Canterbury Travel Reviews 

The most incredible trip. We did the Magical Interlude in Ruka and we honestly could not fault it.
Our Arctic Star Lisa on Coach R8 was amazing, she made sure that children and adults were always happy and she completely immersed herself in the Elf Song as well as everything else. All the staff were so attentive and kind and made the experience magical for our children and us.
Would definitely recommend this trip. Memories to last a lifetime.

Apart from the husky ride, pretty disappointing!
I booked a 'once in a lifetime' trip to Lapland through Canterbury and I have left feeling grossly underwhelmed.
I decided to pay the extra to stay in a deluxe villa but this had no benefits whatsoever. The villa wasn't even stocked with tea or coffee.
We still had a large group on the experience with us, which becomes long and laborious.
The husky ride was actually quite good but very short and unfortunately you spend more time stood around.
The snow mobil experience is a complete and utter waste of time... it is literally around 90 seconds long.
All in all it's a very cheap experience packaged in a very expensive way.
You are better booking things yourself.

We booked this holiday because it was recommended by lots of friends. We paid approximately £6000 for 3 nights in lapland but it felt like a very cheap holiday.

Accommodation: there was blood on my bed-sheets. Clearly the linen wasn’t changed before we come in. The next morning I requested for the bedding to be changed but in the evening the dirty linen was still there. After my second request I was given clean bedsheets and asked to change them myself as there was nobody available to do it!

Food:The food was horrible by all standards and no options at all. There was pasta bolognese for lunch (no other option). There wasn’t even grated cheese on the buffet. The next day there were meetballs but the quality was so bad most people couldn’t eat them. Personally I wouldn’t even feed my dog with such bad quality of processed meat. The breakfast was so bad that everyone ended up having breakfast in their rooms.

Activities: The activities were a joke. There was only 1 snowmobile about 30 children so our kids were given 2 min each on the snowmobile. Adults were given 5 minutes each. That’s what I can a tester not an experience.
The husky ride was approximately 10 minutes after a long wait as there were not enough sldges. The poor dogs were licking the floor after the ride, they were so dehydrated and weren’t given any water.

I was very disappointed by Canterburry who clearly focused on cost cutting and don’t care about offering people a good experience.

We did the day trip, firstly there were delays in taking off, this isn’t the companies fault granted but on a day trip where there is limited time there felt a little frustrating. So all in we were on the plane for over 5 hours, with lots of children. Landed and all good, the suits and boots in particular were a bit knackered out, and the thermal lining of the boots were non-existent. The snow made it magical, but that was about it for me. The place itself was pretty small, the food pretty awful and really impersonal.

For me it felt a real let down, I was expecting it to be far more Christmassy than it was, I was also expecting a little more of a personal experience where you can meet the huskies, and reindeer and find out a little more about them etc. but it felt like the poor things were being used as fairground rides 😞 This was my last shot at keeping the magic alive for my 9 year old and it’s failed. The tiny log cabin was just like going to a garden centre, actually the local garden centre feels more magical. My little boy said mummy that was just the garden centre Father Christmas, it wasn’t the real one he didn’t know my name or anything about me 😞

For the price we paid over £2200, I feel we could have had a much better experience just booking our own flights and doing something in the snow. I have been looking forward to this trip for so so long and the disappointment is just huge. I feel really sad about it.

Absolutely incredible experience with Canterbury Travel and our Arctic Star, Tay.
Many competitors out there offering Lapland experiences. But do your research and you will see that it’s worth spending a little more to have Canterbury Travel as your provider. We travelled on December 10th for 3 nights on the magical interlude tour, staying in a log cabin. Every detail was thought of from beginning to end, and we didn’t have to worry about a thing! A truly bucket list experience that our family will never forget!

Absolutely fantastic trip, from start to finish the whole thing was really well organised. Our 'Arctic Star' Rose, was incredible, the kids absolutely loved her and she made every trip fun for everyone on the coach.
We stopped at the Suomutunturi Hotel, the location was very remote but that is how it was described so we were expecting that, the rooms were excellent, clean, spacious and very comfortable, no noise from the other rooms so we were very pleased with the accommodation. The food was also very good with a good selection of hot and cold food on offer at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The trips were all very well organised, the coach was always parked right outside the hotel and always on time. The trips themselves were all very good, obviously the highlight for our daughter was 'finding' Santa but the husky rides, snowmobiles and reindeer experiences were also very good.
Interaction with Santa's elves was also excellent, they NEVER break character and seem to have unbounded energy and patience as the kids are pelting them with snow and burying them!
Our flights were both on time and boarded quickly.
All in all a fantastic trip that I would highly recommend, it isn't cheap but you get what you pay for and I would certainly recommend booking with Canterbury Travel.
A final point around customer service, our daughter somewhere along the line lost her 'Tricky dicky' elf doll on her way home and was devastated. When we arrived home we emailed Sue in after sales and she arranged to have one posted to us within a couple of days. A nice final touch...

