Adult price from £2,165pp
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities, cold weather clothing and guides; all as listed.
VISITING: Finland
BROCHURE CODE: 1799

Key facts

  • Duration:3 nights
  • Suitable for: Anybody aged 4 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 to Rovaniemi (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change
  • Transfers: return airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 3 nights in superior apartment accommodation
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: Entrance fee (unlimited entries allowed) and guided tour of Ranua Wildlife Park, husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride, Northern Lights safari by Finn horse-pulled sleigh, New Year’s Eve celebrations including a glass of sparkling wine for the grown-ups (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors for all activities

This three-night itinerary over New Year offers a special and unforgettable experience for the whole family. We have carefully hand-picked some of our favourite winter activities and festive experiences to create the perfect short break.

Your nature-orientated agenda will see you meeting the wide variety of wildlife that Ranua has to offer. As a ticket to Ranua Wildlife Park is included in the price, you can visit the impressive array of animals that live in their wintry home. Here, you can see moose, otters, golden eagles and Arctic fox! You will even meet the park’s polar bears as you assist your guide in feeding them. And finally, you will also make some new, furry friends during your husky safari and reindeer sleigh ride.

As well as making the most of the fascinating animals at Ranua, we cannot forget about the Northern Lights, which are often put on a phenomenal display at this time of year. We include an Aurora excursion to help improve your chances of witnessing the lights.

We will not be offering a full board upgrade to include lunch in December, but guests can arrange and pay for this locally. In our experience, the restaurant can become busy during the festive lunchtimes, with outside visitors to the park. We have found that most families prefer to make their own lunch arrangements in their wonderfully equipped apartment kitchens. Breakfast and dinner are included in all our holidays.

If you wish to add other activities to your trip, we have some fantastic options detailed in the ‘Personalise’ tab of the holiday page, including a visit to Father Christmas’s Secret Cabin and a snowmobile safari.

On New Year’s Eve, you will enjoy an evening filled with celebrations and fun, as you are served a delicious Gala Dinner.

During your stay, your accommodation will be in your very own apartment at the Gulo Gulo Holiday Village, which sits amongst the snow just a short walk from Wildlife Park. 

Please note that the order of activities is subject to change and the final agenda will be confirmed on arrival. 


©Gulo Gulo Holiday Village
Show full agenda

Included in price


Special Nights

Arctic Fox Igloo

From: £175pp

These beautiful glass igloos add a very special accommodation experience to any stay at Ranua. There are 20 igloos in total (10 twin igloos and 10 family/lakeside igloos) which are located around 8km from Ranua Wildlife Park. They are set in an idyllic lakeside location with very little light pollution and uninterrupted views to the North, giving you an excellent chance of watching the Northern Lights from your bed, talk about a holiday memory!

Twin igloos

The igloos include a twin bed and have a small kitchenette, a bathroom with private sauna (this is Finland after all!) and a limited lake view. Guests will normally be transferred to the igloos after their evening meal at Ranua and are then picked up the following morning in time for breakfast back at the main restaurant. Whilst there is no reception building at the igloo camp, all guests receive a contact number in case of any questions or issues.

Family/lakeside igloos

These igloos have the same facilities as the twin igloos but have a double bed and space for two small extra beds for children (4-14 years old) and a lake view. Please note that the maximum occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children (4-14 years old).

Guests will normally be transferred to the igloos after their evening meal at Ranua and are then picked up the following morning in time for breakfast back at the main restaurant. Whilst there is no reception building at the igloo camp, all guests receive a contact number in case of any questions or issues.

Please note, that the example price listed is based on guests spending the final night of their holiday in an igloo, and checking out of their apartment accommodation. If guests wish to spend any other night during their stay in a glass igloo, they must retain their apartment accommodation. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quotation.


Image credits: Jari Romppainen & Marko Juntilla

Personalise this tour


Our pick

  • Extended Husky Safari

    For those families looking to get a bit more out of their exciting husky experience, there is the option to extend your husky safari to an hour. This will give your family plenty of time to enjoy the excitement of travelling across the snow with your eager team of huskies.

    Duration: 1 hour

    Read more

    Please note: All decisions are made on the day of the safari by the lead guide as to any guest’s suitability to drive their own dog sled. As a general rule, those aged 15 and over are normally able to drive their own team of huskies but the guide’s decision on the day will be final and in the interest of safety. Children under the age of 15 will either travel in a sledge driven by the guide or an accompanying adult.

    From £109 per adult
    From £60 per child

Other options

  • Snowmobile Safari to the Reindeer Farm

    Following driving instructions, you will set out on snowmobile towards Laivala, a small authentic reindeer farm, which is approximately 15km from the Holiday Village Gulo Gulo. Here you will be welcomed by the herder and taken to see his reindeer, before enjoying a short reindeer sled ride (approximately 15 minutes).

    Back at the farm you will enjoy a hot snack and learn more about the life of the reindeer herders and their long history in this region. The activity will end with a snowmobile trip back to the hotel.

    Read more about this activity

    Duration: approximately 3 hours

    Please note: the driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. Children will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile on selected safaris where this is offered. Older children may be able to travel as pillion on the snowmobile but this is at the discretion of the guide. Single driver supplement applies.

    From: £159 per adult
    From: £89 per child
  • Ice fishing via snowmobile

    Your guide will give full instructions before you set off via snowmobile heading towards a nearby frozen lake. Here you will learn more about the long history of ice fishing and try your hand at it too. Warm drinks will be served around the fire and there will be the chance to cook anything that you may catch!

