Welcome to experience the magic of spring in Helsinki & Arctic Lakeland

 Please note that changes to the program are possible.

Tuesday, May 23

10:20 Departure from London
15:15 Arrival to Helsinki Airport
Meet your Helsinki Partners hosts at Arrivals, Aino Mellais (+358 407082851) and Inke Wäinölä (+358 40 5188 425)

10:15 Departure from Manchester
15:00 Arrival to Helsinki Airport
Meet your Helsinki Partners hosts at Arrivals, Aino Mellais (+358 407082851) and Inke Wäinölä (+358 40 5188 425)

Welcome to Helsinki!
Awarded with ‘City of Design’ status by UNESCO, Helsinki is a modern city that offers functional design, unique gastronomy, and maritime appeal. The capital of Finland is filled with lively events all year round, but the peaceful archipelago and green forests are only a stone’s throw away and can be easily reached by the efficient public transportation system.

15:15 Transfer to Hotel Marski by Scandic by train 
Check in to Marski by Scandic
A vibrant, award-winning city hotel buzzing with life with a Finnish twist in the heart of Helsinki. Intriguing interior, a cosy restaurant and bar, and many events guarantee a great stay. The relaxed and warm atmosphere of Marski is ideal for an inspiring hotel stay in the urban buzz of the city. The room selection is wide, and your options include everything from luxurious suites and spacious rooms with a sauna to peaceful, windowless rooms where the city sounds won’t disturb your sleep.
Free time

17:55 Lobby call
Meet your Helsinki Partners hosts Aino Mellais (+358 40 708 2851) and Inke Wäinölä (+358 40 5188 425) at the hotel lobby
18:00 Welcome drinks & Helsinki Presentation 
Introduction to Helsinki by Helsinki Partners representative Aino Mellais and Scandic Hotels presentation by Lilli Herrala, Sales Manager, Meetings & Events Scandic 
18:45 Short walk to Restaurant Yes Yes Yes 
19:00 Welcome Dinner at Restaurant Yes Yes Yes
“Yes Yes Yes!” they said, when this classic corner of an ex-McDonald’s was up for grabs. They couldn’t stop themselves from realising a longtime dream – Opening a bustling bar & restaurant where food just happens to be vegetarian. They are super excited to invite you in and to create tasty moments as well as many magical memories.

