Santa Holidays

Introduction

 Kids grow up so fast and before you know it, the magic of Santa has gone, and so a magical Santa holiday in Lapland is a must for many families. There are a wide range of options available, from a three or four day trip, to a week long holiday, that incorporate a range of activities, building up the excitement of finding Santa.

Reindeer, huskies, skidoo rides, Santa's little helpers and so much more are available, but most important of all is that you and your children have an experience to remember forever. This is where Medway Travel excel because we don't just provide a range of Santa Holidays but we discuss with you the options available and you can then decide what appeals most to you and fits within your budget.

Enjoy a truly magical Christmas in Lapland that will leave children and parents absolutely spellbound. Take your children to visit Santa in Lapland and rekindle all those childhood memories of playing in the snow. 

For a personalised, intimate and un-commercialised Christmas in Lapland you really need look no further. Forget the stress of a one-day flying visit to Santa in Lapland and rediscover the genuine magic of Christmas and New Year, encapsulated in an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.

 The sample itineraries on the following page are exactly that - an illustration of what is possible. We like to think of ourselves as being like a holiday pick and mix, presenting you with the options available and you selecting what is most attractive to you.

So please do contact us today without obligation so that we can provide you with a range of ideas. 

Overview

Savalen

Savalen, in Norwegian Lapland, provides the ideal family destination, not just because of the accommodation available, but because of the atmosphere it creates. You will find no 'whistle stop Santa shops' in Savalen but a place built on providing families with the holiday of a lifetime based on some great activities and an intimate meeting with Father Christmas!

Savalen is well equipped with seven ski slopes, an ice skating rink and cross country ski trails. Great as these are they are by no means the prime attraction.

The accommodation in Savalen is newly renovated and very family friendly. You can choose between the delightful spa hotel or an apartment on Santa Street. With streets names like that there is no disguising one of the other residents at Savalen.

Father Christmas lives just down the road. In fact staying in the apartments it is necessary to walk past his front door to reach the restaurant! His large log built house is the centre piece of Savalen and houses the elves' workshop and toy factory as well as Father Christmas' own letter writing room where the private meetings are held.

Father Christmas also has a small menagerie of animals including, of course, Rudolph (who will welcome you to Savalen), some Llamas, pot bellied pigs and some delightful horses all of which live just a short distance from guest accommodation.

The activities included in this holiday have all been designed with families in mind and are suitable for smaller children. The authenticity of the activities has not been compromised and each provides a genuine experience for all the family.

Your activities will include an afternoon of winter Olympics, a snowmobile safari and a horse-drawn sleigh ride, a husky safari and ice fishing.

Kuusamo

Kuusamo town can be found in the north-eastern part of Finland, in the province of Oulu which is approximately 800 kilometres from Helsinki.

Kuusamo Lapland is renowned for its natural beauty and is made up of fells, forests, lakes and rivers. From the top of the fell, you will find pure winter wilderness that stretches as far as the eyes can see. The snow here will begin to fall at the beginning of October, and can be found here until early May.

This destination is a suitable choice for anybody aged 5 and over, who believes in Santa and is looking for a wide range of winter activities to keep them entertained.

Located just a 5 minute transfer away from Kuusamo aiport, Kuusamon Tropiikki Hotel provides the perfect retreat after a day of family activities. The warm and comfortable hotel offers a superb pool complex complete with a wide range of Jacuzzis, flumes and other features to keep the young ones entertained, whilst the adults can take advantage of the spa and treatment facilities on offer.

 The hotel also boasts a ten pin bowling alley, tennis and badminton courts, and three restaurants. There are regular ski buses available from the hotel which takes guests to the slopes at Ruka, taking 25 minutes each way.

Your holiday itinerary will include a snowmobile safari, a snowshoe trek at the top of Ruka Fell, a husky safari, a visit to a nearby reindeer farm, a starlight sleigh ride, and ice fishing by snowmobile.

For those who would like to add something very special to their holiday, why not take a trip to Santa's lakeside cottage? We organise tobogganing on the snowy slopes before going indoors to meet Santa and his helpers. You will bake gingerbread and sweet buns and make Christmas cards before the children get to chat with Santa and receive a small gift from their hero. A genuine and intimate audience with the great man, and a magic moment for children and parents alike.

