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Adult price from £2,145pp
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities, cold weather clothing and guides; all as listed.
VISITING: Finland
BROCHURE CODE: 1122

Key facts

  • Duration:4 nights
  • Suitable for: Anybody aged 2 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
Download Holiday Overview Download Trip Notes

What's included?

  • Flights: return flights from London Heathrow to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
  • Transfers: return airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 4 nights in a Winter Cottage Type A at Hotel Jeris
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: husky safari, Arctic Elements Sauna World, reindeer visit and reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobile safari, snow fun activities including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing (order of activities is subject to change). Please note that you must hold a valid UK driving licence in order to drive a snowmobile
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities

Please note: If you are travelling on 27th November, the trip is based at nearby sister hotel, Harriniva.

As the sun dips below the horizon and the blue light of winter arrives with the snow, Lapland transforms into an amazing family playground. This short break is designed to maximise the number of amazing experiences you can have in just four nights.

Based in a cosy winter cottage at Jeris on the shores of a frozen lake, you will explore the snow-covered landscape in a variety of fun-filled ways. Our safaris are not two minutes tastes, but real activities that allow you to enjoy Lapland at its very best. We also leave enough time free so you can simply enjoy family snowball fights!

You’ll experience ‘paw-power’ as you take to the trails for an unforgettable dog sledding trip, horsepower as you enjoy an adventure on snowmobiles and ‘reindeer power’ as you glide along in a reindeer-pulled sleigh having learnt some herding techniques. Weather permitting; you will also eat lunch in a restaurant made entirely from ice.

As Jeris sits in prime Northern Lights viewing territory, you can simply step outside each night and be on the search for the Aurora!

To complete your winter adventure, we’ve also included an afternoon of snow fun activities. You’ll join guides to snowshoe, cross-country ski and toboggan across the snowy landscape. There’s also the chance to try ice hockey as well as mini snowmobiles for the children.

Of course, as you will be travelling in the run-up to Christmas, we offer our guests the opportunity to include a magical meeting with Father Christmas in their holiday should they wish. Simply see the ‘Personalise’ section or talk to one of our travel experts to find out more.

Please Note: If you are travelling on 27th November, the trip is based at nearby sister hotel, Harriniva.

Photography by Antti Pietikainen
Show full agenda

Please note: If you are travelling on 27th November, the trip is based at nearby sister hotel, Harriniva.

Included in price

  • Hotel Jeris Winter Cottage

    Nights: 1-4

    Winter Cottage Type A

    Hotel Jeris and its winter cottages are on the shores of Lake Jerisjarvi around 20km from the nearest town. They offer families an idyllic location for a holiday in the wilds of Finnish Lapland.

    The hotel consists of the main building which is home to the hotel rooms, gift shop and restaurant. The 35 winter cottages are dotted in the surrounding forests.

    Hotel facilities:

    • All meals are served in the main hotel restaurant. There is always a selection of options which often includes local dishes as well as more international cuisine.
    • The buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of cooked and continental options; whilst lunch and dinner are usually a selection of salads, then a choice between a meat/fish main course and a vegetarian option, followed by a set dessert. During December, a special buffet menu and certain soft drinks are also provided for children.
    • Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant/bar area.
    • There is a small lounge area in the main building where guests can use the free Wi-Fi connection and there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks.
    • Jeris is home to the lovely Arctic Sauna World just a short walk from the hotel. Renovated for winter 2019/20, the spa has strong eco-credentials thanks to its use of entirely renewable electricity and geothermal heating generated from the Jerisjärvi lake. Here there are four saunas each inspired by the four elements; earth, fire, water and air and named after Finnish gods and goddesses. You can also upgrade to the special Northern Lights sauna for a relaxing way to search the skies! If you are feeling brave (and are in good health) try an adventurous dip in the ice pool.

    Winter Cottage Type A:

    Type A winter cottages (30 square metres) are, on the whole, the closest to the hotel and are ideal for families with small children.

    The cabins can vary in size but all sleep from two to four people in one spacious room with a sleeping alcove for two people (generally with a double bed) and a pull-out sofa bed for two more. They are all privately-owned and so the décor and style can vary, but each has a cosy wood-burning stove, clothes-drying cupboard, kitchenette, television, shower room, toilet and a private sauna.

    All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.

    Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.

    Please note: a limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.

Other options

    Jeris Winter Cottage Type B

    Type B winter cottages (63 square metres) sleep from four to six people and are ideal for families of four or more. There is a living room area with kitchenette and wood-burning stove, one bedroom for two people and a mezzanine loft area (please note that this is accessed by a steep ladder so is not suitable for small children) which can sleep up to four more. 

    Read more about this accommodation

    The cottages are all privately owned and so some contents and décor may vary, but all are equipped with a clothes drying cupboard, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room.

    The cosy winter cottages are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road and tucked in the trees around a 15-minute walk from the main building. Your luggage will be transferred for you on arrival.

    Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.

    All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.

    Please speak to one of our Family Travel Experts for a quote.

    Please note: A limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.

    Jeris Winter Cottage Type C

    Type C winter cottages (70 square metres) are the largest available and sleep from four to seven people. There are two bedrooms (each for two people) downstairs and a loft sleeping area for a further two (or three if you don’t mind being very cosy!) people accessed via a steep staircase (not suitable for small children). 

    Read more about this accommodation

    As with all the cottages, there is a log-burning stove, clothes drying cupboard, kitchenette, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room. They can vary in layout a little and as they are privately-owned, the décor is determined by the owner’s personal choice.

