ROCS Guided Holidays 8 Day Magical Christmas in Lapland & London

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GUIDED HOLIDAYS

8 Day Magical Christmas in Lapland & London Join ROCS Travel in the ultimate place to experience Christmas

FROM € 3249 PP

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & LONDON 8 DAYS 22 ND - 29 TH DECEMBER 2024

VISITING: SAARISELKÄ IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

DAY 1 MALTA - LONDON GATWICK

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

4* CROWNE PLAZA LONDON GATWICK

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

Meet your tour manager at the reception of your hotel for an early morning start. The coach transfer will collect you and drop you off at London Gatwick Airport, where you will be met by representatives who will assist you to check in for your 06:50 flight to Ivalo. You will be heading 200km above the Arctic Circle, to a land that feels like another world. Look out for the cheeky elves who’ll meet you in Saariselkä. Can you speak their language? They will then whisk you away to the hotel that you chose when booking, either the 4* Holiday Club or the 4* Tunturi. The afternoon is yours for snowy adventures - you’ll all be cosy and snuggly with complimentary thermal suits so you can properly explore a real winter wonderland. Watch the children buzz with excitement as they decide what to do first. Enjoy the thrill of tobogganing, where even grown-ups can unleash their inner child. Twist and turn your way down, then head back for another go. Create new snow friends by building snowmen and carving out snow angels in the thick snow. Have a snowball fight with unlimited powdery ammunition - your thermal suits will keep you warm and dry. Then it’s time for a tasty dinner. You’re in magical Lapland and tomorrow, we search for Santa. If you are not too tired, you could always book an optional excursion to Search for the Northern Lights. See nature’s most spectacular light show. Dancing in the beautiful dark skies, the magic of this natural phenomenon must be seen to be believed. It’s double the fun because you get to hunt for the Northern Lights while gliding across the snow on an exciting snowmobile ride. Your guide knows all the best spots to share with you. You’ll start from Saariselkä, zooming over to spotting areas with your guide, who might take you to multiple locations for the best viewing position. Grown-ups can share a snowmobile or drive individually (this costs extra), while the kids cosy up in a special sled pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. DAY 2 LONDON GATWICK - LAPLAND

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

4* TUNTURI SANTA’S HOTEL, LAPLAND WINTER FOREST CHARM

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

4* TUNTURI SANTA’S HOTEL, LAPLAND WINTER FOREST CHARM

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

4* HOLIDAY CLUB SANTA’S HOTEL, LAPLAND PERFECT FOR FAMILIES

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

Today’s the day. Race across the snow on a husky ride or enjoy the serene setting on a reindeer sleigh ride. The Elves will lend a helping hand while you search for Santa’s secret cabin. The energetic huskies are ready to sprint into action, racing you through the snowy woodland wilderness. This is how the elves get around, swooshing through the snow, cuddled up and cosy. Even better, the grown-ups get to take a turn at driving. Snuggle under the blankets in the sleigh, while your local Sami guide takes the reins. Rudolph’s friends will transport you around the incredible scenery - you’ve never seen scenery quite like this. Then step into a real-life igloo, where a magical surprise is waiting just for you. Why not pop to the igloo next door, where you will find their glistening ice bar, and you can relax with a drink - and don’t worry, there’s plenty of ice cubes for your refreshing beverage. It’s time for lunch…Recharge your batteries with a wonderfully warming 2-course meal and plenty of hot berry juice. Now you are ready to have more fun. Get stuck into some winter games with kick-sledding, snow-hockey, mini skidoo rides. Try your hand at Crazy Reindeer Golf and sprinkle in some extra tobogganing. The best bit? Have as many goes as you like! Pop inside a traditional Kota (it’s like a teepee) where you can warm up around the soothing cracks and snaps of an open fire, served with delicious refreshments like pancakes and hot berry juice. Everything leads up to this magical moment, tucked away in the forests where dreams come true. All aboard the snowmobile sleigh for your private meeting with Santa - keep your eyes peeled for some surprises along the route too. And the best part? Every child will receive a special gift straight from Santa’s sack, making this a memory that truly lasts a lifetime. After a day filled with snowy adventure, it’s time to head back to Saariselkä for your Festive Dinner. It’s the perfect time to relive all those magical moments and share stories. Don’t forget to pop on that Christmas jumper under your snowsuit for some festive flair at dinner. DAY 3 SEARCH FOR SANTA

