DOG SLEDDING, SNOWMOBILING, ICEBREAKER CRUISE AND REINDEER SLED RIDE 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  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 on a half board basis.  Day 2  Experience three unique winter adventures during one day: a snowmobile safari, a sea voyage through the ice and earn your very own reindeer driving permit!  The day starts with a snowmobile safari from Kemi across the icefields to the Sampo Icebreaker.  On board you will learn about icebreaking technique and ship history, visit the control room and the massive engine room as well as the bridge to see how the Captain commands the vessel, which is steered first along the shipping channel and later through virgin ice.  Weather permitting there is also the opportunity to take an arctic swim in the sub-zero temperatures with the aid of a survival suit which keeps you warm and afloat.  After the cruise you will drive your snowmobile to a Lapp Camp to visit a “kota” – a Lapp teepee – with a cosy open fire to enjoy hot beverages.  The afternoon (or morning depending on the cruise schedule) is spent learn to drive a reindeer-pulled sledge.  If you manage to pass the short driving test you’ll be the proud owner of a reindeer driving permit – valid for 5 years. Day 3  A 25-minute car transfer from Kemi takes you to a genuine Husky Farm where the mushers, Mrs. Ulla and her daughter Mrs. Paula live with their Siberian huskies.  The dogs are friendly and eager to take you on a sleigh-ride.  First you'll learn how to drive the husky team which typically consists of 5 or 6 dogs.  You'll practice the basic command words and sled control, and soon you'll be a "musher", too: two persons take turns in driving the team and sitting in the sleigh as passenger.  A hot beverage of coffee and juice will be served by open fire during this excursion. Day 4  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.  Please contact us for departure dates.   Single supplement available on request.
Departure Date Price  December 09 to April 2010 £680
Price Includes: Transfers, 3 nights' half board accommodation, half day dog sledding excursion, snow mobile safari to M/S Sampo for Icebreaker cruise, short reindeer sled ride. Price Excludes: Flights, gratuities and items of a personal nature.