We welcome delegates’ partners and families to IMWA 2017 Congress and Lappeenranta! There will be programme for each congress day for the accompanying persons. All tours are guided by professional guides and IMWA Congress representative.
Monday, June 26
This is Finland, South Karelia and Lappeenranta, welcome!
City tour and visit at the Lappeenranta Fortress
Orientation to Finnish culture, society and history Finland shared with Sweden and Russia
Lunch at the Fortress
Tuesday, June 27
Finland’s oldest nature conservation area, Imatra City and the Russian Border
Catherine the Great visited Imatra rapids in 1772, and the area became popular as a summer retreat among the Czars and Russian aristocracy in the 19th century. During this period there were up to 14 trains a day from St. Petersburg to Imatra, and Kruununpuisto nature conservation area was created. This trip is about nature, history and the present day of Imatra. We will also visit the Church of Three Crosses by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The church is a significant example of modern architecture in Finland.
Lunch at the Hotel Valtionhotelli
Wednesday, June 28
Cruise on Lake Saimaa and lunch on board
Lake Saimaa is the biggest lake in Finland and fourth biggest in Europe. Cruise on a beautiful lake Saimaa is a delight. Enjoy the scenic route and relax in the sun. The cruise boat departs from the hotel pier and arrives in Lappeenranta’s downtown harbor. There will be time for shopping, visiting the Lappeenranta Art Museum and cafés in the afternoon. A bus will return to the hotel at 5 pm. Options are you stay in the city and have drinks and dinner in the lively harbor area. This is a joint programme with the congress delegates.
Thursday, June 29
Cottage life, sauna and baking Karelian pies
There hardly is a more Finnish way to spend summer holidays than visit a summer cottage in the countryside. Luckily our cottage is not far from the hotel. We will first learn how to bake Karelian pies, the local delicacy. After baking we will play Finnish games, have sauna and swim in the lovely lake Saimaa. A summer day the way Finns like it.
Friday, June 30
Nordic walking & Spa
On the last day of the Congress we will walk in the nearby forest and learn how to use Nordic walking poles. After the walk there is time to relax in the hotel spa.
Lunch at the hotel
Our programme starts every day at 9:00 and we will be back at the hotel by 16:00 (on Wednesday by 17:00)
Price for the whole programme is 185 €/person.
Lunch is included on the Thursday tour. Partners and spouses are also warmly welcome to participate for free in the Opening ceremony of the Congress and the Ice Breaker party on June 25.
Minor changes in the programme are possible.