Custom Tours

In August we did the "hiking in the arctic wilderness" tour. It was a really great tour. The landscape is... read moreIn August we did the "hiking in the arctic wilderness" tour. It was a really great tour. The landscape is amazing!
With Gareth as our guide we had a really good time. We learnt so much about navigation, crossing rivers etc. It was a journey which we will keep in good memory.
Also Gareth's and Elina's support were great. It started from planning the tour over lost backpack at the airport to having some last relaxing days before leaving.
It was a overwhelming journey. And we think it won't be the last time, we come to Kilpisjärvi. read less

Amazing Tromso Kilpisjarvi North Lights Tour We were a group of 11 teen and senior family members that went on this private tour guided by ... read moreWe were a group of 11 teen and senior family members that went on this private tour guided by Gareth. Our 6 day adventure had been fantastic. Each day unwinds with great scenes of fjords, landscapes and amazing night bird eye view over Tromso. Although winter temperature went down to the extreme, we were provided with full gear from boots to hat to ensure we were warm. We enjoyed driving on the dog sledges, feeding the reindeer and fishing on frozen lake although no catch. Snowshoe walk was fun and enjoyable with some getting aching muscles. Special thanks must be given to Gareth who rendered great care for our group and the save driving of our minibus driver, Tim. read less

Great hike in the Arctic Wilderness A four day hike from HuolasJavri in Norway to Kilpisjarvi in Finland was well organized, well guided and very enjoyable.... read moreA four day hike from HuolasJavri in Norway to Kilpisjarvi in Finland was well organized, well guided and very enjoyable. There was enough to challenge the average hiker and enough to satisfy the experienced traveller. Great hike. read less

I spent an amasing 5 day trekking in Lappland organized by Advanture by Design.
Gareth is a truly amasing and... read moreI spent an amasing 5 day trekking in Lappland organized by Advanture by Design.
Gareth is a truly amasing and flexible guide, tailored the trip according to my requests.
If you want an individualized trek in Lappland, dont look further, Gareth and his team is the best possible choice. I will definitely travel with them (Northern Norway, be prepared, I’m coming!:) read less

Fantastic! Baking gingerbread biscuits and decorating them. The whole family loved every moment. Would definitely recommend this family activity!

Brilliant!!! 'Just like it says on the tin!'- thanks to Gareth, our Lapland experience was truly an adventure by design!!:))... read moreBrilliant!!! 'Just like it says on the tin!'- thanks to Gareth, our Lapland experience was truly an adventure by design!!:)) Totally memorable. Super fun. Simply amazing- going with this company was one of the best decisions my friends and I made when planning our trip to the north.

What first attracted us to engage with Gareth was the great and positive reviews we read online and indeed we were not disappointed. He was prompt in his correspondence and the attention he has to details assured he was the perfect guide for us.

Right from the start , we were made to feel welcome. Gareth is professional at his job, is warm & friendly and would try to go the extra mile to ensure we were enjoying our time there. His knowledge of the local areas is excellent and his passion for nature is infectious- inspiring us to be enthusiasts as well. Everything was taken care of by Gareth; accommodations he put us in were so inviting, clean, cozy, warm. Restaurants he took us-particularly Rakas restaurant was top notched! Absolutely mouth watering!

Our 4 days’ trip were based just around Rovaniemi- most places/activities up north were not fully operating as winter season has not quite started (our trip was during end oct-early nov). However we were so blessed with the weather for snow came extra early!! The trip was filled with activities we always dreamt of doing: from walking with the darling huskies through the snow-filled woodland, visiting the reindeer farm, saying hi to santa (well!!! How could we not!) to aurora hunting in -16 degrees (we got to see her dancing in the skies for 2 nights in a row)!! But the highlight was the trip to Auttikongas nature trail where we hiked through the beautiful frozen forest and it was there we got to do our snow angel showdown! I will never forget this beautiful winter wonderland experience. Absolutely priceless!!!!

