Welcome to Finland! Upon arrival in Helsinki, proceed through customs & immigration and collect your luggage. You will then be met and transferred to your accommodations. Enjoy your first day in this Northern paradise! (This service is on a private basis.)

Helsinki

The Finnish capital of Helsinki (Helsingfors) is known for its great mixture of neo-classical buildings, orthodox style churches, chic bars and the restaurant scene. Alvar Aalto, a world renowned Finnish architect and designer has contributed to much of the functionalistic architecture in Helsinki that is loved and hated by so many. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. The city center has many beautiful parks, and the nearby forests offer an ideal setting for peaceful and quiet walks. Helsinki’s rhythm is laid back,yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.

Helsinki Walking Tour

During this 3 hour guided tour, you will not only get to know the main sights of Helsinki like the market square, the famous cathedral or the rock church, but also learn a lot about the interesting history of this city on the Baltic Sea! For example, it was rebuilt by the Tsars of Russia along the lines of a miniature St. Petersburg, a role the city has played in many Cold War movies. (This service is on a group basis.)

Porvoo Exploration

Travel to the charming town of Porvoo, known for its picturesque riverside warehouses and cobblestone streets. On this 5 hour excursion, you will stroll through the historic Old Town, visit its medieval cathedral, and enjoy the town’s cozy cafés and artisan boutiques before returning to Helsinki. Please note, transport to and from the tour is included. (This service is on a group basis.)

Nuuksio National Park Hiking Tour

Discover the pristine beauty of Finland's wilderness on a guided 6 hour hiking tour through the enchanting Nuuksio National Park. This 7.5 km adventure invites you to explore the stunning landscapes of one of Finland’s most cherished natural reserves.

The hike will take you through rolling terrains with rewarding ascents and descents, leading to some of the park’s most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. Pause to capture these awe-inspiring vistas as your knowledgeable guide shares stories and insights about the park's diverse ecosystem.

As the hike progresses, the landscape gently transitions towards the park’s tranquil lakeshores. Here, the trail meanders along the water’s edge, offering a serene contrast to the climbs. This soothing part of the journey culminates in a cozy campfire setting, where you'll unwind with a bottle of homemade berry juice and savor traditional Finnish campfire treats. It's the perfect moment to relax, connect with nature, and create lasting memories. (This service is on a group basis.)

Rental Car Pick-Up & Transport

The self-drive portion of your adventure begins today! You will pick up your rental in Helsinki city, it is a Volvo XC40 Aut. or similar. You will have use of your car until October 10th, when you will return it to Helsinki Airport.

Once situated with your vehicle, you will drive to your Rantasalmi accommodations for check-in. The journey is a little over 3.5 hours.

Rantasalmi Canoeing Trip

Explore Saimaa Lake by paddling your way with a guide to the scenic landscape of Linnansaari National Park! This waterside activity lasts for two hours. Enjoy the scenic views as you paddle along. (This service is on a private basis.)

Rental Car Transport

Today, you will officially hit the road and drive to your Puumala accommodations for check-in. Enjoy the scenery along the way!

The Karelian Pie Workshop

In this workshop, we will bake authentic Karelian pies together, share stories, and enjoy a delicious meal! We will use a wood oven to bake the pies in the charming setting of a 1700s log cabin. We will start by making the dough together, and you will learn how to fill and crimp the pies like a pro. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and more experienced bakers who want to polish their skills. At the end, we will drink tea/coffee and savor the pies with egg butter. You will also get the recipe and a bag of pies to take home. (This service is on a private basis.)

Enjoy today at your leisure!

Rental Car Transport & Drop-Off

This afternoon, you will drive to Helsinki Airport in good time to return your rental vehicle before your onward flight to Ivalo.

Upon arrival to Ivalo Airport, you will be met and transferred to your Saariselkä accommodations for check-in. (This service is on a private basis.)

*We have not included a domestic flight at this time. You are welcome to arrange this directly, or we can book through our partner air desk if you prefer.

Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland lets your dream of a winter wonderland become reality. Contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days. The thrill of witnessing the Aurora Borealis is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Finland is one of the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights – they appear on more than 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland. In Finland, the Sámi population is approximately 6 000 strong, and the preservation of their endangered language and culture is governed by the autonomous parliament in Inari, Finland. Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the hometown of Santa Claus. Here you can enjoy plenty of activities with modern facilities and great infrastructure all year round. Saariselkä–Ivalo–Inari is Europe’s northernmost holiday resort where travelers can experience genuine hospitality and outstanding overnight possibilities like glass igloos.

Remarks: The order of the activities in the coming days is subject to change and will be advised at check-in.

Muotka Hiking Day

The Muotka Hiking Day is a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of the surrounding area! We will start from the hotel and pick an easy trail that is also perfect for families with children. While walking, we will be looking out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits this area. You might come across squirrels, willow grouse, birds, and reindeer. During the 2 hour hike, we will enjoy a snack in the middle of wilderness sceneries hearing stories told by an experienced wilderness guide. (This service is on a group basis.)

River Sauna Experience

Discover pure relaxation with our exclusive Sauna experience, where tranquility meets the beauty of Lapland's nature. Sauna has a long history in Finnish culture and is an important part of the Finnish lifestyle. Privately reserved for one hour, this electric sauna, built in an old smoked sauna building, allows you to unwind on your own. After your sauna session, take a refreshing swim in the river. The contrast between the warm sauna and the refreshing waters will leave you feeling revitalized, both in body and spirit.

Aurora Hunting by Car

How about Aurora car trip heading to find the Northern Lights? On this 3 hour tour, you will spend the evening searching for the Northern Lights, traveling by car, and having some drinks to keep you warm! (This service is on a group basis.)

Enjoy this free day in Lapland to luxuriate at your cabin or perhaps partake in an activity at the hotel.

Following a lovely stay in Finnish Lapland, you will be met and transferred to Ivalo Airport in good time for your onward flight.

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will be met and taken to your accommodations for check-in. Enjoy your final day at your leisure! (This service is on a private basis.)

Sadly your Finland adventure comes to a close today, but you are sure to be leaving with amazing memories and new friends. Following check-out, you will be transferred to Helsinki Airport in good time for your international departure flight.

We wish you safe travels home...moi moi!