Our trip was fantastic from start to finish, all the staff & the elves were welcoming,friendly & couldn't do enough for you,nothing was to much trouble.Mr & Mrs Clause made the trip magical for the children & adults. The accommodation was fantastic & the food was great.
Our Arctic Star (Hallie) was absolutely a star,she helped to make our holiday very special. The days were fun packed from start to finish,in a winter wonder land full of snow

Wow what an absolute magical "Search for Santa " experience. It was fun packed, personal,caring and so exciting. What an amazing 3 night/4 day stay. It is so well organised from start to finish, you start off as strangers and end up as great friends.
Our Artic Star Lucy Coach R1 is so committed and wants you to have the best experiences ever,,,5*s to you Lucy, thank you for the best time for myself at 60 & my 2 granddaughters.
The Elves are the funniest, loveliest and totally convincing they are unbelievable, you have to meet them to understand seriously!
The energy and fun they give to all is truly amazing.
FIGGY you really were the best and so so funny, you remembered everyone's names and made everyone feel special. Tricky Dicky, Noisy Nod & all the elves Thank you so much.
The reindeers/ husky dog sleigh rides were the best.
Baking with Mrs Klaus and so much more. The days are full of non stop activities which were so much fun and each one different. Our hotel Scandic Ruka was really lovely and in an ideal spot. Thank you to the lady coach driver, R1 really was the party coach. Yes I definitely recommend 100% to go with Canterbury Travel, I have no negatives only positive wonderful memories,,perfect.
Canterbury Travel keep hold of these staff as they really are worth 5*s.
A lifetime dream that has come true.

Just returned from a truly magical 3 nights/ 4 full days in Ruka. From the very start at the airport, the organisation was spot on. The elves were fabulous, setting the scene for an amazing trip. My 3 grandchildren were transfixed. Even though we were part of a full coach, they managed to make our experience personal. Shout out to our Actic Stars on R4 coach, Fay and Grace. They kept things running smoothly and showed a genuine love of children.
Our memories will remain for ever and so will the Elf Song!

We have returned from the 3-night magical interlude to suomu (hotel) and it was honestly the most magical way to experience Lapland.

All the staff from Canterbury are incredible and keep the magic going for the whole trip. Our arctic star, Asia, was amazing with the kids and a credit to the company. All the elves never dropped character even once, from the 5 main elves to Maple, Postie, Cracker - they even had the adults believing - and kept the kids entertained whilst waiting around for others to finish on activities so they never once got bored. This is no mean feat with so many kids in cold temperatures and they all made it look so easy.

Hotel was clean, location was good & food was nice. There are sleds to use on the ski slope in your free time in the evening or just playing in the snow is enough for the kids.

For a stress free trip to Lapland, I couldn’t recommend a better company.

Exceptional from start to finish. We did the magical interlude tour at Luosto it was absolutely incredible. The attention to detail was amazing. Worth every penny! The elves are wonderful and all the activities are included. Thank you for the most magical few days 🎅🏻

Amazing trip with our family. Really well organised, great hotel and food. The whole search for Santa experience was magical for both children and the grown ups. Our guide, Imo, was first class, friendly, engaging and fun. R2 is the best, if you know, you know

We have just returned from staying in Lusto for 4days. The effort and organisation was fantastic. There was no corners cut and the magic star jack was amazing from start to finish making it magical. The kids absolutely loved it. We have made memories that will last for ever. We absolutely love the elf song.

