Start your tour in the Finnish capital of Helsinki and sail eastward to Karelia and back. You'll be visiting places like Kotka, Lappeenranta and Savonlinna. Departures every Monday from 2 June to 18 August, 2008.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Monday: Arrival in Helsinki. Independent transfer to your hotel in city center. The rest of the day is free to relax or start exploring the Finnish capital. Overnight at Sokos Torni or similar.
Day 2, Tuesday: Helsinki. Often referred to as “The Daughter of the Baltic” as well as “The Gate between East and West”, Helsinki with hundreds of little islands making up the archipelago and the past Swedish and Russian influences provide a special environment which gives the traveling guest a unique experience. With more than 80 different museums, Helsinki has museums to suit all tastes. Take the opportunity to experience Market Square with vendors selling traditional market foods and treats as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.
Visit Temppeliaukio Church – The Rock Church – quarried out of the bedrock with its natural stonewalls and magnificent copper tread ceiling, Uspenski Cathedral – the biggest Orthodox Church in the Nordic region - with its thirteen golden onion-shaped domes and many more... Exploring Helsinki is made easy with your 24hrs Helsinki Card. Overnight accommodation at Sokos Hotel Torni or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 3, Wednesday: The Czar route to the Saimaa Canal and Lake land on M/S Kristina Brahe. Transfer to the pier on your own. Board M/S Kristina Brahe and sail eastbound, where you will experience two different insular worlds connected by the Saimaa Canal. You will pass beautiful islands of the eastern Gulf of Finland while heading to Kotka. The history of the Kotka region are closely associated with the reigns of Catherine the Great, Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia. Your guide will tell you about the various events associated during the Russian reign.
You will visit the Imperial Fishing Lodge, built for Alexander III and his family in 1889. The Kotkansaari fortress community during the era of Catherine the Great and the Greek-Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas will be presented at Sapokanlahti. Your tour will also include a visit to the Kotka Maretarium, where giant fish tanks provide an overview of underwater life in Finland, ranging from fell creeks to the Baltic Sea. Overnight on board M/S Kristina Brahe. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4, Thursday: Cruising on board M/S Kristina Brahe. On the way to the canal you will sail past Virolahti. The last Russian Czar Nikolai II, the son and follower of Alexander III, liked to spend his summer holidays here. Cruising along the Saimaa Canal will remind you of not only the imperial summers, but also of the times of tar steams and rafting. The locks will take you to Lappeenranta, the lively capital of South Karelia.
During your guided walking tour, you will discover the colorful history and lively present-day life of the Fortress, the oldest part of Lappeenranta. Continue your journey and sail through the Saimaa Archipelago and the unique scenery of the Lake Saimaa. Evening arrival in Savonlinna, famous for its Opera Festival in the summer. Overnight on board M/S Kristina Brahe. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5, Friday: Cruising on board M/S Kristina Brahe. Morning tour of Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna. Your tour goes from the harbor along the oldest street in Savonlinna, Linnankatu Street, to Olavinlinna Castle. Linnankatu Street has played an important role in the history of Olavinlinna Castle and of Savonlinna. Olavinlinna Castle, the medieval fortress standing in the middle of the swiftly-flowing straits of Kyronsalmi is one of the best-known historical attractions in Finland.
The castle was founded in 1475 to defend the kingdom of Sweden against attacks from Russia. On the way back you will have a short stop at Puumala, which was chosen the most beautiful municipality in the Lake Saimaa District a couple of years ago. A short stop in Lappeenranta in the evening prior to continuing your journey back to Helsinki. Overnight on board M/S Kristina Brahe. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6, Saturday: Disembark in Helsinki. After a half an hour stop in Kotka in the morning, you will continue your journey back to Helsinki. Late afternoon arrival in Helsinki. After disembarkation, transfer to your hotel in city center on your own. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight accommodation at Sokos Hotel Torni or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 7, Sunday: Departure Hrelsinki. Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport on your own. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- 1017euro per person twin shared accommodation,
- 1258 per person in single room.
Price Includes:
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located first class hotel. Room with private facilities.
- 4 days cruise (3 nights) on board M/S Kristina Brahe in cat. B cabin with porthole, shower and toilet.
- Full board (3 x breakfast, 4 x lunch and 3 x dinner).
- On board entertainment and shore excursions.
- 24hrs Helsinki Card.
Price Excludes:
- Airfare to and from Helsinki.
- Travel insurance.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Finland
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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