either there or elsewhere in Finland.
The two day husky safari. It was the best thing I have ever done. Great instruction and guides.
Overall a fantastic holiday. I would recommend it to anybody who likes outdoor activities.
The whole experience from booking the holiday to returning home was very well organised. Communication was very good from the Artisan Travel to the staff at the hotel. The hotel was well maintained, activities were well organised, food was very good and the whole experience was second to none. I would definitely love to return to Finland and I would use Artisan Travel again. The staff at the Jeris…
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hotel were wonderful. They made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble for them. The hotel was well equipped and staying there was like being a part of a small, close knit community. We would love to go back. The whole experience was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more. For me the snowmobiles topped it. An incredible day and one that I will never forget.
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Artisan travel is an excellent travel company - I was very impressed. Customer service is the best that I have experienced. All activities were enjoyable - terrifying but great! Least enjoyable: Cross-country skiing - I couldn't do it. Spent most of the time on my bum! Saija lodge is wonderful.