Ultimate Finland

Helsinki, Lake Saimaa, Lapland9 days

About

Helsinki to Lapland with outdoor fun on the way Take a sauna in Helsinki, cross the sea to Suomenlinna fortress, get close to nature in lake land, & meet the Samis in Lapland – this is ultimate Finland. Finland is the deep north with forests and lakes as far as the eye can see masses of revitalising crisp and clean air, endless light in the summer and frozen magic in the winter. This tour gives you a taste of the country’s contrasts - from vibrant capital Helsinki, and picture-perfect lakes in Saimaa, to the snowy wastes of Lapland for safaris, Sami people, and Santa Claus.

You should experience it because...

Saimaa is a labyrinth of blue lakes and green islands that forms the largest lake-district in Europe. Discover the secrets of the world famous lakeside Finnish Sauna.

A country of contrasts

Have a taste of Finland at the Old Market Hall on Helsinki’s waterfront

Admire more than 500 species of plant at the parsonage garden at Kenkavero, right on the shores of Lake Saimaa

Learn about the Sami (Lapp) people at the Arctic Research Centre

Places covered 9 Days

Day 1 Helsinki attractions and sightseeing
Day 2 The Suomenlinna sea fortress
Day 3-6 Lake Saimaa – day cruise – Finnish Spa –local culture
Day 6-9 Lapland – Sami people, husky safari, reindeer safari

Days Details
1 Helsinki attractions and sightseeing The harbour is the heart of the city. Watch the giant ferries glide into port – it is a defining memory and an essential Helsinki experience. See the beauty of this stunning Nordic city on a sightseeing tour with live commentary from a knowledgeable guide. The city tour takes in the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre with Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Marvel at curvaceous and quirky metallic Kiasma – an elegant contemporary building and a symbol of the city’s modernization. Learn about traditional Finland at the Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo island museum with a collection of historic traditional houses, manors and outbuildings transferred here from around Finland. Enjoy the art nouveau architecture at Katajanokka, an island that is divided from the mainland by a narrow canal. Relax with a sauna and swim at the Yrjonkadun Uimahalli art deco baths – a fusion of soaring Nordic elegance and Roman tradition. Check out modern Finnish designs at the central design district between Esplanadi and Punavuori.
2 The Suomenlinna sea fortress and Porvoo This Unesco World Heritage listed ‘fortress of Finland’ dating from the mid 1700s is just 15 minutes by boat from the kauppatori and is a great half-day out from the city.If it’s a sunny summer day pack a picnic, or if youvisit in winter, book a table at the restaurant there.Take a 1950s-style train from Helsinki to Porvoo, home of Finland’s national poet, J.L. Runeberg. His house, now a museum, is kept as it was when he died in 1877.Porvoo’s stone streets and painted wooden houses are a living record ofHelsinki’s past, preserved for modern times.
3-6 Lake Saimaa – day cruise – Finnish Spa –local culture Spend a few nights in a cottage close to the nature of the idyllic archipelago islands around Lake Saimaa. A cottage break is the most authentic way of seeing this beautiful lake land region, and most cottages come with a rowing boat and a wood-heated sauna beside the lake. The surroundings are perfect for hiking, cycling, boating, fishing, canoeing and horseback riding in the spring and summer, and skating, skiing, snow shoeing and ice fishing in the winter. The landscapes on and around Saimaa are breathtaking. Kayaking is another great way of drifting through the island landscape – there are hardly any waves, so great for even inexperienced paddlers. Or take a cruise from Savonlinna and enjoy the stunning lake scenery of emerald pine, spruce and silver birch forests and for sightings of the famous endangered Saimaa ringed seal. The 10 and a half hour cruise from Savonlinna to Kuopio passes through some of Finland’s finest Lakeland scenery, where the blue of the lake seems to wash into the sky. Savonlinna’s imposing medieval castle, Olavinlinna,is the setting for the world-class Savonlinna Opera Festival each July. Kuopio is pure Finland. Its market square is the place to sample Kalakukko, a local speciality of lake fish baked in a rye loaf. Refresh both body and soul at a lakeside spa - there are over 14 spas around the lake. Sweating out the stress in a sauna, with regular dips in the lake, is the ultimate way to cleanse and purify. If you visit in winter, tour skating is a great way to get close to nature across the beautiful frozen lake.
6-9 Lapland – Sami people, husky safari, reindeer safari Fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the hometown of Santa Claus. The summer in Lapland is short but the summer days are long. Take a midnight sun safari and admire breathtaking views over Lapland and its taiga forests. Listen to stories about local nature and life in the wilds while barbequing by an open fire. A moose-watching safari is a fascinating nature trip – moose are one of the largest land mammals in Europe. In winter, meet Santa Claus at his hometown village, and post a Christmas Card right from the heart of the village at the Arctic Circle post office – Santa’s elves will be there to help. Learn about the Sami (Lapp) people at the Arctic Research Centre and chill out with them as they lead you to their reindeers, show you a spot of lasso-swinging, and teach you all about their handicraft and Sami cooking. Dog sledding is a thrilling experience and trained huskies will pull you through beautiful snowy landscapes and snowbound forests, across frozen lakes, and wild wildernesses. Glide through the arctic landscape on a reindeer sleigh and chase a sighting of the spectacular dancing light show in the sky – the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Short rides or longer 3-hour rids into the wilderness leave every day from Rovaniemi.

€ 1,500 per person	(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
Price Per Person in Twin Sharing Accomodation
(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
All rates mentioned are an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis, and are based on a minimum of 2-5 adults travelling together. Rates are subject to change based on the number of passengers and the time of year. (Flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches & dinners, personal expenses not included. There may be some itinerary activities not included also – please ask). Inclusions : Traditional ,Boutique or Heritage accommodation where possible or Quality accommodation (on a twin-sharing basis) in centrally located 4*Hotels . -Meals – breakfast in all destinations -Daily departures available during summer -Guided sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary as applicable -First arrival and last departure transfers Most Holidays are based on Independent Travel . Holidays could be Customised to your requirements and you could choose to upgrade to an Exclusively Private option starting from 4 and above .Just let us know your budget & interests and we will be happy to tailormake the trip for you .

Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season

Early Summer starting May is Pleasant and summer is from June to September when you can enjoy warm weather , Outdoor activities , & the Midnight sun . If you want to See the Northern Lights and enjoy Christmas in Finland December is the right time . A wide range of winter activities can be enjoyed from January right through to March .

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About Us

Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.

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