Arctic summer fly drive in Finland

Price is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes return economy class flights from London Heathrow/Manchester to Oulu via Helsinki and back from Rovaniemi, all airport taxes, 7 nights accommodation in Sokos Hotels in Oulu, Rovaniemi and Levi on twin share, 7 breakfasts and car hire for 8 days (economy 2 door car; Opel Corsa or similar). Upgrades to larger cars available on request. It is possible to extend this holiday at any hotel or in Helsinki.

Departures every day 1 June-31 August 2011.

Nightless nights in Rovaniemi last from approx 6 June to 7 July when the sun doesn't set at all. The further north you go, the longer the nightless nights last.

Day 1
Fly from London Heathrow or Manchester to Oulu via Helsinki on a scheduled airline. Pick up the rental car upon arrival and drive to Oulu city.

Oulu is famous for its merchants and handicraft traditions and is a major know-how centre of the advanced technology and the business centre of Northern Finland.

Check in to Sokos Hotel Arina for 2 nights.

Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel

Day at leisure in Oulu. We recommend a ride on Potnapekka Train Bus, which will take you to the sea shore or along the river to Hupisaaret, the green oasis of Oulu.

Be sure to visit the lively Market Hall with numerous booths and old stalls too. Here you can find some of that old time countryside spirit.

An idyllic Pikisaari island is worth visiting too. Today the island is home to a closely-knit artist community of dozens of artists and craftsmen. The old factory buildings on the island have been renovated to act as the working and living quarters of the artists. Pikisaari also has the Seaman’s Home Museum, located in the oldest wooden building in Oulu.

Alternatively visit Hailuoto, the Bay of Bothnia’s largest island which is approx 50 km from Oulu. See the beautiful lighthouse of Marjaniemi, the fisher village, the wind mills, and of course the magnificent sandy beaches and landscapes.

Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Rovaniemi, 230 km north of Oulu.

We recommend visiting Ranua Wildlife Park on the way to Rovaniemi, where you see Nordic and Arctic animals in their most natural environment.

Only one hour drive from Ranua you will arrive to Rovaniemi, Europe’s largest town located at the Arctic Circle, which is a modern and lively capital of Lapland.

Check in to Sokos Hotel Vaakuna for 2 nights.

Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel

Today you can visit Santa Claus Village (8 km from Rovaniemi centre) where you can cross the magical Arctic Circle and meet Santa Claus himself at his Office. At Santa Claus Village you will find Santa’s Main Post Office, several small souvenir shops and restaurants.

You can also visit Santapark near the Arctic Circle, where Santa Claus has his own cave where the bustle of the elves continues all year round. The cave offers unforgettable experiences and many activities for the whole family in warm atmosphere.

Sport enthusiasts can visit Ounasvaara recreational area offers wide range of sports activities such like golf, Nordic walking and summer toboggan.

Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel

Visit Arktikum Museum which offers people of all ages interesting adventures focused around the nature and culture of the North. Arktikum’s exhibitions provide an insight into way of life of the world’s northernmost regions from prehistoric times and into the future.

Continue the journey towards north and drive to Levi village (170 km North of Rovaniemi)

On the way to Levi you can visit the Särestöniemi Museum in Kaukonen Village (about 75 km north of Rovaniemi). The museum displays the art and working environment of Reidar Särestöniemi (1925-1981), a prominent Finnish artist. The museum hosts a collection of nearly 500 works of art by Särestöniemi.

Check in to Sokos Hotel Levi for 2 nights.

Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel

Levi offers great opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, Nordic walking, summer toboggan and golf.

Alternatively you can take an optional gold panning excursion to Siitonen. You can keep the gold you may find!

Day 7
Breakfast at the hotel

We recommend a visit to Levi reindeer park. You will meet local reindeer herders and learn about reindeer herding. You can also take the Gondola lift to the top of Levi fell and see the stunning landscape.

Take an alternative way back to Oulu along the western route by the River Torniojoki. On the way you can visit also Sweden and Town Haaparanta. For fun experience you can also ask for the river rafting-programs at river Torniojoki.

Check in to Sokos Hotel Arina for 1 night.

Day 8
Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to the airport and return the car before flying home via Helsinki.