
Overview
What's included?
ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Flights: Flight return from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return group airport transfers
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a double room at the Wilderness Hotel Juutua
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners (1 dinner will be a 5-course meal)
- The following activities and equipment are included in the price: Snowmobiling, husky safari, reindeer farm visit, ice fishing with snowmobile sleigh, winter walk to Jänisköski river rapid, two Aurora camps, Aurora snowshoeing, Aurora hunt by car (the order of activities is subject to change).
- Cold weather clothing provided during your stay
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Escape to northern Finland for a week-long adventure filled with unforgettable winter activities and exciting Aurora chases.
Your hotel is ideally situated in Inari - a small village with huge cultural significance to the Finnish Sámi people. You’ll learn all about this during your guided winter walk to the beautiful Jäniskoski river rapid, an activity completely unique to this hotel.
Thanks to its wilderness surroundings, Inari is also one of Finland’s top Northern Lights locations. This trip includes four dedicated activities where you’ll go out with a local guide to prime Aurora viewing positions in the surrounding wilderness. During two of your nights, you’ll visit specially designed Aurora camps, complete with a campfire to keep you warm. Another night will see you strap on a pair of snowshoes and walk through the stunning snowy surroundings, and finally, you’ll take part in an exciting Aurora chase by car. This location also means you’ll have the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights every single night as you can simply walk down to the nearby lake and look at the dark night sky.
Throughout the trip, we’ve included superb winter activities to ensure you make the most of your surroundings in the daylight hours too. You’ll get an introduction to snowmobiling to cruise through the snow-laden landscape and try the Finnish pastime of ice fishing. Next, you’ll visit a reindeer farm to learn about the significance of Lapland’s iconic animal. Finally, you’ll experience a dog sledding safari through the wilderness - a must-do experience in Finland!
Dates & Prices
Price Comparison Guarantee

Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
Dates | ||
---|---|---|
Sat 09 Dec 2023
to Mon 06 Jan 2025 |
Adults £ 3,105 To £ 3,970 | |
Sat 06 Jan 2024
to Sat 03 Feb 2024 |
Adults £ 2,945 To £ 3,780 | |
Sat 03 Feb 2024
to Sat 02 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 3,175 To £ 4,116 | |
Sat 02 Mar 2024
to Sat 06 Apr 2024 |
Adults £ 3,055 To £ 3,690 |
Departure day: Saturday
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.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 2. Maximum 30 (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.
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.
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
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
Payment and Cancellation Terms
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Prior to 25.09 - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 26.09 up until departure date - 100%
For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%
- 14 or less days - 100%
Agenda
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Flights, Arrival and Transfer
After your flight, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to the Wilderness Hotel Juutua.
Enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel and collect your winter clothing and for the duration of your stay. We suggest you having a good, rested night for the upcoming week full of incredible adventures.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Explore Snowmobiling and Aurora Camp
Today, following breakfast, you’ll get your first taste of the Finnish wilderness as you learn how to snowmobile.
Meeting with your local guide, you’ll get a driving lesson to get comfortable with the snowmobile. Following your lesson, you’ll then move into the never ending wilderness to enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’ll be out for approximately 4 hours and will be served lunch by the open fire.
Please note, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to drive a snowmobile.
This afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy dinner before your Aurora camp tonight. You’ll meet with your local guide who will pull you along on their snowmobile as you sit comfortably in a sleigh behind. You’ll keep your eye on the sky all the way to the camp where a cosy campfire awaits. You’ll enjoy a hot drink while your guide tells you all about the Northern Lights. If conditions are right, you’ll see the green lights start to dance above you.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Husky Safari and Aurora Hunt by Car
Today, following breakfast, you’ll experience the unforgettable activity of dog sledding. You’ll meet with your local guide who will introduce you to your excitable team of dogs. They may be making a lot of noise but as soon as you’ve received your instruction and the dogs start to run, you’ll be met with the silence of your serene surroundings. Riding in a pair, one of you will stand on the back of the sled, with the other sitting in front. There will be an opportunity to switch over halfway through. You’ll be out for approximately 3 hours.
After lunch and dinner back at the hotel, you’ll prepare for your next Aurora activity. This time, you’ll be heading out on a car trip to help you cover more ground and reach a camp spot further into the wilderness and in search of clear skies. You’ll enjoy warm drinks and snacks as you keep your eyes out for the Northern Lights. You will be out for approximately 3 hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Reindeer Farm Visit and Aurora Camp
After breakfast, you’ll get to meet the famous animals of Lapland. You’ll be transferred by car to a traditional reindeer farm where you’ll meet a local reindeer herder who will tell you all about his animals, the life of a reindeer herder, and Sámi culture. You will be out for approximately 2 hours.
