Helsinki & South Karelia

Overview:

Holiday price is from £ 1,145 per person based on availability and two people sharing a standard twin or double room. Single supplement is £ 380.

 2024 Departure Dates:

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Helsinki

Arrival in Helsinki, transfer to Hotel Glo Art or similar, check-in, welcome meeting

Day 2 (Monday ): Helsinki 

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. 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 (Tuesday): Helsinki - Lappeenranta 

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 (Wednesday): Lappeenranta - Helsinki 

The day offers the possibility to the explore Lappeenranta resort town on own hand. 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 Glo Art or similar, check in.

Day 5 (Thursday): Departure from Helsinki 

Breakfast at the hotel. If time permits, explore more of Helsinki before transfer to the airport.

Package Includes:

• Direct return flights from London to Helsinki (we can arrange connecting flights from other airports upon request)
• 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 20 kg)
• Airport transfers in Helsinki 
• 4 overnights 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 1^st class motor coaches or 1^st class minivans throughout the itinerary
• Portage at hotels
• 24 hour emergency service
• ATOL protection
• All taxes

Optional Tours & Meals:

• 3-hour excursion with water bus to the Suomenlinna Fortress: £ 65 pp
• Half board at hotels (4 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): £ 215 pp