50 Degrees North, in partnership with Finnair and Visit Finland, recently hosted a customized educational tour to Finland for a select group of North American travel agents.

The group took part in a walking city tour of Helsinki and a rare, private concert at Villa Kokkonen, a private house with amazing acoustics. The group then flew to Kuopio where they explored the Lake Saimaa region. Activities included spa treatments and a Saimaa seal watching safari with Hotel & Spa Järvisydän. They also visited the impressive Olavinlinna Castle.

In Anttola, the group continued its gastronomic immersion by doing a cooking workshop at the Kota Restaurant at Anttolanhovi wellness resort.

Pictured in front of Tertti Manor near Mikkeli: Front row: Natalie Lauzon (50 Degrees North), Manuel Casanova (Finnair). Second row: Kim Dunn (Currie & Co), Stephanie Tessler (Travel Edge), Betsy Bouche (Largay Travel), Elaine Esposito (New Canaan Travel), Leila Myllymäki-Hay (50 Degrees North), Tate Hallford (Brownell Travel), Annie Ewing (TTI Travel), Trish Mercer (Travel Experts). Far back: Maisa Häkkinen. (from Tourism Lake Saima region).