Ruka Pick and Mix
We are so excited to offer Ruka’s fantastic facilities and list of activities. The great thing about this destination is that the activities are very diverse, so there is something for every family member to get involved in. The starting points for all of the activities are on site, making it easy to get around, and really adding to the atmosphere of the place.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:7 nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 5 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
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What's included?
- Duration: 7 nights
- Flights: return direct flights from London Gatwick to Kuusamo (flight routes from Manchester and Birmingham are also available). Flights routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 7 nights accommodation in an apartment type A or B (upgrades available - supplements apply)
- Meals: not included (your accommodation consists of a fully equipped kitchen and is within walking distance to shops and restaurants)
- Activities: choose from our extensive range which is detailed in the ‘Activities’ section of the holiday page (activities are priced individually). The order of activities you select is subject to change. Fully qualified guides and instructors are present during activities
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
Ruka is located in the north of Kuusamo, a Finnish municipality that is renowned for its natural beauty and almost untouched wilderness. Ruka, one of the largest ski resorts in Finland, is among the country’s major holiday destinations, due to its excellent snow sports opportunities. This is a place that lies in the heart of excitement and adventure.
Ruka offers a number of activities for the family to enjoy, and you have complete control over your holiday as you can choose exactly what you would like your week to consist of. You can snowmobile or husky sled over the snowy fells, or relax in the saunas and Jacuzzis in Iisakki Village during an authentic sauna experience. Why not treat yourselves to a unique overnight stay in a cosy igloo that sits amongst the snow in Iisakki Village? There is something to suit every member of the family due to the diverse range of options available.
The holiday price includes seven nights in a private apartment and cold-weather clothing for the duration of your stay. Direct return flights and airport transfers are also included.
Please note that many activities require a minimum number of participants in order to run so all activities are subject to availability.
©Ruka Safaris, Harri Tarvainen & Visit Finland
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival and Welcome
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Ruka, where you can settle into your cosy apartment and explore the shops and restaurants at the Ruka Centre. You will have a welcome meeting, where you will be given all of the information you need for your trip and you can ask any questions that you might have.
The great thing about our tailor-made option is that you can choose exactly what you want your trip to involve.
The base price includes your flights, transfers, accommodation for seven nights, cold-weather clothing for the duration of your stay and fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during your chosen activities. You select the activities you would like to do from the list shown in the 'Activities' section, ensuring your holiday can be as active or gentle as you wish.
Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you craft the ideal itinerary.
Included Meals: None -
Day 2 - 7 Design Your Own Holiday
Fill these days with as many or as few activities as you wish, selecting from the options listed in our 'Activities' section.
There are many activities to choose from and should you need advice on the best options for you, please speak to one of our Travel Experts. They will be happy to help prepare the perfect itinerary for you.
Included Meals: None -
Day 8 Departure
You will be transferred to the airport ready for your flights home or you may wish to extend your stay. Ask our Travel Experts about extension options.
Included Meals: None
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Vanha Karhu Apartments
Nights: 1-7
Within walking distance to Ruka Centre and only 1km from Ruka’s downhill slopes, Vanha Karhu Apartments offer the ideal base for a winter trip.
Well known for its wellbeing facilities there are several saunas and outdoor hot tubs available for guests and your apartment even offers its own private sauna.
The newly renovated, modern yet cosy décor of the interiors, provides a warm atmosphere which is perfect for relaxing after a busy day in the snow.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel facilities
- Your apartment has a fully equipped kitchenette, supplied with fridge, freezing compartment, toaster, microwave oven, electric stove, coffee machine, kettle and dishwasher so they are ideal for self-catering
- The central point of your accommodation will be the Ruka Centre, where you will find restaurants and shops. You can buy food for the duration of your stay here, and it is accessible by foot or via the free shuttle bus which runs daily from 9.30 until 19.00
- The starting point for all your activities is in the same courtyard as your accommodation so you never have too far to go
Guest room type
Apartments A and B
Your beautifully decorated, spacious apartment has its own living area (with a TV), fully equipped kitchenette, shower and toilet, private sauna and a separate bedroom. Each cabin also has its own terrace/porch. Wi-Fi is available and hairdryers are provided.
