NORTH CAPE EXPLORER 2006

Magic of the Midnight Sun
Departures:
5 days / 4 nights, Helsinki - Rovaniemi -  - Kittilä - Alta - Honningsvåg -
North Cape - Karasjok - Inari - Saariselkä - Helsinki

Departures: June 06, 16, 23, 29 / July 06, 12, 18, 24, 30 / Aug 05, 09, 13, 17, 21, 25

This exciting Journey to the Midnight Sun begins in Helsinki, capital of Finland. A short flight brings you to the heart of Lapland, past the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi. Explore the vastness and unspoiled nature of the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland. This exotic region boasts the largest wilderness areas of Europe, several National Parks, nature preserves, arctic highlands, Lake Inari, second largest lake in Finland, and sacred lake for the Samis. From Lapland we cross the Norwegian border to the Finnmark and the North Cape. The Finnmark is a land of contrast, with rugged coastal landscapes, and peaceful mountain plains. Learn about the indigenous Sami, living in Kautokeino and Karasjok. Visit the reindeer herds on the endless Finnmarksvidda and experience the Sami culture, history and  traditions. Experience the magic of the Midnight Sun illuminating the Arctic sky.

DAY 1 HELSINKI - ROVANIEMI - KITTILÄ (L, D)
Early morning flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Cross the magic line of the Arctic Circle and take part in a Lapp initiation ceremony. Enjoy lunch at the Arctic Circle, in a Lapp tepee. Continue northwards along the Ounasjoki River, and stop at the Art Gallery of Reidar Särestöniemi, the most notable Lapp artist who found his motifs in Lapland's nature. His studio and home, a complex of log houses, represent traditional Lapp architecture. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Sirkantähti or similar in Kittila.

DAY 2 KITTILÄ - KAUTOKEINO - ALTA (B, L, D)

Today we set off from Harriniva on board a pneumatic lifeboat on an exciting, yet comfortable one-hour journey through seven rapids. Enjoy lunch around a campfire. Continue northwards via Kautokeino, the largest Lapp cultural centre in Norway. Travel along the rolling hills of Finnish Lapland into the Norwegian tundra, at last reaching the Arctic Ocean and the fishing port of Alta. Dinner and overnight at the Rica Alta Hotel or similar.

DAY 3 ALTA - HONNINGSVÅG - NORTH CAPE PANORAMA (B, L, D)

Visit the Alta museum. During your visit there is a unique opportunity to experience the world of an ancient Lapp depicted in the 5000 – 6000 year old rock carvings, so prestigious that they have been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Continue towards Honningsvåg stopping for lunch on the way. Evening arrival at the North Cape, with the Arctic Ocean  illuminated by the Midnight Sun. Standing on Europe’s northernmost plateau you celebrate this unforgettable moment with sparkling wine and local caviar. Dinner and overnight at the Rica Hotel Honningsvag or similar.
 

DAY 4 HONNINGSVÅG - KARASJOK - SAMI CULTURE - SAARISELKÄ (B, L, D)
Enjoy the last glimpses of the awesome northern landscapes of the Finnmark, as you head southwards driving along one of the most beautiful Norwegian fjords. Lunch en route in the village of Karasjok, capital of the Sami culture, and seat of the Sami Parliament. Return to Finland with a visit to an open air Sámi museum and later a local reindeer herder. Experience the present day Lapp family live and treasuries of the ancient traditions. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Riekonlinna.

DAY 5 SAARISELKÄ - TANKAVAARA - ROVANIEMI - HELSINKI (B, L)
Your last stop in northern Lapland is the Tankavaara Gold Village, where you relive the thrills of the Gold Rush that once attracted hundreds of men into the region in the hope of finding a gold nugget. Today you will also have the opportunity to try your luck in washing for gold. Lunch in Luosto on the way to Rovaniemi Airport. Evening flight back to Helsinki, where the North Cape Explorer tour ends.
 

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Departure Dates

June 06, 16, 23, 29

July 06, 12, 18, 24, 30
Aug 05, 09, 13, 17, 21, 25

Prices in US Dollars

North Cape Explorer,  5 days