×Our children's prices are now up to 25% lower than the adult cost for Exodus-operated guided trips, and that goes for ages up to 16 years!
Itinerary Expand all Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45 mins).Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Basecamp Oulanka.Depending on the arrival time, during dinner, we have our welcome briefing where we discuss the week ahead and get an introduction to Basecamp and the local area. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Gentle half day snowshoe walk, exploring the park; free use of snowshoes in the afternoonAfter sorting out all of your equipment needed for a week in arctic conditions there we explore the Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. There is a free afternoon for further snowshoeing, sauna or hot-tub. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal frame sled you can use on your own or with your children and venture out around Basecamp. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Dogsledding instruction and tour of approx 10km (approx.)This morning, we head off to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive on the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, you are able to really appreciate the serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Morning cross-country ski lesson. Free use of skis after lessonExperience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, our instructor will walk us through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to start with, but in the soft snow, this is half the fun. After becoming more confident on the skis we then head out onto the lake, gliding through the virgin powder. In the afternoon, keep hold of your skis as there will be further opportunities to practise what you have learnt in the morning and have more fun. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Morning visit reindeer farm and museum with a ride on a reindeer sleigh; free afternoon in Ruka for optional activities.In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round an open fire. We spend the rest of the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, it is advisable to check at reception before making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See the 'Optional excursions' section below. Please note that due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Free morning; afternoon children's snow games: sledging, building snow forts and snowmenThis morning we have the chance to sleep longer and start the day at a more relaxed pace. To kick off the afternoon we'll see about making a fire and cooking our own pancakes for lunch.The afternoon is spent in the children's snow park, which is supervised by the Basecamp guides. Amongst other activities, here children have the opportunity to learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Free day. Optional activities include ice-climbing, dogsledding or snowmobile toursToday is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing having all Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, you can enrol in one of the several optional activities available; downhill skiing at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included); or further dogsledding and snowmobile safaris. There is also a possibility to take on the challenge and exhilaration of ice wall climbing, suitable for all ages. Alternatively, kick sledging can keep you entertained.We'll then have our farewell dinner back at Basecamp. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Basecamp OulankaEnd Basecamp Oulanka. Meals included: Breakfast
FinlandNo visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Basecamp Spend 7 nights in the Finnish Wilderness at Basecamp Oulanka, a characterful lodge situated on the edge of Oulanka National Park. There are two accommodation buildings, one with 8 rooms and one with 10 rooms. On the lower level, there are double rooms all with en suite bathrooms. Above them are twin rooms with a mezzanine comprising of 2 mattresses suitable for children and all are en suite. Depending on your group size and rooming requirements an underoccupancy supplement of £295 may apply. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a log fire, sauna and outdoor hot tub.Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together, we can't guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this. A family of four will be allocated a large room at the time of booking, please let your sales consultant know at the time of booking if you want to upgrade to one double room and one twin room (subject to availability).
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Reviewed February 2022 Jude TownleyAmazing Family Trip Such an amazing trip if you are looking for fun in the snow! We did Feb half term and it was fantastic.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many things. The scenery was mind blowing - we had gorgeous sunny days for the first half of the week, very cold (-30 at some points) but the kit we were given had us snuggly warm. It was a real experience to have your eye lashes freeze! The second part of the week snowed, and that was lovely too. The dog sledding was an obvious highlight, and sitting by the frozen lake with the group, around a campfire at night watching (short & v subtle) northern lights. Snow shoeing to explore the beautiful national park was amazing.What did you think of your group leader? Elina took our group and was fabulous! On top of everything, happy and energetic, fun and great with the kids. Couldnt have asked for more.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The kit they give you is great - trust that you won't want much more! Bring thermals for everyday, and lots of warm socks. I had my own fleece and used it, but didnt need it. If any of the kids clothing got soaked from sledging, they were very happy to swap it for dry kit - including the walking boots. The food it great - and there is tons of it. I took a load of cereal bars for my kids for snacks, they werent needed (and thats for 2 14 yr olds!). You WILL end up booking extras to do, there really isnt much planned for the fri and sat so we paid to do the saturday snow shoe walk, which was lovely. Our whole group ended up doing it. By the end of the week, we were one big happy group and organised some of our own activities using the sites equipment to entertain ourselves. There really isnt much to do in Ruka if you don't pay to go ice karting or skiing - my daughter and I had decided to mooch around the town, which took about 10 mins! You can take the cable car over to the other side, which we did, but again not much there apart from a cafe and nursery ski slopes. My husband and son did ice karting and it was good fun. My son did the ice climbing which he really enjoyed (v hard on the arms!). The kids all spent hours of our free time sledging - until bedtime using head torches!! They had a wonderful time and made great friends from the trip.Is there anything else you would like to add? This was an amazing trip - so many new experiences, such great people. Its a stunning location. Can't recommend it enough!
