Christmas Markets

Specialist Reports Special Interest Holidays Winter Themed Holidays Christmas Markets Arctic Experience 

	Arctic Experience
29 Nork Way, Banstead, Surrey SM7 1PB			MAP
tel: (01737) 214 214

Specialists in Iceland which it reports very well geared up to children.

Among others, options include Festive Iceland breaks to Reykjavik at a time of year when Icelanders celebrate with fairy lights on the trees and decorations in their windows, plus on New Year's Eve a big firework display. In addition, for the 13 days before Christmas children put out a shoe on their window ledge and each day a different elf is believed to deliver a small gift. A surprise hit with some children however is a visit to the fish factory to see herrings gutted and cod salted.

Outings are available, for example by skidoo or by super jeep (£140 per person) and there are also Northern Lights viewing trips, or horse riding. Accommodation and breakfast would be from around £477 for adults, £355 for children for four nights.

A three-night Spirit of Christmas trip is described as perfect for families, taking visitors to rural eastern Iceland to explore the countryside, visit a farm and fishing village, and take part in preparations for a traditional Icelandic Christmas. Specifically laid on for children, a mountain troll called Gryla and her husband Leppauludi send their 13 sons to create fun and mischief in the valleys and villages.

Alternatively in Scandinavia offers stays at the ‘ice hotel' at Jukkasjarvi in Swedish Lapland.
A Lapland Husky Adventure of seven days requires a good level of fitness as spending all day on the sledges can be tiring but offers the attraction of learning the art of ‘mushing' huskies with personal teams of three or four dogs, on a four-day expedition with accommodation in heated mountain huts with dormitory style accommodation and in the evenings the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

A Lapland Aventure weekend in Swedish Lapland within the Arctic Circle includes a dog sledging expedition, overnighting in a wilderness hut, and a stay at the famouse Ice Hotel which includes more than 50 rooms, a cinema, bar, chapel and more (www.icehotel.com). There are optional snowmobiling and snowshoe trek outings. (The hotel provides suitable clothing but Arctic Experience also issues clients with a book of travel tips, including what to bring, including own jacket, jumpers and layers, and, most importantly, thermal socks.)

Prices

Festive Iceland breaks are from £544 per person in a twin room sharing. Spirit of Christmas breaks cost £694 per adult sharing, £398 per under 12 sharing with parents or £417 in own room. The Husky Adventure is £1,200 per person. The Lapland Adventure weekend is £895.