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

DAY 4 CHRISTMAS DAY WITH THE FAMILY

Merry Christmas! Today is a day at leisure to spend with your family. But why not experience more and make the most of your time in Lapland. Hunt for the Northern Lights, try a spot of skiing, whizz around on a snowmobile or spend more time with the reindeer and huskies. The choice is yours. Book some more time with the Huskies and zoom through the snow with a longer trip this time. Or why not opt for a tranquil, calming trip through the fresh snow with the animals who just finished the night shift with Santa. You could choose to head out and see a part of the world untouched by humans, take a snowmobile into the wilderness with your guide or have a go at Snowshoeing, a fun way to spend time in the deep now, seeing how Sami people used to do it.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

CHRISTMAS DAY

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

DAY 5 DREAM A LITTLE

We’ve brought you into the secret Lappish world, you’ve met Santa and now there’s a little more time to explore. Have a wander round the village’s traditional Christmas shops to see all the hand-made Lappish gifts, clothes, toys and Christmas trinkets. Take a memory home with you. Are you still looking for adventure? Head out on a sleigh or go for a winter walk in the snowy forest. Then, it’s just a short trip back to your flight back to London to continue making memories. Make sure there’s plenty of room in your case for all the magical memories. Upon arrival back to London Gatwick, you will jump on a coach transfer, and we will take you to your next home for 3 days, the Doubletree by Hilton, West End. You will then have 3 days at leisure to explore London City. LONGER BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO LONDON

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

4* DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, WEST END, LONDON

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

DAY 6 EXPLORE LONDON AT LEISURE (SUGGESTED ITINERARY)

Spend the next three days in London with the family during December. The city offers a mix of festive attractions, shopping, and delicious dining experiences. Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Embark on your exploration by walking to the nearby British Museum, where you can spend the morning admiring world famous exhibits such as the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Greek Parthenon sculptures. After soaking in the history, head to Covent Garden for a delightful lunch amidst vibrant street performances and bustling markets. In the afternoon, make your way to Trafalgar Square to visit the National Gallery and enjoy masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh and Turner. As the day winds down, consider having dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in Covent Garden before returning to your hotel for the night.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

DAY 7 EXPLORE LONDON AT LEISURE (SUGGESTED ITINERARY)

On the 28th of December, add an exciting adventure to your London itinerary by taking the Emirates Air Line cable car to the O2 Arena. Start your day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which is always a hit with families. Afterward, make your way to North Greenwich and board the Emirates Air Line cable car for a thrilling ride across the Thames, offering stunning views of the city. Upon arrival at the O2 Arena, explore the entertainment complex, which houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and interactive exhibits. For lunch, consider dining at one of the many family-friendly restaurants inside the O2, such as Pizza Express or Byron. Afterward, if time permits, check out an exhibition at the O2’s ICON Outlet for some last-minute holiday shopping or catch a movie at the Cineworld cinema. End the day with dinner at Gaucho or the American style diner, All Bar One, before heading back, enriched by the day’s unique experiences.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, make your way to the South Bank for some last-minute sightseeing and fun. Choose between Shrek’s Adventure, the London Dungeon, or the London Eye, all conveniently located close to each other. Shrek’s Adventure offers an interactive journey through the world of Shrek and other DreamWorks characters, perfect for families with children. If you prefer a thrilling experience, the London Dungeon provides a spine chilling tour through London’s dark history with live actors and special effects. For breathtaking views of the city, a ride on the London Eye is an excellent choice, offering panoramic vistas of London’s iconic landmarks. After your chosen attraction, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants along the South Bank, such as Giraffe or Wahaca, which offer family-friendly menus and views of the Thames. Spend the afternoon strolling along the river, perhaps visiting nearby attractions like the Tate Modern or taking in the street performances and festive atmosphere. By late afternoon, make your way back to your hotel or a convenient pickup point for your coach transfer to London Heathrow. Aim to be at the airport by around 1730 to allow plenty of time for check-in and security for your 2030 flight back to Malta. DAY 8 FINAL SIGHTSEEING & BACK TO MALTA