Reviewed January 2019 Isobel GarsideDon’t understand what you want here Some days could have had longer scheduled activities especially cross country skiing and snowshoeing - could make more of this aspect and explore further/moreWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Husky trip Dinner outside by camp fireWhat did you think of your group leader? Local Basecamp team absolutely superb!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No
Reviewed January 2019 Alan TwomeyAstounding! Astounding holiday. Spend a week in the stunningly beautiful Finnish wilderness. Beauty, snow, fun - it’s why you go on holiday. Romantic and magical. Our 6 year old, and all the kids that were there, loved it. Drive huskies, feed and be pulled by Raindeer, snowmobile across frozen lakes, XC ski, build igloos (and sleep in it under the stars if you want!), explore a beautiful valley and park, and sleep soundly after a suana, hot tub and beer. I ran around it a few times in -15, the routes are clearly laid out, the running is safe and you’ll never forget it!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Running through the forest at -15 in snow fall and winter sunWhat did you think of your group leader? Good guyDo you have any advice for potential travellers? You only need the clothes you arrive in and some underwear and socks, and sweatpants If you like running, bring trainers (no need for special off road ones) Bring plenty of evening entertainment!Is there anything else you would like to add? Pillows weren’t good enough, better quality and more of them would be good
Reviewed January 2019 Kerrie StarbuckFabulous Finland We had a great time on our Finnish adventure and felt like we were well looked after and entertained the entire time. The scenery and activities were amazing and we'd highly recommend this trip to families of all ages.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Meeting huskies and reindeer, and snow-shoeing through some truly breath-taking forests.What did you think of your group leader? James catered well to the group and kept us informed at all times.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take hand/foot warmers - the supplied equipment is suitable, but sometimes you just need a little extra.Is there anything else you would like to add? Trip of a lifetime - do it!
Reviewed January 2019 Ian WilkesNo lights but great holiday We were a family of 5, kids ages 20, 18 and 14, doing the Finnish Winter Adventure Family holiday from 23rd December. The family holiday ran in parallel with the adult holiday (over 16yrs) and was very similar. Some of the activities were the same and even run together. We went to see the Northern lights, over the Christmas holidays whilst our kids were home from Uni or school. The ski was overcast most of the week, and cloudy in the evening, so we didn't get to see the lights, although our leader called us out to see faint glows through the clouds. However, we chose this trip as there were plenty of activities to keep us entertained whether we saw the lights or not.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The highlights of the holiday were the huskie dogs; the snowmobile optional trip; sleeping out on the frozen lake in a Quinzee; the Basecamp food; and the Basecamp staffWhat did you think of your group leader? Our Basecamp leader was Anna, who was very good. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our Exodus leader was James, who was very good. Great communicator, very knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. He couldn't have done more to help us have a great holiday, other than provide a clear sky to see the lights!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You truly only need to take a base layer, top and bottom. The Basecamp provide boots, two pairs of gloves, a fleece layer, top and bottom, and a waterproof/windproof layer, top and bottom. You just need a hot and buff. My wife and daughter found ski goggles useful for crosscountry skiing and snow shoe hiking, really just to keep the wind off their eyes. I found a balaclava useful too. Other than that, just layer up with long sleeve t-shirts and jumpers.Is there anything else you would like to add? The actual itinerary was slightly different to the advertised one. There's a bar where you can buy drinks for the meals, but it is expensive - E7 for a beer and E30 for a bottle of wine.
