Suomussalmi, northern FinlandMartinselkonen Wilderness Lodge is based about two hours from Kaajani, near to the Russian border. It is one of the fi nest areas for observing brown bears, set in a real wilderness location - tranquil and beautiful. The hide occupies a fantastic position in a forest clearing, ideal for bear-watching and photography. In addition to brown bears, you may also see reindeer, wolves, wolverine and interesting birdlife, with up to ten different species of owl in the area. The long evenings at this time of year are perfect for observing and photographing wildlife. For a completely peaceful and exclusive environment, ask us about hiring a private hide for your party.82Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Kaajani, via Helsinki. Pirttivaara, 3-nights, Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge. Spend a night at the lodge and two nights in nearby bear-viewing hides, waiting and watching for brown bears (BLD) Day 4 Depart Finland for UKBROWN BEARS IN FINLANDFinland's wilderness has long been recognised as a wonderful spot for brown bears, and on this holiday you will stay in comfortable accommodation and be accompanied by excellent guides. Our four-day break allows ample time for spotting bears; the shorter duration being good value, allowing you to fi t in that little extra holiday!TAILOR-MADEDeparture dates Daily, May to mid-AugustCost per person From £960What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge and hide accommodation, guided activities

83ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Kajaani, via Helsinki, and transfer to the Boreal Wildlife Centre, Viiksimo, in the middle of the northern Finnish wilderness (D) Day 2 Guided nature walk. Tonight is your fi rst night in a bear hide, in the silence of the Taiga Forest (BLD) Day 3 Return to the lodge; afternoon free to relax or enjoy an optional nature reserve visit before a second evening hide adventure, waiting for wolf, wolverine, golden eagle and, of course, bear (BLD) Day 4 Transfer to the Petola Visitor Centre, spotting wild forest reindeer en-route. Continue to Martinselkonen Nature Reserve, Pirttivaara (BLD) Day 5 Guided walk in the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve to learn about Finnish natural habitats, before another exciting night in a hide (BLD) Day 6 Morning bird-spotting - maybe see the rare Siberian jay - and evening spent in a hide, your last chance to see brown bear up-close (BLD) Day 7 Optional boat ride followed by an evening spent watching for moose in a special hide. Lodge accommodation (BLD) Day 8 Depart Finland for UKDeparture dates Sun 05 Jun - Sun 12 Jun 11 Sun 26 Jun - Sun 03 Jul 11 Sun 17 Jul - Sun 24 Jul 11 Sun 07 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 11 Sun 03 Jun - Sun 10 Jun 12 Sun 24 Jun - Sun 01 Jul 12 Sun 15 Jul - Sun 22 Jul 12 Sun 05 Aug - Sun 12 Aug 12Flight inclusive cost per person From £1550Land only cost per person From £1245Single room supplement From £60 (not available in hides)What's included Flights (fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge accommodation and four nights in hidesTour code WFBTMax group size 12Ask for our full tour dossierBROWN BEAR EXPLORERHighlights. Bear-watching from hides in the middle of the forest. Chance to see wolf, moose and wolverine. Activities including walking, boating and saunasFinnish wilderness is a tapestry of thousands of crystal-clear lakes, forest canopies and mountain slopes. This provides the perfect habitat for 430 bird species, 115,000 moose, 200 wolves and... 900 brown bears! During this one-week holiday you will have excellent opportunities to see many of these animals, with the help of expert guides. We've chosen the two areas especially; one being excellent for bears and the other wolves, to increase your chances of sightings. You'll be full of anticipation in the hides, hopefully spotting bears amid the purity and tranquillity of Finland's northern forests. GROUP TOURPIRTTIVAARAVIIKSIMOKajaaniFINLANDOr visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comEUROPE | FINLAND & SLOVAKIA