Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure

8 days
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Small Group Tour
This winter adventure takes us some 125mi (200km) above the Arctic Circle to Sápmi (also known as Lapland), where nature is raw and powerful, and mighty rivers flanked by endless forests dominate the landscape. We base ourselves at Rajamaa on the island of Muonionalusta, where the Malmström family has been welcoming guests since 1986. Situated in the River Mu...
26%
$5,873
From$4,350
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Enjoy a Sámi cultural experience and reindeer sledding
    • Go dog sledding and snowshoeing above the Arctic Circle
    • Embark on a two-day wilderness expedition on forest skis
    • Look to the sky for a nightly chance to see the Northern Lights

What's this trip about?

    This winter adventure takes us some 125mi (200km) above the Arctic Circle to Sápmi (also known as Lapland), where nature is raw and powerful, and mighty rivers flanked by endless forests dominate the landscape. We base ourselves at Rajamaa on the island of Muonionalusta, where the Malmström family has been welcoming guests since 1986. Situated in the River Muonio on the Swedish side of the border with Finland, there are only seven full-time inhabitants, two of whom are our hosts for the week. Immersed in one of the most spectacular untamed wilderness areas in Europe, we spend a week learning about the Sámi culture and connecting with nature while trying a variety of activities including dog sledding, snowshoeing and forest skiing. Every night, we keep our eyes to the sky where, with luck, we will be treated to the Northern Lights. Our trip culminates with a two-day expedition in the forest, where we stay overnight in a traditional log cabin and get back to nature in peaceful, untouched surroundings.Discover the last remaining wilderness in Europe

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMuonionalusta (Rajamaa)
End CityMuonionalusta (Rajamaa)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Finland
  • Sweden

Activities

  • Culture
  • Aurora Borealis

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • All specialist equipment (see packing list in Trip Notes)
    • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start at Rajamaa in Muonionalusta, north Sweden

This trip starts at Rajamaa, a complex of cosy wooden chalets on a remote island in the River Muonio with views over both Sweden and Finland. At check in, we are welcomed by the friendly Malmström family, our hosts for the week, who have been running the accommodation...

Day 2 Snowshoe through wintry landscapes; spot animal tracks and enjoy lunch in the forest; walk back to the chalets over frozen swamps and hills

After a hearty breakfast, we are provided with all the equipment and information needed for a week of activities in Arctic conditions. Setting off on our snowshoes, we venture into the fabled wintry landscape surrounding Rajamaa and learn more about the unique raw nat...

Day 3 Enjoy a thrilling dog sledding tour through the forest; afternoon introduction to forest skiing

This morning, we visit a small husky kennel run by neighbours of Rajamaa. We meet Anna, a professional musher, who tells us about the life of the friendly Siberian husky dogs, their training and behaviour. She also explains a few simple rules to safely ride and lead t...

Day 4 Free day; optional snowmobile safari

Today is free for you to enjoy one of the optional activities available locally. You may decide to experience the thrill of driving a snowmobile through snowy forests and over frozen lakes or explore the surroundings on snowshoes with a fun geocaching activity. Alternatively, you may choose to relax at the lodge and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful setting.

Day 5 Spend a memorable morning with a local Sámi family, learning about their traditional way of life, and enjoy a magical reindeer sledding experience

Today we have a special insight into the life and work of a reindeer-herding Sámi family. Between 75,000 to 100,000 Sámi people live in the Arctic regions of Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia, preserving their unique languages and ancient customs. We travel by foot a...

Day 6 Set off on a two-day wilderness expedition on forest skis; cross frozen lakes and pine-clad hills then stay overnight in a log cabin

Today, we start a two-day tour on forest skis. On our adventure, we carry only the necessary equipment for the day in a backpack while the rest of our equipment is transported for us by snowmobile. We venture deep into the forest, crossing frozen lakes and pine-clad h...