Pyhä - Pyhä luxury cottages - Searching for Santa
9th Dec 2025 departure

Canterbury pre departure were amazing ensuring that we had our electronic tickets an kids packs

Kids packs sent around 1 month prior to departure 🛫 to include a back pack , water bottle , keep sake journal 📓

Now I understand why there is not too much on social media - as it’s the magic of the unknown from an adult who likes to be in complete control to letting our artic star ⭐ make all the decisions

Snow ❄️ anxiety 😥 checking web cams hourly - weather apps - no need to the forecast was very different to reality

Family of 4 , 2 adults , 2 children 6 & 9

Arrived at Rovaniemi airport to. A chilly -10 traveled in jeans hoodie and body warmer, kids and wife in joggers , travelled with jet2 very Christmassy check in took pictures with elf’s dedicated Canterbury check in where the magic started - aircraft crew all dressed accordingly - cold sandwich meal and activities for the kids 👧

Canterbury’s crew met us some of the elf’s - our seats were pre allocated and this coach then became ours for the rest of the holiday meaning you can leave your stuff and ensured that everyone do not need to dash for family seating - transfer is around 2 hours but coach as toilet on board as well as charging points

Collected suits around 10 mins prior to arrival in to resort - when you actually arrive at accom you have around 30 mins to put on and try out - we had one return but did this on your evening meal

Our artic star Lewis was amazing 🤩 so caring and nothing was too much trouble and made sure everyone was very festive and the famous elf song was embedded into your head 😂

Luxury cottages also known as Pyhä parkside park was next to the family green run it was around 6/7 mins walk or climb across the ski slope to thr restaurant-

Accommodation 2 bedrooms with sauna ! And igloo type conservatory on. The back fit star gazing
Sledges provided 6 in each cabin

Sledging daily after our meal 2000 to midnight

Restaurant hippohutto was à la Carte for evening so you had a menu to choose from and was served at the table

Again table was pre allocated for the whole stay

Breakfast- bacon , sausages , beans, toast , fruit , yoghurt, waffles , all self service 0730-1030, coffee water , tea

Evening meals - burgers, steak, pizzas , 🍕 an amazing reindeer sauté picture on a plate type of fodder - kids , pizza , fish fingers, chips, nuggets , my kids are fussy but they were well catered for 1700-2300

Beer 10 euro, wine 20 euros , soft drink fizzy 5 euro

Starter , main and dessert was included alcoholic drinks extra

We absolutely loved the breakfast and evening meals

Lunch - now this was the sticking point - served out on your activity days - limited choices for kids 👧 pasta, meatballs bread rolls our kids did not go hungry as we packed snacks but this is something that let the day down

Now i am not going into the detail of the daily activities to keep this special

Pick up is around 0815/0830 daily for you action packed day drop off 1630/1700

Daylight is only around 4 hours per day 1030/1330 we made sure we had head torches 🔦 as the walk back is dark

Make sure that you also pack marshmallows and sticks - there are plenty of fire pits to toast on your days out

Warm berry juice , water all served out on each magic encounter

Now our activities are full to spent around 2/3 hours but also got the story behind as your chasing those clues to meet Santa

It’s all those little details that make Canterbury the operator of choice for us - sorry no spoilers but appreciate they are more expensive but you can certainly see why - this was the most magical time 🕰️ little touches - magical elf’s and artic star ⭐

This is a full on adventure and had very little time to relax as it was go go go !

#Pyhä Canterbury Travel #searchforsanta

If you are in any doubt of whether to book with Canterbury Travel - do it! I was so impressed from the outset.
The attention to detail is impressive. We booked the “search for Santa trip” and stayed in Luosto.

I would definitely recommend staying in one of the log cabins. They had a special magic to the trip. Just be aware, they are a bit of a walk so would not recommend for anyone with mobility problems.

The pack they send for the children with a rucksack, activity pack, snood, water bottle and personalised invite letter from Santa is just adorable. It really builds the excitement. The customer service was excellent and the staff were very helpful and come back to you very quickly. But they send out all the information you need. Which by the way is beautifully presented.

When we arrived at Stansted, even going through a balloon arch we were met by Canterbury travel representatives who were all so welcoming.

The jet2 Staff friendly and got into the festive spirit with the passengers.

When we arrived at the airport in Lapland, we were met by our representative for the trip, Honey. To say this lady is a hard worker is an understatement! She does everything to make your trip special. She is bubbly friendly and is wonderful with the children she made our trip. We are all adored her.

The way the trip is planned is wonderful, you don’t get a second to be bored!
The husky ride and the reindeer ride were so magical. But everyone along the way just worked so hard to give you the best experience ever.

If you don’t fancy taking the lead in some of the activities, the staff are more than happy to help. They will take charge and let you relax and enjoy if that’s what you prefer.

The elves were also amazing. Seeing the children’s faces interact with them was wonderful. They were all brilliant, but I think the children all fell in love with tricky Dicky as he was so cheeky! But all of them were wonderful with the children.
We had a slight issue where at breakfast there was a scheduling issue, which meant there were too many coach loads in the breakfast area. The manager came to find us and made a personal apology to all the families and made a generous gesture to rectify it. You cannot ask for more than that.

