Find your perfect family holiday

Adult price from £3,335pp
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities and cold weather clothing; all as listed.
VISITING: Finland
BROCHURE CODE: 1908

Key facts

  • Duration:7 nights
  • 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, New Year’s celebrations, 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 1am

Nellim is an incredible destination, which sits close to the shore of Lake Inari. It offers families the chance for adventure in this remote and genuinely unspoilt landscape of Lapland. This extra-special departure allows your family to see in the New Year together, in this incredible place, making memories to treasure.  

The trip has been designed to suit families with children over the age of 8 years old (this does not preclude younger children but participation is at the guide’s discretion) and is designed to make the most of the incredible Arctic landscape. Your days will be spent snowmobiling across frozen lakes, snowshoeing through the forests, dog sledding and so much more. All activities have been designed for families to enjoy together.

Nellim sits within prime Aurora territory and is a fantastic spot from which to seek out a potential Aurora. The minimal light pollution means that if the skies are cloud-free and the solar activity is high, then your chances of spotting the Aurora here are very good indeed. The hotel is just a short walk from Lake Inari’s shoreline, and the views of the night sky from there are just perfect.

The hotel has become a firm favourite with our families over the years due to its welcoming atmosphere, hearty meals, cosy accommodation, and enthusiastic and friendly guides. These elements, together with the beautiful wilderness location and exciting activities, make for an unforgettable way to welcome in a New Year. 

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, Anthony Oberlin, Claire Howarth, Ron Thompson (client)

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

  • Aurora Snowshoeing

    Heading out into the forest after dark is a real adventure. Snowshoes will prevent you from sinking deep into the snow, as you will follow in your guide’s footsteps.

    The wilderness at night is an incredible place and when you reach the perfect viewpoint you will enjoy a warming drink as you watch the skies.

    Seeing the Aurora dance across the sky is an unforgettable sight and if you are lucky enough to see them as a family tonight, you’ll never forget the experience.

    Duration: approximately 2.5 hrs in total


    ©Markku Inkila
    From: £106 per adult
    From: £74 per child
  • 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


Alternative departure dates: please view our alternative departure dates here - Christmas 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 28 Dec 2024 Adult price (per person): £3335.00
to £3735.00
Child (age 8 -14): £2645.00
to £2965.00
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

  • Great last-minute info on the changing Covid requirements 31 December 2021 by The Dye Family

    It was a really tough call to pick the most memorable part of the holiday (we were discussing it daily!), every experience was great - up until the last day when we did huskies! That just topped off the week; the dogs going crazy, then the silence of gliding through the trees across the snow, and then meeting and cuddling the dogs! Great last-minute info on the changing Covid requirements,
    Read more
    really helpful and reassuring, thank you! Travel documents all clear and comprehensive too. The packing and clothing info was really helpful. Diogo (hotel restaurant) was amazing; friendly, efficient, and happy to make sure we had a great time. Also, Pim (guide), who was clearly very happy to share his knowledge and skills. We saw the Northern Lights. The travel experts were great. They responded quickly advising better choice of holidays for our family and added first-hand knowledge of the proposed destinations.
    Read less

  • We had an amazing time and made so many memories 21 December 2021 by The Wise Family

    We had an amazing time and made so many memories. Our most memorable part of the holiday was seeing the Northern Lights on Christmas Eve - magical! The husky sledging was our favourite activity. We also really enjoyed the wilderness walks as the guides were fantastic. The travel experts offered lots of options and explained all of the ever-changing testing requirements too.

  • Wonderful holiday in a wonderful place! 29 December 2019 by The Grainger Family

    All of the activities were superb. If I had to pick one it would have to be the husky ride.

  • Superb holiday 29 December 2019 by The Grainger Family

    We visited Nellim for a week over New Year and had the most wonderful time. We travelled with our 11-year-old and all the activities were perfect for families. We loved the fact that we got to try so many of the activities we never had a chance to try before like snowmobiling, drilling holes in frozen lakes, feeding reindeer and the most amazing husky rides. And we got to see the most spectacular
    Read more
    show when the Northern Lights decided to make an appearance! The hotel is superb and everyone really friendly and helpful. The food was of high quality and very tasty, it was varied enough for us not to get bored in a week although vegetarians might find it a bit more tricky. The accommodation was good and the beds very comfortable, showers good and all in all the facilities exceeded our expectations considering how remote the hotel is. The snowsuits and boots provided by the hotel were very good and kept us warm and dry. All in all, the most memorable holiday with a wide range of exciting activities in the most spectacular setting.
    Read less

  • All I can say is that the week was one of the best in our lives 08 January 2019 by The Thompson Family

    Absolutely fantastic week, the whole family were very sorry to be leaving, everything about the holiday surpassed our wildest expectations.

  • We would all do it again 28 December 2017 by The Dukes Family

    Every one of us had a fantastic time, it really couldn't have been any better. It was the perfect family holiday and we would all do it again.

  • We loved all the activities... 26 December 2015 by Harriet Baker

    We loved all the activities, as a family, none of us could choose a favourite and this was largely due to the quality of the guides and trip leaders who were exceptional. The service provided by every individual we encountered from booking onwards either met or exceeded our expectations.

  • Activity guides were amazing 22 January 2015 by Helen Gelder

    The guides for the activities were amazing, very knowledgeable and helpful. This enabled us to notch up some new skills and experiences; from chopping firewood to various cross-country skiing techniques. Probably one of our best activity holidays to date. Mattais even helped me to use my camera to get pictures of the Northern lights without a tripod and without being able to manually focus the
    Read more
    lens (it does have a manual setting though). We even have a picture of us as a family in the foreground.
    Read less

  • Would highly recommend it 13 February 2014 by Anne Hutchings

    Great holiday, location and activities. Would highly recommend it.


  • FAMILY SPECIALISTS

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    Experience real adventures enjoyed safely

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  • SHARED EXPERIENCES

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