Moominworld

Prices from £394 /adults, £344 /children

When the Independent on Sunday newspaper ranked the world’s best theme parks in 2005, Moominworld in Naantali was in the top ten. You will understand why when you come to the fairytale home island of the Moomins.

Fly from London to Turku, spend three nights in a luxurious Naantali Spa Hotel, and have a two-day Moominworld pass included in the package.

For parents, Naantali offers charming narrow streets with old wooden buildings, President’s summer residence Kultaranta, historic convent church and beautiful seaside landscapes. In nearby Turku, adults can join children for a tour of the medieval castle, visit the handsome cathedral, se the interesting museums, and enjoy friendly cafes and restaurants. Most of the attractions are suitable for the whole family.

Moominworld is located in Naantali, only 10 miles from Turku. You can travel from Naantali to Turku on the Moominbus or the steam ship Ukkopekka. Near the Moominworld is the adventure island Väski offering fun challenges for children. In Turku, you can visit the medieval castle on Little Knight’s Tour or have a fun at the Kupittaa Adventure Park.

Now, that’s what we call a family adventure holiday!

Meet the Moomins

The Moomins live on an island in front of Naantali Old Town. They invite you to meet Moominpappa as he looks back on his youth and exciting adventures. Did you know that he lived in an orphanage as a youngster? Or that he looked just like Moomintroll when he was a child?

There’s so much to do and see in Moominworld: Moominhouse, Theatre Emma, Story Path, Hemulen’s House, the swimming beach and many other sites are waiting for you. And don’t forget – meeting the Moomin characters is the highlight of the summer for many small visitors!

Adventure Island Väski

Moominworld is even more fun this year. While the smallest members of the family hug the Moomins, their older siblings can head for Väski to find some fun challenges. The ferry to Väski leaves from in front of Naantali Old Town, close to the bridge leading to Moomin Home Island.

You need to use your brains and your muscles at Adventure Island Väski. The redesigned island now has five fascinating adventure worlds where kids can test their skills. Conquer a ship at Pirate Harbour and slide down a cable at Smuggler’s Fortress. Learn more about domestic animals and visit the village shop at Fisherman’s Village. Try panning for gold at Hermit’s Hut under the taciturn guidance of the hermit himself. The island also has a Hunter’s Camp where you can practice your archery skills. There’s plenty to keep you busy!

Little Knights tour at Turku Castle

Little Knights tour

Children find Turku castle fascinating – after all, it is a genuine medieval castle! Children and childlike persons will get an introduction to the world of knights on the Castle’s Little Knight Tour. The main castle’s toy exhibition includes toys from the last 150 years. A renaissance miniature model about life in the 14th century has been built to the castle’s tower. The tower also includes King Erik XIV’s dungeon and the castle elf’s treasury. There are more dungeons in the Round Tower and the castle’s medieval parts.

You will learn and experience more if you join one of the guided tours (in Finnish, English or Swedish) held at the Turku Castle: the Middle Ages and Renaissance come alive and stories get new meanings. Guided tours in Finnish, Swedish and English for adults and children are held every day during the summertime. There are things to see and experience for children at the Turku castle.

Kupittaa Adventure Park

Located in Kupittaanpuisto, Adventure Park provides the ideal environment for creative activities and active family fun. Children can bounce, climb, wade, slide, crawl into the stomach of a giant sculpture or try their skills in the summer atelier. Adventure Park is full of things to do! In the Traffic Park kids can drive pedal cars just like in a real town, and take the safari car outside the city as well. You can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.

Pampering in Spa Hotel

Naantali Spa provides luxurious accommodation and treatment packages in seaside surroundings. You are invited to relax in the pools of our five-star Spa and enjoy the treatments available to pamper your whole being.

The Spa is located in the picturesque historical town of Naantali. The town’s atmosphere is a mixture of the charm of the archipelago, the diversity of history, and the idyllic present day. Arts and music are essential part of Naantali, as is the sea, with yachts sailing right to the very heart of the Old Town.

Naantali Spa offers high standard accommodation in three different types of hotels. Spa Hotel is situated adjacent to the Spa’s Pool Complex and has 86 spacious double rooms. Suite Hotel is your choice is between high-standard mini-suites and even classier Presidential Suites. Sunborn Princess Hotel is a floating yacht hotel anchored in the bay at the front of the Spa.

Package prices

Prices 07.06.-30.06.2011 & 01.08-29.08.2011 (based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing):

from £394/adult, £344/child

Prices 01.07.-31.7.2011 (based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing):

from £444/adult, £394/child

Please ask for prices from other airports.