Image credits: Ruka Safaris
Other options
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Apartment C upgrade
If you are a slightly larger family or would like to spend the week in a bigger apartment, you can upgrade to apartment C which offers more space and has two twin bedrooms, as well as a sofa bed in the lounge area. This apartment has all of the facilities included in apartments A and B, with an additional washing machine.
Available from: 09 December 2018 - 17 February 2019 (not available on 30 December departure)
Image credits: Ruka Safaris
Special Nights
Igloo night
Around 10 minutes from Ruka Centre lies Iisakki Village, where a selection of snow igloos provide a truly memorable night of accommodation.
Guests are transferred to this remote spot at around 7pm, and on arrival will enjoy a set three-course meal in the restaurant. Following dinner, you can check into your igloo. You will sleep on a bed made of ice which is covered with a mattress and cosy reindeer skins. The inside temperature is a constant -5C and you will be provided with a military grade sleeping bag to keep you warm during the night. There is a heated area for guests to use situated a short walk from the igloos and this contains the toilet facilities.
The next morning you will enjoy breakfast at the Iisakki before being transferred back to your accommodation in Ruka.
Trip Duration: Overnight stay
Available: Monday to Sunday at 7 pm (20 December 2018 to 30 March 2019)
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm
This snowmobile safari will have you driving through beautiful forests and ice-covered lakes to an idyllic and private reindeer farm. Your trip will also consist of a short reindeer sleigh ride, the chance to feed the reindeer and learn about their lives in Finland. When you return with your reindeer you will receive a certificate and enjoy a hot drink, sausages and a sweet snack. The driver must be 18 years or older and hold a valid driving licence.
Read moreOverall, you will cover around 50km on your snowmobiles, with two people on each snowmobile and children below 140 cm travelling on a sled pulled by your guide.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Total duration: Approximately 4-5 hours
Minimum age: 8 years (children below 140 cm will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile)
Minimum participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Wednesday at 10am
From £138 per adult
From £90 per child
Other options
Activities
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Snowmobile introduction
This basic snowmobile safari introduces first-timers to the thrill of snowmobiling. Before you begin, your guide will give you a thorough safety briefing and introduction before you take to the snow. You will cover around 20km, with two people per snowmobile, driving through the stunning snowy forest scenery (driver must hold a full driving licence). Children below 140 cm will travel in a sled pulled by the guide.
During the drive, you will stop for a break of coffee or tea and a sweet bun.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityMinimum Age: 5 years (children below 140 cm will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile)
Minimum Participants: 4 adults
Total Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday at 10.00 am, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day also at 2.00 pm
From: £76 per adult
From: £50 per child -
Husky safari (5km, 10km or 20km)
This truly fun and thrilling activity will crank up the energy levels for the day and fill your family will excitement. First, you will take a ten-minute transfer to meet your husky team, getting to know the life of the huskies at the husky farm, with time to cuddle and play with them! After learning how to drive the huskies, you will share an exhilarating ride with your family as your energetic and enthusiastic huskies take you, two people per sled, on a 5, 10 or 20 km ride. The programme also includes coffee and hot sausages by the fire.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityThere are three possible distances and durations for this trip:
5km
Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Minimum Age: 3 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12.30 pm
Price from: Adult: £131; Child: £115
10km
Total Duration: Approximately 2.5-3 hours
Minimum Age: 3 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Friday at 10 am
Price from: Adult: £156; Child: £135
20km
Total Duration: Approximately 3- 3.5 hours
Minimum Age: 3 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Tuesday and Saturday at 10 am
Price from: Adult: £210; Child: £175
Image credit: Ruka Safaris
From: £131 per adult
From: £115 per child -
Visiting Santa Claus's secret cottage
This is a truly magical and essential activity for a Christmas family holiday. Nothing is more exciting to children at Christmas time than the thought of Santa Claus! You will take a 30-minute transfer to Mr and Mrs Claus’s secret cottage, where you will spend time with Santa, bake cookies in the cottage and play with Santa’s helpers in some outdoor activities.
Read more about this activityMore about this Activity:
Minimum Age: N/A
Activity Duration: Approximately 3 hoursMinimum participants: 4 people
Available: Saturdays (December to end March)
From: £90 per adult
From: £90 per child -
Finnish sauna experience and wild food dinner
Relax and unwind at Iisakki’s lakeside sauna. A local guide will talk you through the origins of sauna culture and why it is so important to Finns before you take to the sauna yourself. You will have a real, authentic experience, spending two whole hours warming up in the sauna, dipping into the ice pool, lazing in the Jacuzzi and repeating the cycle! You will be served berry juice, water and tea as well as small snacks.
