We know that once children get to a certain age they don’t have the same sense of excitement about Father Christmas that they do when they’re little. Despite this, we know that children of all ages love Christmas and the joy it brings. Spending Christmas in the wilds of Lapland surrounded by snow-covered fells and frozen lakes is sure to be a treasured memory for years to come. With an exciting array of activities, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, husky sledding as well as some spectacular Aurora hunts, adults and children alike are sure to have a fabulous family holiday.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:7 nights
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Ivalo (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes subject to change
- Transfers: Return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 7 nights hotel accommodation in double/twin room. (Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- The following activities are included: Snowmobile safari, cross-country skiing, husky safari, Northern Lights workshop, Aurora Camp, wilderness day, minibus/car Northern Lights hunt, snowshoeing and reindeer visit (order subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partner
In our opinion, Nellim encapsulates the genuinely unspoilt wilderness of Lapland which, when combined with the warm, welcoming family atmosphere at the hotel, creates a fabulous location in which to spend a very memorable Christmas. This holiday is all about celebrating the festive season together, trying some unique Arctic experiences and creating unforgettable family memories.
You are well away from the commercial Santa crowds that descend on some areas of Lapland at this time of year and at Nellim you can really experience the winter wonderland which is above the Arctic Circle. Throughout this holiday you will enjoy the thrill of a dog sled safari, the exhilaration of snowmobiling, you shall meet with reindeer and learn about winter wilderness survival.
The hotel is also ideally situated within the Aurora Zone and has been a real favourite with Aurora hunting families for years. Many people in the Activities Abroad team saw the Northern Lights for the first time here, and have since taken their own families back to share in the experience. We have included dedicated Northern Lights hunts on two nights during this holiday and our expert local guides will really help you to maximise your chances of seeing a display.
This itinerary has been designed to suit older children (8 years and above, see terms for details) so if your children want to experience Lapland but, are a little too old for a holiday centred on Father Christmas, then this trip is a perfect choice.
Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and the agenda below should be used as a guide only. The exact order of your agenda will be confirmed upon arrival at the hotel.
Image credits: Markku Inkila, Tricia Cox, Claire Howarth, Anthony Oberlin
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival
After being greeted at the airport, you will be transferred to Nellim Wilderness Hotel*.
After settling into your room you will enjoy dinner. You’ll need a good night’s sleep tonight ahead of tomorrow’s adventures and festivities but as with all nights at Nellim, if you have a moment we thoroughly recommend heading down to one of the two nearby lakes after dinner to search the skies for the Northern Lights.
Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and the agenda below should be used as a guide only. The exact order of your agenda will be confirmed upon arrival at the hotel.
Included Meals: Dinner
* Transfers are based on a scheduled group shuttle that sometimes stops at a few nearby hotels. If you would prefer to upgrade to private taxi transfers please ask our Travel Experts for a quotation. -
Day 2 Snowmobile Safari
By now you will be desperate to get out and about in the winter wonderland around the hotel and so today you’ll head out on a snowmobile safari to see just how much fun you can have on the snow.
Snowmobiles are a thrill for all the family and a great way to explore further afield, as they allow you to really get a sense of just how big this wilderness is. This adventure lasts around two hours and will lead you all across frozen lakes and amongst the forests and fells. You can soak up the surroundings and look out for roaming reindeer.
Full instructions and a safety briefing will be provided and adults will set off travelling two people per snowmobile, with children tucked up warmly in a sled behind the guide’s machine. You must have a full driving licence and be over 18 to drive a snowmobile in Finland.
Once back at the hotel you will take part in a Northern Lights workshop so you have some background knowledge on this natural wonder and some helpful hints will be provided by your Aurora expert guides.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Day in the Wilderness and Northern Lights Hunt by Minibus or Car
Today your family will get to experience what life in a wilderness environment is really like. There will be a great range of activities included throughout the day, with one of the main highlights being the wilderness skills session where you will learn how to build a fire and how to design and construct an igloo. Your guide will also teach you the ancient art of ice fishing and if you are lucky enough to land a catch then you might be able to taste it for lunch, which will be cooked on an open fire and the whole group will get involved with the cooking. A simple meal such as this is such a wonderful introduction to the Great Outdoors and a real Lappish experience for families. In total, you will be out for approximately four hours.
