Discovering the Charms of Southern Finland

As the tour begins, the guide will tell your group about the history of Finland and explain what everyday life in Helsinki is like. Guests will see some of Helsinki's famed monuments, including the Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, and the City Hall. Passing by the Opera House, guests will also visit inside Temppeliaukio Kirkko, or Temple Square Church, which is one of Helsinki's most popular attractions. Known as the "Church of the Rock," this Lutheran church was actually carved out of the natural bedrock. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the hotel in Helsinki.

This morning, your group will set out by private coach for a guided excursion to one of Finland's most interesting medieval destinations - Porvoo. With cobblestone streets and historic wooden houses, this town boasts a rich cultural heritage, as guests will discover. In the afternoon, guests will return to Helsinki by private coach and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning, your group will drive northeast along the Finnish coast to the town of Porvoo. Founded in the 14th century, Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland, and even before it was officially founded, traders were already established there in the 1200s. Upon arrival, your group will have a panoramic driving tour of Porvoo, followed by a guided walking tour of Old Porvoo, which has a population just 700 odd people! Porvoo's Old Town is a historical gem, and the guide will help guests discover its characteristic wooden warehouses, which may soon be granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Guests will have some free time for lunch before they step inside the highlight of this town: the 15th-century cathedral. The Porvoo Cathedral is the third-most-visited church in Finland, and parts of the structure actually date back to the 13th century. After visiting inside, guests will have some time to continue exploring Porvoo before rejoining the group and returning to the hotel in Helsinki.

This afternoon, guests will embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Turku, Finland's oldest city. As they stroll through the charming streets, their expert guide will lead them to popular landmarks such as the Turku Castle and the Turku Cathedral, which speak to the city's medieval past. Guests will visit the bustling market square, where they can sample local delicacies and find unique Finnish crafts. With its picturesque riverside views along the Aura River and well-preserved wooden houses, this tour offers a delightful glimpse into Turku's rich heritage and lively spirit. Afterward, they will be escorted back to their hotel.

On this panoramic tour of Tampere, guests will visit some of the city's most impressive sights, such as the Tampere Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), a superb example of the Nordic National Romantic style of architecture. While traveling, guests will see spectacular views of the lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, framed by verdants forests and rolling hills. Along the way, the guide will share insights on the city's history, including its journey from its industrial roots to the modern day. The tour will conclude at the hotel and guests will have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Tampere as they wish.

This morning, your group will travel by private coach to Helsinki-Vantaa airport for the return flight back home. (Please note that the drive to the airport will take approximately 2hr 15mins. Groups with early-morning departure flights should consider including an additional night in Helsinki to allow sufficient time to reach the airport for departure).