Included in the price...
• Duration: 4 nights
• Return flights: London to Kittila or Rovaniemi (via Helsinki)
• Return airport transfers
• 4 nights spa hotel accommodation
• 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
• Activities: Introduction to the Northern Lights, guided Aurora Trail, Kuusiranta activities and Northern Lights dinner (The order of activities is subject to change depending on weather conditions)
• Group Size: Approximately 2 - 35 people
• Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
• Access to Aurora Lounge and Aurora Alert
Departures dates from: 09 December 2012 - 31 March 2013
Not everybody wants to head into the wilds with a team of huskies but just about everybody is eager to see the Northern Lights. Luosto is perfectly situated in the Aurora Zone. So we’ve designed this relaxing package at the Luosto Tunturi Hotel.
Basically, you can simply relax in the pool or Amethyst Spa during the day and search for the Aurora at your leisure in the evening. The small lake behind the hotel has a circular walking trail which is the perfect place to watch the night sky and the hotel has an “Aurora Lounge”.
We also take you out on the final night of your stay in a nicely heated minibus on a 3 to 4 hour search for the Northern lights.
Day 1: Arrivals and introduction
Upon arrival at either Kittila or Rovaniemi Airport it’s only a 90 minute transfer through spectacular countryside to Luosto. At the hotel you will be provided with your Aurora Alerts before settling in to your room or suite. Our Northern Lights at Leisure guests stay in the hotel’s new wing and are all provided with tea and coffee making facilities (a very rare facility in Scandinavia).
After dinner at the hotel you can either retire to your room to rest or, if like many people you’re too excited to snooze, then you can watch the skies from the comfort of the Aurora Lounge.
Day 2: Introduction to the Northern Lights and the Aurora Trail
This holiday is all about relaxation and flexibility during the day and Aurora based activities in the evenings. It’s a combination designed to provide you with a tailored holiday and excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
There is no shortage of daytime options here in Luosto. You can relax in the pool, try some spa treatments, have a go at cross country skiing, take advantage of the downhill slopes, blast across frozen lakes on snowmobiles, take out a team of eager huskies, take advantage of the excellent sledging slope by the Ski Centre…….. the list goes on.
As many of our guests choose to include some activities in their stay we provide a full list of what is available in advance. To avoid disappointment we recommend that any activities be confirmed prior to your balance being paid i.e. at least 9 weeks before departure. Some activities can be a very popular and resources such as huskies and snowmobiles are limited. We would hate for you to miss out.
After your first day in Lapland you will be formally introduced to the Northern Lights by a local expert. Your Aurora guide will tell you about the science (in brief), the myths and the legends surrounding the Northern Lights during a video and picture presentation at the hotel.
Following the presentation a guide will take you to the small lake behind the hotel where you will follow the Aurora Trail around the lake. Your guide will show you the best viewpoints and will be on hand to answer questions. A fire will be lit and warm drinks served as you wait with baited breath for a glimpse of the Aurora.
Day 3: Free Day
Today you can really design your own holiday as your day is free for you to take advantage of the facilities or activities. The beauty of Luosto is that everything is so accessible and you can achieve an awful lot in a day.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the hotel but make sure your Aurora alert is close to hand so that you don’t miss out.
The Aurora Lounge is also available to you all evening but you may decide that a second night on the Aurora Trail is your preferred option.
Day 4: Kuusiranta and Northern Lights Dinner
This will be your last day in Lapland so be sure to make the most of it. We’ve certainly got the evening covered.
Late in the afternoon you will be collected for your final Aurora quest. Your destination is Kuusiranta, a fabulous lakeside location around 25km from Luosto. En route you stop and visit a reindeer farm where you will get the chance to meet the animals and admire their ability to survive in the Arctic winter.
On arrival at Kuusiranta there will be the opportunity to try some ice fishing on the lake and everyone will have the chance to create their own souvenir from wood.
As with the rest of the holiday the pace is leisurely here and the sauna will be heated for you to try. For those who may want to freshen up before dinner there is an ice hole where the bravest of swimmers can take a quick and extremely bracing dip. You must be in excellent physical condition and have no heart problems to participate.
This evening’s meal is a delight as you will dine in a traditional wooden kota where a menu of Lappish specialities will be served.
Kuusiranta is situated in an ideal Aurora view point and should a display occur before, after or during dinner you are in a prime location for viewing the night sky. Hopefully the Northern Lights will come to bid you farewell.
Day 5: Departure or Free Day (Extension for Christmas, New Year and Half Term)
After your Aurora search last night, today you may like to spend the morning at leisure. Many of our guests choose to hire snowshoes or cross country skis and this allows you to explore at your own pace and take in the beauty of the fell landscape.
Day 6: Aurora snowmobile sleigh to Aarnikota and pancakes
Be sure to make the most of your last full day in Lapland.
This evening, after dinner you will be taken by snowmobile–pulled sleigh through the snowy forests to Aarnikota, a beautiful spot far removed from any significant light pollution.
Aarnikota is a traditional wooden kota and here you will be served warm drinks and pancakes as you anticipate the possible arrival of the Aurora Borealis. Hopefully the Lights will come and bid you farewell on your last night in Lapland.
Day 7: Departure
Weekly activity programme for The Northern Lights at Leisure -
Safari with Huskies
This is the perfect introduction to dog sledding. You will travel by car to a local husky farm where you’ll meet with the guides before heading off on a 4km safari. You will travel two people per sled. Guides, instruction, hot drink and equipment included. Minimum age 5 years old (children travel in a sled).