What is included in the price?

• scheduled Finnair flights from London Heathrow to Turku
• three nights in Naantali Spa hotel, buffet breakfast included
• 2 day entrance to Moominword
• use of pool and sauna
• Naantali Spa leisure program both for adults and children

The beautiful winter view from the hotel terrace

Travel period 10.01.2012 – 15.04.2012
6 days (5 nights)

Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, Finland, is a unique attraction offering relaxation and wellbeing as well as culture and heritage. This is both relaxing and romantic winter break for two in winter wonderland!

The hotel building mirrors the nature that surrounds it, and nestles on the shores of Lake Lammasjärvi in Eastern Finland close to the Russian border. This is a region of great tradition and folklore. This is a place where Finland’s great epic Kalevala still survives.

The hotel restaurant overlooks the lake, and offers meals made with local ingredients from the Kainuu region. On the menu are many local delicacies like fish soup, wild boar filet and smoked reindeer, and also a good selection of vegetarian dishes. There is a special wellbeing-menu for those aiming to eat healthily.

The hotel works closely with local companies and guides promoting responsible travel in the taiga region.

Day to day

Day 1: Arrival to Taiga
Arrival to Kajaani airport is followed by about 1.5 hour transfer to the Hotel Kalevala. Settle in your Kalevala accommodation, and enjoy a dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: Husky safari
After the breakfast a transfer even closer to the Russian border for a full day husky safari. You will get proper outdoor clothing for the trip so you don’t have to worry about getting cold. The day starts with a visit to a husky farm where you will learn the basics of driving the dog teams. This is followed by a 15 mile drive in the wilderness with two persons in a sleigh. Lunch will be served by an open fire. The evening closes with sauna and half board dinner.

Day 3: Snowmobiling
After breakfast it is time to get your thermal overalls and get ready for a 4-5 hour snowmobile safari along the Taiga forest. Ride about 30 miles in a beautiful snow covered forest with professional guides. Stop for a lunch and tea break by an open fire. Couples can either ride together or hire an extra snowmobile for riding solo. Evening sauna with jacuzzi warms you up for the half board dinner.

Day 4: Relaxing and romancing
This is a day for pampering and wellbeing. First you will try the traditional Finnish bone setting. This method is based on very old tradition of Finnish folk medicine and is very efficient in treating various forms of physical problems. In the afternoon you will enjoy Romance (Rose-Geranium) bath for two. You can also book little extra luxuries like peat or infra red sauna or a salt room treatment. Finish the relaxing day with a Wellness Dinner: Radish in a honey sauce, nettle pancakes, grilled white fish with berry sauce and lingonberry mousse.

Day 5: Day for you two
This is a day for optional activities. You can pamper yourself with wellbeing treatments, book extra activities or explore local attractions. Click here to see a list of extra activities.

The Winter War Museum reminds of the closeness to the Russian border. Many battles took place on Kuhmo soil during the war, and the village was bombed several times. The Petola nature centre tells of local predators brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. The centre provides an insight to the life of these species. The Kalevala information centre Juminkeko is a masterpiece of modern wood architecture, and presents Finnish history and folklore with multimedia shows and exhibitions. It also has one of the largest collections of editions of Kalevala.

Kuhmo is world famous for its chamber music festival, and there are concerts and other events around the year at the local arts centre Kuhmo-talo. It promotes the spiritual development of people through arts and science.

Relax with an evening sauna with jacuzzi before the half board dinner. You could order another wellness menu: green salad with herb oil a la Kalevala, grilled salmon with artichoke potatoes and morel sauce, chocolate beetroot cake with vanilla ice cream (extra charge £11/person).

Day 6: Back home
After breakfast transfer back to the airport and a flight back home refreshed and relaxed.

Seasons:

Season I 10.01.-31.01.2012 & 01.04.-15.04.2012
Season II 01.02.-31.03.2012

Prices:

10.01.-31.01.2012 & 01.04.-15.04.2012
From London Heathrow: £1299/adult (two sharing)
From Manchester: £1369/adult (two sharing)

01.02.-31.03.2012
From London Heathrow: £1354/adult (two sharing)
From Manchester: £1419/adult (two sharing)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Kajaani airport
• Transfer from/to airport Kajaani
• 5 overnights in Hotel Kalevala (double rooms), with own toilet and shower
• Half board
• Evening sauna with jacuzzi
• Full day husky safari with picnic
• 4-5 hours snowmobile safari with outdoor lunch
• Day for wellbeing (traditional Finnish bonesetting, Romance bath for 2, wellbeing dinner)
• Free use of kick-sledges, Playstation and Nintendo Wii games, DVD movies, wireless internet, library, 2 fireplaces, board games and karaoke

