This holiday takes you away from the daily busy life and gives you new strength and a relaxed feeling. This is really possible in the guesthouse Pihlajapuu which situates in the peaceful countryside of the town Nurmes. Usually this area still has snow at Easter time. Although, we of course cannot quarantee it.
Your guide is called Minna and she knows the nature, history and culture of Finland and North Karelia. She has also made the guesthouse like at Grandma’s for you.
Date:
09.04.-16.04.2022, we are sorry, but this tour has been cancelled!
Group size: 3-12 women
Price: 990€/person
Single room supplement: 140 €
The price includes: Group transfer from Kuopio airport at about 18 hours and back to the Kuopio airport at 11 hours. (Or transfers from/to Nurmes railway station). Accommodation in double rooms, full board, skiing equipment, sauna every day, English speaking guide, international group, The use of snowshoes during your holiday.
The price includes the skiing equipment. Please, inform your shoe size, height and weight.
Not included in the price: Flights or train tickets.
We advice you to take a travel insurance.
PROGRAMME*:
Day 1
Arrival at Kuopio, transfer to Nurmes, 120 km distance to the guesthouse (about 1,5 hours). Getting to know the group. Welcoming dinner.
Day 2
After the breakfast a short Finnish course and in the afternoon archery in the sports hall. Of course in the evening the sauna is waiting for you.
Day 3
Today a tour to the town of Nurmes, sightseeing and shopping. In the afternoon we play together kyykkä, which is an old Karelian outside game.
Day 4
First skiing lessons or snowshoeing in the surroundings. In the afternoon the second round of archery or just reading a book and relaxing.
Day 5
Today we visit the Koli national park (Koli situates about 80 km south of Nurmes). From Koli hill there is a beautiful view over the lake Pielinen. We take the snowshoes with us and walk a little bit in the park. You will also have time to get to know the exhibition of the national park and to do some shopping in the souvenir shop.
Day 6
Some free time in the morning, for skiing or snowhoeing if it is possible. In the afternoon we bake sweet buns and Karelian pasties together.
Day 7
A skiing tour or a snowshoeing tour after the breakfast. In the afternoon you walk over the lake (1 km) or around the lake (6,5 km) to Minna’s smoke sauna and kota (fireplace). After the smoke sauna and ice hole experience you walk back (or we drive you by cars) to the guesthouse to enjoy the dinner of glow-fried salmon.
Day 8
Time to say hei, hei. Bye bye, see you next time. Transfer to the airport or railway station.
*The changes in the programme are possible because of the weather and snow conditions.
An extra programme during your holiday if you are interested in!
Husky safari
Leila's dogs say: " We huskies live as family members at Leila's and Keijo's. Leila is the one who takes care of us and welcomes you to the tours. Leila will let you know about our life in the yard of the traditional North Karelian house from the 1920's."
Most of our dog sled tours begin from the yard. We provide you with warm clothing for the ride; winter overalls, winter boots, woolly socks, ski mask and mittens.
A guide will give you instructions for safe riding before the ride.
Tour Kuohusuo
Duration: 3,5 hours
Length: 15 km
Price: 268 € / person
You ride in pairs and each pair has a team of 5 or 6 dogs. So visitors will be mushers here! On the way we stop by a campfire to brew traditional "campfire coffee and tea" and have some packed snacks. Around the campfire we talk about huskies' lives and hear stories about life in North Karelia.
Near the campfire place there is also a destination called "the wilderness church." You will have a chance to visit it also.
At the end of the ride you will have time to cuddle huskies and thank them for the ride.
