Gems of Wellbeing Fam Trip to Kuopio, Mikkeli, Puumala & Rantasalmi

1000 Lakes Workshop is an international sales event that takes place in heart of the Lakeland Finland, Savonlinna. Savonlinna, as a historical town, built up on the islands, surrounded by the unique lake scenery, provides the inspirational atmosphere for the networking and creating successful business. The event brings together international buyers and Finnish suppliers from the Lakeland region. The event week starts with pre tours for buyers and continues with 1000 Lakes Workshop on May 21st. 

Lake Saimaa, a labyrinthine lake with its 15,000 km of shoreline and 15,000 islands is unique. It is the jewel of Finnish Lakeland with rich heritage and culture. Created by ice age, its pure waters are inhabited by the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal, and its shores by people culturally at the intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. The Lake Saimaa’s stunning nature, exciting cuisine, cultural attractions, and great opportunities for outdoor activities in every season have led to it emerging as one of the best places in Europe to visit for a holiday.

Afternoon arrivals to Helsinki

16.20 Flight AY369 from Helsinki to Kuopio

17.20 Arriving in Kuopio

Bus transportation to Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi (overnight)

18.30 Dinner in Puijo Tower 
Welcome to Puijo Peak, where forest, fun, and locally-grown food come together to create unforgettable experiences for families and friends. Enjoy exciting, year-round activities, including winter and extreme sports, nature and digital adventures, plus world-class cuisine and stunning panoramic Lakeland views atop the 75-metre-tall Puijo Tower; over 200 metres above the Lake Kallavesi – all situated in the heart of the culturally rich city of Kuopio.

8.00-9.00 Breakfast

9.00-10.00 Bus transfer to Tahko
Ancient forests full of wonder, resort where snow is just a bonus, and sun-filled days (and occasional nights) that you’ll never want to end.
Tahko provides an unforgettable combination of adventure, sports and leisure activities, with something fun for everyone all year round.

10.30-11.30 Guided E-bike / Hike tour (1 hour)

12.00-13.30 Lunch in Havu Kitchen & Bar

13.45-15.45 Presentation of Break Sokos Hotel Tahko (coffee) and Tahko Spa Green Suites 

15.45-16.45 Bus transfer back to Kuopio

17.00-20.00 Sauna and dinner in Luoto, Kuopio

20.15 Presentation of Saana 
Kuopion Saana combines Finnish sauna experience, excellent restaurant services as well as numerous events and activities in one location. These services together with the exceptional architecture and unique location right by the Lake Kallavesi make the Saana one of the most interesting places to visit in Lakeland area. You can relax in our spa that has a 30-seat mixed-gender sauna, an indoor hot tub, an experience shower and heated loungers. The outdoor area of the spa has a smoke sauna and two heated pools.

Presentation and overnight in Bella Lake Resort
At Bella Lake Resort, high-quality accommodation and a picturesque urban lake landscape are accompanied by Bellanranta’s inexhaustible services.
With us, you can enjoy our own art park, our neighbor Saana’s wonderful SPA experiences, and an à la carte restaurant offering local food or food from award-winning microbreweries.
The personal environment and great opportunities together create emotional experiences that must be experienced for yourself.

 

8:30 Transfer to Joroinen

9:45 Arrival in Pihlas Resort 
Brand new, private eco-luxury resort nestled in nature by the lake Pihlas. Tea tasting and a site inspection. Relaxation session with soothing sound bowls.

11:30 Departure for Mikkeli and Tertti Manor

12:15 Arrival at Tertti Manor, lunch and guided tour.
Tertti Manor’s cuisine is nationally and internationally renowned and derives inspiration from tradition and local ingredients. The authentic family manor, surrounded by four hectares of gardens, has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations.

13:45 14:45 Departure for Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala

14:45 Arrival at Sahanlahti Resort and check-in at Elsanranta Villas
This small, family run resort has hotel, cottage and villa accommodation and three restaurants serving the best of local food made from seasonal ingredients. All restaurants offer the most amazing lakeside views and the small guest harbour hosts visitors from near and far in the summertime. Built around an old sawmill, Sahanlahti is steeped in history.