Read more about this activityAfterwards, the evening will begin with a short film about the Northern Lights in a rustic outdoor barn theatre. Then, you will all move to Iisakin Talo for a buffet dinner, consisting of wild food delicacies such as fish, wild game and berries.
The Wild Food Dinner is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Minimum Age: 3 years old
Activity Duration: 5-6 hours overall (The official sauna experience lasting around 2 hours)Available: Wednesday & Friday at 4.30 pm
From: £108 per adult
From: £72 per child -
Snowshoe hike to Oulanka National Park
This tranquil snowshoe hike will take you to the most beautiful part of Kuusamo as you arrive at the Oulanka National Park under its winter blanket. You’ll hike beside river Kitkajoki to see the Myllykoski old mill amongst the incredible winter scenery. You will hike a total of around 4km and during the programme, you will enjoy a coffee and sandwich break.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityMinimum Age: 5 years old
Minimum Participants: 4 adults
Trip Duration: Approximately 5 hoursAvailable: Tuesday at 10 am
Image Credit: Harri Tarvainen & Visit Finland
From: £80 per adult
From: £53 per child -
Ice fishing
Ice fishing, or as the Finnish say, ‘pilkki’, is a traditional hobby of the locals. After drilling a hole into the beautiful frozen lake, you will set up your pilkki to lure in the fish beneath the ice. You might catch perch, whitefish, roach, pike, or even grayling, and if you are lucky to catch something, a guide will show you how to prepare the fish over an open fire. The experience includes a short snowshoe walk of around 1km in order to reach the ideal fishing spot and a coffee break on the lake.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityMinimum Age: 3 years old
Minimum Participants: 4 adults
Trip Duration: 3 hours (including 10-minute return transfer)Available: Wednesday & Saturday at 10 am
From: £55 per adult
From: £36 per child -
Visit to the reindeer farm
You will be picked up from the Safari Centre by a car transfer and taken to an idyllic reindeer farm. This is a great family activity, as the reindeer pull two people per sled through the snow for around 300m OR 1.5km, depending on which length you book. You even have the chance to feed the reindeer and listen to stories of their life and history. When you return with your reindeer, you will receive a certificate and be served a hot drink, reindeer sausages and a sweet snack.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Please note: the longer sleigh ride will incur an additional charge, please speak to our Travel Experts for further details.
Read more about this activity300 metre Sleigh Ride:
Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Minimum Age: 3 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsPrice from: Adult: £76; Child: £52
1.5km Sleigh Ride:
Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Minimum Age: 3 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsPrice from: Adult: £115; Child: £105
Available: Wednesday at 11.30am
From: £76 per adult
From: £52 per child -
Starlight sledging to search for the Northern Lights
This is an unforgettable adventure for families, as you drive away into the forest with up to six people per sled. The route will take you through varied landscapes so you can really absorb the scenery. After around one and a half hours of sledging, you will arrive at the camp, where you will make a fire with your guide and prepare coffee, tea and grilled sausages. If you are lucky you may catch sight of the Northern Lights in the sky while you travel.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityTotal Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Minimum Age: 5 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Wednesday & Friday at 7 pm
From: £63 per adult
From: £42 per child -
River Floating
This unforgettable Arctic experience will see you and your family gently float down a lazy river for a unique way to get close to nature. After full instructions, you’ll be given your life vest, helmet and floating suits which have been specifically designed to keep you above water and most importantly, warm. Then it’s time to lie back in the river and enjoy the surroundings as you float by. You will float down the river twice and afterwards, you can enjoy hot drinks while you discuss the incredible experience you’ve just had.