The fun isn’t over just yet as following dinner at the hotel, you will be out hunting the Northern Lights with your Aurora guide. Using their knowledge, experience and the latest forecasts, your guide will drive you via minibus or car to a prime viewpoint where your efforts will hopefully be rewarded with a display. One of the most successful spots is Paatsjoki Bridge, where you can look out at the flowing river below. You will be out for approximately three hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Snowshoeing, Northern Lights Workshop and Aurora Camp
You will by now have noticed that it can be quite hard to walk in the deep snow (trial and error normally means you get stuck up to your knees at some point during your stay), snowshoes make life much easier! After instruction and a little practice, you can explore areas of the forests that are generally inaccessible in any other way. With your guide leading the way you will explore the forests and fell area around the hotel and hopefully get to see some of the local flora and fauna at close quarters as you guide points out animal tracks and points of interest to the group. You will be out for approximately two hours.
Once back at the hotel you will take part in a Northern Lights workshop so you have some background knowledge on this natural wonder and some helpful hints will be provided by your Aurora expert guides.
Then, following dinner, everyone heads to an Aurora Camp. Travelling in a sled pulled by your guide’s snowmobile you will make your way to an Aurora viewpoint. A warming fire will be lit and everyone can enjoy hot drinks as you cast your eyes towards the night sky to await a potential Aurora. You will be out for approximately two and a half hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Cross-Country Skiing, Husky Safari and Christmas Activities
Cross-country skiing is a national pastime in Finland with children strapping on skis as soon as they can walk! Today it is your chance to take to the trails and after a skiing lesson, you will be able to try out this sport for yourselves. You don’t need any previous experience of any form of skiing as full tuition will be provided (a bit of balance can be an advantage, however!). You will be out for approximately two hours.
Your next activity is a firm favourite with families as you head to the kennels to meet with the excited huskies ahead of your dog sled safari. This is sure to be a true highlight and after instruction on how to handle your team, everyone will take to the trails with their own teams of dogs. Guests will travel two adults per sled and take it in turns to drive, children will typically travel in large sleds which are controlled by the guide, older children may be able to try driving a sled but this is entirely at the guide’s discretion on the day. In total, you will be out for approximately two hours, with the safari itself lasting around one and a half hours.
This is one of those unforgettable experiences, so be sure to take as many family pictures as possible!
As Christmas is celebrated on 24th in The Nordic countries, tonight you will enjoy a festive dinner and celebrations in the hotel restaurant
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6 Reindeer Farm visit
No visit to Lapland is complete without the chance to see some reindeer up close.
Today you will meet some furry locals and learn all about these lovely animals. Reindeer are synonymous with the culture here in Northern Finland and herding is still of the utmost importance to the economy here. During your time here you will have the chance to get up close to some of the reindeer herd and of course, take plenty of photographs of these fascinating animals. You will be out for approximately two hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7 Free Day
Today you may spend your last full day in Finland as a family and tailor your final activities to suit your own family. You can relax; simply enjoying each other’s company or spending some time in the sauna or around a campfire. Alternatively, you can hire snowshoes or cross-country skis for some independent exploration or you can also arrange additional activities (please speak to one of our Travel Experts for further information).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8 Departure
After breakfast, it is sadly time to head home and you will have to wave goodbye to Nellim as you are transferred back to the airport for your return flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Wilderness Hotel Nellim
Nights: 1-7
The rather lovely Wilderness Hotel Nellim is a small family-run hotel, owned and run by Jouko and Mari Lappalainen and their family.
The building was once a village school but has been wonderfully restored and decorated in a warm and welcoming style to offer a laid-back and inviting atmosphere for visiting families.