We miss the trip a great deal and hope to be back again with this company for more fun adventures up the Artic Circle!!! Thank you Gareth!!!!!:)) read less

Amazing cross-country skiing expedition One of our best holidays. Gareth and Riika guided my friends and I on the 6 day Three Countries Cross... read moreOne of our best holidays. Gareth and Riika guided my friends and I on the 6 day Three Countries Cross Country Skiing Expedition (a group of mostly complete beginners at cross country). The combination of an amazing landscape and cosy huts, with learning to cross-country ski and pulling our own sledges made it the perfect challenge. Some cracking weather and views with just enough bad weather to remind us we were skiing north of the arctic circle! Both Gareth and Riika were great throughout, excellent guides that by the end of the trip felt like another one of our group of friends whilst still remaining professional when required. Would love to do a trip with them again. read less

Highest praise!! Caring, special people created a perfect adventure! Thank you to Gareth & Elina for organizing an amazing program for us. They took our ideas and travel... read moreThank you to Gareth & Elina for organizing an amazing program for us. They took our ideas and travel goals and created a truly unique experience. Both are super knowledgeable about the area, and provide a personal touch to their customers' experience. Their business name says it all.

Not only that, but they cared about us as people, wanted us to have the best and most memorable experience. I am forever grateful, and cannot wait to return for another adventure. read less

Well organised and well guided, from Norway across Halti to Kilpisjarvi. This was not an "Oh wow" hike where you... read moreWell organised and well guided, from Norway across Halti to Kilpisjarvi. This was not an "Oh wow" hike where you turn a corner to be blown away by a view. Instead it was, like the hills in Finland, all out there to see. Nothing hidden, everything gentle and meditative, but challenging enough. Our guide, Tuia, knew the route, knew how to guide, had everything organised and knew how long each day would take. Great trip. read less

Summer Arctic Circle hiking - exactly what we needed! We've just had a fantastic week hiking in the Arctic Circle and Norway with Adventure By Design. Thanks Gareth, Alina... read moreWe've just had a fantastic week hiking in the Arctic Circle and Norway with Adventure By Design. Thanks Gareth, Alina and Amanda for a wonderful immersion into Finland (Lapland) and Norway and for showing us such beautiful places and sharing your enthusiasm for the environment and life! It was exactly what we needed. Our trip was just myself and my partner and our guides Gareth and Amanda. A bespoke itinerary was created for us. Great walks, diverse in nature, length and level of difficulty (not really difficult!), lots to see, great company, well organised itinerary, very comfy accommodation and the BEST warm weather ever! Didn't need all our thermals after all! We were very spoilt. Highly recommended for those who enjoy hiking or want to immerse themselves in a beautiful part of the world. No mass tourism here folks! read less

Warm, personal welcoming. Competent guides who love, live and respect their “back yard”. As a first time multi- day hiker,... read moreWarm, personal welcoming. Competent guides who love, live and respect their “back yard”. As a first time multi- day hiker, I found it easy enough with walking tips and packing tips from Gareth. Eat fresh berries in the way and drink fresh water straight out of a stream is always a big treat read less

Excellent day trip with very knowledgeable guide We stayed in Kilpisjärvi for a week over Christmas and took a day trip by car with guide Gareth to... read moreWe stayed in Kilpisjärvi for a week over Christmas and took a day trip by car with guide Gareth to Lyngenfjord, which turned out to be the perfect activity. It combined breathtaking views and guided photo sessions off the beaten tracks with great insights and information provided by Gareth about everything we wanted to know, from nature and culture to best approaches for the perfect picture. The trip was rounded off by a guided visit to the northern-most distillery “Aurora Spirits”, which was educational as well as entertaining.
We definitely can recommend this tour as well as guide Gareth. read less

Lyngen Fjord and watching the northern lights I was part of a small group of 4 clients for the northern lights and a bit larger group of... read moreI was part of a small group of 4 clients for the northern lights and a bit larger group of six participants for an excursion to the Lyngen Fjord. Both were guided by Gareth and Rikka (intern). Both tours were especially dedicated to taking pictures.