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

8 Day Magical Christmas in Lapland & London Visiting: Saariselkä in Lapland & Central London DAY 1 MALTA - LONDON GATWICK

snowy woodland wilderness. This is how the elves get around, swooshing through the snow, cuddled up and cosy. Even better, the grown-ups get to take a turn at driving. Snuggle under the blankets in the sleigh, while your local Sami guide takes the reins. Rudolph’s friends will transport you around the incredible scenery. Then step into a real-life igloo, where a magical surprise is waiting just for you. Why not pop to the igloo next door, where you will find their glistening ice bar, and you can relax with a drink - and don’t worry, there’s plenty of ice cubes for your refreshing beverage. It’s time for lunch…Recharge your batteries with a wonderfully warming 2-course meal and plenty of hot berry juice. Now you are ready to have more fun. Get stuck into some winter games with kick sledding, snow-hockey, mini skidoo rides. Try your hand at Crazy Reindeer Golf and sprinkle in some extra tobogganing. The best bit? Have as many goes as you like! Pop inside a traditional Kota (it’s like a teepee) where you can warm up around the soothing cracks and snaps of an open fire, served with delicious refreshments like pancakes and hot berry juice. Everything leads up to this magical moment, tucked away in the forests where dreams come true. All aboard the snowmobile sleigh for your private meeting with Santa - keep your eyes peeled for some surprises along the route too. And the best part? Every child will receive a special gift straight from Santa’s sack, making this a memory that truly lasts a lifetime. After a day filled with snowy adventure, it’s time to head back to Saariselkä for your Festive Dinner. It’s the perfect time to relive all those magical moments and share stories. Don’t forget to pop on that Christmas jumper under your snowsuit for some festive flair at dinner. DAY 4 CHRISTMAS DAY WITH THE FAMILY Merry Christmas! Today is a day at leisure to spend with your family. But why not experience more and make the most of your time in Lapland. Hunt for the Northern Lights, try a spot of skiing, whizz around on a snowmobile or spend more time with the reindeer and huskies. The choice is yours. DAY 5 DREAM A LITTLE LONGER BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO LONDON We’ve brought you into the secret Lappish world, you’ve met Santa and now there’s a little more time to explore. Have a wander round the village’s traditional Christmas shops to see all the hand-made Lappish gifts, clothes, toys and Christmas trinkets. Take a memory home with you. Are you still looking for adventure? Head out on a sleigh or go for a winter walk in the snowy forest. Then, it’s just a short trip back to your flight back to London to continue making

memories. Make sure there’s plenty of room in your case for all the magical memories. Upon arrival back to London Gatwick, you will jump on a coach transfer, and we will take you to your next home for 3 days, the Doubletree by Hilton, West End. You will then have 3 days at leisure to explore London City. DAY 6 EXPLORE LONDON AT LEISURE (SUGGESTED ITINERARY) Spend the next three days in London with the family during December. The city offers a mix of festive attractions, shopping, and delicious dining experiences. Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Embark on your exploration by walking to the nearby British Museum, where you can spend the morning admiring world-famous exhibits such as the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Greek Parthenon sculptures. After soaking in the history, head to Covent Garden for a delightful lunch amidst vibrant street performances and bustling markets. In the afternoon, make your way to Trafalgar Square to visit the National Gallery and enjoy masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh and Turner. As the day winds down, consider having dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in Covent Garden before returning to your hotel for the night. DAY 7 EXPLORE LONDON AT LEISURE (SUGGESTED ITINERARY) On the 28th of December, add an exciting adventure to your London itinerary by taking the Emirates Air Line cable car to the O2 Arena. Start your day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which is always a hit with families. Afterward, make your way to North Greenwich and board the Emirates Air Line cable car for a thrilling ride across the Thames, offering stunning views of the city. Upon arrival at the O2 Arena, explore the entertainment complex, which houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and interactive exhibits. For lunch, consider dining at one of the many family-friendly restaurants inside the O2, such as Pizza Express or Byron. Afterward, if time permits, check out an exhibition at the O2’s ICON Outlet for some last-minute holiday shopping or catch a movie at the Cineworld cinema. End the day with dinner at Gaucho or the American-style diner, All Bar One, before heading back, enriched by the day’s unique experiences. DAY 8 FINAL SIGHTSEEING AND BACK TO MALTA (SUGGESTED ITINERARY) After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, make your way to the South Bank for some last-minute sightseeing and fun. Choose between Shrek’s Adventure, the London Dungeon, or the London Eye, all conveniently located close to each other. Shrek’s Adventure offers an interactive

