Savonlinna, Saimaa Cruise & Karelian Culture Tour – 8 days

Saimaa Cruise

Explore the heart of Finland’s Lakeland on a journey through shimmering lakes, forested landscapes and the rich traditions of Karelia. From Olavinlinna Castle and a scenic cruise across Lake Saimaa to local flavours, folk songs and the iconic views of Koli, this tour brings together the nature and culture of Eastern Finland.

Day 1 | Arrival in Savonlinna and Lake Saimaa

Arrive in Savonlinna and transfer to your hotel. If arriving in the early morning on Sunday, rooms are reserved from Saturday night for immediate check-in and time to rest. Enjoy a guided tour of the charming lakeside town and visit the medieval Olavinlinna Castle before dinner.
Overnight: Savonlinna

Day 2 | Lake Cruise from Savonlinna to Kuopio

Board a full-day cruise from Savonlinna to Kuopio and enjoy the changing Lakeland scenery along the route. Lunch and dinner are served on board, allowing the group to relax and experience Finland’s waterways throughout the journey.
Overnight: Kuopio

Day 3 | Kuopio Food Tour and Lakeland Views

Discover Kuopio’s local flavours on a guided food tour featuring regional specialties and the city’s lively Market Hall. The tour also includes a visit to Lignell & Piispanen, a traditional local distillery known for its Finnish berry liqueurs and spirits. Continue to Puijo Tower for panoramic views across the surrounding lakes and forests, with time to enjoy Kuopio’s relaxed harbour atmosphere.
Overnight: Kuopio

Day 4 | Karelian Culture in Bomba

Travel from Kuopio to Nurmes and discover the traditions of Karelia at Bomba. Visit the distinctive Bomba House, take part in a traditional Karelian pie workshop and explore the area’s cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Karelian dinner.
Overnight: Bomba, Nurmes

Day 5 | Relaxation in Koli

Spend the morning at leisure in Bomba before continuing by coach through the landscapes of North Karelia to Koli. On arrival, unwind at Koli Relax Spa and enjoy its peaceful setting overlooking Lake Pielinen before dinner in Koli.
Overnight: Koli

Day 6 | Koli National Landscape and Karelian Songs


After breakfast, check out and set out by coach for a guided nature and cultural programme in Koli National Park. Rising above the eastern shore of Lake Pielinen, Koli is one of Finland’s best-known national landscapes, celebrated for views that have influenced generations of Finnish artists, writers and composers.

Explore the park’s landmark summits of Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli. Their names are rooted in ancient beliefs, and the sites have long been associated with the spiritual traditions of the region. From the viewpoints, admire the broad expanse of Lake Pielinen, its islands and the shifting light across the surrounding forests and water.

The visit also includes the Bouquet of Karelian Songs, an intimate performance of Finnish and Karelian folk songs and ballads by a trained singer. Short introductions between the songs offer insight into local history, folklore, language and the traditional Karelian view of nature as something alive and deeply significant.

Conclude the programme with coffee by an open fire, accompanied by sweet and savoury snacks prepared in a traditional outdoor style.
Overnight: Koli

Day 7 | Punkaharju and Finnish Forest Culture


Depart Koli and travel towards Savonlinna, stopping in Punkaharju to explore its celebrated ridge landscapes surrounded by lakes. Visit the Lusto Forest Museum to learn about Finland’s close relationship with its forests, from traditional livelihoods and forestry to contemporary forest culture. Enjoy lunch during the visit before continuing to Savonlinna for a farewell dinner by the harbour.
Overnight: Savonlinna

Day 8 | Departure

This morning, transfer to the Savonlinna airport for your flight home.

Priced from 1595€ per person sharing a twin room, based on a group of 30 travelling, including:

  • Private Pohjolan Matka coach and driver for the group
  • 8 nights’ accommodation in twin rooms
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Savonlinna, including a visit to Olavinlinna Castle
  • Full-day cruise on Lake Saimaa from Savonlinna to Kuopio, including lunch and dinner on board
  • Kuopio food tour, including visits to Puijo Tower, the Market Hall and a visit to Lignell & Piispanen
  • Visit to Bomba House, a Karelian pie workshop and a Karelian dinner
  • Entrance to Koli Relax Spa
  • Guided nature and cultural programme in Koli National Park, including the landmark summits, the Bouquet of Karelian Songs and open-fire coffee with snacks
  • Visit to the Punkaharju ridge area and Lusto Forest Museum including lunch

Availability
Available from late June to August.