The hotel has three main accommodation buildings surrounding a central courtyard. In the main building, you will find the majority of the rooms, the bar and restaurant, sauna and cosy lounge area. The two additional buildings are only around 50m from the main building and contain apartments and more hotel rooms.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel facilities
- The focal point of the main building is the restaurant area which offers a cosy dining area and a bar with seating for up to 120 people. Your meals here will be served buffet-style and the food is hearty and wholesome with both traditional Finnish and international food to enjoy
- There are tea and coffee facilities available in the restaurant for guests to access during their stay and if you are situated in one of the buildings outside the main one there are tea and coffee stations available too (a small fee applies)
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the main hotel reception area
- There is one sauna for guest use, which you can book per room for private hire
Room types
Double or twin rooms: The hotel has 34 rooms in total which can be made up as either a double or a twin. These are all decorated in traditional Finnish décor and offer a warm and comfortable base. All are en-suite with shower room and hairdryer.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.
Other options
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Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Arctic Suites
During your stay at Nellim, a popular option for families is to upgrade to one of the cosy and comfortable Arctic Suites. Situated in one of the annexe buildings they are across a small courtyard from the main building and restaurant. The Arctic Suites are a great option if you have a larger family or would like additional room and space to relax in after a day’s Arctic adventures.
The suites vary in size and in the facilities that they offer and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis according to the needs of your party.
Read more about this accommodationArctic Suite facilities
- There are one or two-bedroom options available which are equipped with living area, bathroom (with shower and hairdryer), small kitchenette and/or electric kettle and TV. We would recommend taking a supply of your preferred tea and coffee to provide hot drinks during your stay
- Some of the suites have a private sauna. We can request these particular facilities for your family but can’t guarantee them
- Families staying in the suites will enjoy their meals in the main restaurant, a short walk away
Supplements and minimum numbers may apply: please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quotation
These images display a range of the different types of suites.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
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Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Cabins
Nellim offers a variety of cabins which offer varying facilities and which are mainly within easy walking distance of the hotel. Cabins are allocated on a first come, first served basis, according to the accommodation which most suits your party and availability. Specific facilities cannot be guaranteed. Our travel experts will be able to recommend the most suitable option for your family. Please note that the cabins are subject to supplement and are available on request only.
Read more about this accommodationCabin facilities
- The cabins sleep between 4 – 6 people and are configured in a variety of ways. Some feature mezzanine sleeping areas and others are single-floor and open plan with a double bed and sofa bed option
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The standard cosy cabins are studio in style and offer a double bed, pull-out sofa bed, a small kitchenette (with kettle and coffee maker – so you may want to take your favourite hot drinks), a shower room (with hair dryer), an en-suite toilet, a fireplace and a private sauna
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A large lakeside cabin can be requested for larger groups, but this is a few kilometres from the hotel and so transfers are provided for meals and activities
- Two larger log cabins situated close to the hotel are available on request, however, these require a minimum of 4 people and sleep up to 8
Supplements apply: please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quotation
These images display a range of the different types of cabins.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
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Wilderness Hotel Nellim - Arctic Lake Villa
Brand new for the 2022/23 season are the Arctic Lake Villas. Within walking distance of the main building, approximately 50 meters, at the Wilderness Hotel Nellim, this location offers a great view of Lake Inari and the best possibility of observing the Northern Lights in the evening.
Read more about this accommodationVilla facilities
- Two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with twin beds
- Villas has own kitchenette, living room area and bathroom
- Each Villa has its own private sauna to enjoy at your leisure
- All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk from the villa
Supplements apply: please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quotation
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.
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Wilderness Hotel Nellim – Log Suite upgrade
Located between 30 – 70 metres from the main building these log suites are designed to be the highest standard of accommodation Nellim offer. The suites are approximately 33m² allowing plenty of space for families to relax in comfort. They are ideal for larger families or for those looking to have a bit more space during their stay.
There are four suites in each of the separate log buildings offering families a high level of comfort during their stay at Nellim.
Read more about this accommodationSuite facilities
- All suites have their own private sauna, electric kettle and mini-fridge to make your stay as comfortable as possible
- The suites have a double bed downstairs as part of the open plan layout and a mezzanine level above which sleeps up to three more people
- All meals will be served in the hotel restaurant which is just a short walk from the suites
Supplements apply: please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.
