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SPORTS & ADVENTURE ITINERARIES IN FINLAND
For detailed information about each offer, please scroll down the page
or click on the link above.
SPEND A NIGHT WITH URSUS ARCTOS
Bear Watching Prgramme in Kajaani, Finland
2 days/1 nights
Valid for travel: June - September
Call for Prices:
From $475 per person, double
From $603 single
Experience an unforgettable trip to the Finnish wilderness and witness wild brown bears in their natural habitat from a specially constructed bear watching hide.
The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the national animal of Finland. The Finnish bear population is etimated at around 1,000, but despite this low figure it is still hunted. Most bruins live in the large wilderness areas on the Russian side of the Finnish border. When the hunting season starts, many move back to the quieter Russian back country only to return in spring after hibernation.
Watching and photographing bears in Finland is possible. A good time is from the middle of April to the beginning of June when the bears have just awoken from their winter sleep. After this comes the rut, when eating is not the animals' main concern. The best viewing time lasts from the beginning of July to the middle of August, when feeding points again have plenty of bears to watch and photograph.
Meeting the Wild Brown Bear in it's natural environment, the wild taiga, is an unforgettable experience, and for the photography enthusiests an opportunity to take the shot of a lifetime from the comfort and safety of specially designed Bear hides. There is between twelve to sixteen hours of direct sunlight and two to four hours of twighlight in the viewing season.
Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival to Kajaani Airport transfer to the Wild Brown Bear Hotel, close to the border with Russia. At 5:00p, local expert guides will give an introduction to making the most from the night in the bear hides, and some bear information in general. At 5:30p, begin the 1/2 hour guided walk to one of the specially designed hides (1-8 person per hide) in the woods and start preparing for the night. All hides are equipped with comfortable chairs, sleeping areas, dry toilet and hearing amplificatory systems. An evening snack is included sleeping bag for resting on one of the beds inside the hide. It is recommended to bring your own binoculars and camera. The statistics show there are excellent chances to see bears, as well as a variety of other wild animals, such as wolverines, elk, fox, and several species of bird during the night (although actual sighting of the bears can never be guaranteed). Overnight in the Bear hides.
Day 2
At 6:00a you will be taken back to the hotel for a sauna and breakfast. A day room in the lodge is provided, and after some time for rest and relaxation, trasfer back to Kajaani airport for your departure.
Price Includes:
- Private transfer from/to Kajaani airport
- 1 night at the Bear hides
- Packed dinner
- Breakfast
- Sauna
- Day room at Wild Brown Bear Lodge
Extra nights available at the Wild Brown Bear Lodge
Ask us about transportation to/from Kajaani,
and also pre/post itinerary suggestions.
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ARCTIC GOLF ON A 2-COUNTRY COURSE
Rovaniemi - Tornio - Rovaniemi
4 days/3 nights
Valid for travel: June - August
Call for current prices:
From $672 per person, double
Golf in Lapland's summer is an experience of its own. The enchanting midnight sun gives you the possibility to play anytime, day or night. Tornio Golf Club is a unique golf course with 9 holes in one country, Finland, and the remaining 9 holes in another, Sweden. The border follows the Tornio River which runs directly through the course, creating its own challenges. In Lapland it is possible to play golf at anytime of the day or night in full sunshine during the golfing season, on on the Tornio course, due to Finland and Sweden's 1 hour time different, there is also the possibility to make a putt the day before you arrive.....!
Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival to Rovaniemi airport, pick up your rental car. Enjoy a round at the forested Arctic Golf course before continuing to your nearby hotel. Overnight at Sky Hotel Ounasvaara or similar located up on Ounasvaara Hill, close to the golf course.
Day 2
Drive south-west through Lapland to Tornio, located at the Finland-Sweden border. Today's round is at Tornio Golf Club, half the holes located in Finland, and half the holes in Sweden, with the border, the River Tornio, running directly through the course. Overnight at Tornion Kaupunghinhotelli or similar next to the golf course.
Day 3
After breakfast drive back to Rovaniemi, visiting the neighboring town of Haparanda over the border in Sweden. Take an evening round in the Midnight Sun at the Arctic Golf (or leave it to the next day, depending on your departure time). Overnight at Sky Hotel Ounasvaara or similar.
Day 4
After breakfast drive to the airport for your departure flight and car drop-off.
