Embark on a bucket-list escape with like-minded travellers on this fully-escorted guided tour of northern Finland. The dark skies are perfect for stargazing and searching for the Northern Lights. We've included an Aurora workshop, an Aurora hunt by car, plus two evenings of sky-watching at a secluded Aurora Camp so that you can enjoy the beautiful skies of the far north. Day-time activities include a husky safari, snowmobile safari and a winter walk to a snow-covered beauty spot Jäniskoski rapids. Furthermore, you will also enjoy an Astro presentation from your expert guide to discuss all there is to know about the night sky. And the best bit? You don't need to research, plan, or organise a single aspect. Our knowledgeable Travel Experts have hand-picked quality wilderness hotels, superb activities and designed a well-balanced itinerary to offer you a stress-free and rewarding holiday. During this fully-escorted tour, you will immerse yourself in the unrivalled landscapes of northern Finland during this 5-night trip, staying at two unique wilderness hotels. Located deep in dark-sky territory, this guided tour begins with three nights at Wilderness Hotel Juutua, which is located in the small village of Inari. The area has been of huge significance for the indigenous Sámi people for centuries. With its abundance of tradition and local culture, this destination provides a restorative escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. For your final two nights of the tour, you will stay in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin at Wilderness Hotel Muotka, nestled amongst the trees and with fantastic views of the night sky. Both properties are much loved for their endearing hospitality, Nordic décor and brilliant guides. This region of northern Finland boasts a Northern Lights track record that approaches or surpasses other popular Arctic destinations, and it is a fantastic place to enjoy evenings stargazing with minimal light pollution and beautifully dark skies. Your Escorted Tour Guides Dan Monk Dan Monk is the Director of the Gillian Dickinson Astro-Imaging Academy at Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. He has always been fascinated by the night sky and constellations. One Christmas, he received a telescope and would gaze into the sky from his back garden at every opportunity. Growing up in Sunderland, Dan's visibility of the night sky was limited by light-pollution from the city, but his passion continued to develop and through his teen years, he invested in more advanced telescopes. Visiting Kielder Observatory was a significant moment for Dan as he relished in the undisturbed dark skies of western Northumberland. After volunteering at the observatory, Dan became a full-time member of the team and began his dream role. Most recently, Dan has developed a keen interest in astrophotography and a hunger to capture an image of the perfect night sky. Dan was recently interviewed by Dan Walker on Channel 5 news to discuss the recent Northern Lights sightings in the UK. Dedicated to his field, he insisted he would have to do a pre-record as he didn't want to miss any further sightings that evening. We are delighted to have Dan's passion and expertise for what promise to be truly memorable escorted tours through Northern Finland. Matt Robinson Matt Robinson will be our other tour guide for our escorted tours. Matt, also worked at the Kielder Observatory with Dan as well as hailing from the hotbed of astronomy talent that is Sunderland. Matt's first experience in astronomy was in 1997, when his uncle showed him Comet Hale Bopp through some binoculars and since then he hasn't looked back. After a wonderful 18 months at Kielder Observatory, Matt was given opportunities to work in astronomy in other parts of the world. These opportunities have allowed him to live in the Arctic Circle in Finland and Norway under the spectacular Aurora Borealis. Matt has also spent time in the Maldives where he worked as an astronomer in an Instagram famous hotel, and even to Chile where he covered an unforgettable total solar eclipse. Matt is now based in Gothenburg, Sweden as our astronomy expert and tour guide. Dan Pye Dan Pye is Director of Astronomy and Science Communication at Kielder Observatory. When he left school, he moved on to study TV and Film production and then Theatrical Studies at University, but Astronomy and Star Gazing was always embedded as a strong hobby. During his 20s he spent some time in retail, and broadcasting then moved on to opening a Cafe in Durham, which centred around scientific themes. He visited the Observatory around 10 times before volunteering, and after a few months became part of the full time team, and what a journey it has become. Dan's primary specialities are Observational Astronomy, Astrophotography, and Meteorites. When he's not star gazing, he likes to make sure the kit is functioning correctly, producing video content, making improvements, or testing the boundaries of technology to bring more exhibits to the Observatory. We're thrilled to have Dan on board for this astronomy tour, using his expertise in astronomy and astronomy photography to guide you though your dream trip. About Kielder ObservatoryKielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none, under some of the darkest skies in the world where you'll find "infinite inspiration" and wonders you could never have imagined! Kielder Observatory is a public outreach astronomical facility located in Kielder Forest, in some of the darkest skies in Europe and the third largest protected Dark Sky reserve in the world. Located in Northumberland, England. It is situated just half a mile from the Scottish border on Black Fell near James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace. The site was chosen as one of the locations in the UK which has the least amount of intrusive light pollution. The primary function of the observatory is outreach via public events. The goal being to bring in members of the public of all ages from school children in primary school, and upward. The aim being to engage in discussions and observations of the Universe. We to do this in a way that is friendly, informative and interesting, through our amazing team of astronomers, guest speakers and volunteers. The observatory hosts upwards of 40 of these amazing events every month, designed for members of the public. Since its opening in 2008, the observatory has played host to tens of thousands of people to observe and engage with the night sky, via talks, activities and telescope observing sessions.
