SNOW WAY
TUI launches bucket list Santa holidays for rock bottom prices in little-known arctic destination
Holidays are 'competitively priced' compared to traditional Lapland getaways
TOUR operator TUI has launched affordable package holidays to Finland's Arctic Lakeland.
Despite covering an area equivalent to the size of Wales, holidays to Finland's Arctic Lakeland is overshadowed by its neighbour Lapland.
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But booking holidays to Arctic Lakeland just got a whole lot easier, with tour operator TUI launching the first-ever UK flights to Kajaani.
Flights will start operating from Manchester Airport to Kajaani on December 3.
The twice-weekly service will operate every Wednesday and Sunday until December 28.
In a press release, TUI describes Arctic Lakeland as a 'more intimate Christmas setting at a very competitive price point'.
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The regional capital is home to snow-covered castles and a scenic river, with winter temperatures starting from -3C before dropping down to -10C.
In addition to its chartered flight route, TUI is also putting on holiday packages to Kajaani.
Package holidays to Kajaani start from £815 per person for three-night breaks, and include accommodation, transfers to Kajaani or Vuokatti and snowsuits and boots.
Several fun excursions are also included in the cost of a package holiday, such as a snowmobiling adventure, a husky ride, a reindeer ride, a personal meeting with Santa Claus and a Christmas Dinner on the final night of a stay.
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Holidaymakers can choose to book from four hotels, including Hotel Kajanus and Original Sokos Hotel Valjus, both of which are in Kajaani.
Meanwhile, the two other hotels, Holiday Club Katinkulta and Break Sokos Vuokatti, are both located in Vuokatti.
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Each of the hotels feature their own wellness centres, with some boasting their own indoor pools, saunas and jacuzzis.
Breaks to Arctic Lakeland are slated to be up to £200 cheaper compared to holiday packages to Lapland, according to a spokesperson.
Chris Logan, TUI UK&I Commercial Director, said: "We are thrilled to be opening Artic Lakeland to the UK and offering families a unique Christmas experience at a lower price point.
"By securing exclusive direct flights and working with fantastic hotels in Kajaani and Vuokatti, we’re making the magic of a winter wonderland more accessible and affordable than ever. And we’re confident Arctic Lakeland is set to become a new favourite for festive getaways."
Meanwhile, Aija Laukkanen, CEO of Vuokatti Tourism Ltd, added: "Our winter offers you a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy Finnish winter activities in snowy forests – and meet the Santa, of course.
"We commend TUI UK for their decision to initiate these flights and appreciate their confidence in Kajaani and Vuokatti as winter holiday destinations.
"Arctic Lakeland is a perfect destination for a Christmas break, as it combines the arctic and lakeside sides of Finland in wintertime. We look forward to welcoming our first UK guests in December."
Elsewhere in Finland, the town of Rovaniemi is home to a Santa Claus village where it's Christmas every day.
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What's it like to visit Lapland?
THE Sun's Louise Robert recently visited Lapland - here's what she thought.
"Lapland was top of my 40th bucket birthday list.
"Heading to Tonttula Village, it's is an absolute must for anyone visiting with little ones as you can make Christmas decorations at Elf school, bake gingerbread biscuits and listen to folk tales from the Wise Elf while crafting paper snowflakes.
"And that’s before we got stuck into the outdoor activities.
"We did everything petting Santa’s reindeers, tobogganing and snow tubing, plus there are private meetings with Father Christmas in his wood cabin.
"Make sure to try a Glogi while you’re here too - it’s an amazing Finnish mulled wine."
If you can't quite stretch to a trip to the real Lapland, there is also the hugely popular Lapland UK experience.
Here is everything you need to know including when tickets go on sale.
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