16:30 Site inspection and an early dinner at Restaurant Koskivahti

18:30 Departure to Okkola Holiday Cottages, site inspection of Okkola.
Okkola Holiday Cottages is a family run business located on the island of Niinisaari in the idyllic Puumala archipelago. Paula, along with her family and dogs, welcome you to their home to experience local Saimaa life.

19:30 A seal safari by ecoboat with guide Arto 
One man band offering activities, tours and experiences based on Lake Saimaa region’s unique nature. Mission of Lakeland GTE is to make the client see and feel nature while providing personal service, tailor-made tours and safety. Professional guide, Arto, will lead you to the wonders of Lake Saimaa region.

21:15 Departure to Sahanlahti

22:00 Back in the Elsanranta villas for sweet dreams, goodnight!

Alternative program is dinner & the saunas in Sahanlahti, if there are no other opportunities for sauna during the pre tour.

 

8.00 Breakfast at Restaurant Koskivahti

8:45 Departure for Kuru Resort

10:00 Arrival in Kuru Resort
Refreshing drinks and the site inspection of the resort, in where you unwind, rejuvenate from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and enjoy a sense of well-being in magnificent surroundings.

11:15 Departure for Kotona Manor

11:45 Arrival at Kotona Manor
An architecturally modern sanctuary built within the tranquil surrounds of Finnish nature. The perfect hideaway. Where guests immediately feel at home. Opens in late summer 2025.

Lunch

13:20 Departure for Savonlinna

14:10 Arrival in Savonlinna, check-in to Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone

THE JOINT WORKSHOP STARTS.

1000 Lakes Workshop is an international sales event that takes place in heart of the Lakeland Finland, Savonlinna. The workshop is organized by the Lakeland regional DMOs. The buyers have a chance to meet and network with the local entrepreneurs during the free-flow meetings.

15:00: Saimaa Seal Cruise – Boarding the ship at Savonlinna harbor, we will explore the stunning landscapes of Lake Saimaa, the habitat of the Saimaa ringed seal, and the opportunities provided by the local lake nature, guided by an expert. The ship will dock at Illikka, at the Metsänpirkko pier.

17.30 Arrival at Illikka, hosted by Metsänpirkko – Together with Metsänpirkko, we will craft a traditional birch bark ring.

19.00 Transfer by bus for Putkisalo Manor, where we will enjoy the manor’s historical and scenic surroundings, meet the sheep, and experience authentic local cuisine prepared by DO Saimaa chef Ilkka Arvola.
                  
19:30 Get-together evening – The evening offers an opportunity to network, enjoy local flavors and experiences, and get into the right mindset for the next day’s Workshop.

Return to Savonlinna by bus at 22:00 → Arrival in Savonlinna at 23:00.

Breakfast 

9:00–16:00 Byers meet suppliers 1000 Lakes Workshop Day at Wanha Kasino on the Island of Happiness. There will be nine themed corners, each representing Lakeland’s tourism regions.

In this workshop, local tourism operators will present their services and products to tour operators. The program includes meetings, presentations, and networking opportunities. The workshop serves as a platform for new partnerships and a chance to discover unique tourism experiences from the lake district.

12:00 Lunch at Spahotel Casino

13:00 Workshop continue

14:30 Coffee break 

16:00 Workshop ends

FREE TIME 

18:00 Guided Themed Tour in 550 years old medieval Olavinlinna Castle – This exclusive, customized tour will take us to the eastern bastion, a rarely visited area. We will explore the castle’s darker history and visit some of the more unique spaces in the main castle—expect some surprises along the way!  (Walking time from Spahotel Casino ca. 15 min and from Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone ca. 10 min.)

19:30 Medieval Dinner in Olavinlinna – A medieval-style feast with entertainment and live music.

Breakfast and check-out

Transfer to Helsinki Vantaa airport

Afternoon flights to home

Thank you for visiting Finland!

 

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