Escape to Finland: Nature, Action & Authenticity

After a hearty breakfast, set off to explore Helsinki with your French-speaking guide. Like the locals, you'll travel through the capital mainly on foot and by public transport, an authentic and responsible way to discover the city.

Throughout the day, let yourself be seduced by some of its iconic sites: the Sibelius monument, the charming Café Regatta, the impressive Temppeliaukio church carved into the rock, the Oodi library, a jewel of contemporary architecture, as well as the majestic central station.

At lunchtime, enjoy some free time in the Market Square (Kauppatori) to sample local specialties or stroll among the stalls. In the afternoon, continue your exploration by walking along the elegant Esplanade, admiring the famous Havis Amanda and the Old Market Hall before boarding a boat to Suomenlinna, a maritime fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your guide will accompany you on this visit. In accordance with site regulations, guided tours of Suomenlinna are conducted exclusively by accredited guides.

Back in Helsinki, enjoy some free time before ending this beautiful day with an optional experience at the SAVOTTA restaurant, a must-visit for discovering traditional Finnish cuisine in a warm atmosphere inspired by the forests of Finland.

After breakfast, head to Nuuksio National Park, a true haven of nature on the outskirts of Helsinki. This day invites you to slow down, breathe, and discover the Finnish forest as the locals experience it.

During a hike of approximately 7 km, your guide will share with you the richness of Finnish fauna, flora, and traditions. Depending on the season, you will be able to identify some wild plants, observe nature up close, and, for the more adventurous, enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the many crystal-clear lakes.

At lunchtime, a meal prepared around a wood fire will allow you to experience one of Finland's most cherished traditions: sharing a convivial moment in the great outdoors. The afternoon will be dedicated to a fun survival workshop entitled "Firemaking... for Dummies," where you will learn the basic techniques for safely lighting a fire and understand its importance in the natural environment.

The day will continue with a visit to the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, a modern and interactive museum that will introduce you to the richness of Finnish fauna, flora and landscapes through immersive exhibitions.

In the late afternoon, return to Helsinki and free time before concluding the day with an optional experience at the LAPPI restaurant, an iconic address to discover the traditional flavors of Lapland.

After breakfast, it's time to leave Helsinki and head towards the spectacular Lake District, a true natural gem of Finland. Along the way, your first stop will be Emäsalo, a peaceful peninsula where the Baltic Sea, forests, and traditional villages offer an authentic glimpse into Finnish coastal life.

You will then continue your exploration in Porvoo, the second oldest city in Finland. Renowned for its colorful wooden houses, cobbled streets, and timeless charm, it invites you to stroll and soak up centuries of history. Lunch is planned in the old town before you hit the road again.

As the kilometers unfold, the landscapes gradually transform: cities give way to endless forests, shimmering lakes, and an omnipresent natural beauty. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at the Järvisydän Resort, an exceptional establishment nestled in the heart of the Saimaa region. After settling in and exploring the grounds, enjoy some relaxation before sharing dinner in this unique setting, where nature, well-being, and authenticity await you for the next four nights.

After a leisurely breakfast, embark on an exceptional experience discovering the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest mammals in the world. Endemic to Finland, this iconic species lives only in the waters of Lake Saimaa, making this excursion a truly special moment in the heart of unspoiled nature.

As you cruise along, let yourself be captivated by the tranquil landscapes of Finland's largest lake. With a bit of luck and a lot of discretion, you might spot this iconic seal in its natural habitat. Your guide will also share the story of this unique species and the conservation efforts that are helping to protect it today.

After lunch at Järvisydän Resort, enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the spa, go for a walk, or take a break at an authentic metsäkahvila ( traditional Finnish eatery). Those who wish can also participate in a complimentary introductory Nordic walking session with your guide—a great way to discover this Nordic activity while enjoying the beautiful surrounding scenery. As an optional extra, participate in a Karelian canoe-making workshop and discover one of Finland's most famous culinary specialties.

In the evening, share dinner at the resort or indulge in a gastronomic experience at the SOLITARY restaurant, officially ranked among the best restaurants in Finland.

After breakfast, embark on an eFatbike adventure through the beautiful forests of the Saimaa region. An eFatbike is an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with wide tires, specially designed for a comfortable ride on forest trails, dirt roads, and natural terrain. Thanks to its electric assistance, everyone can fully enjoy this experience, regardless of their fitness level.

Accompanied by your guide, you'll traverse unspoiled landscapes where forests, lakes, and wilderness unfold with every pedal stroke. A fun, active, and environmentally friendly way to explore Finland from a different perspective.

After lunch at Järvisydän Resort, enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the spa, go for a walk, or savor a coffee in an authentic metsäkahvila ( traditional Tahitian café). Those wishing to extend their adventure can add a two-hour eFatbike ride.

True to Reset Holidays' 4A philosophy, this day also offers the opportunity to participate in a free volunteer experience with a local community. A wonderful chance to contribute, exchange ideas, and discover Finland from a different perspective.

After breakfast, embark on a canoe or kayak adventure around Pikkulappi Island. At your own pace, discover the tranquil landscapes of Lake Saimaa, where nature reigns supreme. Between wild islets, rocky cliffs, and boreal forests, this excursion is an invitation to slow down, observe, and fully appreciate the silence so characteristic of Finland.

Upon your return, a convivial lunch awaits you around a wood fire at the Järvisydän Resort. The afternoon continues in a warm atmosphere with typical Finnish activities, such as axe throwing and archery, before you have free time to enjoy the spa, go for a walk or savor a coffee in an authentic metsäkahvila .

To extend the experience, several optional activities are available: an additional canoe or kayak trip, a yoga and forest connection session ( Forest Connection ), or an evening dedicated to the legends, traditions, and folklore of Finnish Karelia. A wonderful way to conclude your immersion in the Saimaa region.

After a final night in the heart of the lake district, enjoy breakfast before departing the Järvisydän Resort. It's time to hit the road again, enriched by memories, encounters, and experiences that we hope will continue to stay with you long after your stay.

To make your departure easier, a private transfer to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is included in your trip. Travelers continuing their stay in Finland or choosing another mode of transport are, of course, free to leave the group in Helsinki.

We wish you a wonderful trip and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another adventure with Reset Holidays.