Dogsled Adventure
On this short 4-day break we travel to the frozen wilds of Finnish Lapland to take a journey across a landscape sculpted in ice and snow, crossing frozen lakes and meandering through coniferous forests in search of reindeer, wolf and adventure!
This exciting break takes us up to Finland's snowy north, where we will cross frozen lakes and weave through coniferous forests on sleds pulled by huskies. The best time of year to travel to this region is in February, March and April when the snow conditions are at their best and the days are getting longer. If you fancy doing something completely different this weekend, then this is the trip for you. No previous experience is required and our expert guides will teach you all you need to know to mush, mush!
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(DS-6232-P) |
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Flights ( London - Ivalo - London) |
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Accomodation ( Cabin) |
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3 Breakfasts |
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2 Lunches |
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3 Dinners |
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Suitability / Level |
Easy |
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Max Group Size |
12 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS - Among the many highlights featured on this trip we mention:
DOG SLEDS
An exhilarating safari acrossthe Arctic north
SAMI CULTURE
The chance to learn something of the indigenous peoples
ITINERARY
DAY 1. THURSDAY. Join tour Ivalo
Arriving in Ivalo this evening we will transfer the short distance to our lodge, where there will be the opportunity to relax from the flight and prepare for the coming days over dinner and doubtless a warming drink in the bar. Ivalo, located just to the south of the crystal clear waters of Inarinjarvi, sits just off the Arctic Highway. A major commercial centre for the region, it has still managed to retain a frontier spirit and sees a steady influx of native Sami and itinerant gold prospectors passing through its streets and bars.
DAYS 2 & 3. DOG SLEDDING
Our wilderness journey begins in the village of Tormanen, where we will be introduced to our dog teams and earn a little about the coming days ahead. With two people to each sled there will plenty of opportunities to take it in turns, working with the dogs, steering the sled and sitting back and enjoying the passing scenery.
Once everyone is ready we will set off into the pristine wilderness of Lapland's arctic north, travelling across a spectacular landscape of frozen lakes and coniferous forests, our sleds gliding effortlessly through the crisp white snow. We aim to cover some 30-40 km a day, stopping for lunch en route and enjoying our meals alfresco, cooked on an open fire by our local guides.
This landscape is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including reindeer, elk and Arctic fox, who may cross our paths as they search for food in this frozen wilderness. Wolf and brown bear populations also exist, but unfortunately in seriously depleted numbers, as does the wolverine, which is close to extinction. This region is also the traditional tribal land of the indigenous Sami people, amongst the oldest peoples in Europe, and descendants of the original prehistoric inhabitants of what is now Scandinavia and northern Russia. Better known, somewhat erroneously as Lapps, the Sami are a traditional people, with a rich language that is very much influenced by their harmonious existence with nature.
Traditionally they have never had a word for war, but 90 different terms to express variations in snow conditions! After a full day's sledding we arrive at our cabin, where we settle our dogs and ourselves down to enjoy the nights in the pristine wilderness of the land of the midnight sun. The wilderness cabins are basic but comfortable, with the added luxury of a warming sauna, just what you need after a day out on the snow and ice. The safari will be catered for throughout and food will be locally produced, organic produce; fresh fish from the lake, sauteed reindeer meat and salmon soup, vegetables and water taken from the pure clear depths of Lake Inari.
Our evenings will offer the perfect combination of relaxation and perhaps some traditional stories and tales from our local guides, the perfect ending to exhilarating days out on the ice and snow. Beneath a crisp clear Arctic night there is also every chance of witnessing the amazing spectacle of the northern lights.
DAY 4. SUNDAY. MORNING DOG SLEDDING.Tour ends Ivalo
Our final day sees us heading back towards home, our ever-exuberant huskies carrying us through the snow one final time as we bid a fond farewell to the stunning beauty of this dramatic northern landscape. On arrival back in Ivalo we transfer directly to the airport, where our tour ends. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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1 Night Lodge
2 Nights Cabin |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
