Land of Forests & Lakes - a Family Holiday in Finland & Estonia (EXFIN)

Duration: 8 days (may vary)
Areas: Estonia, Finland
Tour types: Family Adventures, History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife

Description

Baltic Crossing
We begin and end our adventure in Helsinki, a pleasantly compact capital of bustling, colourful market squares and halls, outdoor summer concerts and sports events, seaside parks, and excellent cafes and restaurants. From there we'll speed in a catamaran across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where reminders of foreign rule abound and you can investigate the addictive warren of maze-like alleys, medieval squares and battlements before returning to Finland.

Kayaking & Island Adventure
Next we head to a blue labyrinth of lakes, islands, rivers and canals, interspersed with forests and ridges, stretching for hundreds of kilometres in a placid and staggeringly beautiful expanse: welcome to the largest lake district in Europe! From the excitement at Visulahti we continue to Rantasalmi where you have the chance to try anything from rock-climbing to horseriding. Then, like the book 'Swallows and Amazons', we cross Lake Haukivesi to set up camp on Linnansaari Island - our very own isle to explore and discover. Away from the crowds, our guide will prepare a barbeque on the shore while we enjoy hopefully one of many balmy and magical Finnish summer evenings.

Steamships & castles
The medieval town of Savonlinna will be our base near the end of our week from where we will take a steamship cruise to the breathtaking forest area of Punkaharju. Here we can learn about the amazing forest culture and cycle along a magnificent ridge surrounded by water. Before we journey back to Helsinki we'll visit Olavinlinna Castle, the best preserved medieval castle in the Nordic world, rising majestically from the Kyronsalmi straits. Finally we will have a guided tour of Helsinki, then a free morning to explore one of the city's many attractions.

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Join Helsinki.

Day 2

Catamaran to Tallinn, Estonia; explore on foot; return to Helsinki; drive Mikkeli.

Day 3

Visit Visulahti amusement park and Dinosauria; drive Rantasalmi; optional sauna world.

Day 4

In Rantasalmi; optional hiking, horse-riding, rock-climbing; boat or kayak to Linnansaari Island.

Day 5

Explore Linnansaari; kayak to Oravi; drive to Savonlinna.

Day 6

Steamship cruise to Punkaharju; walk to Lusto Museum; explore Punkaharju by bike; drive or cycle to Savonlinna.

Day 7

Drive Helsinki via Olavinlinna Castle.

Day 8

End Helsinki.