FINNISH WINTER ACTIVITIES

Day 1
Fly from Gatwick to Kajaani; transfer to Hotel Kalevala (approx 1½ hours).

Day 2
Start with an exciting snowmobile safari through forests and across frozen lakes, usually about 30 kms - a total of about 3 hours of driving. Snowmobiles are shared 1 between 2 and we take it in turns to drive. All drivers must have a valid (car) driving licence. During the tour we stop for lunch by an open fire, where we try ice-fishing.

Day 3
A morning of cross-country skiing instruction. There are many miles of prepared trails around the hotel, and we will start off on the flatter routes. In the afternoon you can hang on to the equipment to continue touring unguided.

Day 4
A free day to choose your own activities or relax and use the jacuzzi and sauna. See the extra expenses section in the trip notes for details of activities available locally.

Day 5
Possibly the highlight of the week is a day with husky dogs. We start with a drive towards the Russian border to the husky centre. The dog teams are harnessed and everyone will receive instruction on how to drive the dogsled before lunch. After lunch we head out into the snow-covered wilderness, through forests and across frozen lakes. There will be 2 people per sledge, 1 driving and 1 sitting. During the half-day tour everyone gets a chance to drive their own husky dog team.

Day 6
Snowshoeing day starting straight from the hotel. Our circuit will last about 3-4 hours, stopping en-route for lunch by a campfire. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, and modern snowshoes are lightweight and perfect for travelling through deep, fresh snow.

Day 7
Free day. See the extra expenses section for details of activities available locally.

Day 8
Return to Kajaani; fly from Kajaani to Gatwick.