Day 7 Ski back to Rajamaa; relax in the sauna and enjoy our final dinner

After breakfast, we get on the skis and head back to Rajamaa, stopping for lunch by the fire on the way. If we are lucky, we may come across the tracks of lynx or wolverines during our journey. Back at the lodge, enjoy a well-deserved sauna before our final dinner of the week.

Day 8 End at Rajamaa in Muonionalusta, north Sweden

The trip ends this morning and we begin our return journey home with plenty of tales and memories to share with friends and family.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,350
Price per day$544
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
08 Dec 2024
15 Dec 2024
$4,350
$4,905
28 Dec 2024
04 Jan 2025
$4,350
$4,905
12 Jan 2025
19 Jan 2025
$4,350
$4,905
25 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$4,350
$4,905
08 Feb 2025
15 Feb 2025
$4,350
$4,905
15 Mar 2025
22 Mar 2025
$4,350
$4,905

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,151
Great
3,276
Average
615
Disappointing
145
Terrible
186
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic experience

This holiday absolutely delivered on every level from beginning to end. Each activity was carefully led and was a true experience. The accommodation was welcoming...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Artic Sweden and The Ice Hotel

We would like to say a huge thank you to Exodus for a fantastic trip to Artic Sweden and an Amazing Honeymoon. Our dreams really did come true. 4 years ago this wee...

A

Anonymous

Apr 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Arctic Sweden and Ice Hotel

Overall the trip was well organised and very enjoyable. Seeing the Northern Lights and the Ice Hotel were the two highlights for me. The dog sledding was amazing, wi...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Amazing experience!

This trip was amazing! The lodge was great, the activities a blast and the travel companions wonderful. The ice hotel was the best part. What a great experience! F...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

LAPLAND ADVENTURE & THE ICEHOTEL

Absolutely fantastic, I loved it. Great group leaders, lodges were top grade with good food & friendly staff. AND amazing scenery. Loved the snow. I le...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - limited availability)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

,Our base for the week is Rajamaa, a complex of cosy wooden chalets run by the welcoming Malmström family since 1986. The accommodation is in Sweden on an island in the River Muonio, just across the border from Finland. Rajamaa consists of a main building with a reception area, dining room and sauna. Accommodation comprises two-bedroom chalets with shared bathroom facilities and one-bedroom chalets with private facilities. All chalets are equipped with shower/WC and a mini-kitchen. Complimentary wifi is available. Twin and double rooms will usually be allocated in the two-bedroom chalets. This means that a maximum of four people (two couples or twin sharers) will stay in each chalet and will share bathroom facilities. Twin sharers may share bathroom facilities with up to two members of the opposite sex, but bedrooms are always single-sex. Couples/pairs travelling together who do not wish to share bathroom facilities with others may be able to pay a supplement to secure a one-bedroom chalet. This is strictly based on availability and the make-up of the group. Single rooms are limited and subject to availability. These will be offered for a supplement, payable upon booking. Single rooms may be allocated in the big chalets (shared facilities) or in a small chalet (private facilities), depending on availability. One night during the trip will be spent in a remote forest lodge where accommodation is dormitory style (maximum of four people per room). No single rooms are available at this accommodation and bathroom facilities come in the form of an outhouse with a longdrop.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All meals are included; however, the dinner on Day 1 is only available subject to your flight arrival time (dinner is usually served at 7pm). The food at Rajamaa is a mix of Swedish food and sometimes international dishes, all prepared on site. They only use regionally sourced meat and fish from the Arctic Sea. Breakfast is continental style, with fruit, cereal, porridge, boiled eggs, cheese and cold meats. The lunches provided as part of the itinerary will be eaten outside or at the lodge and are usually a sandwich (plus yoghurt and fruit) or a hearty soup. Dinner each evening consists of a main course and dessert. Vegetarian options are also available.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Six nights in fully equipped chalets with twin rooms and shared facilities (in two-bed or four-bed configurations); one night in a wilderness lodge (dormitory-style)
  • Five days of mixed activities and one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus guides and instructors. Minimum age: 16
  • Arctic clothing provided
Trip ID
exodus-CSW

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