Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days
Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days
Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days
5 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki, Finland
Visiting: Helsinki, Lappeenranta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2664/HSKE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 36
Age range:
5-
Tour operated in:
English , GermanTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Finland with the Helsinki & South Karelia Express tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, where you'll explore the vibrant capital with a guided city tour, visiting iconic sites like the Parliament building and the Church-in-the-Rock. Enjoy an optional excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress. Travel by express train to the charming lakeside town of Lappeenranta, nestled on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Discover its rich history with a walking tour of the Old Town and the picturesque port area. Delight in a serene evening cruise on Lake Saimaa, complete with onboard dining. With comfortable 4-star accommodations and a bilingual tour leader, this small group cultural tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure time, ensuring a memorable Finnish experience. Conclude your journey back in Helsinki, ready to depart with unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: hotel
Upon arrival at Helsinki airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel in the heart of Finland's capital. The rest of the day is at free for you to independently explore. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at approx. 7pm.
Day 2: Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we explore Helsinki, the green and lively Finnish capital. Our guided tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square with its Lutheran Cathedral, we will also see the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument before visiting the famous Church-in-the-Rock.
In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural gem set on an island.
Day 3: Helsinki
Location: Lappeenranta
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lappeenranta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Helsinki- Lappeenranta. This morning we board a train to Lappeenranta in South Karelia, arriving shortly after midday. Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Saimaa, Lappeenranta was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. In the recent years, the picturesque town has become a popular resort. We explore Lappeenranta on a walking tour, taking in the historical Old Town, the port area, Lappeenranta fortress, wooden Orthodox Mary the Virgin Church and more.
Late afternoon we walk to the pier and embark on a 3 hour long evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks or a meal while enjoying spectacular views of the lake.
Day 4: Lappeenranta
Location: Lappeenranta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lappeenranta - Helsinki. Today is free to spend at leisure exploring this resort town. Our hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area which are both easily accessed. Check out the small boutique shops in the Old Town and grab a Karelian lunch at one of the local restaurants or simply enjoy the atmosphere and the picturesque views at the port. In the late afternoon we transfer to the train station and travel by train back to Helsinki for our final night.
Day 5: Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour ends after breakfast today with an included transfer to Helsinki airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
4 nights in 4 star hotels
Accommodation for 4 nights in 4-star hotels is included.
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4 breakfasts
Enjoy 4 breakfasts during your stay.
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Sightseeing tours of Helsinki and Lappeenranta
Guided sightseeing tours of Helsinki and Lappeenranta are included.
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Express train tickets Helsinki-Lappeenranta-Helsinki
Express train tickets for travel between Helsinki and Lappeenranta are included.
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Entrance to Church in The Rock in Helsinki
Entrance to the Church in The Rock in Helsinki is included.
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Evening cruise on Lake Saimaa
An evening cruise on Lake Saimaa is included.
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One arrival transfer on Day 1 and one departure transfer on Day 5 included per booking
Transfers from the airport on Day 1 and to the airport on Day 5 are included per booking.
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Welcome meeting with a champagne-cocktail or juice
A welcome meeting with a champagne-cocktail or juice is included.
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Service of a bi-lingual (English and German speaking) tour leader in Helsinki and local English speaking guide in Lappeenranta
The service of a bilingual tour leader in Helsinki and a local English-speaking guide in Lappeenranta is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Age Policy
Children welcome on these tours. 5 years and up. Although if you have a big family and one of the children is 3 or 4, we can accept the booking.Children between 5-11 will pay 50% of the adult price.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with express train tickets between Helsinki and Lappeenranta, and enjoy included arrival and departure transfers, ensuring a seamless journey throughout your Finnish adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after exploring the vibrant cities of Helsinki and Lappeenranta.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4 nights in 4-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a meal during the evening cruise on Lake Saimaa.
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Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the service of a bilingual (English and German speaking) tour leader in Helsinki and a local English speaking guide in Lappeenranta.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour operates with a minimum group size of 2 and a maximum of 36 travelers.
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Is transportation between Helsinki and Lappeenranta included?
Yes, express train tickets from Helsinki to Lappeenranta and back to Helsinki are included in the tour.
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What activities are included in Lappeenranta?
In Lappeenranta, there is a walking tour of the historical Old Town, the port area, and the Lappeenranta fortress. Additionally, there is a 3-hour evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, one arrival transfer on Day 1 and one departure transfer on Day 5 are included per booking.
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What is the age policy for children on this tour?
Children aged 5 years and up are welcome on the tour. Children between 5-11 will pay 50% of the adult price. If you have a big family and one of the children is 3 or 4, the booking can still be accepted.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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