WELCOME TO FINLAND

Preliminary Program 

Saturday, January 14

Arrivals with Finnair at Helsinki Airport
16:10 AY369 to Kuopio
17:15 Arrival at Kuopio Airport
Meet your local host Ms Sari Hyttinen at arrival hall
Welcome to Northern Savo!
Northern Savo is a unique, easy to reach destination during all seasons. Our region is known for its joyful activities, vibrant events, rich culture, and friendly hospitality. Here you can experience nature and city life – all spiced with Savonian humor and lively attitude
Transfer to Kuopio
Kuopio is the capital of Northern Savo, lively city surrounded by Kallavesi Lake and beautiful nature
18:00 Visit Kuopion Saana – the sauna paradise at Kallavesi Lake
Introduction of Kuopion Saana. Enjoy the saunas and the indoor and outdoor pools
Please, take your swimsuit with you
20:00 Dinner at Kuopion Saana
22:00 Check-in to the hotel

Sunday, January 15

Breakfast at the hotel
09:15 Guided walking Tour in Kuopio City Centre
11:15 Puijo Peak
Introduction of Puijo Peak
12:15 Lunch at Puijo Tower Restaurant
Departure to Tahko Resort 
Tahko Hill offers great possibilities all year round for outdoor activities. In the area you'll find various range of accommodation possibilities with nice hotels, apartments, and different kind of cottages
14:15 Check-in to the hotel
15:00 Outdoor activities
Snowmobiling / E-fatbike safari with campfire snacks
18:00 Free time
19:00 Kabiini Dinner in Panorama Bar

Monday, January 16

Breakfast at the hotel, check out
09:15 Meet your North Karelia host Ms Leena Tervakorpi, Visit Karelia
Trip continues by bus to North Karelia
Western and Eastern cultures shake firmly hands in North Karelia. Thanks to the continental climate we have pleasant summer temperatures and snow-rich winter season. Local people are still connected with nature and cherish the traditions, but are not afraid of adding some modern twist, especially to cultural and culinary experiences
11:15 Welcome to Koli holiday resort
Koli holiday resort and national park are some of the first travel destinations in Finland. The view from the top is named as one of the Finnish national sceneries
Equipment for outdoor activities
Guided snowshoe and snow slide shoe tour to admire the beautiful views from Räsävaara hills
Lunch and hot drinks on open fire at laavu
14:30 Check-in to Break Sokos Hotel Koli
Break Sokos Hotel Koli is located in the picturesque Koli National Park, close to the peaks of Koli. The view from the hotel towards Lake Pielinen seems to continue forever and ever, and the sky is breathtakingly close. You will feel relaxed simply by admiring the view
15:00 Transfer to Koli Freetime 
Site Inspection
Outdoor activities
Experience wool sock running in the snow
Try ice-fishing and catch your own dinner. Local wilderness chef prepares our catch for the dinner on open fire
Sauna and possibility to try winter swimming in a hole in the ice
19:00 Dinner
21:00 Transfer to your hotel

Tuesday, January 17

Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Hotel inspection & new hotel plans at Koli
10:00 Time to visit the spa 
12:30 Check-out
Lunch at Break Sokos Hotel Koli
13:30 Cottage inspections at Koli
15:00 Beer tasting and snack at Kolin Satamaravintola
16:00 Transfer to Joensuu
17:00 Arrival at Joensuu Airport
18:20 AY346 to Helsinki
19:25 Arrival in Helsinki Airport
Transfer to Helsinki
Check-in at partner hotels in Helsinki
Dinner 

Wednesday, January 18 

MATKA 2023 Workshop Day 

Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 (TBC) Transfer to Messukeskus
MATKA 2023 Workshop Day

Thursday, January 19

MATKA 2023 Trade Day

Breakfast at the hotel
Check-out
(TBC) Transfer by bus to Messukeskus
MATKA 2023 Trade Day
Lunch
Shuttle bus to airport (TBC)
Check-in at Helsinki Airport
Flights home

Thank you for visiting Finland!