Lyngen Fjord: The weather was not the best on this trip. Nevertheless Gareth found interesting spots for taking pictures and the group also did some spontanous stops because of great light or cloud formations. As the last stop the group had lunch and a visitor tour at the most northern destiliery on earth.
With good weather this trip will be even greater because the nature is really spectacular. But also with the current weather I had a great time and Gareth and Rikka informed the group about the country, the ppl and the nature. Gareth also did point out interesting shooting positions for pictures.

Northern lights foto trip: The trip started with a car in the evening. Gareth brought the group to three different spots around Kilpisjärvi to take pictures of the northern lights.
He helped a lot with the setup of the correct configuration for the pictures and switched from guest to guest to assist them and improve the results.
This was an essential base also for the pictures I took the next days (so the trip is a good idea at the start of your time in the north!).
The group was small (4 ppl) and everyone got a lot of attention and hints. Each time it made sense Gareth moved the group to another spot.
For those without cameras there were rendeer skins to lie on as well as biscuits and hot berry juice available.
Great company and explanations - a lot of fun and a great view on the polar lights (ok, this depends on the weather situation )

I can really recommend to participate in the tours with Adventure by Design read less

I honestly can’t recommend Adventure by Design highly enough. The skiing trip we did was absolutely incredible and, despite some... read moreI honestly can’t recommend Adventure by Design highly enough. The skiing trip we did was absolutely incredible and, despite some wild weather and my general lack of skiing ability, I felt safe and well supported throughout. Gareth is an infinitely patient leader with incredible knowledge and an infectious love for the outdoors. read less

7 day guided tour of Northern Lapland - off the beaten track Gareth and Elina came up with an awesome itinerary for our family of 4, daughters aged 18 & 20. They... read moreGareth and Elina came up with an awesome itinerary for our family of 4, daughters aged 18 & 20. They took care of everything, transport, accommodation in ‘cabin in the woods’ as requested, activities such as dog sledding, snow mobiles and reindeer farm visit. Everything was excellent. Gareth picked us up at Kittila airport and guided us through the next 7 day’s from Ylläs, Kilpisjärvi and onto Tromsø. We saw Northern Lights all 4 nights we went searching with the help of Gareth’s expert star chasing. Gareth lent us bigger boots and grandmas’ knitted woollen socks to keep our feet warm in the -25 to -30 degree temperatures and had extra ponchos for us . He happily took us to the grocery store so we could stock up on supplies and out to dinner when asked.
The highlights for me, apart from seeing the Northern Lights, were the 3 magnificent snowshoe walls Gareth took us on. Who knew snowshoeing through forests and hills could be so much fun? ! Just beautiful scenery. Gareth is great company and an excellent host. He is totally passionate about Lapland and his enthusiasm is infectious. So do yourselves a favour and book your snowy, photographic or outdoor adventure with Gareth and Elina. 11 out of 10 from us. read less

Do not look beyond these guys! Absolutely amazing! Elina and Riikka came to our lodge to bake and decorate gingerbread with our 3 year old daughter.... read moreAbsolutely amazing! Elina and Riikka came to our lodge to bake and decorate gingerbread with our 3 year old daughter. They were both lovely and we baked sooo many biscuits!!
Then on Christmas Eve Gareth and Riikka took us out to see the Northern Lights. We were unsure about booking as there is no guarantee to see them but Elina assured us that if it was unlikely that we would see them then we wouldn’t go and wouldn’t be charged. Gareth spent fine in our lodge going through camera settings and giving us some really interesting background on the lights.
When we ventured out Gareth found a great spot with no artificial light. Riikka took our 3 year old Amy under her wing and kept her entertained with snow angels and writing her name in the snow. We ended up with a fantastic view of the lights and a campfire with cakes and drinks. There was never any rush from Gareth and Riikka. They wanted to ensure we got the best possible display and photos.
It really made it the most memorable Christmas Day!
Gareth also did a follow up photography lesson with myself.

Amazing company to deal with, very knowledgable absolutely lovely people.

