Helsinki & South Karelia Group Tour

Day 1 - Arrival to Helsinki

(Sunday)

Arrival in Helsinki, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** or similar, check-in and welcome meeting. Meet your tour leader and fellow guests!

Day 2 - Helsinki

(Monday)

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18th century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors.

Day 3 - Helsinki to Lappeenranta

(Tuesday)

In the morning we go to the railway station and depart with train bound for Lappeenranta, where we arrive shortly after midday. Transfer to Hotel Scandic Patria**** or similar. Lappeenranta is beautifully set at the shores of Lake Saimaa and was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. Nowadays it is an attractive and popular resort town. The afternoon walking tour of Lappeenranta takes us to the historical Old Town, the port area and Lappeenranta Fortress with its wooden and redbrick buildings, artisans' shops, museums, wooden Orthodox Mary the Virgin Church and cafes. Return to hotel and check-in. Late afternoon we walk to the pier to embark on spectacular evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and to the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant, where we can enjoy drinks and snacks or a full dinner while we are stunned by the views of the lake. After three hours we return to port and walk back to hotel.

Day 4 - Lappeenranta to Helsinki

(Wednesday)

The day offers the possibility to the explore Lappeenranta resort town on your own. The hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area and both are easily accessible on foot. Go shopping in the small boutique in the Old Town, try the Karelian cuisine or enjoy the atmosphere and the views at the port. In the late afternoon transfer to the train station and departure by train back to Helsinki. Arrival to Helsinki early in the evening and transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** or similar, check in.

Day 5 - Helsinki

(Thursday)

Today is the end of the tour and depending on your flight times, you can explore more of Helsinki time allows. Optional transfer to the airport. End of your tour.

• 585 EUR per person = based on two people sharing a double/twin room
• 885 EUR per person = staying in a single room
• Half board at hotels (4 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): EUR 195 pp

• 13th August - 17th August 2023
• 20th August - 24th August 2023

• 4 nights at centrally located 4 star hotels
• 4 x buffet breakfast
• Welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice
• Personalised welcome package
• Entrances to Church in The Rock in Helsinki, Lake Saimaa
• Express train tickets Helsinki - Lappeenranta - Helsinki (economy class)
• Service of English-speaking tour escort in Helsinki and local English-speaking guide in Lappeenranta
• Service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class minivans throughout the itinerary
• Porterage at hotels
  

• Please note flights are NOT included in this package. If you wish to add flights to your booking please contact us, or you are welcome to book them yourself.
• If required, we can book additional nights at the start or end of your tour, or arrange an add-on pre/post tour to any of our other destinations.
• The tour is guaranteed (min 2 people) and the maximum group size is 16 people.
• This tour is run by our local partners ViaHansa and called Helsinki & South Karelia.