Price Includes:
- 3 nights hotel
- Buffet breakfast daily
- 3-day car rental based on Toyota Corolla (or similar), unlimited mileage, insurance and CDR, Finnish local road taxes, airport pick-up and drop-off
- 3 green fees with pre-booked tee-off times at selected courses (see itinerary)
Extra nights are available - ask us for prices
Ask us about transportation to/from Rovaniemi,
and also pre/post itinerary suggestions.
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ISLAND HOP BY BICYCLE IN
THE TURKU ARCHIPELAGO
Turku - Kustavi - Nauvo - Naantali - Turku
6 days/5 nights
Ask for 2009 travel dates & prices:
From $778 per person, double
From $1,019 single
The Turku archipelago are one of Finland's most stunning natural phenomena - 20,000 islands stretching out into the sea from the city of Turku in the country's south-west. Cycling a circular route around the main islands is made easy, and exciting, by a system of local ferry services, consistantly going back and forth acting like bridges. As well as the fun of the ferries, there are also picturesque harbour villages to visit, and the true peace of the nature. The tour starts and ends in Turku - the former capital of Finland, and a bustling, attractive market town.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Turku
Arrive in Turku, Finland's oldest city, reached by a variety of means: by air via Helsinki, by sea from Stockholm, by 2 hour train from Helsinki, or via the port of Hanko with ferries from Germany. Overnight in Turku with lots of nearby restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 2: Turku-Kustavi (approx. 65km)
Pick-up your bike from close to the hotel and enjoy a ride around the historic city with its medieval castle, cathedral, and riverside cycle paths. Continue by bike via nearby Naantali. Soon after Naantali the island-hopping begins, first with a stunning ride across the bridge to Merimasku and then take a break from peddling with a relaxing 45 minute ferry journey. Continue on by bike to your overnight hotel. Overnight in a seaside guesthouse in Kustavi. Dinner at a nearby harbour restaurant.
Day 3: Kustavi-Iniö-Houtskär-Korpoo-Nauvo (approx. 60km)
Main island-hopping day with seven ferry journeys today as the real heart of the archipelago is reached. The tiny peacful island of Iniö is the remotest spot of the trip. Houtskär island has some of the region's most challenging cycling, but you can rest on the 1/2 hour ferry ride to Korpoo. From Korpoo it's a short ferry hop to Nauvo, where you overnight in a wonderful B&B, a former barn converted to a guest house located amongst beautiful nature. Overnight and dinner at Nauvo island.
Day 4: Nauvo-Rymättylä-Naantali (approx. 50km)
Take the ferry north from Nauvo back to the mainland and continue by bike via Rymättylä to Naantali, and idyllic seaside village with cobbled streets and old wooden houses around a bustling harbour. Overnight in a small hotel in Naantali, with plenty of local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 5: Naantali-Turku (approx. 14km)
Today you enjoy a short ride back to Turku. Overnight in Turku.
Day 6: Depart from Turku
Return your bike in the morning. Bikes can be hired an extra day for those who wish to ride more around Turku.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- 2 dinners
- 4-day bicycle rental
- Luggage transportation
- All necessary island ferry fees
- Cycling road map
- Detailed route notes indicating suggested route & ferry timings
- Tourism guide leaflets for Turku, Naantali and the Archipelago region
- 24-hour emergency phone service
Extra nights are available - ask us for prices
Ask us about transportation to/from Turku,
and also pre/post itinerary suggestions.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
ISLAND HOP BY BICYCLE IN
THE ÅLAND ISLANDS
Stockholm (or Turku) - Mariehamn - Pålsböle - Eckerö - Stockholm (or Turku)
6 days/5 nights
Call for 2009 travel dates & prices:
Start & end in Stockholm
From $806 per person, double
From $1,116 single
Start & end in Turku
ask for 2009 dates
From $769 per person, double
From $1,095 single
Located directly between the Finnish and Swedish mainland, Åland is an independent, Swedish speaking region of Finland consisting of more than 6,500 islands. The countryside is varied and beautiful, and roads naturally meander through cliffs, forest meadows, nature reserves, islands and small country villages. Typical of Åland are the striking midsummer poles, windmills, and local Åland delicacies: Åland pancakes and sweet black bread. Conditions are ideal for cycling, statistically the islands enjoy the most daily sunshine hours in Scandinavia! The route offerst the best nature and culture the islands can offer. Enjoy a trip on a special bicycle ferry, and the historical sights such as medieval churches, and Kastleholm Castle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivial to Stockholm or Turku
Arrive Stockholm or Turku. Overnight in Stockholm or Turku.
