Johnny Motley

13:55 Arrival in Helsinki

Your driver Roberto Carboni (+358-50-5731255) will pick you up with a sign stating your names. Transport to The Hotel Maria. 

Check in at The Hotel Maria

16:15 Transfer to the Helsinki Ice Rink for tonight’s game between Jokerit and IPS

16:30 Meeting by Helsinki Ice Rink main doors with Veli-Pekka Karvinen (+358-40-5886578), president of the Jokerit supporters club. 

Veli-Pekka will be your host for the afternoon.

17:00 Game starts

20:00 Dinner at Restaurant Kuurna

Allas Pool, morning swim and sauna

(your names are listed at the ticket booth!)

13:30 Lunch at Restaurant Lilja, Hotel Maria

14:30 Hotel tour at Hotel Maria

You will be hosted by Head Concierge Sami Joutsenvuo, he will wait for you at the lobby.

Visit to Helsinki Art Museum HAM and Tove Jansson´s exhibit Paradise

21:00 Dinner at Restaurant Natura

Breakfast at the hotel, check out

09:30 Transfer to the skating adventure

Please bring all your luggage into the taxi.

10:00 Skating on natural ice with your skating instructor Tuomas Hannikainen/Helsingin Retkiluistelu.

Transfer and check in to Grand Hansa Hotel.

15:00 Meet your local guide, PR Manager Heidi Johansson (tel. +358 50 5633882) for a tour of the city and its highlights!

 18:30 Dinner at Restaurant Skörd


 

Breakfast at the hotel, check out

09:24-10:58 Train Helsinki – Tampere (InterCity 43)

11:00-12:30 Transfer to Serlachius 
You will meet Tuomas from Visit Tampere outside the train station. Transportation from the train station is pre-booked, Tuomas is waiting outside the train station's main entrance with a “Visit Tampere” sign.

12:30-16:00 Visit to Serlachius 
Serlachius in Mänttä is a cultural attraction amid the most beautiful Finnish lakeside nature. Besides art, history and architecture, guests can enjoy culinary and sauna experiences as well as heartfelt service – year-round.

The two museums showcase works from Serlachius’ substantial art collection together with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The story of the Serlachius family as the 'paper barons' and the Finnish paper industry is also ever intriguing. We bathe with bathing suits in almost all the public saunas. So please, take your bathing suits & flip-flops / sandals with you, the towels will be provided for you from the sauna.  

12:30 Lunch at Restaurant Gösta 

13:30-14:30 Art Tour at Serlachius Manor 

14:30-16:00 Art Sauna

16:00-17:30 Transfer back to Tampere

Accommodation at Lapland Hotels Arena 
Lapland Hotels Arena in the heart of Tampere is part of Nokia Arena's events, action and modern atmosphere. The home games of both of the city’s ice hockey teams (Ilves & Tappara) take place in the same building as the hotel!

The modern and relaxed style and rugged elegance of the rooms draws inspiration from the artic stone cracked open by the harsh winter and birch tree forests decorated by frost. Awaken to a delightful morning with a sumptuous breakfast. Crafted from fresh ingredients, the breakfast offers an array of options, from vegetarian delights to timeless classics, ensuring a fresh start to your day.

18:15 Lobby call

Tuomas will walk with you to the restaurant and shows the route. You will have the dinner together.

18:30 Sauna & dinner at Sauna Restaurant Kuuma  

Saunaravintola Kuuma is an idyllic restaurant, right in the middle of the city. Kuuma offers a social, cozy “living room for everybody” in a New-Nordic style. There is also a public sauna in the restaurant building and a possibility to have a dip in the icy-cold water on the lake! You can choose to have the dinner or the sauna first. Take your bathing suits & flip-flops / sandals with you, the towels will be provided for you from the sauna. You will walk back to the hotel after dinner. 
 

Breakfast at the hotel

09:40 Lobby call 
You will meet Tuomas in the hotel’s lobby. We will walk to the first stop of the walking tour. take your sauna & outdoor equipment with you.

10:00-11:30 What is Tampere? Guided walking tour in the city  
On this walking tour today by our guide Katja Villemonteix, you’ll learn about the past and present of the city. One of the stops is the magnificent Tampere Cathedral, a stunning example of National Romantic architecture, completed in 1907 and known for its beautiful frescoes by Hugo Simberg. While walking, we’ll also seesome of the works of Wivi Lönn, a pioneer of Finnish women architects. A notable example is the Tampere Fire Station, showcasing her functional and elegant design. You'll see her influence in several buildings around the city, including schools and residential buildings.  

