A Family Winter Wonderland in Lapland

Suddenly a gentle wind started to blow away all the clouds revealing a starry night sky. As Pippuri was staring at the Ursa Major constellation,he noticed that the North Star looked especially bright. All of a sudden,the sky started to change its colour and in the blink of an eye, the Northern lights had lit up the sky and the colour seemed to stretch from horizon to horizon.

The Sybarite together with its partner has curated this truly wonderful winter escape that is perfect for families and children in particular. The below is a sample itinerary with each curated and personalized based on the guests wishes. Kids will enjoy this experience that is sure to leave a lovely imprint on their memories for years to come.

Day 1 - ARRIVAL

After the long but exciting wait, this day has finally arrived. It’s time to see the snow-filled forests and fells of Lapland and join the team of Santa’s little helpers. As you step off the plane, you are welcomed by the Grand Master Elf Pippuri (Pepper). He is so happy to finally meet you, after hearing so much about you from the Scout elves. Pepper will take you to Octola, great lodge in the magical wilderness, where you will spend the next week helping Santa Claus and the elves as they prepare for Santa’s Trip Around the World. If you wish, you can hop on a sleigh and make the last part of the journey to Octola by sleigh pulled by reindeer. Warmly wrapped and tucked in the sleigh, you start your journey through a forest that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy-tale.

Day 2 - CHOOSING YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THE FORESTELF MUSKOTTIPÄHKINÄ (NUTMEG)

With forests making up roughly 75 per cent of Finland’s land area, there is plenty of room for spruce trees to grow. One of the oldest Christmas traditions in Finland is to go to a nearby forest in December to pick out the best Christmas tree together with the family.

Today the Forest Elf Muskottipähkinä (Nutmeg) will take you to a magical wintry forest full of Christmas trees. With the help of Nutmeg and your snowshoes you will walk amidst the snowy trees and select your favourite spruce tree. You might also see some wild animals and other inhabitants of the forest - wait, was that a troll lurking behind the tree?

DAY 3

BAKING CHRISTMAS DELICACIES WITH THE ELF PIPARMINTTU (PEPPERMINT)

The second day of your adventure arrives and you wake up to the inviting smell of fresh breakfast prepared by your chef. After breakfast, it’s time to meet elf Piparminttu (Peppermint), who is in charge of Santa’s Kitchen. She loves candy canes and other sweets, and you can always smell the just-out-of-the-oven scent of warm treats and buttered goods coming from her kitchen. Peppermint knows all the baking tips and tricks and she might reveal what makes her mince pies so delicious or divulge her secret gingerbread recipe.

During the morning (and afternoon if you wish) she will teach you how to bake delicious Christmas delicacies for Santa Claus’s trip around the world. Learn which ones are his favourites and how to make them.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A PLUNGE INTO THE FRESH AND NATURAL SPRING WATER LAKE BY OCTOLA WITH ONE OF THE ELVES

Elves love swimming in the clear waters of Lapland, and oddly enough, also during the winter! Enter ice swimming. The secret in plunging into icy water lies in the feeling that surges through your body once you get out of the water. After the ice swimming experience you can warm up in the gentle heat of a Finnish sauna.

DAY 4 - OPPORTUNITY TO GO SNOWMOBILING

A snowmobile ride is certainly the highlight of any Arctic adventure, and one not to be missed. After a brief safety introduction it’s time to set off on this state of the art snowmobiles for your tailor-made excursion into the wild. Through forests and over hills packed with snow, you’ll drive deep into the wilderness where not many have been. You’ll get the chance to let rip across a frozen lake and experience the speed, the freedom and the adrenaline rush that can only be had when these thrilling machines roar over the snow.

While a driving licence is needed to operate a snowmobile, children and those without licences get to enjoy being pulled along in a sleigh. Adults and older children can also share a snowmobile with the driver as you ride through the beautiful snowy landscapes.

DAY 5 - VISITING SANTA’S SECRET WORKSHOP AND HELPING THE ARTIST ELF NEILIKKA (CLOVE) TO MAKE AND WRAP TOYS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Today you get to visit one of the most enchanting and top secret places, Santa’s secret workshop! This is where the magic comes alive, where toys

are created using not only magic but also special elves technology. The artist elf Neilikka (Clove) has years and years (maybe even hundreds of years) of experience in making the most wanted toys. With the help of Clove you will learn to make some of toys for the children and adults around the world.

DAY 6 - MEETING SANTA CLAUS IN HIS SECRET HUT

The moment has finally arrived, all the preparations for Santa’s Trip Around the World are completed. Before hopping on his leigh, Santa

Clause will meet you in his secret hut. You might have a chance to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and Christmas delicacies together while going through the travel route. Together with all the elves you will wish Santa a safe journey.

Day 7 - HUSKY SLEDDING

Safely wrapped up in warm furs and sitting snugly in the sleigh, you set off! As you slide through the snow and into the wilderness, the barking of the dogs subsides, and all you can hear is the pounding of paws and the sound of the sledge on the snow. The white and magical landscape slips by as the dogs pick up speed. Their joy at pulling the sleigh is contagious, and you see broad, happy smiles on everyone’s faces. Afterwards you will have time at the kennel to visit the dogs and their puppies, before heading back to the lodge to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner.

Day 8 - DEPARTURE

The sun rises on your final day in Lapland – but the fresh arctic air and the bountiful memories from your trip put a smile on your face. After a delicious breakfast, you will meet with the Grand Master Elf Pepper who wishes to thank you and your family for the valuable help you have given over the last days. ”It’s been a pleasure having you here, and while it’s always sad to see people leave, we’re sure one day you’ll return again!” Pepper says, and gives you a handmade photo album in which the elves have gathered beautiful photos during stay.

INCLUDED IN YOUR EXPERIENCE,ALL ACTIVITIES GUIDED & PRIVATE

7 nights accommodation in Octola Private Wilderness Lodge

Winter outer clothing for your stay

Wilderness guide at your disposal at all times

Wilderness hotel manager

All transfers (refreshments available onboard)

Meals prepared by your own chef

Selected beverages

Daily housekeeping

All mentioned activities