Jeris

Jeris encapsulates the Lapland dream: cosy winter cottages, log fires, a beautiful lakeside setting, spa facilites, deep snow and a fantastic range of activities. It's the best place we know for combining comfort and adventure.

Imagine returning to your very own winter cottage after an active day in sub-zero temperatures.  Draw the curtains; turn on the sauna, light the log fire and feel the warmth seep back into your bones.  Heavenly!

Jeris enjoys an enviable position on the shore of Lake Jerisjarvi and on the very edge of the Pallas-Ounas National Park.  It's jaw-droppingly beautiful out there.  The only problem is that you have to leave that log fire to experience the great outdoors.  It's a tough call folks!

For the Christmas departure to Jeris, the guests follow a different itinerary programme which is designed especially to encapsulate the feel of festivities in Lapland, and all things Christmas!

The activity programme will include a snowshoe trek through the forest to a special tree where the children are invited to leave special Christmas wishes, an afternoon of good old-fashioned fun in the snow with tobogganing, kick sleds and snowman building competitions, plus a 30km snowmobile safari through Narnia-like landscapes.

In addition to this, you will be taken to a Lappish Manor House and meet a reindeer herder and his family who will tell tales about the reindeer and their lives in Lapland. You will then take to the reins on a short reindeer safari with Rudolph’s cousins.

Christmas Eve will be spend hunting down the perfect Christmas tree from the forest which will then be taken back to the hotel for everyone to decorate together, before baking festive cookies. In the evening, you will be transferred to Muonio and taken by snowmobile-drawn sleighs deep into snow covered forests. Here you will be met by elves and guided into a small cosy log cabin and one at a time, each family will be invited to meet the Father Christmas himself.

Your holiday will be rounded off with a 9km husky safari – a great addition to any family Christmas.

For further information on the holiday itineraries and accommodation options available in each destination, along with available dates and prices, please contact Medway Travel without delay to ensure you will not be disappointed. 

Savalen

The Savalen Winter Experience

Savalen’s location encapsulates the winter dream. Overlooking a frozen, snow covered lake and surrounded by fells and winter forests. It’s not the most accessible place in the world being 330km from Oslo Airport and 17km from the nearest town but believe us, the journey is well worth the effort.
Savalen really is the ideal place to spend a family winter holiday. The accommodation is excellent, the activities varied and fun and the whole place just sums up winter perfectly. There are even some ski slopes and an ice rink within walking distance. Once you are here you have everything at your fingertips.

This holiday is designed for families with children aged 4 years and over so the activities have been tailored to ensure that the whole family can participate together - it is not unusual to see three generations of one family on a husky safari together - this holiday will create family memories to last a lifestyle.

This is a fabulous Christmas time experience that incorporates Norwegian and English traditions into a family activity holiday. This of course wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Father Christmas.
Thankfully for us, the great man lives just a short walk away. His large log built house is Savalen’s centrepiece and is home to the elves’ workshop, toy factory, and Father Christmas’ own office.

There’s no “whistle stop” Santa experience here. Each family will spend a minimum of ten minutes with the big guy in red and it’s often difficult to know who is more delighted, the parents or the children.

This is an authentic Nordic Christmas experience and not Santa at Hamley’s. At Savalen the experience provides you with lasting memories and an insight into Norwegian Christmas traditions that have captivated our families over the years.

Please see below for details of the day to day agenda of this magical holiday...

Holiday Agenda

Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction

At Oslo Airport you will be greeted by your Norwegian elf who will accompany you during your journey North.
Family Christmas DVDs will be played throughout and the elf will be on hand to keep everyone entertained. On arrival at Savalen you’ll collect your cold weather clothing and be shown to your accommodation before a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Father Christmas

Santa’s log built house is steeped in Norwegian tradition and legend. Throughout the morning one of Santa’s helpers will help the children make Christmas decorations. Then 3 or 4 families at a time will be collected by the elves (everyone will be given an invite detailing their family’s time) and will be shown to Santa’s house. Each family will have a 10 minute private visit with Father Christmas and there wil be a guided tour of the house. Drinks and snacks will be served and the children can draw and play. It’s simply magical.
In the afternoon some of Santa’s elves will come by horse and sleigh and take everyone to a nearby forest to collect a Christmas tree which everyone will help to decorate.

