Price from £2,085pp
VISITING: Sweden BROCHURE CODE: 26010
All prices include: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided activities and cold weather clothing; all as listed.
For a truly festive short break, why not spend Christmas or New Year in the idyllic surroundings of Brandon Lodge with special celebrations and feasts for both occasions? This small and intimate resort is on the pine-fringed coast of the Bay of Bothnia and offers amazing views in winter.

What's included?

ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE

  • Flights: return indirect flights from London to Luleå (via Stockholm). Flight routes are subject to change
  • Transfers: return airport transfers 
  • Accommodation: 3 nights in winter cottage accommodation at Brändön Lodge
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners (2 courses). Special festive meals are served on both 24th and 31st December
  • Activities: Northern Lights tour by snowmobile pulled sled, husky safari and forest snowmobile tour
  • Cold-weather clothing for the duration of your stay
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities

Brändön Lodge offers a unique and stunning location overlooking the Bothnian archipelago which consists of over 3000 small islands. In the winter when the sea freezes over it creates a vast expanse of pack ice. Being out on the ice has a real “wow” factor about it, and provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your Northern Lights hunting and winter adventures.

As well as taking a relaxing snowmobile pulled sled ride in search of the Aurora, you will take to the local forest paths and frozen streams on a dogsled with your own team of willing huskies. This is a very personal and authentic experience with a small, family farm near the Lodge. You will also enjoy an exhilarating snowmobile safari as you twist and turn through the forest and along the shore of the frozen sea.

Accommodation at Brandon Lodge is based in cosy cottages a short distance from the main lodge building which contains a welcoming bar and restaurant. Each cabin contains two bedrooms, a spacious lounge, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

Cold-weather clothing will be provided for the duration of your holiday, and knowledgeable guides will be in charge of your activities.


©Brandon Lodge, Graeme Richardson, Tomas Jönsson, Andreas Walitalo

White outline Interreg Nord

 

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Price guarantee

Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity to secure the best possible fares and flight times.

Next season’s dates and prices

You can make a pre-reservation to secure your holiday at this stage by paying an initial deposit of only £50pp. The provisional departure dates, prices and itineraries remain subject to change. We will contact you when the final dates, prices and itineraries are confirmed, and you will have 14 days to decide if you would like to go ahead. You will then need to pay the remainder of your deposit (£350pp) to confirm your booking in full. If you decide not to travel, we will refund your initial £50pp payment. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with full terms and a complete quotation. 

Please note: where listed in the What’s Included section, pre-sales prices include return UK flights.

Dates
Sat 23 Dec 2023
to Tue 26 Dec 2023
Adults £ 2,085
Sat 30 Dec 2023
to Tue 02 Jan 2024
Adults £ 2,135

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Minimum 2 people; maximum 24 (approximately)

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate

Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.

Minimum and maximum age

If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.

Unless otherwise stated in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Aurora Zone holiday is typically 12 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com.

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

Booking Activities Locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ 

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Brexit information for British Passport holders

Information for British Passport Holders

It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday.  Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit.  You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.

Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions

  • Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred to Brandon Lodge for check-in and dinner.

    There is always a chance to see the Northern Lights on any night at Brandon Lodge, so do not forget to check the skies and make use of the cabin down on the shore where a fire is kept going at night so Aurora hunters have a base to use.

    Included Meals:  Dinner
  • Riding a husky sled is definitely one of the most popular activities in Swedish Lapland. This morning, following breakfast, you will be transferred to a local husky farm and meet the enthusiastic dogs that will pull you along before learning how to control a sled. You will then head off following your guide, travelling two people per sled before returning to Brandon Lodge for lunch.   

    This afternoon you will have some free time. You can consider renting snowshoes or cross-country skis if you would like to be active or you can take it easy in the sauna and hot tub – all payable locally.

    You will have a festive dinner this evening to mark either Christmas Eve (the day when Scandinavians traditionally celebrate Christmas) or New Year’s Eve. There will be traditional local delicacies, some international dishes and celebratory drinks to make a truly memorable evening.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • This morning will find you snowmobiling through the snowy forests and frozen sea and lakes of Swedish Lapland is an enchanting and fast-paced experience. Having been shown how to drive the vehicles, you will follow your guide on a trail, travelling two people per snowmobile. It is also possible to upgrade to one person per vehicle.

    Anyone wishing to drive a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a full driving licence.

