Autumn Adventure to Ruka-Kuusamo

 Please note that changes to the program are possible.

Sunday, September 10

Departure from London Heathrow at 13:35pm by AY1334 operated by Finnair
Change flights

19:55 Flight AY487 from Helsinki to Kuusamo operated by Finnair
21:35 Arrival to Kuusamo airport and transfer to accommodation
Meet your local host Mr. Kimmo Rautiainen, Sales Director of International Sales at the airport
Check in House of Northern Senses lakeside villa and hotel
The House of Northern Senses is a beautiful 6-hectare lakeside villa & hotel by a national forest in Virkkula, an idyllic small village near the famous Ruka Village and Kuusamo town. The manor has been renovated in 2021-2022. This is a perfect place for a private holiday, family celebration or a corporate event. Premium accommodation for up to 22 people in the cosy manor with a sauna, pool area and two lakeside saunas.
Evening snack

Monday, September 11

Breakfast at the hotel 
9:00 Ruka-Kuusamo area presentation
9:30 House of Northern Senses site inspection
10:00 Check out and transfer to Basecamp Oulanka
10:30 Rafting with Basecamp Oulanka
Nature-friendly rafting with seven rapids and two lake areas. Suitable for beginners
and families with kids (age limit 5 years). Duration approx. 3 hours. Rapid classes I-III. The trip begins with collecting our safety equipment at Basecamp, from where you will be transferred by road to the starting point of the rafting at Käylä village. The total length of the river route is 14 kilometers, and seven Class I-III rapids are navigated along the route. The rapids power us along and the backwaters between them are slowly paddled by human muscles, allowing us to enjoy the tranquility of nature. In the lake areas at the beginning and end of the route we use the power of an eco-friendly electric motor or a 4-stroke outboard motor. Our day ends at the sandy beach of Basecamp.
Outdoor lunch
Basecamp Oulanka site inspection
Basecamp Oulanka is a lovely complex of wooden buildings providing comfortable and
cosy accommodation in a stunning location overlooking Lake Juuma and backing onto
Oulanka National Park, situated in a remote, wonderful, unspoiled wilderness. Here
you can explore the wild Finnish nature at its best, all year round. Stay in magical
surroundings enjoying a wide range of activities. We are internationally renowned for
our environmental and sustainability practices.
Ruka Adventures company presentation
We are full-service safari house and DMC.
15:30 Scandic Rukahovi site inspection
16:45 Site inspection and Check in Magical Pond nature igloo village, accommodation in single rooms
Magical Pond is a place where you can listen to the silence, enjoy the clean nature and
the arctic nights. Our modern igloos are made in Scandinavian style; their unusual
shape allows our guests to admire nature as closely and comfortably as possible. It is a
perfect location to observe the blanket of stars with dancing Aurora Borealis on a clear
night sky or admire the stunning midnight sun. Cozy and modern igloos will show you
the beauty of our nature all year round – from the arctic midnight sun to the 'ruska' in
the autumn; from the snowy 'tykky' trees to the beautiful thaw when the nature starts
waking up. Keep an eye on the local wildlife; you might get lucky and meet the
reindeers, foxes, birds, or even an elk.
Wild food dinner
Possibility to enjoy evening sauna

