Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days

Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days

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5 Days From

$1045

$811

Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days

5 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki, Finland

Visiting: Helsinki, Lappeenranta

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2664/HSKE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 36

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English , German

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $1045 $811 Operator discount: -$209 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25 -22%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Finland with the Helsinki & South Karelia Express tour. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, where you'll explore the vibrant capital with a guided city tour, visiting iconic sites like the Parliament building and the Church-in-the-Rock. Enjoy an optional excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress. Travel by express train to the charming lakeside town of Lappeenranta, nestled on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Discover its rich history with a walking tour of the Old Town and the picturesque port area. Delight in a serene evening cruise on Lake Saimaa, complete with onboard dining. With comfortable 4-star accommodations and a bilingual tour leader, this small group cultural tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure time, ensuring a memorable Finnish experience. Conclude your journey back in Helsinki, ready to depart with unforgettable memories.

Highlights

  • Helsinki - Explore the Finnish capital with a city tour, including the Parliament building and the famous Suomenlinna Fortress.

  • Lappeenranta - Discover the old town of this charming lakeside settlement, featuring wooden churches and a picturesque port area.

  • Lake Saimaa - Enjoy a cruise on this shimmering lake at dusk with an onboard meal and drinks.

  • Visit the Church-in-the-Rock in Helsinki, a unique architectural marvel.

  • Experience the historical Old Town and Lappeenranta fortress on a walking tour.

  • Explore the vibrant harbours and Senate Square in Helsinki, with its iconic Lutheran Cathedral.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Accommodation Name: hotel

Upon arrival at Helsinki airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel in the heart of Finland's capital. The rest of the day is at free for you to independently explore. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at approx. 7pm.

Day 2: Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we explore Helsinki, the green and lively Finnish capital. Our guided tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square with its Lutheran Cathedral, we will also see the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument before visiting the famous Church-in-the-Rock.





In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural gem set on an island.

Day 3: Helsinki

Location: Lappeenranta

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lappeenranta

Meals Included: Breakfast

Helsinki- Lappeenranta. This morning we board a train to Lappeenranta in South Karelia, arriving shortly after midday. Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Saimaa, Lappeenranta was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. In the recent years, the picturesque town has become a popular resort. We explore Lappeenranta on a walking tour, taking in the historical Old Town, the port area, Lappeenranta fortress, wooden Orthodox Mary the Virgin Church and more.





Late afternoon we walk to the pier and embark on a 3 hour long evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks or a meal while enjoying spectacular views of the lake.

Day 4: Lappeenranta

Location: Lappeenranta

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lappeenranta - Helsinki. Today is free to spend at leisure exploring this resort town. Our hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area which are both easily accessed. Check out the small boutique shops in the Old Town and grab a Karelian lunch at one of the local restaurants or simply enjoy the atmosphere and the picturesque views at the port. In the late afternoon we transfer to the train station and travel by train back to Helsinki for our final night.

Day 5: Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour ends after breakfast today with an included transfer to Helsinki airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 star

  • 4 nights in 4 star hotels

    Accommodation for 4 nights in 4-star hotels is included.

  • 4 breakfasts

    Enjoy 4 breakfasts during your stay.

  • Sightseeing tours of Helsinki and Lappeenranta

    Guided sightseeing tours of Helsinki and Lappeenranta are included.

  • Express train tickets Helsinki-Lappeenranta-Helsinki

    Express train tickets for travel between Helsinki and Lappeenranta are included.

  • Entrance to Church in The Rock in Helsinki

    Entrance to the Church in The Rock in Helsinki is included.

  • Evening cruise on Lake Saimaa

    An evening cruise on Lake Saimaa is included.

  • One arrival transfer on Day 1 and one departure transfer on Day 5 included per booking

    Transfers from the airport on Day 1 and to the airport on Day 5 are included per booking.

  • Welcome meeting with a champagne-cocktail or juice

    A welcome meeting with a champagne-cocktail or juice is included.

  • Service of a bi-lingual (English and German speaking) tour leader in Helsinki and local English speaking guide in Lappeenranta

    The service of a bilingual tour leader in Helsinki and a local English-speaking guide in Lappeenranta is included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

Age Policy

Children welcome on these tours. 5 years and up. Although if you have a big family and one of the children is 3 or 4, we can accept the booking.Children between 5-11 will pay 50% of the adult price.

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with express train tickets between Helsinki and Lappeenranta, and enjoy included arrival and departure transfers, ensuring a seamless journey throughout your Finnish adventure.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after exploring the vibrant cities of Helsinki and Lappeenranta.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights in 4-star hotels.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 4 breakfasts. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a meal during the evening cruise on Lake Saimaa.

  • Is there a guide available during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes the service of a bilingual (English and German speaking) tour leader in Helsinki and a local English speaking guide in Lappeenranta.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The tour operates with a minimum group size of 2 and a maximum of 36 travelers.

  • Is transportation between Helsinki and Lappeenranta included?

    Yes, express train tickets from Helsinki to Lappeenranta and back to Helsinki are included in the tour.

  • What activities are included in Lappeenranta?

    In Lappeenranta, there is a walking tour of the historical Old Town, the port area, and the Lappeenranta fortress. Additionally, there is a 3-hour evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal.

  • Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, one arrival transfer on Day 1 and one departure transfer on Day 5 are included per booking.

  • What is the age policy for children on this tour?

    Children aged 5 years and up are welcome on the tour. Children between 5-11 will pay 50% of the adult price. If you have a big family and one of the children is 3 or 4, the booking can still be accepted.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Sunday - Thursday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
$1045 $811

Operator discount: -$209

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

Sunday - Thursday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
$1045 $811

Operator discount: -$209

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

Sunday - Thursday

Jul 27, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025
$1045 $811

Operator discount: -$209

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

Sunday - Thursday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
$1045 $811

Operator discount: -$209

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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