As the title says, do not look beyond Adventures by Design. They can’t do enough for you. read less

Unique, Once-in-a-lifetime Adventure to Finland! Gareth and Elina from Adventure by Design are AMAZING guides and hosts. It’s not easy travelling with kids, let... read moreGareth and Elina from Adventure by Design are AMAZING guides and hosts. It’s not easy travelling with kids, let alone a winter trip to Finland where the daily temperature averages at sub-zero -20C to -28C. In Singapore where we live, our temperature all year around is a blistering 30C to 33C so hiring a good guide is key.

Right from the onset when we were planning for our epic Finland family trip, Gareth has been most patient answering our email queries. He would offer us his realistic opinions on our proposed itinerary and share with us options that fit our budget. Gareth is always prompt and polite in his replies, always seeking out what’s best for my family, taking into consideration our preferences, needs and profile. We communicated so frequently with him that when we eventually met him in Rovaniemi, it was akin to meeting a good, long-lost friend.

Knowing that we were travelling with young kids (4 and 10 years old), Gareth was very detailed in his planning. We were impressed that Adventure By Design even custom-made winter overalls for the little ones to keep them optimally warm and dry throughout our trip. These overalls were a godsend - they kept our kids comfy and toasty, allowing them to engage in carefree play in the abundant snow (think snow angels and snow ball fights!). Gareth also supplied all of us (Adults and kids included) the appropriate winter boots, mittens and plenty of warm blanket throws whenever we engaged in winter activities (such as husky safari, reindeer rides, ice-fishing, aurora hunting etc). I particularly love wearing the custom-made long-flowy Adventures by Design Princess Coat, so ladylike and so stylish.

Gareth is the consummate professional guide. Even though he is already well versed with the local weather and traffic conditions, he does not take safety for granted, not even one bit. He checks the weather forecasts several times a day to ensure that we were able to enjoy all the activities, which we have set out to do.

Gareth’s tours are non-commercial, flexible and very relaxed, allowing us plenty of time to enjoy Finland’s nature to the max. He strikes a good balance between maximizing outdoor fun with indoor down times. Gareth also takes great effort to help us appreciate the Finnish culture and practices. The kids remembered fondly how Uncle Gareth set up campfire Finnish-style in the outdoor hut at a snowy National Park where we enjoyed THE most delicious smores and grilled sausages for lunch. So so good.

For most of us who hail from South-East Asia, catching the Northern Lights can just be a once a lifetime opportunity. For that, Gareth actively monitors the skies and weather patterns so as to inform us when would be a good time to chase the lights. Fortunately, we managed to see the spectacular lights, on our 2nd last night of the trip, right in the middle of a frozen lake, thanks to Gareth’s tack-sharp intuition. It would remain one of the most magical moments of all our travels around the world.

The accommodation, which Gareth arranged for my family comes well researched. From a 5-star boutique hotel in downtown Rovaniemi to the unique glass igloo, to the cosy, well-equipped, self-catering lodge at Yilas, we truly enjoyed every stop of our stay. On our final night, Gareth and Elina, personally whipped up a Finnish dinner for us. How delightful! We were very touched.

We had initially thought that Adventure by Design would be designing activities for travellers but now we know better, their tours are designed AROUND travellers and their needs. We highly recommend Adventures by Design for those who are planning a unique, once a lifetime adventure to Finland. read less

No Tour Buses Here! Only The Best Local Guides and Trip Planning!! *Prepare yourself for a lengthy, detailed review!*

My husband and I were looking for a holiday experience away from big groups... read more*Prepare yourself for a lengthy, detailed review!*

