Flavours & Culture of Finnish Lakeland
Discover Savonlinna, Valamo, Koli and Joensuu
Experience the flavours, landscapes and warm hospitality of eastern Finland on a journey through lakeside towns, peaceful monastery grounds and the hills of Koli National Park.
Explore Savonlinna with a local guide, taste wines at Valamo Monastery and admire the views across Lake Pielinen. In Joensuu, discover Karelian traditions, browse local handicrafts and learn to make traditional Karelian pasties yourself.
With comfortable hotels, regional cuisine and guided experiences along the way, this holiday offers a delicious introduction to Finnish Lakeland.
Duration: 7 days, Sunday–Saturday
Group size: 15-30
Price: From €1,150 per person, sharing a double or twin room
Single room supplement: €45 per night
Travel options: Self-drive with a rental car or pre-arranged transfers on request.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday | Welcome to Savonlinna
Arrive in the lakeside town of Savonlinna and check in at Hotel Seurahuone.
- Overnight at Hotel Seurahuone, Savonlinna.
Day 2 – Monday | Discover Savonlinna
After breakfast, join a guided walking tour through central Savonlinna. Discover the town’s history, local stories and lakeside atmosphere with your guide.
Enjoy free time to explore independently, browse the shops, stop for a coffee by the water or visit Olavinlinna Castle.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Restaurant Majakka.
- Overnight at Hotel Seurahuone, Savonlinna.
Day 3 – Tuesday | Valamo Monastery & Monastery Wines
After breakfast, continue to Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi.
Discover the monastery’s history and Orthodox traditions on a guided tour, with time to explore its museum and exhibitions. Enjoy lunch at the monastery restaurant, followed by a tasting of Valamo’s wines.
Your journey continues to Koli. Check in at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä and enjoy dinner in Koli village.
- Overnight at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä.
Day 4 – Wednesday | The Landscapes of Koli
After breakfast, discover Koli National Park and one of Finland’s most celebrated landscapes. The views from the hills across Lake Pielinen have inspired generations of artists and composers, including Jean Sibelius. On the guided Best of Koli walk, hear stories about the area’s history, nature, geology and cultural heritage. There will be plenty of opportunities to pause and take photographs. Walking distance: approximately 1.5 km.
Visit Koli Nature Centre Ukko to learn more about the national park and its landscapes, then explore the art of Koli Sculpture Garden.
Round off the day with an atmospheric dinner by an open fire in a traditional kota hut.
- Overnight at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä.
Day 5 – Thursday | Joensuu & Karelian Hospitality
After breakfast, continue to Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia.
Join a local guide for the Gems of Joensuu walking tour. Discover the architecture, history and stories of the city centre, including Joensuu City Hall and the Onni Art Museum building.
The tour ends at Taitokortteli, a charming artisan quarter where you can browse handicraft shops and find locally made souvenirs.
Check in at Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel, where contemporary comfort meets Karelian character. In the evening, enjoy a Karelian dinner.
- Overnight at Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel, Joensuu.
Day 6 – Friday | A Taste of Karelian Tradition
Begin your day with a Karelian breakfast at Lietsu.
Spend the morning exploring Joensuu at your own pace, shopping or enjoying the city’s cafés.
In the afternoon, join a Karelian pasty workshop. Learn how to shape these beloved local delicacies and discover a delicious part of Karelian food culture.
Enjoy dinner and time to relax before checking out. Depart from Joensuu on Friday evening for your journey to the airport.
Day 7 – Saturday | Departure
Your planned flight to Frankfurt departs at 03:20.
Take home memories of Finnish lake landscapes, Karelian flavours and warm hospitality.
Price includes:
Savonlinna
- Two nights at Hotel Seurahuone in a double or twin room
- Two breakfasts
- Guided walking tour of central Savonlinna
- Dinner at Restaurant Majakka
Valamo Monastery
- Guided monastery tour
- Lunch at the monastery restaurant
- Valamo wine tasting
Koli
- Two nights at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä in a double or twin room
- Two breakfasts
- Two dinners, including one dinner by an open fire in a kota hut
- Guided Best of Koli walking tour
- Admission to Koli Nature Centre Ukko
- Admission to Koli Sculpture Garden
Joensuu
- Accommodation at Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel in a double or twin room, with room use until departure on Friday evening
- Breakfast on Friday
- Two dinners, including a Karelian dinner
- Guided walking tour of central Joensuu
- Karelian pasty workshop
Travel arrangements & optional services
- Explore the route independently with a rental car, or request a quote for pre-arranged transfers.
- Transfers and additional local guide services are available on request at an extra cost. Rental car costs are not included in the package price.
