Highlights of Helsinki and Lake Saimaa

 Please note that changes to the program are possible.

Saturday, August 26

Departure from US

Sunday, August 27

Arrivals to Helsinki Airport
Transfers to citycenter by bus

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

Check-in to Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
In the middle of Helsinki´s bustling life filled with joyous discussions, you can find the Lapland Hotels Bulevardi and our luxurious rooms and fresh ingredients from the North. On the boulevard, we are surrounded by high-standing maples, buildings and parks that have witnessed the world much more than us. Yet, we bring to the whole neighbourhood something new and special – our story straight from the North.
Free time
7:00pm Lobby call
Meet your hosts Asta Kekkonen & Tarja Koivosto, Visit Finland and Aino Mellais +358 40 708 2851, Helsinki Partners at the lobby
7:00pm Welcoming dinner at restaurant Kulta 
At the core of their restaurant, you can find the majestic and beautiful north at its best. They value our northern roots so much that they have brought with them from the north the purest ingredients such as game, reindeer, mushrooms, lichen and birch leaves.
Overnight in Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Monday, August 28

Breakfast at the hotel
09:30am Lobby call
Meet your hosts from Visit Finland and Helsinki Partners at the lobby
9:30am Introduction to Helsinki
Here you will get a chance to see why Aino is a cheerleader for Helsinki, as she gives an introduction to Helsinki with USPs, accommodation, cuisine, services & more. Lapland Hotels presentation by Maarit Uutela, Sales Manager, Lapland Hotels. Meeting room: 206, 2nd floor
10:15am Bus transfer to the pier
10:40am Ferry to Suomenlinna Island
11:00am Walking tour in Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
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
12:15pm FRS ferry back to mainland
1:00pm Lunch at restaurant Sunn at Senate Square
Restaurant Sunn is located right in the middle of the city centre next to the Senate Square. The view from the second floor window is spectacular depending on the time of the year. The retaurant with its Nordic kitchen offers lunch during weekdays, brunch during weekends and a la carte in evenings. Nina Tähtinen, International Sales Director, Tallink Silja will join the group for lunch.
2:15pm Bus transfer to Hotel Maria
2:30pm Site inspection to Hotel Maria
The Hotel Maria aims to offer the best hotel experience in the Nordics. A major new player will join Helsinki's hotel selection when it opens in December 2023. The Hotel Maria will take Nordic hospitality and the modern luxury hotel experience to a whole new level. 
3:30pm Transfer to Scandic Grand Central
3:45pm Site inspection in hotel Scandic Grand Central, presentation and drinks
A unique hotel offering first-class experiences in the best location in the center of Helsinki. The decor of timeless elegance and the classic style of the beautiful Art Nouveau building, combined with the hotel’s relaxed atmosphere, guarantee a pleasant stay. Scandic Grand Central Helsinki is located in the stunning historic building designed by the famous Eliel Saarinen at the Central Railway Station, where old-fashioned charm meets modern style in an inspirational way.
4:45pm Bus transfer back to Lapland hotel Bulevardi

Freetime
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  

7:15pm Lobby call
Meet your host Aino mellais at the hotel lobby
7:30pm 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.
Short walk back to Lapland Hotel Bulevardi after dinner 
Overnight in Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Tuesday, August 29

Breakfast at the restaurant
9:15am Check out and lobby call
Meet your host Aino Mellais at the hotel lobby, please leave your luggage at the hotel storage
9:30am Guided walking tour including artworks from the Helsinki biennial (mainland)
Helsinki Biennial is an international art event that brings outstanding contemporary at to Vallisaari Island and locations around Helsinki
11:00am Site ínspection to Hotel St.George
Hotel St. George is a full-service luxury hotel with holistic care for a healthy mind, heart and body. The hotel is situated by the beautiful Old Church Park in the heart of Helsinki. The Wintergarden, a restaurant and bar in the heart of the hotel, is a meeting place for everyone. The hotel also has its own bakery St. George Bakery, the first Monocle Shop in the Nordic countries and St. George Care -spa and gym
12:00pm Lunch at Brasserie Kämp
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 flavours.
1:30pm Bus transfer to Lapland Hotel 
Pick up luggage from the hotel then bus transfer continues to Saimaa

2:00pm Departure to Saimaa
Transfer time approx. 3,5h

Welcome to Lake Saimaa!
Lake Saimaa itself is the largest of Finland’s lakes and connects several of the larger towns. Its sparkling waters are dotted with forested islands and peninsulas, a winding labyrinth with beauty only done justice by boat.  