Reviewed April 2018 Curnow BascombeA wonderful winter adventure...! An awesome holiday that found the balance between being a holiday and an adventure. There was enough inclusive activities, both guide-lead and self-lead, to keep us busy with something everyday. For those who wanted to bolster their holiday with extras, then there were plenty to do so with. Accommodation was great. Food was good and the staff went above and beyond.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We walked the Little Bear trial which was stunning as the season was on the turn between winter and spring gave a beautiful insight into both. And, of course, the Husky day was simply awesome.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to cater for all of us. He made our trip even more enjoyable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Visit :)
Reviewed March 2018 C LBeautiful Finnish wilderness holiday We had a really good time with a family of 5. The setting is beautiful - a low-key lodge in the forest, on the edge of a frozen lake. There are lovely walks from the lodge and cross country skiing. The trips were great, with authentic experiences with reindeer herders and husky owners. Children were entertained constantly by the deep, deep snow! Equipment very good, and food excellent too.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The campfire meals at the husky sledge and the reindeer farm, and the last night evening meal under the stars. Very low-key and relaxed, with no rush to get through anything - the leaders looked as if they were having as much fun as the guests.What did you think of your group leader? There is a high ratio of staff to guests, which makes for great service on the trip and meals too. They were all excellent.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As mentioned by others, you don't need to bring much gear! The clothing and gear they provide is excellent and warm (though you need a scarf/neck warmer). But it all looks the same, so a handy hint if you want to spot your child among 8 identical children milling around a reindeer is to bring your own hat!Is there anything else you would like to add? So if it was so good, why just 4 stars? It's because of the price of the extras and the overall cost. Yes, it's expensive and I knew that before booking. The programme is actually quite limited - just a few outings spread over the week, with most of the time at the lodge. That was fine for us - we enjoyed just snow shoe walking, sledging and cross-country skiing from the lodge (all that equipment is freely available at any time) - but given the limited outings the price is high. But the snow was great, food great, and service great, so that's fine, really. However, if you don't want to just stay at the lodge then the price of the optional extras is incredible - a family of five for an extra husky day would have been well over £1,000, and other outings just like guided walks were very pricey. I guess it's a pricey country, so be prepared for that or - as I say - it is actually OK to keep yourself occupied at the lodge. Also, as a family of 5 we were split into two rooms that weren't connected and were in separate areas of the lodge. Again, no problem for us, due to the age of our children, but just something else to be aware of.
Reviewed March 2018 R KirkePerfect winter trip for February half term. A beautiful location in the middle of the Finnish wilderness. Lots of activity in the outdoors. Healthy food with unexpectedly excellent vegetarian options. Great staff. Seeing the northern lights twice was a huge bonus. The family and adventure groups who were at base camp that week were some of the nicest people we have met.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Dog sledding through the most amazing forests in the wilderness. Beautiful pink sunsets. The hazy mists on the lake at sunset. And of course, seeing the northern lights swirling in the skies.What did you think of your group leader? Solja was lovely and always at hand to help and advice. She was very patient. The other leader Anna was also brilliant even though our interaction was not as much.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The quality of equipment is top class and the Arctic boots and mittens are fab. Your own baselayers are a must. I would recommend snow/ ski goggles as the sun Was strong on the horizon and dog sledding can make your face very cold. Do consider a balaclava for children and if you want to go snowmobiling. A few hand warmers in my mittens while dog sledding kept thumbs warm. The prices on the exodus trip notes for the optional activities were very different to the base camp prices. The optional all day dog sledding was the most expensive at 270 euros per person. Snowmobiling was around 89 Euro’s and don’t forget to bring your driving licence.Is there anything else you would like to add? Enjoy the experience. You can do as much or as little as you want. We enjoyed the drum making activity as it’s not something you can buy in souvenir shops and its a reindeer skin drum with traditional Sami designs you can draw yourself or make your own designs based on your experience. Anna has a folder in her office with pages of information and designs you can use.
Reviewed January 2018 Kevin nicholsonWinter Wonderland Expectations were high for this trip and I have to say they were met and exceeded. Never been away at Christmas before or done the skiing this - so we were nervous beforehand. The week was great - just the right level of activity - something new every day, with enough time to go off independently and practice snow showing or cross country skiing. Christmas Day was very different from being at home but no less special - standing on a frozen lake watching for signs of the northern lights is no something we would do at home. Kids 10, 15 and 17 all enjoyed it- Husky Dog ride being a highlight.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Out in -27 stood on the back of sledge being pulled by 6 dogs through such an amazing landscape, as the sun just managed to break the horizon.What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - the whole team at Basecamp were excellentDo you have any advice for potential travellers? No need to bring much at all - provided equipment was excellent and we only had to return it a few hours before we left. There was plenty of food at meal times - so no real need to take extra. On the free day we did the little bear walk - trail lunch was enough to get us round - no real need for extras. Kit dries out quickly on the heated floors. The walk from the airport gate to the plane was cold so don't forget to wrap up for that bit. Stop and listen often - and see how quiet things can be.
Reviewed April 2017 Sylvia Butler-JonesBrilliant I am a grandmother of 56 who went on this trip with my 7 year old grandson. It was brilliant, my grandson played in the snow all day when not on other activities. He build his own igloo, sledged and generally messed about in the snow. It is a really safe environment for children and he was never bored. Any optional excursions that he was a bit young for (snowmobiling) they catered for him by coming up with a safe alternative without us having to miss the activity i.e. The main man pulled a sledge behind his snowmobile which was safe for my grandson and also fun for him and this allowed me to take part in the snowmobiling (which was great).What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The area is beautifulWhat did you think of your group leader? She was lovely and so helpfulDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a scarf, it does not say to but you will need oneIs there anything else you would like to add? Just that I would highly recommend this trip to people with families, especially with little boys of about 7