
December 1st | Scandic Rukahovi: Ruka
Scandic Rukahovi is a charming hotel located in the heart of Ruka Village Ski Resort, one of Finland’s top alpine ski destinations. Conveniently positioned near the Arctic Circle, it offers guests the perfect base to enjoy a wide variety of exciting winter activities.
El Scandic Rukahovi es un encantador alojamiento situado en el Ruka Village Ski Resort, una destacada estación de esquí alpino en Finlandia. Estratégicamente ubicado cerca de la línea del Círculo Polar Ártico, brinda a los visitantes la oportunidad de disfrutar de una amplia gama de emocionantes actividades invernales.
Scandic Rukahovi is a charming hotel located in Ruka Village Ski Resort, one of Finland’s top alpine ski destinations. Nestled near the Arctic Circle, this hotel offers guests the perfect base for an unforgettable winter getaway. Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax, Ruka has something for everyone. Get ready to explore the snowy wilderness by snowmobile, enjoy thrilling husky or reindeer sleigh rides, and even visit Santa Claus in his cozy forest home. It's an ideal destination for families, couples, and anyone who loves nature and winter magic. And if you're lucky, you might even witness the breathtaking Northern Lights—an awe-inspiring experience you’ll never forget.
Welcome to Lapland! We’re excited to host you and share the beauty, wonder, and joy of Finnish nature. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure—we can’t wait to welcome you!
Day 1 – SPAIN / KUUSAMO / RUKA
Arrival at the airport and meeting with Catai staff, who will assist you with the quick and easy check-in process. Departure on a special direct flight to Kuusamo. An onboard snack is included. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and transfer to Ruka (approx. 30 minutes). Once in Ruka, you'll pick up your thermal clothing, which will be available for your use throughout your stay in Lapland. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight stay.
Day 2 – RUKA: ICE FISHING & SNOWSHOEING
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. We’ll kick off our Lapland adventure with an exciting ice fishing excursion on a frozen lake. The experience begins with a fun activity that both adults and children will enjoy—a snowshoe walk through the snowy landscape leading to the lake, where a local fisherman will show us how to fish through the ice. Each participant will have the chance to drill their own hole in the ice and try their luck with the fishing rod. In this lake, you may catch perch, pike, or lake herring. A light lunch will be served during the excursion. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to hit the ski slopes or take part in an optional activity. OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Snow Karting & Mini Snowmobiles. Transfer to the snow karting circuit for a thrilling and unique experience—driving specially adapted karts on snow or ice. The karts are easy to handle and available for anyone aged 14 and up. Children (ages 4–11) who can’t drive the karts can enjoy riding their own mini snowmobile—an unforgettable experience for the little ones! Valid prices for bookings made at least 30 days prior to departure, subject to availability. A minimum of 10 participants is required for the activity. Price per adult (14+): €90 // Price per child (ages 4–11): €60. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight stay.
Day 3 – RUKA: ARCTIC ANIMALS SAFARI – HUSKIES & REINDEER
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Get ready for another unforgettable day in the heart of nature. In the morning, we’ll set out on an experience you’ll remember for years to come: driving your own husky sled like a real musher. These well-trained dogs can pull up to seven times their own weight! Before the ride, their handlers will share fascinating facts about the huskies and their training. A light lunch will be served during the excursion. Afterwards, we’ll head to a reindeer farm where local Sámi herders will welcome us and share insights into their unique way of life. You’ll enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride through the snow and learn all about the reindeer and their traditional caretakers. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. It's a great time to hit the slopes—thanks to minimal lift lines, you can get in plenty of runs in just a couple of hours. Ruka’s ski season typically runs from October to late May, and most slopes are illuminated for extended skiing hours. Families with young children will love the Rosa & Rudolf Family Park located in Ruka Valley, which can be easily reached via a scenic gondola ride from the village. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight stay.
Day 4 – RUKA: SNOWMOBILE SAFARI & VISIT TO SANTA CLAUS
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll experience one of the most exciting adventures of the entire trip—a thrilling snowmobile safari! After gearing up with helmets and gloves and receiving a safety briefing from our guides, we’ll head out on our snowmobiles. Adults will drive (two per snowmobile), while children ride comfortably in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. As we ride through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, you’ll feel the power of these amazing machines and soak in the breathtaking Arctic landscapes. A light lunch will be served during the excursion. In the afternoon, the moment every child has been waiting for finally arrives. We’ll travel to the village of Vuotunki, where Santa Claus’s magical home sits by a large frozen lake. Snow transforms the lake’s hillsides into perfect natural slides—kids (and grown-ups too!) can have a blast sledding down them. Then it's time to head inside Santa’s cozy home. Upon entering, one of Santa’s elves will greet us and lead us into the living room, where the one and only Santa Claus will be waiting. We’ll spend some time chatting with him, listening to stories, and even learning a festive song or two. Mrs. Claus, a fantastic baker, will invite us into her kitchen to help make her famous Christmas cookies. Once prepared, we’ll bake them in the home’s traditional wood-burning oven. Before we leave, Santa will personally give each child a special gift. With our hearts full and smiles on every face, we’ll say goodbye to Santa and his family and return to our hotel. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight stay.
Day 5 – RUKA / KUUSAMO / SPAIN
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some free time before the scheduled transfer to the airport. You may want to do some last-minute shopping in the Village or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere one last time. And of course, we can’t leave Lapland without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna. While the Finns didn’t invent the sauna, they’ve certainly embraced it as an essential part of life—Finland has more saunas per capita than any other country, with nearly one for every two people! Transfer to Kuusamo Airport. Check-in procedures and departure on a direct flight back to Spain. A light snack will be served on board. Arrival in Spain and end of our unforgettable adventure in Lapland.
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