A wonderful full-day excursion to the pristine waters of southern Lake Saimaa. The day begins in Mikkeli with a bus journey to Ristiina, and from there continues along the “Green Gold” cultural route to the Varkaantaipale open canal. The cruise segment starts from the pier of the summer restaurant (Suurlahdentie 1651, Someenjärvi) and travels through historic villa landscapes and the open canal to Lake Yövesi on Saimaa.
The Ship makes a visit to the prehistoric rock paintings of Astuvansalmi, where you can admire the largest rock art site in the Nordic countries from the water. There is no landing at Astuvansalmi during this excursion.
From Astuvansalmi, the journey continues towards the outer areas of Greater Saimaa. At Liittokivi waters, the ship heads north via Vetojako and makes a stop at Nestorinranta in Lintusalo. From Nestorinranta, there are connections to the M/S Norppa II and M/S Rasti bicycle ferries, linking to the Puumala archipelago route and the Saimaa cycling network.
If you are joining with a bicycle, please inform us at the time of booking or by email at sales@ainosaimaa.fi. Any dietary requirements should also be communicated in advance. This information can also be provided in the additional details section during purchase.
Meals are prepared based on advance orders, and during the cruise food is available only subject to availability.
You may also board from Nestorinranta and travel to Puumala harbour if you wish.
Schedule
09:00 Bus departs from the charter bus stop at the Market Square (behind the Mannerheim statue) with Aino Bus
09:05 Stop at Mikkeli Travel Centre
09:10 Stop at Mikkeli harbour
09:30 Stop at Ristiina Market Square
10:00 Cruise departs from Varkaantaipale canal
10:45 The Ship arrives at the rock paintings and remains there for approximately 10 minutes (no disembarkation)
~13:00 Arrival at Nestorinranta, Lintusalo (connections to Norppa II and Rasti bicycle ferries)
~15:00 Arrival in Puumala
17:00 Aino bus departs for Mikkeli. The bus stops at Sahanlahti, Pistocamp and Pistohiekka Resort if needed (e.g. if you have accommodation booked).
~18:00 Arrival in Mikkeli
~18:30 Arrival in Ristiina
Tickets
Ticket prices are non-refundable and are valid only for equivalent cruises (Mikkeli–Puumala / Puumala–Mikkeli).
In case of cancellation due to serious circumstances, such as sudden illness, the ticket seller will deduct a 50% handling fee from the refund.
We reserve the right to make changes to schedules, prices, and the programme.
We recommend travel insurance that includes cancellation cover.