Helsinki,
Imatra, Joensuu, Kuhmo (2), Kuusamo, Rovaniemi Tour FF0603
Land only price
Guaranteed Departures from USA:
May
28
$1530
June 4, 11, 18,
25
$1585
July 1, 7, 13, 18, 22, 26, 30 $1585
August 3, 7, 11,
15
$1585
9 days, Price pp/dbl: $1530 land only
Single supplement : $295
Highlights include:
*7 nights accommodation
*7 buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
*Tour entrances on guided and group tours as described
*Transportation by private coach with expert English speaking Tour
Escort
*Domestic Flight from Rovaniemi to Helsinki on Day 9
*Luggage assistance except first day arrival
*Service charges and taxes on included terms
Satisfy history and touch the ancient walls of graceful Olavinlinna Castle, Valamo
Monastery and the fire red timbers of 18th century dwellings. Porvoo's historic quarter
has charmed since 1346 with painted warehouses, cobblestone lanes and handicraft shops.
Sip Russian tradition from a cup of tea brewed in a silver samovar. Listen as a village
speaks of the gathering of Finland's epic poem, the Kalevala...
Art unfolds from the working art studio to the Retretti Art Exhibition featuring classical
and contemporary collections - housed largely in an underground cave.
Travel to the play land of Czars from the spectacular viewpoint of the Koli Hills to the
foaming rapids cascading by the Imperial Fishing Lodge. Shoot the rapids on a long wooden
riverboat. Watch the fishermen from a rowboat or relax on shore in anticipation of a fine
catch for lunch. A full day's excursion explores the unusual style of Karelian
architecture, decorative log houses and craftsmanship. You are welcome to enjoy the
farmhouse, savor Karelian specialties and inquire, discuss and catch the melody of Finnish
folk music played on a Kantele.
Head north to the Sami Laplands where the untouched wilds of Kuusamo brush the edge of
Arctic Circle and sweep you into Rovaniemi, Capital of Finnish Lapland. Take part in a
Lapp ceremony, feel the softness of a reindeer's nose, shake Santa Claus' hand at his
workshop and enjoy the unspoiled homeland of the Sami people.
This diversity of rural culture and style strikes an engaging contrast to the
sophistication of Helsinki - return and enjoy her treasures!
Day 1: Overnight flight from USA gateway city
Day 2: Arrive Helsinki
Refresh and get acquainted with the capital! Take advantage of some of our optional
activities and dinner suggestions.
Accommodations: Scandic Hotel Continental
Day 3: Helsinki - Imatra / Ruokolahti
Breakfast
Porvoo city sightseeing (9:00 am pick-up)
Lunch at Ruotsinpyhtää iron works village - Langinkoski rapids - Fishing Lodge of
Czar Alexander III
Accommodations: Scandic Hotel Valtionhotelli or Vuoksenhovi, B, L, D
Day 4: Imatra- Koli / Joensuu
Breakfast
Punkaharju esker ridge - Retretti Art Exhibition -
Lunch in Punkaharju
Scenic route to Savonlinna - Olavinlinna Castle - Valamo Monastery - Russian tea service -
Koli Hill viewpoint
Accommodations: Hotel Koli or Kimmel, B, L, D
Day 5: Karelian heritage excursion
Breakfast
Joensuu farmhouse - Karelian specialty lunch - arts and crafts exhibit - Folk music
Accomodations: Hotel Koli or Kimmel, B, L, D
Day 6: Koli - Kuhmo
Breakfast
Vuonislahti - studio and log chapel of Eva Ryynänen - Ruunaa wilderness - riverboat
rafting - Fireside lunch
Kalevala village cultural tour
Accommodations: Hotel Kalevala, B, L, D
Day 7: Kuhmo - Kuusamo
Breakfast
North-Karelian landscape - forests of Kuusamo -
Lunch in Ämmänsaari - Julma Ölkky Canyon Lake
Accommodations: Spa Hotel Kuusamon Tropiikki (or similiar), B, L, D
Day 8: Kuusamo - Rovaniemi
Breakfast
Excursion to Lake Kitka - Fisherman's lunch - Coffee Cup Museum - Rovaniemi
sightseeing tour - Santa's Workshop - Lapp ceremony
Accommodations: Scandic Hotel Rovaniemi, B, L, D
Day 9: Return to Helsinki
Buffet breakfast at hotel, followed by transfer to local airport for flight to
Helsinki and USA or an extension.