Finlayson factory area is well-known for the Finlayson cotton factory, which was established in 1820. The city of Tampere was built around the factory. Today, you will hear a short introduction of the area. Tampere Market Hall is a historic and vibrant indoor market located in the heart of Tampere. The hall dates back to 1901 and is a cherished landmark in the city. Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of stalls and vendors offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products. It's a fantastic place to sample traditional Finnish foods, such as the traditional black sausage, Finnish cheese, chocolate, and to experience the local culinary culture.  

11:30 Lunch at Tampere Market Hall, Restaurant 4 Seasons 
Restaurant 4 Seasons is an idyllic, authentic French restaurant in the old market hall. It is utilizing the finest of ingredients from Finland and abroad. The restaurant has a rotating lunch list, but some classics are there to stay. Go ahead and have a taste of 4 Seasons’ highly raised lunch special – the French fish soup, Bouillabaisse!  

12:30-12:45 Transfer to the ice skating activity

13:00-15:00 Tour Skating Clinic on Lake Näsijärvi 
Tour Skating organized by Hiking Travel, Hit. Starting point: Kaupinoja, Tampere.  
Tampere is ideal for anyone who appreciates the nature and the outdoors, as the city is located between two huge lakes, and there are also smaller lakes & bigger forest areas just a couple of minutes away from the centre.

Tour skating on a frozen lake offers an exhilarating winter experience. Gliding across the icy surface in the serene beauty of a frozen landscape is a unique and enjoyable winter adventure. Hiking Travel, Hit specializes in outdoor activities, nature-based wellbeing, and professional event organization. The focus is on providing versatile equipment, safe and responsible adventures, engaging education, memorable events, and joyful celebrations in Finland’s breathtaking nature. Remember to wear warm clothing for the outdoor activity.

15:00-15:15 Transfer to sauna

15:15-17:00 Rauhaniemi Folk Spa 
Today, you will experience one of the classic saunas in the city. The legendary Rauhaniemi is located on the lakefront, so it has a possibility to swim – even in the winter if you have the guts to take a dip in ice cold water! Rauhaniemi has two traditional Finnish saunas. Rauhaniemi has had public bath activities since 1929. The first sauna was built in Rauhaniemi Folk Spa in 1957. We have also the possibility to try the newest addition in the area, Saunatemppeli, which is a cozy & relaxing yurt-style sauna.

You will meet the sauna guide & sauna heater Alexander Lembke from Rajaportti sauna. Working as a sauna guide and a heater at the oldest public bath in Finland, Alex takes a steam every single day, and knows the sauna habits, history of sauna in Finland & health effects. You will hear more about the public sauna culture & the Sauna Capital of the World.  

17:00-17:30 Short introduction to Rajaportti sauna & transfer to the hotel

We will take a short detour from the sauna to the hotel to see the oldest public sauna with Alex.

Rajaportti sauna introduction 
Our historic gem in the city is the Rajaportti sauna – the oldest still operating public sauna in Finland. The sauna is located in the area of Pispala, and its roots date back to 1906. In the sauna there are separate departments for men and women. Rajaportti Sauna has remained more or less unchanged through decades. Alexander Lembke heats the sauna and knows all about it.

Break at the hotel

18:30 Dinner at Villit ja Viinit 
Villit ja Viinit is an experimental attitude thriven restaurant in the heart of Tampere. Exciting food menu is constantly changing to present the best things season has to offer. Villit ja Viinit is always in search to amaze with distinctive wild attitude. Together with local ingredients, the menu at Villit ja Viinit is based on seasonal thinking, the menu changes at least every month.

Restaurant (by the same owners) next door is Restaurant Kajo. The concepts of both of the restaurants are strongly built on responsibility and sustainability. They let no part of the ingredient go to waste - that is what inspires the restaurant to find new ways to prepare their food and explore endless possibilities in their cooking. Restaurants get their very local ingredients from the region & near-by. You will enjoy the dinner together.  

Breakfast at the hotel, check out

09:00 Pick up rental car from Hertz
Address: Rautatienkatu 28, Tampere  

09:30 Drive to Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän (c. 4 hrs) 
Address: Porosalmentie 313, 58900 Rantasalmi 
  
Järvisydän is a vibrant resort with plenty of activities or peace and quiet, whatever your preference.  
Nestled in a bay of Lake Saimaa, the resort offers luxury accommodation, an amazing spa and lots of 
nature activities. The resort has been run by Heiskanen family since 1658 and is steeped in tradition. 
You may even spot a curious Saimaa ringed seal here – the rarest seal in the world with a population of only over 480.

Check-in  

15:00 Visit to Lake Spa 
Järvisydän’s Lake Spa will give you a new kind of Finnish lake wellness experience. The spa is built in the middle of the natural rocks and the large windows overlook Lake Saimaa. In the middle of the spa you can find the heart of the lake - a heart-shaped natural pond.