    They are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road, and tucked in the trees between a 10 and a 20-minute walk from the main building. Your luggage will be transferred for you on arrival. All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.

    Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.

    Please speak to one of our Family Travel Experts for a quote.

    Please note: A limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.

Personalise this tour

Our pick

  • Visit Father Christmas

    For families, meeting Father Christmas in Lapland is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

    This particular experience starts with a snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride across the frozen lake and into the snow-covered forest. Your mission is to locate Father Christmas’ cosy cabin, which is tucked away in a secret location. As you travel you really should keep an eye out for elves on the way too, as they’re sometimes seen close by.

    Read more

    If there is a small group of families who are due to meet Father Christmas on the same day, then you will all gather together with one of Santa’s helpers and will enjoy warm drinks. Then, one at a time, families will be led by one of the elves to meet the great man himself. If it is just your family on the day, then you will be guided straight to his cabin door.

    Your private meeting with Father Christmas will last approximately 10 minutes, so you will have plenty of time to discuss your children’s Christmas wishes and take photos.

    From £103 per adult
    From £62 per child

Other options

  • Cookie Baking

    You will join other families to take part in some traditional festive Finnish fun. Together you will bake gingerbread cookies and then the children will be able to decorate a felt stocking to take home and hang up on Christmas Eve as a reminder of their time in Lapland.  This activity normally lasts between 1 and 2 hours depending on how much time children want to spend perfecting their festive stocking.

    From: £18 per adult
    From: £11 per child

We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

Price based on: two adults sharing a Winter Cottage Type A with one child (4-11 years). Children under 4 years: please ask us for a quotation for travellers aged under 4 years.

Please note: If you are travelling on 27th November, the trip is based at nearby sister hotel, Harriniva.

Please note: if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.

 

Next season’s dates and prices

Our dates and prices for 2023/24 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Family Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. 

Dates
Sun 03 Dec 2023 Adult price (per person): £2145.00
to £2395.00 		Children (4-11 years): £1535.00
to £1725.00 		Enquire

Departure day: Sunday

Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times. This only applies to holidays that include flights.

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Minimum group size of 2 people and maximum 30 people (approximately)

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate

Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.

Minimum and maximum age

The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.

Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions

 

Swim stops

There are plenty of opportunities during our cruises for refreshing swim stops in some beautiful spots en route. Please note that this is not a supervised or guided activity and whilst safety equipment is provided on board and staff members will be present, each passenger is responsible for their own safety whilst in the water.

Traveller Reviews

  • We had an amazing holiday 15 December 2019 by The Gosling Family

    Our guides (Greta and Jenny) were brilliant and went above and beyond. Greta was always available when we needed her and happy to be on the phone if we needed. We loved the visit to Father Christmas because it was so magical. Alex and I loved the snow mobiling and I think the children enjoyed meeting the huskys, ice fishing ad sledging down the slopes the most, on the inflatable donuts and the…
    Read more     sledges! We had an amazing holiday and we would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with children of a similar age. We loved that it was very uncommercial and thought the log cobins were perfect with a sauna and drying cupboard. We were very lucky that the shuttle taxi took us to and fro for dinner though as otherwise I think the boys and us(!) would have been too tired to walk from the cabin to the hotel each night after a full day of activities. The shuttle was definitely a must! Jenny and Greta were brilliant and really made the holiday even better as they were so relaxed but clearly very on top of everything and we felt in very good hands which is important - especially with young children.
    Read less

  • Festive Family Fun in a Winter Cottage 15 December 2019 by The Stone Family

    Thank you for a brilliant holiday. It was by far our favourite part of our visit to Europe. We loved all the activities and the people were so friendly and accommodating. Greta and Jenny were fantastic - they couldn't do enough to ensure that we had the best time. It was such a different experience to any other travel we have undertaken - it honestly felt like we were in a magical fairytale or…
    Read more     movie set. It was so beautiful. I'm not sure that we could pick the most enjoyable because we loved everything. Highlights - For me - Northern Lights (bucket list item), snow mobiles, dog sled, reindeer sled and meeting Santa. We also loved the ice restaurant.
    Read less

  • A really lovely memory to cherish. 16 December 2018 by The Johnson Family

    Visiting Santa was very special because it was such a fabulous authentic experience. He was so sincere, kind and gentle without gimmicks. It wasn’t rushed and was very, very personal. My daughter was in awe but happily chatted away with Santa. A really lovely memory to cherish. There is very little to criticise about this trip. Jeris is a beautiful place with amazing scenery, fabulous cabins and…
    Read more     excellent activities for children and the adults. The hotel staff and guides are all incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. We wanted a genuine Finnish experience of Lapland and Santa without commercial gimmicks and that’s exactly what we got. Loved every second!!
    Read less

Gallery

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  • FAMILY SPECIALISTS

    Created by families for families

    Experience real adventures enjoyed safely

    Family friendly destinations and accommodation

    Maximising your precious family time

  • SHARED EXPERIENCES

    Family time, not screen time

    Family memories to treasure

    No kids clubs - Mum and Dad can play too

    Enjoy the company of like-minded families

  • INDEPENDENT

    Family owned and run

    Proudly Independent

    Personal, hands-on service

    Fair and sustainable work ethos

  • TRUSTED

    We safety check every activity so you don’t have to

    100% ATOL and ABTA protection

    Peace of mind promise

    Award-winning

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