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Resort Information

An 8 night Independent Tour with car hire included

"Explore the land of over a thousand lakes"

Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes but in reality, there are about 180,000. Imagine the glassy calm water of these lakes with pristine miles of beautiful shoreline and the peace and quiet of a lazy day on the water. This is the secret of the beautiful lakeland region in the East of Finland which has a freshness and sparkle like nowhere else. A wonderful place to wind down and relax in harmony with the beautiful scenery.

You have the opportunity to explore this fascinating area with the car hire included in the price of your holiday. Discover the lakes at your own pace, it's the only way to do it. 

The area is a mosaic of bare heaths and verdant deciduous trees, large and small lakes, wooded hills and exotic mires, an untouched wilderness inhabited by a range of wildlife.

Throughout its history, Finland has been a meeting point between eastern and western traditions in religion and culture and you will discover this uniqueness as you travel around.

Lakeland is a wonderland for lovers of outdoor life. There is a massive network of walking trails ranging from one hour walks to full day hikes and other activities available include cycling, canoeing and swimming. We hope that you enjoy this unique area of Finland and discover the beautiful seasons including long summer days and the spectacular 'ruska' foilage in the autumn.

Tour itinerary

Day 1: UK to Mikkeli

Fly from the UK to Helsinki and pick up the FREE car included with this self-drive tour. The Europcar depot is at the airport and is easily signposted. From Helsinki, drive out northwards to the Lakeland region and to Mikkeli, a delightful town on Lake Saimaa. The museum tells the history of the town that was once the headquarters of Marshal Mannerheim. The music festival represents a more contemporary side of the city and is famous throughout Finland.

Approx driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes.

1 night's accommodation has been reserved at the Sokos Hotel Vaakuna in Mikkeli.

Day 2: Mikkeli - Koli

An enjoyable drive via Varkaus and Joensuu through forests and in to the heart of the Lakeland region.

Approx driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes.

2 nights' accommodation have been reserved at the Sokos Hotel Koli in Koli.

Day 3: Koli

At lesuire in Koli, famous for its status as a National Park. Visitors have been arriving for just over one hundred years. Take one of the numerous trails that network throughout the National Park, many of which lead down to the sandy beaches of the Pielinen lake and provide a view of the hundred of islands in the area. There are 90km of well marked trails suitable for all types of groups from the Kaski nature circle, ideal for families or the Herajärvi Circle, a winding wilderness for keen hikers. You can take a cruise on Pielinen lake and both lakes Herajärvi and Pielinen offer great experiences for canoeing.

Day 4: Koli - Kuhmo

Time to drive north past the Hidenportti National Park to Kuhmo.

Approx driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Two nights' accommodation has been reserved at the Hotel Kalevala in Kalevala village near Kuhmo.

Day 5: Kalevala village, Kuhmo

Relax on the sandy beaches next to the Hotel Kalevala. Have a wander over to Kalevala village and see the Winter War Museum and pop in to the Kainuu Nature Centre. Have a look at the town of Kuhmo, you are just 30kms to the Russian border!

Day 6: Kuhmo - Vuokatti

Now you drive westwards to Vuokatti and the Holiday Club complex set it its own grounds.

Approx driving time: 1 hour.

2 nights' accommodation has been reserved at the Holiday Club Katinkulta in Vuokatti.

Day 7: Vuokatti

Enjoy the majestic Hildenportti Gorge at the centre of the Hildenportti National Park. This is the heart of Finland and a great place for cycling, fishing or canoeing.

Day 8: Katinkulta - Mikkeli

Start the journey south towards Helsinki and return to Mikkeli passing an unparalleled water labyrinth of the Finnish lake district.

Approx driving time: 5 hours.

1 night's accommodation has been reserved at the Sokos Hotel Vaakuna in Mikkeli.

Day 9: Mikkeli - Helsinki

The final route on your discovery tour going back to the airport for your flight home.

If you have chosen the stop-over then drive to the Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel for the Helsinki add-on stay.

Approx driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes.

Days 10-12: Helsinki add-on

Often called the 'daughter of the Baltic', Helsinki has a history of over 450 years and has buildings of unique architectural styles and Finnish design. It is a friendly and clean city and easy to get around. Check out the famous Temppeliaukio church in the rocks, the Senate Square, the cathedral, the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress as well as the contemporary and national museums. Visit the Kallio district for the best pubs and restaurants.

A FREE Helsinki Card is included for all Crystal customers taking the Helsinki add-on.

This gives free unlimited access on the public transport, discounts for city tours, discounts in restaurants, free entry to most museums as well as many attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, Helsinki, Zoo, the Parliament House and Wintergarden.

The Hotel Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel is located close to the centre and on the waterfront.

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