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Traditional Norwegian Christmas at Karasjok, 5 day

Activities Abroad

Traditional Norwegian Christmas at Karasjok, 5 day

Activities Abroad Christmas programme here in Norway’s capital of Sami culture is designed to bring out the child in everybody. From baking traditional gingerbread and meeting Santa to dog sledding, snowmobiling, exploring Sami traditions and dining in a traditional Lapp restaurant, there is something here to suit all ages.

Special Offers

Activities Abroad New 2008 Winter brochure

Request the new 2008 Winter family Activity brochure. Call Activities Abroad to book or enquire on 01670 785 010, and quote 'Take the Family'.

When
Trips deparating: 22 December 2007. (Book early to avoid disappointment.)
Stay
THE RICA HOTEL KARASJOK Located in the centre of Karasjok, the Rica Hotel combines modern amenities with elements of Lapp culture and architectural tradition. In keeping with this theme, you will find the Sápmi Cultural Centre directly behind the hotel’s main building. Particularly popular at the Centre is the Magic Theatre which presents a fascinating two-part film inspired by ancient Sami teachings and the Aurora Borealis. The hotel’s central location also creates easy access to all the activities and the local amenities. There are only 56 rooms in the hotel all of which are decorated to combine traditional Lapp colours and materials with modern comfort. Every bedroom has a TV (with film network), a telephone and an en-suite shower or bathroom with WC. The restaurant offers a nourishing breakfast and dinner buffet service, ideal for “fuelling up” in preparation for the Arctic cold outside. For additional fortification, or to wind down after a day in the cold, the “Rypa” bar and lounge with its log fire is ideal. There is also the rather special “Stogammen” restaurant built, in time-honoured Lapp style, from timber and turf. You will find the obligatory Scandinavian sauna on the third floor along with a relaxation room complete with open log fireplace.
Price
£1425 per adult, £1175 per child (aged 12-15 years), £1035 per child (aged 4-11 years), based on two adults sharing. Price includes, return flights from Heathrow to Alta (via Oslo), return airport transfers, 4 nights hotel rooms, full board, Sami Camp, Christmas Family Adventure, traditional Sami Dinner, Husky Safari, Christmas preparations and party, Snowmobile Safari or Tobogganing, magical theatre at Sapmi Park, all equipment including thermo-overalls, socks, mittens, boots and warm hat, and fully qualified guides and instructors.
Itinerary
Saturday – Flights, Arrivals and Introduction
Your Christmas in Karasjok starts on 22 December 2007
with flights to Alta via Oslo. On arrival at Alta you will be
met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.
After checking-in you are invited to a welcome meeting
and dinner in the restaurant.
Sunday – Sami Camp and Christmas Adventure
Before leaving the hotel this morning you will be kitted out
with all your cold weather clothing including: thermal suit,
boots, hat and gloves.
You will visit a local reindeer herder’s farm where you can
take part in winter activities such as throwing lassos,
driving reindeer and listening to a “joik” (a traditional Sami
chant) while sipping a warm drink in a laavu (Sami tent).
Approximately 2 hours.
From the reindeer farm, you head into the forest to search
for a Christmas tree before your first visit to the Sapmi
Cultural Centre. At the centre you will help to prepare a
lunch of warm sandwiches and pancakes over an open fire
in a laavu.
A busy day continues this evening when you go hunting
for the Northern Lights. You are driven out into the
countryside and away from any light pollution giving you
the best possible chance of catching an explosive light
show. Your guide will tell you stories about the Aurora
Borealis while you enjoy a warm drink.
You return to the hotel and the traditional Storgammen
Sami restaurant for a 3-course meal.
Monday – Huskies and Christmas Celebrations
A short transfer takes you to a husky farm where you will
be briefed on how to drive a dog sled before setting off on
your safari following the forest trails. Approx 2 hours.
After lunch at the hotel the celebrations begin at Mrs
Santa’s Christmas School where the whole family bake
gingerbread, drink “glogg”, sing Christmas carols and
decorate the tree. Later in the afternoon the children can
follow Santa’s Trail in a hunt for Christmas gifts. There is
also the possibility of visiting the local church for the
Christmas service.
Dinner this evening is a traditional Norwegian Christmas
buffet with hot and cold dishes. After dining, everybody
gathers in the Storgammen to await the arrival of Santa
in his reindeer-pulled sleigh.
Tuesday – Snowmobiles or Toboganning
This morning the adults will be taught how to drive
a snowmobile before setting off along the frozen river
and up into the mountains to enjoy the stunning views.
Children over 12 years may ride as a passenger.
While the grown-ups are on the snowmobile safari,
the younger children will join one of our guides for some
fun and games downhill sledging.
After lunch, you pay one last visit to the Sapmi Park and
the “Magical Theatre” for a fascinating two-part film
inspired by ancient Sami teachings and the Aurora Borealis.
There will also be an opportunity to watch Sami
silversmiths creating jewellery and other handicrafts.
You return to the hotel around 6pm where you will be
asked to return your winter clothing before dinner.
Wednesday – Departures, Transfers and Flights
Return airport transfers and flights.

Ways to Book

By Telephone

To speak to one of Activities Abroad's family experts, to receive a quote or to book, please call and quote 'Take the Family'.

Telephone

01670 785 010

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