Please ask price for:

• Additional days
• Activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow mobile tour
• Package without flights
• Stop-over in Helsinki

Fully equipped log cabins on the Iso-Syöte fell

8 day package: Saturday – Saturday
Period: 06.06.2012 – 31.10.2012 (package is also valid during colourful autumn Ruska season)

Explore the beautiful Lapland region by car and try out various outdoor activities. Stay in a Lappish log cabin, visit a reindeer or a husky farm, go hiking, canoeing and go for a quad bike safari in an ancient forest. Summer holiday in Northern Finland means midsummer nights, unspoilt nature, splendid views over the hills and forests, crystal clear lakes, and plenty of freedom and space to relax.

Finnish summer offers an opportunity to enjoy the best of the bright months. This eight-day summer package to Iso-Syöte area includes flights, car hire, log cabin accommodation and activities. Iso-Syöte resort is located on the top of the most southern fell in Lapland. Hotel and cottages overlook the forest and valley area of the surrounding Syöte National Park with its rugged hills, unique marshes and old spruce forests.

During this one week’s holiday, you can enjoy activities offered by Iso-Syöte and drive around the neighbouring villages, towns and countryside. The pure, unspoilt nature all around welcomes you to explore. Since the resort is located in a triangle of three popular tourist areas of Rovaniemi, Oulu and Kuusamo, you can plan your weekly itinerary independently.

Day 1: Settle in your log cabin

Arrival to Oulu airport late afternoon and car pick up. After two hours of drive, arrival to Iso-Syöte. Check into your fully equipped log cabin with a kitchen, a fireplace and a sauna. Evening is spent relaxing, trying out sauna, and enjoying a dinner at the local restaurant.

Day 2: Visit Arctic museum and Santa Claus

Breakfast is served at the Hotel Iso-Syöte restaurant. Sunday is free for your own activities. You can either enjoy the nature of the Syöte National Park and learn more about the area at the visitor centre, or drive to the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is located only two hours’ drive away from Iso-Syöte offering an excellent day out!  Get acquainted with the local culture and history in the Arktikum Museum, or visit the Santa Claus village, open all year round! Rovaniemi also offers excellent possibilities for a river cruise on a sunny summer day. On your way back to Iso-Syöte, you can visit the Ranua Wild Life Park, an hour’s drive from Iso-Syöte.

Day 3: Guided quad bike drive

After breakfast, you will enjoy an exciting 2.5 hour quad bike safari at 10am. On this guided tour, you will drive your own squad bike through the nature, forest and swamps of Iso-Syöte area. What an excellent way to start the day! During the afternoon, it is time to explore the area on your own. We recommend visiting the open air museum in Pudasjärvi, only half an hour’s drive away from Iso-Syöte, together with the village of Taivalkoski, displaying the old village store dating back to 1882.

Day 4: Canoe safari

Tuesday morning begins with a canoe safari to the Lake Naamanka at 10am. This is a perfect, peaceful place to paddle around and learn the basics of canoeing with the help of your local guide. Lakeside offers a great spot for a coffee break by a camp fire. In the afternoon, you can drive to Puolanka to see the highest waterfall in Finland. Enjoy a walk in beautiful surroundings, only an hour’s drive from Iso-Syöte, or go golfing in the nearby golf-course.

Day 5: Visit the Bear’s Trail

Wednesday is a day for your own activities. We recommend driving to the town of Kuusamo, located 1.5 hours from Iso-Syöte. The area of Ruka-Kuusamo invites you to another nature adventure with all it has to offer. The Oulanka National Park is worth a visit for its excellent Karhunkierros hiking trail (Bear’s Trail). This 80 kilometre route with ravines, Arctic fells and primeval forests provides an unforgettable experience. There are several short hikes to choose from with raging rapids, wonderful views and fell sides.

Day 6: Nordic Walking and Design

After breakfast, the morning is free for your own activities. You can take your hired car and visit the Finnish design centre, Pentik in Posio, located an hours’ drive from Iso-Syöte or just relax in the fell surroundings.In the afternoon, it is time for guided Nordic walking! Nordic walking tour takes you around Kellarilampi, through the natural scenery of Syöte area with a coffee and cake stop during the journey.

