Day 5 Jarvisdyan

With so much water to explore and islands to visit, it’s an early start on Lake Saimaa. Join a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) lesson and learn how to join this fast growing past time or try a traditional kayak or canoe session. With your new found paddle skills discover quiet inlets and isolated beaches as you explore further afield. Take a boat safari to see the endangered Ring seal, which can only be found in the Lakeland region of Finland, accompanied by a campfire lunch.

As the day draws to a close it is time to relax aching muscles with a visit to the impressive Lake Spa. A heart-shaped pool, surrounded by natural rock formations and forest plants, forms the centrepiece of the spa, whilst you can pamper yourself in several different types of sauna or book one of the many beauty treatments on offer. You can of course swim in the clear fresh waters of the lake if you wish. Dinner included this evening.

Day 6 Jarvisdyan - Anttolanhovi (100km)

We leave the resort of Jarvisdyan behind and take the road south to Anttolanhovi wellness village, where modern contemporary villas overlook further tributaries of Lake Saimaa and provide a stylish location from which to unearth more of this captivating countryside.

Why not spend the afternoon on a guided trip into the forests. Learn about the therapeutic effects and culinary uses of some of the herbs that grow there. Go foraging for fresh berries or mushrooms, learn where to find them and the tastiest to eat, depending on the season you could try wild strawberries, blueberry, wild raspberry or lingonberry. This evening let someone else combine the finest local produce and flavours, savour a delicious meal in the Lakeside restaurant. Meat from a local butcher, fish caught in nearby lakes, fruit and vegetable from neighbourhood farms, food doesn’t get much fresher than this.

Day 7 Anttolanhovi

It’s your last full day in the Lakeland region and you should take full advantage of the well maintained forest trails by foot, by bike or maybe try an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Leave the trails behind and take the path less travelled, hike just about anywhere and find those amazing views; Everyman’s Rights allows incredible freedom of movement so that you can go, see and discover as you see fit. Getting out into the woods also gives you a chance to see the varied Finnish wildlife, from the red squirrel to the enormous moose or elk, or even a brown bear (but don’t worry; they don’t usually want to be found)! Put you new found paddling skills to one last expedition on the water or maybe just jump in for a swim!

Day 8 Anttolanhovi - Helsinki (255km)

It is time to say goodbye to the land of forest and lake, making your way back to Helsinki for your onward flight. Why not add a few days in the nations capital, ask our experienced staff for some recommendations.