Fascinating Cities & Lakes 2010
8 days / 7 nights, Helsinki - Hämeenlinna - Tampere - Saimaa Lakeland Cruise - Turku - Helsinki |
This is a Non-Escorted tour of Southern Finland. Visit Southern Finland's major cities by train and stay at first-class hotels, each nestled in a beautiful natural setting near water, providing a taste of the enchanting Finnish landscape. Helsinki is a city of contrasts, a high-tech metropolis by the sea with proximity to peaceful and natural surroundings.
Guided excursions are arranged to the pristine evergreen forests, and the best way to sense the beautiful archipelago scenery is to take a sightseeing cruise. The city offers a wide selection of museums, exhibitions, culture and shopping. Highlights include architectural gems and the Suomenlinna sea fortress, built on six islands off the city shore. Hämeenlinna, the birthplace of Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius, is a small lakeside town. Its main landmark is the Häme Castle, dating back to the end of the 13th century. Tampere, a city of blue lakes and green parks, had an important role in the early stages of industrialization in Finland. It the largest city in the Thousand Lakes area, yet with a small town feel. Many of the old red-brick factory buildings today house interesting galleries and exhibitions. The river is the heart of Turku and in summer the riverbanks are pulsing with life. Finland's first capital is home to some of the country's most remarkable medieval landmarks, the Cathedral and the Castle. Also worth a visit is the unique open-air crafts museum at Luostarinmäki, which contains original timber houses and workshops offering an insight into work and life in the early 19th century.
| Departure | Sundays - Wednesdays, May 30 - August 11 |
| Price | $1,290 per person in double room $1,830 single room $215 extra bed in double room, child 4-12 years $465 extra bed in double room, adult |
| Included | 7 nights hotel, twin-bedded standard rooms with bath or shower Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Train tickets with seat reservation for Helsinki to Hämeenlinna, Tampere to Turku and Turku to Helsinki Boat tickets for scenic lake cruise, Hämeenlinna - Tampere Admission to Visavuori Museum during the lake cruise Helsinki Card for 48 hours |
| Not Included | International airfare & Airport taxes Transfers Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | This is a Non-escorted tour. Train tickets, seat reservations and accommodations are provided. |
| Tour Options | St. Petersburg Art & Ballet tour Silja Line Cruise, Helsinki - Stockholm Tallink, Helsinki - Tallinn |
Day 1 HELSINKI City by the Sea Transfer on your own to your hotel, situated by the sea slightly out of the centre and only a few steps from the nearest tram stop. You receive your travel documents at the hotel reception. Included is a 48-hour Helsinki card along with a booklet that contains details of the bonuses it offers. The card is an all-in-one public transportation and admission ticket, an easy way to discover Helsinki on your own.
Day 2 HELSINKI (B) Discovering the Capital City With the Helsinki Card, city tours are available free or at a discounted price. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3 HÄMEENLINNA (B) Rural Lakeside Town Travel by train to Hämeenlinna. Transfer on your own to your lakeside hotel, just minutes by car from the centre. Take advantage of the hotels wide choice of leisure activities or just stroll in the surrounding forest park.
Day 4 TAMPERE (B) Rural Lakeside Town Travel by train to Hämeenlinna. Transfer on your own to your lakeside hotel, just minutes by car from the centre. Take advantage of the hotels wide choice of leisure activities or just stroll in the surrounding forest park.
Day 5 TAMPERE (B) City with an Industrial Heritage Tampere, third largest city in Finland, is located between two lakes, Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi. Take a break in the hotel's surroundings, a peaceful pine forest park, and enjoy spectacular views from an old red-brick observation tower situated on top of the impressive Pyynikki Ridge. The city's sights, museums, shopping and nightlife are within a ten-minute bus ride. Marvel at the beautiful scenery of Pyynikki and Lake Pyhäjärvi.
Day 6 TAMPERE - TURKU (B) Medieval Landmarks Travel by train to the University of Turku, located on the Aura river in the southwestern corner of Finland. (170 km, train) Founded in the 13th century, Turku is the oldest and fifth largest city in Finland. The Cathedral of Turku was consecrated in 1300, and together with Turku Castle and the Dominican monastery (founded in 1229), the city became the most important location in medieval Finland, and Finland's historical centre. Your hotel is located in the very heart of the city near the Market Square and with all the sights within easy reach.
Day 7 TURKU - HELSINKI (B) Return by train to Helsinki. (194 km, train) Overnight at the centrally located hotel Holiday Inn City Centre, only a few steps from the railway station and the airport shuttle bus terminal.
Day 8 DEPARTURE HELSINKI (B) After breakfast, transfer on your own to Helsinki-Vantaa airport.