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Helsinki & South Karelia Express

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5 days

Explore Finland's capital and South Karelia on this 5 day escorted tour. Discover the fascinating Finnish capital Helsinki with its rich culture & history before heading to the beautiful resort town of Lappeenranta on the shore of Lake Saimaa. Take in the spectacular scenery on an evening cruise around the lake and the Saimaa Canal.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

5 days

Starts

Helsinki

Ends

Helsinki

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 36

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Sundays

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

Finland

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 4
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Per Person From
$1,045.00
USD$836.00
Deposit From
Final payment
USD$800.00
$872.00

Tour Highlights

Helsinki - Take in the best of the Finnish capital on a city tour, including the Parliament building and the famous Suomenlinna Fortress
Lappeenranta - Explore the old town of this charming lakeside settlement, home to wooden churches and a pretty port area
Lake Saimaa - Cruise this shimmering lake at dusk and enjoy a delicious onboard meal and drinks at your own leisure

Included

4 nights in 4 star hotels
4 breakfasts
Sightseeing tours of Helsinki and Lappeenranta
Express train tickets Helsinki-Lappeenranta-Helsinki
Entrance to Church in The Rock in Helsinki
Evening cruise on Lake Saimaa
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go. Minimum group size 2 - maximum 36.
One arrival transfer on Day 1 and one departure transfer on Day 5 included per booking
Welcome meeting with a champagne-cocktail or juice
Service of a bi-lingual (English and German speaking) tour leader in Helsinki and local English speaking guide in Lappeenranta

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Helsinki

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.

Overnight: Helsinki

Day 2 - City tour of Helsinki

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.

Overnight: Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - South Karelia - Lappeenranta

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.

Overnight: Lappeenranta
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Free time in Lappeenranta

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.

Overnight: Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Helsinki

Our tour ends after breakfast today with an included transfer to Helsinki airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post tour accommodation - Helsinki

Double

$85per passenger

Twin

$85per passenger

Single

$155per passenger

Pre tour accommodation - Helsinki

Double

$85per passenger

Twin

$85per passenger

Single

$155per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

GLO Hotel Art
Helsinki

Located in the trendy Design District of Helsinki and housed in a 1900s Art Noveu Castle, the GLO Hotel Art is a fantastic place to stay in this buzzing city. In the Glo Art's restaurant you'll find a delicious menu taking inspiration from both European and Nordic influences. All rooms are stylish in decor and offer comfortable beds and furnishing along with en suite bathrooms.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Scandic Patria
Lappeenranta

Located in the heart of Lappeenranta, South Karelia, the Hotel Scandic Patria is a perfect place to explore the resort town. With its modern and well-appointed rooms, the hotel ensures a comfortable and cosy atmosphere, complete with essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Guests can savour a scrumptious breakfast buffet at the on-site restaurant, which also serves delectable Finnish and international dishes. The hotel's bar is a relaxing space to unwind with a refreshing drink. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the well-equipped fitness centre and sauna facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
29 Jun - 3 Jul
Save 20%
$1,045$836
$1,635$1,308
13 Jul - 17 Jul
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$1,045$836
$1,635$1,308
27 Jul - 31 Jul
Save 20%
$1,045$836
$1,635$1,308
10 Aug - 14 Aug
Save 20%
$1,045$836
$1,635$1,308

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