Day 2: Mariehamn
Depart Stockholm or Turku by the morning cruise ship to Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland islands. Check in to your town center hotel, pick-up your bike, and explore the town. Alternatively you can make a bike excursion to Nåtö, south of Mariehamn, a scenic route with several bridges and water on both sides along the route. Overnight in Mariehamn.
Day 3: Mariehamn-Kastelholm-Pålsböle (approx. 66km)
Cycle from north from Mariehamn through tranquil countryside, passing several small villages with old wooden windmills and beautifully decorated Midsummer poles in the traditional Åland way. In Kastelholm visit Kastelholm Castle before continuing west along peaceful country roads. Dinner and overnight in a seaside hotel.
Day 4: Pålsböe-Geta-Eckerö (approx. 45km)
Continue north towards Geta and the region's most challenging cycle. From Geta harbour take the bicycle ferry south to the island of Hammarland. Continue towards Eckerö and visit the famous Eckerö Mail and Custom's House, a beautiful empire style building from 1800's. Kärringsbyn, a picturesque bay with a long beach and traditional old fisherman's store houses, is also worth a visit. Overnight in a small guesthouse by the sea, with local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 5: Eckerö-Mariehamn (approx. 40km)
Return back to Mariehamn, where you will take the afternoon cruise ship back to Stockholm or Turku. Overnight in Stockholm or Turku.
Day 6: Depart from Stockholm or Turku
The itinerary ends after breakfast.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- 2 dinners
- Bicycle rental
- Luggage transportation
- Day ferry crossing Stockholm (or Turku)-Mariehamn, return sailing
- All necessary island ferry fees
- Cycling road map
- Detailed route notes indicating suggested route & ferry timings
- Tourism guide leaflets for the Åland region
- 24-hour emergency phone service
Extra nights and bike rental are available - ask us for prices
Ask us about transportation to/from Stockholm or Turku,
and also pre/post itinerary suggestions.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
The Turku archipelago are one of Finland's most stunning natural phenomena - 20,000 islands stretching out into the sea from the city of Turku in the country's south-west. Cycling a circular route around the main islands is made easy, and exciting, by a system of local ferry services, consistantly going back and forth acting like bridges. As well as the fun of the ferries, there are also picturesque harbour villages to visit, and the true peace of the nature. The tour starts and ends in Turku - the former capital of Finland, and a bustling, attractive market town.
Located directly between the Finnish and Swedish mainland, Åland is an independent, Swedish speaking region of Finland consisting of more than 6,500 islands. The countryside is varied and beautiful, and roads naturally meander through cliffs, forest meadows, nature reserves, islands and small country villages. Typical of Åland are the striking midsummer poles, windmills, and local Åland delicacies: Åland pancakes and sweet black bread. Conditions are ideal for cycling, statistically the islands enjoy the most daily sunshine hours in Scandinavia! The route offerst the best nature and culture the islands can offer. Enjoy a trip on a special bicycle ferry, and the historical sights such as medieval churches, and Kastleholm Castle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Turku
Arrive in Turku, Finland's oldest city, reached by a variety of means: by air via Helsinki, by sea from Stockholm, by 2 hour train from Helsinki, or via the port of Hanko with ferries from Germany. Overnight in Turku with lots of nearby restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 2: Turku-Kustavi (approx. 65km)
Pick-up your bike from close to the hotel and enjoy a ride around the historic city with its medieval castle, cathedral, and riverside cycle paths. Continue by bike via nearby Naantali. Soon after Naantali the island-hopping begins, first with a stunning ride across the bridge to Merimasku and then take a break from peddling with a relaxing 45 minute ferry journey. Continue on by bike to your overnight hotel. Overnight in a seaside guesthouse in Kustavi. Dinner at a nearby harbour restaurant.
Day 3: Kustavi-Iniö-Houtskär-Korpoo-Nauvo (approx. 60km)
Main island-hopping day with seven ferry journeys today as the real heart of the archipelago is reached. The tiny peacful island of Iniö is the remotest spot of the trip. Houtskär island has some of the region's most challenging cycling, but you can rest on the 1/2 hour ferry ride to Korpoo. From Korpoo it's a short ferry hop to Nauvo, where you overnight in a wonderful B&B, a former barn converted to a guest house located amongst beautiful nature. Overnight and dinner at Nauvo island.
