DOG SLEDDING, SNOWMOBILING AND ICEBREAKER CRUISE HAPARANDA STADSHOTELL
3 nights Departures: December to March
Enjoy a winter weekend in Sweden with the unusual chance to cruise on an Ice Breaker Sampo, go snowmobiling and dog sledding whilst staying in the splendid Haparanda Stadshotell.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday) Fly from UK to Kemi in Finland.  On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Haparanda Stadshotell in Haparanda Sweden for three nights.  The Haparanda is a grand hotel and was built in 1900 on the border between Sweden and Finland.  The hotel was used by the nobility and for meetings by statesmen from Russia, Persia and China.  It has 90 comfortable rooms, an excellent restaurant, bar, sauna and night club. Day 2 (Saturday) After breakfast you will experience three winter adventures in one: an exciting snowmobile safari, a voyage through the ice and you will learn to drive a dog sled.  The day starts with a snowmobile safari from Kemi across the icefields to the Sampo Icebreaker where you will be welcomed on board for a memorable cruise.   On board M/S Sampo the programme consists of a presentation about the ship, a visit to the engine room and bridge, lunch in the ship’s cosy restaurant, a cruise through the ice and, if you wish, an "arctic swim".  After the cruise you will drive your snowmobile to a Husky Camp where you will meet the local musher and his lovable dogs.  You’ll learn about their life and training and have a chance to go for a short ride. Day 3 (Sunday) A full day out with the huskies will provide everlasting memories.  You’ll participate in the harnessing of the dogs, the dog team assignments, and learn the secrets of sled control and commands before take-off.  The route takes you deep into Lapland.  The driving distance is anywhere between 40 and 50 km, depending on the weather, the dogs and most importantly – you as the musher.  A campfire lunch will be prepared en route.  Click here for more pictures. Note  This day can be replaced with a day in Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.  You will visit his workshop and have time for shopping and sending a postcard from Santa’s Post Office.  In the afternoon you will visit a reindeer farm to learn about reindeer husbandry and Lappish culture.  You will take a ride in a reindeer-pulled sleigh. Day 4 (Monday) Breakfast at leisure before transferring back to Kemi for your flight to the UK.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices per person sharing twin room for 3 nights, departures on Fridays.  Single supplement available on request.
Departure Date Price  1 December 07 to 31 March 08 £930
Price Includes: Transfers, accommodation (full board), full day dog sledding excursion (1 to a sled) or full day to Santa Claus’ workshop at Rovaniemi, Icebreaker cruise on M/S Sampo including reindeer sled excursion. Price Excludes: Flights, gratuities and items of a personal nature.