Meet your tour manager at the Malta International Airport for your flight to London Gatwick. Upon arrival you will find your coach waiting for you for your transfer to your 4* Crowne Plaza London Gatwick Hotel or similar. You will have your afternoon and evening at leisure to relax and prepare for a magical festive Christmas Adventure. Day 2 LONDON GATWICK TO LAPLAND Meet your tour manager at the reception of the 4* Crowne Plaza London Gatwick Hotel for an early morning start. The coach transfer will collect you and drop you off at London Gatwick Airport, where you will be met by representatives who will assist you to check in for your 06:50 flight to Ivalo. You will be heading 200km above the Arctic Circle, to a land that feels like another world. Look out for the cheeky elves who’ll meet you in Saariselkä. Can you speak their language? They will then whisk you away to your hotel. The afternoon is yours for snowy adventures - you’ll all be cosy and snuggly with complimentary thermal suits so you can properly explore a real winter wonderland. Watch the children buzz with excitement as they decide what to do first. Enjoy the thrill of tobogganing, where even grown-ups can unleash their inner child. Twist and turn your way down, then head back for another go. Create new snow friends by building snowmen and carving out snow angels in the thick snow. Have a snowball fight with unlimited powdery ammunition - your thermal suits will keep you warm and dry. Then it’s time for a tasty dinner. You’re in magical Lapland and tomorrow, we search for Santa. If you are not too tired, you could always book on an optional excursion to Search for the Northern Lights. See nature’s most spectacular light show. Dancing in the beautiful dark skies, the magic of this natural phenomenon must be seen to be believed. With this optional excursion, it’s double the fun because you get to hunt for the Northern Lights while gliding across the snow on an exciting snowmobile ride. You’ll start from Saariselkä, zooming over to spotting areas with your guide, who might take you to multiple locations for the best viewing position. Grown-ups can share a snowmobile or drive individually (this costs extra), while the kids cosy up in a special sled pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. DAY 3 SEARCH FOR SANTA Today’s the day. Race across the snow on a husky ride or enjoy the serene setting on a reindeer sleigh ride. The Elves will lend a helping hand while you search for Santa’s secret cabin. The energetic huskies are ready to sprint into action, racing you through the

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

€ 3249 PP 7 NIGHT GUIDED TOUR FROM

PACKAGE PRICE PER PERSON - TUNTURI FAMILY ROOM TYPE A 4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN 2-5 YRS) 4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 2-5 YRS + 1 CHILD 6-11 YRS) journey through the world of Shrek and other DreamWorks characters, perfect for families with children. If you prefer a thrilling experience, the London Dungeon provides a spine-chilling tour through London’s dark history with live actors and special effects. For breathtaking views of the city, a ride on the London Eye is an excellent choice,

offering panoramic vistas of London’s iconic landmarks. After your chosen attraction, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants along the South Bank, such as Giraffe or Wahaca, which offer family friendly menus and views of the Thames. Spend the afternoon strolling along the river, perhaps visiting nearby attractions

like the Tate Modern or taking in the street performances and festive atmosphere. By late afternoon, make your way back to your hotel or a convenient pickup point for your coach transfer to London Heathrow. Aim to be at the airport by around 1730 to allow plenty of time for check-in and security for your 20:30 flight back to Malta.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