Read more about this activityAvailable: Monday – Saturday 11am
Duration: 2-3 hours
Minimum age: 15 years
Image Credits: Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
From: £72 per adult
From: £72 per child -
Snowshoe search for the Northern Lights
During this peaceful activity, you will follow an old reindeer trek route of around 4km in the beautiful fell surroundings. Every now and then the group will stop to admire the nature and snow-covered scenery. If the sky is clear you will see the myriad of bright stars in the sky and, with a little luck, the colourful Northern Lights. You will also break for a hot drink along the way, and your guide will tell you stories about the Northern Lights and nature.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityTotal Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Minimum Age: 5 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Tuesday & Thursday at 7 pm
From: £58 per adult
From: £39 per child -
The land of the Northern Lights
This promises to be a memorable evening as your snowmobile safari will take you through an enchanting blue twilight forest. With two people per snowmobile (driver must hold a full driving licence), covering around 30km, the darkness will provide additional excitement to your snowmobiling experience and if the sky is clear and you are lucky enough, you might even see Northern Lights. During the safari, you will stop to enjoy coffee, bun and sausages by the fire.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityTotal duration: Approximately 3 hours
Minimum Age: 5 years (children below 140 cm will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile)
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Wednesday and Friday at 7pm
From: £102 per adult
From: £69 per child -
Snowmobiling to the Russian border
On this snowmobile safari, you will venture one person per snowmobile west to east, to the top of the magnificent Kuntivaara Hill, which is 480m above sea level. The Russian border is just around the corner and the breath-taking scenery over the Arctic wilderness is a sight that you will cherish forever. The journey is around 100km in total and is well worth the challenge. During the safari, you will enjoy a soup lunch and coffee in a cosy wilderness restaurant.
Guide, instruction and equipment included.
Read more about this activityTotal duration: Approximately 6 hours
Minimum Age: 18 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adultsAvailable: Wednesday and Saturday at 10am
From: £192 per adult -
RZR Buggy Rally
In this programme, you can test your driving skills through an enchanting snowy forest. Each RZR car holds two people, so you can share the fun as you take to the tracks. There will also be a small contest between your group with the fastest driver winning a special prize!
Drivers must hold a valid licence.
Read more about this activity
Guide, instruction and equipment included, including helmets and seat belts.Total duration: 2 hours
Minimum Age: 5 years
Minimum Participants: 4 adults
Maximum Participants: 12 persons per groupAvailable: Tuesday and Saturday at 2 pm
From: £76 per adult
From: £45 per child -
Fat Biking
If you’re a family who loves bike rides then don’t let the wintery conditions stop you. Using fat bikes, with wide tyres perfect for travelling across the snow, you’ll follow the guide over the trails to see more of the brilliant frozen landscape. You’ll travel around 4-5km, stopping along the way to enjoy hot drinks and snacks by the fire. Please note, average physical condition is required for this activity.
Read more about this activityAvailable: Thursday & Saturday 11 am
Duration: 2-3 hours
Minimum height: 160cm
Image Credit: Juho Kuva & Visit Finland
From: £62 per adult
From: £62 per child -
Cross-Country Ski Lesson
Try one of Finland’s national hobbies when you learn how to cross-country ski. You don’t need any prior ski experience as the guide will teach you the technique before you take to the official ski track to practice together as a family.
Read more about this activityAvailable: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 3 pm
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Minimum Age: 7 years old
Image Credit: Harri Tarvainen & Visit Finland
From: £49 per adult
From: £49 per child
Little Extras
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Christmas Dinner
Christmas is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve in Finland but we know some families prefer to save the festivities for the day itself. If you’re travelling over Christmas, you can celebrate in the forest restaurant Kontioluola with a memorable meal by an open fire. Choose your starters and dessert from the brilliant buffet selection and your main course from the menu, as you enjoy the delicious food on your candlelit table. There is also a children’s option for main meals. The transfers are included in the price, so you will be taken to Kontioluola and brought back to your accommodation.
From: £72 per adult
From: £45 per child -
Christmas Eve dinner
If you are here for Christmas Eve, you can celebrate with a delicious dinner in forest restaurant Kontioluola. Dinner is served in a buffet-style and you can choose a starter, main course and dessert from the delicious selection. Enjoy your food by the open fire on your candlelit table, as you look forward to Christmas Day. The transfers are included in the price, so you will be taken to Kontioluola and brought back to your accommodation.
From: £58 per adult
From: £40 per child -
Traditional wild food dinner
You will be picked up from the Safari Centre and taken on a short, ten-minute transfer to Iisakki Village, where you can admire the old buildings and snow sculptures that the village offers. Prior to dinner, you will be shown a short film about the spectacular Northern Lights in a rustic barn.