Day 4: Nauvo-Rymättylä-Naantali (approx. 50km)
Take the ferry north from Nauvo back to the mainland and continue by bike via Rymättylä to Naantali, and idyllic seaside village with cobbled streets and old wooden houses around a bustling harbour. Overnight in a small hotel in Naantali, with plenty of local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 5: Naantali-Turku (approx. 14km)
Today you enjoy a short ride back to Turku. Return your bike in the afternoon/evening. Overnight in Turku.
Day 6: Depart from Turku
Depart Turku by morning cruise to Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland islands. Check in to your town center hotel, pick-up your bike, and explore the town. Alternatively you can make a bike excursion to Nåtö, south of Mariehamn, a scenic route with several bridges and water on both sides along the route. Overnight in Mariehamn.
Day 7: Mariehamn-Kastelholm-Pålsböle (approx. 66km)
Cycle from north from Mariehamn through tranquil countryside, passing several small villages with old wooden windmills and beautifully decorated Midsummer poles in the traditional Åland way. In Kastelholm visit Kastelholm Castle before continuing west along peaceful country roads. Dinner and overnight in a seaside hotel.
Day 8: Pålsböe-Geta-Eckerö (approx. 45km)
Continue north towards Geta and the region's most challenging cycle. From Geta harbour take the bicycle ferry south to the island of Hammarland. Continue towards Eckerö and visit the famous Eckerö Mail and Custom's House, a beautiful empire style building from 1800's. Kärringsbyn, a picturesque bay with a long beach and traditional old fisherman's store houses, is also worth a visit. Overnight in a small guesthouse by the sea, with local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 9: Eckerö-Mariehamn-Turku (approx. 40km)
Return back to Mariehamn, where you will take the afternoon cruise ship back to Stockholm or Turku. Overnight in Stockholm or Turku.
Day 10: Depart from Turku
The itinerary ends after breakfast.
Price Includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- 4 dinners
- Bicycle rental
- Luggage transportation
- Day ferry crossing Turku-Mariehamn, return sailing
- All necessary island ferry fees
- Cycling road map
- Detailed route notes indicating suggested route & ferry timings
- Tourism guide leaflets
- 24-hour emergency phone service
Extra nights are available - ask us for prices
Ask us about transportation to/from Turku,
and also pre/post itinerary suggestions.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
SKI FINLAND BORDER TO BORDER
This is a guided ski event (not a race) across Finland from the Russian to the Swedish border! Be part of the longest skiing event ever arranged in the world - 444 km!
March 7 - 15, 2009 Other date options available, ask for details
Ski package price from $1,299 per person
Extra night in Kuusamo or Helsinki available - contact us for details.
The international camp and course center of Oivanki in Kuusamo is the gathering place the day before the skiing actually begins. A bus will carry the equipment not needed while skiing. The bus will be available to the skiers at least once a day. Return transportation begins in Tornio at 8:00am on March 15 as follows: Kemi railway station to Kemi airport.
There will be 2-7 food stations daily along the ski route. Warm food, coffee, evening snacks and breakfast provided at the nightly lodgings. Every lodging has a Finnish sauna. A snowmobile will follow the last skier within hearing range.
The price includes: 8 nights lodging, the participation fee, all meals, saunas, transportation during skiing, a plaque and diploma of participation in this event. Skiers that are taking part for the first time will receive a specially made wool ski cap and medal.
Itinerary for the ski event:
March 7 Get-togehter day. Lodging in Oivanki or Kuusamo.
March 8: Length of trip today is 63 km. Lodging in Kuusamo.
March 9: Length of trip today is 72 km. Lodging in Taivalkoski.
March 10: Length of trip today is 55 km. Lodging in Pudasjärvi.
March 11: Length of trip today is 75 km. Lodging in Ranua.
March 12: Length of trip today is 44 km. Lodging in Hosio or Ranua.
March 13: Length of trip today is 56 km. Lodging in Keminmaa.
March 14: Length of trip today is 76 km. Lodging in Tornio.
March 15: Trip ends - departures from Kemi.
Nordic Saga Tours know all aspects of travel to the Nordic countries, Baltic States & Russia and is able to help with any pre and post travel arrangements including air, train/bus transportation and hotel accommodation. We can also help with itineraries to other ski events such as the Birkebeiner Race in Norway, Vasaloppet in Sweden and Fossavatn Ski Race in Iceland.
Payment info
A non-refundable deposit of $225 per person, payable to Nordic Saga Tours, will confirm your space for this event.
Final payment is due January 23, 2009
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