53winter experiences 2011/12code1015Any Duration (we recommend a minimum of 3 nights)Group size VariousSuitable for Singles, couples, families and small groupsFlights London to Kittila or RovaniemiAccommodation En suite hotel rooms or log cabinsMeals See price box online for board basisActivities Choose from our extensive range (order of booked activities subject to change)Also included - Return airport transfers - Cold weather clothing during the activities - Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructorsin a nutshellfinlandLuosto - Design Your Own HolidayOur tailor made programmes allow you to design your own holiday. Simply decide when you want to travel and for how long then match your stay to the activities available on these two pages. Tailor made holidays in Luosto are based on a minimum stay of three nights in en suite hotel rooms at either the Aurora Chalet (see page 46) or Luosto Tunturi Hotel (see page 48). Alternatively, you can spend a week in a log cabin (see page 48). Also included are: flights, transfers, cold weather clothing. Husky safariA husky safari is an absolute must when visiting Lapland and in Luosto there is an excellent range of trips available for 'mushers' of any level. You can participate in everything from a 4km safari combined with a snowmobile tour through to a 4 hour adventure or unforgettable evening husky safari. Snowmobile safariA snowmobile safari is a truly exhilarating experience. All safaris start with a full safety briefing and instruction. You can take a short scenic tour of the area or a full day tour of the fells. Safaris to the local amethyst mine and the Aurora safari represent unique experiences. Reindeer and Lappish cultureLapp people have been herding reindeer for centuries. An understanding of their lives is integral to learning about the region. In Luosto you can take a leisurely safari through stunning forests or try your hand at driving a sled yourself. Both safaris can be combined with a snowmobile tour. Snowshoes, cross country skiing and ice fishingThese are three of the most typically Scandinavian pastimes and we strongly recommend them. Snowshoes and cross country skis let you explore at leisure and really get in amongst the scenery. The trails from Luosto are stunning. Ice fishing is also one of those Lappish activities you just have to try. Luosto Amethyst MineOn the top of Lampivaara Fell just outside of Luosto you will find Europe's only operating amethyst mine. These stunning gems were formed millions of years ago so they deserve some attention. Upon arrival at the mine your first point of call is a cosy kota where you will hear the fascinating story of how the gems are formed and the many myths which surround them. Next it's on to the mine itself; once inside you will be given the opportunity to dig for your own amethyst. You can visit the mine by snowmobile-pulled sleigh or on snowmobiles. Downhill skiingLuosto has a small selection of ski slopes which are ideal for beginners and would provide some fun on the slopes for people who have skied before. We can arrange ski lessons, rental and passes for you or you can arrange it whilst you are there. Doing nothingThis can be arranged easily and the schedule is very flexible. A good book in front of a fireplace, a visit to a spa, a relaxing sauna..all these things are possible and come highly recommended. for more information and traveller reviews please visit us at www.activitiesabroad.comTravelling in early February 2012. 4 nights at the Luosto Tunturi Spa hotel including half board . Return flights from Heathrow to Kittila or Rovaniemi (via Helsinki) . Return transfers . Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay . 4km husky safari . Scenic snowmobile safari . Snowshoe search for the Northern Lights . Visit to reindeer farm by carPrice per person based on 2 sharing: £1249sample itineraryPhotograph credits1-4 © Visit Finland

54Finnish Lapland - MuonioThis holiday is a very "hands on" introduction to dog sledding and a great option if you are short on time. What better way to enjoy the amazing nature and the fresh air of Fell Lapland than in the company of your own team of huskies?Our opinionEvery year demand for our dog sled safaris increases. We featured this holiday on our website last year and it was so popular we thought we'd better let everyone know about it in the brochure. This holiday is ideal for those who are desperate to have a real dog sled adventure but who don't necessarily have the time for our longer multi day trips. Särkijärven MajatSärkiJärven Majat is a small, family run holiday village on the shores of Lake Särkijärvi just 12km from the village of Muonio. It is the ideal starting point from which to begin and end your husky adventure. There's a central house which has been lovingly looked after by the family for generations and a selection of cabins. These cosy cabins sleep two people and are equipped with a toilet and shower room. The cabins are simply furnished but provide all the comfort that you need before heading into the wilds. The restaurant serves locally sourced food and fresh fish from the nearby lake whenever possible. Wilderness CabinsDuring your adventure you will spend two nights in wilderness cabins. These cabins are remote and simple but can be remarkably cosy. There may be no running water or electricity but once dinner is cooking, the sauna is heated (yes there will be a sauna - this is Finland) and the fire is blazing you will realise that this is exactly what the adventure is about, a total escape from every day life and a real wilderness experience. Throughout the journey and at the cabins everyone will look after their own team of dogs and help prepare the meals for the huskies and the humans. Everyone mucks in together and this adds greatly to the experience. The Northern Lights may even grace you with their presence."If you want to experience a real dog sled adventure but you're short on time then this is the trip for you. The wilderness when viewed from a sled is even more beautiful, there's no better way to travel in Lapland." Alistair McLean123456