Summary
Short description
A nine-day self-drive discovering the delights of Helisinki and the beautiful Finnish Lake District
Highlights
- Visit Finland’s cutting edge capital, Helsinki, and discover why it was named World Design Capital in 2012
- Make the most of Finland’s long summer days as you explore the region known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’
- Retire at the day’s end to your own private sauna at the Art & Design Villas on the shores of Lake Saimaa
In Brief
- 1 Night Helsinki
- 2 Nights Rantasalmi
- 2 Nights Savonlinna
- 2 Nights Anttola
- 1 Night Helsinki
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | August holidays | July holidays | May holidays | Natural world | Self-drive | Summer
A popular summertime destination with Finns, Saimaa is defined by a broad system of waterways that's earned it the name 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'. Between the lakes are thick forests and rural villages to explore, while a guided tour of the 15th century Olavinlinna Castle is also included, as is a spot of wine tasting and a relaxing lake cruise on a nostalgic steam ship (10 June to 20 August). Cycling, swimming, fishing and canoeing are other popular activities, while nights are spent at historic lakeside manor houses.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Helsinki
Fly to the Finnish capital and check in to Hotel Haven, Finland’s first member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.
Stay: Hotel Haven, Helsinki (Deluxe)
Days
2-3
Rantasalmi
Collect your hire car and drive to the Järvisydän Holiday Resort on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Accommodation is in traditional cottages and small hotel rooms right next to the lake. Popular activities include fishing, golfing and foraging in the forest. Lunch is included on day 3.
Stay: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän, Finnish Lakeland (Superior)
Meals: B L
Days
4-5
Savonlinna
Set amid gorgeous scenery, Savonlinna occupies three islands in Lake Saimaa. We’ve included a tour of the town’s most famous site, the 15th century Olavinlinna Castle, which now provides the setting for northern Europe’s most important opera festival, which runs throughout July. A scenic cruise on the lake is also included for guests travelling in high season (10 Jun to 20 Aug). Lunch is included on day 4.
Stay: Lomamokkila (Superior)
Stay: Lomamokkila Farm, Finnish Lakeland (Superior)
Meals: B L
Days
6-7
Anttola
Spend two nights at the Art & Design Villas in Anttolla, about 25km from the centre of Mikkeli. The ecologically friendly villas are built from Finnish birch, with floors of natural stone, and each has its own private sauna. You get all the advantages of peace and privacy without losing the benefits of hotel service; you can, for example, have meals sent to your villa, or even request a chef to come and cook for you. We’ve also included a wine tasting tour at the nearby Ollinmäki Wine Farm, a pioneer in producing berry and fruit wines.
Stay: Anttolanhovi’s Art&Design Villas, Lake Saimaa (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
8
Helsinki
Return to Helsinki for a final night, spending the rest of your time at your leisure.
Stay: Hotel Haven, Helsinki (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
9
Return to UK
Depart your hotel and head for Helsinki's airport, arriving in the UK before continuing your onward journey home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
9-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,920 pp incl. flights
Standard
Package includes:
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Helsinki incl. luggage
- Car hire for 7 days in Group B car (VW Polo or similar)
- 2 nights in Hotel Haven on bed and breakfast basis
- 6 nights accommodation in manor hotels in Finland on a B&B basis
- Wine tasting excursion
- 2x lunches
- Guided tour of Olavinlinna Castle
- Sightseeing cruise (only available during high season Jun - Aug)
Please note the order of accommodations in Lakeland can change according to availability.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0618
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