Savor The Culture

Travel Code: FI001
Helsinki - Kalevala Village/Porvoo, Lappeenranta, Imatra – Joensuu -Parppeinvaara-Kuhmo- Kuopio- Mikkeli - Lahti - Helsinki

This journey of Finland is based on the Finnish national epic, Kalevala! In addition to seeing lakes in Porvoo, visiting a poem village, “Parppeinvaara” and enjoying a traditional sauna you will see handicrafts and regional specialties along the way!

9 days/8 nights | Recommended Itinerary

Tour includes:

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Guided tour in Parppeinvaara
  • Crafts in Joensuu
  • City tour of Helsinki

Overnight flight from U.S. gateway city

Arrive in Helsinki

Refresh and transfer on own to hotel. Meet guide at 8:00 pm for welcome dinner!

Accommodations: Sokos Hotel Presidentti, a completely refurbished hotel in the heart of Helsinki

Helsinki – Porvoo – Lappeenranta – Imatra - Joensuu

After breakfast, depart at 9:00 a.m.for the eastern border of Finland. Here, in Karelia, the author of Kalevala, Mr. Elias Lönnrot, gathered most of his writing material. Karelia is known for the Koli Hill and the Karelians have a reputation for warmth and happiness. Your journey continues through Porvoo, Lappeenranta and Imatra to see the finnish landscape. After a traditional lunch along the way, you reach your final destination, the art noveau city of Joensuu. This town holds the international singing festival every summer!

Accommodations: Sokos Hotel Kimmel, a quality hotel located in the beautiful Sirkkala park on the shore of River Pielisjoki

Joensuu – Parppeinvaara – Joensuu – Kuhmo

Rise and head east to the “poem village” of Parppeinvaara. Here, during your guided tour, you will find authentic handicrafts and traditional food. Enjoy lunch before the special opportunity to make a traditional Kalevala ring-said to have powers to protect you from evil. The day ends in Kuhmo for an evening Kalevala style at the Pohjola House!

Accommodations: Hotel Kalevala, a peaceful hotel located on the beautiful lake Lammasjärvi in Kuhmo

Kuhmo

Today is a real treat! A guided adventure in the woods will awaken your senses and open up your taste buds. Lunch will be admist the beautiful nature! Swimming and a true Finnish Sauna will be waiting along the lake! After dinner, take an early evening walk filled with culture and tradition.

Accommodations: Hotel Kalevala

Kuhmo – Kuopio

Awake and journey to the south of Finland. The first stop will be in Kuopio to see the famous tower of Puijo. The regional specialities are abundant here! A must try is Kalakukko, a crust of rye filled with fish and meat. This city has many picturesque views of forests and lakes on Lake Kallavesi and is an ideal spot for boat trips. Kuopio is also home to Europe's largest collection of Orthodox art and ecclesiastical treasures.

Accommodations: Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi, a versatile and cosy hotel in the centre of town, next to a beautiful park,

Kuopio - Helsinki

Enjoy another delectable breakfast before traveling to the town of Mikkeli lying in the heart of Finland's largest lake district, between the Saimaa and Puulajärvo systems. Travel through the city of Lahti and end in Helsinki for a short city tour before arriving at your wonderful hotel!

Accommodations: Klaus K, a design hotel with mythical rooms

U.S. departure or extend your trip with The Nordic Company.

+ Day 1

Overnight flight from U.S. gateway city

+ Day 2

Arrive in Helsinki

Refresh and transfer on own to hotel. Meet guide at 8:00 pm for welcome dinner!

Accommodations: Sokos Hotel Presidentti, a completely refurbished hotel in the heart of Helsinki

+ Day 3

Helsinki – Porvoo – Lappeenranta – Imatra - Joensuu

After breakfast, depart at 9:00 a.m.for the eastern border of Finland. Here, in Karelia, the author of Kalevala, Mr. Elias Lönnrot, gathered most of his writing material. Karelia is known for the Koli Hill and the Karelians have a reputation for warmth and happiness. Your journey continues through Porvoo, Lappeenranta and Imatra to see the finnish landscape. After a traditional lunch along the way, you reach your final destination, the art noveau city of Joensuu. This town holds the international singing festival every summer!

Accommodations: Sokos Hotel Kimmel, a quality hotel located in the beautiful Sirkkala park on the shore of River Pielisjoki

+ Day 4

Joensuu – Parppeinvaara – Joensuu – Kuhmo

Rise and head east to the “poem village” of Parppeinvaara. Here, during your guided tour, you will find authentic handicrafts and traditional food. Enjoy lunch before the special opportunity to make a traditional Kalevala ring-said to have powers to protect you from evil. The day ends in Kuhmo for an evening Kalevala style at the Pohjola House!

Accommodations: Hotel Kalevala, a peaceful hotel located on the beautiful lake Lammasjärvi in Kuhmo

+ Day 5

Kuhmo

Today is a real treat! A guided adventure in the woods will awaken your senses and open up your taste buds. Lunch will be admist the beautiful nature! Swimming and a true Finnish Sauna will be waiting along the lake! After dinner, take an early evening walk filled with culture and tradition.

Accommodations: Hotel Kalevala

+ Day 6

Kuhmo – Kuopio

Awake and journey to the south of Finland. The first stop will be in Kuopio to see the famous tower of Puijo. The regional specialities are abundant here! A must try is Kalakukko, a crust of rye filled with fish and meat. This city has many picturesque views of forests and lakes on Lake Kallavesi and is an ideal spot for boat trips. Kuopio is also home to Europe's largest collection of Orthodox art and ecclesiastical treasures.

Accommodations: Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi, a versatile and cosy hotel in the centre of town, next to a beautiful park,

+ Day 7

Kuopio - Helsinki

Enjoy another delectable breakfast before traveling to the town of Mikkeli lying in the heart of Finland's largest lake district, between the Saimaa and Puulajärvo systems. Travel through the city of Lahti and end in Helsinki for a short city tour before arriving at your wonderful hotel!

Accommodations: Klaus K, a design hotel with mythical rooms

+ Day 8

U.S. departure or extend your trip with The Nordic Company.