Day 3: Snowmobile safari and horse-pulled sleigh ride

This morning you’ll go on a snowmobile safari exploring the area surrounding Savalen. This is an easy paced safari with the children riding in a covered sled behind the guide’s skidoo.
After lunch the elves will arrange informal fun and games in the snow before an evening horse-pulled sleigh ride. With tinkling bells and flaming torches it really doesn’t get more “Christmassy”.

Day 4: Husky safari and ice fishing

As you walk down to the lake you will hear the impatient huskies long before you see them. They are desperate to get running! Being pulled by a team of willing dogs across a frozen lake is an unforgettable family experience, especially in terrain as pristine and beautiful as this. Whilst on the lake you will also meet our ice fisherman who will help you feed your hook through the ice and into the water for a spot of family ice fishing.
This evening there’s a magical candlelit hour in the spa before dinner. The perfect ending.

Day 5: Transfers and flights

All good things must come to an end. Sorry! Today it is time to head home.

Accommodation

Santa Street Apartments

Santa Street is located within 300m of the restaurant, spa and swimming facilities and the person who gives the street its name lives just 100m down the way from the apartments. The ski slopes, sledging run and ice rink are also just a few minutes walk away.

There are two different types of apartments. The smaller, measuring 45m², are ideal for families of four people or less. They have two bedrooms, a living area with TV, a dining area, wood burning fire and under floor heating.

In addition, you find a bath or shower room with WC as well as a well equipped open plan kitchen complete with cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and coffee machine. We find that many families like to pack some of their favourite snacks and drinks to nibble in their apartment. You may even want to bring some Christmas decorations to put your own festive stamp on your apartment, it’s your family’s space for your stay.

For parties of five or more people, the larger 68m² apartments are a great choice. These apartments have two bedrooms and a mezzanine sleeping area with extra beds (the kids love sleeping here). These apartments will accommodate up to nine people

 and enjoy the same facilities as those described above with the extra convenience of an additional bathroom.

Bed linen and towels are included as is end of stay cleaning so it’s all very simple. Your meals will be served in the hotel restaurant.

Families with young children (6 and under) should give serious consideration to staying at the hotel. Yes, the lure of staying on Santa Street is compelling but in very cold conditions, you will have to ensure they are insulated by their thermal suits every time they venture out.

If you do stay in the apartments then we find many people like to use sledges as their preferred method of transport to and from the hotel. So heading for dinner can also be quite fun!


Savalen Fell Hotel and Spa

Savalen started life as a mountain lodge but over the past 45 years the Hektoen family have transformed it into a modern hotel with fabulous spa facilities and views to die for. The hotel is still family run and has earned a glowing reputation from its many repeat clients. Outside Norway, there are not too many people who know about this winter haven. It’s a closely guarded secret to which we are more than delighted to be privy.

There are 64 standard rooms in the hotel with double or twin beds all of which have en-suite shower and WC, TV and telephone. There are also a range of suites which can provide extra space for families who wish to stay within the hotel.

The restaurant which seats 140 people offers views across the lake and serves a comprehensive evening buffet which combines both Norwegian and international cuisine. There are also two bar areas in which the adults can relax whilst the children make use of the downstairs play room.

The “piece de resistance” at Savalen is the Aqua Wellbeing Centre and Spa. There’s a swimming pool with jaw-dropping views through the large panelled windows, massage seats and showers, water jet beds and waterfall, two jacuzzis, a steam grotto, sauna, Scottish shower (for the very bravest hearts only) and treatment rooms for massages and facials.

 

Prices for December 2011 departures start from £1,075 per adult and £795 per child.
Please call us on 01622 608265 for further information. 

Pick & Mix

As well as suggested holiday itineraries, Medway Travel are delighted to create bespoke holiday experiences.

If you are a traveller who is looking for something completely different to the suggested itinerary on the previous tab, picking and mixing the activities and excursions that you specifically wish to enjoy might be a fantastic solution for you!

Contact Us with information of when you are looking to travel and what adventures you would like your holiday to include, and our expererienced travel consultants will put together a personalised itinerary especially for you!

