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Whispers of the Sacred
Peaceful holiday of walking and reflection in Eastern Finland
Small Group Tour
Credit: Lintula Convent
Dates
August 9-15, 2025
August 23-29, 2025
August 30-September 5, 2025
September 20-26, 2025
Duration
7 days/6 nights
Suitable
For travellers seeking peaceful reflection and authentic connection to nature and local life
Price
From AUD 4205 per person
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Finnish countryside and find moments for quiet reflection on this rejuvenating holiday. This journey invites you to explore the sacred paths of Heinävesi, where the quiet power of nature intertwines with ancient monastic traditions. Accompanied by an expert guide, delve into the history, culture, and spiritual significance of the region's monasteries and Karelian villages.
Experience a deep sense of peace as you walk through tranquil forests and past pristine lakes. The highlight of this holiday is a stay at Valamo Monastery, where you can immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere, reflecting on its spiritual legacy.
Connect with local hosts and learn about the Finnish way of life, exploring the values that contribute to the Finnish sense of contentment. From a strong sense of community and deep connection to nature to a balanced lifestyle, these elements of Finnish life play a role in the country’s high ranking in the World Happiness Report.
Indulge in the flavours of traditional Finnish cuisine, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, whether at the monastery’s restaurant, where you can also enjoy the monastery’s own wines, or at other local venues. Each meal offers a true taste of the region’s authentic culinary heritage.
Small group sizes (6-12 participants) ensure a personalised and intimate experience, allowing for connections with fellow travellers.
About your guide:
Ms Minna, a nature guide, theologian, and an art educator: "Completing my studies as a nature guide in the spring of 2023 brought together everything I’ve done in life and all that I've gathered along the way. Nature is a diverse treasure trove, offering both a place for rejuvenation and a wealth of materials for crafts and natural remedies. The forest and nature provide an opportunity to pause, recharge, and reconnect in an environment that doesn’t judge its visitors; it simply invites you to be."
Tour Highlights
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Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Valamo Monastery and its peaceful surroundings
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Experience the beauty of Finland’s rural landscapes on scenic walks
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Take a boat trip across Lake Juojärvi and explore its unique locks and canals
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Visit a local wild herb farm and enjoy a hands-on tasting experience with fresh, regional herbs
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Engage with your local hosts to gain insight into the Finnish way of life
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Small group tour with 6-12 guests for more intimate experience
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Valamo
Arrive in Eastern Finland, where your journey begins with a transfer from Kuopio, Savonlinna, or Joensuu airports or train stations. Your home for the week is the peaceful Valamo Monastery Hotel, nestled in nature’s embrace. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner at the monastery's restaurant, where your host will introduce you to the week ahead.
Valamo Monastery, originally established in the early 18th century on Valaam Island in Lake Ladoga, Russia, endured destruction during the Russo-Swedish War. Despite this setback, the monks rebuilt the monastery, which flourished until the Winter War in 1939. After being forced to evacuate, the monks founded New Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi, Finland, in 1940.
Today, Valamo Monastery stands as an active center of Orthodox Christian life and culture, welcoming visitors to experience its rich history and tranquil environment. The monastic community has grown significantly in recent years, expanding from around 10 monks to 18, reflecting a renewed interest in monastic life among Finnish youth. The monks adhere to the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, leading a lifestyle focused on communal living, daily prayers, and spiritual reflection. Their day begins at 6:00 am with prayers, followed by communal meals and various monastic duties. Many are drawn to the monastery's peaceful atmosphere, seeking to immerse themselves in the calming spiritual community it offers.
Day 2: Discovering the Monastery & Scenic Walk
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast. Then, enjoy a scenic 4.5 km walk to Matkamiehen Risti (The Traveler's Cross), with stunning views of Lake Juojärvi. Stop to enjoy traditional campfire coffee and snacks at a lakeside lean-to. After lunch, embark on a guided tour of Valamo Monastery.
The evening is free to unwind - perhaps visit the Wine Tavern, explore the library, or take a peaceful walk to the monastery's cemetery. Dinner at the monastery restaurant.
Day 3: Along Forest Trails
After breakfast, you are invited to join a morning prayer and candle lighting at the monastery before embarking on a 10 km walk through the enchanting forests that surround it. Enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch at Taivallahden Hut.
Return to the monastery by car for an afternoon of relaxation. Dinner at the monastery restaurant.
Day 4: From Monastery to Convent
After breakfast, travel by car to the starting point of a scenic 10 km walk along forest paths, leading to Lintula Convent - a journey of peaceful reflection. Upon arrival at the Convent, light candles in thanksgiving.
Founded in 1895, Lintula Convent is the only Orthodox women's convent in Finland. The nuns evacuated during the Winter War and reestablished the monastery in Heinävesi in 1946. The monastery complex includes a church, candle factory, and a guesthouse, offering visitors a glimpse into convent life.
Enjoy lunch at Palokki Inn, where the warmth of your hosts, Anne-Mari and Jouko, will make the meal extra special. Return to Valamo Monastery by car. Later, relax in a traditional Finnish sauna before enjoying an evening snack.
