Helsinki & South Karelia Group Tour 2024

Day 1 - Arrival to Helsinki

(Sunday)

Welcome to Helsinki! Optional transfer to your hotel, check-in, welcome meeting and meet your fellow travellers and tour leader.

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 a 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 a 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 explore Lappeenranta resort town at leisure. The hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area and both are easily accessible on foot. Go shopping in the small boutiques of the Old Town, try 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 in Helsinki early in the evening and transfer to Hotel Glo Art**** 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. An optional transfer to the airport is available should you prefer. End of your tour.

• 581 EUR per person = based on two people sharing a double/twin room
• 869 EUR per person = staying in a single room
• Half board at hotels (4 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): EUR 215 pp

• 16th June - 20th June 2024
• 30th June - 4th July 2024
• 14th July - 18th July 2024
• 28th July - 1st August 2024
• 11th August - 15th August 2024
• 18th August - 22nd August 2024

This Helsinki & South Karelia tour can be added to several of our Baltic tours - please ask us for guidance.

• 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.