My husband and I were looking for a holiday experience away from big groups and crowds, and we knew we wanted to spend Christmas somewhere with cold and off the beaten path. When I googled the best place to see the Northern Lights, Norway and Finland were the first hit. I contacted Adventure by design because I love supporting local businesses and they will know the area better than a large tour company in the big city. I am really glad that I did!! I told them the length of the trip that I wanted, my budget, and the city that I would fly in and out of (Tromso, Norway), and they took care of the rest! I didn't have to worry about a single thing. They booked all of our hotels in each city that we wanted to visit and all of our tours. I even contacted them a few months before the trip and asked to add a stay at an ice hotel and in a glass igloo. They knew just the places for us! Elina and Gareth were extremely responsive before and during our trip. A few weeks before our trip, they sent us our itinerary which included the best that Scandanavia has to offer. It was better than anything I could have ever put together for us! It was jammed-packed with dog sledding, the ice hotel, snow shoeing, and the most incredible experience to a reindeer farm. Since they are local, they are looped in with all of the “hidden gems,” and are able plan experiences for their guests that big companies do not have the connections with.

The first two days of our journey took us into Tromso and then to the Tromso Ice Domes for an evening and overnight stay (see my separate review for Tromso Ice Domes). The next morning, Tumi (I apologize if I misspell any names here!) picked us up for a private transfer to Kilpisjarvi where we spent the majority of our wintery holiday. Once we arrived at our little apartment, Santa's Chalets Rakka, Elina and Amanda immediately greeted us with a care basket full of the essentials we would need for cooking and comfort. They whisked us to the nearby market and helped us interpret all of the food labels. They made us immediately feel welcome and at home. I have never run across any company that would go to such great lengths to make their guests feel so comfortable and welcome.

The first night we were there, Amanda and Valtteri picked us up, and brought us to the shop for a lesson on the Aurora and a workshop on camera settings. This enabled us to set up our camera ahead of time in order to capture the best photos possible. You don’t want to be fumbling with your camera when it’s -16 deg C outside, and you can be enjoying the Aurora and snapping photos along the way instead. After, they took us across the border to Norway where we waited for our chance to view the Aurora. They expertly made a campfire, and we enjoyed some warm drinks and snacks. We were the only guests that evening, so we got a chance to know them and chat about their experiences.

The next evening Amanda asked if we would like to join her on a snowshoeing adventure. You can tell that Amanda is passionate about the wilderness and spending time outdoors. She was very excited to take us and another couple up onto one of the local fjells for some snowshoeing fun and a campfire. We even got to venture off the trail a bit and practice our snowshoeing skills! Don’t fret though, she made sure that we were safe and comfortable the entire time.
The next day, we were up for a challenge. Amanda planned a day hike up Saana, Finland’s second tallest mountain. I was impressed that Amanda had decided to choose this hike. She was able to determine the best activities based on our fitness and the kinds of adventure we were looking for. If you have children, they will certainly accommodate activities that the entire family will enjoy. We snowshoed our way up with Amanda leading the way. Halfway up we stopped and enjoyed a delicious lunch that Amanda had provided. The timing was perfect, and the scant sunlight provided us with the perfect lighting for photos. The air was clear, so we were able to see Finland, Norway, and Sweden from our lunch perch.
Gareth and Elina set up the most fabulous Christmas evening experience for us and a few other guests! They took us across the border into Norway, and went off the beaten path to transform a snow-covered area into a comfortable campsite to enjoy dinner, festivities, and even the Northern Lights! Elina, Gareth, and crew made the most exquisite Christmas dinner! They even made accommodations for my vegan preferences. It can be a challenge finding vegan options when travelling, but Elina made sure that I was taken care of! The food was delicious, and we washed it down with traditional gloog and another type of Christmas drink (the name escapes me though). After dinner, we were lucky enough to have clear skies and a perfect Aurora Borealis show! The evening could not have been planned in a better way.
On our last day, Gareth personally drove us to our next stop on our journey, Lyngenfjord. We did some sightseeing along the way, and stopped to take pictures and view and outdoor museum. Gareth made sure that we were settled in with our new host at Lyngen North before continuing on.
I can’t sing enough praises about Elina, Gareth, Amanda, and the whole Adventure by Design crew! If you are looking for a company that caters to you on an individual level, then you need to book with them! You won’t find any tour buses or large groups here! They will make sure that your experience is personalized and tailored to your activity level preference!! You feel more like family than a tourist. We can’t wait to bring our friends here in the future! I know they will adore the boutique experience that Elina and Gareth provide! read less

