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SWEDEN OPENS UP FOR SANTA BREAKS WITHOUT THE QUEUES
Families looking to avoid some of the kitsch and queues that come with the proverbial trip to see Santa in Lapland have a different choice this winter with the first short break to Swedish Lapland.
British travel company Arctic Direct is offering three nights to Sweden with a real encounter with the famous man after a sledge or snowmobile drive through a snow covered forest.
'Sometimes trips to see Santa can be disappointing. Some are little more than a visit to a theme park where children have to queue to see Father Christmas. It is not always possible to feel that you have experienced the real magic of the festive season,' said director Charlotte Marshall. 'So we have put together a package that is fun and exciting and magical. We want to children to feel their holiday has been special.' |
By flying direct from Stansted to Kiruna at least an hour is cut off the travelling time to the more popular destinations in Finland. 'That time difference can be crucial with a family. That's why we chose Sweden. It is nearer and less crowded,' she added.
The three night break also includes transfers from the airport to Ripan where the accommodation is in wooden cabins. There are plenty of toboggans, kick sleds and scooters for guest to use and a visit to Sweden's famous Ice Hotel where there is a tour of its artist-designed ice bedrooms and lunch.
The highlight is a magical dinner that begins with a sledge or snowmobile ride through the snow covered forest and frozen lakes into the wilderness for that meeting with Santa. Sitting down for a traditional Swedish Christmas meal means there are no queues when Father Christmas comes to visit with presents for everyone.
Equally magical is a trip by husky-drawn sleds through the wilderness to catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights with dinner included. On the final day the journey back to the airport takes in moose watching across real winter wonderland countryside. All winter clothing needed is included in the price.
A three night, full board package, departing on December 15th, 2006, costs £1,395 per adult and £895 per child with Arctic Direct. Tel 0800 458 6011 or book online www.arcticdirect.co.uk
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