In the summer, we had one of the worst experiences with Tui and the customer service was disgraceful. They couldn’t care less if you had a good holiday or not, and we definitely didn’t! So to be honest, we were a little worried as we were still upset from that experience. Canterbury travel are the polar opposite of Tui. They care about every detail and your experience.. they could honestly teach other holiday companies a thing or two!
We have only just got home and we are missing it already!

It is obviously expensive, but everyone on the trip all said how it was worth every penny and it was! Don’t forget you get your snow suits, boots (which were both comfortable), all meals and so many activities. The log cabins are basic but you have everything you need and a great sauna.

We have definitely made memories for life and couldn’t recommend Canterbury Travel and all their staff highly enough.

Just returned from our search for santa trip in Suomu and can say that my family and I have never had such a magical experience! Everyone from our arctic star Asiah, Mika our coach driver and all the elves made every moment special, (shoutout to Wendy Wood for teaching us the stick game).
The activities were amazing, well scheduled and all added to the magic. The small details while searching for santa made all the difference, from santa reading your child's letter, to baking with Mrs claus it was all fantastic. The "we found santa" party was the cherry on top.
Would recommend Canterbury Travel for anyone planning a trip to lapland!!

Our 4-day trip to Lapland was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, every day was packed with incredible activities that made the experience feel like stepping into a winter fairytale. The reindeer sleigh ride was serene and enchanting, giving us the chance to glide quietly through snow-covered forests—truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The husky ride, on the other hand, was pure exhilaration! Racing across the frozen landscapes with a team of enthusiastic huskies was absolutely thrilling.

One of the absolute highlights for our family was the search for Santa. Our guide, Bea, along with the team of cheerful elves, made the whole adventure unforgettable for the children. Their enthusiasm, storytelling, and playful clues kept the excitement alive from start to finish. Watching the kids’ faces light up as they followed the trail was priceless—Bea and the elves truly brought the magic of Christmas to life.

The itinerary was perfectly planned: full of adventure but still allowing us time to relax, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the breathtaking Arctic scenery. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about sharing the beauty and traditions of Lapland.

Every detail—from the cosy accommodations to the warm local meals—felt thoughtfully arranged. We left with unforgettable memories, hundreds of photos, and a deep appreciation for this stunning part of the world.

I can’t recommend this trip enough. If you’re looking for a magical winter escape filled with unique experiences, Lapland is the place—and this tour is perfection. Highly, highly recommended!

The magic began as soon as we arrived for check in at the airport. We were greeted by Jet2 staff, with sweet treats, and a balloon tunnel to walk through to get to check in.
Canterbury travel had arranged for a christmas sing along while on the flight, and our Jet2 crew added to this with jokes and games to help entertain the children. The two companies were a great combination.
Upon arrival in Lapland, the Elves were on hand for guidance and support to guide us throught the airport formalities and provide us with winter clothing and snow boots. Then, after some quick snow throwing fun with the elves, we were off travelling in a sleigh, pulled by snowmobiles, down a track and across the snow. Such a fun way to travel right from the start.
The activities were well spaced out and well signposted. Elves were on hand for support and fun, and there were plenty of them. The restaurant, toilets and service desk were all in the same large log cabin, and was kept clean throughout the day. The restaurant was always busy, but we could easily get a table on each visit no matter if it was for food or for the amazingly good hot chocolate! The food offering was self service and laid out very simply, which helped cater for fussy children. There was outside seating for those who wanted a glass of warm berry juice or o hot chocolate out in the crisp fresh air. You could also look over to the reindeer from there too.
The husky sleigh rides are a must do experience, my grandaugher really loved it.
Our visit to see Santa at his cabin home in the woods was such a magical experience, and we were given more than ample time with him to chat, read our letters and plan for milk and carrots to be left out on Christmas eve. Such a good experience for us all, and a 'must do' visit.

From start to finish Canterbury have been absolutely incredible! We did the magical interlude for 3 nights/4 days. It was everything we imagined and more! The staff were amazing, the experience was flawless and we will 100% be coming back!!!

We’ve just returned from the Magical Interlude trip to Suomu and it was truly magical from start to finish. All the activities were amazing and so much fun, in particular the dog sledding which was a dream come true for me! Everything was organised to perfection and the search for Santa which involved following the clues through all the different activities was so magical and exciting for the kids. A special shout out to all the elves who worked so tirelessly to make it magical from start to finish and in particular our Arctic Star Asiah whose kindness and energy made it a truly special experience for everyone! Would definitely recommend