Wednesday, May 24

Breakfast at the hotel
09:30 Lobby call
Meet your Helsinki Partners hosts Aino Mellais and Inke Wäinölä at the hotel lobby
9:30 Walk to Oodi central Library
Meet your MyHelsinki host Kristina Kajaani-Kurki at the hotel lobby. Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a living meeting place at Kansalaistori square, right at the heart of Helsinki. It is one of 37 branches of Helsinki City Library and part of the Helmet library network. Oodi complements the cultural and media hub formed by Helsinki Music Centre, Finlandia Hall, Sanoma House and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. Oodi is a non-commercial, urban public space that is open to all, right opposite the Parliament Building.
10:30 Helsinki city sightseeing tour continues by bus
The tour focuses on the fresh and surprising character of Helsinki. During the tour you will be introduced to the main attractions of Helsinki as well as to some of the hot spots of the local design scene and explore different types of urban phenomena and venues. You will also discover a few delicious secrets of Helsinki’s food culture. Explore and be inspired!
12:00 Lunch on board Silja Symphony and a tour of the ship
Tallink Silja Oy is part of AS Tallink Grupp. AS Tallink Grupp is the leading passenger shipping company on the Baltic Sea owning 15 vessels and operating under brands of Tallink and Silja Line on 5 different shipping routes. The company's vision is to be the market pioneer in Europe by offering excellence in leisure and business travel and sea transportation services. 
14:15 Short walk to Helsinki Market Square 
14:40 Ferry to Suomenlinna Island
15:00 Guided walking tour at Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Meet you guide Maarit Nieminen at the Suomenlinna ferry pier. Welcome to Suomenlinna, one of the most unique areas in Helsinki! The fortress, located off the coast of Helsinki, is one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. Suomenlinna is not only an important part of the history of Finland, but also a lively district of Helsinki, which offers something for everyone: nature, culture and history.
16:00 Stop for drinks at Linna Bar
This cosy place in the heart of the fortress is the perfect place to enjoy locally produced beers and snacks. Linna Bar is open throughout the year.
17:00 Ferry back to mainland
17:15 Free time
Enjoy your afternoon strolling around Helsinki, why not buy some souvenirs from Stockmann or Fazer Chocolate Shop? Or how about a refreshing walk around Kaivopuisto Park and coffees at Café Ursula? Did you know The Finns consume an amazing 12 kilograms of coffee per capita annually, putting us at the top of the world, maybe that’s the secret of the happiness. MyHelsinki.fi – your local guide for the secrets of Helsinki  
18:30 Lobby Call
Meet your Helsinki Partners hosts Aino Mellais and Inke Wäinölä at the hotel lobby
Short walk to Hotel Kämp
18:45 Site inspection at the Hotel Kämp
Meet your host Dzenita Korhonen, Sales Manager of Hotel Kämp, (+358 41 544 0767). Hotel Kämp is where the luxury of timeless elegance and European glamour unite. Enjoy your stay in the spacious hotel rooms of the most luxurious hotel in Helsinki, whether you're on a business trip or a vacation.  Hotel Kämp contains 179 rooms. These luxurious rooms range from a Deluxe room to the illustrious Mannerheim Suite which boasts a maximum floor space of 258m2. Additionally, the hotel is fitted with ten conference rooms for meetings and banquets.
19:30 Dinner at Kämp Brasserie
Brasserie Kämp's food philosophy is a combination of traditional French cuisine and Finnish food culture stemming from Kämp's history. The menu, built around changing seasons and harvest seasons, is updated regularly respecting the traditions of Brasserie. Brasserie Kämp’s centuries old history and hand-picked specialities from previous chefs create a unique celebration of flavors. 

Thursday, May 25 

Breakfast at the hotel
07:00 Lobby call and check out
07:15 Transfer by bus to Helsinki Airport
09:45 Departure to Kajaani by Finnair flight AY413
11:05 Arrival to Kajaani Airport
Meet your local host Johanna Välilä, Visit Vuokatti (+358 40 672 8961) at the Arrivals hall
Bus transfer to Kuhmo
Driver's contact details: Mr. Pasi Huotari (+358) 41 317 7872. Transfer time approx. 1h30min
12:30 Guided tour at Visitor Centre Petola
Meet your guide Tiina Huotari, (+358 40 3536 041) at the reception. Kuhmo Visitor Centre Petola is home to Finland's large carnivores and offers a window on the Kainuu wilderness. Here you can obtain information on the brown bear, the wolf, the lynx and the wolverine. There is also plenty of information on wild forest reindeer. At Petola, you can buy unique souvenirs and get the best tips for hikes in the wilderness of Kainuu.
13:00 Transfer to Hotel Kalevala
13:05 Check in and lunch at Hotel Kalevala's Restaurant Kanteletar 
Meet your host Mr. Jari Virtanen, Manager of Hotel Kalevala at the reception (+358 44 7481112). Our cuisine is designed for international taste while proudly using local products like fish, meat and berries.
14:00 Site inspection at Hotel Kalevala
Hotel Kalevala is a unique, small, private lakeside hotel only 3 km from Kuhmo centre.
The idea for the building originates from an eagle spreading its wings to rise into the air. The special silhouette and concrete casting technique are distinctive. Building work was completed in 1989 and is a protected building by The Finnish National Board of Antiquities. The complex is designed to look like a huge wooden fortress in ancient times and includes old and new elements
14:30 Transfer to Lentiira Holiday Village
Transfer time approx. 30min
15:00 Site inspection at Lentiira Holiday Village
Meet Mr. Petri Heikkinen, Hotel Manager of Lentiira Holiday Village. Lentiira Holiday Village is located the in Arctic Lakeland Kainuu region of Finland, Lentiira Holiday Village is a perfect starting point for your explorations in the wilds. We encourage soft adventures by bike, canoe, snowshoes or skis, depending on the season. Whether an uncompromising  wilderness enthusiast or looking for laid back holiday, you will sure have a delightful stay in Lentiira!
15:30 Instruction to pine tar tradition & make your own Sauna Whisk
The pine tar tradition has been a significant part of Finnish cultural history since the 17th century. In Kainuu, tar burning flourished in the 20th century, when 3/4 of Finnish tar was produced in the area. The role of tar in people’s daily lives was significant, as tar was used not only as a wood preservative but also as a medicine against rashes and diseases. Thanks to accelerated demand, tar rose to a significant role in improving the livelihoods of the people of Kainuu alongside agriculture.
16:30 Transfer to Bear Centre
Meet your host Anoria Kollie-Hopp, (+358 40 768 4509) at the reception. Bear Centre is specialising in bear, wolverine and wolf photography and watching. The Centre has a total of 29 different hides suitable for both photography and observation. The area offers a great variety of terrain and gives the photographer an excellent opportunity to capture the wildlife at short distances against various backgrounds. Meals and accommodation are offered in a beautiful lodge on the edge of a large lake, located only a short walk away from the hides.
17:00 Brown Bear watching evening
22:00 Return back to Hotel Kalevala by bus
Optional Lakeside sauna experience and snacks in the evening
Hotel’s wellness department completes a comprehensive wellbeing trip. Enjoy the heat of the sauna and the bubbles of the outdoor jacuzzi with a wonderful lake view. Those who dare can go swimming in the lake.
Overnight in Hotel Kalevala 

