Adult price from £3,805pp
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities and cold weather clothing; all as listed.
VISITING: Finland
BROCHURE CODE: 1907

Key facts

  • Duration:7 nights
  • Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over 
  • Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and 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 to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes subject to change
  • Transfers: Return airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 7 nights hotel accommodation in double/twin room. (Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.)
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • The following activities are included: Snowmobile safari, cross-country skiing, husky safari, Northern Lights workshop, Aurora Camp, wilderness day, minibus/car Northern Lights hunt, snowshoeing and reindeer visit (order subject to change)
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
  • 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
  • Aurora alert until approximately 1 am

In our opinion, Nellim encapsulates the genuinely unspoilt wilderness of Lapland which, when combined with the warm, welcoming family atmosphere at the hotel, creates a fabulous location in which to spend a very memorable Christmas. This holiday is all about celebrating the festive season together, trying some unique Arctic experiences and creating unforgettable family memories.

You are well away from the commercial Santa crowds that descend on some areas of Lapland at this time of year and at Nellim you can really experience the winter wonderland which is above the Arctic Circle. Throughout this holiday you will enjoy the thrill of a dog sled safari, the exhilaration of snowmobiling, you shall meet with reindeer and learn about winter wilderness survival.

The hotel is also ideally situated within the Aurora Zone and has been a real favourite with Aurora hunting families for years. Many people in the Activities Abroad team saw the Northern Lights for the first time here, and have since taken their own families back to share in the experience. We have included dedicated Northern Lights hunts on two nights during this holiday and our expert local guides will really help you to maximise your chances of seeing a display.

This itinerary has been designed to suit older children (8 years and above, see terms for details) so if your children want to experience Lapland but, are a little too old for a holiday centred on Father Christmas, then this trip is a perfect choice. 

Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and the agenda below should be used as a guide only. The exact order of your agenda will be confirmed upon arrival at the hotel.

White outline Interreg Nord

 Image credits: Markku Inkila, Tricia Cox, Claire Howarth, Anthony Oberlin
Show full agenda

Included in price


Other options


Special Nights

Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble

From: £88pp

A wonderful addition to your family holiday, spending the night in an Aurora Bubble offers the chance for a unique and memorable night’s sleep, as you lie back in bed and gaze directly up into the pitch-black Arctic sky.

Each Bubble consists of a wooden base, with a large north-facing dome window over the bed. There is also a small toilet too. They are heated and decked out with cosy furnishings, ensuring a warm night’s sleep. Of course, you may not want to sleep much, choosing instead to keep a close watch on the sky!

The Aurora Bubbles are situated a short walk from the hotel amongst the trees. They have no running water but if you upgrade to spend the night in a Bubble then you will also keep your hotel room so facilities are within easy reach. Please note that the beds in the Bubbles are double beds so can only accommodate two people.

Whilst we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, this remains a genuinely memorable and fun experience for your family!


Image credit: Markku Inkila

Sleep in an Aurora Kota

From: £132pp

Nellim is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.

These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed. 

 The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom.  There is also room for two extra beds for children.

Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.


Image credit: Anthony Oberlin

Personalise this tour


Our pick

  • Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble

    A wonderful addition to your family holiday, spending the night in an Aurora Bubble offers the chance for a unique and memorable night’s sleep, as you lie back in bed and gaze directly up into the pitch-black Arctic sky.

    Each Bubble consists of a wooden base, with a large north-facing dome window over the bed. There is also a small toilet too. They are heated and decked out with cosy furnishings, ensuring a warm night’s sleep. Of course, you may not want to sleep much, choosing instead to keep a close watch on the sky!

    Read more

    The Aurora Bubbles are situated a short walk from the hotel amongst the trees. They have no running water but if you upgrade to spend the night in a Bubble then you will also keep your hotel room so facilities are within easy reach. Please note that the beds in the Bubbles are double beds so can only accommodate two people.

    Whilst we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, this remains a genuinely memorable and fun experience for your family!


    Image credit: Markku Inkila
    From £88 per adult

Other options

  • Sleep in an Aurora Kota

    Nellim is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.

    These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed. 

    Read more about this activity

     The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom.  There is also room for two extra beds for children.

    Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.


    Image credit: Anthony Oberlin

    From: £132 per adult

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 per person based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room with 1 child


Please view our alternative departure dates here - New Year Aurora Adventure and Half-Term Aurora Adventure 

Next season’s dates and prices

Our dates and prices for 2024/25 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
Sat 21 Dec 2024 Adult price (per person): £3805.00
to £4265.00
Child (age 8 -14): £2685.00
to £3015.00
Enquire

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)

This holiday requires a minimum of 4 people to run, however, we require a minimum of 8 people for our flight allocation. Maximum 28 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.

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.

