Nordic Difference - Finnish Summer for the Family

An active family holiday week in Finland during the most beautiful summer time. You will be staying in a beautiful spot with remote setting. Daily programs include child focused activities - short excursions that can be shortened easily if needed. However, there is a variety of walks available - from ridges to paths along the lakes as well as longer and more challenging routes. During the whole week, you will be staying in a comfortable log cabin situated close (400m) to the Hossa Visitor Centre where the delicious meals will be served. A traditional Finnish sauna is available every evening in the area.

Duration: Prices:	7 days and 6 nights Euro 840,- per adult Euro 630,- per child (2-11yrs.old) Free of charge- infant (under 2yrs.old) Guaranteed departures in 2010: Mon-Sun 02 - 08 Aug 09 - 15 Aug No minimum pax on guaranteed dates however, maximum of 4 families. Other departure dates: on request Minimum of 4 pax
Rates Includes:	Accommodation in log cabins, min. 2 person/cabin, max. 6 persons/cabin, own cabin for each family. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner every day. Sauna every night (not in the cottage, separate building) English speaking guide for the whole trip Airport transfers and local transfers Canoe rental on day 5 Bed linen.
Not Included:	Airfare to and from Kuusamo Travel insurance Optional bear safari on day 6 (Euro 115,- per adults and Euro 55, - per child)
Program
Day 01	Arrival Kuusamo Arrival at the Kuusamo Airport and transfer to Hossa(one hour). Accommodation and dinner.
Day 02	Canyon Lake and rock paintings - Walking 7 km Our first day starts with a visit to Julma-Olkky canyon lake with a 30 minute boat trip to look at the cliffs. Afterwards, a 4km hike will take us to the "Colour Rock" to see the rock paintings dating back some 4000 years. Enjoy a picnic lunch by an open fire. After lunch, a few kilometres walk will take us back to our cabins.
Day 03	Reindeer farm - Walking 4 km We will visit a reindeer farm today. We will walk along the ridges and lake shores of Hossa to the farm. At the farm, we can try our skills lassoing the reindeer or just pet these charming Santa's helpers. Before leaving, enjoy some coffee and juice with delicious pancakes inside a tepee. In the evening, we can relax in a genuine Finnish sauna.
Day 04	Day at leisure A full day at leisure to relax or do some activities on your own. There are numerous hiking trails in Hossa to explore. Why not rent a rowing boat or a canoe. The blueberry season is at its best, why not try to pick some berries. Many lakes in the area have sandy shores which are good swimming spots and the crystal-clear water is ideal for fishing.
Day 05	Canoeing A gentle canoeing trip on the lakes and rivers nearby awaits us. We will use open Indian canoes and all necessary equipment, such as paddles and life vests will be provided. The tour will be on still water on a couple of lakes linked by small rivers. Reindeers are a common sight in Hossa and occasionally elks can also be seen. Those who prefer to stay on land can for example do a hiking tour on their own.
Day 06	Border and bears Today we head south-east towards the Russian border to Arola farm. Arola, Helena's and Eero's former dairy farm, is well-known for its delicious local food. The farm is surrounded by remote woodland and Eero has built several log hides from which you can observe the majestic European brown bears that inhabit the area. The bear watching is optional (extra charge). Before returning to Hossa for the last night, we'll enjoy a tasty dinner made out of local ingredients.
Day 07	Departure Kuusamo . After breakfast, transfer from Hossa to Kuusamo airport.

Areal view of Hossa Hiking area

Canoeing