18.00 Dinner at Wine Cellar, Fire Menu 

Overnight in scenic suite  

 

08:00-11:00 Breakfast available at Restaurant Piikatyttö 

10:00 Guided ice-skating experience on natural ice of Lake Saimaa 
Please wear warm clothing! The activity starts from safari active house. 

12:30 Lunch at Restaurant Piikatyttö 

13:30 Check-out 

13.30 Drive to Sahanlahti Resort (c. 1 h 10 min) 
Address: Lietvedentie 830, 52200 Puumala  
  
Sahanlahti Resort is a family-run business based on an old watermill. Steeped in history and extremely atmospheric, Sahanlahti brings you the best lakeside views, authentic, fresh Saimaa cuisine and a 
welcoming family atmosphere. Sahanlahti has several different types of accommodation ranging from luxury villas to individual cabins and hotel rooms to a camping site.

15:00 Check-in at Elsanranta SaimaaVillas / Sahanlahti Resort and a tour of the resort

Each Elsanranta villa opens an unobstructed view to Lake Saimaa allowing you to enjoy the nature while relaxing in the villa, pool or sauna. In the lounge area, there is a luxurious double bed and a seating group. The large deck has a seating group and a deluxe Drop-pool from which you can enjoy the starlit sky and, if you're lucky, the northern lights or spot the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal!   
 
Down time  

17:00-18:00 Time to enjoy the ice sauna (weather permitted) 
Every year, the host of Sahanlahti and his helpers build an ice sauna on the shore of Sahanlahti from the ice of Lake Saimaa, weather permitting. The ice sauna is a great experience for a sauna evening or an experience to give as a gift! In addition to the ice sauna, you will have access to the sauna building 
Artturi's electric sauna and changing room. 

19:00 Dinner at Pajapirtti open-fire Restaurant / Sahanlahti Resort 
Food based on high-quality, fresh and local products and the dedication to ethical and responsible 
farming are the cornerstones of Sahanlahti dining. All of this and the skill of people growing and 
preparing your food can be clearly tasted on your plate when dining at the atmospheric restaurants of the resort. The open fire restaurant is a five-star D.O. Saimaa "We Support" restaurant.

Please note that the restaurant is c. 5-10 min walk from the villas. If walking, comfortable shoes are 
recommended.

Overnight at Elsanranta SaimaaVillas  

09:00-> Breakfast available

Activities on the ice of Lake Saimaa (weather permitted)  
Kick sledding etc. 

12:00 Lunch at Pajapirtti Restaurant

13:00 Drive to HupiSki Tornimäki (c. 50 min drive) 
Address: Skimbapolku 9, 50800 Mikkeli 
 
14:00 Sledding at Tornimäki Ski Center 
Sledding is a beloved Finnish winter activity, offering excitement for all ages against a backdrop of 
snowy landscapes. Possibility to enjoy hot cocoa at the cafe after sledding 

16:00 Drive to Tertti Manor (c. 15 min drive) 
Address: Kuopiontie 68, 50350 Mikkeli  
  
Tertti Manor is a functioning farm with its own herb garden and eco-certified forest, which has been owned by the same family since the late 1800’s. The stunning manor house serves as a delightful 
restaurant serving fresh, local food in historical surroundings. The five farm hotel rooms are cosy and close to nature – you will be sure to sleep soundly and wake up to the sweet sound of silence. 

17:00 Buffet dinner in Tertti Manor 
Meet Maisa, Director of Tourism, from Visit Lake Saimaa at the manor (tel. +358 44 794 2219). 
The culinary delights of Tertti Manor are regionally and nationally renowned. Their food philosophy is based on clean, local ingredients, mostly grown on their own land. You will get a peek of their delicious farming cellar full of produce from the summer and autumn gone and hear fascinating stories of life at the manor house from years gone by. 

Evening snacks available in your room 

Overnight at Tertti Manor   

09:00-10:00 Breakfast available in Tertti café 

Visit Kenkävero Vicarage, if time allows 
Address: Pursialankatu 6, 50100 Mikkeli 

Kenkävero is a magnificent tourist attraction and prides itself on having the biggest and most beautiful vicarage in all of Finland, in an impressive milieu. It has something to interest everyone throughout the year: fine restored buildings, exciting exhibitions and events, exquisite handicrafts as gifts, souvenirs or simply to enjoy. In summer it is further enhanced by a garden and handicraft workshops, and delicious food is served in the restaurant daily all year round. 

12:00 Drive to Helsinki Vantaa airport (c. 2 hr 30 min) 

14:30 Drop off rental car at Helsinki Vantaa Airport 
Office location: Terminal, Arrivals

16:55-19:05 Flight to New York (JFK)

12:54-16:13 Flight to Austin (UA 1155)