Helsinki and South Karelia (5 Days/ 4 Nights)

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Full description Enjoy a fascinating journey through the gems of Finland with this itinerary. Begin in the vibrant Helsinki, exploring its highlights and having the option to visit Suomenlinna Fortress. Then, travel by train to the charming city of Lappeenranta, located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, and discover its old town, the fortress, and enjoy an overnight cruise on the lake. Return to Helsinki to explore the city at your own pace before departing.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki, optional transfer to Hotel Glo Art or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2 (Monday): Helsinki
Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18th century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Helsinki - Lappeenranta
In the morning we go to the railway station and depart with train bound for Lappeenranta, where we arrive shortly after midday. Transfer to Hotel Scandic Patria**** or similar. Lappeenranta is beautifully set at the shores of Lake Saimaa and was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. Nowadays it is an attractive and popular resort town. The afternoon walking tour of Lappeenranta takes us to the historical Old Town, the port area and Lappeenranta Fortress with its wooden and redbrick buildings, artisans’ shops, museums, wooden Orthodox Mary the Virgin Church and cafes. Return to hotel and check-in. Late afternoon we walk to the pier to embark on spectacular evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and to the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant, where we can enjoy drinks and snacks or a full dinner while we are stunned by the views of the lake. After three hours we return to port and walk back to hotel.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Lappeenranta - Helsinki
The day offers the possibility to the explore Lappeenranta resort town on own hand. The hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area and both are easily accessible on foot. Go shopping in the small boutique in the Old Town, try the Karelian cuisine or enjoy the atmosphere and the views at the port. In the late afternoon transfer to the train station and departure by train back to Helsinki. Arrival to Helsinki early in the evening and transfer to Hotel Glo Art or similar, check in.

Day 5 (Thursday): Helsinki
Optional transfer to the airport.

Additional information At the time of booking, additional services can be added for an extra fee. You can add the following services:Transfer airport to Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside 3-hour excursion with water bus to the Suomenlinna FortressTransfer Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside to airportHalf board at hotels (4 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea)Please note that if you add the transfer service from the airport to the hotel you must add the information of your arrival flight to the destination, otherwise you must approach the meeting point by your own meansThis tour can be booked also as extension to Baltic Highlights, Baltic Classical and Baltic Impressions tours Inclusions 4 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels4 buffet breakfastWelcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juicePersonalised welcome package Entrances to Church in The Rock in Helsinki, Lake Saimaa Express train tickets Helsinki-Lappeenranta-Helsinki (economy class)Service of English, Italian and German speaking tour escort in Helsinki and local English speaking guide in Lappeenranta Service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class minivans throughout the itineraryPortage at hotels Exclusions Hotel pick-up and drop-offTickets, meals and drinks except if expressly specified in the tour inclusionsOther services not specified Cancellation Policy Free cancellation up to 36 days before the service. Cancellations between 35 days and 15 days, reimbursement of 50% of the amount of the service. Cancellations between 14 days and 8 days, reimbursement of 25% of the amount of the service. Cancellations between 7 days and 1 day, refund of 10% of the amount of the service. Cancellation with less time or no show no refund is made Meeting point Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki, Finland