Elinan pitämissä mindfulness-hetkissä unohtuu hyvin arjen kiire ja kireys. Meditointi pätevässä ohjauksessa on erittäin rentouttavaa ja palkitsevaa. Suosittelen 😊

I cannot recommend Gareth and Elina enough! The trip to Kilpisjärvi was even better than expected thanks to them. The... read moreI cannot recommend Gareth and Elina enough! The trip to Kilpisjärvi was even better than expected thanks to them. The hikes were beautiful and refreshing, but I especially enjoyed the guided silent night walks. This was a new experience for me and one I hope to do again. If you are thinking about hiring Adventure by Design for your Lapland visit- do it! You won’t regret it!! read less

Thank you to Gareth & Elina for organizing an amazing program for us. They took our ideas and travel... read moreThank you to Gareth & Elina for organizing an amazing program for us. They took our ideas and travel goals and created a truly unique experience. Both are super knowledgeable about the area, and provide a personal touch to their customers' experience. Their business name says it all.

Not only that, but they cared about us as people, wanted us to have the best and most memorable experience. I am forever grateful, and cannot wait to return for another adventure.💛 read less

Gareth and his team were amazing on our Arctic Challenge adventure! Great knowledge about the areas, countries, food and culture.... read moreGareth and his team were amazing on our Arctic Challenge adventure! Great knowledge about the areas, countries, food and culture. Very resourceful, friendly and has an obvious passion for adventure. Even in crazy blizzard conditions, I felt safe being guided by Gareth. Would highly recommend! He's also an epic photographer! read less

An Amazing Experience... Hi,

My girlfriend and I decided to go on the three country guided hike with Gareth Hutton of Adventure by... read moreHi,

My girlfriend and I decided to go on the three country guided hike with Gareth Hutton of Adventure by Design (ABD), and must say that it was a truly wonderful experience for us both. From our very first email, Gareth and his wife / business partner Elina Hutton answered all of emails with patience and in detail. Their time in answering every possible question we shared made us both feel that we had made the right decision in choosing (ABD) for our very first hiking trip in Lapland.

From the first day of our arrival, Gareth and Elina made sure that everything was taken care for us in terms of hotel lodgings, what items we needed, and Gareth was even kind enough to pick us up and drive us to the super market to pick up any last minute items. Gareth on the night before our hike took us out for dinner and spent a few hours going into deep detail the itinerary of our three country hike. In reviewing all the agenda for the hike, it was quite clear that Gareth a lot of time and effort into planning our trip and ensuring we would feel as comfortable as possible. We knew our daily agendas, which paths we would take, what the weather forecast would be and how this would impact our hike, and all of this made us truly feel like we were in great hands and great care.

Our three country hike was a truly wonderful experience and we both look forward to ask Gareth and Elina of (ABD) to be our wilderness instructors again in the near future. We learned so much from Gareth about the majestic beauty of the nature which we hiked in, and at every step he was there to make sure we were comfortable, drinking enough water, feeling okay and helping any possible issue which cause us any discomfort.

We can´t recommend that you book any trip with Gareth and Elina of Adventure by Design. They are both truly talented, humble and passionate professionals who have a love of nature which helps us appreciate in ways you never have before. We should also point out that Gareth and Elina have a wonderful sense of humor and for us both, we really feel like we have made two friends who look forward to seeing in the near future.

Yonatan & Maarit. read less

Great hike in the Arctic Wilderness A four day hike from HuolasJavri in Norway to Kilpisjarvi in Finland was well organized, well guided and very enjoyable.... read moreA four day hike from HuolasJavri in Norway to Kilpisjarvi in Finland was well organized, well guided and very enjoyable. There was enough to challenge the average hiker and enough to satisfy the experienced traveller. Great hike. read less