5:30pm Welcome to Sahanlahti Resort
Sahanlahti is a small, family run resort with hotel and villa accommodation and three restaurants serving the best local food made from seasonal ingredients. All restaurants offer the most amazing lakeside views and the small guest harbour hosts visitors from near and far in the summertime. Built around an old sawmill, Sahanlahti is steeped in history and has a story or two to tell you as you wonder around the resort. 
Check-in to Elsanranta Saimaavillas
Elsanranta luxury villas are the newest addition to the resort, opening in June 2023. The villas of Elsanranta are pure luxury. The magnificent, pure nature of Lake Saimaa added with high-class services, modern design and sustainable choices guarantee a truly unique Saimaa experience. 
7:30pm Dinner at Sahanlahti Resort's restaurant Koskivahti
9:00pm Optional traditional Finnish Sauna Experience
Overnight at Elsanranta SaimaaVillas 

Wednesday, August 30

Breakfast at restaurant Koskivahti
9:45am Lobby call and check out
10:00am Transfer to Okkola Holiday Cottages
Transfer time approx. 20minutes
10:30am Inspection of cottages at Okkola Holiday Cottages
Okkola Holiday Cottages is a family run business located on the island of Niinisaari in the idyllic Puumala.  you can spend a holiday surrounded by the ruggedly beautiful nature of Lake Saimaa and the peace of the wilderness – with the convenience of city life nearby. 17 rental cottages and villas offer everything you need to enjoy the perfect holiday. 
11:00am Karelian pie workshop 
The humble, but majestic Karelian pie is a living legend from Eastern Finland. A curiosity for many foreigners, this rye-crusted pie filled with creamy rice porridge is cooked in a traditional wood burning oven and served with lashings of egg-butter. Hearty and delicious, this pastry has been made in the region for centuries and is an important part of Saimaa's cultural and gastronomic heritage. Paula, the lady of the house at Okkola, invites you to her home where woodburning oven is the heart of the house and family history evident all around you. 
12:30pm Transfer to Juva, TeaHouse of  Wehmais
Transfer time approx. 1h 20min
1:30pm Lunch in TeaHouse of Wehmais
Did you know that the art of pairing tea with food is much like wine pairing? TeaHouse of Wehmais is a tearoom-bistro located in the atmospheric courtyard of old Wehmaa manor in Juva. They specialize in versatile use of tea and pairing high-quality tea with delicious food and pastries. All the dishes and delicacies are prepared from local and organic ingredients and the menu changes seasonally. The entrepreneur Anna Grotenfelt-Paunonen is a qualified tea sommelier, and she has personally picked a selection of 100 types of tea, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite – also to take home. In fact, you’ll also find a boutique from the same building, which offers a wide selection of tea, tea accessories and delicacies from TeaHouse’s own kitchen and local producers.
2:30pm Transfer to Joroinen, Pihlas Resort
Transfertime 30min
3:00pm Tour of PihlasResort
PihlasResort is a luxurious eco-resort opening spring 2023. Five intimate Forest Suites and luxury two-bedroom Garden Villas offer a first-class hideaway in the heart of Lake Saimaa region with versatile activities and high-quality service. During your stay you can dine in top-quality restaurant Siimes, enjoy yourself on the tennis and padel courts, break a sweat at the gym and indoor sport hall, experience the secret forest routes, do laps in our streamline pool, relax in our outdoor jacuzzi, freshen your mind and body in the lakeside sauna - all this while experiencing the beautiful Finnish nature within each season. 
4:00pm Heating the wood-heated sauna in traditional Finnish way
Learn how to heat the traditional wood-heated sauna or choose some optional activities: gym, playing games (padel, tennis etc), jacuzzi etc.
5:00pm Lakeside sauna experience "Find your inner - Finn - Master of Happiness" in a local way
After heating up the sauna, it's time to relax in traditional wood-heated sauna. Enjoy the refreshing sauna and take a dip in the lake meanwhile admiring the beautiful lake scenery of Finland.
8:00pm Dinner
Overnight at Pihla's Resort 

