AUTHENTIC KARELIAN CUISINE & CULTURE N FINNISH LAKELAND
Experience the genuine Karelian way of life on a tour of four destinations full of joyand Karelia hospitality. Getting to know into Karelian traditions, flavors, and nature on this immersive tour for groups.
Groupsize: 10 - 50
Valid: 1.5.-30.9.2025
Day 1
Arrive at Hotel Lietsu, Joensuuu.
Boutique Aparthotel Lietsu boasts friendly service and comfortable accommodation. Excellent location in the centre of Joensuu, rooms decorated in traditional Karelian style with a modern twist and delicious breakfast guarantee that your stay will be a memorable experience.
Day 2 City of Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia
Start your day with a Karelian breakfast at Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel.
- Guided Walking Tour - Gems of Joensuu
Discover the architecture and history of the buildings between Joensuu Market Square and neighborhood.
You will see the architectural gems in the heart of the town and more with a local authorized guide. The City Hall and Onni Art Museum are only two of the gems on the tour! Tour ending charming artisan quarter Taitokortteli.
- Soup lunch and time for shopping in Taitokortteli.
- Dinner
Accommodation in Lietsu.
Day 3 Valamo Monastery
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast driving to Heinävesi and Valamo Monastery
- Explore the serene Valamo monastery through a guided tour, delving into its rich history, and immerse yourself in the monastery's museum and exhibitions.
- Valamo canal cruise
- Dinner
Accommodation in Valamo Monastery
Day 4 Valamo Monastery and Lintula Monastery
Lintula monastery is an Orthodox nunnery in Heinävesi. Its sister group is responsible for the manufacture of church candles for the Finnish Orthodox Church, engages in herb cultivation and production and small-scale publishing. The monastery is open to tourists during the summer. Guests are always welcome at services.
- Guided tour of the monastery.
- Time to shopping in the monastery shop and explore the area on your own. There is a cafe in the monastery.
- Return to Valamo monastery.
- Buffet lunch and a wine tour with Valamo monastery wines.
- Shopping at the monastery store.
- Dinner
Accommodation in Valamo.
Day 5 Koli National Park - Our National Landscape
After breakfast driving to Koli.
The landmark and treasure of North Karelia is the famous Koli hill, located in Koli National Park. The views that open from the top of the hill towards lake Pielinen have inspired many Finnish artists, such as Jean Sibelius.
- Guided tour - Best of Koli National Park
During the tour your guide will tell you about the history, nature, geology and culture of Koli. You also have a lot of time to take photos.
Walking distance 1,5 km
- Lunch at Hotel Koli's restaurant.
- Visit to the Nature centre Ukko
The Koli Nature Centre Ukko offers Finland's best known national landscape, the hills of Eastern Finland and heritage sites. The Koli Heritage Exhibition displays Koli's geological features, natural environment and culture in a variety of ways and provides advice and tips for hiking in the Koli National Park. The Nature Centre is only a few hundred metres from the Ukko-Koli.
- Visit to the Sculpture Garden Koli
- Dinner
Accommodation at Koli Hotel
- Possibility to visit Koli's relax spa
Day 6 Karelian village
After breakfast driving to Nurmes and Karelian village
The gorgeous Bomba House and Karelian village radiate Karelian architecture and culture down to every log. You can find a hotel and restaurant services, a relaxing spa and program services, a summer market, a summer theater, and a tsasouna in the area. The spa is accessible. From the Bomba house, you can buy handicrafts, souvenirs, and other local products made with love for the craft. You can also grab Karelian delicacies from the cafe.
In addition to the boutiques, you can also explore the region’s unique exhibitions and theme days. Accommodation in the idyllic Karelian village is also possible; staying in one of the hearty lodges will give your holiday a personal touch and experience of Karelian hospitality at its best!
Spend time at Bomba House by getting to know the exhibitions, boutiques and enjoy coffee at the cafe. Explore the environment such as the Orthodox tsasouna and memorials around the area. Stop by at Spa Bomba to relax or enjoy Karelian Pies at Bomba house cafe.
- Karelian pasty workshop
- Lunch
- Karelian Style Spa and saunas
Accommodation in Karelian village.
Day 7
After breakfast. Time to say hei, hei and Welcome again!
Price from 1500€/person. Single supplement 45€/day.
Incl: Accommodation double or twin room, full board (6 x breakfast, 6 x lunch, 6 x dinner) services according to the program.
Additional price:
- Guided tour in Karelian village and Bomba house.
- An English-speaking guide for the trip
- Trasfer
- Additional days
