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Saimaa lake, Finland

Best of Finnish Lakeland

9-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,690 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

A curated self-drive taking in the delights of Helisinki and the beautiful Finnish Lake District

Highlights

  • Visit Finland’s cutting edge capital, Helsinki, and discover why it was named World Design Capital in 2012
  • Make the most of Finland’s long summer days as you explore the region known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’
  • Retire at the day’s end to your own private sauna at the Art & Design Villas on the shores of Lake Saimaa

In Brief

  • 1 Night Helsinki
  • 2 Nights Rantasalmi
  • 2 Nights Savonlinna
  • 2 Nights Anttola
  • 1 Night Helsinki

About

Recommended for:
Activity adventure | August holidays | Best of holidays | July holidays | May holidays | Natural world | Self-drive | Summer

A popular summertime destination with Finns, Saimaa is defined by a broad system of waterways that's earned it the name 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'. Between these sparkling bodies of water, verdant forests and rural villages are a delight to explore, while an included tour of the 15th century Olavinlinna Castle offers an insight into the region's fascinating past. What's more, a wine tasting and a relaxing lake cruise on a nostalgic steam ship (01 June to 31 August) are also included. In between activities, you'll have time to enjoy cycling, swimming, fishing and canoeing, while nights are spent at historic lakeside manor houses.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
UK/Helsinki

Fly to the Finnish capital and check in to Hotel Haven, Finland’s first member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.

Stay: Hotel Haven, Helsinki (Deluxe)

Days 2-3
Rantasalmi

Collect your hire car and drive to the Järvisydän Holiday Resort on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Accommodation is in traditional cottages and small hotel rooms right next to the lake. Popular activities include fishing, golfing and foraging in the forest. One dinner during your stay is included.

Stay: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän, Finnish Lakeland (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 4-5
Savonlinna

Set amid gorgeous scenery, Savonlinna occupies three islands in Lake Saimaa. We’ve included a tour of the town’s most famous site, the 15th century Olavinlinna Castle, which now provides the setting for northern Europe’s most important opera festival, which runs throughout July. A scenic 1.5 hour cruise on around the lake on the nostalgic steamer boats S/S Punkaharju or S/S Saaristo is also included for guests travelling in high season (01 Jun to 31 Aug). One dinner at Lomamokkila is included in your stay.

Stay: Lomamokkila (Superior)

Stay: Lomamokkila Farm, Finnish Lakeland (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 6-7
Anttola

Spend two nights at the charming Sahanlahti Resort, perched on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Featuring 10 cosy rooms, this boutique hotel boasts beautiful views of the lake. Those seeking an upgraded stay should look no further than the hotel's nearby Elsanranta Villas. These luxurious villas offer contemporary interiors, adding in the likes of plunge pools, saunas and terraces. The complimentary use of a scooter and bicycle comes as part of your inclusions as well as a rowing boat to take you between Elsanranta and Sahanlahti restaurants.

Whilst here, take to the water on canoes and stand-up paddle boards, or stay dry with volleyball and lakeside relaxation. Lastly, don't miss the open-fire restaurant Pajapirtti and summer dining at Rantamakasiini, serving delicious food in a cosy atmosphere. One dinner during your stay is included.

Stay: Sahanlahti Resort

Stay: Anttolanhovi’s Art&Design Villas, Lake Saimaa (Superior)

Meals: B

Day 8
Helsinki

Return to Helsinki for a final night, spending the rest of your time at your leisure.

Stay: Hotel Haven, Helsinki (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 9
Return to UK

Depart your hotel and head for Helsinki's airport, arriving in the UK before continuing your onward journey home.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior

9-day tailor-made self-drive
from £1,690 pp incl. flights

Standard

Standard package

from £1,690 pp. incl. flights

Exclusive package

from £2,130 pp. incl. flights

Package includes:

  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Helsinki incl. luggage
  • Car hire for 7 days in Group B car (VW Polo or similar)
  • 2 nights in Hotel Haven on bed and breakfast basis
  • 6 nights accommodation in manor hotels in Finland on a B&B basis (standard package). 
  • The Exclusive Package includes an Elsanranta Villa's upgrade your stay at Sahanlahti Resort
  • 1 dinner per property per stay (excluding Helsinki)
  • 1 x wine tasting in Ollinmaki Wine Farm
  • 1 x guided tour of Olvainlinna Castle in Savonlinna
  • 1 x sightseeing cruise by S/S Punkahuarju or S/S Saaristo in Savonlinna (01.06 - 31.08)

Please note the order of accommodations in Lakeland can change according to availability. 


Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0618 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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