Day 7:  Meet huskies and reindeers

During your last full day in Iso-Syöte, you can take part in optional safaris; visit a local reindeer farm, try out fishing on the river banks or visit a husky farm. Alternatively you can have your second go on the activities introduced to you during the week, have a final challenge at the Syöte fell or make your way to Ruka area for longer Karhunkierros hiking tour.

Day 8: Returning home

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye! You will drive to Oulu airport, return your hired car and fly back to UK in the afternoon.

Prices from London Heathrow:

from £1119/person, when two persons share a cabin
from £915/person, when three persons share a cabin
from £799/person, when four persons share a cabin

What is included in the price?

• Return flights from London Heathrow to Oulu (or Kuusamo when available)
• Hired car (A class, Nissan Micra or similar), unlimited mileage, insurance and taxes
• One week’s stay in fully equipped Iso-Syöte cottages (living-room, kitchen, sauna, fireplace)
• Breakfast each morning
• Car hire for the whole week (pick up and drop off at the airport)
• Activities: Quad bike safari, canoeing safari, Nordic walking
• Equipment and guidance during safaris
• All taxes and fees

Optional extras:

• C class vehicle (extra cost £75/person)
• Hotel accommodation

Please note:

Driver must be at least 25 years old
Valid driving licence required when picking up the car
Credit card is obligatory to receive the car at the airport

Enjoy the Finnish summer at the terrace of Hotel Kalevala

Prices from £1049/adult when sharing twin room, from £614/child
Travel period: May – October 2012

Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, Finland, is a unique attraction for the whole family. It offers relaxation and wellbeing as well as culture and heritage. The hotel, by the lake and near museums, offers an excellent base for exploring the Wild Taiga region either on guided short tours or independently.

Hotel Kalevala offers a full programme of guided activities like hiking, cycling and canoeing in the summer. And between the activities you can pamper yourself in different types of saunas, swimming in the lake or having a relaxing herbal bath.

The hotel restaurant overlooks the Lammasjärvi Lake, and offers meals made from local ingredients in the Kainuu region. On the menu are many local delicacies like fish soup, wild boar filet and smoked reindeer, and also a good selection of vegetarian alternatives. There is a special wellbeing-menu for those aiming to eat healthily. In the summer you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink on the terrace enjoying the view to the lake.

Culture and heritage

Kuhmo is world famous for its chamber music festival, and there are concerts and other events around the year at the local arts centre Kuhmo-talo. It promotes the spiritual development of people through arts and science. The building hosts concerts, meetings, a dance studio and a music school. The Winter War Museum reminds of the closeness to the Russian border. Many battles took place on Kuhmo soil during the war, and the village was bombed several times. The Petola nature centre tells of local predators brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. The centre provides an insight to the life of these species. The Kalevala information centre Juminkeko is a masterpiece of modern wood architecture, and presents Finnish history and folklore with multimedia shows and exhibitions. It also has one of the largest collections of editions of Kalevala.

Wellbeing

Besides the traditional Finnish and special smoke sauna available, Hotel Kalevala has offers two other types of sauna for wellbeing. Infrared sauna helps to detoxify body, improves the heart and vessels, helps to lose weight and cellulite, and helps to unwind. You burn about 600 calories in a 30 minute session, more than during a 30 minute run. Infrared radiation causes heavy perspiration without uncomfortable feeling of high temperature. Peat sauna relaxes, helps your metabolism and leaves your skin soft and firm. The whole-body peat mask also helps with allergies. The hotel also offers various herbal baths including a romantic bath with champagne for two!

Summer programme 2012
Group size: min. 2 persons
Valid: 1.5.-30.10.2012

Day 1
Arrival to Kuhmo, accommodation in double rooms/family rooms with connecting door. Dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2
After breakfast Kuhmo’s area information and hotel hostess introduces week’s program. Short sightseeing tour with a motorboat and short hiking tour with a guide in the Kalevala area with a visit to Petola Nature Centre with Large Carnivore Exhibition (duration about 2 hours). Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 3
Breakfast. Today you will have a possibility to learn some fishing, canoeing, rowing and other nature tasks. The guide, Mr Reki-Pertti, will take you to his home which is situated about 10 minutes drive away from Hotel Kalevala by the lake Ontonen. Picnic lunch with coffee/tea. Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 4
Breakfast. This is a free day for optional activities, please take a look at our summer weekly programme. You can visit Juminkeko which is the information centre for the Kalevala and Karelian culture or maybe do a hiking tour on your own. Rowing boats are free to use and next to the hotel there is sandy beach if you prefer just taking it easy. Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 5
Breakfast. After breakfast a guided mushroom and berry picking trip in the pure wilderness of Wild Taiga. Best season is from mid-July to mid-September. Trip starts from Hotel Kalevala by rowing boat to an island or we can also walk to the forest near the hotel depending on the best growing places. During the tour we will enjoy coffee/tea/juice on the sandy beach. Duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours. Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner (chef will prepare a special menu from the ingredients we collected today).