OUR PACKAGE INCLUDES P RETURN FLIGHTS MALTA-LONDON-IVALO-MALTA P 10KG HAND LUGGAGE + 20KG HOLD LUGGAGE P AIRLINE TAXES AND FUEL CHARGES P 7 NIGHTS IN 3* & 4* ACCOMMODATIONS P 7 BREAKFASTS, 1 LUNCH & 3 DINNERS P ALL EXCURSIONS AND TRANSFERS AS PER ITINERARY

€3249 €3259 €3309 €3259 €3299 €3599 €3769 €3269 €3289 €3329 €3259 €3319 €3649 €3819 €3259 €3279 €3329 €3239 €3309 €3629 €3739 €4559

4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN 6-11 YRS) 3 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 2-5 YRS) 3 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 6-11 YRS)

3 SHARING (3 ADULTS) 2 SHARING (2 ADULTS)

P ACTIVE ITINERARY WITH CULTURAL FEATURES P LOCAL ENGLISH SPEAKING OFFICIAL GUIDE P SERVICES OF AN EXPERIENCED ROCS TRAVEL TOUR MANAGER P THERMAL CLOTHING (INCL. SUITS, SOCKS, GLOVES & SNOW BOOTS FOR ALL SIZES AND AGES 2+) P MAGICAL “SEARCH FOR SANTA” BY SNOWMOBILE-SLEIGH P PRIVATE FAMILY MEETING WITH SANTA IN HIS LOG CABIN. (EVERY CHILD UNDER 13 RECEIVES A GIFT) P EXCITING HUSKY-SLED RIDE & TRADITIONAL REINDEER-SLEIGH RIDE P PLENTY OF FUN SNOW AND ICE ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING MINI-SKIDOOS AND SNOW HOCKEY P A CELEBRATORY FEAST AT THE FESTIVE DINNER SPECTACULAR ELVES SHOW IN THEIR MAGICAL IGLOOS AND REINDEER THEMED ACTIVITIES

PACKAGE PRICE PER PERSON - TUNTURI GILEAS ROOM 4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN 2-5 YRS) 4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 2-5 YRS + 1 CHILD 6-11 YRS)

4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN 6-11 YRS) 3 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 2-5 YRS) 3 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 6-11 YRS)

3 SHARING (3 ADULTS) 2 SHARING (2 ADULTS)

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DURING FREE TIME NORTHERN LIGHTS ADVENTURES - SNOWMOBILE SINGLE: €229 SHARING: €149

PACKAGE PRICE PER PERSON - HOLIDAY CLUB FAMILY ROOM 4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN 2-5 YRS) 4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 2-5 YRS + 1 CHILD 6-11 YRS)

CHILD (4-11 YRS): €109

4 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN 6-11 YRS) 3 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 2-5 YRS) 3 SHARING (2 ADULTS + 1 CHILD 6-11 YRS)

FAMILY SNOWMOBILE SAFARI SINGLE: €189

SHARING: €109

CHILD (4-11 YRS): €99

SNOW-SHOEING

ADULT: €59

CHILD: €39

3 SHARING (3 ADULTS) 2 SHARING (2 ADULTS)

3-HOUR SKI LESSON ADULT: €99 PRIVATE SKI LESSONS ADULT/CHILD: €159

7-16 YRS: €89

4-6 YRS: €49

SOLO (1 ADULT)

SPECIAL OFFER FOR GRANDPARENTS: JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE ALL TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS, WE THOUGHT WE’D GIVE GRANDPARENTS A TREAT. WHEN YOU BOOK WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND TRAVEL ON THE SAME BOOKING (MINIMUM 2 ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN), YOU’LL SAVE €100 PER COUPLE OFF ADULT PRICES.

