Saimaa Travel
Viisumivapaa risteily Viipuriin

We do not organize visa-free cruises to Russia in summer 2022.


The cruise along the historic Saimaa Canal from Lappeenranta to Vyborg on M/S Carelia is an experience itself.

On board you can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery or have a meal from our tasty buffet. Our crew looks after you and arranges activities and entertainment during the cruise.

In Vyborg you can visit tourist attractions, stop for a cup of coffee in numerous cafes or shop in interesting small shops. The traditional souvenirs from Vyborg are linen, crystal and matroska dolls. The Market Hall offers a lively atmosphere and a possibility to shop everything from groceries to clothes, linen and souvenirs. In department stores and small boutiques, you can find everything from the latest fashion to vintage. The variety of restaurants and cafes is wide and you can enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices. The town library designed by world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto is worth visiting as is the Hermitage Vyborg Museum.

During our 3-day tour to St.Petersburg we first cruise to Vyborg. In the same afternoon, we continue by bus to St.Petersburg and experience the River Neva and numerous canals on an evening cruise. You can visit the Hermitage Museum and other unique sights during a full day in the city! On the third day M/S Carelia takes you back from Vyborg to Lappeenranta.

Our cruises to Russia by M/S Carelia from Lappeenranta are visa-free for citizens of all nationalities. 

The cruise season runs from May to September. The departure harbour for M/S Carelia cruises to Russia is Lappeenranta.

Please book your trip well in advance, because visa-free cruises are popular and we need a copy of your passport a minimum of 3-5 days before the departure.

The Saimaa Canal

The Saimaa Canal connects the Saimaa water area Saimaa Lakeland from Lappeenranta to the Gulf of Finland via Vyborg in Russia. Its total length is 43 km and the average drop between Saimaa Lakeland and the Gulf of Finland is 75.7 m. The canal has eight locks, 5 of which are located in the Russian territory. First attempts to connect Saimaa Lakeland to the sea date back to the 16th century. The canal operating today was inaugurated in 5th of August, 1968.

Visa-free cruise, 1 day in Vyborg

Visa-free cruise, 2 days in Vyborg

Visa-free cruise, 3 days in Vyborg

Visa-free cruise, 3 days in St.Petersburg

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