Day 6
Breakfast. This is a morning for optional activities, please take a look of our weekly program with bicycling, bear watching, canoeing etc. In the afternoon you can do your own rowing trip to Harakkasaari-island (500 m from the hotel). Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 7
Free day for activities or resting. Also free use of bicycles, kick boards and rowing boats. Evening sauna, jacuzzi and dinner.

Day 8
Breakfast and departure.

What is included in the price?

• accommodation at Kalevala-Hotel in double rooms (7 nights) (bathrobe, hairdryer, minibar, TV, shower/VC)
• small welcoming gift in a room on the arrival
• evening sauna and jacuzzi daily
• meals (7 x buffet breakfast, 7 x half board 3 course dinner)
• small hiking tour around the area with visiting Petola Nature centre
• motorboat sightseeing tour (1/2 hours)
• nature task tour
• guided mushroom and berry picking tour
• free use of rowing boats, canoes, kick-boards, badminton, beach volley, DVD-movies, Playstation and Nintendo Wii games, wireless internet access
• transfers from/to airport (Kajaani)
• flights from/to London Heathrow

Not included: Wild Taiga summer weekly programme – optional extras (pdf format)

Perfect setting for a holiday

Prices: from £349 per person
Period:  June – September

Lake surroundings in Finland create a wonderful setting for a perfect summer holiday. You can swim in the lake, take a sauna bath, row a boat or just wander through the forest. And if you feel a bit adventurous, just explore the surroundings with your hired car.

Things to do in Ikaalinen

- Spa Ikaalinen is located 4 miles from the cottages. Plenty of fun water activities for the whole family, pampering and herbal baths. Read more at http://www.ikaalistenkylpyla.fi/ikaalisten-kylpyla!/en_GB/.

- Total relaxation. The rental price includes unrestricted use of private sauna, small private beach and a rowing boat. The majority of the cottages also have outdoor cooking facilities.

- Be close to the nature. Finland has “every man’s rights” so you can roam free in the nearby woods, go hiking or pick wild berries. How about making your own wild blueberry pie?

- The clean, pure waters of lake Kyröskoski are teeming with fish and provide an almost limitless variety of fishing opportunities. You do not need to be an expert, just push the rowing boat out and try your hands on old-fashioned line & hook

- Explore Ikaalinen area on horseback. The local riding centre provides horse riding, trekking and cart rides.

- Finland’s second largest city Tampere is located only 35 miles away. Things to do in Tampere: Tampere Cathedral, Pyynikki Observation Tower, Sara Hilden Arts Museum, The Lenin Museum and Amuri Museum of Workers Housing. Särkänniemi Adventure Park in Tampere is the largest in Finland and houses the tallest Observation Tower in Scandinavia, a Dolphinarium, Aquarium, Planetarium, Children’ Zoo, Kiddie Land and 34 rides for all ages!

Package prices June – September

From £349 per person when four sharing
From £650 per person when two sharing

What is included in the price?

Package includes one week cottage rental, bed linen and final cleaning as well as car hire (VW Polo or similar) for a week from Helsinki airport or from Tampere airport.

Please note that most cottages sleep up to eight people, therefore discounts apply when there are more people travelling.

Please also note that flights are not included in the package prices, thus this package is ideal for e.g. customers travelling to Tampere by Ryanair. If you require a scheduled flight, please contact our office.

Typical cottage characteristics

Typical cottages have

- two to three bedrooms
- loft with sleeping areas
- lounge area
- fully equipped kitchen/diner area
- bathroom with shower
- private sauna
- log burning fireplace
- private beach, jetty and rowing boat

Location

Neighbour distance: 0.05 km
Nearest village: 13 km
Lake: 10 m (Kyrösjärvi)
Distance To Tampere: 55 km

Equipment

Electric heating, electric stove, microwave oven, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, radio, television, DVD player, iron, hair dryer, baby cot and high chair.

What is included in cottage hire

The rent includes blankets, pillows and linen (sheets and towels), as well as final cleaning. Price also includes wood for fireplace and sauna. Each cottage has cooking equipment and basic tableware. Electricity and heating is also included.

Photos of the typical cottage

Cottage type 1
Cottage type 2

Please note that all cottages are individual and these photos should only give you a general idea of the cottages.