Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Meet the wolverines Arrival at Kuopio airport and transfer to Koli. In the harbour of Koli we will take the ferry MF Pielinen that takes us over the Lake Pielinen until the harbour of Lieksa. On the ferry we will enjoy delicious Karelian lunch and admire the beautiful lake scenery. From Lieksa we will be transfered (30 km) to the cabin Keljänpuro. We will get some information about the programme and set off for the wolverine trip with the guide. We will spend the whole night until approx. 6 am in the hut observing wolverines. Day 2: Shoot the rapids We take breakfast in cabin Keljänpuro and after some rest we will go on to the Ruunaa hiking area. On the way we will stop at the Ruunaa Visitor Centre where we will get to know an exhibition on the area’s nature and history. Our next destination is Matkalahti where we will take part in a speedy rapid shooting trip on a traditional wooden boat. In the end of the tour we will enjoy Karelian wilderness lunch, outdoors of course. In the afternoon transfer to Kuhmo and accommodation at the Hotel Kalevala. Day 3: Canoing to beaver nest Today’s excursion takes us canoeing to the habitat of beavers. We will paddle using open Indian canoes on a small lake and stream situated in the middle of the wildwood. We will see a huge beaver’s nest and dams made by beavers. With good luck we can see beavers, however they normally show themselves night-time. We will enjoy picnic lunch on the shore of the lake. In the evening it is possible to participate in an overnight beaver observation trip (extra charge) which gives the participants a chance to observe beavers from a hut. Accommodation at the Hotel Kalevala. Day 4: In the spirit of Kalevala This morning we will visit the Kalevala Spirit Experience Park. During the guided tour we will get to know the folk traditions behind the Finland’s national epic Kalevala with all our senses – we will taste Finnish flavours, hear stories about Kalevala, see an exhibition and even meet the smith Seppo Ilmarinen at his work. For the afternoon we have tree optional activities available. First option is a guided hiking trip to Jämäsvaara including coffee break around the fire. Secondly it is possible to visit Juminkeko which is an information centre on Kalevala and Karelian culture in Kuhmo. Last option is an exciting rapid swim (extra charge) in Pajakkakoski rapid wearing a floating suit. Accommodation at Hotel Kalevala. Day 5: Observe the Brown Bears After breakfast we will visit Petola Visitor Centre providing information on Finland’s large carnivores – bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. In the afternoon we will set off for a bear safari to meet the majestic European brown bears. We will observe bears from purpose-built log cabins where we stay until morning. Day 6: Departure We will return from the bear observation cabins around 7 am. We enjoy breakfast and rest for a couple of hours. Sauna and showers are available at the hotel (not in rooms but the hotel’s public sauna). Before noon we will take a transfer to Kuopio airport. Lunch will be enjoyed on the way. Notes: Price Includes: 
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Also see tour packages in: Europe Finland Outdoor: Land Rambler Multi-activity |
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