Most Wonderful Holiday! We had a most wonderful holiday with an exceptionally good team from Adventure by Design! Elina Hutton helped tremendously... read moreWe had a most wonderful holiday with an exceptionally good team from Adventure by Design! Elina Hutton helped tremendously with the itinerary and accommodation choices, ever efficient, patient and tireless despite the many requests from a group of eleven of various ages and coming from different countries. Timo is the best driver; cheerful and careful. And then of course there is the super duper guide Gareth Hutton who is exceptional in his profession and is so much fun to be with. Everyone in the group had an unforgettable holiday! Thank you Gareth, Elina and Timo!! read less

Elinan mindfulness-tunnit ovat ihanan rentouttavia, Elinan tyyli on rauhallinen ja lempeä. 💕

Best guide ever, best trip ever This is the best customised tour I have ever been on and the way Gareth (the operator) organises it doesn't... read moreThis is the best customised tour I have ever been on and the way Gareth (the operator) organises it doesn't make it feel tour-ish.

From the start, he went to great lengths to make sure our requests on places to visit incl husky farm, Santa village, barbeque and hiking were catered for no matter how weird or demanding (a bunch of Asian girls and an Indian dude can have weird requests: from snow angels to non pork meals).

We saw the aurora every night for 3 nights. That's right! And he made us cocoa and talked about guy stuff and some metal music too.

You made the trip memorable Gareth! Sorry I am only writing review now. read less

We cannot fault Gareth and Elina. They put together a package for us that catered for all that we... read moreWe cannot fault Gareth and Elina. They put together a package for us that catered for all that we needed. Even when the weather came in stormy and couldn't do the scheduled activity, they replanned and rearranged and we were not disappointed. They exceeded our expectations and were very careful to cater for special dietary requirements. We had the most wonderful time and learned some new skills. We would love to come back and do some more. Thank you so much for the week of the most amazing time. read less

Gareth was such a great tour guide! Hiking was not something I was very use to and I have asthma... read moreGareth was such a great tour guide! Hiking was not something I was very use to and I have asthma and he made sure I didn’t overwork myself and that it was ok to stop and that it was not a race. If it was not for him there was no way I would’ve made it to the top! Also, throughout the weekend he was just very nice & hospitable. Lastly, he takes such great pictures that’ll help you remember the experience forever! Thank you Gareth, and because of you I’m sure I’ll visit Europe again. read less

A trip we still can't get over with We are a family of four with 2 young boys aged 7 and 9yrs. We chose Lapland mainly to enjoy... read moreWe are a family of four with 2 young boys aged 7 and 9yrs. We chose Lapland mainly to enjoy snow and various activities since we had never been in a place where all one gets to see is snow. And we chose Adventure by Design as we had come across a few reviews that spoke about exactly the kind of adventure that we desired. And true to all the reviews, we couldn't have been happier. Gareth is so passionate about his work that it reflects on what he offers to his clients. He is patient, especially since we had young children, knowledgeable, and very helpful. We had great conversations during our trip with him and we are grateful he shared stories about himself, which inspired us to quite an extent.

We chose a 5 night customised package with Adventure by Design, and when I say customised, it was truly that. We managed to squeeze in a lot within our few days with him, but at any point we did not feel overwhelmed or tired. Gareth taught us downhill skiing and with all of us being at different levels, at first it seemed like an impossible task to get up the slopes. But within an hour or so, both my sons were very comfortable using the T bar, getting up to the top slope and skiing back down. Eventually, except my wife, all three of us had a fantastic time on the slopes and next day we came back for more.

We also managed to see and capture some of the prettiest Northern Lights. First night we managed to only see a few brief patches before all of us got extremely cold. Gareth carried a lot of spare gloves, mufflers and blankets in the car to keep everyone warm. The second night we drove a bit out of Kilpisjarvi to avoid a snow fall. After waiting for some time in cold winds, we were eventually rewarded with the most spectacular display. My kids were overjoyed watching this natural phenomenon.

Gareth also took us snowshoeing up the fell and cross country skiing on Lake Kilpisjarvi, where again he was extremely patient with all of us, especially kids. At every point, he made it sure we did not get too cold and also enjoyed the activities.

All in all, a wonderful experience of this magical place, made even more special by Gareth. read less