2 PEOPLE: €259

3 PEOPLE: €399

HUSKY HEAVEN

ADULT: €199

CHILD (2-11 YRS): €159

RUDOLF REINDEER RUN ADULT: €199

CHILD (2-11 YRS): €149

OBLIGATORY EXCURSIONS PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT EXCURSIONS AND/OR EXTRAS, LISTED IN OUR ITINERARIES ARE OBLIGATORY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS. THESE EXCURSIONS/ EXTRAS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED TO ENHANCE THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON OUR GUIDED HOLIDAYS AND ENSURE A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE DESTINATION. THE DETAILS AND COSTS FOR THESE OBLIGATORY EXTRAS ARE CLEARLY DISPLAYED IN OUR BROCHURE. THEREFORE, SUCH COSTS NEED TO BE ADDED TO THE MAIN PACKAGE PRICE. WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE AND LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU ON A JOURNEY FILLED WITH DISCOVERY, EXPLORATION, AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.

PRICES ARE PER PERSON & SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY IN THE APPROPRIATE CLASSES AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. PRICE MAY VARY WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.

All quoted prices are per person unless otherwise specifically indicated. Please note that all prices and packages quoted are subject to the ROCS Travel terms and conditions listed at ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions. All prices are in EUR and are subject to change without any prior notice. ROCS Travel reserves the right to discontinue any offer at any time without prior notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Fun Facts About Lapland Lapland is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Finland. It has been the subject of many children’s books, movies, and songs for decades. At Santa’s Lapland, we bring this magical place that exists in these books to life. The land of mystical reindeer, Santa, and his cheeky elves. What more could you want in the world of Christmas? Let’s not forget the enchanting pine forests, frozen lakes, and streams. This magical wonderland has inspired many generations of families the world over to visit in search of that perfect Christmas spirit. Join us in this other-worldly location, deep in the arctic wilderness, where a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits.

WHERE IS SAARISELKÄ? Santa’s Lapland takes you 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, to the small village of Saariselkä which is set against the beautiful backdrop of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Once you’re there, exploring the cosy little village is as easy as mince pie. Just slip on your snow boots and you’re ready to go. With a supermarket, souvenir shop, and plenty of restaurants nearby, you won’t have to wander far for anything you need. And because it’s close to Ivalo airport (about 30 minutes transfer time), getting there won’t take hours out of your day. This resort is a world away from the rest of Lapland, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Northern Finland. You’ll see plenty of snow, huskies, and reindeer! EXPERIENCE SÁMI CULTURE Explore the ancient sounds, traditional handicrafts, and long-standing reindeer culture of Saariselkä on your trip to Lapland. Sámis are Finland’s and Europe’s only recognised indigenous people. SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most amazing spectacles. And on your stay in Saariselkä, there is a chance that you’ll see them in all their full glory. LAPLAND IS HUGE! Lapland covers a lot of ground. It’s a region, not a country. In fact, it makes up about one-third of Finland’s total area! Lapland stretches from the Arctic Circle in the north to the borders of Norway and Sweden and from east to west all the way down to Finland. It’s huge! DAYLIGHT HOURS Daylight is as rare as catching a glimpse of Rudoph’s nose lighting up the sky (keep an eye out, you might just get lucky). You can expect to only get about 2 hours of low level sun, making its entrance at around 11am, and setting by 2pm, leaving behind a mystical aura of pink and yellow hues in the sky. It’s true that in Lapland, magic is in the air, as well as in its night sky. Just don’t forget to look up - you won’t want to miss Santa’s magical glow trail. THERE’S MORE REINDEER THAN HUMANS IN LAPLAND Lapland is the land of reindeer. The human population is tiny, with just over 200,000 reindeer compared to 178k humans. The ratio makes it a little easier to spot one of those antlers in the wild! FINNISH IS THE MAIN LANGUAGE SPOKEN Finland is the land of snow, but it’s also a land of languages. Finnish is the main language with some people also speaking the Sámi languages.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

Finnish is spoken by around 5 million people, mainly in the western part of the country.

Sámi is a minority language that is spoken by around 2,000 people living in the North of Finland.