Read more about this activityYour traditional three-course dinner will be served in Iisakin Talo, Iisakki Village’s old main house, where you will have the opportunity to taste local, wild food delicacies such as fish or wild game – there is something for all of the family to enjoy.
This experience is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Trip Duration: 3 hours
Available: Wednesday & Friday at 7.00 pm
From: £58 per adult
From: £40 per child
Special Nights
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Igloo night
Around 10 minutes from Ruka Centre lies Iisakki Village, where a selection of snow igloos provide a truly memorable night of accommodation.
Guests are transferred to this remote spot at around 7pm, and on arrival will enjoy a set three-course meal in the restaurant. Following dinner, you can check into your igloo. You will sleep on a bed made of ice which is covered with a mattress and cosy reindeer skins. The inside temperature is a constant -5C and you will be provided with a military grade sleeping bag to keep you warm during the night. There is a heated area for guests to use situated a short walk from the igloos and this contains the toilet facilities.
Read more about this activityThe next morning you will enjoy breakfast at the Iisakki before being transferred back to your accommodation in Ruka.
Trip Duration: Overnight stay
Available: Monday to Sunday at 7 pm (20 December 2018 to 30 March 2019)
From: £178 per adult
From: £150 per child
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Prices based on 2 adults sharing an A or B apartment with 1 child
Dates
Next season’s pre-sale dates and prices
To secure your holiday for next season, you can make a pre-sale booking and fix the price of your trip at the pre-sale price displayed below. Simply by paying an initial deposit of £50pp, you will protect yourself from any package price increases. The departure dates and itineraries remain preliminary and we will contact you when the final dates and itineraries are confirmed, you will then have 14 days to decide if you would like to go ahead. A further deposit payment will be due at the time of us confirming the trip details to you. If you decide not to travel, we will refund your initial £50pp payment. We reserve the right to charge supplements where there are significant changes to an itinerary or increases in flight costs. Any non-package rates remain subject to change.
| Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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Sun 03 Jan 2021
to Sun 10 Jan 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £1000.00 | Child (5-11): £500.00 | Enquire |
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Sun 10 Jan 2021
to Sun 17 Jan 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £905.00 | Child (5-11): £420.00 | Enquire |
|
Sun 17 Jan 2021
to Sun 24 Jan 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £905.00 | Child (5-11): £420.00 | Enquire |
|
Sun 24 Jan 2021
to Sun 31 Jan 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £960.00 | Child (5-11): £480.00 | Enquire |
|
Sun 31 Jan 2021
to Sun 07 Feb 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £1065.00 | Child (5-11): £550.00 | Enquire |
|
Sun 07 Feb 2021
to Sun 14 Feb 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £925.00 | Child (5-11): £450.00 | Enquire |
|
Sun 14 Feb 2021
to Sun 21 Feb 2021 |
Adult price (per person): £1345.00 | Child (5-11): £830.00 | Enquire |
Terms
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum group size 2 people; maximum 50 (on some activities)
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.
Ruka cancellation
Cancellation terms: Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
More than 63 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit
- 63 to 43 days prior to departure - 40%
- 42 to 31 days prior to departure - 70%
- 30 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
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
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Ruka - Pick and Mix 29 December 2019 by The Coffman Family
All activities were MADE by the excellent quality of the Ruka Safaris guides. Knowledgeable, made you feel safe, sense of humour, interested and interesting.
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Everything was seamless 22 December 2019 by The Woods Family
The team over in Ruka were fantastic. Nothing was too Much trouble. They were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. The guides on the snowmobiling activity really took care of our girls during the ride and when we got to the camp fire. It was a particularly cold evening of -22 and the girls were extremely cold and crying. The guides helped with the boots when my husband and I were trying and…
Read more failing due to freezing cold hands and getting them sat right next the fire. They were so helpful we really appreciated their help. There was such a wide variety that we experienced that each one of us had our own favourite. My husband loved the snowmobiling to the northern lights. My oldest daughter loved the husky ride and my youngest daughter loved the cross country skiing. I think being in charge of the huskies and driving them for an hour was probably my favourite! The ladies that looked after me- Jade and Emma were fantastic. They were able to advise and responded to me promptly. If they didn’t know, they were quick to find out and let me know. Excellent customer service. Everything was seamless, from the moment we got on the plane in Gatwick to when we returned.
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