Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday
Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday
8 Days Starting and ending in Kuusamo
Visiting: Kuusamo, Oulanka, Oulanka National Park, Kitkajoki, Riisitunturi National Park, Juuma, Ruka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FVB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 18
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
9 to 16
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3675 (USD)Tour Overview
Oulanka is always a popular family destination, this is definitely a winter trip with a difference. The whole family can enjoy a host of exciting activities and wholesome home-cooked food rustled up by our small team of expert staff. Discover the beautiful wilderness on snowshoes, cross-country skis, dogsled and reindeer sleigh. Our wilderness base is located at the edge of Oulanka National Park in a truly spectacular setting, perfect for this fun-filled winter holiday and with the very best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, nature’s most spectacular light show!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Basecamp Oulanka
Location: Kuusamo, Oulanka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Depending on the arrival time, during dinner, we have our welcome briefing
where we discuss the week ahead and get an introduction to Basecamp and the
local area.
Day 2 : Gentle Half Day Snowshoe Walk, Exploring The Park; Free Use Of Snowshoes In The Afternoon
Location: Oulanka National Park, Kitkajoki
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After sorting out all of your equipment needed for a week in arctic
conditions there we explore the Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day
snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. There is
a free afternoon for further snowshoeing, sauna or hot-tub. Alternatively,
you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal frame sled you can use on your
own or with your children and venture out around Basecamp.
Day 3 : Dogsledding Instruction And Tour Of Approx 10Km (Approx.)
Location: Riisitunturi National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we head off to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring
Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive on
the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then
continue into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival,
ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. With the adults driving and
the children sitting in the sled, you are able to really appreciate the
serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape.
Day 4 : Morning Cross-Country Ski Lesson. Free Use Of Skis After The Lesson
Location: Juuma
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down
to the nearby Juuma Lake, our instructor will walk us through the basics of
how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to start with, but in
the soft snow, this is half the fun. After becoming more confident on the
skis we then head out onto the lake, gliding through the virgin powder. In
the afternoon, keep hold of your skis as there will be further opportunities
to practise what you have learnt in the morning and have more fun.
Day 5 : Morning Visit Reindeer Farm And Museum With A Ride On A Reindeer Sleigh; Free Afternoon In Ruka For Optional Activities.
Location: Ruka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will
have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close
with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round an open fire. We spend
the rest of the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take
care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are
included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, it
is advisable to check at reception before making your activities
booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See the
'Optional excursions' section below. Please note that due to operational
reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Day 6 : Free Morning; Afternoon Children's Snow Games: Sledging, Building Snow Forts And Snowmen
Location: Ruka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we have the chance to sleep longer and start the day at a more
relaxed pace. After lunch, the afternoon is spent in the children's snow
park, which is supervised by the Basecamp guides. Amongst other activities,
here children have the opportunity to learn how to build a snow fort followed
by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow
sculpture.
Day 7 : Free Day. Optional Activities Include Ice-Climbing, Dogsledding Or Snowmobile Tours
Location: Ruka
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing having all Basecamp facilities at your
disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, you can enrol in
one of the several optional activities available; downhill skiing at nearby
Ruka (transport and skiing not included); or further dogsledding and
snowmobile safaris. There is also a possibility to take on the challenge and
exhilaration of ice wall climbing, suitable for all ages. Alternatively, kick
sledging can keep you entertained.
For the farewell celebration, we will eat dinner around a campfire.
Day 8 : End Basecamp Oulanka
Location: Oulanka, Kuusamo
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
End Basecamp Oulanka.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners.
* All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
* All accommodation (see below)
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
* Arrival & departure transfers
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce that is prepared
on site by the in house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with 3-4 different choices. The main
courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. There is also
the option of vegetarian food. Dessert consists of lingon berries,
blueberries and cloud berries that have often been picked by the chef
herself. It is refreshing to know that what is viewed as superfoods in our
supermarkets grows locally to Basecamp. These berries are served with a
selection of quark curd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pan cakes. Lunch
normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
Accommodation
Overlooking Lake Juuma and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’.
While we do our very best to ensure families are roomed close together, we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put. You need to come prepared for this. A family of four will be allocated a large room at the time of booking; please let your sales representative know at the time of booking if you want to upgrade to one double room and one twin room (subject to availability).
Worth knowing
Multiple Exodus trips run at Basecamp Oulanka concurrently and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
There are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during school holidays
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
13-16 passenger can also go on this tour
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Sunday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.