LEARN SOME FINNISH PHRASES! The letter Y is pronounced as a U. The letter J, pronounce as a Y. Where there are the same two letters in a row, emphasise the sound.

Hyvää Huomenta - Good Morning Hyvää Iltaa - Good Evening Hei! / Moi! / Morjens! - Hi! / Hello! Moikka! / Hei Hei! - Bye Mitä Kuuluu - How are you? Kiitos, Hyvää - Good thanks Anteeksi - Excuse me

Kiitos - Thank You Ole Hyvä - You are Welcome Kippis - Cheers Kyllä - Yes Ei - No Saisinko yhden oluen? - Can I have a beer please? (A vital one to learn).

Frequently Asked Questions About Lapland WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO WEAR? Santa’s Lapland is above the Arctic Circle, so the right clothing makes all the difference in keeping you and your children warm, happy and having fun. There is a lot of information on what to wear and what to pack here, but rest assured we will arrange for each of you to have a complimentary thermal outer-suit for your stay, along with cosy woollen socks, snow-boots, outer gloves and hats, all free of charge. We recommend you also bring additional mittens or gloves (ideally waterproof ones for children’s snow play) to be worn next to the skin, and balaclavas or scarves to cover your face if necessary. Hats should have flaps or be able to be pulled down to cover your ears. Several layers are far more insulating than one or two thick items, so the best bet is thermal undies, shirt or roll-neck fleece and a jacket/anorak under your suit when outdoors. IS IT WORTH BRINGING A CAMERA? Yes absolutely as there will be so many magical moments to capture! However, extreme cold can adversely affect some cameras, so do check the manufacturers’ guidelines. Camera and phone batteries also discharge very quickly in the cold, so bring plenty of spares! Also be aware of the ‘twilight’ times, when flash photography is necessary. HOW EASY IS IT TO DRIVE A SNOWMOBILE? Our guide will make sure everyone’s safe and following the rules before you set off. If a grown-up wants to drive, you need to be over 18 and have a full driving licence. You’ll get a helmet too. The dedicated trails are like roads, with ‘give way’ signs to look out for. And just like roads, you can’t have had any alcohol before heading out. There’s room for one passenger per snowmobile. You need to be able to reach the footrests and be strong enough to hold on properly around the driver’s waist or hand grips. There isn’t a specific age to ride pillion however it is at the guides discretion as to whether you are allowed to ride as a passenger. To drive your own snowmobile without a passenger, you’ll need to book a single driver supplement. And if a grown-up wants to go in the sleigh, you’ll need to let us know in advance and its subject to availability. ARE THE TRIPS SUITABLE FOR GRANDPARENTS? Yes, absolutely! Many grandparents head to Lapland every year and they have tremendous fun, not to mention the simple joy of being with the grandchildren in such a magically special place! WHAT IS THE NORMAL TEMPERATURE IN LAPLAND? During December it is normally about -12°C, but can reach as low as -30°. These temperatures are perfectly manageable however with the thermal suits and boots we provide free of charge. The team will amend itineraries if weather conditions will affect your magical trip. ARE THE MEETINGS WITH SANTA PRIVATE FOR EACH FAMILY? Yes absolutely! We know how important and special this time is for you and your family so it will be just you and Santa himself. You’ll have a team of helpers helping you find Santa’s hidden log-cabins in the woods. Additionally, all children will receive presents from Santa’s sack, ensuring a truly magical experience for everyone. All children will get a small present from Santa’s sack, something the elves have been working on that week. Make sure your little ones know that Santa is busy preparing for Christmas morning, so he won’t have the presents they’ve asked for just yet. He’ll deliver them to home as normal. To keep the spirit of the season and ensure every child feels equally special, Santa won’t be able to give out your own presents.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND & CENTRAL LONDON 2024

ROCS GROUP, ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA WWW.ROCSHOLIDAYS.COM TELEPHONE: +356 2015 1515 | WHATSAPP: +356 7766 8833 TRAVEL@ROCSGRP.COM

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