Friday, May 26

Breakfast at the hotel
9:15 Lobby call and check out 
9:30 Transfer to Vuokatti
Transfer time approx. 1h

Welcome to Vuokatti!
Vuokatti is one of the most popular all-year-round holiday resorts in Finland and it is especially favoured by those who want to spend an active nature holiday in authentic Finnish atmosphere. 

10:30 Hiking in the Vuokatti Hills by Vuokatti Safaris
Meet your local host, Ms. Terhi Millair from Arctic Lakeland Finland (+358) 40 153 5867. A relaxing hiking tour via the scenic route across the hills. Local guide tells you stories about Vuokatti region, while you get to enjoy the Finnish nature at its best – beautiful lake views, hill scenery and fresh forest. Drinks and delicious snacks included.
13:00 Lunch at Restaurant Haapala
Haapala pro­du­ce food and drinks, sus­tai­nab­ly, sea­so­nab­ly & lo­cal­ly sour­ced to de­li­ver the re­gions fla­vours in their fres­hest forms. All un­der the his­to­ri­cal and con­tem­po­ra­ri­ly res­to­red Haa­pa­la farm against the backd­rop of the Fin­nish count­ry­si­de.
14:00 Site inspection of Holiday Club Katinkulta
Holiday Club Katinkulta is the most versatile holiday resort in the Nordics which offers practically any kind of recreation for families and groups.
14:30 Water Fun at Katinkulta Spa 
The Tropical Spa of Katinkulta offers various spa activities for all ages. Enjoy the speed of waterslide or relax in jacuzzi or Sauna World.
17:00 Check in Grand Hotel Vuokatti & Suites
Hotel Vuokatti offers a peaceful, high-quality and pleasant environment by the lake close to the activities. There are hotel rooms and holiday apartments for families or groups. The hotel offers a log sauna with a beautiful lake view as well as mini golf course and a gym for the hotel guests.
19:00 Dinner at Restaurant Ainoa
Restaurant Ainoa is a cozy and modern slope-side restaurant serving local seasonal delicacies. The heart of the kitchen is a charcoal grill where culinary professionals prepare mouth-watering dishes. 

Saturday, May 27

08:00 Breakfast & check out
09:00 Transfer to the airport
Transfer time approx.  approx. 40 minutes
11:05 Finnair flight AY414 to Helsinki
12:20 Arrival to Helsinki Airport 

Connecting flights to UK

Thank you for visiting Finland!