Tuesday, September 12

Breakfast at the hotel
9:00 Check out and transfer to Iisakki Village
9.15 Ruka Safaris company presentation and Iisakki Village site inspection
We are a dmc company that arranges all the needed services for groups arriving to
ruka – kuusamo area. Company has been established in 1988.
10:30 Strenght from nature by hiking with Ruka Safaris
With the guidance of our guide, we hike in beautiful landscapes of Pyhävaara. During
the hike we get to know the nature and signs of each season. Our guide will tell you
about all the four season we have. Spring, summer, fall and winter and how the locals
use the food of nature here in the north. During the trip some hot drinks are served.
This program is the one that makes the client to stop, calm down, relax, and open their
eyes to the beautiful nature that we have here on the north. The power and sense of
serenity that nature can offer with its beauty is very empowering you just need to stop
and breathe! The program can be customized to suit all ages and fitness levels.
13:45 Lunch in Ruka Village
15:00 Free time in Ruka Village
16:00 SKI INN accommodation site inspection
Head to the slopes and services, walking or skiing. All apartments and cottages have
easy access to the ski area, trails, and the services of Ruka Village.
Scenic gondola ride to the top of Ruka fell
See Ruka from a new perspective on a scenic gondola crossing the fell. The gondola ride will take you smoothly to the top to enjoy the colourful sceneries of the autumn color “ruska” season and the hundreds of surrounding lakes.
17:45 Salonki Travels company presentation
Salonki Travels is a Finnish DMC company that represents the gems of Finland, from the coast to the fells, without forgetting our neighbouring countries. When you choose us, you can be sure your visit truly benefits the local economy.
Sauna Tour in Pyhäpiilo Sauna World
Pyhäpiilo is a sauna, nature spa and a place to relax. Enjoy the beautiful nature just outside the sauna complex; the location at the foot of a hill and by the lake is something special. The heart of Pyhäpiilo is our authentic smoke sauna. The spa fits up to 40 people. During this guided Sauna Tour evening we will lead you into this old and unique sauna culture of Finns! 
Wild food dinner in Restaurant Kultala 
With expertise in wild foods and local flavors, Kultala offers breakfast and buffet dinners. Meals are possible upon agreement for up to 20 people. Kultala is made from massive grey logs, serves a menu full of Arctic flavors. Restaurant has alcohol selling privileges and a well designed wine menu.
Check in Rukan Salonki Chalets, accommodation in single rooms, two nights
Stay in a chalet that is a combination of new, old, modern, and traditional. Possibly the most traditional building material, strong grey log, brings the beauty of a unique and modern architecture alive our chalets.

Wednesday, September 13

Breakfast at the hotel
9:00 Rukan Salonki Chalets site inspection
10:30 Reindeer Farm summer mornings at Palosaari Reindeer Farm
During the summer morning feed, you will see the happy hassle of the reindeer, feed them, take photos, and learn about the ways of reindeer. Have you heard the snap of reindeer nails or the sound of them munching their special treat, lichen? Did you know that the appearance of reindeer changes all the time, because they shed their winter coats in the summer, and lose and re-grow their antlers every year? We will gladly tell you stories about the ancient traditions in reindeer herding. Finally, we will visit the crafts shop at the historic over 100-year-old farmhouse living room.
Special accommodation Reindeer Nook site inspection
13:00 Networking and speed dating lunch with local suppliers in Kuusamo town
16:00 Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari company presentation
We have sauna, nature and peace, Finnish traditions, and countryside. Come enjoy and
feel at ease, It's the place to put all worries aside".
Located in the village of Vuotunki, half an hour away from Ruka and Kuusamo, you can
find the historic country estate of Pohjola. The first stories from Pohjola date back to
1686 when our ancestors settled in Vuotunki amongst the first pilgrims who arrived to
the village. Nowadays owned by the 11th generation of the family, Pohjola is offering
unforgettable and authentic Finnish experiences for its visitors. We are proud of our
historical buildings; cultural heritage and the pure nature surrounding us and are
committed to preserving them so that our guests can enjoy them as well. We welcome
you to experience the traditions of Finnish sauna, visit Santa Claus at his cottage or
perhaps spend a day as a Finn.

Day as a Finn
As you arrive, we invite you to our lakeside hut for a warm welcome drink. We gather
around a cozy campfire to hear stories of the Sami, people who lived here for
hundreds of years before the Finns. We then move on to our main building where we
bake together: local flat bread and sweet pastries. The old oven in the more than 100
years old Pohjola family home will bake them to perfection. While you are busy with
your chores, you will learn a lot of local history, traditions, people. The Pohjola family
gladly shares their stories with you. Lunch of the day is served with your own flat bread
and the coffee comes with your own sweet pastries.

Sauna Tour
Introduction to the history of the Finnish sauna, sauna traditions now and before, sauna lifestyle of the Finns. Separate changing rooms for men and women. 3 different
saunas and an outdoor hot tub at your disposal. Our sauna elf guides you through the
program. Locally made herbal tea and homemade berry juice are served; other refreshments are available for purchase. After sauna we invite you to the main building: over 100 years old Pohjola family home. Dinner consisting of local specialities is served. Our family is happy to share our long local history with you. Beverages are available for purchase. Autumn and wintertime our venue is perfect for viewing the Northern lights - Aurora Borealis, should they appear. Summertime you may enjoy the summer nights and midnight sun of the Arctic summer.

Thursday, September 14

7:00 Breakfast at the hotel
8:00 Check out and airport transfer
10:40 Departure to Helsinki by AY490 operated by Finnair

Thank you for visiting Finland!