KEMI, FINLAND

Located in the Province of Lapland, almost at the northernmost point of the Gulf of Bothnia, Kemi is our gateway to Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle. For many, this opportunity provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This tour has limited capacity; and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. We understand that this tour may be one of the highlights of your cruise, but please appreciate that once the capacity has been reached it will be very difficult for us to secure further departures – your understanding with this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Located in the Province of Lapland, almost at the northernmost point of the Gulf of Bothnia, Kemi is our gateway to Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle. For many, this opportunity provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Having boarded the coach with our guide, wearing the traditional Lapp costume, we will begin our guided 90 minute journey towards Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Upon arrival in Rovaniemi the first secret is revealed – as we begin a journey on a traditional riverboat. These narrow, open, wooden boats usually seat up to 20 people, and sitting two to three abreast ensures every passenger has a good view. The captain will act as our guide. The boats travel on the Kemijoki, the longest river in Finland, and then a tributary called the Ounasjoki – where the route is sometimes only a few metres wide. The river trip will last approximately one hour. Then, on the shore awaits the second secret – a Lapp host welcoming us to his Reindeer farm. The host will tell us about reindeer husbandry and how these semi wild animals roam free in the woods and are collected only twice a year for reindeer round ups. The family keeps selected reindeer at the farm, which are trained for sledge pulling and for reindeer racing. As the reindeer farm is located right on the Arctic Circle, we will naturally participate in the special ceremony of crossing the imaginary line – for which we receive our own certificate. This ceremony is followed by a typical Lappish reindeer herder’s lunch. During lunch a local folk dance group will perform traditional dances and music for us – and will even show us a step or two! It is then time to say goodbye to the Reindeer farm as we continue our tour by coach. We will be introduced to Lapland’s most famous inhabitant – Santa Claus – as the third secret is to meet the man in person, in his village at the Arctic Circle! We shall have our photo taken with Santa and can spend time souvenir shopping, in the small shops in the area. At Santa Claus post office we will be able to send our greetings back home. Before starting the journey back towards Kemi, the final secret is the Arktikum. This science centre, museum and unique architectural sight will show us interesting exhibitions of the interaction between man and nature in the northern areas and mythology relating to nature and animals. It has displays representing the Lappish wilderness, and the cultural heritage moulded by it. From the Arktikum we then begin our return journey to Kemi and our ship.

The traditional boats used are open to the elements and have no facilities. Passengers will be provided with life-vests and, if the weather requires, jackets will also be provided. You are advised to dress in layers, as the weather can be changeable. Passengers will step into the boat, and take their seat for the journey. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It includes moderate walking of approximately 1 ¾ hours – including wooden planks from the boat to the Reindeer Farm, grass, gravel, steps and stairs. Lunch will, typically, include sautéed meat with potatoes, a pastry and tea or coffee. One glass of water, or local beer, or berry juice is also included. A bottle of water or other soft drink will be available on the outward and return coach journeys. The order of sights visited may vary.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIAN & BALTIC SEASON