Day 5: Boat Trip & Herb Farm Visit
Breakfast is followed by a tranquil boat trip from Valamo to Varistaipale, where you’ll witness the beauty of Lake Juojärvi and experience the fascinating locks and canals. From Varistaipale, we take a 5.5 km walk to Lintula Convent for a delicious soup lunch at the Convent café.
Continue your walk to Koskijärvi Wild Herb Farm (about 600m), where you’ll be treated to a hands-on tasting experience. Finland’s natural environment, abundant with wild plants, berries, and mushrooms, offers a unique treasure trove of flavours, vitamins, and minerals. Thanks to the freedom to roam allowed by Finnish law, these natural superfoods are accessible to all.
Our time at the Wild Herb Farm includes tasting of herbal tea blends, paired with both savoury and sweet snacks. We’ll begin with a walk around the property, where we gather ingredients for the herbal teas and prepare a fresh herbal drink from the plants, along with making a homemade herb spread. Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of foraging for wild herbs and discover their positive impact on well-being. We’ll also introduce you to the top 5 plants, exploring their uses as food, medicine, and in natural cosmetics. After the tastings, we’ll enjoy a wild herb-inspired dinner at the nearby Palokki Inn’s outdoor kitchen.
After dinner return to Valamo Monastery by car.
Day 6: Visit to Heinävesi Village & Local Life
Today, after breakfast, head to Heinävesi Village, starting with a visit to the harbour for a delightful coffee and ice cream. Explore the Heinävesi Church, one of Finland’s largest wooden churches, and enjoy a guided tour.
Lunch at Marjamäki Vicarage, where Tuula Paul, the vicarage hostess, will share fascinating insights into the area's history. Spend the afternoon exploring Heinävesi, perhaps visiting the local art exhibition at Heimon Tupa or stopping by the Pääskyvuori Lookout Tower for panoramic views of Lake Kermajärvi. Return to Valamo Monastery for a farewell dinner and a restful evening.
Day 7: Departure Day
Enjoy a final breakfast at the monastery before taking some leisure time to reflect, shop for souvenirs at the charming monastery shop, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Your group transfer will take you to the airport for your journey home, filled with memories of this soul-enriching retreat.
Price
Tour price
From AUD 4205 per person when 2 adults sharing a room
Single Room Supplement (6 nights)
AUD 455 per person
What's included
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6 nights' accommodation in a twin room with an ensuite at Valamo Monastery Hotel
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Full board starting with a dinner on day 1 and ending with a breakfast on day 7
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Guided experiences and activities as per itinerary
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Group transfers on arrival and departure (Kuopio/Savonlinna/Joensuu airports or train stations)
Booking Conditions
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SAFETY & TRAVEL INSURANCE
All outdoor activities carry an element of risk and we strongly advice you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance. You warrant that the information you provide regarding your health & fitness is accurate and there are no other medical issues (both physical/mental) that may impact your ability to enjoy this experience without the need for special assistance.
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WEATHER
If the organisers do not deem one of the activities safe, they reserve the right to change the order of the activities or the content of the program if necessary due to the weather. In extreme conditions they might have to reschedule or cancel.
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ALTERATIONS BY ORGANISER
Sometimes the organiser has to make changes, usually because of circumstances out of their control. If this happens, they reserve the right at any time to substitute accommodation or activities. If this means extra cost to you, we’ll let you know.
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ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
You acknowledge that travel involves personal risks which may be greater than those present in your everyday life. This could be as a result of the adventurous nature of your trip or the visiting of destinations which present geographical risks and dangers.
Our full terms & conditions (link).
Payment & cancellations
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20% deposit is required within 7 days after your holiday is confirmed
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Balance due 65 days prior to travel
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Cancellations:
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More than 66 days prior to departure - loss of deposit
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From 65 to 31 days prior to departure – loss of 50% of total cost
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Less than 30 days prior to departure - loss of 100% of total cost
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Please arrange a comprehensive travel insurance which covers all activities and any cancellation costs, should you not be able to travel
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Our full terms & conditions can be found here (link)
What's not included
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Meals other than described
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Alcoholic beverages during meals unless mentioned
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Tips or any other items of personal nature
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Flights
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Travel Insurance
Please note
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Your group may include participants from a variety of nationalities.
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This tour is subject to a minimum number of participants (6) to operate.
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The walks in this itinerary are rated from easy to moderate, suitable for those with a normal fitness level and some prior walking experience. These leisurely walks offer a chance to explore the surrounding nature and its hidden treasures.
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The rooms at the Monastery Hotel are simple, clean, and comfortable, with a standard comparable to a 3-star hotel.
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There are no TVs in the rooms
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Complimentary WiFi is available at the hotel
Weather
Please note that weather conditions vary from year to year and it is advisable to check the weather conditions before your arrival. You can check the weather on weather service sites such as
http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi.
Average temperatures in August vary between 20°C and 12 °C and in September between 13 °C and 7°C. Both months with an average of 10 days of rain.
Daylight
Check daylight hours for this region via this link
In August the sun rises around 5am and sets around 9pm. In September days are getting shorter with sunrise around 7am and sunset around 7pm.
Ask us about
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Creating a tailor-made pre and/or post tours
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Quote for train travel from Helsinki
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Adding extra activities to your travel package
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Arrangements for special celebrations or milestones during this tour