    Duration: approximately 3 hours

    Read more about this activity

    Please note: the driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. Children will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile on selected safaris where this is offered. Older children may be able to travel as pillion on the snowmobile but this is at the discretion of the guide. Single driver supplement applies.

    From: £149 per adult
    From: £80 per child
  • Searching for the Aurora Borealis via Snowmobile

    Heading out into the darkness via snowmobile is a wonderful way to explore the night-time wilderness and your guide will lead the way along the dark forest trails. There will be breaks to enjoy a hot drink and keep a keen watch on the sky in anticipation of a potential Northern Lights display.

    Duration: approximately 3 hours

    Read more about this activity

    Please note: the driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. Children will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile on selected safaris where this is offered. Older children may be able to travel as pillion on the snowmobile but this is at the discretion of the guide. Single driver supplement applies.


    Image credit: Antti Pietikainen

    From: £154 per adult
    From: £89 per child
  • Snowshoeing

    One of the best ways to enjoy the wonderful forest neighbouring the wildlife park is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and head into the deep snow to explore. Your guide will offer lots of interesting information on the way on the local flora and fauna.

    Duration: approximately 2 hours

    From: £69 per adult
    From: £49 per child
  • Cross-country Skiing

    Explore the Arctic the ancient way – on cross-country skis! Your guide will teach you the various techniques of this activity before you head out to put your skills into practice. The ski tracks reside close to the Ranua Wildlife Park and will cover around 3km.

    Duration: approximately 2 hours

    From: £69 per adult
    From: £49 per child
  • Visit Father Christmas in His Secret Cabin

    Hidden in the depths of the forest is Father Christmas’s very special cabin and this is your chance to visit the man himself! Your guide will drive you the short 10-minute journey amongst the trees, stopping on the way to seek out clues to Father Christmas’s whereabouts. Eventually, you will come across a tiny wooden cabin where you will be warmly welcomed by the man in red!

    Read more about this activity

    You will spend around 20 minutes here allowing the children to talk with Father Christmas, listen to his stories and ask him any questions they may have about his very important job.

    Duration: approximately 45 minutes

     

    From: £119 per adult
    From: £89 per child
  • Lappish Workshop in Ranua: Arts and Crafts With Ms. Paula

    Join local handicraft artist Ms. Paula in her workshop, where you’ll make a traditional Lappish souvenir to take home with you.

    You can choose between different sessions depending on the item you want to make. From genuine reindeer leather shoulder bags and pouches to a unique piece of Lappish jewellery, the choice is yours! Children can also take part by making a red-nosed reindeer using a variety of materials.

    Read more about this activity

    The workshop is situated in Ranua’s traditional Lappish hut, located next to the information and ticket sales office.

    Minimum group size is 4 persons and maximum group size is 36 persons (excluding the round reindeer leather pouch or a small bag workshop where the minimum group size is 8 and the maximum is 38). 

    Duration: 1-1.5 hours in total 


     Image credit: Gulo Gulo Holiday Village
    From: £45 per adult
    From: £30 per child
  • Arctic Fox Igloo

    These beautiful glass igloos add a very special accommodation experience to any stay at Ranua. There are 20 igloos in total (10 twin igloos and 10 family/lakeside igloos) which are located around 8km from Ranua Wildlife Park. They are set in an idyllic lakeside location with very little light pollution and uninterrupted views to the North, giving you an excellent chance of watching the Northern Lights from your bed, talk about a holiday memory!

    Twin igloos

    The igloos include a twin bed and have a small kitchenette, a bathroom with private sauna (this is Finland after all!) and a limited lake view. Guests will normally be transferred to the igloos after their evening meal at Ranua and are then picked up the following morning in time for breakfast back at the main restaurant. Whilst there is no reception building at the igloo camp, all guests receive a contact number in case of any questions or issues.

    Family/lakeside igloos

    These igloos have the same facilities as the twin igloos but have a double bed and space for two small extra beds for children (4-14 years old) and a lake view. Please note that the maximum occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children (4-14 years old).

    Guests will normally be transferred to the igloos after their evening meal at Ranua and are then picked up the following morning in time for breakfast back at the main restaurant. Whilst there is no reception building at the igloo camp, all guests receive a contact number in case of any questions or issues.

    Please note, that the example price listed is based on guests spending the final night of their holiday in an igloo, and checking out of their apartment accommodation. If guests wish to spend any other night during their stay in a glass igloo, they must retain their apartment accommodation. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quotation.


    Image credits: Jari Romppainen & Marko Juntilla
    From: £175 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 based on 2 adults (15+) and 2 children (4-14) sharing an apartment.

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
Mon 30 Dec 2024 Adult price (per person): £2165.00
to £2425.00
Child Price (Per Child): £1885.00
to £2115.00
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 42 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.

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

  • Super family friendly 31 December 2018 by The Irons Family

    Super family friendly. On day 1 my eldest told me this was the best holiday ever.

  • A fantastic experience all round 31 December 2018 by The Hallam Family

    A fantastic experience all round. Ranua is a magical place, and the staff there are all so friendly and helpful. We debated this on the way home and decided we couldn't single out particular things as there is just so much to enjoy: the setting and chalets are perfect, and all the activities were just fantastic. The package we had from Activities Abroad included great experiences (snowshoeing,
    Read more
    reindeer sleigh and huskies, meeting arctic fox and feeding polar bears etc) and we also opted to do some cross-country skiing. The whole four days was full of magical memories.
    Read less

  • The husky sled ride was a favourite 29 December 2017 by The Vigar Family

    Overall you are an excellent company and I would recommend you to anyone. The husky sled ride was a favourite, getting to do a life-long ambition and my son getting to try something he's read so much about for a school project.


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