Discovery, Wildlife & Adventure - Exodus Discovery, Wildlife & Adventure 2012/2013 (page 15)

Scandinavia � Finland Finland � 8 days Finnish Wilderness Week from �1369 Finnish Wildlife Weekend Free from the icy clutches of the winter, summer in Finland reveals a beautiful new landscape of crystal-blue lakes and pine forests as far as the eye can see. Stirred by this change of climate, the forests become alive with wildlife as they emerge from a long hibernation. Although it is impossible to schedule nature, our base located in the far reaches of eastern Finland increases the chances of spotting bears, beavers, wolves and even Finland's most elusive resident, the wolverine. From here, with our expert guides we fully immerse ourselves into the home of the forests' inhabitants, be it by silently gliding across Lake Venejarvi in a canoe or spending an evening in a comfortable bear hide. For budding photographers, we also have the benefit of a wealth of experience from highly commended local photographer Antti Leinonen and accomplished local filmmaker Kari Kemppainen. This is the perfect quick getaway for wildlife and photography enthusiasts or for those who simply wish to unwind in the tranquility of nature. Trip Details Flight Inc. Finland � 4 days from �1099 Flight Inc. exciting winter activities from our superb wilderness camp In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and overlooking a lake, this self-sustained complex of wooden buildings provides a comfortable and cosy accommodation in a truely stunning location. During the stay we include a varied programme of activities such as dogsledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. After grasping the basics we will set off with our guides, exploring the beautiful Kitkajoki River and surrounding frozen waterfalls. We also enjoy a full day of wilderness skills with the opportunity to stay in our own igloo. A highlight of the trip is dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests of the nearby Riisitunturi National Park. Free time can be spent using the cross-country skis or snowshoe equipment available at the lodge, or in the sauna and hot tub. The ski resort of Ruka is a 20-minute taxi ride away - for a snowmobile safari or a day of downhill skiing. Trip Details Trip Code: CFA Land Only Duration: 8 days, start Basecamp Profile: mixed activities with free oulanka day 1, end Basecamp oulanka day 8. time for independent activities. No previous experience required. Flight Land Flight Land Travel by private minibus. Start End Inc. Only Start End Inc. Only Group: normally 6 to 20, plus local guides 2011/2012 and instructors. 13 Dec 20 Dec 1369 1049 19 Feb 26 Feb 1449 1149 Accommodation: 7 nights comfortable self-sustaining lodge in a stunning 20 Dec 27 Dec 1529 1199 26 Feb*+ 04 Mar 1699 1399 wilderness location with sauna and hot 27 Dec 03 Jan 1529 1199 04 Mar* 11 Mar 1449 1149 tub. All rooms are en suite. Food: all breakfasts and dinners included. 15 Jan 22 Jan 1329 1049 11 Mar* 18 Mar 1449 1149 Itinerary: Day 1 Fly to Kuusamo, transfer 29 Jan+ 05 Feb 1679 1399 18 Mar* 25 Mar 1449 1149 to Basecamp oulanka. 2 Snowshoe hike 05 Feb 12 Feb 1429 1149 25 Mar*+ 01 Apr 1699 1399 in national park; free afternoon. 12 Feb 19 Feb 1479 1149 01 Apr* 08 Apr 1579 1279 3 Cross-country skiing in the morning; free afternoon. 4 Half-day dogsledding 2012/2013 instruction and tour (about 10 km); 13 Dec* 20 Dec 1439 1099 27 Dec* 03 Jan 1599 1249 optional ice-climbing. 5 Free day in ruka; 20 Dec* 27 Dec 1599 1249 morning option of snowmobile safari Datesandpricescorrectattimeofpublication including lunch by a campfire en route; afternoon option of downhill skiing. 6 Full (seepage11).Pricesare�Sterlingperperson. � optional single supplement �170 day of wilderness skills including igloo � All departures guaranteed building and fire-making in teams of four; � *Based on indirect flights via Helsinki option to spend night in the igloo. 7 Free � +Special dogsledding itinerary; please see for optional activities including Trip Notes ice-climbing, further dogsledding or snowmobiling and downhill skiing at ruka; � Insurance �28 dinner in a teepee, cooked over an open fire. 8 Transfer to Kuusamo; Fly to London. Amazing wildlife in a stunning setting with highly experienced guides Trip Code: ABW Profile: travel by private minibus and canoe. No previous experience required. Group: normally 4 to 12, plus Antti Leinonen, local guide and appropriate local staff. Accommodation: 2 nights hotel, 1 night in bear hide. Hotel Kalevala is ideally located on the shore of a lake offering fantastic food and facilities. All rooms are en suite. Food: all breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included. Itinerary: Day 1 Fly to Kajaani; transfer to Hotel Kalevala. 2 Full day into the wilderness of Lake Jamasjarvi to observe the wildlife from canoe. Dinner and slideshow with award-winning wildlife photographer Antti Leinonen. 3 Morning visit to petola Nature Centre; transfer to Boreal Wildlife Centre. Join local photographer and filmmaker for a night in a bear hide near Finnish/russian frontier zone. 4 Morning to relax after night of observation; transfer to Kajaani airport. Fly to London. Land Only Duration: 4 days, start Hotel Kalevala day 1, end Hotel Kalevala day 4. Start Flight Land End Inc. Only Start Flight Land End Inc. Only 27 Jul 30 Jul 1099 799 2012 07 Sep 10 Sep 1099 799 Datesandpricescorrectattimeofpublication (seepage11).Pricesare�Sterlingperperson. � optional single supplement �60 � Insurance �28 Trip Highlight Antti Leinonen Antti Leinonen is a highly accomplished Finnish nature photographer and writer. He is renowned for his dedication to Boreal Wildlife, in particular from his 15 years spent in the wilderness researching the little-known life of the elusive wolverine. Antti's knowledge and spectacular portfolio is revealed in articles in the National Geographic and won him the highly prestigious `habitat picture' photographic award. please refer to map on page 14 15 Trip Highlight Calling all mushers! on selected departures only, we are offering a truly unique itinerary that includes 3 extra days of dogsledding! Along with experiencing traditional winter activities from Basecamp oulanka, we will spend more time with our four-legged friends, culminating in a 6 hour mush to places rarely seen by visitors. For more information please see Trip Notes. For up-to-date prices and availability call 0845 863 9606 or visit www.exodus.co.uk