Overview:
The Land of Thousand Lakes Tour route passes through scenic countryside dotted with shimmering blue lakes, small towns with their quaint wooden quarters, and fascinating villages where you can stop off to discover genuine country life.
The self-drive tour offers you the freedom to discover the south western countryside and the Lakeland in an independent way. We have suggested some points of interest to give you ideas of what to see and experience along the journey, but there are many more attractions worth a visit. The choice is yours.
The lakes and forests offer great opportunities for lovely boat cruises and leisurely walks.
Package price is £1,795 per person based on availability and sharing a twin or double room.
| Departure dates |
Departure |
Arrival |
Arrive |
Leave |
| Jun - Aug |
London / Manchester |
Helsinki |
Daily |
Daily |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki Vantaa airport. Pick up hire car at the airport and drive to Helsinki. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure exploring Helsinki.
Overnight stay in Helsinki city centre.
Day 2: Helsinki – Porvoo – Lappeenranta – Imatra (~ 260 km)
Depart from Helsinki towards Imatra; the distance between Helsinki and Imatra is about 260 km. On the way to Imatra take a stop in Porvoo, Finland’s 2nd oldest town. Stroll through the medieval quarter, along old cobbled streets of historic painted wooden houses, cafes, and antique stores. The town is famous for its ochre-painted shore houses along the riverside. The 13th century cathedral, although damaged by fire in 2006, is still the town’s major historic landmark. Before arriving in Imatra, make a second stop in Lappeenranta. Visit The Old Town, also called the Fortification, in the centre of the city and the harbour area. Imatra is famous for the beautiful hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli as well as the Imatra Rapids. Arrive in Imatra on time to see the magnificent
Imatrankoski Rapid show at 18.00 (every day during period 25 Jun – 26 Aug).
Overnight stay in Imatra.
Day 3: Imatra – Punkaharju – Kerimäki – Savonlinna – Rantasalmi (~ 180 km)
Drive to Rantasalmi via Punkaharju, Kerimäki and Savonlinna. Have your first stop in Punkaharju, one of the most famous nature sights in Finland- a 7 km long pine-covered sand ridge, formed in the ice age. Remember to also visit Retretti Art Centre, an unusual art exhibition inside a cave going down as far as 30 metres below ground including waterfalls and sound effects. From Punkahaaru, there is the possibility to drive straight to Savonlinna or via Kerimäki and visit the largest wooden church in the world. Savonlinna is a beautiful small town, famous for the castle of Olavinlinna and the Savonlinna Opera festivals. Olavinlinna Castle is the best-preserved medieval fortress in the Nordic countries.
Overnight stay in Rantasalmi.
Day 4: Rantasalmi – Koli (~ 217 km)
Depart from Rantasalmi towards Koli. On the way make a stop at Valamo Monastary at Heinävesi. Koli is one of Finland’s most famous beauty spots. The landscapes of Koli have become known as a Finnish national landmark due to the influences of such Finnish artists as Juhani Aho, Eero Järnefelt and Pekka Halonen. The landscape of Koli is grand and unique, and will remain so even for future generations due to its status as a National Park.
Overnight stay in Koli.
Day 5: Free day for hiking and other activities in Koli
Koli National Park is a popular hiking destination and the most well-known vantage point in the park is Ukko-Koli, with a grand view to the East, over the lake Pielinen.
Overnight stay in Koli.
Day 6: Koli – Kuopio (~ 160 km)
Depart from Koli to Kuopio. There is the possibility to drive via Nurmes and visit the traditional Karelian House, Bomba, in Nurmes. The distance from Koli to Kuopio directly is about 160 km, or via Nurmes it's 210 km. Kuopio is known for its beautiful Lakeland setting as well as for its Puijo Tower and lively Marketplace.
Overnight stay in Kuopio.
Day 7: Kuopio – Tampere (~ 300 km)
Departure from Kuopio to Tampere. On the way from Kuopio to Tampere, stop at Jyväskylä, where the famous Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto was at school and in early employment. Jyväskylä has the highest density of his work outside of Helsinki. In the Jyväskylä region there are also two Unesco world heritage sites: Petäjävesi Old Church on the western side of Jyväskylä, and Oravivuori triangulation tower on the way from Jyväskylä to Tampere.
Tampere is a bustling city, the largest inland city in the Nordic countries, with river rapids and industrial heritage sites right in the heart of the city. Enjoy a cruise on the lake, visit Särkäniemi Amusement park with rides, visit the Dolphinarium and Planetarium, ideal for families, or explore some of the city’s museums, galleries or exhibitions.
Overnight stay in Tampere.
Day 8: Tampere – Helsinki (~ 185 km)
Depart Tampere and drive south to Helsinki. Stop half way and visit the market town of Hämeenlinna, birth place of composer Jean Sibelius.
Overnight stayin Helsinki city centre.
Day 9: Departure from Helsinki
Drop off the car at the airport. Return flight.
Package Includes:
- Direct return flights from London or Manchester to Helsinki. Other UK airports available upon request, please ask our team
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (upp to 23 kg)
- 8 days rental car: Toyota Auris or similar, unlimited mileage
- 8 nights' accommodation in local 3* hotels as per itinerary
- Breakfast daily
- Detailed road map
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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