Individual arrivals in Helsinki

The trains I and P run to the city centre, taking about 30 minutes. The hotel is located very near the Helsinki Central railway station.

           Check-in to NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa

16:30  Lobby call

            Please dress up warmly for the evening and take your swimsuit with you!

            A short walk to the Market Square

17:00  Cruise to Lonna Island from the Market Square

Helsinki from the sea and introduction to Helsinki culinary & food story 

18:00  Media Day at Lonna Island

An inspiring evening with good food by Lonna with visitor chef Tommi Tuominen (Restaurant Finnjävel & Toppa). An interesting panel discussion on Helsinkis position on the Nordic Gastronomic map. The evening is all about good food, music and mingling with other journalists and representatives of the restaurant scene in Helsinki. There is a possibility to take a plunge to the Baltic Sea and sauna. Leave the island whenever it feels good. The last ferry departs at 22.30  

          Breakfast hotel Grand Hansa

09:00 House tour at Hotel Grand Hansa

Meet the Marketing and Communications Manager for Grand Hansa at the lobby.

10:00 Lobby Call, transfer to Kalasatama by public transportation 

Meet your hosts from Helsinki Partners and Visit Finland at the hotel lobby.

10:30 Visit to Teurastamo and Helsinki Distilling Company

Teurastamo is a gritty center of urban and food culture in Helsinki's Kalasatama. The former slaughterhouse now houses a wide range of interesting restaurants, as well as unique small-scale production: an ice cream factory, bakery, distillery, coffee roaster, art gallery and shops. The heart of the area is an atmospheric urban courtyard open to all city dwellers.

13:30 Lunch at Luovuus Kukkii Kaaoksesta (“Creativity blooms in chaos”)

A newcomer that swiftly becomes an iconic restaurant in Helsinki’s culinary scene. Very shortly after their opening, Helsinki Sanomat reviewed exceptionally with full five stars. Their menu is tailored based on personal and external inspirations. With a focus on the freshest ingredients, their approach is simplicity and transparent flavors. As the owners describe ‘’Deliciousness comes first’’.

16:45  Lobby Call

           Walk to the Savoy Theater

17:00  Doors Open & Welcome drinks

18:00 MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony at Savoy Theatre

          An inspiring evening with key people from the industry

19:00-22:30 MICHELIN After Party at Helsinki City Hall

08:30 Breakfast at hotel Grand Hansa, check-out

Please leave your luggage at the hotel's luggage storage. The driver will pick them up before our afternoon transfer to Saimaa region.

09:30 Lobby call

10:00 Tasting tour at Hakaniemi Market Hall

Hakaniemi Market Hall in the heart of the former working-class district opened in 1914 and is Helsinki’s most traditional and authentic market hall. Hakaniemi Market Hall was reopened after a major renovation in 2023.

11:00 Lunch at Restaurant 305

The modern block restaurant 305 in Hakaniemi is an atmospheric restaurant complex, which includes the Chef's Table, cocktailbar and the modern block restaurant under the same roof.

The food consists of straightforward and strong flavours, modern classic and delicious combinations. The wine selection has been composed of classic as well as biodynamic wines. The restaurant serves also delicious cocktails.

12:30  Transfer to Saimaa region (c. 3 hr 15 min drive) @visitsaimaa_official 

16:00  Arrival in Uhkua  @uhkua_saimaa 

Welcome to rural Finnish Lakeland! Uhkua is the home of Asta, a Nature Guide, and Ilkka, professional  Chef and Fisherman, and their dogs, cat and chickens. They live in an old farmhouse and sustainability is at the heart of everything they do at Uhkua. All food is sourced locally or from their own land.  

Asta and Ilkka will take you foraging for false morel mushrooms and wild herbs which you will enjoy at  dinner together with locally caught pike by Ilkka.

19:00 Transfer to Sahanlahti Resort (c. 30 min drive)  @sahanlahti

Smoke sauna and local treats 

Smoke sauna is a traditional way for Finns to relax. After 12 hours of heating, the mellow heat of smoke sauna is something special and will help to relieve all tension in your body. Coupled with a refreshing dip in the lake and / or hot tub under the stars and local treats and refreshments, this is one Finnish  experience you will not want to miss! 

Overnight at Elsanranta SaimaaVillas 

The newest addition to Sahanlahti Resort’s accommodation, sustainably and ecologically built  Elsanranta SaimaaVillas are eco-luxury at its best. With lovely views over Lake Saimaa and drop-in pools on the terrace to enjoy them, you will be sleeping safe and sound in these beautifully decorated villas.  

Breakfast at Koskivahti Restaurant in Sahanlahti Resort 
  
At Sahanlahti breakfast, you can enjoy e.g. homemade, traditional Karelian pasties, local smoked ham, and organic barley porridge slow cooked overnight.  

10:00-11:00 Boat trip on Lake Saimaa with LakelandGTE @lakelandgteguidearto

Your skipper, Arto, will take you on a spin on Lake Saimaa on a speed boat from Sahanlahti Resort. If you are lucky, you may even spot the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal! 

11:15 Transfer to Tertti Manor (c. 50 min drive) @tertti 

12:00 Tour of the grounds and lunch at the Manor House

A working farm with acres of eco-certified forest and beautiful herb and fruit gardens, Tertti Manor is a national treasure. Recently listed as one of the 21 top restaurants in the world by National Geographic (the only restaurant listed in the Nordics), this family-run resort is on everyone’s must-visit list.  

14:00 Transfer to Okkola Holiday Cottages for Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pie) workshop (c. 1 hr 10 min drive) @okkolanlomamokit
 
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.  

The humble, yet majestic, Karelian pie is a living legend from Eastern Finland. A curiosity for many foreigners, this rye-crusted pie filled with creamy rice porridge is cooked in a traditional wood burning oven and served with lashings of egg-butter. Hearty and delicious, this pastry has been made in the region for centuries and is an important part of Saimaa’s cultural and gastronomic heritage.

17:00 Transfer to Elsanranta SaimaaVillas (c. 20 min drive)

19:00 Dinner at Restaurant Koskivahti

          Overnight at Elsanranta SaimaaVillas

          Breakfast at Koskivahti Restaurant

11:00 Transfer to Helsinki Airport (c. 3h drive)