    This evening, after dinner, what better way to mark your last evening in Lapland than with a hunt for Northern Lights where you can relax at the same time? As you sit back on cosy reindeer pelts in a sled, your guide will pull you along with their snowmobile. Heading over the ice, you will journey between islands in your search for the Aurora. You’ll make a stop for warm drinks and snacks around an open fire, as you search the skies for the Aurora.

    If you wish you can switch this included Aurora hunting activity to either a Northern Snowshoe Walk with dinner or an Aurora Hideaway dinner – please see the 'Personalise' tab for further details.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Today is departure day and you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your return flight.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Included in price

Brändön Lodge

Nights: 1-3

Brändön Lodge is located on the edge of the sea that freezes around the Luleå Archipelago each year. It is a remarkable sight to see such a vast frozen mass of water each morning as you step out of your cosy cottage for a day of activities.

Hotel facilities

  • Your meals are all served in the restaurant in the main building. You will enjoy a variety of local dishes and more international cuisine in the evening menus (which are typically two courses and served as a hearty buffet). Breakfasts are typically Scandinavian in style and provide you with the fuel that you need for a day of adventure
  • The restaurant is situated on the upper floor of the main hotel building and offers panoramic views over the frozen bay while you tuck into your delicious meal
  • The lodge also has a fully stocked bar and pretty impressive wine cellar for any enthusiasts staying
  • A short walk from the restaurant building, there is also a sauna and hot tub for guests to enjoy. Indulging in a sauna, after an exhilarating day in the great outdoors is just the perfect way to unwind and the hot tub is the cherry on the cake! This is bookable locally and charges apply

Guest room types

Winter cottages: Brändön Lodge consists of individual winter cottages. Each homely cottage is detached, allowing guests the space to unwind and relax in comfort and having all the added benefits of the main building within walking distance.

All the winter cottages have an open plan living and dining area with kitchenette. We recommend taking tea and coffee provisions with you. They have two bedrooms (both furnished with twin beds – in some cases these can be moved together), an en-suite shower room, hairdryer and toilet. Recent room refurbishment leaves the cottages with a modern yet authentic Scandinavian feel. One of the nicest features of the cottages are the terraces, where in the morning you can step out and inhale the cool, crisp air and marvel at the view of the frozen sea and snow-covered forests that stretch before you.


Image credit: Graeme Richardson, Andream Walitalo

Personalise this tour


Our pick

Northern Lights Snowshoe Walk with Wilderness Dinner

Snowshoes allow you to easily walk across areas of deep snow. This is particularly useful when trekking to find the Northern Lights because you will be able to access the less accessible Aurora-spotting locations.

After walking through the snow-covered forest, your guide will prepare a fire and begin cooking your evening meal, as you discuss the science behind the Aurora and learn about the local area. Hot drinks will keep you nice and warm as you look to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.

Please note that the cost of your included two-course meal at the restaurant has already been deducted from any upgrade price.

Duration: 3 hours including outdoor dinner


Other options

You can choose to switch or upgrade the included Northern Lights tour by snowmobile pulled sled activity to one of these options.

Activities

Aurora hideaway dinner

From: £26pp

For an extra special evening during your holiday, we highly recommend the Aurora Hideaway Dinner which is a private dining experience. This small hideaway is one of a handful that effectively offers a completely private “restaurant”. Each is moved around the archipelago by snowcat to ensure that it is in the best possible location (based on the day's wind, weather and ice conditions).

You will travel via snowmobile-pulled sleigh into the wilds, where you will soon see the glow coming from a small hut in the distance. The heat from a cosy fire will await you inside.

Upon arrival, you will be served a drink of your choice (either wine, beer or a hot drink – any further drinks can be added to your room bill to be paid at checkout) along with a delicious soup. Your main course will then be prepared on an open fire before pudding and hot drinks are served.

We strongly recommend that between courses you pop outdoors in order to gaze at the sky, as the Northern Lights have been known to interrupt these meals! Your guide will also have snowshoes available for you should you wish to explore the surrounding area (close to the cabin) whilst your next course is being prepared.

Please note that the cost of your included two-course meal at the restaurant has already been deducted from any upgrade price.

Traveller Reviews

The activities were excellent 22 December 2018 by The Roberts Family

The activities were excellent and the staff amazing.

We both had a wonderful time. 22 December 2018 by Lesley Mills

Thank you so much for finding this alternative trip for us which allowed my ageing mother to go for what will probably be her last overseas trip. A shame we didn’t see the Aurora’s but we both had a wonderful time.

It was all so wonderful 22 December 2018 by Gillian Tyropolis

It was all so wonderful but I think the peace and quiet of Pine Lodge were the most memorable. The holiday was so well organised and I would like to thank Goran and Ann.



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