For ideas and inspiration of what there is to see and do during an ultimate family adventure holiday to Lapland, please take a look at the below details...

Activities

Introductory Husky Safari
An introductory 9km safari lasting approximately one and a half hours. Two people share a sled and dog team. Guides, instruction and equipment included.


17km Husky Safari
A 17km safari. Two people share a sled and dog team. Guides, instruction and equipment included.

25km Husky Safari
A 25km safari includes lunch by a campfire out "on the trail". One person per sled and dog team. Lunch is included.

Husky Safari (Overnight)
Take control of your own team as you drive out to a wilderness cabin and spend the night miles from anywhere. This is without doubt the most popular safari at Harriniva. Approx 40 kms.

Snowmobile Panorama Safari
A truly exhilarating way to experience the winter wilderness. All of our snowmobile safaris whether 1 or 24 hours long include a full safety briefing and instruction.

Snowmobile Northern Lights Safari
With headlights on full you enter the snowy forest for a two hour night safari but with any luck it will be the Northern Lights that illuminate your path. Hot drinks will be served around a campfire. Approx 20 kms.

Snowmobile and Ice Fishing
The perfect introduction to the snowy winter landscape and a great way to acquaint yourself with the area surrounding your accommodation. You will travel 30kms and try your hand at ice fishing.

Snowmobile Extreme Safari
A 5 hour trip covering approximately 80kms of snowy landscape.


Lappish Culture and Short Reindeer Safari
You will visit the Lapland Manor where you will learn about the Lappish way of life and a year in the life of a reindeer. This is followed by a 3km safari with lunch, coffee and cake served in a warm kota (teepee). Approx 4 hrs.

Reindeer Farm & Safari
You will visit a local reindeer farm where the herders will tell you about the animals and their importance in Lapp culture. After learning to lasso your reindeer you start a 10km safari pausing for coffee and cake by an open fire.

Snowshoeing
An opportunity to explore the wilderness. Snowshoes allow you to move amongst the trees very quietly enhancing the possibility of spotting the local wildlife.

Cross Country Skiing
You will receive ample tuition before trying a short skiing trip. A hot drink included.

Ice Fishing
You may wonder what the appeal of sitting by a hole in a frozen lake is – well this can easily be explained by the excitement of your first catch! Add in some stunning scenery and great company and you have a great arctic outing!

Lainio Snow Village & Kellokas Nature Centre
Round off your tailor made winter activity holiday in style. We will arrange a taxi transfer from Jeris to Lainio Snow Village. Each year it takes around 1000 truckloads of snow to create the Snow Village.

This magnificent complex constructed from ice and snow changes shape every year but the artistry, handicraft and breathtaking design always leaves a lasting impression.

The Snow Village covers an area of approximately 7,500 square metres and consists of a restaurant, bar, lobby, hotel rooms and suites.


Visit Santa (Christmas Week)
Depart from Jeris in a snowmobile sled, sing along as you drive through the beautiful snow covered forest. After approximately 10-15minutes drive you will see a candle lit path to a log cabin in the middle of the forest.

Santa’s elf will greet you in the sled and guide you one family at the time by foot the last meters to the cabin. Santa will spend a moment of his precious time with your family in the warmth of the fireplace in his cabin, you can leave him your wish list or just give him a hug, he would like that!

Overnight in an Igloo
The temperature outside may be -30 degrees and your bed made of snow but insulated by a reindeer skin, an expedition grade sleeping bag and hot berry juice you'll be warm and comfortable inside our igloo.

 

Essential Information

The winter is long (from mid November through to April) and temperatures can drop to minus 25 degrees Celsius, and below. There is also wind chill factor to take into account, particularly in unsheltered areas (i.e. mountain ranges). Weather conditions can deteriorate quickly. 
 

Passports and Visas

Visas are not required to enter Finland or Norway, but you need a valid British passport. There is no minimum validity required but you should ensure that your passport is valid for your return journey.

Health

You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK, which is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Finnish and Norwegian nationals.

For the latest medical requirements for travel to Finland and Norway, please consult your GP.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System

Other important information

Please note that a full valid British driving license is required to drive a snowmobile in Finland.