Special Nights
Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble
A wonderful addition to your family holiday, spending the night in an Aurora Bubble offers the chance for a unique and memorable night’s sleep, as you lie back in bed and gaze directly up into the pitch-black Arctic sky.
Each Bubble consists of a wooden base, with a large north-facing dome window over the bed. There is also a small toilet too. They are heated and decked out with cosy furnishings, ensuring a warm night’s sleep. Of course, you may not want to sleep much, choosing instead to keep a close watch on the sky!
The Aurora Bubbles are situated a short walk from the hotel amongst the trees. They have no running water but if you upgrade to spend the night in a Bubble then you will also keep your hotel room so facilities are within easy reach. Please note that the beds in the Bubbles are double beds so can only accommodate two people.
Whilst we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, this remains a genuinely memorable and fun experience for your family!
Image credit: Markku Inkila
Sleep in an Aurora Kota
Nellim is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed.
The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom. There is also room for two extra beds for children.
Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credit: Anthony Oberlin
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble
A wonderful addition to your family holiday, spending the night in an Aurora Bubble offers the chance for a unique and memorable night’s sleep, as you lie back in bed and gaze directly up into the pitch-black Arctic sky.
Each Bubble consists of a wooden base, with a large north-facing dome window over the bed. There is also a small toilet too. They are heated and decked out with cosy furnishings, ensuring a warm night’s sleep. Of course, you may not want to sleep much, choosing instead to keep a close watch on the sky!
Read moreThe Aurora Bubbles are situated a short walk from the hotel amongst the trees. They have no running water but if you upgrade to spend the night in a Bubble then you will also keep your hotel room so facilities are within easy reach. Please note that the beds in the Bubbles are double beds so can only accommodate two people.
Whilst we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, this remains a genuinely memorable and fun experience for your family!
Image credit: Markku Inkila
From £88 per adult
Other options
Special Nights
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Sleep in an Aurora Kota
Nellim is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed.
Read more about this activityThe Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom. There is also room for two extra beds for children.
Please note: prices are based on you spending the first or last night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to do this on any other night during your holiday you will need to keep your accommodation and supplements will apply. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credit: Anthony Oberlin
From: £132 per adult
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Price per person based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room with 1 child
Please view our alternative departure dates here - New Year Aurora Adventure and Half-Term Aurora Adventure
Dates
| Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fri 20 Dec 2024
to Fri 27 Dec 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£2995.00
to £3355.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£2395.00
to £2685.00 |
Enquire |
|
Fri 07 Feb 2025
to Fri 14 Feb 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2725.00
to £3055.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£2095.00
to £2345.00 |
Enquire |
Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times. This only applies to holidays that include flights.
Next season’s dates and prices
Our dates and prices for 2025/26 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. We will advise you of your flight details when they are confirmed. This will normally be around nine months prior to departure.
| Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 20 Dec 2025
to Sat 27 Dec 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£3445.00
to £3855.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£2755.00
to £3085.00 |
Enquire |
|
Sat 07 Feb 2026
to Sat 14 Feb 2026 |
Adult price (per person):
£3135.00
to £3515.00 |
Child (age 8 -14):
£2405.00
to £2695.00 |
Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
This holiday requires a minimum of 4 people to run, however, we require a minimum of 8 people for our flight allocation. Maximum 28 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Specific Payment and Cancellation Terms for Nellim
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Prior to 24.09 - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 25.09 up until departure date - 100%
For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%
- 14 or less days - 100%
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
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Nellim - Christmas Aurora Adventure 22 December 2019 by The Follin Family
I was worried that in booking this trip we would be hauled around with a huge group of people. Instead, we really felt like we were "alone" on a custom trip and not part of a herd. That is the biggest positive of your agency's service.The activity guides were so committed to the area and had a real passion for their work. They were all so amazing but everyone in the family really enjoyed the dog…
Read more sledding.
