After arriving in the Ruka-Kuusamo region, and checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free for relaxing or exploring your surroundings.

(Accommodations, Ruka-Kuusamo)

After a hearty breakfast, meet your English speaking guide at the appointed location at 10am for an invigorating hiking tour in Oulanka National Park.* This is a guided hike on one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland. These clearly marked selections of trails provide even a budding hiker with a safe way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of a real wilderness and the "almost" Siberian vibe to it. On the way you will experience the varied landscapes of the area; well known for its rapids, steep gorges, and rare plants. Hear the roar of the great rapids of river Kitkajoki, and the stunning waterfall of Taivalköngäs, listen to the silence of rugged wilderness and breathe clean air. During the hike you will also cross over suspension bridges, providing you with the chance to admire and listen to the rapid turmoil of the water right from above. In addition, you may have the opportunity to pick some wild berries. Hiking options include a 7.5 miles and a 2.5 miles route.

*Good hiking shoes are highly recommended for this tour

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Ruka-Kuusamo)

Today you have the choice of 2 tours.

With a local guide, escape from the hustle and bustle to enjoy wild food from Finnish nature. You'll head to the forest to pick berries for your very own Finnish berry pie. While July, August, and September are the best months to pick berries, you guide will tell you about all the berries of the forest and depending on the time of year and the temperatures you will be able to pick cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, or cranberries. Once you have collected enough berries you will return from the forest to bake your own pie and enjoy the result accompanied with coffee or tea.

OR...take an exciting River Rafting Safari.

Meet your guide at the appointed destination where you'll receive safety instructions before heading off to the river. In the summer, the white waters of Kuusamo roar loudly, and the flowing water provides an exhilarating experience as you sail down the river in the large rubber rafts. Each raft has a skipper who is certified, passed a rafting test, and knows the routes well. Your safari organizer can also advise if this adventure is suitable for children. On this 10+ km route you will experience several rapids along the Kitkajoki as well as the beautiful surroundings. The rafting package includes equipment (rubber boots, raincoat and trousers, life vest, helmet and insurance), as well as coffee and soft drinks at the camp after the enjoyable rafting experience.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Ruka-Kuusamo)

Is seeing bears in the wild on your bucket list? If the untouched habitats of truly wild nature lie close to your heart, then we recommend getting to know the national animal of Finland; the mighty bear. With Karhu-Kuusamo (Karhu means Bear in Finnish) you will be able to get close enough to these magnificent animals to take photographs and see wild bears in their own habitat. You can relax and wait for the king of the forest to appear close to the hide-out.

The experienced, professional guides of Karhu-Kuusamo will bring you an unforgettable bear watch. Snug inside a custom-made wooden huts (built specifically for bear watching), you will sense the silence and stillness. The bears appear in their own time, so you might have to wait for a while before seeing any. The impressive sight of a full grown bear at close range is something that will stay with you forever. It is truly magical to see bears in their natural habitat and to see cubs playing and climbing in trees. Karhu-Kuusamo has both love and respect for the bears and wish to share the magnificent experience of seeing them in the wild with other nature lovers.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Ruka Kuusamo)

After a leisurely breakfast, time to say good-bye to this untouched wilderness and begin your next Avanti destination.

(Breakfast, Ruka-Kuusamo)