Thursday, August 31

Breakfast at the hotel and check out
10:00am Lobby call and transfer to Järvisydän
Transfertime approx. 1h
11:30am Boat trip on Lake Saimaa
1:00pm Fisher's lunch in Kalaranta, Järvisydän
Fish rainbow trouts from Kalaranta. After fishing we enjoy a delicious fish soup over fire.
2:00pm Visit to LakeSpa, Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän
Järvisydän is a vibrant resort with plenty of activities or peace and quiet, whatever you wish to do. Nestled in a bay of Lake Saimaa, the resort offers luxury accommodation, an amazing spa and lots of nature activities. The resort has been run by Heiskanen family since 1658 and is steeped in tradition. Järvisydän’s Lake Spa will give you a new kind of Finnish lake wellness experience. The spa is built in the middle of the natural rocks and the large windows overlook Lake Saimaa. In the middle of the spa you can find the heart of the lake - a natural pond with the shape of the heart.  

4:00pm Transfer from Järvisydän to Kuru Private Resort
Tour of the grounds and check-in to Kuru Private Resort
Kuru is more than just a destination. Kuru is a peaceful resort for adults where you can relax and recover from the demands of everyday life. We invite you to experience Kuru, a unique luxury retreat in Saimaa, Finland.
6:00pm Relaxion session in Kuru Private Resort
8:00pm Dinner at Restaurant Solitary
“Everything we do is inspired by a passion towards great food and handwork. We want to offer our guests only the best there is and that is why every single detail is carefully considered. To us, a word ‘solitary’ does not only mean the secluded location of the restaurant and the resort, but also the trust we have to do the things in our own way. Instead of quantity we focus on quality, and that is why we only serve a seasonal Chefs Menu.”
Overnight in Kuru Private Resort 

Friday, September 1

Breakfast at the villas
10:00am Lobby call and check out
10:05am Site inspection and tour of Kuru Resort
12:00am Lunch at restaurant Pilkatyttö in Järvisydän
1:00pm Transfer to Savonlinna
Transfer time approx. one hour
2:00pm Tour of Olavinlinna Castle
World’s northernmost medieval castle, Olavinlinna, is the crown jewel of Savonlinna. Majestic and steeped in history, the walls of the castle have plenty of fascinating stories to tell – including the story of the maiden buried in the castle wall for treason.
3:30pm Cruise by the lake with SS Paul Wahl & steamboat
A hundred year old beauty s/s Paul Wahl will be renovated to cater up 6 quests from 2 day cruises to 6 days tailored charters. After renovation s/s Paul Wahl has 3 luxury suites and high quality kitchen and restaurant. Feel the Lake Saimaa nature. With a long list of amenities, from entertainment galore to enjoying delicious Menu’s afloat, s/s Paul Wahl offers the perfect setting for your next luxury holiday which is nursing your body and soul. The cruise will end to Rauhalinna villa.

4:30pm Arrival to Rauhalinna villa
The completely renovated 100-year-old historic Rauhalinna villa has been restored to it`s original glory. In connection with the renovation, the villa is equipped for high service level use to serve the most demanding guests, such as state visits, demanding international clientele and large companies. Unique accommodation is offered to 16 guests in well-equipped rooms and suites in two different buildings. Next to the historical villa there is a modern guest house with 4 spacious bedrooms.
4:30pm Site inspection at Rauhalinna villa
5:30pm Free time
Enjoy your time at Rauhalinna take a walk in the beautiful surroundings of the villa, enjoy Finnish sauna experience by the lake or take a rest at your room. 
7:30pm Welcome drinks and presentation by Arctic Signature
8:00pm Dinner at the Rauhalinna hosted by Arctic Signaure and Savonlinna Operafestival
Overnight in Rauhalinnae

Saturday, September 2

8:00am Breakfast at the hotel and check out
10:00am Transfer to Kenkävero vicarage in Mikkeli
Transfer time appox. 1h 30min
10:30am Visit to Kenkävero vicarage in Mikkeli
Kenkävero is a magnificent tourist attraction and prides itself on having the biggest and most beautiful vicarage in all of Finland, in an impressive milieu. It has something to interest everyone at all times of the year: fine restored buildings, exciting exhibitions and events, exquisite handicrafts as gifts, souvenirs or simply to enjoy. In summer it is further enhanced by a garden and handicraft workshops, and delicious food is served in the restaurant daily all year round. 
11:15 Transfer to Helsinki Airport
Transfer time approx. 2h 30min
Arrival to Helsinki Airport
Flights back to US

Thank you for visiting Finland!