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We had such a fab time together and it really made the holiday extra special. 23 December 2018 by The Hancock Family
I loved every activity, but if I have to pick one or two things I would say snowmobiling and the wilderness day. I just loved exploring the vast, white wilderness and you could cover such a distance on the snowmobiles. I also loved the simplicity of building camp fires, cooking lunch and drinking water from the lake (via the ice holes that we drilled). As an only parent holidaying with my teenage…
Read more children, it was great to be paired up with two other mums and their teenagers. We had such a fab time together and it really made the holiday extra special. I don't know whether this was clever planning by yourselves or the staff at Nellim, but it definitely worked for us. The staff at Nellim were very friendly. The chefs were amazing and the food was absolutely delicious.
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Very, very memorable 23 December 2018 by The Leaver Family
Wilderness Day - Just happened to be on our last say and was a fabulous way of ending the holiday, spending time with the children doing things that we would never otherwise get to try. Very, very memorable.
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We absolutely loved every part of our holiday! 23 December 2018 by The Daniel Family
We absolutely loved every part of our holiday!
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Our third Activities Abroad holiday and all excellent 19 December 2016 by The Fragell Family
Brilliant holiday, just right for us. Most enjoyable activity: Boys: petting huskies, husky ride, feeding reindeer, playing with other kids in the evening. Airbus 350 LHR to Helsinki!!!!! Dad: husky trip, lots of opportunity for skidoo driving. Mum: husky trip, aurora camp with excellent Aurora, being in the outdoor environment, starry skies, food!! Fantastic hotel, staff, food, guides, outdoor…
Read more environment! Our third Activities Abroad holiday and all excellent.
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I just cannot find words to describe just how brilliantly magical this was. 19 December 2015 by Barbara Clowe
I and my 13 year old grandson departed on our adventure to the Wilderness Hotel in Nellim on the 19th December returning to London on the 26th December, 2015. Let me first say that the administration staff at Activities Abroad were excellent, going above and beyond to ensure that any query, no matter how small or insignificant the questions, were answered by enthusiastic members of their team.…
Read more Most, I believe, have been on this break and they were as excited as I and my grandson and this added to our anticipation of this break....a big thank you to everyone. The holiday itself - I just cannot find words to describe just how brilliantly magical this was. The guides are to be praised for making all the outside activities amazing, so friendly and passionate about their work which added to one's own excitement and in turn they seemed to buzz off our elations as we undertook all the activities provided.... To the Guides I wish to say a very big thank you and in particular to Lamu .... passionate about everything he undertook and also about his country. We were extremely lucky as we saw the Aurora on the first morning we were there, thanks to being equipped with alert mobiles, and again on four separate occasions so we achieved everything we had wished for on this holiday and more besides. The accommodation I found to be basic but comfortable and were cleaned every alternative day with fresh towels provided at that time also. The restaurant was a good size, warm and welcoming with a bar to one side. However if I had one grumble it would be that the food was never much above luke warm whatever time you chose to eat and I feel that the hotel should look to finding a solution to this as there were many visitors of the same opinion, the dishes served were varied, tasty and on the whole well cooked but sadly let down by this fact. The clothing provided was perfect and to be honest you would only require to buy baselayers and possibly a couple of midlayers to take with you as even at -33 the clothing was sufficient needing only to add possibly a snood and woollen hat.It only remains for me to say that I would definitely chose Activities Abroad again and would definitely make this trip again possibly with my youngest grandson when he makes 10 (in two years). Thank you Barbara E Clowe
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What an amazing trip, from start to end. 15 December 2015 by Mary Bliss
What an amazing trip, from start to end. The people, the scenery, the food.......Thank you so much Activities Abroad for making my husband's surprise 50th absolutely perfect, from a Christmas tree in our villa to Santa singing Happy Birthday, a magical break for everyone from 5 to 50! Breathtaking :-)
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Snowmobiles to huskies - active and well organised 13 February 2014 by James Dodd
Well organised and spread through the week. All the staff were very good and helped to ensure it was an enjoyable holiday.The day in the wilderness was excellent - the kids loved building fires! All activities were very enjoyable. From snowmobiles to huskies - it was all active and well thought through.
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