ROCS Guided Holidays 8 Day Magical Christmas in Lapland & London

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

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