NORTH CAPE EXPLORER 2008

MAGIC OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN
 

5 days / 4 nights, Helsinki - Rovaniemi - Kittilä - Harriniva - Kautokeino - Alta -

North Cape - Honningsvåg -  Inari - Saariselkä - Rovaniemi - Helsinki

Departures: June 13, 27 / July 04, 11, 18, 25 / Aug 01, 08, 15, 22

This exciting Journey to the Midnight Sun begins in Helsinki, capital of Finland. A short flight brings you to the heart of Lapland, past the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi. Explore the vastness and unspoiled nature of the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland. This exotic region boasts the largest wilderness areas of Europe, several National Parks, nature preserves, arctic highlands, Lake Inari, second largest lake in Finland, and sacred lake for the Samis. From Lapland we cross the Norwegian border to the Finnmark and the North Cape. The Finnmark is a land of contrast, with rugged coastal landscapes, and peaceful mountain plains. Learn about the indigenous Sami, living in Kautokeino and Karasjok. Visit the reindeer herds on the endless Finnmarksvidda and experience the Sami culture, history and  traditions. Experience the magic of the Midnight Sun illuminating the Arctic sky.

DAY 1 HELSINKI - ROVANIEMI - KITTILÄ (L, D)

Early morning flight brings you to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. During the sightseeing tour you will see works designed by Finland’s most famous architect Alvar Aalto. Crossing the magic line of the Arctic Circle is a great experience for any visitor. To make it truly exotic, you take part in a Lapp initiation ceremony. Enjoy lunch at the Arctic Circle, in a Lapp tepee. Continue northwards along the Ounasjoki River, and stop at the Art Museum of Reidar Särestöniemi, the most notable Lapp artist who found his motifs in Lapland’s nature. His former studio and home, a complex of log houses, represent traditional Lapp architecture. Dinner and overnight in Kittilä.

Accommodation: Hotel Sirkantähti or similar

DAY 2 KITTILÄ - KAUTOKEINO - ALTA (B, L, D)

Properly equipped with rain gear and life vest, you set out from Harriniva on board a pneumatic lifeboat on an exciting, yet comfortable and perfectly safe one-hour journey through seven rapids. Back on shore, nothing will taste better than steaming hot soup served around a glowing campfire. You continue northwards via Kautokeino, the largest Lapp cultural centre in Norway. Notice the rolling hills of Finnish Lapland changing into Norwegian tundra as you reach the Arctic Ocean and the fishing port of Alta. Dinner and overnight in Alta.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Alta or similar

DAY 3 ALTA - HONNINGSVÅG - NORTH CAPE (B, L, D)

Alta is famous for its 5000 to 6000 year-old rock carvings, which are so prestigious that they have been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. During a visit to the Alta museum there is a unique opportunity to experience the world of an ancient Lapp depicted in the rock carvings. Continue towards Honningsvåg stopping for lunch on the way. Reach the North Cape in the evening. Standing on Europe’s northernmost plateau you celebrate this unforgettable moment with sparkling wine and local caviar. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Honningsvåg or similar
 

DAY 4 HONNINGSVÅG - KARASJOK - SAMI CULTURE - SAARISELKÄ (B, L, D)
Enjoy the last glimpses of the awesome northern landscapes, as you head south driving along one of the most beautiful Norwegian fjords. Lunch en route in the little village of Karasjok, capital of the Sami culture, and seat of the Sami Parliament. Back in Finland, you visit an open air Sami museum in Inari. Buildings and handicraft collected from different regions of Lapland give you a fascinating look into the life and history of the nomadic Samis or Lapps. Visit a local reindeer herder at his home and see how a present day Lapp family lives and still today treasures the ancient traditions. Listen to joiku-singing, a chant in the Sami language, and hear the owner of the farm telling you about reindeer breeding.
Dinner and overnight in Saariselkä.

Accommodation: Hotel Riekonlinna

DAY 5 SAARISELKÄ - TANKAVAARA - ROVANIEMI - HELSINKI (B, L)
The last stop in northern Lapland is the Tankavaara Gold Village. Relive the thrills of the Gold Rush that once attracted hundreds of men into the region in the hope of finding a gold nugget. Today you can try your luck in washing for gold. Lunch will be in Luosto on the way to Rovaniemi airport. Evening flight back to Helsinki, where the North Cape Explorer tour ends.

 FTB

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 Departure Dates 2008

 June 13, 27

 July 04, 11, 18, 25

 Aug 01, 08, 15, 22

 Prices in US Dollar

 North Cape Explorer,  5 days