Total duration approximately 1.5hrs. Available Wednesday at 2.15pm.
Adults: £74
Snowmobile Safari to Amethyst Mine
On this exhilarating tour you will journey to the top of Lampivaara Fell. Where you will find Europe’s only remaining amethyst mine and one of the very best views in Lapland. After a presentation about the gems and a warm drink you will head down the steps to the mine area where you will get the chance to dig for your own amethyst. You will travel two people per snowmobile and cover around 10km. Guides, instruction and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 2 hrs. Minimum age 5 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger. Available Tuesday at 1.30pm.
Adult: £82
Scenic Snowmobile Safari
This is the ideal introductory safari and will really allow you to enjoy the stunning fell landscape. You will travel around 25km with two people sharing each snowmobile, stopping en route for a warm drink. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 2.5 hrs. Minimum age 6 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger. Available Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 9.30am.
Adult: £84
Snowmobile Evening Safari
During this safari you will travel around 25km with two people per snowmobile. You will be able to experience the landscape in a whole new light. You will break en route for a warm drink around a fire. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 2.5 hrs. Minimum age 6 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger. Available Wednesday at 5pm.
Adult: £84
Snowmobile visit to Reindeer Farm
You will depart Luosto by snowmobile and travel to a local reindeer farm where you will receive a brief introduction on the lives of the reindeer herders before a short reindeer-pulled sleigh ride. You will have a warm drink in a traditional kota and will receive your reindeer driving license as a souvenir. You will travel around 30km on the snowmobile with two people per snowmobile. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 3 hrs. Minimum age 6 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger. You can also choose to travel to the farm by car should you wish. Available Tuesday at 9.30am.
Adult: £110
Safari with Snowmobiles and Huskies
Today you will travel by snowmobile to the husky farm. You will meet the dogs and set off on a short safari of around 4km. This is an excellent introduction to both activities. Warm drinks will be served around a campfire. By the time you arrive back in Luosto you will have travelled 25km with two people sharing a snowmobile. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 3 hrs. Minimum age 5 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger and in the husky drawn sled. You can also choose to travel to the farm by car should you wish. Available Wednesday at 1.30pm.
Adult: £124
Aurora Snowmobile Safari
This is truly different safari and unique to Luosto. You depart Luosto on your snowmobile and head for the Aurora Kota where you will receive a presentation on the Northern Lights from a local expert. This will provide an insight into this wonderful phenomenon. Your return journey will be exhilarating and hopefully the Aurora will light the way. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 4.5 hrs. Minimum age 12 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger. You can also visit the kota by car. Available Tuesday and Saturday at 4pm.
Adult: £114
Snowmobile Tour of the Fells
This is an epic journey exploring the fell landscape which surrounds Luosto and is the longest snowmobile safari available here. You will travel two people per snowmobile and will cover around 100km on your travels. You cover all of the ground between Luosto and Pyha stopping for lunch in a restaurant en route so you really get the chance to explore the region. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 6 hrs. Minimum age 15 years old. Children will travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide or as a pillion passenger on the snowmobile safari. Available Wednesday at 10am.
Adult: £140
Visit to Reindeer Farm by Car
You will travel to a local reindeer farm where you will receive a brief introduction regarding the lives of the reindeer herders before a short reindeer-pulled sleigh ride. You will have a warm drink in a traditional kota and will receive your reindeer driving license as a souvenir. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 1.5 hrs. Minimum age 5 years old. Available Tuesday at 10.45am.
Adult: £60
Cross Country Ski School
Cross country skiing is one of the most popular Scandinavian activities and this is your chance to learn the basic skills. You will be taught the fundamentals before exploring the trails around Luosto covering around 3 to 5km. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 2 hrs. Minimum age 6 years old. Available Wednesday at 9.30am and Friday at 2pm.
Adult: £50
Ice Fishing Tour
This is a very popular pastime in the Arctic. Your guide will take you in a snowmobile pulled sleigh to a local fishing spot. You will set your bait beneath the ice and wait for the fish to bite. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 2.5 hrs. Minimum age 5 years old. Available Monday at 12.30pm, Friday and Saturday at 1pm.
Adult: £76
Visit to Aurora Kota by Car
You depart Luosto by car and head for the Aurora Kota near Sodankyla. Here you will receive a presentation about the Northern Lights from a local expert providing an insight into this wonderful natural phenomenon. Guides included.
Total duration approximately 2 hrs. Minimum age 5 years old. Available Tuesday and Saturday at 5.30pm.
Adult: £70
Husky Safari
During this safari you’ll get a real insight into what it is like to be a musher. You travel by car to a local husky farm where you meet with the guides before heading off on a 10km safari, two people per sled. Guides, instruction, snack and equipment included. Minimum age 6 years old (children travel in a sled).
Total duration approximately 2.5hrs. Available Monday at 4.15pm and Friday at 10.15pm (not available on 24 and 31 December 12).
Adult: £88
Snowshoe Search for the Northern Lights
Your guide will take you into the stunning nocturnal landscape. He or she will take you to a view point from which you will hopefully be entertained by a wonderful light show as the Aurora dances overhead. You will pause for hot drinks en route and will travel around 3 – 4km. Guides, instruction, and equipment included.
Total duration approximately 2.5 hrs. Minimum age 10 years old. Available Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm (not available on 24 and 31 December 12).
Adult: £50