Following lunch and dinner, you’ll head back out via snowmobile-pulled sleigh to one of the prime viewing positions of the Aurora camp. Here, you’ll sit around the fire and keep your eye on the sky for the chance to see the Aurora.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Ice Fishing and Free Evening
After breakfast, you’ll spend a relaxing day in the wilderness trying the popular Finnish activity of ice fishing. You’ll meet with your local guide who will take you in a snowmobile sleigh to a picturesque fishing spot. You’ll learn how to make holes through the ice and then see who the best fisher is as you hear interesting facts about life in the north. You’ll also enjoy a tasty lunch by the open fire.
After dinner, you’ll have a free evening to relax.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
Winter Walk to Jänisköski and Five-Course Meal
Following breakfast, you’ll learn more about the area and Finnish culture as you meet with your local expert guide and make your way to the beautiful Jänisköski rapid. The walk to the camp spot is approximately 1km and is suitable for all levels. Along the way, you’ll learn all about the river Juutua and why it is such an essential part of Sámi culture. At the camp, you’ll enjoy warm drinks and grill sausages together to give you plenty of time to admire the stunning rapid. You will be out for approximately 1.5 hours.
Tonight, you will enjoy a special five-course meal in the hotel restaurant and have a free evening to spend as you please.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Free Day and Aurora Snowshoeing
After breakfast, you have the day completely free to enjoy however you would like.
Following dinner tonight, you will take part in your final Aurora activity. Meeting with your local guide, you’ll be shown how to use a pair of snowshoes as you strap in and make your way into the dark night. As you travel silently through the wilderness, you’ll reach a campfire where you’ll enjoy warm drinks and hopefully, a show of the Northern Lights will begin.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
Departure
Today it is unfortunately time for your week-long wilderness adventure to come to an end. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant or if you have an early flight time, we’ll box up breakfast for you to take with you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Wilderness Hotel Juutua
Nights: 1-8
The newly refurbished Wilderness Hotel Juutua is situated right in the heart of Inari village.
This village has huge cultural significance to the Finnish Sámi population both historically and today, which is reflected in the ownership of this hotel. The hotel became part of the Wilderness Hotel family in October 2022 and whilst they have put their own signature Scandi-chic design style on the hotel they have designed the interior to be sympathetic to its Sámi heritage.
The main building houses the reception, lounge and bar area and the locally renowned Restaurant Aanaar on the ground floor with the standard double wilderness rooms upstairs. A short walk from the hotel, you will find the Riverside Suites located on the shore of the frozen Juutua River.
Restaurant Aanaar is a highly regarded fine dining restaurant which is popular with visitors and locals alike in the Inari region. The menu here reflects local dishes unique to Lapland and uses as many fresh, local ingredients as possible which are all sourced through a network of small, independent local suppliers.
Room Types
Wilderness Room
These rooms are in the main building of the hotel. They were renovated during Autumn 2022 ready to welcome guests for the winter season. The rooms are tastefully decorated in a cosy, Scandinavian style which incorporates the surrounding arctic nature.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a wet-room shower, equipped with a hairdryer and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. It is important to note that these rooms all have a double bed and therefore cannot be configured as a twin room. If you require a twin room, please speak to one of our Travel Experts who will be happy to help (a supplement may apply).
Please note: the images used are an artist's impression which have been developed with the hotel owners to reflect the intended room style once renovations are complete. Interiors may differ slightly and we will update the website once the renovations are complete.
Other options
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Juutua Suite
These upgraded rooms are a very short walk from the main hotel building. Every suite has either a terrace or balcony (depending on which floor they are on) – ideal for Northern Lights viewing in the middle of the night! They each have their own private sauna too which is perfect for relaxing after a day of winter adventures. The rooms also have their own tea and coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.
Please note: the images used are an artist's impression which have been developed with the hotel owners to reflect the intended room style once renovations are complete. Interiors may differ slightly and we will update the website once the renovations are complete.
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - Arctic Room
Arctic Room is a brand-new accommodation type for Wilderness Hotel Juutua.
These premium rooms are scheduled to open in December 2023, offering a high-end, modern and spacious room for two people. Amenities will include wifi, hairdryer and tea and coffee making set.
The rooms are located in separate buildings just a short walk from the main building, where guests will find restaurant services as well as reception and safari house.
Please note: the images used are an artist's impression which have been developed with the hotel owners to reflect the intended room style once renovations are complete. Interiors may differ slightly and we will update the website once the renovations are complete.