Specific Payment and Cancellation Terms for Nellim

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:

- Prior to 25.09 - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

- 26.09 up until departure date - 100%

For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply: 

- Up to balance due date (this is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

- Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%

- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%

- 14 or less days - 100% 

 

Terms and Conditions

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

 

Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only

Traveller Reviews

  • Nellim - Christmas Aurora Adventure 22 December 2019 by The Follin Family

    I was worried that in booking this trip we would be hauled around with a huge group of people. Instead, we really felt like we were "alone" on a custom trip and not part of a herd. That is the biggest positive of your agency's service.The activity guides were so committed to the area and had a real passion for their work. They were all so amazing but everyone in the family really enjoyed the dog
    Read more
    sledding.
    Read less

  • We had such a fab time together and it really made the holiday extra special. 23 December 2018 by The Hancock Family

    I loved every activity, but if I have to pick one or two things I would say snowmobiling and the wilderness day. I just loved exploring the vast, white wilderness and you could cover such a distance on the snowmobiles. I also loved the simplicity of building camp fires, cooking lunch and drinking water from the lake (via the ice holes that we drilled). As an only parent holidaying with my teenage
    Read more
    children, it was great to be paired up with two other mums and their teenagers. We had such a fab time together and it really made the holiday extra special. I don't know whether this was clever planning by yourselves or the staff at Nellim, but it definitely worked for us. The staff at Nellim were very friendly. The chefs were amazing and the food was absolutely delicious. 
    Read less

  • Very, very memorable 23 December 2018 by The Leaver Family

    Wilderness Day - Just happened to be on our last say and was a fabulous way of ending the holiday, spending time with the children doing things that we would never otherwise get to try. Very, very memorable. 

  • We absolutely loved every part of our holiday! 23 December 2018 by The Daniel Family

    We absolutely loved every part of our holiday!

  • Our third Activities Abroad holiday and all excellent 19 December 2016 by The Fragell Family

    Brilliant holiday, just right for us. Most enjoyable activity: Boys: petting huskies, husky ride, feeding reindeer, playing with other kids in the evening. Airbus 350 LHR to Helsinki!!!!! Dad: husky trip, lots of opportunity for skidoo driving. Mum: husky trip, aurora camp with excellent Aurora, being in the outdoor environment, starry skies, food!! Fantastic hotel, staff, food, guides, outdoor
    Read more
    environment! Our third Activities Abroad holiday and all excellent.
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  • I just cannot find words to describe just how brilliantly magical this was. 19 December 2015 by Barbara Clowe

    I and my 13 year old grandson departed on our adventure to the Wilderness Hotel in Nellim on the 19th December returning to London on the 26th December, 2015. Let me first say that the administration staff at Activities Abroad were excellent, going above and beyond to ensure that any query, no matter how small or insignificant the questions, were answered by enthusiastic members of their team.
    Read more
    Most, I believe, have been on this break and they were as excited as I and my grandson and this added to our anticipation of this break....a big thank you to everyone. The holiday itself - I just cannot find words to describe just how brilliantly magical this was. The guides are to be praised for making all the outside activities amazing, so friendly and passionate about their work which added to one's own excitement and in turn they seemed to buzz off our elations as we undertook all the activities provided.... To the Guides I wish to say a very big thank you and in particular to Lamu .... passionate about everything he undertook and also about his country. We were extremely lucky as we saw the Aurora on the first morning we were there, thanks to being equipped with alert mobiles, and again on four separate occasions so we achieved everything we had wished for on this holiday and more besides. The accommodation I found to be basic but comfortable and were cleaned every alternative day with fresh towels provided at that time also. The restaurant was a good size, warm and welcoming with a bar to one side. However if I had one grumble it would be that the food was never much above luke warm whatever time you chose to eat and I feel that the hotel should look to finding a solution to this as there were many visitors of the same opinion, the dishes served were varied, tasty and on the whole well cooked but sadly let down by this fact. The clothing provided was perfect and to be honest you would only require to buy baselayers and possibly a couple of midlayers to take with you as even at -33 the clothing was sufficient needing only to add possibly a snood and woollen hat.It only remains for me to say that I would definitely chose Activities Abroad again and would definitely make this trip again possibly with my youngest grandson when he makes 10 (in two years). Thank you Barbara E Clowe
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  • What an amazing trip, from start to end. 15 December 2015 by Mary Bliss

    What an amazing trip, from start to end. The people, the scenery, the food.......Thank you so much Activities Abroad for making my husband's surprise 50th absolutely perfect, from a Christmas tree in our villa to Santa singing Happy Birthday, a magical break for everyone from 5 to 50! Breathtaking :-)

  • Snowmobiles to huskies - active and well organised 13 February 2014 by James Dodd

    Well organised and spread through the week. All the staff were very good and helped to ensure it was an enjoyable holiday.The day in the wilderness was excellent - the kids loved building fires! All activities were very enjoyable. From snowmobiles to huskies - it was all active and well thought through.


  • FAMILY SPECIALISTS

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